Mary Deal's Blog (4)

It’s every serious writer’s dream to have a story nominated for the coveted Pushcart Prize, one of the highest honors in the writing world. Publishers who publish stories and poetry can nominate up to six pieces of published writing per year to submit for a Pushcart Prize. While many publishers do this, being chosen out of all the pieces each publishes per year is, in itself, an honor. I received a message this morning from Silver Boomer Books that they have nominated my flash story, “The L… Continue

In October, I spent ten glorious days in California at various book signing parties and functions. Later, Susan Reeve, Supervising Librarian at the Rio Vista Library, sent this letter: "Thank you for bringing an excellent program to the Rio Vista Library. Twenty-four people attending is quite a crowd for us. I learned a lot about your craft and the discipline it requires. And you are clearly inspired, yet modest about your gifts." The next evening after the library function, I attended a clas… Continue

Aloha Everyone! I've recently returned from a book signing tour and long-overdue family visit. Once returned home, I found orders for more books in the mail and have been joyfully handling that big job of autographing, packing and shipping. Had hoped to be back on TWB soon. However, I am now preparing to leave for another trip - to Honolulu for at least a week. That should be my last trip of the year. From then on, I've got two books that need a final run-thru before publishing. I've also begun… Continue

Let the Dialogue Speak Proper use of “said” and the use of “beats” will keep a story flowing smoothly. Books and articles turn up touting the value of replacing the use of the word said. She said. He said. Many claim said is overused and tiresome. They supply an endless plethora of verbs, nouns and adjectives to use instead. But my opinion is that, in most cases, there are no substitutes, given what said does when used properly. Said is acceptable enough to hide in the… Continue