Aug 7, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
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!”
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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Aug 6, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
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.
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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Aug 5, 2017 |
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
Frankly, My Dear . . . Hawaii
Frankly, My Dear . . . Hemingway Strong
Frankly, My Dear . . . Isaac Asimov
TWEET THIS: Social Media Saturday #memes @RealMojo68 #amwriting
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Aug 4, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
Today I’m focusing on Food and Fun. Which reminds me, it’s time for y’all to head on over to Facebook and vote for what I should put on the plate next week. Just click on the photos below to get there. You can also vote on my Instagram post, or by leaving a comment here. This week’s choices are: Egg Salad, Potato Chip Casserole, or Slow Cooker Ratatouille.
The kitchen is always a haven for me, a safe place where I can keep my body busy with cooking while my mind works out this week’s budget or next week’s character crisis. It’s near nirvana, blending and creating flavors, and one of the best ways to accomplish that is by mixing spices, and I’m not just talking sugar and salt.
This is the part where I tell you this post is in no way endorsed, sponsored, or whatevered by anyone or anything else. No body paid me, suggested to me, or offered me goods in exchange for my opinion. I just thought it’d be a fun topic for today’s 5TF.
Of course, I’m a fan of the McCormick brand because, and I think you know this, they’re the home of Zatarain’s. Yes, the Zatarain’s. The I’m-writing-and-need-inspiration spice. The I’m-so-glad-they-exist rice mixes. The blacken-that-salmon-more flavor. Yes, that Zatarain’s. Who can forget the lovely care package they sent me a few years ago? Gee, it’s almost time for a new one . . . *nudge, nudge, Jazz Man!*
Zatarain’s Care Package
Foodie Peeps, I give you this week’s Five Things Friday:
- Cinnamon It’s not just for Christmas. This great spice comes in both stick and ground form. I love adding a broken stick or two to my cider, hot tea, or latte. Of course, it’s a staple in my hot cocoa as well. But you already knew that. It’s got a crazy amount of healthy properties too, like soothing upset stomachs, and energy and brain boosts. Remember that for next time!
Mocha Flavored Coffee Mix
- Oregano. Ah, molto bella! What true Italian kitchen is without this pungent addition? Great on sandwiches and pizzas, in soups, and on salads. Oregano is my all-purpose main-dish spice. In oil form, Oregano is an immune-system booster and helps conquer the common cold faster than without it. Its warming properties make it a natural pain reliever, too.
- Bay leaf. Say what?! You say. That’s not a spice. Ookkaayyy, (in my long, drawn-out voice), so technically it’s an herb. But for realz. I’ve had soups and other dishes both with and without this seasoning. I’ll take the bay leaf for two hundred, Alex. Hands down. Every. Single. Time. The oil compounds are used in prevention of heart disease, and to help digestion.
- Ginger. Now contrary to some arguments, ginger really is a spice. Hey, I don’t make this stuff up! Tangy ginger root has some amazing health properties. A few shavings in your hot tea will knock that cold right out of you. Okay, maybe not SuperMan fast, but definitely Jimmie Johnson fast. It boosts your immune system and help handle the nausea that comes with allergies.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice. This blend of other spices brought together into one ahh-mazing mix? When I say, “more,” you say, “please!” Am I right? Snap the finger girl, you know I am. A dash of this in your frothy coffee or on top a scoop of French vanilla ice cream. Mmhmm. That’s what I’m talkin’ about. There is never, I repeat, never, a bad time for pumpkin pie spice. And since September is just four weeks away (I know, right?!), it’s Game On for all-things-pumpkin season!
Frankly, My Dear . . . Sugar and Spice
In the kitchen, you can combine spices to suit your palate. Experiment with a dash of this, a sprinkle of that.
Tonight I created a new dry rub recipe: Two parts turmeric, two parts smoked paprika, and one part ground coffee. I’m pretty much in love with it already and can’t wait to try it with different coffees, and on different foods. It smells so good I almost want to use it as a body scrub. Too much? Yah, I guess you’re right. Okay, we’ll keep it on the food.
Frankly, My Dear . . . MoJo Spice Blend: Turmeric, Smoked Paprika, Ground Coffee
Nearly every spice has culinary, aromatic, and health benefits. What are your favorites?
TWEET THIS: How do you spice up your life? @RealMojo68 @mccormickspices @Zatarains #franklymydear
TWEET THIS: Five Things Friday: Spice Up Your Life @RealMojo68 @Zatarains @mccormickspices #franklymydear #fivethingsfriday
With a dash of salt and a zest for life,
Happy eating!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Aug 3, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Gah! I’m running into the eleventh hour ~ literally ~ and I almost forgot to post. Zoiks!
Well it’s a good thing I was already working on the blog, because now I know what to tell y’all.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Thank you!
First, THANK YOU. Since the new website launch a month ago, y’all have endured a few changes, participated in some fun activities, and overall made me feel like I’m doing a good job here. And, well, Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s everything!
So I thought I’d share a few navigational tips with you today. On the right side of the page, I’m sure you’ve noticed the neat photos, video, and whatnots. Well, they’re not whatnots, they’re widgets. And they’re all there for a purpose. This week, I added a link to my daughter’s Etsy Shop, Hannah’s Lace.
inspire-create-repeat
I also added this neat design which links back to the free PDF downloads. Not sure if y’all remember, but I promised you at least one new download a month. Yes, I know the link is also in the top menu. But this was just fun. Now, Frankly, My Dear . . . is themed toward Faith, Family, Food, and Fun; so who knows what the download will be? I guess you’ll have to push that button to find out.
I wish I could take the credit for the design, but my very creative brother did this as a surprise. He’s pretty nifty, too, yah?
You can check out his website at RealyCreative.com. Tell him I sent you.
Now that we’ve covered the widgets, let’s talk surveys. I hosted and/or moderated two Facebook Events in the last month, and if you were around for either of them, I sure could use your feedback. If y’all wouldn’t mind, click here to complete my Facebook Events Participation Survey. It sure would help me know how to better tailor events in the future. The survey is anonymous, so if you choose to leave comments that require feedback, leave your name also.
Finally, we’ve come to the Like portion of our post.
You like me! You really, really like me!
And I can’t tell you how much your comments, shares, likes, follows and mentions have meant to me.
I know when I very first started this blog it had no direction, and even up until a few years months recently it seemed that way.
I found my voice. A Southern Belle in Southern California, on her way to Oz. But I’m not alone on this journey. You were there. And you. And, yes, you too, Toto.
TWEET THIS: Widgets and Surveys and Likes, Oh My! @RealMojo68 #franklymydear #OnToOz
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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