Do's and Don'ts for Writers

I have come across several lists with some suggested characteristics shared by successful writers. I found this one by Robin Gardner to be particularly helpful. The 9 Signs of an Amateur Artist at Skinny Artist also struck a chord. As I have had some quiet time to actually focus on a writing schedule, I realize how much I usually let other things get in the way...so much can be accomplished with undivided attention!

A cautionary tale-- I am now on Facebook so these lists were found during time I spent distracted by my computer!

And Now for Something Completely Different... NATURE NOOK: Invaders of the Landscape

I wear several hats; wife, mom, aspiring children's author, master wildlife conservationist. Every now and then, I am going to switch hats and share some of the nature news I have learned. Welcome to the first edition of the Nature Nook. 

I spent some time waging war on some invasive plants. Invasives were imported to the US and spread abundantly after planting. They displace the native plants and decrease the diversity of the environment. Some of the invasive plants we were battling included:

Honeysuckle

 Bittersweet

 Multiflora Rose

 Barberry

Burning Bush

Why are native plants so important? There are species that have developed to survive on very specific native plants. For example, this spice bush swallowtail caterpillar will only feed on spice bush or sassafras. If the invasive plants had crowded out this sassafras bush, we would have also lost this caterpillar and the butterfly it will become.