Celebrate the Small Things is a weekly celebration created by VikLit and now hosted by Lexa Cain to celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large. You can learn all about it and sign up for it here. 
Today was such a gorgeous day that I just had to be outside. I was finally able to get some much-needed gardening and yard work done. Yay!
I’m also celebrating the fun time I had talking with a writers’ group in a neighboring town. They had asked me to come in and speak to their group about my books and writing in general. They were a fun, lively bunch, and I had a great time. I was there for over an hour and a half. The best part was that the organizer of the group said several times that fantasy was not her usual genre to read but she loved my first book and couldn’t wait to read the second one!
And one other celebration — Trouble By Any Other Name received a 5-star review from Readers’ Favorites Book Reviews! Whoo, hoo! Here’s the link for anyone who’d like to read it: https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/trouble-by-any-other-name.
What other celebrations are going on out there?
© Lori L. MacLaughlin and Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams, 2016. All rights reserved.
Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams 
Congratulations on the Reader’s Favorite review! That’s awesome! I bet you were a big hit at the writers group and inspired them. Have a lovely weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lexa! Hope you enjoy your weekend, as well!
LikeLike
Congratulations on the Readers Favorite Review!!!!!! I wish I could find a writer’s group.
I also attempted to putter in my garden this week.
Have a nice weekend, Lori.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Cathrina! You, too!
LikeLike
Congratulations and that’s awesome she loved your first book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Alex!
LikeLike
My first author appearance was to a writer’s group and I remember how nervous I was! I had to just tell my story. Now I have all these school visits lined up and I’m STILL nervous. I wish I could have a little of your confidence! Public speaking terrifies me.
Stephanie
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Public speaking used to terrify me, too, but it doesn’t seem to bother me so much anymore. I think the more you do it, the easier it gets. I know you’ll do fine. 🙂
LikeLike
Great reviews are always something to celebrate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! Thanks, Kate!
LikeLike
Congrats on the review! That’s awesome. I’m glad you got to garden. My allergies have kept me from it for the last couple of years. Sad panda. {{you}}
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Sorry to hear about your allergies. I’d really miss it if I couldn’t work in my flower gardens.
LikeLike
Congrats on being the guest at the writers’ group. I haven’t done this often, but I always find it quite intimidating to speak in front of other writers. I’m pleased that they liked your books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Julia! It can be very intimidating, but I’m getting better at it.
LikeLike
So excited for you, Lori. Getting a 5-star review is wonderful for you. Your book sounds fascinating. Congratulations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Deanie!
LikeLike
I always love meeting people and talking with them in person. Congrats on your 5 stars! That’s wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lee!
LikeLike
Congrats on your 5 star review! How exciting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Katie!
LikeLike
Congrats on the five-star review. I’m sure you earned every one of them. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Anna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would be really neat to talk to a writers’ group. Congratulations on the review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was really fun! Thanks, Chrys!
LikeLike
Isn’t that the best compliment ever? When someone reads YOUR book, even when it’s outside their preferred genres and loves it? I think it’s the best. Here’s to gardening, sunshine, and epic compliments!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was really pleased with it. Made my day! Thanks, Crystal!
LikeLike
Woot, that is great cause for celebration! Grats on the 5 star review. And Yay for bringing someone new to the genre. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Loni!
LikeLike
Congrats on your five-star review! I read it–it really catches the soul of your story. And how cool you got to talk writing to a group of authors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jacqui! Yes, it was such a fun event.
LikeLike