Writers Manual Bragging Zone Interviews Kym Gordon Moore

An Interview With Kym Gordon Moore
http://www.writersmanual.com/show.php?id=2&uid=969


Tell us a bit about yourself. What would you like us to know about you?
I am an award winning poet, freelance writer, strategic marketing consultant and transformational speaker reared in the Port City of Charleston, South Carolina. My latest release, “Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit” is a Christian Inspirational book published by Outskirts Press. I am also the author of an eBook “Alphabet Soup: 5 Main Ingredients for Turning Words into a Bowl of Hot Topics!” and was recently selected as one of the contributing authors for “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom,” that is scheduled to be released in March, 2010.

What are you doing now? (Career? Married? Single? Children? Pets?)
Currently I am pursuing my MBA and completing works on my next book scheduled to be released this year. I live in North Carolina with my husband and enjoy writing, traveling, visiting museums and art galleries.

What is your favourite food?
Seafood is my favorite cuisine. However, I always enjoy trying other diverse foods representing many different cultures.

What is your favourite colour?
Purple is my favorite color.

What is your favourite sound?
I actually am torn between two: The sound of crashing waves and a rain shower.

Who is your favourite person?
This is an impossible choice because I have many, very special people who affect my life in a myriad of ways, personally, professionally, spiritually and familial. The one person I miss the most is my mother who passed away in 2003. She had an instrumental influence on me becoming a writer.

What is your favourite place?
I have many favorite places that I visited, but I find that a tropical oasis, or venue surrounded by calm waters and blissful tranquility are the places my spirit connects to the most. When I am unable to travel, the deck at the rear of my house overlooking the facets of natural habitation in my own backyard is my personal escape.

What is your favourite memory?
I have so many wonderful memories, that it’s hard to pin down only one. Memories, whether challenging or victorious shape our character and help us to examine our lives every day. As a writer, musician, dancer or artist, memories invoke creativity of the now. They teach us valuable lessons that will enable us to help others. I have a favorite and significant memory at different stages of my life, so it’s hard to choose between when I was baptized at 12, when I got my driver’s license at 16, when I visited Hawaii at 41, the place where I married my husband or where I was when I received the first, professional hardcopy of my book.

What is your favourite article of clothing?
I am fascinated by the artistry of vintage Hollywood jewels found predominantly in old black and white films. Accessories such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, rings, pins and scarves are must have accoutrements in my wardrobe repertoire. However, I think that the right shoes can compliment and add a touch of finesse to any outfit (like the way that little red caboose at the end of a freight train stands out).

What is your favourite word?
Vision. Purpose is the key to creation manifested through vision.

What is your favourite writers' quote and why?
I have many quotes that are very significant to me, but this quote by Mortimer Adler, a philosopher and author is encouraging: “The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies can continue growing as we continue to live.”

What is your most favourite quality about yourself?
I believe that I have a nurturing and compassionate spirit. I embrace my visions and encourage others to do the same. I dislike complacency and slothfulness.

What is the least favourite quality about yourself?
I tend to procrastinate more than I care to.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Oh gosh, I have so many places I would like to visit, but I think Australia is one of my preferred destinations that would be a wonderful escape if I had the opportunity to go right now. However, I would love to return to Maui, Hawaii where my husband and I honeymooned.

What inspires you to write and why?
Many segments of creation and life inspire me to write. Such segments include, but are not limited to celebrations, victories, overcoming challenges, nature, the evolution of life, the diversity of personalities and cultures, and finding solutions to adversities.

What is your favourite book and why?
The Holy Bible is my daily source for hope, increased faith, trust, comfort, encouragement, inspiration and a master blueprint to pattern my life by. It contains the principles for living and servanthood.

What is your favourite genre and why?
I am intrigued with mysteries, short stories, poetry and many non-fiction varieties. However, my forte is in inspirational, non-fiction and poetry genres.

List your three favourite authors (any genre) and why?
Maya Angelou – She is prolific and a great storyteller who touches your heart and spirit with the fluidity of her written words.

Ernest Hemingway – His work was required reading in high school, but you become emotionally involved with his compelling narratives.

Toni Morrison – She has a mystery behind the stories she tells. At times, her work seems hard to grasp right away, but I think that’s a part of her literary genius.

What do you think makes a writer successful?
I believe that some of the major ingredients that help writers stay on the path of success include openness of mind, passion, vision, observation, continued learning and perfecting your craft, along with perseverance in submitting! You have to have a hunger to want it, visualize it, work on it and then, Make It Happen!

