The “My Gutsy Story®” trademark became officially registered with the United States Trademark office on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
I wish to thank all the wonderful authors who have submitted their “My Gutsy Story®” since I started this contest in October 2011, and the 65 authors who signed contracts and wish to be included in the anthology.
Our very first author to submit was Rhonda Hayes. I shall never forget her heartbreaking story with its unexpected twist, and amazing ending. It received 50 comments and from then on, these inspiring stories have continued to help all of us realize we all belong to one global community.
I am working with two wonderful ladies, Michele DeFilippo and Ronda Rawlins from 1106 Design-yes the same company that did my Freeways to Flip-Flops, book cover and interior formatting-to design the cover of the:
My Gutsy Story® Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure From Around the World.
The book will be launched in September 2013, and I shall keep all of you updated as we move along.
Sonia’s News: (GOLD MEDAL AWARD-see below)
- During the month of May, I shall be in Copenhagen, Paris and a brief stop in London. Posts and photos will be from Europe. Please let me know what would interest you.
- Now is the time to submit your “My Gutsy Story®.” New stories will start in June. (See information below)
- My memoir Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island, received 1st Place, and a Gold Medal in the “Autobiography/Memoir” category of the 2012 E-lit Awards. It also received a Silver Medal, in the “Travel Essay” category of the E-lit Awards.
“The fourth annual eLit Awards are a global awards program committed to illuminating and honoring the very best of English language digital publishing entertainment.”
Do you have a “My Gutsy Story®” you’d like to share?
NOW is the time to submit your “My Gutsy Story®.” Please see guidelines below and contact Sonia Marsh at: sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.
Please read and share our April 2013 stories by David Prosser, Win Charles, Carol Bodensteiner and Linda Kovic-Skow
Voting starts on May 2nd-May 15th.
You can find all the information, and our new sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story®” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here
Sonia,
Congrats on the Trademark! What an accomplishment! I hope to submit a story in May! Thank you for all of your inspiration and encouragement.
Liz B recently posted..Dear John…I Think I Love You
Liz,
I lookk forward to receiving your story Liz. Please spread the news to your writer friends. Thank you.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..“My Gutsy Story®” Trademark is official
Sonia,
You must be over the moon with excitement — trademark AND gold and silver medals all at once. Congratulations. You’ve worked hard for this recognition and it’s well-deserved.
Sharon Lippincott recently posted..How (and Why) to Review a Book
Sharon, Thank you.
I admit, I sometimes forget what I’ve signed up for. I submit and then several months go by, and as I’m busy with other stuff, I’m not expecting to hear anything, so it does come as a nice surprise when I do. Thanks for your post on writing reviews and how it can help us with our own writing.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..“My Gutsy Story®” Trademark is official
Wow, Sonia! A trademark AND a gold and silver medal. Congratulations, you did it. I have no doubt that you will continue doing so and I hope we can get together even for a short while when you come to London so I can give you your accolades in person. That would be lovely.
Maggie,
Thanks so much. I shall send you a separate message about my trip.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..“My Gutsy Story®” Trademark is official
Congrats, Sonia!
I recently read your From Freeways to Flip-Flops and enjoyed the first-person account of life in Belize. I’ve visited Caribbean countries and wondered what life would be like as a resident. I give you lots of credit for leaving the comforts and material things behind to get your family back. I was relieved to read the ending of your story, too, as I worried about your middle son’s health throughout the experience. 🙂
I wonder if I have a gutsy story or two…I’m a romance writer with an autistic fourteen-year-old son and husband undergoing medical treatments for prostate cancer. Hmm.
Again, congrats on your success. I can appreciate the work you’ve put into your writing career and your family. Best wishes.
Jolyse Barnett recently posted..Beautiful Day
Hi Jolyse,
How nice to meet a “new” reader. I e-mailed you separately.
I am collecting more “My Gutsy Story” entries right now, and shall start posting again in June.
I am curious if you’ve visited Belize?
Are you thinking of writing a memoir yourself?
Please keep in touch.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..“My Gutsy Story®” Trademark is official
You set a wonderful example, Sonia, especially through your willingness to share your experiences and learnings so generously.
Belinda, as a member of the expat-club, I think you are helping everyone with your tips on writing through the A-Z blog challenge and your interviews.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..“My Gutsy Story®” Jason Matthews
Oh, what wonderful news Sonia! Many congratulations to you!
Lady Fi recently posted..Wonderful firsts
I’m so proud of you! So much success…
See you soon.