Minnie's Diary - A Southern Literary Review

Minnie's Diary is accepting submissions until May 1st. 
No fee. Poetry, short story and essay. 
This review is based on the unspoken 
yet harsh realities of life.
Please visit their website for full submission guidelines.
The deadline is approaching fast so hurry!

www.minniesdiary.com

Move Your Æ by Paul Carney

We are beyond thrilled for Paul Carney, who just announced the release of his first book. It was such a joy to work with him. If you struggle with any workplace issue, THIS BOOK is the one to get. Paul has done a great job of putting every issue into no-nonsense terminology and giving step-by-step guides on how to calculate the value of your time at work. 
A must-have book for anyone wanting to further themselves.
WAY TO GO, PAUL!

Piss-Pants And Other Coming of Age Stories by Gary Ives

Our best wishes go out to Gary Ives as his first collection of short stories is released. A Pushcart nominee, Gary is a prolific writer and will, no doubt, continue putting out these amazingly well-written stories. Want a refreshingly new perspective on the art of story writing? Get a copy of Gary's book. You will NOT be disappointed.

Just...An Apple A Day by Dr. Tom Turner

Congrats to Dr. Tom Turner on the release of his 2nd book. We know it's going to be a great success! Way to go, Dr. Tom!

Memoir: What does 'legacy' mean?

      So you've decided to write your memoir. Finally. But several friends have asked if you're writing to publish or for legacy. Up to this point, you've just smiled and shrugged your shoulders, hoping the mystery would eat at their soul. 
     Allow us to help!
     Writing to publish is pretty self-explanatory. You are writing with the intent of publishing and selling what you write. But writing for legacy means that you are literally writing the story of your life so your legacy lives on. The story is for family. Those great-great-great grandchildren who see a photo of you and ask, "Mommy, who is that lady?" THEY are they ones you write a legacy memoir for...they are the ones that will be handed that book. It can include photos, copies of letters, scans of postcards, anything you feel pertains to the story of YOU. 
     Many of us think of our life like a shout into the wind. The only one that realizes it happened is you. But you don't give your life, your experiences enough credit. Someone somewhere can benefit from the times you fell and struggled to get up, because they are on the ground right now, trying to find the will to stand. 
     Don't underestimate the power of your own ability to inspire. Start writing your memories and life lessons. There is no better gift you can give those that love you. 

Choices

     While meeting with a client yesterday, I recalled the power of trust; trusting not only in yourself but relying on the knowledge and passion of those around you. 

     You must be uplifted, encouraged or challenged by those you have chosen to surround yourself with otherwise how can you expect to grow?  

     You cannot run in quicksand. 

     Recognize those individuals who insist on holding you back through negativity and send them on their way with light and love.

 

Make your mark

It's easy to feel overlooked in a world that has grown fat on blind ambition. And of course it's easy to feel out of place in a space filled with so many who would rather step on you than avoid confrontation.

If every artist worked to create their masterpiece, every day, their minds would be filled with purposeful-love. Just as any master-craftsman is driven by pure passion, each and every one of us has that same feeling of oneness with something mighty and untapped.

If you yearn to write, or you already write but have yet to begin your magnum opus...why are you waiting? It could take years to collect all of the material or research the subjects but at least those years of your life will be driven by a vision created by/for you. So, why are you putting it off?

Tell your story.
Tell your parents story.
Your grandfathers story.
Write about the letters your Great-grandmother found,
or the man you fell in love with who died in Vietnam.

The story isn't going to write itself. The words aren't going to beg for release. They will simply fade over time. Don't allow that to happen. Give them purpose. Give them a chance to make a difference, so you can look back on a life lived fully and know that you left your mark.
You left behind something tangibly you.
Your legacy.
Your story.