A big thank you goes to the Mexico Public Library for hosting a local author's night! Lisa M. Buske, Alyshia Hull, and myself all had an opportunity to share our work to the public.

Lisa brought her two books- When The Waves Subside and Where's Heidi. Both these stories about finding hope in the wake of sadness.

Alyshia shared her novel A Thousand Miles. At only 15 years old, this brave young girl took to writing about her 8th grade year which at first she feared, then found what she feared the most was the though of it ending.

My books Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child and Breaking The Silence (A.L. Daniels) were also availble for sale.

It was a wonderful night for the community to come together and celebrate the success of local writers and those who love to read. I look forward to meeting everyone again soon.

This coming week is packed with exciting things. On Tuesday I get to receive the honor of taking 2nd place in the Oswego Reading Council's annual writing contest. It is especially important to me this year because the piece I wrote it about my late husband Dan and the love that we shared. Taking his place escorting me this year will be my mom and my sister. Thanks guys!

On Wednesday I have been invited to take part in an author's night at the Mexico Public Library. Books will be available for sale- autographs are free! There will be several other local others there as well so I am hoping to meet alot of new faces and share with their experiences. The event is free and starts at 6:30 on May 22nd.

I encourage you to come out and support your local writers, from the young to the young at heart.

As the rain clouds waned and the sun emerged from the sky, the ambiance of a crisp autum day motivated me to move mountains.

Having spent some time phone conferencing with my editor this past week,I have a notebook full of notes ready to be implemented into my manuscript. Using my editor's encouragement as fuel, I set to work on high speed.

My first goal was to remove all floating body parts from the story. No need to call ghostbusters here...in writing floating body parts are phrases that literally cannot happen. Have you ever truly laughed your head off? It is a literary no-no to put these into books. If you haven't heard of this before, you are not alone. It was one of the publishing rules that I learned from my editor.

Once all of my body parts were safely where they belonged, I combed through my words to make sure that my tenses were consitent. It is so easy to jump from past to present tense when writing.
From there I cleaned up any extra words that weren't needed. I never realized before how REMOVING words can actually make your story stronger. Too many words can actually slow a reader down. Have you ever skimmed through a pargraph in order to jump to the important parts of a book? We've all done it from time to time. That's a prime example of how you were slowed down in your reading.

The hardest part of my revisions was to decide on which opening to use. My editor has read two different versions of my first chapter, giving me feedback on both. In the end it was clear that we both loved the original version best. It dropped the reader into a scene, and evoked questions into the heads. Know what happens when a reader has questions? They keep reading to find out what happens!

Now I'm assuming that if you have gotten to this paragraph you were engrossed enough to read on to find out what will come next in my quest for publication. Well you're in luck because I'm going to tell you! My manuscript will be sent back to the editor for a second round of editing, where we will polish up any loose ends before I stamp it as complete and tackle the next few chapters.

"You have a writer's heart," my editor said to me the other day. Those words keep me motivated when I have a moment of doubt, and help me to soar when I'm confident that my book will serve a purpose in this world.

October is national Down syndrome awareness month. 
What can you do to help raise awareness? As it turns out, alot!

I stopped by the National Down Syndrom Society website (http://www.ndss.org/About-NDSS/Newsroom/Recent-News/Down-Syndrome-Awareness-Month/) and found several ways to help educate and celebrate the lives of these angels. 

The most known event is the annual Buddy Walk. Dates and locations of these vary but you can search the website above to find a venue near you. Did you know that every year Times Square shows a Down syndrome video on their jumbo screen in the streets of NY? You know the saying...if you can make it there you can make it anywhere! Way to go Down's Diva's & gentlemen.

I have decided to help raise awareness by sharing a story written by Terri Adrian on her niece Molliemae. This piece was featured in the book Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child. It is a reminded of just how special these children are.




                                            Molliemae's Heart 


My niece, Molliemae, is a three year old Down's child. She is bit small
for her age because she was born with a defective heart and they had to wait
until she was six months old to operate and fix it. She didn't do much growing
in those first six months of her life because her heart was so weak. 


I don't get to spend much time with her. When I do see her I normally
have to chase her down, scoop her up in my arms and steal a kiss, and if I am
lucky, she might give me a hug, too. She is just far too busy a girl for all
that mushy stuff! 


This past July one of my sisters lost her oldest son in an accident.
Molliemae was at the funeral with us all and after the service I saw her in the
arms of another family member, so I went over to her and gave her a big kiss on
the cheek. She smiled that big, beautiful smile of hers and then promptly
reached her little arm out to me, grabbed me around the neck and pulled me to
her in a big, tight hug.


