Women Friendships - a Guest Post by Barbara Barth

Welcome author, Barbara Barth, with a heartwarming post about the power of women friendships.

Photo by Court Cook on Unsplash

Find your tribe and love them hard is a favorite saying. My tribe has always been creative women and dog lovers and I’ve been lucky over the years that my tribe has grown in many directions, with friendships staying strong. When my husband was alive, I had my antiquing buddies. We did shows together and set up booths in the same antique shops. We hung out mostly during the day since we had husbands at home at night. Hobby antique dealer and retired Federal employee, I was in heaven doing what I loved with girlfriends.

When that changed for me, I didn’t have any single friends, and since I don’t have children or family in town, the days and months ahead could have been bleak. My married girlfriends rallied around me, made sure I got out during the day, and some spent their evenings with me, as we ate out and went to movies.

One night that might have set the pace for all that followed, I was supposed to go see the new Sex In The City movie with two friends (one married, one living with her man) but I was in a funk curled up on the couch, ready to cancel. Ten minutes before they were picking me up, one called. “Be ready. We’ve got wine.”

I didn’t get a chance to say no, she hung up quickly. I jumped up, brushed my teeth, put on some lip-gloss, and walked out my front door just as they pulled into my driveway. We smuggled small bottles of wine into the theater in our purses, giggling like silly teens. The night became magical because my friends didn’t give me a chance to stay at my own pity party.

It’s been eleven years since I lost my husband and I’ve worked hard to make new friends while keeping the old ones close. To use the term “work” talking about friendships may seem odd, but my life is different than most of the women I know. I have no huge distractions, like grown children or grandkids, my dogs are my family. Many of my old friends are now full of family at home again, babysitting, taking care of aging parents, some doing it all and still working. I’m a free agent, my big worry is finding the proper pet sitter.

My friends are my family and I try to keep up with all of them, phone calls foremost, but dinners out still a favorite way to get together. Most times I’m the one calling to see who is free, because I’m free too much! My writing keeps me busy, and recently I’ve started painting again. As much as I love my creative life, I’m too much of a social being to stay quiet for too long.

My new tribe came as a huge surprise. After my move in 2017 from Metro-Atlanta to my Victorian cottage an hour away, I discovered the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts in Monroe, Georgia. A fabulous art center that has become a huge part of my life bringing me on the Board of Directors with all my writing events. New friends that feel like we’ve known each other forever.

I’ve been lucky that all my gal pals have been fun, crazy, talented, nurturing, and caring. We encourage each other to become our best selves. I’ve learned to live my life as a single woman and enjoy it fully thanks to the support and friendships of the women I meet along my journey.

About the Author: Barbara Barth

Author, blogger, sometimes antique dealer, dog hoarder, bedazzled by life. Widowed ten years ago, Barth writes about finding a creative path back to happiness. Her recent move to a 1906 historic cottage brought many surprises, including discovering the Monroe–Walton Center for the Arts where she started the monthly Walton Writers group and is on the MWCA Board as Literary Arts Chair. Barth is a contributor to Walton Living Magazine and a former blogger for The Balancing Act, Lifetime Television’s morning show for women. Currently she lives with six dogs, rescue dogs that rescued her.

Visit her website at https://www.barbarabarthwriter.com/, follow her on Twitter @writerwithdogs, and follow her Amazon author page.

Book Summary: The Unfaithful Widow

Picking up where The Unfaithful Widow ended, Ten Years Later continues the author’s journey from widow to a slightly askew woman. A memoir written with warmth and candor on being single again, aging, and finding a creative path surrounded by dogs, friends, laughter, and a bit of craziness. Barbara Barth shares stories on the adventures that followed her first year alone as she moved headfirst into a new life, listening to her heart, sometimes not so wisely, but always full speed ahead. Join her on the ride of her life, from owning an antique shop to moving to a Victorian cottage outside of Atlanta, and all the follies in between. Going into the next decade with six dogs by her side, the author proves you are only as old as you feel, and happiness begins with a grateful heart. A funny and engaging memoir for anyone who wants to be their own superhero facing life’s good and bad moments.




Print Length: 374 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, LLC
ASIN: B07YBNHXZG

The Unfaithful widow Ten Years Later is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon.com


Be sure to follow Barbara Barth as she continues her book tour:

November 13th @ Words from the Heart

Stop by Linda's blog and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about publishing anthologies.

https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/

November 14th @ Thoughts in Progress

Visit Mason's blog today and you can read Barbara's guest post about starting a writing group. Don't miss it!

https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/

November 15th @ The World of My Imagination

Visit Nicole's blog and read her review of Barbara Barth's book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

November 16th @ Lori Duff Writes

Stop by Lori's blog today where you can read her interview with Barbara Barth and read her review of Barbara's book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

https://www.loriduffwrites.com/blog/

November 16th @ Jill Sheets Blog

Visit Jill's blog today and you can read Barbara Barth's guest post about self-publishing.

