Schedule and Location

Our group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Nokomis Fire Station. From Sarasota or North, proceed a few blocks south of Albee Road on US 41 (past Matthews-Currie Ford) to Pavonia Road. Turn right (West, toward the bay) at the Fire Station's flashing yellow caution traffic light. From the south on US 41, we are two blocks north of Dona Bay. Turn left onto Pavonia Road at the flashing yellow caution light. At the Fire Station, drive to the fire hall's far end or west side; PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DOORS! We gather in the training room at the far end of the complex for a meet and greet at 6:00 pm but call the Meeting to order at 6:30 pm and take a Ten-minute break at around 7:50 pm. Meeting Adjourns: 9:00 pm

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Writer's Conference Tips

This excerpt is from $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book.

Writers’ Conference Tips:

• When called upon to read, do not describe what you are reading. Simply stand up and begin. We cannot repeat the cardinal rule of writing enough…show, don’t tell.
• Make and practice an elevator speech about your book. That translates to giving a synopsis in 30 seconds or less.

Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
www.BooksByHills.com
www.noralyn.com/blogger/success

You Could Be Right

As we get closer to November and the chance to vote for a new president of these United States, conversations between normally pleasant people can turn ugly when we let our opinions and our enthusiasm rule our basic good manners. I find myself growing more quiet when I don't agree with someone's political or religious position, not knowing what to say without attacking their point of view.

Then recently someone gave me a golden nugget of advice on how to be pleasant without sacrificing what you believe in. Just four little words you could use in those tricky situations when you need to respond to something you couldn't possibly agree with: "You could be right". You're not saying they ARE right, or that you agree with them, but you've managed to make them feel like you're listening and considering what they are saying without criticizing or trying to persuade them to change their position.

Patti Stevenson