August 9, 2005
A WriterOnLine Publication

My dearest readers,

Is it possible? Summer is on the wane, fall and all that comes with it beckons, and I feel the threatening fingers of stress already creeping towards that death grip on my throat they so relish come September. My mind has begun its gyrating, never-ending litany of "I have to's" and I am still putting off placing my textbook order for my fall classes.

But on the other, and better, hand, summer isn't over, there are still 4 glorious more weeks to savor before school starts, and in reality, if I stop the stewing and get down to doing, there's plenty of time to get what needs to be done, done. (Is that last sentence a bit convoluted, or is it just my imagination?)

We are having an incredible stretch of weather here this summer, and this morning was particularly stellar with low humidity, cerulean sky, and utter stillness. Despite my various to-doings, I said to heck with it and headed out to the farm for a "Morning on Horseback." Buzzy is my stalwart little steed, a former harness racehorse who I rescued from the dog food factory. He has been my utter faithful equine companion for 5 years, and although he will never be the kind of horse that does fine dressage or stadium jumping, he is my loyal friend who takes unfailingly good care of his mistress.

Anyway, off we went this morning, out into the field, sun bearing down warm and bright, no wind to rustle bushes and startle us. I am completely "in the moment" when I am on my little guy's back. Riding is like that – it's a constant interplay of thought and emotion between horse and rider, which, to ignore, could in fact be dangerous to the rider, because flight animals that they are, they could bolt at a minor provocation. I decided to take us on the long ride this morning, the one through the woods and over the creek, but the creek is nothing but a bone-dry bed because along with the spate of gorgeous weather has come a dearth of rain.

In the woods it is magical. One moment we are in almost blinding sunlight, the next pitched under a dark blanket where the temperature is ten degrees cooler. Buzzy trips over tree roots until his eyes adjust, and together we amble along the path enjoying the earthy, musty smell of the woods. Suddenly we come to a spot where the sunlight breaks through the heavy shade with a single beam, illuminating a gossamer-like spider's web. It is a Zen moment, sitting there astride Buzzy, witness to this web, suspended between two fallen trees, shimmering silvery, and ever-so-intricate. Of course, Buzzy isn't terribly impressed, a fact he communicates by stamping his feet restlessly as if to say, "Come on, this is nothing. Come spend time with me out in the pasture and you'll really get an eyeful." Would that I could, Buzzy boy, can't think of anything I'd rather do…..

Now for a few announcements: first, our very own M.J. Iuppa (Literary Editor) has an essay in the just-published book, Short Takes. The book is edited by Judith Kitchen and published by W. W. Norton & Company. And, Nick DiChario, the owner of our official bookstore, The Write Book and Gift Shop, has had a novel accepted for publication. Don't have the details on this one yet, because it was a fast conversation, but will follow up later.

I have a question for any of you that might have entered one of our Contests between April 15 and now. If you entered, please write to me as soon as possible, and tell me which contest you entered. Editor@writer-on-line.com

Read on, my friends, enjoy, and until next issue, keep that ink flowing and those keyboards a'clacking

LEARNING CENTER SUMMER SESSION

Remember – we are offering some great savings on our Learning Center courses for the months of June, July, and August. Sign up for any one course and save 10%, two courses – 15%, and three courses – 20%! What a way to spend the summer, brushing up on your writing skills or learning to do a kind of writing you've never done before. Go for it!

Read on, my friends, enjoy, and until next issue, keep that ink flowing and those keyboards a'clacking

My warm regards,
Mary Anne Donovan

P. S. Have you seen Writer Online Learning Center lately? Just like here at WOL, the Learning Center has a whole new look, not to mention a new name. We have 25 courses, covering a broad range of interests and subject matter. New to the line up is Fiction Know-How, taught by Deborah Sutton. Check out the course description. Another cool course is Writing Poetry Inspired by Landscape or Place, taught by Jodi Rowland. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, check out Digital Communication Methods and Introduction to Technical Writing taught by yours truly.

IN THIS ISSUE

 

Just when you think that the markets are obsolete, that there is nothing left to write about, Peter Bowerman unfolds a world of possibilities in “WANTED: WRITERS WITH A CLUE: Bad Writing & Sloppy Marketing Everywhere Means Plenty of Opportunities.” 

Delight yourself with a humorous read; take a peek at Pamela Beer’s “The Curmudgeon's Commentary: Children Say It Like It Is: Finding The Next Curmudgeon.”

Strum your mind along to the musicality of Joseph Powell’s poem, “Def Poet.”

Experience the longing and engaging writing within William Starr Moake’s short story, “Soldade.”

Summertime is generally a chance for those wishing to move to put that plan into action.  So how exactly does one move a hippo?  Find out how by reading News by Shelley Bueche.

Test your punctuation and jumble skills in this issue’s puzzle, A Punctuated Jumble. 

You know how in cartoons when a character has a brilliant idea and a light bulb appears above its head?  Well, here’s your chance to share your light-filled moment in this issue’s contest, Eureka . . . I’ve Got It.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Exciting Markets News from Justmarkets

JustMarkets, our sister site for writers and the best daily digest of markets for writers around, announces a new program where you can access all listings for the one month prior to your request, for just $8.95. In other words, you will have more than 500 of the most recent, hand-picked JustMarkets listings at your fingertips – for just $8.95. In fact, if you place your order today, you'll have the log in information you need tomorrow to get started sorting through these lucrative, paying markets. Let JustMarkets do the work so you can do the writing!

In addition, JustMarkets announces another feature so that those of you who are not getting your daily digest because of spam filters can access the JM site and log in to see the digest online.

Join JustMarkets - the best daily digest of paying markets for writers!

 

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SAVINGS: LEARNING CENTER SUMMER SESSION

They're back! Those infamous lazy, hazy days when many of us writers tend to languish on our front porches sipping mint juleps and scratching at mosquito bites. Instead, this summer, swat those mosquitoes, switch to iced tea, and hone your writing skills with a course (or two, or three) from the WriterOnline Learning Center. And take advantage of our special Summer Session pricing:

• Take 1 course, save 10%

• Take 2 courses, save 15%

• Take 3 courses save 20%

Decide which courses you want to take, and we'll be back with sign up details in our next issue!

 

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Wanted: Contest and Puzzle Editor

WOL is looking for an editor for our contest and puzzle sections of our newsletter.  This is an excellent opportunity to show your crafty and/or witty skills.  Contest and Puzzle Editor is responsible for writing contests and puzzles for each issue and for selecting winners for both contests and puzzles.  If interested, please contact editor@writer-on-line.com

Contest

 

Eureka . . . I’ve Got It

Have you ever experienced a Zen-like moment, where everything around you seemed to stand still and all of your thoughts became a little clearer?  Read more

 

Puzzle

 

A Punctuated Jumble

To break up the monotony of the blazing summer heat, grab a glass of lemonade or tea, and try your skill at these jumbled words.  Read more

News

By Shelley Bueche

This is One Top Ten List You’ll Want to Read about What Not to Read

Red Rover, Red Rover, Let My Attorney Come Over

Just the Facts Ma’am

He Ain’t Heavy—He’s My Hippo!