Where have all the flowers gone…
Author: Janna Hill
Hello Pretty Kitty Puddin’ Jam (Another Wild Fish Tale)
The husband went fishing for three weeks and came home with a kitten. True story. He would like for me to believe it is a rare saltwater catfish. Ha! Everyone knows catfish do not have fur…. or four legs and sharp claws; it was another wild fish tale.
So I guess we are the new servants of a feisty little feline who calls herself Pretty Kitty Puddin’ Jam.
I am a bit perturbed with her and the husband because the darn thing makes me love her already.
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Help Wanted Ad (Beta Whaters?)
I am looking for five fresh eyes and sharp minds; beta readers who are passionate about reading and can be brutally honest if necessary.
Brief synopsis: Cloud Wrangler is book IV in the Clan Destiny series. If you have not read the other three books – no worries! Cloud Wrangler introduces new characters in the clan and their abilities. I want to know what your take is on the story, its flaws and if it is able to stand alone, etc…
Genre: You tell me.
Compensation: Your name in credits and that awesome feeling of knowing you helped bring it to life … you were part of making it happen.
Send me a short bio jannahill@rocketmail tell me a little about yourself and state what format you would prefer the ARC/manuscript. I personally prefer Microsoft Word doc for the ease of shared editing; highlight, make a note, send it back. No space consumed; no paper wasted. But I leave it up to your preference Mobi, PDF, etc…
I am wrapping up the final chapter and ARCs will be ready soon. PLEASE, please, please be aware I will need your input/summary/notes within two weeks of receiving the manuscript. If you have time constraints that prevent you from realistically accepting that deadline (I totally get it) maybe you should sit this one out. If this goes well we’ll do it again and there will be another chance.
Questions? Shoot me an email.
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Is this what you meant…
Dirty Dancing (Saltwater Salsa)
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Photographs Remind Us…
Book Covers are Like Mayflies Around Here
Hold on, there is a point to this — Help!
This is the fourth consecutive year I have been honored to be a judge in the FAC annual teen scholastic/literary/poetry event. This year was even more exciting because I am still alive and it was the first reason I have had to shuck my pajamas since last year. Just kidding! But seriously, FAC added a short story contest. Yay!
A little aside: Forney Arts Council hosts the annual event but an invitation to participate is extended to several surrounding cities. Just FYI Forney is a booming little town about a stone’s throw east of Dallas Texas.
Just look at the beautiful poets and writers of our future.
Some of them receiving their first check for following their passion.
The winners
I am so proud of every single one of them. I know their parents and teachers are too; and the fabulous lady (Tiffany) with a passion for art that keeps this thing going.
Hold on, there is a point to this post —
What was it? ….
Oh yes, Help!
I need your help. It won’t cost you a dime and only a minute of your time.
What? Why? How? You ask?
Well, you see I am scheduled to give a talk/presentation next month on the art of the short story. Actually it is The Art of the Short Story & Micro/Flash Fiction.
The problem (other than the typical butterflies) is I know why I read and write short stories/flash fiction but I would love some input as to why others do.
Is it attention span? Time constraints? Challenge? Amusement? Something else?
If this thing works right I have inserted two polls, one for writers and another for readers. If not… the comments section is always open.
Thanks Y’all.
Why do you read short stories?
(polls)
Why do you write short stories?
(polls)
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The Gift I Mentioned
If you are a mother, had a mother or love a mother – Happy Mother’s Day Y’all!!
This is my gift to you, my family, friends and followers and please – share it with everyone you know and love.
The newest release of More Short Stories & Such.
About More:
More Short Stories & Such is the newest compilation of short stories and flash fiction written by Janna Hill. This anthology contains all of the short favorites including the newest (2017) release August Wolf, the acclaimed Door Number Four, Once Upon a Dead Gull and many ‘more’. The stories range from heart rending to heart racing; from fantasy to bizarre.
You’re Welcome. 😀
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I wear your shoes
We had pulled over and began hiking a random hill in Eureka Springs Arkansas. I thought we were going for a leisurely drive so I was not dressed for such an occasion; nonetheless I followed the others up the hill. I slipped and giggled, the sound caught my son’s attention. His eyes scanned me quickly. Seeing I was unharmed he shook his head and smiled.
“Are you wearing Mamaw’s shoes?” he asked. I nodded and laughed, brushing away the dirt and leaves before wriggling my foot back into the loafer.
“You should write about that.” He said, resuming his sure footed trek.
He did not need to say more, we both understood.
I wear your shoes
I have your purse …
Filled with scraps of paper –
Scribblings of ancient phone numbers,
and a message from me, the old me.
I have your wallet –
Your social security card,
a useless driver’s license,
a few crinkled one dollar bills
and a handful of change.
I have your letters –
A few anyway,
Written to daddy
Unstamped envelopes with no address
Because there is no zip code
for the dead.
I wear your shoes –
Black loafers with a silver buckle
They fit my feet comfortably
But they pinch my heart
The sole, too thick with patience
and forgiveness and tolerance
Slows my step and weighs me down
The pain of the soft ebony leather
is almost more than I can bear
I place one foot in front of the other
and wonder…
Will this mile ever end?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Taken from the poetic memoir Getting Me back (The Voices Within). Those are the actual shoes written about in the photo above.
Tomorrow morning, Sunday May 14th, I will share a [more upbeat] Mother’s Day gift with my followers (please share it with yours), in the afternoon I will happily celebrate the day with my children (I hope you spend the day with yours), Sunday night I will cry myself to sleep knowing that next Sunday May 21st marks the fourth year of her passing. 
Monday I will blow my nose, find something to laugh about and get busy living because that is how it should be.
The Real Janna Hill in 