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com.

November 17th @ A Storybook World

Be sure to stop by Deirdra's blog today and check out her spotlight of the book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later and enter to win a copy of the book!

http://www.astorybookworld.com

November 18th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog

Be sure you visit Bev's blog and read Barbara Barth's guest post about starting over at 70. You won't want to miss this!

http://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

November 19th @ Look to the Western Sky

Be sure to visit Margo's blog and read her interview with author Barbara Barth. Don't miss it!

https://margoldill.com/blog

November 20th @ Anthony Avina's Blog

Make sure you visit Anthony's blog today and read Barbara Barth's guest post about publishing anthologies.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

November 21st @ Cassandra's Writing World

Stop by Cassandra's blog today and read her review of The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. You can also enter to win a copy of the book as well!

https://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

November 22nd @ Karen Brown Tyson's Blog

Join us at Karen Brown Tyson's blog where you can read a guest post about self-publishing by author Barbara Barth. Don't miss it!

http://www.karenbrowntyson.com

November 23rd @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog

Visit Bev's blog again and you can read her review of Barbara Barth's book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

http://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

November 24th @ Choices

Be sure to stop by Madeline's blog and read Barbara Barth's guest post that will be talking about women friendships.

http://madelinesharples.com/

November 25th @ Wild Woman Writer

Visit Anne's blog today and you can read Barbara Barth's blog guest post about starting over at 70.

https://wildwomanwriter2018.blogspot.com/

November 26th @ Life Like A Galaxy Girl

Stop by Alanna's blog today and you can read her review of Barbara Barth's memoir The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

http://lifelikeagalaxygirl.com/

November 27th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews

Visit Lisa's blog today and you can read her interview with author Barbara Barth and find out more about this incredible author!

http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

November 28th @ Bibliotica

Stop by Melissa's blog and make sure you read Barbara Barth's guest post about grief over the years and finding happiness again.

https://www.bibliotica.com/

November 29th @ Stranded in Chaos

Visit Sara's blog and you can read her review of Barbara Barth's book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

https://strandupdate.blogspot.com/

November 30th @ Anthony Avina's Blog

Visit Anthony's blog again and read his review of Barbara Barth's book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

December 1st @ Words from the Heart

Visit Linda's blog and read her review of Barbara Barth's book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. 

https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com

December 2nd @ Women's Writing Circle

Stop by the blog Women's Writing Circle and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about adopting dogs while all her friends are having grandkids. Don't miss this one!

http://www.susanweidener.com/

Now I'm Free, Freelancing!

 Hi Friends! It's been a while. Nice to see you again!

While I'm not planning to resume blogging weekly, I wanted to sit back with a cup of coffee and catch up with you. So, go grab your own cup/mug/glass! I'll wait. Got it? Yay!

So, yep yep, as you can see from the title I'm striking out and breaking free, as in freelancing. Audry Fryer, Professional Freelance Writer at your service! More about that further down. Now, when we last chatted, I had shared a post about moving away from blogging and onto other adventures.

So what have you been up to? You ask.

Well, two things and then a third thing. I know, that tells you nothing. Ok, here goes. First, I made a brief yet wonderful return to teaching young children. So, picture me leading a rocking rendition of "Baby Shark. Do-do-Do-do-do!" Plus I spent one afternoon a week teaching a creative writing course to older elementary through middle school age students. It was such a rewarding experience in so many ways.

Sounds fun! And you had time for a second thing?

Sure did! The teaching gig wasn't every day. And much to my sad heart, the director of the school discontinued the program. But as for the second thing cooking on my back burner - I've been writing like I've never written before! I can't wait to share with you my latest novel. It's a historical romance and it's based on love letters and that's all I'm able to tell you right now. Other than I really, really can't wait to share it with you. Fingers crossed the wait ends soon!

Totally can't wait! And now for the third thing. I bet I can guess ...

If you chose Freelance Writer for a thousand and answered, "What is Audry Fryer doing now?" Correct! So far, I've set up shop on my website, created this cute little logo and put together a clever profile on Upwork and LinkedIn. Plus, I've read so many, many articles on how to get started and find clients.

Now, I'm singing, "Hello, is it me you're looking for?" And I'm hoping someone in need of excellent writing will respond, "I can see it in your skills. I can see it in your profile. You're writing is all I wanted, and my business needs your help. 'Cause you know just what to say. And you know just what to write. And I want to tell you so much, I'll hire you."

Good luck with that! If I know someone, how do they contact you?

Go to audryfryer.com and under WRITER for HIRE, there's a nifty contact form that goes straight to my email. Easy-peasy!

Fantastic! Before I go, how's your family doing? I used to love reading about the kids.

Aw, thanks for asking! We're all doing well and getting big. Since July, we're a house of teenagers now. And each one of them needs me to drive them somewhere at sometime for something! We had a fun summer and even met Forrest Gump in Savannah, GA while on our vacation.

