She's no longer here to celebrate so I think I'll share some of the wisdom she handed down to me over the years.
There were 8 children in our family and we did our share of competing for rights, privileges, and second helpings. Of course we often declared that one thing or another was not fair. Mom was usually quick to respond with "Life is not fair." To be honest with you, I could see that by observing life itself, by comparing myself to others, and by reading about the sorrows of the world. At some level I think that is what all my stories are about - grappling with questions about life's inequities.
Mom dealt with her share of bickering and she did her best to defuse our petty quarrels. "Sticks and stones may break my bones," she'd say. "But words can never hurt me." I learned from her that there is very little that is worth fighting over - or at least losing relationships over. I really do hate conflict - especially war and that seems to creep into all my stories.
Another Mom quote that I can't shake is, "Be the matter - great or small. Do it well or not at all." This was the sort of thing she'd say when she wanted me to sweep the porch well or scrub the bathroom spic and span. But I believe those words have seeped over into whatever I do. I really don't want to settle for mediocre anything - whether it's weeding the flower beds, or speaking in public, or writing books.
So, on my Mom's birthday (and AIM's) I'm having a contest. Not a mediocre one with a single book giveaway. This contest will have 10 different winners, each claiming one copy of AIM. So please spread the word. To enter, share this blog link on social media or by email. Be sure to mention the giveaway!
Just let me know where and how you shared it and I will enter you once for sharing. Oh - and for another chance, click on the "Follow Me by Email" link below my profile pic on the right of this blog. Let me know that you did so and I'll enter you, again!
Thanks for your help. "Be the matter great or small, do it well or not at all!"
I shared the link on Facebook. Would love to have a copy. Tina davis
ReplyDeleteThanks Tina. I entered you!
DeleteI shared on FB and followed by email! I can't wait to read Aim!
ReplyDeleteAnn Hobgood
I do appreciate it, Ann. I entered you twice.
DeleteHow wonderful to hear about your dear mother, Joyce. What a blessed heritage you have. I would love to have a copy of this book - to go along with the other two. Thank you for the opportunity to win. Shared on FB and follow by email.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. It's so true - I am really blest and Mom was amazing in her own quiet way.Thanks for participating. I entered you twice!
DeleteI shared it on FB! I hope we win!! We have read and have all of your other books in our library at home.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kimberly. Which Kimberly Willis are you? I have several of you as FB friends. ;) Can't figure out from FB which one you are.
DeleteI'm not friends with you on FB but I am friends with your daughter, Wendy. We homeschool too and we met you last year at Erin Sipe's writing class. My son is Brady....you may remember him because of his super-friendly personality!
DeleteFYI...I just requested to "follow you by email". Thanks again!
DeleteThanks Kim. Yes, I remember you and Brady. Gym and Swim friends - right? I have entered you twice now. Thanks for sharing and following!
DeleteCongrats, Joyce!!! Looking forward to reading Aim. I really enjoyed your other books. I shared on fb and followed by email. Thanks, Joy Clymer
ReplyDeleteHi Joy. Lovely to hear from you. I entered you twice!
DeleteCongratulations, Joyce! I love historical fiction, esp for kids. I've share this post on facebook and added my address to followed by email. Thanks, Gail Cartee
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Gail! I entered you twice!
DeleteHappy birthday, AIM. We've been waiting for this day of you official arrival. Pass my opportunity to win on to someone else since I have been blessed to have a copy already. Love ya Sis.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeannie for all your support. All the time!
DeleteCongratulations, Joyce! I just shared on FB and also added my email address to follow your blog. We are looking forward to Aim!
ReplyDeleteI've entered you twice, Lynn! Thanks for participating and sharing.
DeleteYou know I'm a big fan of yours! Love historic fiction. Not that I'm trying to sway you, but I have a policy if I win a free book, I review it. Best wishes on AIM!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. I so appreciate your support! I'll enter you in the contest!
DeleteI shared this on FB. I would love to have a copy of your book AIM.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThanks, Sharon. I'll see you on FB.
DeleteIt was wonderful to hear your mother's "words of wisdom." You must miss her terribly.
ReplyDeleteI shared this on FB and signed up for your blog via eamil.
My mother has been gone over 4 years. but I hear her voice in certain sayings, "pretty is as pretty does", it can make you bitter or better", etc. I see her face when I look in the mirror. Looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of AIM. You are a splendid writer.
ReplyDeleteAh Gail, I loved hearing your mother's sayings. She sounds a lot like my mom. And how nice that you look in the mirror and see your mom!
DeleteI entered you into the giveaway!
No need to enter me-- I have two copies already. One for me, one for the grandkids. SO happy for you and your mother's words were some of my mother's. How about that.
ReplyDeleteHa! That's cool about our moms saying the same things to us.
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS,JOYCE!!! I tweeted, but no need to enter me. You know I have a copy!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, for tweeting, Clara! I haven't yet sent Bish's book since I am at the beach but I will. We are leaving here tomorrow - getting out of the way of the storm!
DeleteCongratulations Joyce. What a very special day for you! I love how you are sharing it with your mom. I remember the "early days" of writing and how you always had that notepad, writing down exactly what you were seeing in excruciating detail just to have for a possible future book. And now, here you are with another soon to be award winning best seller!! Proud of your hard work lady!!
ReplyDeleteStephanie, you are sweet! Thanks so very much!
DeleteI'm sharing the link on Twitter! Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it, Jana! I entered you into the contest.
DeleteI love this book. No need to put me in the drawing. I have already read this wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteRosi, I always value your support! Thanks so very much for reading and reviewing AIM.
DeleteI'm following you and I shared on FBI. Congratulations on your book birthday. I've loved your other books and can't wait to read. Aim.
ReplyDeleteJoy, thanks so much for participating. I have entered you twice and I can see that you have followed me. All best to you and your poetry making!
DeleteCongratulations! I can't wait to read AIM. I'm working on a story from 1945 about Indian history and dealing with grief. My instructor told me about your book AIM and your contest here.
ReplyDeleteI will be checking out the library to study how you handled this time period. thanks so much!!
Thanks so much, Kathy! Sounds as though we have similar writing interests! I surely wish you much joy and success in writing!
DeleteI shared on FB can't wait to read Aim
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Paula. You're in the drawing!
DeleteHello Joyce,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on Aim! I glad that you got the opportunity to revisit a fictional world you created and love. I can't wait to read it! Your mother sounds like she was a wise person and wonderful mom. :)
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