Needless to say, I was very surprised and touched beyond words. She has never
spontaneously hugged me (and never has since). It's like she instinctively knew
that particular day how sad I was and how badly I needed that little bit of love
from her. I had hugged a whole lot of people during the two days we had all
spent in that funeral home but none of those hugs comforted me or moved me as
much as the one I got from our little Molliemae on that sad day. I will never
forget that special moment with that special little girl and how much it meant
to me to receive such a random act of kindness and love from a little girl who
obviously has such a big, strong heart. 


I think that heart doctor of hers fixed her up just fine. Maybe he even
put a little something extra in there for her to share with us all. Something
beautiful and pure, warm and fuzzy. Something to fill our own hearts with so we
don't have to be so sad even in the worst of times.


~Terri Adrian


Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child can be purchased through the following sites:

Amazon.Com:
http://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-The-Wind-Blows-Sideways/dp/1466419180/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349209079&sr=8-1&keywords=amy+quonce

Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Wind-Blows-Sideways-ebook/dp/B00757ISSM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349209079&sr=8-2&keywords=amy+quonce

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sometimes-the-wind-blows-sideways-amy-quonce/1036936317?ean=9781466419186


Do you have a story that you would like to share? Email me at WindingRoadBook@aol.com or click on the "How to submit your story" link above.

People have been asking me if the next book is out yet and if there is still time to submit a story before it comes out. The good news is that if you have been thinking about writing a story, there is still time to get it into the book!

Is there a person you know who has overcome unbelievable odds? Perhaps their story could inspire someone else going through a similar situation. The best comfort in a person's life is knowing that they are not alone.

Stories can be up to 2,500 words long, and anonymous submissions will be accepted for those who are worried about privacy. Changing names will also allowed allowed for the same reason.

Because I am trying to get as many wonderful stories to this next book as possible, I do not have an exact date set  for publication. However, I do anticipate that it will be within the next year. Any questions feel free to contact me at WindingRoadBook@aol.com, or facebook.com/WindingRoadBook.

Here are a several of the Amazon.Com reviews from Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child:

I was unsure when I first opened this book just what I would  find. But, when I finished it....I said, "This book needs to be sold along with  a box of tissues." Some of the stories will make you cry and others make you  laugh.

The stories are from individuals who live with, or affect by,  children who were born different in various ways. Each story tells how a family  adapt their everyday life to the ordeals which become 'normal' in their  household. And, it spreads beyond that one child born, beyond the parents and  siblings; it affects aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, teachers, clergy, bus  drivers...and beyond.

These children teach us as much as the other way  around.

The one thing that resonates in this book is...love. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
This book shows the ups and downs both the parents and the children go through  in life with disabilities. One story you would die laughing and the next you'll  be crying your eyes out. Finished this book within a day. Just couldn't put it  down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I just read this entire book from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down!  There were times when I wanted to cry, and times I wanted to laugh. It shows how  each family's situation is unique. There is no mold for a special needs person,  and no one right path to take to deal with them.

This book is one that  should be read and then shared with others.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As a mother of a child with disabilities, I picked up a copy of this book in hopes of relating to other families who are dealing with similiar situations. The stories inside made me instantly feel connected. Some gave me hope, others melted my heart. I laughed, cried, and smiled throughout the entire book. It reminded me of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. A wonderfully easy read for  any busy cargiver who is raising a special needs child.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Could the title, not be any more perfect?!??!!

I am so proud of Amy and the initiative she took in self-publishing this book. She wanted to find a way to connect her story with others, and this book is going to encourage and bless SO MANY families.

Having any kind of special needs child or family member  can be overwhelming at times. Unless you are physically living in their individual situations, it is so hard to comprehend all of the variances they experience on a daily basis. This book not only brings light to the hardships hese families face but also the triumphs and delights that these unique children bring into their little corners of the world.

This book offers hope, inspiration, and ultimately support, to let you know.... you are never alone. You are not, the only one. There are people that understand and will be there to cheer you on in the best of times, and help you pick up the pieces in the worst. Being an advocate for your child and helping others that also need it, can bring the greatest satisfaction and purpose in your life.

EVERY child is special. Special needs kids don't require extra love, just unconditional love..... just like any other child does.


 

For those of you who have been reading my blog and saw that I was invited to speak at the Delta Lake Writer's Gathering, you may have asked yourself just what is she going to talk about? Well as luck may have it today I am going to share part of my presentation: Is self publishing for you?

Let me first start off by saying that the route to being published is a very personal one. Many have entertained the idea of self pubishing, yet knew very little as to go about it. Others only want an agent/publisher. Only you can decide which option would work best for you and your work. Either way, do your homework!

