First Day of School Writing Prompt

I loved the beginning of school and looked forward to getting new clothes. It was the only time I got something that wasn't a hand me down. Then of course there were the books, lunchboxes and brand new crayons! Do you remember the waxy smell of the crayons as you pulled them out and tried to use them without breaking their perfect pointed ends? Construction paper and the smell of a freshly sharpened pencil?


Thinking back to my very first of school, I can remember standing outside with my new dress on and NOT smiling!
I grew up in a neighborhood full of kids my age, but not one of them were in my class.


So here is your assignment: Write a short story that deals in some way with the first day of school.
Leave a comment with the link to the story.
Have fun with it!

What a Summer!

Pat, me, and Pam in front of Gypsy Vanner horse

Hogwarts at Universal Theme Park

Hulk Roller Coaster

Gypsy Vanner Horse








This summer was full of travel for me and some friends. First, Pat Weaver, Irene Latham and I went to Richmond, Va, Williamsburg, Va and Chincoteague, VA. Then in another couple of weeks Pat's daughter invited us to share their suite in Orlando and we did two days of Universal and Island of Adventure. Boy was I tired! But what awesome rides. The simulated rides were the best. It felt good to play like a kid again While Pat was visiting me, she discovered the Gypsy Gold Farm These horses are a fairly new breed and they are beautiful You may think they are Clydesdale, but they are not as tall.  I also got a free course on couponing. Not quite extreme. I got an awesome idea for a story or maybe a novel. The seed has been planted and is germinating as we speak
What have you been doing this summer? Writing? Researching? Brainstorming? Leave a comment for a chance to win one of two books: Witherwood by Obert Skye or On Writing by Stephen King. Must reside in USA

August Book Giveaway Announced

I'm guessing you are anxiously waiting to see what books I am giving away in August.
Well you are in for a treat!

Stephen King's "On Writing" and Obert Skye "Witherwood" are the books for August.

I've read Stephen King's "On Writing" last year and was amazed this brilliant writer has the same problems I have staring at the blank page. His first novel was not snapped up! He writes with one reader in mind, his wife. He says he trusts her judgment if she says something needs fixed.




Witherwood Reform School by Obert Skye, illustrations by Keith Thompson. Pages 231
Copyright 2015, published by Christy Octavia Books a Henry Hot and company, LLC imprint.
Tobias and Charlotte Eggers may be a little more mischievous than most kids, but when they cross the line, their father loses it. He does what his father did to him, after all it worked for his father. He takes them to the top of the mesa and drops them off outside the creepiest, scariest building around. His plan was to let them think about what they did, while he drove down the hill. Then he would turn around, pick them up, and they would behave like good little children.
The only problem is he has an accident, and is unable to pick them up.
Tobias and Charlotte must fend for themselves.
The building turns out to be a school where kids are brainwashed. Wild animals surround the grounds, and these animals are strange animals, not like what we are familiar with.
Tobias and Charlotte are put to work, but at night they search the grounds, looking for a way out.
I can't wait to read the next book. I'm not going to tell you how the first one ends because it would spoil it for you.


Remember to leave a comment to be eligible to win the books. You must a USA address to win.
Check back to see if you have won.
Chris Bailey has won Janice Hardy book on Planning Your Novel. Please email me the address you would like your book sent to.
Sheila_renfro@cox.net


See you next week!

Winners of July Books







This is a picture I took of Rainbow Warrior. He is a 20+ year old horse on Assateague Island. He was much farther away, but I was able to zoom in on him. They stay on Assateague Island and are rounded up once a year for auction. This is the 90th year!

One of the newest foals.



Winner of the book: Planning Your Novel by Janice Hardy is Chris Bailey

The Winner of the book All the Answers by Kate Messner is Michelle Wallace

Winners, please send me the address you would like books shipped to. My email address is Sheila_renfro@cox.net

Next week I will announce the August book giveaways.