Adding Photography to my repertoire

Creativity is not limited to the pen...words can also be spoken with pictures...actually volumes can be spoken with one glance at a photo.

I have collected my photography and am making gifts cards from my work.

Let me know if any of the photos tell you a story.


To view photos CLICK HERE

A few of my favorites....

My New Years Resolution

My new years resolutions:
Touch more hearts with the written word.
Make a difference in someone's life.
Slow down...enjoy my life and appreciate what I have.

More Stories Pounding in my Head

After an incredibly moving and passionate visit to the ocean I have even more stories crashing like waves through my head. I hope to find the time to, at the very least, put the ideas into words and create an outline of sorts.

If you write, or wish to write, visit a place that moves you, talk to a person that you admire, or simply find a quiet place to listen to your heart, then let the words flow!

Back to the pen and paper

Looking forward to the new year when I will hit the ground running once again, throwing my heart and soul into my latest work in progress, 'In Their Words - Vietnam' a collection of interviews with Vietnam Veterans. Their stories, their feelings, in their words.

Hopefully I will be able to share their words and their feelings with you by the Spring of 2014.

Your words are worthy

Just a bit from my presentation as guest speaker at the Tuolumne Writer's Retreat.

Don't ever let anyone tell you that your writing has no worth because it is not producing an income. Your words, from the heart, are more valuable than gold. Don't ever stop writing. Don't ever give up.

Treasure or trash

It never ceases to amaze me that each time I clean my desk, thats code for coffee table, I find the dreaded black binder.

"What" you ask "could be in the binder that could cause such dread?"

Why...9 unfinished manuscripts!!

Thats right..9. Everything from romance to murder mystery and some humor thrown in for good measure.

When or if I will ever finish these stories in seemingly permanent hibernation...time will only tell.  Though I did cry and laugh out loud when reading one of them. I believe I will tackle that one first. Nothing like a good emotional roller coaster ride when traveling on a literary journey:)

I will keep you posted.

As always...happy reading!

Interview with Author Charity Maness

Words are so much more than simply words...

Writing is not simply words streamed together to create a story, they are colors and feelings painted on the awaiting canvas of the readers mind. A reader does not know what corner will be turned next, they await the surprise and expect to be moved.

I can only hope that when people read what I have written they will feel intense emotions of... passion... fear... love... desolation... hope... tragedy....laughter...sadness...

Emotions so real that for a moment my thoughts translated to words, become their thoughts translated to feelings.

Reading is a journey....

Enjoy the journey....

Suicide Prevention and Awareness walk-a-thon Speech 9-15-12

I would like to thank you all for coming today to the 3^rd annual Live On Suicide Prevention and Awareness walk-a-thon! Today, you are making a difference… for some, it is a difference between life and death. 

In 2012 Calaveras County has already exceeded the national average in suicide deaths with a total of 15 deaths to date. This is unacceptable.

When I was asked by Kim Molina to speak today I was honored by her request, yet at a loss as to what I would say. Kim gently told me to speak from the heart. That, I can do.

Many of you may know me as a mother, an author, a journalist, a veteran activist, or simply a friend. Some of you may not know me at all, but what none of you know is that I am survivor.

On June 1, 2009 my best friend took her life. 

Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association Ride

On Friday August 24, 2012 I was honored to ride with the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association in a funeral escort for a fallen Desert Storm veteran.
It was an incredibly moving experience.
At the conclusion, as the veteran's ashes were lowered into the ground and Taps played, we stood in formation holding flags at attention, the last three notes floated through the air on a breeze that had each of our flags billowing out creating a straight line of American flags. Stunning.

New Interviews

Each day brings new adventures and new learning experiences. With that said I am currently interviewing a Special Forces Vietnam Veteran for a chapter in my new book 'In Their Words - Vietnam' and am thrilled to be writing his story.

I love my job! I can only hope, upon the books completion, the words I have written will honor each and every veteran that I interviewed.

Tuolumne Writer's Retreat September 2012 - Charity Maness featured speaker

TUOLUMNE WRITERS RETREAT SEPTEMBER 28th, 29th, 30th, 2012

PRESENTED BY SONORA WRITERS GROUP Experience the 1st Tuolumne Writers Retreat in the State Historic Park of Columbia, California. This Gold Rush town orginally founded by miners in 1850, claims preserved brick buildings, historic artisans, period displays, shops, restaurants, hotels, & docents to transport you to another era. While you are embedded in your favorite writing classes, your entire family will be entertained. Stage coach rides, gold panning, climbing rock formations, watching the blacksmith clang his anvil, candle & candy exhibitions, and creamy ice cream cones await their arrival. Participate in classes, hear featured speakers, take a lantern walk to the Cemetery for a Ghost Poetry Open Mic, enjoy professional Literary Performances, Miners Nuggets of Prose & Poetry Reading, Authors Row. Special events planned for the public & your families including Cowboy Poets & The Devil Mountain Boys Country Band.

For more information CLICK HERE