January 2016 Newsletter

2015 was a busy year, wasn’t it? Here’s to
creating even more balance in 2016 so that we can accomplish all of our writing – and publishing – goals as well as enjoy time with friends, family, and fellow writers!

Something to ponder. . .

While I believe every day presents an opportunity for change, and that we don’t need the precipice of a new year to make those changes, there’s something about the energy surrounding this time of renewal and celebration. Since the three times – past, present, and future – all exist within each moment, we can develop awareness and insight into how the past affected our present as well as how our present can potentially affect our future.

That said, what are you doing right now to create meaning – and purpose – in your life? To manifest your goals?

Announcements

  • The Boortean Embassy Literary Salon will be returning on Saturday, January 16,from 1:00PM – 2:30PM (PST) via freeconferencecall.com. Please let me know that you’re coming so I can send you the dial-in info.
  • The Ocean Beach Writers Networking Group will resume on Thursday, January 7. Visitterrieleighrelf.com and/or my FB page, for more information and to let me know if you’ll be attending.
  • The Great Lake drabble contest ended on the 31st of December, 2015. I received  a gazillion submissions (okay, more like 83) – and from quite a few new-to-me writers! Stay tuned for the winners, which will be posted in the “View from the Lake” newsletter in February. Letters will also be going out prior to that. If you don’t hear from me by the end of January, that means your drabble(s) is not a winner and/or hasn’t been chosen for the drabble publication. Think positive and keep writing – and submitting. There will be another contest soon, and I also have a special issue planned.

A Day in the Life Interview Series
While I haven’t posted a new interview in over a month, the series will continue. I have a few invitations pending. Meanwhile, if you would like to participate in this on-going series, let me know and I’ll send you the questions. Learning about our fellow writers, editors – and artists and illustrators – is fascinating.

Products, Services, and Events for Writers
If you have a product or service of benefit to writers or are hosting or participating in an upcoming event,  I’d love to post it here. (Some restrictions may apply.)

Sound Your Horn!
Did you just finish the first draft of your novel? Did you recently discover your work is going to appear somewhere? Did you sign with an agent? Is your story – or book – being made into a TV series or movie? Are you beginning a new endeavor?  I’d love to post it here. . .

In addition to having a Petrarchan Sonnet, “A Venetian Courtship,” on display at UCSD’s Geisel library for a  raven exhibit (complete with Venetian raven masks), I’m going to be the featured poet in the spring issue of scifaikuest. I’m also working on a SF/spec story set on Europa for a friend’s anthology, and will then be returning to my novel, Blood Moon.

Now it’s your turn. . .

Feedback Requested
I would love to know your thoughts about this newsletter and what you’d like to see within its pages. I’ve decided to return to the once-per-month schedule unless I have special announcements.

Monthly Prompting. . .
Throughout my teaching and coaching career, I’ve often discussed how writing is a great way to learn something new. Whether it’s researching perspectives for an argument paper or background for a short story set on Europa, when we learn something new, it can invigorate our minds – and writing.

This month, I want to challenge you to leave geosynchronous orbit and attain escape velocity! Then share what you’ve discovered.

My Coaching Services
While I will still be available for editing and other writerly services, I’m primarily focusing my energies on coaching (and writing, too, of course). Even though I recently raised my coaching fees, everyone on this list will continue to receive a generous discount.

Thank you for reading the first Kinder Muse newsletter for 2016. Stay tuned for the next one in February.

Until Then,

Terrie Leigh Relf
terrieleighrelf.com
tlrelf.wordpress.com
tlrelf@gmail.com
619.269.0706