Category: Events

Organizing Our Writing #WednesdayWords #Events #Inspiration

Recently, I was featured on the Writing Works Wonders podcast, where I discussed with hosts Cheryl McNeil Fisher and Kathleen P. King and the audience ways of organizing one’s writing. Writing Works Wonders is a weekly program that can be heard live every other Friday at 1 pm Eastern time. It features panel discussions, guest authors, and other activities. To learn more and sign up to receive their weekly newsletter containing Zoom links for their programs, click here. You can click the link below to hear the most recent episode in which I’m featured.

 

Writing Works Wonders: Advancing Beyond Barriers (podcast) – Cheryl McNeil Fisher, Kathleen P. King | Listen Notes

Abbie wears a blue and white V-neck top with different shades of blue from sky to navy that swirl together with the white. She has short, brown hair and rosy cheeks and smiles at the camera against a black background.

Photo Courtesy of Tess Anderson Photography

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

 

 

If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my email list to receive my monthly newsletter and other announcements. This is a one-way announcements list, meaning the only messages you’ll receive will come from me. So, you can rest assured that this list is low-traffic. Send a blank email to:  newsfrommycorner+subscribe@groups.io  You’ll receive a confirmation email. Reply to that with another blank message, and you should be good to go.

Note that I’ll no longer post my Joyous Jotting series here. So, if you like reading about my life from the perspective of my robotic cat, please subscribe to my newsletter. Starting next month, that’s the only place you’ll find this feature.

 

New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me

Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.

Independently published with the help of DLD Books.

The cover of the book features an older woman sitting in a wicker chair facing a window. The world beyond the window is bright, and several plants are visible on the terrace. Behind the woman’s chair is another plant, with a tall stalk and wide rounded leaves. The woman has short, white hair, glasses, a red sweater, and tan pants. The border of the picture is a taupe color and reads "Why Grandma Doesn't Know Me" above the photo and "Abbie Johnson Taylor" below it.Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

 

Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.

After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.

Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.

Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?

***

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Joyous Jottings: A Spontaneous Podcast Appearance #SaturdaySurprise #Events #Inspiration

Joy is a fluffy gray and white cat with a pink nose and pink paw pads. The fur is long and mostly gray with white paws, a white chest, nose and white down the middle of her head. Her ears are pointed up, and she lies with her paws sprawled out in front of her in an open formation. Her head looks to the right of the screen. She’s on a brown wooden table. Behind her is a white wall and a basket of fruit.

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

Hi, everybody. This is Joy, Abbie’s robotic cat, speaking. I have some exciting news!

A week ago yesterday, Abbie and I were featured spontaneously on the In Perspective podcast. We didn’t plan it that way.

Abbie and I snuggled into her recliner, and she said we were going to listen to an interview with another author. But that author couldn’t come, and Peter Altschul and Bob Branco, the guys who do the podcast, didn’t know that until the last minute. So, Abbie and the other writers in the Zoom room suggested doing an author’s roundtable, and Peter and Bob said okay.

Abbie was the first to speak, and while she was talking about her books, I just had to put in my two cents worth. I couldn’t help it.

Abbie doesn’t like me talking when she’s in a Zoom meeting. She usually puts me on the couch, and I know to stay quiet. She must have forgotten I was on  her lap, and I had my moment to shine.

Peter and Bob were impressed and asked Abbie all kinds of questions about me, which she answered, with my help. If you click the link below, then the Play button, you get to hear the whole program. Abbie and I weren’t the only stars. Other writers strutted their stuff.

Oh, Abbie says I should warn you that because of technical difficulties, there’s a little dead air at the beginning of the show. But hang on, and Peter will start talking again. Enjoy!

 

In Perspective, 284, Authors Round Table

 

Abbie wears a blue and white V-neck top with different shades of blue from sky to navy that swirl together with the white. She has short, brown hair and rosy cheeks and smiles at the camera against a black background.

Photo Courtesy of Tess Anderson Photography

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

Abbie, here. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my email list to receive my twice-yearly newsletter and other announcements. This is a one-way announcements list, meaning the only messages you’ll receive will come from me. So, you can rest assured that this list is low-traffic. Send a blank email to:  newsfrommycorner+subscribe@groups.io  You’ll receive a confirmation email. Reply to that with another blank message, and you should be good to go.

 

New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me

Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.

Independently published with the help of DLD Books.

