Changes are coming

Hello Writers,

This month we are writing a 600 word piece about an animal, any animal, real or imagined that has impacted your life in some special way. Is it a family pet, a power animal, a totem? As always we'll be anxious to hear you read your story at our next Story Circle - August 15, 6-7:45 pm at the Safety Harbor Library.

What changes are coming? I'm changing my blog to Word Press. http://www.jangoldenstorycircles.wordpress.com.I'm hoping for a smooth transition. The new blog will show all comments and give us a greater opportunity for dialogue. I want to hear your thoughts and comments, too. The new blog will be up in a few days.

A reminder that my next Dream Workshop is this week at the St Pete Beach Library. Wednesday August 8, from 6-8:00 pm 365 73rd Ave, St Pete Beach. Come and bring a friend who may agree to be your Dream Buddy. We had 25 people at the last one at the Dunedin Library - what a fun time!

Hey You

Writing Assignment for July 18, 2012 Story Circle  Safety Harbor Library

By Sheila McNaughton - Guest Blogger

Everyone has a name.  Some of us are called by the name we were giving at birth, or our middle name or a combination or abbreviation of it.  Others by a nickname someone along the line created. 

We decide on the names of our children:

A name from the family:  my father was Denver Homer.  He made us all promise never to name any of our children after him.

A dear friend, someone you knew and loved

In honor of someone who has died:  After a friend lost his son to cancer other friends  found out they were pregnant.  They asked if they could name their child Jordan.

A celebrity:  a friend named her son Keanu after Keanu Reeves. He goes by KC

The city or place where they were conceived.

An object:  Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter is Apple

So many names and so many reasons why that name was picked by you or for you or someone you know.  Your assignment in 600 words or less is to tell the story about how someone got their name;  your own, your child, a friend, a family member.

Any questions contact Sheila at Sheila@mcngroup.net or Jan at jangolden3@gmail.com

Safety Harbor Library Story Circle Assignment for December 21 - 6 - 7:45 P.M.

Our topic is Fire! Write 600 words or less to read to the group about fire. Priming the pump/ideas you may want to use:

A time you landed in hot water
A heated argument
Burning the candle at both ends
Where there is smoke there is fire
That really burns me up
My ears are burning is someone talking about me
Hot and tired

Open to all - bring a friend! If you aren't in our area and want to participate put your story and email address in the comments section.

The Writer Essay and Memoir Writing Contest

To all the writers who read Oct.19th at the Safety Harbor Story Circle here is your chance to get published and win a Essay & Memoir contest. The Writer Magazine and the Gotham Writers Workshop are the sponsors. 1,000 to 1,200 words will be accepted. There is a small $10 entry fee. See all details at the Gotham Writers web site. Any questions? Put them in the comments section.

Fabulous Florida Writer's Association Conference

Three days of sharing from excellent presenters, new and old colleagues sitting together at round tables, and gracious ambiance at the Lake Mary, FL Marriott. I loved it all.

When asked about my book in progress I gave my elevator speech, "Ever feel like running away to an island? I did it. The nine years I spent in Grand Cayman changed my life. I found a new part of myself."

The response was wonderful. Especially from women who are so busy trying to be everything to everybody, wife, partner, mother, daughter, chauffeur, career woman and mentor, to name a few. "Hurry and finish your book," most said. I can't wait to read it.

keeping a journal

I'm reading through some old journals to find gems for my memoir An Unfinished Woman. In Oct. of 1998 I attended an excellent workshop at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health with Angeles Arrien.
One of the question we were asked to reflect on and write about was "What has softened in me this year." I invite you to write . . .