We'll have to catch up like this sometime soon! Maybe when I have an exciting announcement. Until then, I hope all is well with you!

Hugs and love,

Audry

3 Things I Did to Write My Memoir, Guest Post by Dorit Sasson

…At age nineteen, Dorit Sasson, a dual American-Israeli citizen, was trying to make the status quo work as a college student―until she realized that if she didn’t distance herself from her neurotic, worrywart of a mother, she would become just like her.

Welcome Dorit Sasson, author of  Accidental Soldier: A Memoir of Service and Sacrifice in the Israel Defense Forces, with a guest post on the three important steps she took to become unstuck from uncertainty and find the inspiration to finish her memoir. 

3 Things I Did to Write My Memoir, Accidental Soldier: A Memoir of Service and Sacrifice in the Israel Defense Forces

The genre of memoir writing is exploding. Writers are jumping at the opportunity to tell their life story and want to cash in on what may be the next blockbuster. However, writing one's life story is not as easy as it looks and writing my memoir on serving in the Israel Defense Forces required getting unstuck from the inner critics and self-doubt.

When starting my memoir, I experienced quite a bit of "highs" and "lows." Often I questioned my motivations and asked myself, "who's going to be so interested in reading my story and why?" The inner critic got in the way so much that I had to take it for a nice long walk. But to reach the finish line, I had to increase my productivity so I could stay “unstuck” and creative.

1. I joined a supportive writing group that specializes in memoir writing. I cannot begin to tell you how important a writing group is for the development of any writer but incredibly important for a writer who's feeling vulnerable and lonely while writing past events that tear him/her up. A good writer's group will support you through the "lows" and applaud you through the "highs." Having a good writer's group provides weekly check-ins and accountability with a writing buddy. Also, a writer's group can also provide direction and guidance as you're discovering the best way to tell your story.

2. I blogged about my memoir. Now I know what you might be thinking. How the heck am I going to blog my memoir when I'm struggling to just write the thing? Just for the record, some memoir writers starting out may not feel comfortable blogging because they aren't ready to share parts of their story with a larger audience, (blogging requires an outer voice) and that's alright.
Contrary to what some memoirists may think, there's no shame in blogging about your memoir let alone writing it. As Brene Brown states, "owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light."

As a blogger, you'll have the chance to develop more self-confidence in reaching out to your target online reader. Plus, blogging is great for building a following for promoting your book.

3. I learned the importance of writing scenes for memoir writing. Essentially, a memoir is a collection of "scenes" that when put together, tell a larger story along with themes. Showing what happens to a character is important for grounding the reader. Scenes in memoir thrive on the dialogue of the inner and outer narrator which helps ground defining moments.
When we read a scene that balances all these elements, we connect to a character’s journey that will ultimately lead to transformation.

With the first draft of my memoir, I couldn't help myself and dove into scene after scene but with the help of a writing coach, it became clearer to me that my inner narrator's thoughts and feelings needed to be expressed in order to balance what was happening to me at the time. It was up to me to decide how vulnerable (or not) I really wanted my character to be.

There are literary agents out there who snub memoir writing and some have even gone so far as to say that memoir is "ME-Moir." Please do NOT buy into this cynical and very ridiculous point of view. People want to read memoir for story's sake. They want to read a story of transformation - the hero's journey. And yes, they want to read your memoir. We need to recognize the value of stories and create a safe, sacred and creative space for those who do want to give voice to their stories. The ripple will cast itself over for future generations to come.

Based on my own writing and learning, a good memoir is about sharing and resonance, as well as showing vulnerability and breaking the barriers. And there's nothing wrong or self-centered about that.

Thank you Dorit for your honest and uplifting guest post and thank you to Crystal J. Casavant-Otto and WOW! Women On Writing for providing this stop on Dorit Sasson's blog tour. For more info and tour dates, click here.

About the Author:
 
Dorit Sasson writes for a wide range of print and online publications, including The Huffington Post and The Writer, and speaks at conferences, libraries, and community centers. She is the author of the a featured chapter in Pebbles in the Pond: Transforming the World One Person at a Time, the latest installment of that best-selling series, and. She is the host of the global radio show "Giving Voice to Your Courageous Story." She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two children.

Book Summary:

At age nineteen, Dorit Sasson, a dual American-Israeli citizen, was trying to make the status quo work as a college student―until she realized that if she didn’t distance herself from her neurotic, worrywart of a mother, she would become just like her.

Accidental Soldier: A Memoir of Service and Sacrifice in the Israel Defense Forces is Sasson’s story of how she dropped out of college and volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces in an effort to change her life―and how, in stepping out of her comfort zone and into a war zone, she discovered courage and faith she didn’t know she was capable of.

Paperback: 337 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: She Writes Press (June 14, 2016)
ISBN-10: 1631520350
ISBN-13: 978-1631520358

Amazon Link: click here

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For more information about Blog Hostess, Audry Fryer,

please visit www.audryfryer.com