What is it that makes you successful as a writer?
Although I haven’t reached the pinnacle of being a financially successful writer, as I would like to be, through my passion, vision, perseverance and making a positive and influential impact on the lives of those my writing touches, makes me feel successful.

What are your goals as a writer?
To continue honing in on making my writing better. By continuously learning and being an inspiration and a catalyst of encouragement to others through my writing and speaking engagements, I believe that financial success will follow. Constantly trying to improve and make my writing better and comprehendible is a driving force behind my daily commitment to write copiously and speak fervently.

What is the best tip you can give to fellow writers?
If you are truly passionate about your writing, then never give up reading, learning, polishing and refining your work. Write, submit, then write and submit some more. Attend seminars, conferences and take continued education classes on various genres of writing, no matter how advanced you are. Do not be discouraged by rejection notices or slips, because they can be helpmates. If you read the history behind many successful writers, you will be amazed by the amount of rejections they received, but they refused to give up. If you believe in yourself, then do not give up on your dreams.

What do you hope to provide your readers with through your writing?
Empowerment, encouragement, inspiration, self-evaluation and transformation.

List your three favourite online writer-resource sites and why (include URLS).
Writer Gazette www.writergazette.com/

FundsforWriters www.fundsforwriters.com/

Writing for DOLLARS www.writingfordollars.com/

If you have published a book, tell us about your publishing success (title, publishing date and company, where it is available to purcahse).
I am extremely excited about my book “Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit” that was published by Outskirts Press in 2009. After researching several publishing houses to find the best value and services that would suit my publishing needs, I decided on Outskirts Press. Although my self-publishing investment was a little more than that of several of my colleagues, I must commend my author representative and design team for guiding me through every phase of the process that resulted in the final “quality” product that I have today.

My book can be purchased at the following online retail sites:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

outskirtspress.com/w ... 1432730420

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?
I am always journaling and never know where my compositions will lead. I actually compiled “Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit” in a couple of months, because my content came from pre-recorded writings documented in my journals over the previous years. The organization and editing was the most obstinate part of the process.

What would you do differently if you could repeat the same publishing experience?
Now that I understand the process of publishing, I will be better prepared the next time because I know exactly what my publishing house expects, in order to avoid any delay in the production phases. My author representative was extremely patient with me and walked me through my initial process to deter a lot of undue stress.

What have you learned about the publishing world?
The publishing world is definitely a horse of a different color. With little success to get representation traditionally, I wanted my self-published book to have the look, feel and content of those that you find distributed and represented by traditional publishing houses. Presentation really makes a huge difference when you want your voice to be professionally represented and taken seriously through your written work.

Before, during and after I published my book, I looked at the final product produced for a few authors by several self-published companies I was considering, and was not very impressed. Some of those books, aside from the cover, looked as if they were printed directly from the author’s word document. Although you may be anxious to see your manuscript in book form, take your time and do your research. Regardless of the amount of money you invest in your book’s production, marketing and promotion, insist on quality and professionalism. It may be a little more time consuming, but you certainly want to put your best foot forward. I have a voice in where my book is distributed and still get royalties. It is a very competitive market and if you want things done professionally, you have to have patience, learn to listen to constructive critique assessments, and respond like a true winner!

This is your chance to 'Talk Back' to your readers. What would you like to say to them?
I authored hundreds of articles and several manuscripts. The morning hours are the best moments for me to pray, meditate and write. I found that writing while the ideas are fresh and flowing is the best thing to do, so I always keep a pad and pen with me. Worry about editing later. If you edit as you write, you will retard the progression of completing your project. You must designate time to write if you are truly passionate about taking your writing to a higher level than a hobby.

When you are a writer you can never stop writing. When you are a singer, you can never stop singing. When you are an artist, you can never stop painting or sculpting. When you are passionate about a craft, talent or hobby, that passion creates your success. I usually travel with my personal writer’s survival pack (my journal or notepad, a couple of nice writing pens and my dictionary). You have a hunger to see your vision and dreams come to fruition. Therefore, with a dollop of encouragement and a cupful of passion you can create a dynasty.

What's the one thing that you want them to know about your writing?
Writing comes from the depths of your heart and spirit. When you pause, observe and compose, the flow never seems to stop. I have oodles of journals that hold a myriad of emotions, experiences, dreams and observations. When you have that burning desire to live your purpose through a natural God-given gift, then the sky is the limit and I am pushing towards excellence.

