Story Published in "Faith, Hope, and Fiction"

I wrote a story about my experience studying abroad in England last semester called "Learning from a Distance." It is featured this month in the wonderful e-zine "Faith, Hope, and Fiction" -- a delightful and inspiration-filled publication for everyone who loves stories that tug on the heartstrings. Check it out (and subscribe to this wonderful free monthly publication) at www.FaithHopeandFiction.com.

The Ultimate Dog Lover Book

Wanted to let you all know that I have a story published in the just-released book The Ultimate Dog Lover. The book includes dozens of true, heartwarming stories about the special bond between people and dogs. It would be the perfect gift for any dog-loving people in your life!

Neat Writing Site

Who says writing is a solitary profession?

The people at "WeBook" think writing can -- and should -- be a fun, collaborative endeavor. The site features forums for writers to receive feedback on their work, avenues for readers to critique new writing, and provides a way for writers to work together, virtually, on projects. They even publish projects by "WeBook" authors!

Check it out: http://www.webook.com/

Promises to Yourself

Whenever you begin a new chapter of your life -- a new school semester, a new job, a new year -- it is the perfect time to sit down and set some goals for yourself. What do you want to accomplish in the next six months? Where do you want to be? WHO do you want to be?

Also, make a list of promises to yourself. Promises to strive for health, balance, and happiness with every ounce of your being.

I read an apt quote by Annie Dillard the other day: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."

How are you spending your days -- and, thus, your life? It can also apply to your thoughts. How we spend our thoughts is how we spend our lives, as well. How would your characterize your thoughts and self-talk? Are you building yourself up or bringing yourself down?

Here are some promises I am making to myself this upcoming school year. Maybe they'll work for you, too:

- I will surround myself with positivity.
- I will think positive, supportive thoughts about myself and my dreams.
- I will surround myself with nurturing, driven, creative, optimistic, intelligent people of integrity, who love me for who I am and yet also push and inspire me to be better.
- I will, as John Wooden says, "make friendship a fine art," and I will choose relationships that make me feel happy, fulfilled and whole.
- I will not get overwhelmed by everything I have to do -- by all the details and to-do lists of everyday life, as well as the enormity of my dreams -- but instead will seek confidence and support from all of the things I have done and learned thus far, with the support of those who love me.

Article in Justine Magazine

Check out my article, "New School, New You!" in the back-to-school issue of the popular teen girl magazine Justine, on newsstands now!

http://www.justinemagazine.com/

Article in Ventura County Star

The Ventura County Star has always been so supportive of me and my writing endeavors, and today the newspaper published an article about my upcoming writing camp. You can read it here:

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/aug/06/young-writer-shares-craft/

Thank you to Julie Price of the Ventura County Star, Jeff Dransfeldt for writing a wonderful story (and for being a great friend), and Eric Parsons for taking such a fabulous photo portrait.

Guest Post: Improve Your Reading Habits

by Heather Johnson

“Hey, have you read anything good lately?” It's a common question -- but do you ever notice how some people never offer to tell you about a book they’ve read? That’s because a lot of people have trouble reading. Sure, they know how to read but they don’t know how to read properly. If you need to get over this hurdle then consider these tips:

1. Read. That seems like a no-brainer, right? But maybe you just can’t seem to get started on a book or even an article in a magazine. Come up with a reasonable goal for your reading habits. Maybe you tell yourself you’re going to read five books this year and then plan accordingly.
2. Vary your reading. Even if you’re a fanatical golfer and want to consume every written word about the game, you’re bound to become bored with the subject. Read fiction and non-fiction. Switch from a biography to a detective novel. This will keep your reading fresh and if you’re not enlightened with a particular choice at least you’ll know there’s something totally different on the horizon.
3. Read with a pen. It’s often beneficial if you interact with the author. Jot down notes in the margin or write questions that you think should be answered as you work through the text. This will help ensure better comprehension.
4. Read a heavy book. Robinson Crusoe may seem like too daunting of a task to tackle. But if you start a long novel you might realize that once you put a dent into it you won’t want to stop. It’s challenging, to be sure, but it will be so rewarding when you finish.
5. Read a light book. Just as a lengthy book is good for your reading habits lighter books also make for healthy reading. There’s nothing wrong with reading a quick book or "guilty pleasure."
6. Pick up an old classic. Don’t always go for the hot new release that everyone’s talking about at work. Reach for a novel that has stood the test of time like Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. While you may feel like you’re back in high school, you’ll soon realize there was a reason teachers made you read these worthy books.

By-line: This post was contributed by Heather Johnson, who is an industry critic on the subject of Alabama teaching certificates (http://www.teachingtips.com/teaching-certificates/alabama/). She invites your feedback at heatherjohnson2323 at gmail dot com.