Readers,

Did you know that when I blog to you it's actually exercise? I'm not going to lose any weight typing but it's a great writing exercise for me. When I tell you about my day, signings, etc. you actually help me to be a better writer. If you are trying to hone in on your skills as a writer try crafting short stories in a notebook every day. It does not take too much time to practice your writing. A good tip could be when you first wake up in the morning write a story about your dreams...make it fun and change details around to suit your story line. You can even finish out a dream that did not have a ending. Thanks for reading and keep writing those words on paper eventually they will jump off of the pages and land in others hearts:)

Tara Michener:)

Great Lakes, A River and Snow

Readers,

I had a blast with you all this weekend! My Saturday signing was at Great Lakes Crossing Mall in Auburn Hills, MI. What a crowd! One of my customers bought 23 books for her daycare centers....Thanks so much!! I was so elated with the turnout. I sold out fast and spoke to many wonderful people. The next day I went to Writers on The River in Monroe. This event had over 35 authors! Many were seasoned authors who had written many children's books. The person next to me was Cyd Moore. Cyd is a kind, fun illustrator of many wonderful Children's works. I actually bought her book Willow which I found colorful and also thought provoking. This event was a breath of fresh air as I noticed newer authors such as myself and more seasoned veterans like Cyd. The staff was kind and I truly enjoyed the people that showed up to purchase books. Imagine my suprise when I noticed the snowflakes hitting the pavement on my way out of the venue. I know that it is November but I did not expect to see our white flaky friends just yet. So as I said this was truly a fun weekend...and very busy! This week I will be teaching a workshop in Novi from 6-8 at the Civic Center Thursday and in Madison Heights signing books on Saturday. I look forward to seeing you! :)

Read something good!

Tara Michener :)

BUSY BUSY WEEKEND!

Readers,

This is going to be a busy weekend for me. I notice that I always have to be careful when multi-tasking to remember important rules. One of my rules is just because I'm busy I should not skimp on being kind to others. Have you ever noticed that when you are in a rush that you can treat others in a way that is less than desireable? I wonder if this is because it takes time and thought to be courteous. If it takes me two minutes longer to be kind today or tomorrow it's worth it, if it makes someone feel better. Let's make a pact today to focus on this rule of thumb....no matter how harsh people may be with us ...let's show them kindness. If we do this I believe we will feel alot better about ourselves and also help them to embrace the kindness that we offer.

This weekend you have two opportunities to see me and "Who I am not what I am". I will be signing books in Auburn Hills at Great Lakes Crossing Mall ( Borders Express, Auburn Hills). I will be signing books tomorrow and be a featured author at "Writers on the River" in Monroe, MI at the Public Library.

Have a great day & read something good!

I hope to see you:)

YOU MATTER

One of my biggest goals with my books and my speaking ventures is to get a very important message across. YOU MATTER! Many people feel as though they do not make a difference and they may feel as though their actions don't impact anyone. Everyone makes a difference in this life. We get to choose if our choices will bring good or bad to others. I hope that you choose good. Simple things can make a big impact on others. If you decide that today you are going to smile at people more. You've made a difference. If you choose not to respond to negativity....you've made a impact. When we choose the right thing we help when we don't we may hurt....it's always our choice ....and our choices always matter. This Saturday I hope that you have time to stop by and see me at Great Lakes Crossing Mall. I will be signing books there from 1-3. Sunday I will be in Monroe at Writers on The River. Thursday Evening I will be teaching a creative writing workshop for those of you who prefer evenings:) This is a great way to put your thoughts into action and sharpen your writing skills. I hope that your day is great!

NOTES FROM A CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

The Creative Writing Workshop series began yesterday. Eager participants had pens and one had a laptop ready to hone their skills as writers. Their reasons for being there varied. Some just wanted to share their written works and get feedback...others talked about dreams of writing their own book one day and thought this would be a great place to begin. The day opened with timed writing exercises of many different kinds. Thier was an emphasis on free-writing, poetry and even some time to openly critique others works. I heard the beginnings of great written works yesterday and was very proud of the group that showed up on such a beautiful day to let their thoughts run wild on paper. I hope that you can make the next one which will be November 13th from 6-8 p.m. My goal is to vary the times and days so that all who wish to attend a workshop are able to benefit from the series. In December we will feature a weekend session for those who have free-time on Saturdays. Remember that I will be at Great Lakes Crossing Mall in Auburn Hills this Saturday from 1-3 at the Borders Express. I hope to see you there. Today I am heading out to a pre-school in Canton to do a reading and a program. Have a great day and don't be too busy to read something great!

Thanks Southgate...and more!

Everybody that stopped by the Southgate signing was appreciated. Thanks to the wonderful staff at the book store. It would be impossible to have a good event without the helpful staff at the stores. Yesterdays staff at the Borders Express was a great bunch! Pictures to come later. One of the best things about my signing yesterday was a lady who had been trying to make it to my events from the very beginning. Tamara emailed me after an article was published in one of the local newspapers. She mentioned that this book would be great for her family and she'd love to meet. I sent her my schedule but we were never able to meet up until yesterday. She was so full of joy and enthusiasm and had a great attitude. The signings are great because the people that attend and help out make them that way. I am looking forward to seeing more of you at The Great Lakes Crossing Signing this upcoming Saturday. Thanks again for bringing rays of sunshine to me even in November:) Remember that this Wednesday is the Creative Writing Workshop in Novi it's not to late to brush up on your writing and learn some more tricks of the trade.

Thanks again for reading and have a great day!

HAPPY NOVEMBER

Hi Readers,

The season will soon change and the leaves will be replaced with snow. Let's remember to be thankful for all of our friends, family, jobs, blessings, schools, _________ fill in the blank. This is also a good time to make sure we are satisfied with ourselves. Can you be more grateful for someone that you appreciate? Are you happy with your grades in school? I made some changes in my career recently and now I am writing more than I have in a long time but I am also happier. There is nothing wrong with change. The seasons do it! :) Enjoy your day and I hope to see you in Southgate from 2-4 today. You made my day by reading. I'll try to make your's by writing.