The cover of the book features an older woman sitting in a wicker chair facing a window. The world beyond the window is bright, and several plants are visible on the terrace. Behind the woman’s chair is another plant, with a tall stalk and wide rounded leaves. The woman has short, white hair, glasses, a red sweater, and tan pants. The border of the picture is a taupe color and reads "Why Grandma Doesn't Know Me" above the photo and "Abbie Johnson Taylor" below it.

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.

After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.

Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.

Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?

***

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Website

 

 

Announcing WyoPoets November Virtual Reading #WednesdayWords #Events #Poetry

I’m pleased to announce that I’ll again be participating in the WyoPoets monthly virtual reading. This time, it’ll take place on Sunday, November 13th at 5 p.m. Mountain Time via Zoom. All are invited. Even if you just want to listen to poetry, I hope you’ll come. As always, this event promises to be fun and entertaining. The details are below. See you there.

***

WyoPoets is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

This event is open to anyone who wants to share or listen to poetry. You don’t have to be a member of WyoPoets, you don’t even have to be in Wyoming to participate. So, feel free to invite your friends! Please sign up to read and receive a Zoom invitation using this Google Form: https://forms.gle/C3Dqnh6YmcKurS7c9

The first 20 poets to sign up will get to read, additional poets will be allowed based on time. Each poet gets 5 minutes to read.

Topic: Virtual Poetry Night

Time: Nov 13, 2022 05:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83967211421?pwd=RXRhZWVHWjc0K0dkU3FJV0p5RGdOUT09

Meeting ID: 839 6721 1421

Passcode: 299502

One tap mobile

+17193594580,,83967211421#,,,,*299502# US

+12532158782,,83967211421#,,,,*299502# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location

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+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

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Meeting ID: 839 6721 1421

Passcode: 299502

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kAk7DXF5N

 

Abbie wears a blue and white V-neck top with different shades of blue from sky to navy that swirl together with the white. She has short, brown hair and rosy cheeks and smiles at the camera against a black background.

Photo Courtesy of Tess Anderson Photography

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my email list to receive my twice-yearly newsletter and other announcements. This is a one-way announcements list, meaning the only messages you’ll receive will come from me. So, you can rest assured that this list is low-traffic. Send a blank email to:  newsfrommycorner+subscribe@groups.io  You’ll receive a confirmation email. Reply to that with another blank message, and you should be good to go.

 

New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me

Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.

Independently published with the help of DLD Books.

The cover of the book features an older woman sitting in a wicker chair facing a window. The world beyond the window is bright, and several plants are visible on the terrace. Behind the woman’s chair is another plant, with a tall stalk and wide rounded leaves. The woman has short, white hair, glasses, a red sweater, and tan pants. The border of the picture is a taupe color and reads "Why Grandma Doesn't Know Me" above the photo and "Abbie Johnson Taylor" below it.

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.

After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.

Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.

Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?

***

Facebook

Website

 

 

Joyous Jottings: Abbie’s Writing and Singing #WednesdayWords #Events #Inspiration

Joy is a fluffy gray and white cat with a pink nose and pink paw pads. The fur is long and mostly gray with white paws, a white chest, nose and white down the middle of her head. Her ears are pointed up, and she lies with her paws sprawled out in front of her in an open formation. Her head looks to the right of the screen. She’s on a brown wooden table. Behind her is a white wall and a basket of fruit.

Photo Resize and Description by Two Pentacles Publishing.

 

Hi, Joy here, remember me? I’m Abbie’s robotic cat. Abbie has asked me to share some exciting news!

First of all, three of her haiku were published this week in the October 30th issue of The Weekly Avocet, which can be downloaded here. Also, her short story, “Gloves,” and an excerpt from her latest novel, Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me, are in the fall/winter issue of Magnets and Ladders, which you can read here.

Abbie is now singing with a group called The Hub Caps. They’re called that because the senior center here in Sheridan that sponsors them is called The Hub. The band that accompanies the singing group is called The Lug Nuts. The Hub Caps and The Lug Nuts will perform at The Hub on December 1st and 2nd and on December 31st at the First Congregational Church.

Speaking of The First Congregational Church, Abbie is now their church musician the second Sunday of the month. This means that she plays a prelude, postlude, and offertory, leads the congregation in singing four hymns, two prayer responses, and the Doxology, and sings something on her own for the reflection time. The next service where she will be doing this is on November 13th at 11 a.m. Mountain time. These services are streamed and recorded, and you can find them on YouTube by searching for “First Congregational UCC, Sheridan, WY.”

