Stephanie Verni's Blog, page 22

Podcast #3 – Writing the Preliminary Synopsis

Podcast #3 further explores inspiration and focuses on writing that initial synopsis of what your book will be about.

Check it out below, and let me know how you’re doing!

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https://stephsscribe.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/podcast-3-stephs-scribe-11920-2.36-pm.mp3

xx,

Stephanie

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Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state. Connect with her on Instagram at stephanie.verni or on Twitter at @stephverni. Or, visit her Amazon page at Stephanie Verni, Author.

Books. Book Talks. Bookshelves.

I’m looking forward to this on Tuesday and to helping budding writers in any way that I can. I’ll have copies of my books for sale and tips for writers. Thanks to the Severna Park Library for inviting me to come!

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Additionally, I have been inspired by so many folks on Instagram who post photos of their lovely bookshelves. I cleaned up mine in the office early this morning, and am posting the outcome. I still want to do more organization by color, and I have more bookshelves in another room that I can combine with these. But it’s a start.

[image error][image error]Have a great Sunday, everyone. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

xx,

Stephanie

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Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state. Connect with her on Instagram at stephanie.verni or on Twitter at @stephverni. Or, visit her Amazon page at Stephanie Verni, Author.

 

 

Little Milestones Trailer – My New Book

Hello again, readers!

I was finally able to complete the trailer for Little Milestones, my newest book, and the follow-up novel to Inn Significant.

For more information on my books, visit my Amazon page or Barnes & Noble page by clicking the links here.

Thanks for taking a peek!

xx,

Stephanie

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Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state. Connect with her on Instagram at stephanie.verni or on Twitter at @stephverni. Or, visit her Amazon page at Stephanie Verni, Author.

Interpersonal Communication Up Next

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This semester, I’ll be teaching two sections of Interpersonal Communication. I couldn’t be more pleased to reacquaint myself with this course, as I have not taught it in several years. This is such a wonderful foundational course in communication, and it is the basis on which relationships are built, caressed, fostered, and extended. The textbook for the course, The Interpersonal Communication Book, by Joseph A. DeVito, has offered new insights into the course whereby DeVito includes new information about how we communicate online (just as I am doing here).

Online communication has become such a large part of our lives that it absolutely warrants attention. We have connections with people from all over the world on social media platforms. The way we relate online should be similar to how we communicate in person; that is, our personalities should shine through. We should be our authentic selves. And yet, sometimes we are not.

[image error]On a platform such as Instagram, where we connect with people regularly through photographs and captions and messages, being seen as genuine can be a challenge, because we always want to put our best foot forward. DeVito suggests that we allow ourselves to be real as we communicate. Yesterday, I read a blog post about how to communicate best on social media and the suggestion was to pretend you are speaking with just one other person, not a mass of people. And there you have it: interpersonal communication. As DeVito states: “Interpersonal communication takes place within a relationship—it has an impact on the relationship; it defines the relationship.”

I have a wide range of interesting activities planned for this course. We’re also going to read The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom along with the textbook, and the students will have a project around that book.Typically, I teach a heavy load of writing courses, where writing is the focus. This semester, I’ll teach two sections of interpersonal communication, where relationships are at the core of the course. I’ll also be teaching one magazine writing course, and one public relations writing course. I love that kind of diversity in a semester where I get to do a little of both—writing and a communication foundational course.

Now that my syllabi are complete, I can spend some more time reading and preparing. I’m looking forward to meeting my new students in less than two weeks!

[image error]On the writing front, I’m looking forward to doing a library talk in my hometown of Severna Park on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Severna Park Library. I’ll have handouts and exercises to help your writing, and books for sale that I will sign as well. As writing is such a love of mine, I look forward to helping others along the way with their writing process.

Hope your week is going well!

xx,

Stephanie

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Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state. Connect with her on Instagram at stephanie.verni or on Twitter at @stephverni. Or, visit her Amazon page at Stephanie Verni, Author.

