Happy New Year 2013

In today's world most people rely on electronic calendars that are thoughtfully provided on every cell phone and computer in existence. Not me. I always march out the day after Christmas to pick up my bargain half-price paper calendar. Then I take it home and flip through its pristine pages. Each one looks fresh as a newly wrapped gift under the Christmas tree...full of possibilities.

I pick up my pen and begin the process of transferring important dates from my old calendar to the new one. Reading last year's scribbled notes is a lot like reading a journal. Remember that surprise birthday party? What a blast. This year we'll be married how many years? Wow. Our son's wedding. Awww! Another trip to Rockbridge. Good times. A surprise marriage proposal for our daughter. Hooray! Doctor appointments. Ugh, guess it's time to schedule that check-up (yes and one for Indy and Bogey, too). H'mmm. A few publishing contracts. Maybe I can improve on that number next year.

Though there were some tough times in 2012, it really was a wonderful year. We've been blessed. As I begin to write on my new crisp clean pages, I say a little prayer that this calendar will soon be filled with many more events that are destined to make me smile.

And I wish the same for your calendar. Happy New Year from all of us at Critter Alley!

Bylines Calendar 2012

My order of Bylines desk calendars arrived on Saturday. I opened up one of those spiral bound beauties, and immediately fell in love. It's an organized (or wanna be organized) person's dream.

Are you a writer who'd like to set goals for 2012? This handy planner provides a section for choosing overall yearly goals in writing areas such as the book you always wanted to do, articles, poetry, personal enrichment, publicity/marketing, and the website. You can use the goals and tasks which are suggested, create your own, or do a combination of both.

Another fun feature is the list of 2012 Literary Holidays. Did you know that August 18 is "Bad Poetry Day" (not that any of us ever writes bad poetry). How about December 10, which is "Dewey Decimal System Day", a real milestone. We'd never find a book again without it, so why not celebrate? Then there's the tracker for submissions, mileage, and purchases. A list of literary festivals. A section for notes. Favorite books and writer resources. Well, the list simply goes on and on.

But Bylines is more than a calendar/planner. Each week also includes an essay where a writer shares an insight or inspiration sure to ignite your writing fire. I'm honored to be among them, but don't laugh when you see my picture. After all, Sylvia Forbes, Bylines creator and editor, did suggest we send a non-formal, non-posed picture that shows our personality. For good or for ill, I listened. You be the judge.

If you're a writer, or just dream about writing someday, you'll love the Bylines calendar. For more information or to place an order click here.

More good news. Bylines is seeking submissions for the 2013 desk calendar. Check out this link for submission guidelines. And if you're wondering what Sylvia likes in an essay, one of the best ways to find out is to get a copy of the calendar and read.

Now you must excuse me. I'm off to set some goals in my new calendar!