Unpacking Memories: Sifting and Retaining

Sifting through the research papers and notes.

The hardest thing for me to do is to trash my paper memories. I did a lot of research about building a publishing company. I originally wanted to specialize in children’s books…picture books and chapter books for elementary grades K-5. I’m not sure why I was drawn to that age group. It might be because a lot of my early life experience set the stage for my emotional intelligence. Alas, outside influences eventually turned me to working with adults whose life stories were so compelling I had to help them get them published. The outside influences were the people, places and things which exposed me to the Word of God.

Yesterday I began sifting through the research papers collected in the past 15 years; and taking notes of key points I need to retain. I’m not finished growing. I pray I never lose the desire to learn and grow as a publisher, writer and mentor.

Girl Trek-Reflection on Walking

So far, I have not walked today. It is 9:20 pm. I have foot cramps and I am very tired. It has been a long hot, humid and on again off again rainy day.  I sent out the website link for  Theresa Tapp’s T-Tapp website to my GirlTrek team members. I discovered T-Tapp about 5 years ago and I swear by it for indoor walking. I am not an affiliate and I do not make any money off of recommending T-Tapp. At one time I desired to become a T-Tapp Instructor. As the years have gone by and my interest in other things became more prominent, I put that desire aside. Yet I still T-Tapp and will do the same this evening, if I do not walk outdoors, before turning in. I am determined to log my 30 minutes before the clock strikes midnight.

Hooray! I was able to take a break and walk my 30 minute commitment. I would have really felt badly if I missed walking today.

Commitment and focus allows us to succeed in achieving our goals; no matter how challenging they are. I have to tell you if you do not already know, I do not rely on my own strength or wisdom. One of my scriptures I follow is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:6 NLT)

Tank ready for his walk.

 

I walked 10 minutes with my companion, Tank, our 5 year old pit bull (it’s late). Then 15 minutes without the pit bull but with pepper spray (it’s late) and the final 5 minutes walking around my house (it’s late).

 

 

 

Yesterday my sidekick, Shanice, and I walked at Lt. Col. Samuel M. Siler Veterans Memorial Park on Chews Landing in Gloucester Township.

Walking is the best choice for me at 64 (June 24th). I enjoy the energy I feel in my legs as my feet hit the ground. I love the fact I can still breath through my nose and occasionally carry on a conversation with my friend as we fellowship and share a prayer.

I am thoroughly enjoying my commitment to walking. I feel better during the day and have more energy. I sleep better at night. Well tomorrow morning we’re off in search of a new park to walk in. Good night.

 

It’s About to be Birthed!

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Pearl, The Little Light that Shines

“Inspirational book for the young readers, as well as, appealing cross-generational readers.”

Even as we grow older, our memories keep drawing us back to the past. Some memories bring smiles, and some overwhelm us with sadness. Despite some of the sad memories, P. J. “Pearl” Richardson, at age 60, decides to write about both the good and bad memories to illustrate how one does not have to be victim of their past.

In her first book, “Pearl, The Little Light that Shines”, she tells of her various relationships and adventures, and how she allows the light of Jesus to shine through the hurt, pain and disappointments in life. Her light inspires others to gain a positive outlook on their lives. Her stories bridge across all age groups as she begins telling her story at age 10. Each of her stories has a message each age group can learn a little more about living a fulfilling life by rejecting the negative memories.

Visit Pearl J. Richardson’s blog – http://thepearlineoyster.com as she reveals some of the stories behind the stories and the characters.

Pre-Order Today! Save $2.00 – Shipping Begins May 1st.

Writing Brings Joy

In March, I decided to give up my hours reading posts on my personal Facebook page for Lent. I know what most would say, “That is not a sacrifice.” For me it is. I work on manuscripts, blogs and websites in the privacy of my home. Facebook offers me a chance to socialize with the outside world. In bible study, my Pastor taught us about the true meaning of the Lenten season, and how it was not just to give up something to eat, but to really sacrifice something that is pleasurable and replace it with something that is holy or meaningful.