 

Podcast 2 – Who Inspires Your Writing?

 

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Today, we’ll be talking on the podcast about other writers who inspire you writing. If you’re a writer, listen to the podcast and then do the assignment I’m giving you at the end of the podcast. It will help you start to focus. It will also help you find the “why” behind what you want to do. Ever since I read Simon Sinek’s book a few years ago titled Start With Why, I began to look at everything I do in a different way. If I can’t identify my why, then maybe, perhaps, I don’t do it.

But starting with this idea of your own inspiration is certainly “homework” that needs to be done before we begin any sort of strategic writing…our creativity needs to be fully ready to work and to launch.

So, take a listen to this week’s ideas and let me know what you think. I’ll be eager to hear who inspires you, so feel free to share your writer influencers in the comments below!

Thanks, and keep writing!

xx,

Stephanie

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https://stephsscribe.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/podcast-2-stephs-scribe.mp3

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Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state. Check out her books on Amazon at Stephanie Verni, Author.

12 Tips for Being a Successful College Student

[image error]I’ve seen a lot since I taught my first class in 1993 at Anne Arundel Community College as an adjunct. As a professor at Stevenson University since 2000, and full-time since 2008, I can offer some tips to those of you who have children going off to college this year, those who are in college, and those who may be struggling in college for whatever reason. While this list is not foolproof and is certainly not complete (as I’m sure my colleagues could certainly add to it), the list merely serves as a guide for students who want to improve or are taking their first college course. Here is my list of 12 things that can help.

Tip 1: Be thankful for your college experience. From your sports to your extracurriculars to internships and travel abroad trips, this is your chance to absorb all you can and create wonderful memories and experiences, while also broadening your horizons along the way. Don’t hide in your room and play video games or go home every weekend. Try to enjoy the experience and all it has to offer. Meet new people, go new places, try new things. It’s all about exploration and finding your way. And be thankful for those who have helped you get here, whether they have supported you with a belief in yourself or financially. You owe it to yourself to give it your all in the college setting with gratitude to those who helped you get there.

Tip 2: Take notes in class. Do not cross your arms and sit there staring at your professor while he or she lectures. Even if there are Powerpoints, take notes. Actively engage in good note-taking in class. Scholarly studies have shown that those who take handwritten notes as opposed to those who take notes on a laptop do better in courses. Also, a laptop is a tempting piece of machinery that can distract you while in class.

Tip 3: Buy, read, and use the textbook. Having authored a textbook with my colleagues, I can assure you that much time, thought and research goes into writing one. There is a wealth of knowledge in those books, and using the textbook as a source of information for your coursework is important. Reading is so critical to all of our skills: critical thinking, writing, and our ability to analyze and summarize. Do yourself a favor and actually READ the textbook. It will be worth the investment.

Tip 4: Actively engage in your learning environments. Whether you are in a classroom, a lab, a lecture hall, fraternity or sorority, or a club or organization on campus, be a part of it. One of my favorite quotes is this: Wherever you are, be all there. This couldn’t be truer for college students. Be present, be engaged, and be excited to learn.

Tip 5: Leave the cellphone behind during class. Unless the course is using the cellphone for interactive work in class, put your phone away. It’s difficult enough to keep students engaged and interactive without having to compete with a device. Being able to focus on the learning that is happening in class leads to better grades, comprehension, and experiences.

[image error]Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

Tip 6: Budget your time well. One of the things that I see as the downfall to most college careers is a student’s lack of ability to budget time well. Being able to set study schedules, group work times, commitments on campus, and time to have fun is typically a reason why most students can’t survive.

Tip 7: Get organized & plan. This one goes hand in hand with budgeting your time. It’s important to do that, but it’s equally important to be organized. Keep your files, notes, syllabi, and assignments organized. Come up with a system that works for YOU. Just because your roommate takes notes in different color pens doesn’t mean that will work for you. Create a system and stick with it. You get to drive the organization bus.

