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| photo by Heffloaf |
In 2008, Joanne Guidoccio took advantage of early retirement
from a 31-year teaching career and decided to launch a second act that would
tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills.
Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews were
published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at
fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short
stories. Joanne writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and inspirational
literature. Learn more about her and her books at her website.
Decluttering
My Bookshelves
I delight in
the acquisition of a new book. It doesn’t matter whether I purchased it myself
or received it as a gift—each book is unique in its own special way.
I like to keep
all these treasures. At least, I did until I noticed overflowing bookshelves
and unruly piles of books in corners. And I couldn’t remember which books I had
relegated to my storage area...two floors down.
It was time to
let go of...
…older
paperback novels that were falling apart or collecting dust. Many of them are
over thirty years old and no longer of interest to me. If I ever wish to revisit
these books, I can borrow them from the library or buy the e-book.
…any
book that I hadn’t read yet. In the early years of my writing journey, I
reviewed books for local and regional newspapers. Enthusiastic editors would
send extra ARCs that I mentally filed away for future reading. Checking the
publication dates, I realized many of these books were over five years old. Along
with the extra ARCs, I have a collection of “gift” books that I couldn’t read
past the first chapter.
…any
book that reminded me of an unhappy time in my life. While dealing with
stressful personal and family issues, I immersed myself in “one-nighters” that
would transport me to a safe, predictable world. I have evolved from that
place.
…mediocre
books that don’t warrant any more attention. Enough said!
What did I do with these books?
I disposed of
any damaged books.
I donated the
“practically new” and “gently used” books to the library, community centers,
and reading rooms in nursing and retirement homes. (Libraries do not accept
ARCs)
Thinking and acting globally...
The American
Library Association has compiled a list of organizations that distribute books
internationally. In most cases, there is no shipping cost. Find out more here.
Do you have
any tips for decluttering bookshelves?
Too Many Women
in the Room
When Gilda
Greco invites her closest friends to a VIP dinner, she plans to share David
Korba’s signature dishes and launch their joint venture— Xenia, an innovative
Greek restaurant near Sudbury, Ontario. Unknown to Gilda, David has also
invited Michael Taylor, a lecherous photographer who has throughout the past
three decades managed to annoy all the women in the room. One woman follows
Michael to a deserted field for his midnight run and stabs him in the jugular.
Gilda’s life
is awash with complications as she wrestles with a certain detective’s commitment
issues and growing doubts about her risky investment in Xenia. Frustrated,
Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers decades-old secrets and
resentments that have festered until they explode into untimely death. Can
Gilda outwit a killer bent on killing again?
Giveaway:
Click here for
your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.
