Review: The Best of Funds for Writers, C. Hope Clark

Aug 7, 2017 | 22 comments

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Frankly, My Dear. . . The Best of Funds for Writers, C. Hope Clark

Frankly, My Dear. . . The Best of Funds for Writers, C. Hope Clark

Disclaimer: I’m friends with C. Hope Clark on Facebook so when she offered a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review, I jumped. Y’all know I love sharing what I know. And what I know is she knows her stuff. Read on . . .

“This book is a motivational, go-to, elementary reminder that if you desire to be a writer, you deserve to be respected for it.” ~ C. Hope Clark, The Best of Funds for Writers.

I’m gonna tell y’all upfront that if I hadn’t received this book from her (autographed, too. Thanks, Hope!) I would have bought my own. I’ve subscribed to her newsletter in the past, but thinking I was receiving too many emails, hers was in the batch I unsubscribed to. Thanks to this handy-dandy guide, I’ve resubscribed, and it’s reignited my passion.

I love books. Of course I do. I’m figuring most of you do too. Or else you’re just here to read my sweet Southern drawl, am I right or am I right? Anyway, I love books that are small and light and fit in my bag. You never know how long the line at the post office or bank will take, or where lunch will be. It’s good to have a book for a quick grab-and-go.

This book is so good I want to trash it.

Now, hold on. I’m not talking about trash-trashing a book. My good sweet tea, honey, NO. That’s sacrilege. I’m saying, I may get myself a second one so I can cut it into Happy Planner pieces for inspirational bookmarks, that’s how good this book is. Can you imagine all these quotes washi-taped and colorized and highlighted? Mm-hmm. I guess we know what my next Happy Planner will be, don’t we?

But we’re talking about this book. And this book book is so much more. It’s not just a one-time read-through experience. This is a great reference book, a must have for any serious writer. And let’s just resurface that new argument, You can’t write in a Kindle. I imagine by my second read through, this book will have even more notes in the margins.

It’s broken into bite-size chapters (the longest is under four pages long) and easy-to-read formatting. Important, pay-attention-to-this items are bolded. Each chapter includes quotes from deliciously wonderful books and authors, the first being Anne of Avonlea. Hulloh! You think that didn’t endear this book to my nobody-touches-it-but-me stack?! That’s right, it did.

Part One covers topics written by Hope, Part Two is written by her guests. We’re talking easy-peasy advice like

  • To Website or Not to Website
  • The Zillion Little Pieces of Our Writing
  • Write Daily or Not
  • The Importance of Writer Self-Education
  • Tactics & Tips Selling Your Books on Consignment
  • On Being a Travel Writer for AAA

As with her website and newsletter, this little book is like a foil-wrapped Wonka bar (and we all know how I feel about Willy Wonka!) – so full of good little treats you just don’t know what you’ll get bite after bite. But you want more so you buy another bar. Side Note: Did you know Wonka candies are no longer available? I didn’t. *insert sad face here* Luckily, you don’t have to buy another book, or go without. You can just keep reading this one.

Frankly, My Dear . . . She said "Frankly!"

Frankly, My Dear . . . She said “Frankly!”

With practical advice on how to reach for your dreams, Hope’s book is a great reference, and Hope is a great encourager.

What are some of your favorite books on writing?

TWEET THIS: Want to earn money as a writer? There’s Hope! @RealMojo68 @hopeclark #fundsforwriters #amwriting

With Hope, a pen, and never-ending chocolate bar,
Happy writing,
~Molly Jo

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

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Frankly, On Faith: Go in Faith

Aug 6, 2017 | 4 comments

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Frankly, On Faith.

Frankly, On Faith.

I had a discussion with God recently.

Let’s be honest. It wasn’t really a discussion. It was a one-sided rant. I was “reminding” God of the promises He made, and how I’m not seeing them come to fulfillment. Instead of seeing the goodness all around me, I had the bad blinders on and told Him exactly what I saw: stagnant nothingness.

I didn’t know what to do. Which direction should I take? What’s the best option to be best ambassador for Him? Here’s a hint: Ranting at God doesn’t leave much opportunity to hear Him speak.

I felt like I was drowning in quicksand. The harder I fought, the quicker I was sinking. So I learned to just hold my breath and wait for the slow, painful death.

Wait. What was that? Did You just tell me to move?

“God!” I screamed. “I’m in the same place and being told to go in faith, but even board games have directions!”

How do you know if you’re stepping in the right direction if you’re not being directed? I guess maybe that’s what faith is. Moving forward is moving. Standing still is not. And when you start out, you’ll soon know if you should turn back or not. Right?

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
~Psalm 32:8-9 NLT

But what if you’re going on a path and you don’t know? What if you can’t feel God by your side, or hear His whisper in your ear? What if His hand doesn’t seem to be guiding you?

God doesn’t say, “I’m only here when you need me.” Or, “I’m around now and then.” He doesn’t wave His hand and say, “Yeah, I’m too busy for you now.”

No. That’s not my God.

God is always with us. He is always near. He may be quiet and sometimes we feel He’s playing Hide and Seek. But, trust me, He is always there.

I promise.

Know how I know?

Because He promised.

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
~Matthew 28:20b NLT

The next time you’re faced with a decision you don’t know how to make, don’t let the quicksand get you. Reach out your hand, and take a step up.

God will hear you. He won’t let you drown. And He’ll never lead you down the wrong path.

Frankly, On Faith: Ranting at God doesn't leave much opportunity to hear Him speak.

Frankly, On Faith: Ranting at God doesn’t leave much opportunity to hear Him speak.

TWEET THIS: Ranting at God doesn’t leave much opportunity to hear Him speak. @RealMojo68 #franklyonfaith #faith

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

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Social Media Saturday

Aug 5, 2017 | 2 comments

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Some inspirational memes for the creative in you.

"Give them a reason to care about you. Then they'll care about what you write." ~ Molly Jo Realy

“Give them a reason to care about you. Then they’ll care about what you write.” ~ Molly Jo Realy

 

Frankly, My Dear . . . Hawaii

Frankly, My Dear . . . Hawaii

 

Frankly, My Dear . . . Hemingway Strong

Frankly, My Dear . . . Hemingway Strong

 

Frankly, My Dear . . . Isaac Asimov

Frankly, My Dear . . . Isaac Asimov

 

TWEET THIS: Social Media Saturday #memes @RealMojo68 #amwriting

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

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