I have many client projects that are keeping me busy, but I wanted to do something for myself that would be dedicated to the Lord and my family.  Finances are always an issue and I wanted to focus on bringing a steady sustaining income into the household, not just money from projects as I complete them.  So in addition to spending a great deal of my time studying “The Lord’s Prayer” for which I am writing a reflection paper; I also decided to publish a couple of my own manuscripts. Of course the big one is my collaboration with P. J. Richardson on “The String of Pearl” series, but I also had a gem that I collaborated with my young niece, Hadana Trinity Smart. At the time, Hadana was seven years old. She is now eleven and still just as gifted and wise as can be.  “Hadana and the Skating Club” will be released in the next couple of weeks. I am putting the finishing touches on it.

I was also blessed to work with a young teenager, a senior in high school, Joy R. Brooks who did a wonderful job designing and illustrating the book cover. I gave her a photo of Hadana and described a scene from the story. What you see is exactly how I described it to her.

I pray that the Lord will bless these two young ladies with a life that will allow them to grow with their gifts.

I pray that you will support us when the book is published and share it with your friends and family. The book is written with young folk from ages 8-10 in mine, but can be enjoyed by all.

“Pearl, The Little Light that Shines” will soon follow.

 

Where’s the Diversity? 5 Reasons Why the US Government Isn’t More Diverse

The following quote by Ms. Horning is why ethnic diverse authors are needed in today’s market whether the purpose is to go mainstream publishing or independent self-publishing.

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Kathleen T. Horning, Director of Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC), School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison: “…I’ve heard many times from publishers that the “buyers at B&N” believe multicultural books don’t sell. When they are not stocked in these bookstores, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

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Even if you do not believe you are ready to get your work published, contact me and let’s set up a time to review your goals for your work. Email me at onesmartlady50@gmail.com or call (888)412-9279. Let’s raise the bar in multicultural product availability for all ages.

Deborah Smart
One Smart Lady Productions/GPS

the open book

In our previous diversity studies on the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the children’s book field, The New York Times Top 10 Bestseller List, Sci-fi and Fantasy Blockbuster films, and the Tony Awards, we interviewed people who actively work in television, publishing, and the theater. We attempted to duplicate this approach for our diversity study on US politics, but with the government shutdown, none of the twelve Congresspeople we contacted responded to our efforts to reach out to them. However, we think the numbers speak for themselves:

So we have applied a different approach for this study. We have identified five main obstacles standing between the diverse US population and a government that is more representative of the actual population. If you can think of other reasons, please leave them in the comments section below.

1. Gerrymandering
We live in an era in…

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Don’t Hesitate…Keep Writing!

As I was editing my book,”Pearl, The Little Light that Shined” I realized how much of Pearl’s childhood experience mirrors my own Adult development.  Pearl found herself alone most of the time, but she was productive during those times alone.  I find myself alone, during the day, most of the time doing my One Smart Lady thing. I am very productive.  I do not need someone looking over my shoulder to see if I did what I said I would do.  My vision is very clear of what the end shall be. Pearl is a great storytelling with a huge appetite for learning and sharing.  I have a huge appetite for learning and sharing and have been told that I am a very good storyteller.  I also do not take it personally when my posts are ignored or overlooked.  I have done my part…I’ve shared. I got an A+ in Kindergarten for learning how to share early on.

I know that what comes to me, is coming through me from God Almighty…El Shaddad.  He has instilled in me the gift of bringing forth fruit from my client authors’ projects.  These projects are a testament to their own experience and relationship to Jehovah…Lord of All…who reveals truth to those who have a connection to His wisdom and love.  Our God, Elohim, the Creator, has given us all the power to create, and if you are a writer and/or published author, don’t let your creation lay dormant. It’s time to bring it to the masses…so they too know how great our God was to you, and can be to them.

So don’t hesitate…keep writing…and envision your finished project.

What lies behind us and what lies before us
are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson