Today was an exciting day: I left the comfort and solitude of Amish country and went into the city for a fun time at the Missouri Literary Festival, in Springfield.

Yours Truly!

There were quite a few author’s booths (even though this was the last day of the festival) and look who I found right away….

A 13-year-old Author!

Views of HAMMONS FIELD

Look What I Found!!!

Books, Books, Books!

Networking

I met new people, passed out business cards, and had a fun time. It’s always nice to step away from the computer and interact with other writers in person. I know it’s something a lot of us simply detest (’cause we want to be at home, writing!) but it truly is an amazing experience and can bring so much inspiration – and new friends. Also, it was pretty chilly out there but it was a good day!

More of Yours Truly!

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

I talked to several authors. The most of ‘em are self-published. Their books seemed like they were written well, had nice cover designs, etc., and appeared very professional!

I also went and listened to an author (who just happens to be published by a traditional publisher) and their opinion was very low of self-published books. I actually thought this person was a poor speaker. It was really, really boring and nothing was learned! Nothing. Seriously. I always try to find the positive and share it, but this was not an uplifting, encouraging speaker who had instruction for the audience. I was disappointed. Thank goodness that speech was free – I’d have been upset if I would have had to pay for it!

Anyway, I feel like books can be self-published in a respectable, polished manner. Just because it’s self-published doesn’t mean it has to be bad. It doesn’t mean you can’t hire an editor, ya know? Do you disagree? Agree? What’s your opinion of self-published vs. traditional?

In case you’re just tuning in, all 3 parts of the interview are posted over at WRA (Rebecca Laffar-Smith picked my brain).

1. On Social Networking Success
2. On The Business of Blogging
3. On Writing Habits and Courage
   

Also, my latest article is live at WRA: Writers Are Superheroes

Is this your first time to visit Writing the Cyber Highway? Be sure to subscribe to my Feed or by e-mail. In the next couple of posts, I’ll be sharing photos and details about my visit to an old-fashioned festival where I dressed up as a pioneer woman (bonnet and all!) and also had the amazing opportunity to meet an Editor and an Editor-In-Chief. Eeek! (It’s coming, I promise!)

Is this your first time to visit Writing the Cyber Highway? Be sure to subscribe to my Feed or by e-mail. Lots of exciting stuff is coming up–including more contests!!

News

Although I’ve been scarce around this blog, I have been super busy literally writing the cyber highway: I’ve been contributing to WRA (Writer’s Round-About). My latest post there is How to Find the Courage to Sell Yourself. Things have also been going pretty fast and furious on my health blog, Healing with (Raw) Juices. I’ve been helping my mom set up at outdoor markets (old-fashioned bonnet and pioneer dress included!). And I’ve been anxiously awaiting my latest story in print: Soap & Running Water. This story is dear to my heart. It’s printed in Rural Missouri (www.ruralmissouri.org).

I realize you can’t see the words but I’ve taken a photo of the page so you can see how it looks printed in Rural Missouri. I’m really excited about this story. I’ve personally bought soap, lotions, and salves from Judy Riggs for the past few years. Her products are the best quality I’ve found in my searches for handcrafted bath and body products. They’re natural, handcrafted with love, and are just amazing. Her soaps lather up more than any other handcrafted soap I’ve found and her lotions are creamy (not greasy at all) and all of her products smell just divine. The soy candles she makes are eco-friendly and have the most delicious scents. Her herbal salves are absolutely healing to the skin, too! She also makes unscented products for anyone with allergies, or who are sensitive to smells. I have one word for Judy’s products: luxurious!

Judy was a fabulous subject to write about. She’s so kind and her passion shines through beautifully in everything her hands touch. I’m so honored to be the first freelance writer to share Judy Riggs and her business, Riggs Creations (www.riggscreations.org), with the world. Thanks, Judy!

Isn’t she so pretty in her Indian dress, with her Indian braids?! That’s her mortal and pestle in her hands that she uses to grind the herbs she adds to her products!

Judy Riggs, of Riggs Creations

Judy Riggs’ soaps are also available at Oldies and Goodies in Doniphan, Missouri, at 201 North Lafayette Street. They’re open 7 days a week (Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday & Monday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.) You can call them: (573) 996-4247.

Where have I been?

Hi, y’all! I can’t believe how quickly time flies by! Seriously, I cannot believe it has been 4 weeks since I last posted here. Sheesh! Anyone miss me??

So, here’s what has been going on. In the past couple of months, I’ve had two deaths in the family (both cousins in their thirties) and I almost lost my dad as well. I’ve also been writing, writing, writing. My assignments are increasing (both with a byline and my ghostwriting/blogging) so things have been busy.

Most of you also know I have another blog – Healing with (Raw) Juices – and I’m honored to have various health companies sponsoring contests that I’m able to host. You’ll continue to see those from now on!!

I’m a Green Job Hunter!

But what I truly wanted to share with you today is that Lori, from Green Gigs, has profiled me as a Green Job Hunter on her blog. See the screenshot? Yep, that’s me! Eeek! How exciting, eh? (I think so!)

Never heard of Green Gigs?

Are you serious? You  have to check it out now: visit Green Gigs. Go ahead, I’ll wait…. Did  you see it? Isn’t it amazing?! Be sure to subscribe and check in every day so you can find eco-friendly jobs. It’s a great place to visit. I just applied to a gig and it looks promising!

Feelings of gratitude for Green Gigs

I was genuinely excited when Lori contacted me and asked me if I’d like to kick off her Green Job Hunter profiles. I think her idea for this category is phenomenal and so is she. With a passion for the environment and for her readers, Lori goes out of her way to bring us eco-friendly job listings. Thank you, Lori. You’re the bestest “green gal” ever!

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming for you….

Contest on the Cyber Highway

I’m so excited to be able to bring a contest to you! In the next few days I’ll be publishing a post with a prize a lot of my writing/blogging pals have been longing to get their hands on. I know some of you have yet to break down and buy this one and that’s why I’m even more excited that not only will there be one winner–but two! So, two of you will win this fantabulous prize!! I can’t wait to see who wins. I know you’ll be excited when the contest post is live. I sure am excited to be involved!!

Be sure to subscribe to Writing the Cyber Highway’s Feed or by e-mail, so you won’t miss upcoming posts and updates. Look for writing tips, inspiration, news from my own writing life, as well as interviews with amazing and inspiring folks–and CONTESTS are coming soon!!!