In an hour or so we're leaving on vacation. I know you all will miss me desperately.:0)
We're heading to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. If you've never been there, you're missing out. It's a beautiful area. So much more peaceful than suburban Maryland. People are friendly. They don't rush. They enjoy the sweet pace of life as it comes and don't seem in such a hurry to get to the next place, move on to something new, or find something better. There is peace there. In the silent mornings. The sweet trill of birds. The quiet plop of fish jumping in the lake. The scent is that of life - earth, foliage, water - and when I breath it in, I feel like I am home.
Maybe that's why my books are set there.
Where do you feel most at home? Your house, your neighborhood, your space? Or somewhere different. Somewhere you can only dream of being?
If you have the time or inclination, write about it. A poem. A short story. A description. Send it to me at shirlee@shirleemccoy.com, or post it here. When I come home, I'm going to choose the best (and how subjective is that :-)). The winner will receive a critique of the first three chapters of a manuscript, a critique of a long synopsis, and help with the query process. Or, if you're a reader and not a writer, a signed copy of each of my Lakeview books.
Don't get in trouble while I'm gone!
7 comments:
Shirlee, I love to read your stories and am thrilled to post with a chance at a critique. Hope you and your family have an awesome vacation. Blessings, Jan Warren (member of ACFW)
Don't get in trouble, she says. Right. LOL.
Have a great trip. I'll be praying for you.
wow. I just read every post in your blog. I like this contest idea. I may just have to try it out. LOL Something else that I can use to procrastinate! LOL
Oh hey, was going to email you and tell you this but since I've been bugging you all night by commenting on your blog.. I'll just do it here. I not only finished my book.. but on Friday August 4th at 11:49am I mailed it to SH. LOL So Sheriff Shirlee... do I get a gold star for finally doing it?
Hope you have a great trip!
Shirley, I was at my place a couple of weeks ago. The mountains of West Virginia call me, draw me and when I go there, my heart tells me I am home. I agree with John Denver. As I drove deep into the mountains for a week of camping and relaxing I felt llike the country roads were taking me home. Aaahhhh!
I love your books. I would love the chance to have a critique from you.
Chandra Lynn Smith
Isn't this the time of year to visit places like that, where the water gently laps against the shore, where the mournful call of loons echo across the water, where the scent of pine and summer flowers mix. Oh, and just show this is fantasyland... the soothing sounds of your children playing, no squabbles to be found, fill your ear. :)
Thanks for the contest, it is a pretty cool idea. I think it will be a great writing exercise to get my brain back into gear.
Enjoy your family, your vacation, and your relaxation. Hope you come back rested, energized and full of great ideas for us to read in the future!
Cheryl
I'm back!
Jan, email me.
Pammer, I knew it was useless to say stay out of trouble, but I had to try.
Heather, you know I'm proud of you. You get a gold star. I'll bring it to Dallas. Will you be there?
Chandra, send me an email. We'll talk about the critique.
Cheryl, I just got your entry. I can't wait to read it!
Yep, I'm going to be in Dallas! :o)
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