Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Giving Thanks

Every Thanksgiving we gather at our families homes, even if we don't get along on all the other Thursdays of the year, we indulge in laughter and a feast of Turkey and all the fixings. For many of us, family will come in from out of town and we rave over how much everyone has grown and ending the day with, "We need to get together sooner."
Often at times we get so caught up in our lives that we forget how much we use to want what we now have but take for granted. We've all heard the saying about not knowing how much something means to us until it's gone, but I say "Why wait?" Appreciate what you have while you still have it.

Instead of saying you will get together soon...make a date and stick to it.
Tell your loved ones how thankful you are to have them in your life...you never know when you will get the chance to say it again.
Kiss your children as much as possible and tell them you love them every minute of the day.

I'd like to end this blog post by taking the opportunity to say what I am Thankful for:

My children-(even the irate hormonal teenager and preteen) without them I don't know where I would be. When I felt like giving up, they're the reason I didn't.

My husband-for being my best friend, holding my hand when I was sick, being a loving provider (and a good cook) and loving me and my children unconditionally.

My health- I was diagnosed with cancer last year and have recently had to have a hysterectomy. I am cancer free and I am very thankful for God allowing me many more years with my family.

My parents- for having such an awesome daughter(lol)

My mother in law- for staying up with me and watching Investigation Discovery until 2am. and for raising such a great son.

My friends- I have so many friends that I can not mention you all because it would take a lifetime. I am thankful for everyone of y'all for listening to me complain, helping me move, reading my rough drafts and making memories that are unforgettable.

My career- Writing, designing and working with wonderful authors is more than a dream come true.
And last but not least I am thankful for the Internet for allowing me to reach people all around the world. I'm also thankful for people like you who read my post...and my books.

So for this Thanksgiving, remember, whatever you end up doing or whoever you end up with, be thankful that you have those people in your life. If you don't have anyone or anything be thankful for your eyesight and the ability to read.

Thank You
and
Happy Thanksgiving 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Larry Hyatt

I met Larry Hyatt a few months ago at the Terrebonne Parish Author Day. I was impressed with him as a local radio personality, his writing, and especially impressed with the experience he'd had working in the theater and The Big Read. His thoughtful insights into the challenges of “making it to the top” as we all like to put it. He was also working on a novel, he told me. I was intrigued. That book, How to Reach for the American Dream… (And Not Get It!) is just out and it's my pleasure to welcome Larry Hyatt to my blog.
 
Larry, why did you write fiction instead of non-fiction? Did you feel you had to tell Larry’s story from a different perspective?

Larry Hyatt: It started out as a comedic manual, to explore the things that shape, propel, or make a career come to a screeching halt. The dos and don’ts, if you will. But to span what I’ve done I had to go through many years in my life and it ended up a journey, with an ending, a story, that I feel can strike a cord with anyone who dreams of becoming more from such an early age. I asked the question- Why does one not reach their goal? Can one make mediocrity a success?

Ashleigh: Wow, this is such a profound story. Wondering if you had any fun writing it? Will the reader have any fun reading it?

Larry: Oh, hell I laughed and cried. I’ve written plays and understand even comedy, fiction, and reality, has to reach for emotions to make it work. The brevity of comedy and the more creative license to be eloquent I hope collides to make something that reads well for those that read both… Oh, heck, maybe I shouldn’t have said that. Now I hope it’s eloquent…. I know you’re going to think it’s funny.

Ashleigh: So I can ask: Larry does your life and your novel spring from the same well? Do you still feel like a small fish in a big pond?

 Larry: Well, at this point, I’m glad I have my head above water. I do delve into why one would stay and why one goes to the next rung. I’ve been at the bottom of the food chain and didn’t go hungry. The back of the title…“And not make it,” could be the give-a-way. Or, is it?

Ashleigh: What got you started writing?

Larry: While doing a stint in television I also worked for the Houma Regional Arts Council and was in charge of the Big Read. I read the book for that cycle in case anybody asked me a question. I didn’t want to look like an idiot. “What you give books away and don’t know what you’re handing out?” Then I read the book before that cycle and ended up reading all the Big read titles. I thought then that it was time to finish my manual.

Ashleigh: You've begun writing another book. Right?

Larry: Yes. The working title in Non-Profit. I explore who should get the money and how hard it is to obtain.

Ashleigh: Larry will be hanging around today. I know we have lots of writers out there, so if you questions about how to reach for the American dream, working in theaters and writing realistic fiction. Leave him a comment below.


http://www.amazon.com/How-Reach-American-Dream-Not-ebook/dp/B00FSKCGTU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385047652&sr=8-1&keywords=larry+hyatt