Karmen Smith

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a DELIGHTFUL day

by Karmen |

Anxious; anxiety

common words these days

thankfully, not typically words that describe me

although Saturday morning was

a totally different story

Anxiety GRIPPED ME

I wanted to “chicken out”

“what’s it going to be like? am I qualified?  will I have to write ?! what does one wear to a WRITING SEMINAR??!!!”

the word SEMINAR

quite frankly

just sounds intimidating

but much to my dismay

the day was anything but intimidating

it was DELIGHTFUL and INSPIRING

Jerry Ellis, author of Walking the Trail

and his wife Debi Holmes-Binney, author of Desert Sojourn

hosted the wonderful event at their home in Fort Payne

I attended my very first writing seminar with Love’s Aunt Donna

she graciously insisted on sending me to the event

and because we are kindred spirits

and I love her dearly

I accepted

under the terms that she go with me

upon arrival we mingled about the small crowd

reuniting with a few friends of ole

connecting & swapping social media venues with new

to be honest

I didn’t know what to expect

at best, I hoped to be given some direction with my new found passion,

writing.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

not only was I given very applicable information on

where to start with my story

I was moved to tears on more than one account by the stories from others

truly inspired

with REAL stories from REAL people about REAL life

stories of murder, heroism

adoption, infertility

heart wrenching stories.

add to that

a call, via speaker phone, from a literary agent from New York

who was willing to share some great advice as well as some of basic “dos and don’ts”

followed by an

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!  theatrical snippet

from the one woman show

based on a memoir of a Colorado woman, Ann Ellis

from actress, Sandra Lafferty of The Hunger Games and Walk the Line

I think I held my breath through her entire performance!

She is GOOD! REALLY GOOD!

and finally Jerry’s wife, Debi told her story

she INTENTIONALLY spent 40 DAYS in the DESERT 

ALONE

and lived to tell about it

talk about INSPIRING?!

another GREAT presentation

with the message

“you don’t have to be a writer to be an author”

I like that.

because I’ve never considered myself a writer

by any stretch of the imagination

commas scare me!

and “typo” could be my pen-name

but I do have a story

and I’m passionate about sharing it

so we’ll see.

maybe someday I will add

“write a book” to my bucket list

until then…

After reading some of my simple stories… have YOU ever considered sharing YOUR story ?!

Everybody has a story.

I’d love to hear from you! via the comment section :O)

As always,

thanks for reading

Karmen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Everything Else, Fabulous Friends, Inspire

Comments

  1. Tammy Lacey says

    March 5, 2013 at 12:22 am

    You inspire me, my friend! an actress from the Hunger Games, are you kidding me????

    • Karmen says

      March 5, 2013 at 3:53 am

      No! I’m not kidding! She was so humble! and kind and WONDERFUL! She spoke to the my inner “drama-queen”! lol

  2. Stacey Perea says

    March 5, 2013 at 2:56 am

    Sandra is great, isn’t she? Her sister is one of our friends and neighbors. She was at Melinda’s Halloween gathering and I really enjoyed talking with her! I am so glad you went! I LOVE your story and think it should go further, reach more! Go for it!!
    Love you!

    • Karmen says

      March 5, 2013 at 3:55 am

      Yes, Sandra is wonderful and Nita is TOO..She was there helping serve. It was a great day! Thanks for reading and encouraging me with your kind words! Love you more!

  3. rita crowe says

    March 5, 2013 at 4:32 am

    So glad you went. All are wonderful people along.with interesting lives. Sandra and.mom were.childhood.friends. i know u came away with great things. Please.tell.Donna hello.

    • Karmen says

      March 5, 2013 at 4:17 pm

      I agree Rita! They are all very interesting people. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I am grateful for your loyalty and encouragement.

  4. Jerry Ellis says

    March 5, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    Hey, Karmen, I’m so happy to see what you have written about the seminar! Keep up your wonderful blog!

    • Karmen says

      March 5, 2013 at 4:15 pm

      Hello Jerry, thanks for reading and taking the time to comment! Be sure and let me know when you are planning another writing seminar. I’d love to join you again sometime!

      • Jerry Ellis says

        March 6, 2013 at 1:44 am

        I will sure let you know of the next writing event, Karmen! Write on!

        • Karmen says

          March 6, 2013 at 3:10 am

          I look forward to it! Thanks again, Jerry and be sure and tell Debi the meal was WONDERFUL!

  5. Neal Wooten says

    March 5, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    Yes, a perfect way to describe the day. Sandra’s performance moved me. The whole of my acting career was playing the lead in our first grade play. Yep, I was the mayor of Mouseville. All of those in attendance were great and I hope you all walked away with inspiration and useful information.

    • Karmen says

      March 6, 2013 at 3:09 am

      Mayor! Alright! Not just anyone can play Mayor, Neal. I appreciate all of your applicable information and may be in touch as more questions come to mind. Thank you for reading and taking time to comment.

      PS ~I used the “proof in reverse” tip last night! It really works!

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