Just like each agent and publishing house are different, so are your choices for self publishing. There are agents who will charge you a reading fee (be wary!) and there are self publishing houses that will publish your book for you if you pay them upfront (typically in the neighborhood of tens of thousands of dollars!!) If you take the time to research, you will find respectable agents, publishing houses, and self publishing options that can get your work until print.

When I decided to publish Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child
I went with Amazon.Com's publishing house, CreateSpace. It is geared towards the authors themselves and was extremely easy to use. Did you know that author Amanda Hocking used CreateSpace for several of her books and sold millions before she was swept up by a big publishing house? Self publishing is a great way to start building a platform and test the waters with niche writing.


As with anything in this world, there are pro's and con's to self publishing. Here is a quick glance at some of the things you will need to consider:

Are you a novice or an expert? Does writing seep through your veins or do you enjoy just casual journaling? Either way a writer's gathering is a great way to meet new friends, pick up some new techniques, and reflect on your own writing.


The Upstate New York Christian Writers Third Annual CHRISTIAN WRITERS’ GATHERING is being held at the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center in Rome, New York. On July 5th & 6th writers, poets, and editors will unite to share information in a relaxed environment. This event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.

What will you learn while you are there?
This year a varity of seminars are being offered to fit the needs of the many different levels of writers that are amongst us. The kick off happens at 1:30 on Thursday July 5th where you can take in the keynote address (delivered by John Stumbo). Later in the day you will discover the world of self publishing (given by yours truly) and after that stay and learn about the benefits of blogging (hosted by Diane Estrella). At the end there will be a panel discussion by all of the presenters.

On Friday July 6th The Snowflake Method of Writing will be introduced and then DAVE FESSENDEN
will share concepts from his book Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract. Cheryl Potts will begin the second session of the day by talking about articles that sell and then author Hope Martson (who is getting ready to debut her 35th book very soon) will conclude the day with a seminar on writing nonfiction for children.

How can you attend?
TO REGISTER for the Christian Writers’ Gathering, mail a check for $40 with your name, address, phone number and email, by June 28 to: Debbie Tuthill, 4585 County Hwy. 14, Treadwell, NY 13846

 
Questions? Email Debbie at dtuthill@stny.rr.com, or call her at 607-829-8531

(The $40 fee covers only the cost of the seminars. To register for lodging and meals, contact the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center at www.deltalake.org.)

About the Book

What do drive-by diaper stores and God have in common? When is blabbing an  acceptable habit? Why should you beware of moths and sligs? In her entertaining, uplifting style,
award-winning author and humorist Jeanette Levellie weaves 72  amusing stories with affirming Biblical truths. These soul-nourishing examples  of God’s favor and grace will help you:

Laugh when you find cow patties in your field instead of daisies
Discover the bottomless heart of God
Grow in your acceptance of yourself and others



Welcome a vacation from stress as you discover the sweetness of TwoScoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top.  You can buy  the book here.

About the Author

A spunky pastor’s wife of thirty-plus years, Jeanette Levellie
authors a  bi-weekly humor/inspirational column, God is Bigger, a popular feature in the  Paris Beacon News since 2001. She has published stories in Guideposts  anthologies, stories in Love is a Verb Devotional with Gary Chapman,  articles in Christian and secular magazines, greeting card verses, and
poems for  calendars.  She is also a prolific  speaker for both Christian and secular  groups, and loves to make people laugh while sharing her love for God and  life.

Jeanette is the mother of two grown children, three grandchildren, and  servant to four cats. She lives in Paris (not the French one), IL. with her  husband, Kevin. Her hobbies include dining out, talking baby talk to her cats,  avoiding housework, reading, and watching old classic movies.

Visit Jeanette on her blog, On Wings of Mirth and Worth, at  www.jeanettelevellie.com.

My Review

Do you like to laugh? Enjoy finding the silver lining behind a setback in life? Jeanette Levellie delivers all this and more in her latest book,Two Scoops of Grace with  Chuckles on Top. Sharing stories from her own personal life, Jeanette uses humor to offer insights on how to deal with tough situations, and challenges us all to inspire to become a better person.

This was a can't put down title. I nearly died laughing at the story of a grieving widow (pun intended!). There was a part of me that felt horribly guilty for having a big belly roll at such a sad circumstance, but this is exactly why Jeanette put it in the book. She wants us to know that even in the darkest of times, having a little humor can help us during a time of mourning.

And the story about her raging hormones that nearly kept her off an airplane...yes there was even a moral behind that one! Is your wallet running on empty or have you ever found yourself looking foolish? Here is a woman who can take any situation and turn it into a learning moment. This book is a gift that is meant to be shared. Here's how you can get a FREE copy for yourself!

Jeanette’s Giveaways

You can win one of ten free downloads of my debut humor devotional, Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top for your eReader. Here are the very simple rules: For each share of this post link on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog, you will receive one entry.

