PUBLISHED!

At the beginning of the year, I set a goal for myself to publish my story...this was the year I would become a published author.  Well, I'm happy and proud to say that not only did I become a published author, I became an international best selling author, and #1 Best Seller in the US.  I am proud of the 105 other women co-authors - from all over the world - who collected their own inspirational stories and the work of Carla Wynn Hall and Laurie K. Grant to pull it all together into this beautiful anthology called Chocolate and Diamonds for the Woman's Soul.  The Kindle version released on September 13th (no Kindle required - I don't own one, but I have the app on every device I own so I can read wherever I am :)), and we're still sitting as #1 best seller in the US, and almost there in Canada.  The paperback will be released on October 4th.  I know some people are holding out for the paperback - me too.  But I couldn't wait to read this collection!  As much as I love holding a book in my hand, I also love the convenience of being able to read a book on my phone.  So, I have both, and almost always purchase both the Kindle and hard copy, especially when supporting my fellow author friends (of course, I want the hard copy with their personal message to me - it's a great way to connect!).

Chocolate & Diamonds for the Woman's Soul is a collaboration of stories from 104 writers who have released their legacy. Hot Pink Publishing hosts compilation programs for women who wish to tell their story. Our "Diamonds" shine brightly through every page. Unwrap the stories as you allow them to take you into the lives of women who have truly made an impact on the world through their stories. 

From stories of becoming instantly blind at the age of 23, to living life with a disabling condition, there is something in this book for everyone. 

SHE is a Diamond 
SHE has walked through the fire of adversity. 
SHE is a survivor or Domestic Violence. 
SHE is a cancer thriver. 
SHE released guilt, held for a lifetime. 
SHE wrote her story. 
SHE shines bright. 
SHE is a DIAMOND. 

Chocolate and Diamonds for the Woman's Soul contains "Timeless Treasures" to warm the heart and soothe the soul. Get it on Amazon! Get it for yourself, or as a gift...you'll love it, and we'll love you for supporting us! 

With my story, "Remembering Me and Breaking Free", my hope is that you will be inspired to have the courage to remember who you are and be free to be your true self, no matter what!  It's the story of how I came to remember who I truly was, and my yearning to be free to be me and to be loved as ME.  It's not the whole story (there's a ton more I have to say about it - that's coming; I'm currently working on the whole story, my journey of awakening, and hope to have it ready to publish in 2016).  In the meantime - FEED YOUR SOUL WITH SOME CHOCOLATE AND DIAMONDS!  Happy reading XOX

Linda J. Spencer
www.LindaJSpencer.com
https://www.facebook.com/LindaJSpencerWriter

What Inspires You? For me, it's Dragonflies and Fall...

Don't you just love fall?  With the smell of fallen leaves, the bright colors of red, orange and yellow littering the forest floors tantalizing your senses?  Getting the chance to harvest apples and pumpkins for yummy pies?  Mmmm...this is my favorite time of year...it's also when we have an influx of dragonflies visiting Ridgeview.  These little jewels fly around our heads and rest on a bush, ledge or even the walkway.  It's no wonder I chose the dragonfly as the symbol for Ridgeview and for Ridgeview Designs - they're so present here.  They've inspired me both in life and in writing - as can be seen in this month's issue of Sibyl Magazine, where you'll find my poem "Dragonfly" on page 27, along with photo credits for my sweetie pie, Steve Di Monte (Change Your Life Photography) for taking the cover shot of this issue - of a very beautiful model who has inspired me as a single mom and friend...my cousin, Patti.

This month's issue would have been my last, had it not been for Sibyl deciding to add a special issue for December, for which I will be submitting my final poem for Sibyl Magazine.  I am grateful to my Sibyl audience of the last three years for their readership and support, and I look forward to having future issues come in my in-box every month thereafter (especially when I get to see my sweetheart's work on the cover!).

Besides Nature and Dragonflies, the beauty of the changing seasons inspire me greatly - in writing, in photography, in decorating and creating new jewelry.  I look forward to seeing where this season's inspiration takes me (besides Italy, where I am right now, for the next two weeks, gathering all kinds of inspiration!).  I wonder, what inspires you?

Dragonfly

(©Linda J. Spencer)

Here, on the grounds of Ridgeview

The dragonfly hovers close to me

And finds his seat upon a post.

This jewel-red, warrior of water and sky,

Watching, curious, tilting his head

Breaking down the illusion of control

Seeing the truth that is – 

There is no control – only flow.

It is here that he plays the light

Through his translucent wings – 

Wings of flight – power to fly forward,

To carry him high in every direction he goes

Mastering the life in flight – 

Freedom!

Strength, courage,

Change, transcendence,

Perseverance, completion.

He turns his head toward me

Tossing a smile with his eyes, nodding

He sees the dreams that play in my head

Observing, never judging

I reach out to graze his wing,

Hoping to capture the essence of his plight

Smiling, communing

He nods to me, and once again takes flight.

Smart Strategy to Focus Your Writing

Ever get the feeling of overwhelm with the number of ideas you have coming into your head?

Recently, I've been thinking about writing strategies.  With two blogs, two businesses, poetry, and a number of book ideas, I'm finding myself getting overwhelmed by the magnitude of writing ideas I have and that I'm not actually moving forward with anything...yet. 

However, I think I've found an effective way to focus my writing...

Earlier this week, I was listening to a business webinar about focused strategy, where the speaker spoke about a way of sifting through entrepreneurial ideas to get focused and make progress in fulfilling those ideas.  In thinking of applying these principles to my businesses, I realized that the same strategies (slightly modified) could also be applied to my writing ideas, so that I could actually prioritize them, get focused and make progress. 

At the heart of these strategies is the idea of getting out of the "noise" of the "should do's", and instead, aligning your ideas with your purpose or vision.  So, the first question to ask is:  What is your purpose?  Why are you writing this book/blog/newsletter?  What are you trying to achieve? 

Having your vision or purpose in mind gives you focus and helps you sift through your ideas and choose the ones that align with your vision or purpose.  Further, having that vision written and in front of you (I have it taped to the inside of the front cover of my notebooks - one book for each writing platform - where I draft all my writing, and refer to my purpose whenever I sit down to get writing) will help you come up with the ideas that are focused on your vision. 

For example, with this blog, my purpose/vision is to share my experiences and my insights into the writing process,  and  to share pieces that I have published.  Now, since refocusing on this purpose, I have developed a writing schedule and topics list for the next 4 blog entries...that should make the process flow more smoothly and consistently, and actually allow me to write even more in a focused amount of time. 

What are the strategies that are working for you?  I would love to hear from you. 

Happy writing!!!