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For those who didn't even notice I was gone, I'm back. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer last February and passed away four months later June 21, 2013. I soldiered on the first few months fulfilling speaking engagements and attending conferences and conventions that were already on my schedule before crashing into the black oblivion of widowhood. The last few months I've wallowed in my grief. My mourning period is not yet over  but at least I've finally reached the point where I have accepted that it isn't necessary for me to roll over and die just because he did. Believe me the thought did cross my mind. I'm still bitter and have abandonment issues. When I realized I hadn't written anything or updated my own website or the Norman Galaxy website in over six months I also realized it is time to start breathing again. Yes, there is life after death. Life goes on for those our loved ones leave behind. So I'm crawling out from under...

Anyone in the OK area, who is interested in being an author, should try to take one of William Bernhardt's writing seminars . He's an amazing instructor. Next Seminar will be held June 9-13 , 2013 in OKC.

I'm behind schedule. It's day 10 of my 'Finish the Book in 31 Days' challenge. I'm only up to day 7 goal wise. Behind by three days. But that's okay. It's way too early in the schedule to give up, throw in the towel, or run naked in the streets screaming, "I'll never make it; I just know it!" There is no need to change the plan or reschedule the deadline. It's just time to get serious, pull up my shirt sleeves, and work a little harder to catch up. I know I can do it. Never surrender. Never give up. Being behind is not the end.

I believe in setting achievable writing goals. That doesn't mean I settle for less. It means I am usually fully aware of my present abilities; therefore I am usually fully aware of which goals are actually within my reach, and which ones are beyond reach from my current position. With each achievement I set the bar a little higher for the next project.  For years I was a closet writer. Most of what I wrote sucked and I wouldn't let anyone else read what I had written –because it sucked. Like learning to play a musical instrument, I got better with practice and finally allowed a few trusted friends to read and critique my stories.  Eventually I joined a writing group, took a couple of classes, and attended workshops and conferences. As I learned writing technique and honed my skills I started entering contest. Then I started winning contest.  Finally I got secure enough in my skills as a writer to submit my work to publishers. I've had a few short stor...