Blog Chain

I’m honored that Donna Volkenannt  has invited me to be part of a blog chain to discuss my writing process. 

Donna Volkenannt was the first-place winner of the 2012 Erma Bombeck Global Humor Writing Award, and a top-ten finalist in the 2014 Erma Bombeck Global Human Interest award category. I’ve known her for several years, and not only is she a great writer, but a wonderful person who is a caring and supportive friend. She blogs at Donna’s Book Pub.com.

Here are my answers to Donna’s questions:

1. What am I working on?

Several articles that are in various stages of completion, including one on Jory Sherman and his role in the Beat Writers. I’m also putting together a talk for the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writer’s Guild Conference this fall on getting your message across effectively in non-fiction. I’m always searching for blog content, and grading papers or speeches for my communications classes at St. Charles and St. Louis Community Colleges.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I try to bring a fresh perspective to my nonfiction by keeping the writing simple, clear and with a humorous slant, if possible. 

3. Why do I write what I do?

Everything I write is because I have a passion for it. I’ve written a couple of novels that still need editing, but everything comes from the need to answer a question, regardless of genre.

4. How does your writing process work?

I don’t have a particular process. I write when I can, and edit while I’m writing, and then again when I’m finished. I’m a night owl, but have recently been writing (a little) in the morning. And, I’ve been composing some sentences, thoughts and ideas on my iPhone. It’s always with me, like a notebook, so it’s a convenient way to record those short bursts of creativity that happen at the most unlikely times. 

5. The last step in this process is to invite two other authors to participate in the blog chain.

I hope that my writing friends and blogging buddies, Sheree Nielsen and Pat Wahler, will continue this blog chain. 

Sheree Nielsen is the author of Folly Beach Dances, a soon-to-be-published coffee table book that features the photography of Sheree and her husband, Russell, along with the poetry of many women writers (full disclosure) including me.

Pat Wahler is a grant writer by day and writer of essays and fiction by night. She is published in dozens of national and local venues and is a member of Missouri Writers Guild, Saturday Writers, and Coffee and Critique. Her work also appears in Folly Beach Dances. Her blog is Critter Alley.com. 

Thanks, Donna, for inviting me to participate in the blog chain.

Write soon,

Mary

Write to Win: Writing Tips from a Contest Judge

"Write to Win: Writing Tips from a Contest Judge" is one of several talks sponsored by the University of Missouri-St. Louis that will take place on its campus Saturday, Sept 14 from 1–4 p.m. Instructor Donna Volkenannt will share valuable information about why good writing isn’t always enough to win writing competitions. Volkenannt is a frequent contest judge and first place winner of the 2012 Erma Bombeck Global Humor Writing Competition. She will share tips and strategies and some of the little things that give winning entries the edge.  

Volkenannt is a former UMSL student whose essays, short stories, book reviews, interviews, and articles have appeared in numerous commercial and literary publications. She has edited several literary anthologies and served as a judge in local, state, regional, and national writing competitions.

Winner of almost 100 writing awards, her works have also been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and a Spur Award. She received honorable mention in the Fourth Annual National Steinbeck Short Story Competition. A past president of the Missouri Writers’ Guild and founding president of Saturday Writers, when Donna's not reading, writing, or talking about writing, she blogs about the sweet mysteries of life at http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com.

This seminar is part of The Write Stuff Certificate Program. The cost of the seminar is $65, payable by cash, check, or charge. Make checks payable to the University of Missouri–St. Louis. To register by phone, call (314) 516-6590, or see Diana Rehagen, 302 J.C. Penney Bldg. on the UMSL Campus. Visit their website for more information.

http://www.umsl.edu/~pcs/noncredit-offerings/write-stuff.html#.UhtlZ34o7mQ

Write soon,

Mary