Tip 8: Read and understand the syllabus. The syllabus is the “agreement” or “contract” you make with your professor for that semester. All details should be in the syllabus regarding the course, its structure, the timetable, and when assignments are due. Keep this as your guide for the course. When something isn’t clear, ask about it in class. But the syllabus is the guide map for what will happen throughout the semester.

[image error]Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Tip 9: Go to class. I know this sounds ridiculous to have to include this on a list, but the amount of absences in college classrooms is sometimes alarming. There is much learning that is jam-packed into a 50-minute or hour and fifteen-minute class. The syllabus is built to cover a lot of ground during a semester. Additionally, if you miss class, please don’t ask the professor if you “missed anything.” If you were absent, you missed something. Ask  fellow students what you missed so you can catch up, or if you know you will miss, ask them to take notes for you. Consistently missing classes shows a lack of engagement and care and can ultimately affect your course grade.

Tip 10: Be on time. As it reads on my own syllabus, being late is a sign of disrespect to the teacher and fellow students and shows a lack of care. As Tom Hanks so aptly put it at the end of his Golden Globes speech on Sunday: “Show up on time, know the text, and have a head full of ideas.” This pretty much works in any setting, for sure, but also in the college classroom.

Tip 11: Be curious; ask questions. Curiosity is a sign of intelligence. If you read something that’s interesting or need clarification on a theory or idea, do a Google search to find out more information. If you understand, but would like the professor to offer another example or you need further guidance, ask about it in class. A professor’s goal is always to help students understand. If something’s unclear, we want to help students understand it.

Tip 12: Don’t compete with others; we all have our own timetables. Whether you are an older student in the classroom or a younger one, it’s sometimes difficult not to compare our paths to those of others. Please remember: we are all on our own timetables for completion. If you have changed your major, you may need to stay an extra semester or take summer courses to catch up. If you work full time, you may need to back down the amount of classes you take each semester. If you are in a 4+1 program, things may be different for you. I have students in their late twenties tell me they feel so much older than the other students. Listen: I can relate. It took me four years to get my first master’s degree because I was working 80-hour weeks at the Orioles, and I earned my second MFA degree in my forties. Please—for your own sake—don’t compare. Remember the famous quote by Teddy Roosevelt? Comparison is the thief of joy. Trust in that, which leads to my bonus tip…

Bonus: Have fun! You are a college student. You have more freedom than you’ve ever had! And although that freedom comes with responsibility, it’s a great time in your life to enjoy the journey and have fun.

I wouldn’t be a college professor if some fun didn’t come along with the work. I enjoy my students, my job, my colleagues, my university, and the experience of being a college professor. I hope you enjoy or will enjoy your college experience just as much.

xx,

Stephanie

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Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state. Check out her books on Amazon at Stephanie Verni, Author.

New: Monday Podcasts on Steph’s Scribe to Kick Off Our Writing for 2020

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Hello there, writers, readers, and friends!

I hope everyone is having a good start to 2020. As life is busy and hectic and crazy, and as sometimes we just want to listen to something instead of read something, I thought I’d add a new feature to Steph’s Scribe with a weekly Monday podcast. Whether it’s about writing or books we are reading or things that just inspire us, I’ll be doing short podcasts that are showcased here on the blog.

As most of you know, I have been teaching since 1993. First and foremost, I consider myself a teacher, and I get so much joy from helping others work toward their own writing (and reading) goals. Additionally, as I’ve just started to draft a new project I’ve decided to pursue, I thought perhaps we can all travel the writing road together—and inspire each other. Lord knows we need it when we tackle these types of writing goals.

Feel free to comment or email me, and I’ll try to answer questions the best I can. I have navigated this self-publishing world five times so far as an indie author, and prior to that, as editor of Orioles Magazine and the Cal Ripken Commemorative, I’ve steered the ship of publishing. So, I guess what I’m saying is, I hope I can offer tips, but I look forward to hearing yours as well because we’re all on this rollercoaster ride together.

