Why I Read

...motivational books.

I've said it previously, and meant it, it's important to feed your brain and heart the right stuff to thrive. I was raised on motivational authors like Zig Ziglar and his classic, See You at the Top. This is a prime title for me to revisit on the eve of the South Carolina Book Festival where I'll be meeting readers and writers and making important connections.

Reading motivational authors gives me a mental boost. I read fiction to escape, but non-fiction, especially authors who address goal setting and mind stretching are a vital part of my brain's diet. Another classic full of lessons that have stuck with me is Norman Vincent Peale's Power of Positive Thinking. If only more people cracked this open regularly.

Reading motivational authors provides an improved perspective. John Maxwell has an incredible arsenal of books on leadership and attitude, one of my favorites for personal development is Your Road Map For Success and another great staple is The Difference Maker: Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset.

Reading motivational authors empowers me. Developing your can-do spirit is one of the best ways to spend your time. When you realize your skills and have a plan to move forward, you feel better on the journey. There are all kinds of factors in life that tell us we can't or shouldn't, it helps to have words of wisdom to counter that negativity. Og Mandino's bestseller The Greatest Salesman in the World is a quick read and a fast mental adjustment for the better.

In any line of work - at home or in a formal place of employment, keeping a positive attitude and healthy outlook is vital. I know I wouldn't have any published titles to my credit without the encouragment I found from motivational authors and positive people in my life.

Go find your personal motivator today!

Regan

Books at Quake and Echelon Press
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The Queen's Arrival

She's back!!!

My publisher, Karen Syed of Echelon Press and Quake, has arrived safely. It's always a pleasure to have her stay with us during the SC Book Festival every February.

My kids know her as Auntie-Publisher and it's been a mutual admiration society between the three of them since the day Karen bought my Justice Incarnate manuscript. While the annual trip to Sonic is off the agenda - for good reasons - I know my kids are excited to host one of their (and my) favorite people.

It's an honor - and always fun- to have Karen stay with us for a few days of business mixed with loads of laughter and fun.

Stay posted for pics and updates from this positively entertaining, book-selling whirlwind of a weekend.

Regan

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Write Stuff Wednesday

Confidence. Writers need it, but how do they get it? They write.
And write.
And write some more.
And just when they know they rock! they get the rejection that sends them into a tailspin of doubt, doubt and more doubt.

Here are three tips for keeping your writing confidence high in the face of rejection:

Set it aside. Once you realize it's a rejection letter, reclaim control. Make a note on your submissions record that you got a response and go do something else. No one says you have to deal with it right now.

Look for the positive. If it's anything more than a form letter- that's a plus. No, really it is. Maybe there's some nugget from the editor or agent that will help you make the manuscript stronger for the next round.

Get back in the saddle. Or the rocking chair, or wherever you write best. Because you'll never reach your goal to rock the publishing world if you stop trying.

Regan

Find me at Teen-Seen today!

Discover a world of teens that rock!
Find a new favorite author in the Missing anthology!

Interview with...ME!

I'm honored to be featured at J.R. Turner's place today. She offered me a thought provoking email interview, then invited me to join the fun online so I'll be tuning in and answering comments over on her blog throughout the day.

Swing by her myspace page and read my answers to her great questions and then feel free to join the chat at Thrills, Chills and Romance.

We'll have a great time!
Regan

Newsworthy

I was busy with high school career fairs last Thursday and Friday so I didn't take time to bookmark as much good news as I would've liked, but this terrific article about sportsmanship and what's really important in life caught my eye.

There was more news of note at the career fair. I found teens hopeful and excited about the future and that energy is absolutely contagious. I'd like to thank Stratford High School for having me in, the SHS culinary arts department for fabulous pasta salad (among many other fab food items) and I'd like to thank the students for so many good questions about what it takes to be an author. If you didn't stop by my table, here are a few things I shared with those who did:

Imagination this is imperative for fiction writers, but don't rule it out for non-fiction genres. It takes a creative spirit to find the new angle on a topic so that people get interested, or renew their interest.

Love of reading is also crucial for those who want to write. You can learn so much about plot, editing, etc from a well crafted book.

Love of writing is the obvious point, but what kids often overlook is that the more you write, the better you get. It works for fiction, bloggers, journalists, etc. Because every time you write anything you are strengthening your skills in that area.

Of course grammar skills and computer and keyboarding skills are important factors in a writer's career, but if you've got the first three, you can learn the rest, I'm living proof!

Regan

Cultivate your love of reading with Pixie Chicks or any of the great titles available at Quake!