I mentioned in my previous post the class I've begun with Cyn Mobley (she'll get a google alert now that I've mentioned her name). In this informative class, I'm rubbing elbows with fellow lovers of the written word and learned some great stuff all writers should know about life on the net. Yes, it's true, writer's have to also live in the real world and do things besides just write great sentences.

I found out about GoDaddy.com where one can register their name for at least a period of one year (if it's still available!). For those wondering why I should want to do this, I'll tell you. It's to protect my domain name once I become famous.  Is that the sound of laughter I hear? Ha! Little you know. I need this protection so I can have my own website with my own name so others can find me easily. I am now registered for the low price of $9.99 each as ReggieJay.com and NanaGG.com. There was, however, an additional small fee to keep my personal info private. I paid it. I'm pondering if I should reserve the tentative name of my soon to be bestseller.

Also, check out Linkedin.com so your sites are linked, make sure you too initiate google alert so if you're mentioned on the web, you'll be notified. How great is that?

I hope Jim Stovall doesn't mind me mentioning here that he was the fellow writer that informed the group of these sites. Thanks Jim!  

You never know what you'll come away with when you seek more knowledge of your craft. It's not always simply about the craft; you may find yourself empowered to operate in the world of your craft.

On occasion there are events in one's life that are life-changing. If you're really lucky, you know it when it's happening. That's what happened to me this past weekend at the Mountain Heritage Festival held on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN.  To make it even more special, I had a writer friend there to share it with- my Quillbilly friend, Nansy. 

We were treated to insightful teaching by Darnell Arnoult. Inspired by the drama of Barbara Bates-Smith in her one-woman dramatic interpretation of On Agate Hill. Enthralled by the stories and mountain singing of Sheila Kay Adams. For me, I was humbled by the simple blending of voices by the Johnson Sisters. All this, entertwined by the love of the written word. Each writer, poet, singer in attendance was encouraged to notice the people that live around them and the surrounding geography and idiosyncracies of the culture. Every holler, valley, glen, and bend in the creek means something to someone. There's a story there...it's our job as a writer to seek it out. To tell the story with the right words.

Last, I was reminded of the special place I have been privileged to grow up in. The campus at LMU was beautiful. Gorgeous, towering trees...oak, magnolia, tulip popular, locust, and many I'm embarrassed to say, I couldn't identify. I'm going to work on that!