If you don’t know, then research and learn. Be your best. Strive for excellence. “No one can see your visions and dreams as clearly as you can. Purpose is the key to creation manifested through vision.”

http://www.kymgmoore.com/
http://www.diversitiesofgifts.blogspot.com/

Why Nonprofits Must Get Involved in the 2010 Census

It is imperative that nonprofits get involved in the 2010 Census. Why?

1. Programs helping people through a myriad of ways, that would enrich their lives, receive federal funding based on the census. Your local community could potentially lose millions of dollars should there be an undercount in your area, based on census data.

2. Nonprofits have a tremendous opportunity to influence their constituents in the communities they serve, into completing the Census form in order to avoid undercount.

3. Legislative and Congressional districts are redrawn according to count. If there is an undercount in the communities many nonprofits serve, this could lead to underrepresentation.

For more information on how nonprofits can mobilize communities for the 2010 Census, go to http://www.nonprofitscount.org/.

We urge everyone to expeditiously complete and return their Census forms when you receive them. This does not apply to nonprofit participation only. For more information on why the Census is so important, visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/.

"Celebrating Mom" Book Give-a-way!

By Kym Gordon Moore

Recently, I was bestowed the honor of being chosen as one of the contributing authors for “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom” anthology. I am among the 101 contributing authors who represent the various corners of the global community. Many of the authors are from the United States, while there are representatives from Calgary, Alberta; Northeast Scotland; Dublin, Ireland; Bogota', Columbia and Albuquerque. As you know, the Co-Creators of Chicken Soup for the Soul are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. Since 1993, books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series have sold more than 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages.

In celebration of my mother’s birthday (the late Henrietta P. Gordon - March 15) and to honor all mother’s for Mother’s Day, I am giving away a copy of my latest book “Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit” along with a copy of “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom."

Here are the rules for my "Celebrating Mom" book give-a-way:

There is no purchase necessary. Enter only once. Multiple entries may be deleted. This give-a-way is open to U.S. residents only. Please read the REQUIREMENT FOR THE WINNER before entering, to decide whether you want to conform to this request in the event you are the chosen winner. The contest begins on March 11, 2010 and ends on April 17, 2010 at midnight EST. Our give-a-way package is valued at $50.00. The winner will be announced by April 24, 2010.

REQUIREMENT FOR THE WINNER: If you are randomly selected as the winner of our “Celebrating Mom” book give-a-way, I ask that you sign a written agreement to the following requests:

1. Take a clear photo of yourself holding both books. Email the JPEG to me. (kymwrites@kymgmoore.com)

2. Agree to provide a short bio of yourself (50 words or less) that will be posted on 2 of my blogs and website. If you have a website, be sure to include that in your bio also.

3. Provide a brief write-up (in 200 words or less) about your mother (include her name, whether she is deceased, alive, an adoptive mother or a guardian who raised you as a mother), telling us why you celebrate her.

For all entrants, be sure to include your mother’s full name when you complete the “Celebrating Mom” Book Give-a-way entry form. Your name along with your mother’s name will be posted on 2 of my blogs, by a projected date of May 2, 2010. You will be notified when this information is published.

To complete your entry form for this contest, go to http://www.kymgmoore.com/Book_Giveaway.html.

Saluting Rev. Loretta Harris-Caldwell, Founder of Blessings in the Storm

When Rev. Loretta Harris-Caldwell initially began visiting homeless shelters to minister to the women in Charlotte, North Carolina, she used her life experiences as an example that all things are possible through Christ. About 2 years ago, she started getting calls from other parts of North Carolina, and some calls from out of state. She brought in ladies who were mostly in abusive situations needing to change locations in order to prevent their abusers from locating them.

Blessings in the Storm is a Christian based outreach ministry for women and children. They minister to the women of Charlotte, NC, who have fallen victim to homelessness and worldly addictions. This ministry has been successful in seeing many souls saved and fully transformed. Blessings in the Storm seeks to be a bridge that takes women and children across the abyss from homelessness and worldly addictions, to being independent and self sufficient through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The mission of Blessings in the Storm is to:

· Provide a safe place for women and children with structure, in order to build a new foundation through Biblical principles.

· To offer personalized programs that teaches life management, parenting, and independent living.

· To support active, participatory spiritual development (Church, Sunday School, Bible Study, etc.).

