So many writers have mentored me along my path to publication. I still have much room for improvement and a long way to go, but this past week I discovered something. I also have something to offer! Now it's my turn to guide and inspire beginning writers.



I had the privilege of working with 21 brave souls who'd submitted manuscripts for intense critiquing at the Southeastern Writers Conference (an event I strongly recommend to all writers of all genres). It takes courage to expose your writing to a stranger, especially an author further along in her career. But these talented writers soaked up every word of instruction, some even going so far as to revise and apply our suggestions during the week, offering us a second pass at their work.



These writers will succeed. I have no doubt. Two or three should already be published and will be soon, I predict. Many had farther to travel on their road to success. All humbled me with their raw talent. I returned to my own writing with renewed enthusiasm for my chosen profession. You see, in giving back I got much in return.



To all you great authors who helped me, thanks again. To all who asked for my help, thanks to you, too. This is one of the few careers in which people so eagerly train their competitors. Fortunately!



Cheryl
Photos of the conference site: Epworth by the Sea

I am irritated with the press right now. Don't they know the harm they do when they quote sensational headlines without giving us the whole story? This week's misleading news story is "Artificial sweeteners may make you gain weight."

I say they're confused. Fooling your body with a zero calorie sweetener is not the problem. I drank tons of diet sodas when I weighed 120, so don't tell me they made me eat more! The problem is artificial sweeteners that are not recognized by your body that do have calories, i.e. high fructose corn syrup, which is an engineered sweetener that has tons of calories. It's in everything because it's cheaper than granulated sugar.

Here's the problem the media have now created: Woman stops drinking diet sodas because she hears on the news they will lead to weight gain. Woman loves sodas, so she drinks regular Pepsi, Coke, Dr. Pepper, whatever--all of which are loaded with high fructose corn syrup. Woman has same problem as before except now she gains weight from the added calories. Plus, her dentist notices she has developed dental decay.

I caution you to avoid HFCS. It's artificial, it's sweet, and it's high calorie--not to be confused with calorie-free artificial sweeteners (i.e. Splenda®).

Have a sweet day!

Cheryl

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