Sylvia May's Blog, page 10

Celebrating Accomplishments

I am presently in Canada to visit with our kids and my sisters and friends. But we came at this particular time primarily to attend our youngest son's university graduation.

Initially, he did not want to go to the convocation. It would be boring, he said, remembering his sister's from a few years ago. The university could mail him his degree; we didn't need to fly over for the ceremony. But I insisted. It's an important achievement, I told him, and we needed to recognize his hard work and cele...

A Mother’s Influence

This past Sunday, I volunteered at a mother-son brunch for Passports to College, an organization whose mission is “to collaborate with and successfully connect students, parents, schools and communities to college.” The mother-son brunch was held to award the KEO Memorial Scholarship to the winner of their second annual essay contest.

I, along with another writer and a teacher, judged the essay contest. The topic was: “Journey to Manhood: Describe the extent to which your mother has influenced your current condition and life choices for your future.” The entries were varied in writing style and content, but every one of the young men who submitted an essay had a unique and powerful story to tell. Their accounts made me stop and think about how my mother had influenced me, and I wondered what my own children might write on this topic. Reading the essays, I found it gratifying that these young writers seemed to understand the sacrifices and dedication that parenting involves.

Of course, as judges, we were not informed who the authors were. But it was wonderful to see all the handsome young men dressed up and sitting with their families, knowing their stories without being aware who wrote which one. However, while standing on the sidelines, I could see who had written the winning paper when it was read aloud. I noticed a mother beaming and nudging her son, who was grinning and blushing throughout the reading. When his name was announced, his mother wiped her tears.

Volunteering for this worthwhile event affected me in various ways. As a writer, I was encouraged by the quality of writing produced by these seventeen-year-olds. As a mother, I was touched to read and witness the bonds between mother and son. And as a daughter, I reflected on the ways my mother impacted the adult I have become.

What would you write on this topic? How has your mother influenced your path?

A Mother's Influence

This past Sunday, I volunteered at a mother-son brunch for Passports to College, an organization whose mission is "to collaborate with and successfully connect students, parents, schools and communities to college." The mother-son brunch was held to award the KEO Memorial Scholarship to the winner of their second annual essay contest.

I, along with another writer and a teacher, judged the essay contest. The topic was: "Journey to Manhood: Describe the extent to which your mother has influenced...

Fierce but Fluffy Visit

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a "Fierce But Fluffy" Book Group meeting in Bermuda. This is a group that loves to read cozy mysteries and romantic mysteries, and for May they read Buried in a Book. The group invited Lucy Arlington to join them for their book discussion. We met at the Daylesford Bar in the Bermuda Musical and Dramatics Society. (If you noticed the word "Bar" in the location, you can imagine how the meeting might have proceeded.)

I had such fun with this group of read...

Author Skype Visit

My long-time friend, Paulette, an avid reader, librarian, and kindred spirit, belongs to a book club in Wisconsin. Whenever she tells me stories about them, I experience a small bit of envy because I am not a member of that wonderful group.

I should mention that Paulette has been one of my most encouraging supporters of my venture into writing. When the book was published, she put it forth as a selection for her group to read. Last Thursday when they were to discuss the book. This was not simp...

Malice Domestic Convention

Last weekend (boy, this week went fast!!), I was in Bethesda, MD at the Malice Domestic convention. I went there as Lucy Arlington, promoting our A Novel Idea series. It was a hectic, whirlwind and exhausting three days. But it was lots of fun, too.

The convention is a fan convention, so the majority of attendees are readers who love the cozy mystery genre. It was a highlight of my weekend to meet so many fans who enjoyed Lila Wilkins' adventures in Inspiration Valley.

But it was also an opport...

Happy Spring! This time of year always makes me feel en...

Happy Spring! This time of year always makes me feel energetic, motivated and happy. How can one help it, with the sun shining, flowers blooming, birds singing? The only trouble is, it becomes more difficult to sit at my desk and type away on my computer. I'd rather be outside. Do you have that problem too?

Below is my spring newsletter, hot off the presses...er, my hard drive?If you wish to be on the email list to have future ones delivered to your inbox, please go to the a

Honorable Mention

The results are in. The Unraveling of Abby Settel received an Honorable Mention in the 2011 Reader Views Literary Awards. I am thrilled that my book was deemed worthy of this recognition. Thank you Reader Views! And congratulations to all the winners.

Now this logo can be placed on the cover of the book. Won't it look beautiful there?

Award Finalist!

Last week I learned that The Unraveling of Abby Settel is a finalist for the Reader Views 2011 Literary Awards, in the Adult General Fiction/Novel category!

I am thrilled that my first novel has been commended in this way. To quote the Reader Views website: "The annual literary awards honor writers who self-publish or have their books published by a small press or independent book publisher." My book qualified because its publisher, Turquoise Morning Press, is a small, independent book...

Go Team Lucy Arlington!

In its first week of sales, Buried in a Book made number 32 on the New York Times Bestseller List for Mass-Market Paperbacks! My co-author, Ellery Adams, and I are ecstatic. Not only does it entitle both of us to call ourselves bestselling authors, but it validates the success of our collaboration.

Many people are skeptical about the idea of writing a book with another person. "Writing is a personal thing," I've been told. "How can you even want to write a novel with another person?"

Well...