Writing Unleashed with Laura M. Harkins

I found myself reading the oddest thing the other day. Ok, maybe not odd considering I'm a bibliophile. I mean, if it has words, I'm taking a moment to read it. Even if it's directions on a shampoo bottle or the back of a cereal box. So, I was sitting at the counter along the window at the Chipotle near my house shoveling a carnitas bowl into my mouth staring at my cup of Mr. Pibb. I first noticed this picture of a woman with wild hair flowing around her. I can relate, so my interest was peaked. I twisted the cup in my hand, following her hair to see where it ended. That's when I saw it. A two-minute story. I was stoked. Not only did I get an easily digestible story, but it was written by a well-known author. I almost fell off my stool. Apparently, it's an initiative called Cultivating Thought. A clever idea to make the thoughts and words of a unique and talented group of thought leaders, authors and comedians more accessible to a larger population of p...

15 Fictional Characters That Influenced Me etc.usf.edu Among the writers in the blogosphere, I've yet to find someone who wasn't a voracious  reader.  I would bet most have been this way since they started reading.  So, I've put together a list of 15 characters I met through the years that found a permanent place in my memory and what I've learned from them.     Addie and Max ( Addie Meets Max ): They taught me preconceived notions lead to confusion and pain, and to be open and unafraid of new friendships. Ottie ( Ottie and the Star ): He taught me people will always stand between you and your goals.  Find the strength to defeat the opposition and believe in your success. Catundra ( Serendipity Series): She taught me people who help us the most are the ones we least expect. Charlotte Monster (Don't remember the title, my memory is failing): I learned most people are mean and judgmental, but if you embrace yourself, friends worth...

Happy President's Day.   I'm taking a bit of a break today from blogging to get some reading done.  My focus on writing keeps me so busy I've slacked on my reading list.   Last week I visited Restless Spirit , J. M. Leotti's fantasy writing and art blog, where she listed a few novels she planned to read in the upcoming weeks.   Red Riding Hood stood out.  The novel is based on the screen play for the movie set to come out March 11, directed by Catherine Hardwicke and staring Amanda Seyfried.  Well, I love Amanda and after reading the synopsis on Amazon I couldn't help myself. So, I ignored my over crowded shelves, set out for Barnes and Noble and bought myself a copy.  At first it was difficult to get into the novel.  I couldn't get my mind off my own writing, but I pushed through.    It tells the tale of first love, death, arranged marriages and the big bad wolf.  The setting really draws you in to the seclusion of ...