Greetings ladies! I trust you are all enjoying your summer vacations, for those in the northern hemisphere, while some of us southern hemisphere folk (ie, Australia…*g*) are gearing up for Spring – already where I am Spring is most definitely in the air. But on with what’s new in Literary…

Well I hope you all enjoy the selection we have in store for you this month. We invite you to stop by and have a read of the wonderful stories, poetry and challenges, all of which continue to showcase the fantastic display of our ladies’ talent!

And if you enjoy writing, why don’t you come and join us?! There’s plenty for you to do here, even if you don’t think you are a writer. There is plenty of room for you to cosy on up with the ladies, and the Mini Challenges are a great way to teach us a little more about the art of creative writing whilst enjoying one another’s efforts. Please feel free to stop by the Literary pages and take a look. We’d love to have you!

Please don’t forget to stop by and read about our Spotlight Author of the Month…..just who could she be this month….*s*

Mini Challenge Nook
Reported by Christina

We did something a little different with one of the Mini Challenges in July. Each of us were encouraged to write an Acrostic poem using the words LITERARY GARDEN and write just what being in the Garden means. Then at the end of that week the entries were voted on by the rest of the Garden, with the winners taking pride of place on the Garden’s opening pages. Come and see just who the lucky ladies were.

These challenges continue to be a wonderful success in the Garden, prompting so much feedback and participation. And they are a lot of fun. You can read the selection of July’s Mini Challenges (as well as previous months) on the Literary website at http://www.wosib.org/literary/ under Mini Challenges, and by clicking on the corresponding month.

Fiction Nook
Reported by Christina

The Fiction theme for July The theme for July was to write a story about one of the following topics:

hope

love

terror

sorrow

And in which a box is the key feature.

Congratulation to our July winners! A special thank you to all who took the time to read the stories and send in your votes.

FIRST PLACE
Hope’s Chest by Christina Smith aka Stina

SECOND PLACE
/ The Old Hope Box by Joanne Pons

THIRD PLACE
My Hope for Tomorrow by Tracy Knight

HONOURABLE MENTION
The Heart-Shaped Box by Angel of Music aka Valerie Lawson

Poetry Nook
Reported by Christina

We all come from various parts of the world - different cultures, climates, timezones etc. And for each of us there is something special and unique about our little corners of the world. What sets your country apart from another? What aspects does one have that the other doesn't? What do you love about your country?

The Literary Girls share with us something about their corner of the world and what it means to them - what makes it unique.

Congratulations to all our winners. Linda and I have also decided that since everyone makes the effort to write and submit that they each deserve an award regardless – so beginning from June, we introduced the Participation Award for all those who submitted to the Nook.

A special thank you to all who took the time to read the poems and cast your votes.

FIRST PLACE
My Little Corner of the World by Linda J Vaughan

SECOND PLACE
The Great South Land by Christina aka Stina

THIRD PLACE
My Country, Worlds Apart by Lindamay Spivey-Bjorklund
HONOURABLE MENTION
Covered Bridges by Winter Wolf aka Lorrine McCain

Challenge Nook
Reported by Linda

The Challenge Nook of the Garden has had submissions from members who have not used this Nook before, and they make very interesting reading - pop by and read about how these members see themselves.

The Whimsical Nook has lovely submissions and it is magic to read them - a giggle or a sense of wonder is always guaranteed by a visit there.

The whole of the Literary Garden has lovely work presented by a very talented group of Ladies and you are always welcome to spend some time there.

Linda

Continuing Story
Reported by MaidenFair

This month the Continuing Story ladies tackled a suspense story with a twist - entitled "My Cornfield Nightmare". Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night unable to breath properly and certain the something isn't right?? Well for our feisty heroine, things certainly aren't right - and nothing is as it seems. Come on over to the Continuing Story nook and read this months endeavor.

Non Fiction Nook
Reported by Kesia aka Ms Nasty

During the month of July the Ladies of the Literary Garden shared with the Non-Fiction Nook, the moment of the ticking clock which brought freedom to their own lives. Please join us in August as we share the moment in time we regret the most and, how it formed the person we are today. If you would like to join us in the Non-Fiction Nook to share the beauty of you through the gift of the written word, please visit the Literary Garden pages today and have a look around. We'll be keeping a light on for you! Have a great month Ladies and hey, don't forget to keep a smile on.

In His Word-With His Love,
Kesia aka Nasty Angel

Comfort & Celebrations Nook
Reported by Joanne

Hello I'm Joanne and in charge of the Celebrations and Comforts Nook. Here members of the Literary Garden submit poems or very short stories to help celebrate happy events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, births, engagements and other joyous events. They also write and send peoms of support and comfort for those members who are ill or in difficulty as well as sympathy and condolences for the death of a loved one, including pets. In the northern hemisphere summer is still with us, and there is still time to enjoy outdoor activites while in some areas it will soon be time to go back to school. In the southern hemisphere our sisters are eagerly waiting for the first vestiges of the coming Spring while warm and snug in their last few weeks of winter. Wherever you are there is always an occasion to celebrate a happy and blessed season.

Expressions Nook
Reported by Sarah

The Expressions Nook is where members of the Garden can share their thoughts and feelings on various topics in a 'freeform' style.

This Nook of the Garden is where you can tell members of WOSIB your views on whatever the current Month's Theme is. A thought, a deep seeded feeling, your opinion on the topic, anything and everything, but please keep the feelings of others in mind when submitting your pieces.

If you are not a part of the Literary Garden I urge you to drop in and visit the Expressions Nook. From one Month to the next, there is not telling what feelings the writes will stir in you. They may even awake your Muse so much that you may choose to be a part of this stimulating Garden.

Whimsical Nook
Reported by Sarah

I urge everyone to stop by the Whimsical Nook. This Nook has no theme, it is a place where members can share poetry and short stories that are light-hearted in nature. Let your imagination soar, bring a smile to our faces and a lift to our hearts. Keep in mind ladies, that this nook was meant for light-hearted, whimsical little ditties, even comical in nature.

If you are a member of the Literary Garden then please share with us your whimsical side. If you are not a member of the Literary Garden I urge you to drop in and visit the Whimsical Nook. Each Month the submissions vary. Some are cute, some are sweet and others just may make you burst into laughter.

I would like to thank everyone who submitted this month. I know all of our Sisters here appreciate your thoughts on their pages.

Until next month, Happy Reading,
Christina
Garden Head

Linda
Assistant Head

MaidenFair, Kesia, Joanne and Sarah
Literary Assistants