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll kick off the series with this podcast below. Hope it helps get you started.

xx,

Stephanie

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https://stephsscribe.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/podcast-1-stephs-scribe-1420-11.35-am.mp3

10 Random Thoughts for the First Friday of the New Year

Hello, there, readers. I haven’t seen you since last year, and you’re looking well! I hope the New Year is good to you. It seems that 2020 has a lot in store for us all…

I thought I’d start off today with some random thoughts that I’ve had over the last couple of weeks to both get them off my mind and also keep this blog post moving along, so here we go…

1-My husband and I watched the film, Yesterday, the other night. I think it’s one of the more clever films of 2019. Fun, different, and creative, whether you like the Beatles or not, you’ll enjoy this tale of love and music.

2-In terms of new Christmas films in the theaters, Last Christmas was a winner. The film stars Emilia Clarke of Game of Thrones and Henry Golding of Crazy Rich Asians. With a little twist, it’s not your average Christmas movie. It includes lots of humor, a whacky family, and a little heart-wrenching to make the movie memorable. I really loved it.

3-Yesterday, we took down our Christmas decorations. The house always feels a little naked when they’re put away. The Christmas season definitely brings a sense of warmth into the home. So what we’d really like now is a pretty little snowstorm.

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4-After I finish writing a novel, I typically take a little breather before I pursue another story idea. However, after thinking about it for two weeks straight, I’m going to attempt to write something a little out of my wheelhouse…something a little darker that makes you think…and yet, a character-driven novel again, where people come together with various issues and problems. We’ll see how I do with not writing “happy happy” stories. You know I love a happy ending, and this one will probably have a happy ending, it’s just we’ll be getting to it in a different way…

5-In the spring, I’ll be teaching Interpersonal Communication. It’s a 100-level introductory communication course, and I’m looking forward to it. I haven’t taught it since 2011, and I’m using Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet In Heaven as one of the texts for the class. This will be fun.

6-Someone asked me the other day how I’m coping with “almost empty nest syndrome.” I thought it would be horrible, but it’s not. The kids are doing great—they seem to have good heads on their shoulders—and so, watching them grow and be more independent is good. You can only hope you raise smart and happy kids, and then you sit back and let them make their mistakes and see their successes. We are managing the best we can and getting some time to do other things we haven’t been able to do for some time. For those of you nearing that period of life–hang tight. It’s not so bad.

7-I’m scheduled for a library talk at the Severna Park Library for Tuesday, January 21 at 7 p.m. I love doing these talks—especially this kind—because we’ll be talking about how to write your novel. I’ll have copies of my new novel Little Milestones (and others) on hand for sale, but ultimately, this is an hour-long workshop to help people get started writing their stories. Remember: first and foremost, I am a teacher, so helping people get started gives me such joy. Hope to see you or someone you know who loves to write there. Tell them to bring their ideas and manuscripts.

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8-Speaking of books, one of my biggest disappointments is that I don’t get to read as many books as I would like. Teaching and grading during the semesters do not allow a lot of time for personal reading, as do my responsibilities at home and as an independent author. This year, I’m setting a goal to read one to two books a month. How do you squeeze in reading with your responsibilities?

9-In five months, my daughter will graduate from high school—the very high school from which I graduated. She is ready for college and is intending to study American Sign Language and Communication. I’m so proud of her that she’s found something she loves.

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10-The best Hallmark Christmas movie (in my humble opinion) this year was featured on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and was called A Godwink Movie, Meant for Love. It piggy-backed onto last year’s Godwink movie, A Godwink Christmas, and there’s a book on which these films (with Kathie Lee Gifford) are based. The book is a collection of true stories of the magic of a Godwink (def. 1-An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when perceived as the answer to a prayer.)

And that’s it for now. Those are my random thoughts to begin 2020. I hope you all have a lovely weekend…and a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

xx,

Stephanie

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[image error] Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state. Check out her books on Amazon at Stephanie Verni, Author.