For each like on Jeanette’s Author Page or my Two Scoops Book Page on Facebook, or follow on my Twitter page or this blog, you will receive one entry. If you already like and/or follow me, mention that and I will count it.

Please send me ONE comment at the end of this post to tell me how many times you shared, liked, or followed, so I can give you the correct amount of entries. I reserve the right to verify all information given me, and disqualify anyone from the drawing who falsifies information. (Do not leave comments here to be entered, you MUST go to Jeanette’s blog post for the giveaway.)

Contest starts today and ends midnight, May 10, 2012. Jeanette will announce the winners in a blog post Sunday, May 13, 2012.

….and a $100 Gift Card Drawing~~~WOWZA!!!

After you have read/reviewed Two Scoops, check out my blog at www.jeanettelevellie.com for a contest to win a $100 gift card by answering ten easy questions about the book! After I receive your entry, your name will go into the hat for a $100 gift card to one of the following places (your choice): Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD, Hobby Lobby, Chick-fil-A, Wal-Mart, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, or Ruby Tuesday. This giveaway will run until August 10, 2012 so there is PLENTY of time for you to enter!

The author sent me the above book for review purposes. She will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Jeanette Levellie. The entire blog tour can be found here.

Wow,  for two days in a row I have received some wonderful news in my inbox. If good things happen in three's, I can't wait to see what tomorrow may bring.

Yesterday I got an invitation to speak at the Delta Lake Christian's Writer's Gathering.
On July 5th from 3:30-4:30 I will be taking the podium and talking to the audience about the art of self publishing. I plan on sharing my experiences with the formatting process, promotional aspects, and all of the tiny details that go into actually publishing the book.

Today I was notified that I placed 3rd in the Oswego Reading's Council annual writing contest! This year's writing prompt was: Reach For The Stars. Here's a sneak preview of my entry:

Under the Blankets of Heaven

　
It was hot that summer night when I placed my blanket on the plush green grass and laid upon it. The air, calm and crisp, smelled of budding flowers and fresh lake water. Crickets chirping in the background provided the only noise within miles. It was the kind of night that made one feel as if anything were possible.

Setting my gaze up towards the pale blue moon, I noticed one particular star shining brighter than the others. It’s magnificent glow drew me in like a painter placing marks upon a fresh canvas. Mesmerized by its beauty, I found myself softly uttering a little tune that I had learned as a kid.

“Star light, star bright, the first start I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight.” As a young child, that had always seemed to be nothing more than just a silly nursery rhyme. But tonight, with that one golden star shining bright enough to light up the vastly dark sky, it seemed as if the impossible could happen. So closing my eyes, I placed a wish under that beautiful star beam, before slowly reopened my lids in order to savor every last moment. Then I reached out towards the light and tried touch those stars, in hopes of keeping one for myself.

I wasn’t at all surprised when my arms could not reach the sky. As much as my fingers longed to caress those diamonds dancing in the night, I knew those gems were far too special to be had by just one person. They were a gift from heaven that was meant to be shared by all. Every wish from around the world was centered on the faith that these tiny stars held the power to make everyone’s dreams come true. They provide a small glimmer of hope to those who are desperate to fill a void in their lives. This hope was not mine to take. Content with my revelation, I knew it was time to go home.

Rolling up my blanket, I neatly tucked it under my arm and proceeded down the path of which I had come just one hour earlier. The walk home was different than the one I had taken previously. Instead of looking for a place to escape, I had found a path that was full of pure contentment and peace. I saw life differently now. Because I reached for the stars, I had touched upon an epiphany. Millions of miles away there was a speck of light that guides us along our lives. If we follow it’s glow, we will find what our heart truly yearns for, and become the person that we were meant to be. I found my path that night under the blankets of heaven. And I will follow the light ‘til it guides me to my next destination.

~Amy Quonce

　

The frigid weather didn't keep nearly 500 people from venturing out into the cold to support and educate the community on Autism.
 The kids got to enjoy bounce houses, balloon animals, pop corn and free raffles. Adults gained information from local agencies who offered information on services that could help their children. Many teams gathered and walked a mile on the outdoor track to support their cause.

My daughter and I had a table with flyers on how families can submit their stories to the next book. We met alot of  new friends and caught up with some old ones as well. Couldn't make it out but  still wish to submit a story? No problem! You can email me at: WindingRoadBook@aol.com or find me on facebook/WindingRoadBook.

As of right now I have not set a deadline for submissions. I will be accepting them through the summer and once fall comes I will have a better idea of a timeline.


What kind of stories could you write about?

*friendship
*achievements
*inspiration
*success
*humor
*loss