· To ensure each person's journey will be fostered through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Loretta’s ministry is a “ministry of helps.” The purpose is to come together, breaking down generational barriers of bondage, by using one's strength for another's weakness. Additionally, to come together by becoming as one through the power of the Holy Spirit is to achieve freedom and liberty. In 2009, she won three awards: Bank ofAmerica 2009 Local Hero, Links 107.9 - The Link Leading Lady 2009 and WBTV Hometown Hero for her work with Blessings in the Storm.

A tragedy occurred last year that makes Loretta more determined to do what she can to save the women she reaches out to. A beautiful young woman from Ethiopia named Tigist, who was a resident at Blessings in the Storm for two years, was brutally murdered by her boyfriend in the early hours of one fateful Saturday morning in 2009. Unbeknown to Loretta and Tigist, this man had a very dark side, while appearing to be humble and well-mannered. He took Tigist to church, to meet his parents and even helped her learn English. Tigist’s story is one that Loretta holds dear to her heart and use to teach the homeless mothers and children she reaches out to about the dangers that lurk out there. She calls the women she rescues her “daughters” (although she has one biological daughter, Katie D. Brave and a son Donnie Harris, Jr.).

Blessings in the Storm does not receive any federal, state or local funding. The organization has four transitional homes: Naomi’s House, Esther’s House and Sarah's House are all used for women with children. Ruth's House is used for single women. Blessings in the Storm currently has the following urgent needs:

· Donations of food, school supplies, and other basic household necessities are always appreciated.

· Monetary donations are needed for mortgage payments, transportation to doctor and job appointments, home maintenance, and monthly utilities. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information about Blessings in the Storm and where to send your donations, please visit their website at http://www.blessingsinthestorm.org/.

We salute Rev. Loretta Harris-Caldwell for the incredible mission she has undertaken, in order to reach out and help the least of these, regain a sense of hope and self-respect.

Saluting Christopher Dennis Founder of Leaving It Behind (LIB)

Like an action packed movie that keeps you holding your breath, the life of Christopher Dennis plays the character that is able to walk away from the carnage of mass destruction that tried to kill him. However, this is real life and Christopher Dennis succeeded against the odds of life vs. death. Still getting a little emotional when discussing his near fatal motorcycle accident, Christopher has committed his life to helping people who keep going in the midst of struggles. When his motorcycle accident left him in critical condition, his injuries were so severe that doctors were uncertain whether he would survive. He continuously echoes that God’s mercy kept him, so he wouldn’t let go. Christopher knew that he survived for a reason and that reason was to put God first and be the best servant that God needed for him to be.

Christopher is the founder of Leaving It Behind (LIB), a non-profit organization that targets at risk youth. He maintains a community presence by reaching out to the youth and encouraging them to succeed through such projects as sporting events and walks for peace. Three things that made the change for the accomplishments of LIB, and continue to be its ongoing mantra include:

· Putting in God FIRST – By putting God first wipes away our differences and find the commonalities that make us who we are and how we should treat each other.
· Stop Calling our Neighborhoods the “HOOD”. Perception is reality. What we call ourselves will become our reflection. Leaving It Behind was birthed on this principle. We had to change the mentality to be able to change the reality.
· Build diversity under the power of inclusion and impact of exclusion. We have to close not only the diversity barriers of color, but also the diversity of social and economical structures to find common ground. This completed the circle of Putting in God FIRST.

Recently Christopher was named the recipient of the 2010 Martin Luther King, Jr. “Keeper of the Dream Award” in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a Market Data Operations Manager for Bank of America, Christopher was recognized for his strong commitment to maintaining high levels of operational improvements that meet organizational objectives. He serves as President of the Lockwood Home Owner’s Association, and has the opportunity to implement financial programs and other viable resources for the community, to offset the impacts of gentrification. Christopher also serves as a Master Sergeant of the South Carolina McIntire Air National Guard, where he manages the Ground Radio communication shop for the entire base.

The tragedies, adversities and victories Christopher experienced in his life, ignited his commitment to serving his community with passion, determination and dignity. He currently resides in North Carolina where he enjoys reading, writing and speaking poetry, spending time with family, working with youth, helping others and above all, putting God first. For further information, you may email Christopher at christopher.dennis@bankofamerica.com.

We salute you Christopher Dennis, founder of Leaving It Behind for your inspiration and dedication of service to the community and to the at risk youth you serve!

Heroes of the Recession

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
-Joseph Campbell

I’m sure that many of you saw the commercial by Allstate Insurance spokesperson Dennis Haysbert, asking the question, “Will we remember this as the Great Recession or will we remember it as the recession that made us great?” Let’s face it, things have not been easy, but as we witnessed how many people overcame the Great Depression that began in 1929 and lasted until about 1939, we too can learn from and rise above the financial carnage of this recession, and begin rebuilding our lives once again.

