Literary

Fiction Nook
Reported by FoxY

During August, I offered the following challenging prompt for our short story writers: Brandi Engler and Greg Sampson meet a week before his wedding. One of them is allergic to almonds. Write their story. Only two of our members were up for the challenge :) Congratulations to our winners!!

FIRST PLACE
A Night to Remember by Christina Smith aka Stina

SECOND PLACE
Untitled by Tracy Knight

Whimsical Nook
Come and see what lighthearted tales and poems we have for you this month! But a warning....it's only for the young at heart! *g*

Nonfiction Nook
Reported by Christina

This month I left the theme up to the writers. Whatever they chose to write about that had happened to them, or that they experienced. Some were heartfelt while others were more happy memories. Each were very moving writes.


Poetry Nook
Reported by FoxY

This month our members were to write a poem inspired by the following theme:
Wisdom for the journey
A special thank you to everyone who took the time to read all the poems and to cast your votes.
Congratulations to our winners!
(due to only having 10 entries this month, I opted not to award Honorable mention awards)
First Place -Traits of Life by Barb Riffey aka Seagull
Second Place - Wisdom for the Journey by Loretta Jacobs aka Silveressence
Third Place - Wisdom for the Journey by Christina aka Stina

Congratulations to our winners!

Challenge Nook
Reported by Christina

August's Challenge was inspired by "The Lake House". Imagining you are separated by time with someone with whom you are connected. Someone with whom you are complete though you know you could never be. How does this make you feel? What would you do? Also incorporating ten challenge words, the results were breath-takingly beautiful. Each different but just as lovely.


Continuing Story Nook
Reported by Carol

For August, we did something different. We took one of my own short stories previously submitted in the Fiction Nook, and wrote a sequel. My original story was "Tick Tock" (link available in the Continuing Story Nook), and with each of us having different perspectives and ideas, the sequel "Turn Back Time" was born! I invite you to stop by and read this exciting tale, and watch the story unfold right up to the final twist.


Celebrations & Comfort Nook
I would like to thank everyone who submitted this month. I know all of our Sisters here appreciate your thoughts and sentiments on their pages. Please keep on submitting ladies!


Note from FoxY:
It is with a sad heart that I post this, my last newsletter entry from the Literary Garden. Due to many changes taking place in my Real Life, I must resign from the Literary Garden. I want to personally thank each and every one of you who have made my stay here a wonderous one. I have been a member of this garden since nearly it's conception, and joined staff as an assistant a few months later. I have enjoyed my stay, and all the beautiful friendships I have gained. You ladies are the best!! As my path in life takes me in a different direction, I wish you, the Literary Girls, the very best!! Write on, ladies, write on!!!

Due to my leaving, and training new literary staff, the garden will be closed during September. So there will be no new reading next month. Make sure you stop by and check out the writings from August, though :)

In my place, Christina will be stepping up as Garden Head. We are in the process of adding new staff members to the Literary Garden team. I know that the garden, in all it's splendor, will continue on joining friendships through the written word! Christina, your passion for the Literary Garden shines through everything you do, and I know you will do a fabulous job!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping to make this difficult decision for me, a little easier, knowing that the garden is loving hands.

With lots of love
FoxY

Until next month, Happy Reading,
FoxY, Delana, Carol, Christina, Orca, and Broken Angel


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Spotlight Author

Kesia aka Nasty Angel
http://www.nastyangelsmusings.com
NastyAngelsMusings@yahoo.com

Kesia is such a blessing to the Literary Garden. Besides making her required submissions, in various Nooks, she is always there to offer kind words of hope and encouragement to the Literary Garden Girls. Her warm words and smiles really add to the camaraderie of the garden. Thank you for simply being YOU!!

1. What is your favorite Literary Garden Nook and why?
I enjoy the Challenges each month, because I love to see what different Muses come up with, using the same prompt.

2. What do you like best about being a member of the Garden?
I believe those who share of the written word are open, honest and real with whom they are. This being said, I love being able to get an inside view to what makes each of you tick.

3. Do you believe "the pen is mightier than the sword?" Why?
You betcha’! Well, at least mine is. LOL I can say anything on paper, much better than I can speak it. No matter which Message or emotion I am sharing, it always comes out more powerful and graceful, than if I were to just “speak” it! LOL

4. If you had the chance to speak on international television and your speech had to be about you, what would you tell the world?
Well, if you read the entry above you know I would have to crawl out from under the podium first, but I guess I would say something along these lines.

I have been through hell and high water to get where I am today; I realize I still have a lot of swimming to do before I reach the Other Side. Each lesson, each step, has been Blessed by the Beauty of His Love. We all question why we are here, some never find the answer. I am very proud to say I have discovered myself and my reason for being. It really is quite simple; I am here to share the Faith, the Love and the Message of His Greatness. No, life has not been perfect and I don’t guess it ever will be. However, through each trial and tribulation, there has been a Message He wishes for me to share. I am honored and humbled by His Gift; I am grateful He chose me as His sounding board.

5. Do you have any pets?
Yes, we have a cat named George.

6. When life gets you down, who can make you laugh?
My husband Gregg…he can always make me laugh!

7. Do you collect anything? If so, care to share?
I have several collections….Angels, porcelain dolls, fairies and Barbies. I finally quit buying more…LOL…I figured out I was the only duster in the house!

8. Can you tell us one thing about yourself that we might find surprising?
I was married two years ago to a fellow Texan, who grew up twenty miles from me in Houston…however; we met in Northern Virginia, where we still reside. It seems you have to move all the way to Virginia to find a good Texan! LOL

9. What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
I love to snuggle up with a good book, or just lay there and listen to the rain…I love a rainy day!

10. Who or what inspires you to write?
Two things inspire me to write. On good days, He shares His Message with me, so I may share it with each of you. Unfortunately, the only other things which seem to inspire my Muse, is the painful walk I have taken, those who have wounded my soul the deepest, and the craziness only I can see within.