2019 – I Bid You Adieu With a Swift Kick of The Boot

Here we are, ladies and gentlemen; we have reached the end of the long and winding road of 2019 as we await the coming of a new year and new decade. And so there is nothing left to do but to bid adieu to 2019 with a swift kick of the boot as I recall the words of The Beatles and beg 2020 to open the door:

But still they lead me back

To the long winding road

You left me standing here

A long long time ago

Don’t leave me waiting here

Lead me to your door.

The truth is, 2019 cannot end swiftly enough. While there certainly have been some wonderful moments, the year was clouded by a lot of loss, some health issues, and other situations that are too numerous to count for this short blog post.

Namely, the loss of some very dear people was extremely difficult for us this year. My friend lost her mother, my son lost his best friend, my colleagues and I lost a fellow faculty member, and my friend and colleague lost her son. These losses were so heart-wrenching—especially the loss of two young men who had their whole lives ahead of them. We are still struggling over here with these deaths. There are holes in our hearts that will never be filled.

As well, my persistent hip and back issues have not gone away. Some days are better than others, but my crystal ball sees perhaps some more drastic measures needing to happen in my future in order to make me feel better. The word surgery has been batted around, but for now, I’m trying other tactics to see if the situation can improve before resorting to that. Yikes.

[image error]Also, 2019 passed without a vacation due to extenuating circumstances. That may sound a little like someone who is spoiled talking, but what cancelled vacations really mean to me is less about traveling to the places we are visiting and is more about missing out on valuable family time. Those vacations are precious to me because we make memories on those trips, and last year went by without making any at all. As the kids are getting bigger and wanting to spend more and more time with friends, capturing those moments matter to me.

And while 2019 certainly wasn’t all bad, professionally there were, indeed, some bright spots, so today is a day for me to reflect on what can be improved or can be changed for 2020. Looking back, I was excited to launch my fifth work of fiction, Little Milestones, and I’m enjoying a new role I have at Stevenson University as a Faculty Fellow for 2019-2021 with two of my colleagues. It’s been energizing to partner with two colleagues from English and Psychology to institute some new faculty-driven initiatives for the university.

As well, our children are both doing well, for which I am thankful. And my husband and I will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends.

I don’t mean to sound so dismal about 2019, but I’m glad it’s over, you guys.

Bring on 2020.

All the best wishes to you all for a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

 

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[image error] Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state. Check out her books on Amazon at Stephanie Verni, Author.

Times Flies & Simple Goals for 2020

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When I think of how many years I’ve walked these streets in Annapolis and then actually count them, I can get a little uncomfortable with the passing of time. I moved to the Annapolis area when I was 13. Now, I’m in my fifties. Time flies. We all grow older, I understand that. Seeing lines on my face or under my eyes grow deeper reminds me of time slipping away. And, as I’ve had some health issues this year, I’m more aware than ever that time is fleeting. One kid in college. Another going off to college in 2020. The years begin to meld and you count your lucky stars that you’ve done what you can with the time you’ve been given. There’s more I’d like to accomplish and do with family, friends, teaching and writing. I’d like to travel more. Read more. Play more. Give back more. Love more. Drink wine more. Let loose at concerts more. Sing in my car more.

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Simple stuff we sometimes take for granted.

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And so, these are some of my goals for 2020. To forget about aging and the lines on my face and the grey hairs and the kids being grown and needing me less and less.

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Time to just live. Stroll the streets. Take photos. Window shop. Sip coffee at cafes. Be present. Belt out those songs. Taste delicious food. Read more. Travel more. Spend time with people I love more. Maybe even write another book.

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Today reminded me to try to take it slow even when time moves fast.

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[image error] Stephanie Verni is Professor of Communication at Stevenson University. She has authored five works of fiction and one academic text on Event Planning. Her character-driven books are typically set in Maryland to showcase the beauty of her state.