Incredibly, we continue to witness the growth in the amount of ordinary people unselfishly reaching out to those who are suffering, by helping out, instead of handing out. I ran across this article, “Heroes of the Recession” (http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/2010/01/Heroes-of-the-Recession.aspx) and wanted to share it with you. It’s the boldness of these individuals deciding to be contributors, instead of spectators, that make them heroes in their communities. This is the thing that will make our communities resilient and stronger.

I am reminded about an email I receive a while ago where it had two pictures of people sitting around a table holding very long-handled spoons, with food placed before them. The people seated at one table were frail and looked unhealthy. The people seated at the other table were strong and looked healthy. The spoons that both groups had were about five times longer than the normal length of an eating utensil. Here’s the difference between these two sets of diners:

The frail group were struggling trying to feed themselves, but could not get the food to their mouths with the long-handled spoons. The strong group were comfortably feeding “each other” with the same long-handled spoons. See the difference? The stronger group were not self-absorbed and worked united, instead of divided.

Let’s continue to remember those who just may need a kind word to stay strong. Let’s continue to fight the perils of hopelessness just because this economy has not recoved from years of financial decline. And even when the economy recovers, let’s continue to build on those statutes that helped us to survive together and not perish solitarily.

Peace & Blessings Always!

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Margot Le Baron Collects Books for Disadvantage Children

Drive for others is one for the books

We came across this story about an amazing teenager with a big heart. Margot Le Baron is a remarkable young lady, who wanted to do something significant and powerful in the community. The following story appeared in The Charlotte Observer on Sunday January 17, 2010. We are including the following link, but in the event that this link becomes archived or inactive, we posted the story in its entirety below. We would like to thank John Anderson, a columnist from Waxhaw, NC contributing to The Charlotte Observer Neighbors section, for sharing this incredible story with the community. http://www.charlotteobserver.com/276/story/1183237.html

Student collected more than 800 books for kids who don’t have access to them.

Margot Le Baron looks over some of the books she collected to help “A Child’s Place” assist homeless children with their ongoing education. Margot conducted her first book drive in her Hunter Oaks neighborhood in November. CAROL LE BARON

When young people develop a vision and then see a project through to completion, the effect can be powerful – for the youthful visionary and the community. Margot Le Baron is a student at Marvin Ridge High School who took it upon herself to hold a neighborhood book drive to benefit children who don’t have books as a part of their daily routine. When I heard about the project, I contacted Margot to learn more about the how and why of her efforts.

Margot wrote to tell me:
“It all started in the past year when I was thinking about doing something for the community. I really enjoy reading so I decided to collect books. I found a great association called “A Child’s Place” that helps homeless children with their school work and other necessities. I got 125 paper bags donated from Harris Teeter. Then, I made up flyers and hand delivered them to houses around the neighborhood. The flyers explained that if anybody wanted to donate books they could place them next to their mailbox and I would pick them up, which I did on a Sunday in November.”

The Hunter Oaks neighborhood where Margot lives embraced her project with enthusiasm. Melody Graham, a neighbor, described the collection process this way:
“I saw her on the day she scheduled for pickup, driving around the neighborhood gathering up a huge number of books. She’d jump out of the back of her mother’s mini-van and run up to the front door where neighbors left shopping bags of books.”

“The minivan was full by the end of the day. I later saw her and her mother riding their bikes around the neighborhood to pick up a later collection.”

Margot was surprised and gratified with the outpouring of gently used books that were donated to her cause. “My original goal was to collect 250 books, but I ended up with over 800,” she said. “The best feeling in the world was walking home with all of those bags and boxes of books. The community really responded and was so supportive.”

How did she feel when the project exceeded her expectations? “I got a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I’m helping others and that so many were willing to contribute. I’m looking forward to handing over the books to “A Child’s Place.” A Child’s Place is a private Charlotte-based agency (go online to info@achildsplace.org) with the goals “to provide stable, appropriate education to homeless students; to provide support services to enhance their opportunities for academic success and to provide services to families to ensure long-term stability and self-sufficiency.”

I asked Margot if she planned to continue with her efforts in the future. “I plan to collect books every fall and spring from now on that I will donate to interested associations or organizations. Please mention that I’m always looking for them. It was a great experience, and I can’t wait until spring.”