12/14/09–Too much going on to report this last weekt–both writing and otherwise.  The past week featured three workshops–all of which included written material read by members  AND these were followed by special holiday lunches after.  With only a son and daughter-in-law within close range, my "social" as well as "inspirational" contacts are with writers.  A total of 31 members attend–some have been with me as long as I have been holding workshops here in Sedona.  With the recent publicity, my fifth workshop will launch in January 2010.  

My current project is cutting about 1500 words from a piece I want to send in as a Chick Soup entry for their 2010 Christmas anthology.  The piece now is 2800 words.  About twice as long as allowable.  That can't be done! you say. Yes, it can.  I've done this  before for another piece I wrote years ago for Home Forum, C.S. Monitor. But it takes time because I cut one day; leave it and cut the next. Very diffcult to do it in one sitting. Yes, the story will be different in some ways, but the main theme will be intact.  You will later know if this is successful. 

The little Christmas Story, "The Golden Pear" sold once in the early 1990's as a short story.  However, because it is based on fact, I will render it as a personal essay for the Chick Soup entry.–Willma