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A Day Away, Plus a Poem for May by Bette A. Stevens


Moose Point & Poem 2015 basClick on the photo to enlarge

An Author’s Day Away

How does this Central Maine writer like to kickback and relax? A day trip to the coast is most welcome every now and then. And, it’s bound to be inspiring.

The forecast was perfect—60s and sunny with a coastal spring breeze. We packed the car (jackets/coffee/snacks) and headed south along The Moosehead Trail (Route 7 from Newport to Belfast), then east over Head of Tide Road to meet Route 1, where we drove north to Searsport to enjoy one of our favorite spots—Moose Point State Park. This coastal gem is the perfect spot to savor an afternoon picnic, revel in the views of Penobscot Bay, climb its rock-bound shore and trek the trails through an awe spruce forest. Ah, the magic of Maine!

Thanks for hopping on board, friends. What’s your favorite spot to enjoy on a day away?

~ Bette A. Stevens

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Written

on 05/27/2015

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685. Man is a knot into which relationships are tied. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry


Why MUST we tell our stories? ~ Bette A. Stevens http://www.4writersandreaders.com

nataliescarberry's avatarSacred Touches

Someone to tell it to
is one of the fundamental
needs of human beings.
~Miles Franklin

Screen shot 2015-03-27 at 9.51.20 PM

Have you ever pondered why we, any of us, blog? Or write books? Or pen poetry? Or compose music? Or draw? Or paint? I have and I think the quote above by Miles Franklin hits the proverbial nail squarely on the head. We, who pour out our lives or thoughts or passions or joys or hurts or whatever in some way, do in fact appear to have some compelling and fundamental need to do so. Emily Dickinson added another aspect to this idea when she described it, “as a shelter to speak” to some trusted other in her life. Like her, many of us, I believe, find not only great comfort but also a kind of self-soothing safety when we, individually or collectively, find ways to express ourselves to those we come to trust and…

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Written

on 03/29/2015

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Top Writing Tools of Famous Authors


For me it’s my laptop + assorted gel pens and highlighters. HOW ABOUT YOU? ~ Bette A. Stevens

Nicholas C. Rossis's avatarNicholas C. Rossis

My secret weapon is using a two screen layout for my PC. This allows me to work on the story on one monitor, while researching on the other. If you’re curious as to what writing tools great authors prefer, you may refer to the excellent infographic below, which was prepared by Robert Morris and the lovely people over at NinjaEssays.com. So, what is your favorite tool?

From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's books

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Written

on 03/26/2015

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Writespiration #32


Writespiration #32.

Here’s what I think.  How about you?

LOVE Inspiration Challenge

Nothing Better than Love

Love is an ice cream sundae on a summer’s day—
Vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, walnuts, whipped cream and a cherry.
Love is grandchildren squealing with delight as they say,
“Mmmmm. I love you, Grandma!”

~ Bette A. Stevens

Written

on 03/19/2015

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Stephen King’s Top 20 Rules for Writers


Awesome advice from one of the greats! ~ Bette A. Stevens

jenowenby's avatarJens Thoughts

CA: Premiere Of Paramounts' Remake Of "The Manchurian Candidate" - ArrivalsWant to know what Stephen King says about writing?

1. First write for yourself, and then worry about the audience. “When you write a story, you’re telling yourself the story. When you rewrite, your main job is taking out all the things that are not the story.”

2. Don’t use passive voice. “Timid writers like passive verbs for the same reason that timid lovers like passive partners. The passive voice is safe.”

3. Avoid adverbs. “The adverb is not your friend.”

4. Avoid adverbs, especially after “he said” and “she said.”

5. But don’t obsess over perfect grammar. “The object of fiction isn’t grammatical correctness but to make the reader welcome and then tell a story.”

6. The magic is in you. “I’m convinced that fear is at the root of most bad writing.”

7. Read, read, read. ”If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time…

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Written

on 02/25/2015

When Shakespeare committed word crimes


GUILTY as charged! ~ Bette A. Stevens

Category:

Classics, Fiction, Writing, Writing Challenges

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#FREE help For #Authors


Excellent writing and marketing tips for authors. ~ Bette A. Stevens at http://www.4writersandreaders.com

Written

on 10/21/2014

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End of Summer HAIKU


Summer Sensations HAIKU

Written

on 09/01/2014

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22 tips from Stephen King


king_fearGreat advice on writing from The King! ~ Thank you, Kim Hooper. Reblogged on http://www.4writersandreaders

Written

on 08/12/2014

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Artistic Soul


Beautiful poem! ~ Bette A. Stevens

iithinks's avatariiThinks

77494888c6840f82d3a723742327ccbb

My soul is a great artist
Born with an amazing gift
Once in a lifetime talent
Trained for many years

With the paintbrush of passion
It works its magic with hues
Each stroke is a stroke of love
Colouring the world anew

With my hands of still quiet
It works its magic with clay
In patience with the people
It sculpts hearts with Truth

With a pencil of harmony
It works magic with poems
Each word an inspiration
Filling pages with peace

With the voice deep in my soul
It works magic with rhythms
Each note creates a ladder
A chance to climb higher

I’m far from being special
Your soul is an artist too
Create from the depths of your heart
You’ll be amazed at what you can do

…..

Image found at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/71388680/the-day-of-the-humming-birds

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Written

on 05/26/2014

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