October or Monstober (love that portmanteau) is one of my favorite months--being a geek, I love dressing up in a costume and giving out and eating candy, preferably Hershey's Special Dark chocolate. What are you dressing up as this year? This Halloween I'm going as Lady  Melisandre, the Red Priestess in Game of Thrones. I'll post pics next month!  

 

This month also marks the beginning of my new Reiki practice. I have been learning and practicing Reiki for over two years under the guidance of Master Reiki Teacher Dr. Barnsley Brown and now I'm a master practitioner. So what's Reiki?

 

 Reiki is an ancient Japanese natural healing method that promotes balance and wellness. Reiki, applied with the hands by an attuned practitioner (you leave your clothes on, shoes off), addresses all levels of well-being on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. It is highly effective for reducing stress, tension and pain, and for promoting specific healing on the self and others.

 

I'm now accepting clients for my Reiki practice at Triangle Massage Partners at 8384 Six Forks Rd, Suite 203. I use the powerful energy of Reiki to empower the creativity of writers, musicians, and visual artists. I'm booking now for one-hour Reiki sessions and check out my October special below.

 

Thank you to everyone who completed my summer survey and we have a winner! Congratulations, Diane Riggins! For this month's contest, tell me what you're going to be for Halloween and why. Email me here.

 

I haven't read my poetry out in a while and if you've missed me reading "The Lesbians Next Door," then next Tuesday at Unvine'd in downtown Cary is your chance! I'll be reading with fellow poet Harry Calhoun--don't miss it! (details below)

 

I'm teaching poetry this month through the Apex Arts Council and in January back by popular demand, is my Memoir, The Next Level, which will run six Thursdays from Jan. 16 to Feb. 20^th from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Center for Excellence in Raleigh. Here's the Live Registration Link so you can book now and save on the Early Bird special.

SAVE THE DATE! The Fall NC Writers' Conference is Nov 15-17 at the Sunspree Holiday Inn in Wrightsville Beach. Workshops, agents, networking and I'll be helping with the critique service and marketing mart! More info here.

This intensive online workshop series is for both editors and authors of fiction who are interested in breaking into freelance fiction editing or who want to advance their skills. This three-week series will cover the publishing process and will give you confidence with specific editing concerns such as timelines, characters, point of view, revision and more. The lessons will also cover logic, flow, voice, point of view, characterization, setting, and more. On the freelance editing business end, we'll also discuss time management, communication, and other smart business practices. This webinar series will be recorded so you won't miss the lesson if you cannot make the "live" class.

    

Location: UnVine'd Wine Bar & Tapas 201 W Chatham St #103, Olde Cary Commons, Cary, NC 27519
Tuesday, October 8, 2013   Time:  7:30-9pm
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Relax with a glass of wine and listen to poetry from two talented    Raleigh poets both nominated for Pushcart Prizes:  Harry Calhoun (http://harrycalhoun.net) and Alice Osborn (http://aliceosborn.com). Harry has had work published in various poetry journals and more than a dozen books and chapbooks over the past three decades. His most recent collection is Failure is Unimportant. Alice is the author of three books of poetry, the most recent collection is After the Steaming Stops. Expect to be entertained, intrigued and amazed. Both Harry's and Alice's books will be available for purchase after the reading. Reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy, UnVine'd Wine Bar and Tapas is tucked away in the heart of downtown Cary, with walls adorned with artwork from local artists courtesy of Manifestationz Art Gallery.

Location: Holiday Inn Express, 1006 Marco Drive at NC55 and US1, Apex NC  27502
Saturday, October 19, 2013   Time: 9:30am-2pm
Registration is at 9am    Fee: $59, FOR ALL AGES
1st class is 9:30-11am, break is 11-12 and 2nd class is 12-2pm
To Register Click Here

Are you an aspiring writer? Would you like to learn the secrets of professional writers? Then join these two published authors, Alice Osborn and Belea T. Keeney, to learn how to achieve your full potential with the written word and how to publish your book in either fiction or poetry using tried and true formatting and submissions tips. This event is sponsored by the Apex Arts Council (www.apexartscouncil.org) and all levels of writers are welcome.


Co-sponsored by the NC Writers Network    

Location: Center for Excellence, 3803-B Computer Dr. Suite 106, Raleigh, NC 27609
Friday,  October 25, 2013     Time:  10:00-noon    
To RSVP Click Here

This month we read Snow by Turkish author Orhan Pamuk. Ka returns to Turkey after more than 12 years in Germany to investigate a suicide epidemic among teenage girls. He also returns to hopefully meet a woman he once knew. Says Joanne Wilkinson of the American Library Association, "Pamuk mixes elements of the fable, a heavy dose of metaphysics, and great swathes of artificial, stilted dialogue as he slowly, ever so slowly, parses the differences between the secular and the faithful." Find more info about Wonderland at: http://meetup.com/wonderlandbookclub



Location: McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh, NC
Tuesday, October 29th, 2013   Time:  7:15-8:45am
Love offering suggested    
To RSVP Click Here

Have you visited the Ronald McDonald House in Durham to see all those courageous kids fighting through unimaginable illnesses?
If you have, you've also seen the amazing support families get at the Ronald McDonald House, which as you know offers a comforting home away from home and a community of support for seriously-ill children and their families. Join me on October 29th for a breakfast at the McKimmon Center to support the Ronald McDonald House of Durham for all they do for families and the community.  For more info, please visit http://www.ronaldhousedurham.org/

   

Location: Bend of Ivy Lodge, Marshall, NC outside of Asheville
3717 Bend of Ivy Rd. Marshall, NC 28753   www.bendofivylodge.com
Fri-Mon   August  8-11, 2014      4 Day, 3-Night Retreat!

EARLY BIRD RATE: $250 Deposit in 2013 and $400 in 2014 ($650, savings of $150) if you act now before Dec 31, 2013.
(Reg. $800, all inclusive)
To Register Click Here

Immerse yourself in a weekend of writing without interruption in the mountains of Western Carolina. This is your answer to, "I'll write when I can find the time!"  Come and fulfill your purpose, which is to write. Empowered women are powerful writers-grab your power so you can dream and accomplish your dreams of writing your story! Together over the course of this weekend, we'll delve into our stories of defining moments, healing and self discovery. This is called "Living the Writing Life!"

There'll be plenty of time for reflection and individual writing during the day, and on Saturday night we'll share our work over marshmallows and fellowship.  Bend of Ivy Lodge is an intimate retreat setting surrounded by woods, rivers and streams that will foster community and creativity. Relax by the waterfall, hear the call of herons and walk the many trails on the converted tobacco farm property.

Participation limited to 15 women writers of any genre and experience. If you haven't already worked with Alice, please submit a two-page writing sample with your registration to Alice Osborn to best accommodate your experience at this retreat. You'll be treated to eight organic meals and snacks. Bring your hearts, your pens and paper. All writers receive a 10-minute consult with Alice Osborn.