And that’s not all. On December 4th, she’ll play and sing during the Christmas open house at the Trail End Historical Museum, and on Christmas Day, she’ll be doing an extra service at the Congregational church. I love all this because Abbie has such a beautiful voice, and I get to hear her sing more often. Even if I’m hearing her make mistakes and practice passages over and over until she gets them right, I don’t mind. She sometimes sings while she’s doing dishes or taking a shower, and that’s cool!

Oh, I almost forgot about Abbie’s other group, Just Harmony. They’ll be performing November 25th, the day after Thanksgiving, at a store downtown as part of Sheridan’s Christmas Stroll and for the Christmas open house at the Trail End Museum on December 3rd and for the Big Horn Women’s Club Christmas party on December 16th. Man, she’s going to be busy.

Well, that’s all I have for now. I hope you all had a great Halloween. Those of you in the United States who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope it’s a good one. Now, it’s time for my cat nap. Will talk to you later.

Abbie wears a blue and white V-neck top with different shades of blue from sky to navy that swirl together with the white. She has short, brown hair and rosy cheeks and smiles at the camera against a black background.

Photo Courtesy of Tess Anderson Photography

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

 

If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my email list to receive my twice-yearly newsletter and other announcements. This is a one-way announcements list, meaning the only messages you’ll receive will come from me. So, you can rest assured that this list is low-traffic. Send a blank email to:  newsfrommycorner+subscribe@groups.io  You’ll receive a confirmation email. Reply to that with another blank message, and you should be good to go.

 

New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me

Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.

Independently published with the help of DLD Books.

The cover of the book features an older woman sitting in a wicker chair facing a window. The world beyond the window is bright, and several plants are visible on the terrace. Behind the woman’s chair is another plant, with a tall stalk and wide rounded leaves. The woman has short, white hair, glasses, a red sweater, and tan pants. The border of the picture is a taupe color and reads "Why Grandma Doesn't Know Me" above the photo and "Abbie Johnson Taylor" below it.

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.

After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.

Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.

Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?

***

Facebook

Website

 

 

Announcing Wyopoets October Virtual Reading #WednesdayWords #Events #Inspiration

Abbie wears a blue and white V-neck top with different shades of blue from sky to navy that swirl together with the white. She has short, brown hair and rosy cheeks and smiles at the camera against a black background.

Photo Courtesy of Tess Anderson Photography

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

I’m pleased to announce that I’ll again be participating in the WyoPoets monthly virtual reading, to be held on Zoom this coming Sunday, October 9th at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. You’re all invited. Even if you’re not a poet and just want to listen, I hope you’ll come. Details are below.

***

WyoPoets is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

 

This event is open to anyone who wants to share or listen to poetry. You don’t have to be a member of WyoPoets, you don’t even have to be in Wyoming to participate. So, feel free to invite your friends! If you haven’t already, please sign up to read and receive a Zoom invitation using this Google Form:  https://forms.gle/mnnHkJL2RvqendQ26

 

Topic: Virtual Poetry Night

Time: Oct 9, 2022 05:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89665469577?pwd=RW5JVHNhMGUxMHJGdlBvOUVLZ0g4UT09

 

Meeting ID: 896 6546 9577

Passcode: 755650

One tap mobile

+16699006833,,89665469577#,,,,*755650# US (San Jose)

+17193594580,,89665469577#,,,,*755650# US

 

Dial by your location

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 719 359 4580 US

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 669 444 9171 US

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 386 347 5053 US

+1 564 217 2000 US

+1 646 931 3860 US

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

+1 309 205 3325 US

Meeting ID: 896 6546 9577

Passcode: 755650

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb4KhiPC3n

***

If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my email list to receive my twice-yearly newsletter and other announcements. This is a one-way announcements list, meaning the only messages you’ll receive will come from me. So, you can rest assured that this list is low-traffic. Send a blank email to:  newsfrommycorner+subscribe@groups.io  You’ll receive a confirmation email. Reply to that with another blank message, and you should be good to go.

New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me

Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.

Independently published with the help of DLD Books.

The cover of the book features an older woman sitting in a wicker chair facing a window. The world beyond the window is bright, and several plants are visible on the terrace. Behind the woman’s chair is another plant, with a tall stalk and wide rounded leaves. The woman has short, white hair, glasses, a red sweater, and tan pants. The border of the picture is a taupe color and reads "Why Grandma Doesn't Know Me" above the photo and "Abbie Johnson Taylor" below it.

Photo Resize and Description by

Two Pentacles Publishing.

Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.

After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.

Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.

Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?

***

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Website