Happy New Year 2015!
Just reminder to nikolisthoughts.blogspot.com followers that my new blog SisterSylvia.blogspot.com is up and running. Please join/follow me there, since that's where most of my 2015 posts will be. (I needed to consolidate my writing under my name.)
Hope to see you there. I will miss you if I don't see your icon/pictures on my blog's home page!
Sincerely,
Sylvia Brown-Roberts

Author's Alley 2014

On November 7th and 8th, I was part of Author's Alley at the New Jersey Education Association 2014 Convention in Atlantic City, NJ.  I was able to be a vendor and to discuss with many attendees the writing process from drafts to publication to marketing.
A great thing happened: several people who bought and read my first 2 novels Behind Church Doors and Beyond Church Doors stopped by to chat with me. They wanted to know what's going on with some of the characters in the novel and when the 3rd novel in the Church Doors series will be published.
That gives me even more incentive to  wrap up this yet-untitled 3rd novel and get it to the publisher!

Good Lines

Whenever I hear or read a good line, something that makes me think and rethink, I jot it down or put it in my mental file. Of course, my mental file isn't as reliable as it used to be, so  it's best if I write good lines in my notes. These good lines serve as springboards for me in my writing, speeches, and workshop presentations.
I found this one while cleaning off my desk. Unfortunately, I only wrote the initials of the speaker and a paraphrase of the idea. I heard it about 4 years ago. I think the speaker was making a good bye speech to his /her work team:

There are things that happen we don't like, but we have to live with it.

There are people we don't want to live without, but  have to let go.

This is a good line. It probably makes you think of some event or someone.

Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Authors and Readers Rock Weekend

https:///www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Sylvia-Brown-Roberts/173724495987225I had the joy of participating in the Reading Divas Authors and Readers Rock Weekend, October 17-18, 2014 in Bowie, MD. There were Author panels, an Author Expo, a Luncheon, and other social events. The best part for me was meeting with fellow authors and learning from them. There were so many talented authors and writing industry people in attendance, and many genres were represented. This event inspired me to push harder to finish my 3rd novel and to increase my networking with others in the writing business. This is me posing at the sign before attending the 2 Friday night panels.  Great job, Reading Divas!
Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Flaws

A woman colleague and friend complimented me on my hairstyle.
My immediate response,"Thanks, I like it too. My hair in the top is thinner, but I really like the fullness of my hair on the sides and in the back."
She checked me,"Sylvia, never point out what you think are your (physical) flaws, because you notice them more than others do. Besides, most people don't notice them until you point them out. That's when their eyes go right to the area you mentioned."
I've been turning her remarks over in my head. I wonder  if women do this more often than do men.
What do you think about pointing out your flaws?
Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Reading Divas Event

I am thankful and excited to be one of the authors participating in The Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend on October 17 & 18, 2014!  This will be my first time at this literary conference.  I found about the Reading Divas  from a lady I used to discuss books with while we worked out at the gym. Here are some views of the event brochure. Maybe you can join us in Bowie, MD.  If so, please stop by my table and say, "Hello!"  Sylvia @ www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Last Station

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I took this picture while riding on a NJ Transit train to NYC. It was a fun shopping trip, as we parents took our daughter to buy school clothes before she returned to college. Much laughter and joy.  

However, something struck me about the words in red on the sign at the top of the train car as we reached our Manhattan destination: LAST STATION. 

At first, it reminded me of a Twilight Zone moment.  Then, I thought about the Last Days, as in the Bible. If our next stop right now is our last station, will it be a good stop for us?

Take care,

Sylvia

www.sylviabrownroberts.com