Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Lifes Changes...
This week has been emotional and horrific. I haven't blogged in a while, because I've been busy with trying to help my mom get through a very traumatic experience. Her husband has been in ICU with a 50/50 chance of living or dying. He suffers with Leukemia and what was a simple cold turned into Pneumonia and has now become life threatening. Just last week we were planning our Thanksgiving dinner and my family was making plans to travel to northeast Texas for some family fun. How life changes in an instance. Thank God for his grace and mercy. Throughout the last two days, we have been praying for God's intervention and healing. He has certainly come through. My mother shared with me a story from yesterday of how she had to go about finding three witnesses to sign the will. There was no one in the waiting room. She literally found one on the elevator, one in the gift shop and another just walking along in lobby. They were most gracious women. One of them even had a brother in ICU, who just happened to be right next door to my mother's husband. Another one was the pastor of a church and as you would expect, she offered to pray and all four women joined in prayer over her husband. Today, he underwent a transfusion and had a cat scan. Tomorrow he will have another procedure to clear out fluid from the lungs. It will be a painful procedure. This is a man who never trusted doctors before now. But now that he's been placed at death's door, he is having to trust in the great physician. God is coming through for him in a miraculous way. Yes, I do believe in miracles especially when it comes to life and death situations. God has numbered the hairs on our head and only he knows the number of days we will live. I believe God isn't finished with this man yet. I believe God is just getting started in giving this man a very powerful testimony to share with many people. God uses the shocking, horrific events in our lives to change us and make us stronger witnesses for His glory. It's hard having to suffer through illness, but there is also good that comes out of it when we put our trust in the Lord.
Monday, November 9, 2009
I'm not gonna shave my hairy legs...
Was that catchy enough to grab your attention? Can't you just picture it? This weekend I attended the Indianapolis Christian Writer's Conference. Leonard Sweet was the keynote speaker. All I really remember him saying was that a whole new language now exist in the google world. We must learn this language in order to relate to this new generation of bloggers, twitters and texters. He went on to say that the primary currency in a google world is images. We must communicate in the world that is there before us and not the world that we want to be there. This is a culture that thinks in images. What is the image of your writing? Leonard Sweet claims his is a cement truck. He mixes his thoughts and images together until he gets the right consistency and then pours it out in a thick slab. James Watkins later claimed his writing image was more like a hemerrhoid. He pokes and prods the reader into a painful reality making it difficult to sit in one's own comfort zone for very long. In other words, he's a big pain in the... Get the picture?
What would my image be as a writer? I see my writing image as a cupcake. I write for children creating a yummy, delicious experience for them with lots of creamy white filling they look forward to sinking their teeth into and long to get again. So now I'm back home trying to add some exercise into my routine, so that my cupcake image doesn't turn into an extra large pizza pie. And no, I'm not gonna shave my hairy legs before I go. If I could, I would wear a tee shirt that says, "No mental image required here" or better yet, "Keep your google brainbows to yourself."
What would my image be as a writer? I see my writing image as a cupcake. I write for children creating a yummy, delicious experience for them with lots of creamy white filling they look forward to sinking their teeth into and long to get again. So now I'm back home trying to add some exercise into my routine, so that my cupcake image doesn't turn into an extra large pizza pie. And no, I'm not gonna shave my hairy legs before I go. If I could, I would wear a tee shirt that says, "No mental image required here" or better yet, "Keep your google brainbows to yourself."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Happy Travels and Novel Ideas...
Tomorrow I am taking off for Nashville and staying with some writer friends. Then we will be driving to Indianapolis for a Christian writer's conference. Although I do have a completed manuscript at this time, I am not yet ready to begin the submissions process. However, I have decided to interview a well known Christian author, who will be there and I have prepared a few questions for him. Just trying to make the most of my time at the conference to get as much helpful information as possible.
Also, I still need to learn how to write up a proposal. From what I understand, you do have to submit proposals even for fiction works. The problem is I can't wait to start writing a novel. When the characters are speaking to me in my head, I have to get my thoughts down on paper and write. If I don't write them down, they will get lost in the busyness of life. I find writing to be therapeutic and rewarding. It is important for me to write things out and see my work on paper. I wouldn't do this for non-fiction work at all, but for fiction I must. I can't see just coming up with a proposal for a fiction novel and not have most of it written already, but for a series idea - yes. But then that could be perceived as presumptuous to assume a publisher would even see this novel idea as a series in the first place. Too many things change in the process of writing. Characters sometimes take on different perspectives and take the story in a different direction. The story could actually get better during the actual writing. I realize I am still considered a new author and may not have a clear enough understanding as to the true purpose of developing a proposal for fiction work. Other than trying to sell your idea to the publisher, I am thinking the proposal can act as an outline to begin the writing process. But like I said, I can't see not having the story already written. Then too, I'm not really sure that it's all that necessary for first time authors anyway. I could be wrong and I will definitely be doing my homework on this. I'll keep you posted.
Also, I still need to learn how to write up a proposal. From what I understand, you do have to submit proposals even for fiction works. The problem is I can't wait to start writing a novel. When the characters are speaking to me in my head, I have to get my thoughts down on paper and write. If I don't write them down, they will get lost in the busyness of life. I find writing to be therapeutic and rewarding. It is important for me to write things out and see my work on paper. I wouldn't do this for non-fiction work at all, but for fiction I must. I can't see just coming up with a proposal for a fiction novel and not have most of it written already, but for a series idea - yes. But then that could be perceived as presumptuous to assume a publisher would even see this novel idea as a series in the first place. Too many things change in the process of writing. Characters sometimes take on different perspectives and take the story in a different direction. The story could actually get better during the actual writing. I realize I am still considered a new author and may not have a clear enough understanding as to the true purpose of developing a proposal for fiction work. Other than trying to sell your idea to the publisher, I am thinking the proposal can act as an outline to begin the writing process. But like I said, I can't see not having the story already written. Then too, I'm not really sure that it's all that necessary for first time authors anyway. I could be wrong and I will definitely be doing my homework on this. I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Meeting the Challenge
Today I am preparing for the Nano novel writing challenge, which begins at midnight tonight. I have already jotted down a few ideas, but I still need to plot things out and develop characters. Of course, in my experience most characters build themselves once I get the basics down on paper. This year I have decided to keep things fun and quirky, instead of trying to write the next "Gone with the Wind." Hopefully my experience as a mother of three boys will pay off here. I do have first hand experience with disgusting antics and slacker mentality. Okay, back to work. Wish me luck ya'll.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
BOO! Here's a Halloween treat.
Boo to back story. Although some information is important for the reader to know, I have learned that showing pertinent details is far more effective rather than telling them. Dialogue can be a very useful tool in letting the reader in on certain elements of the characters.
- Ex: "Tex always wears that worn out cowboy hat."
- Ex: The rim of his worn hat billowed in the wind, as Tex rode steadily in the saddle like a real cowboy.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Writing Challenge
It's that time of year again. Time to dust off the cobblestones of my mind and bring out the ideas stirring in my head for a new novel. The NaNo challenge http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3286025 - write a 50,000 word novel in one month. Yipers! This is how I got my last novel started though and I've been tweaking it out ever sense. It has gone from 50,000 words to over 70,000 words now. Slowly but surely, I am learning the steps to take, from plotting out the outline to developing the characters. It's exciting to see the twist and turns during the process of writing. Can hardly wait to see what's coming and how it all turns out. Of course, it's just a very rough first draft, but this writing challenge really gets my creative juices flowing. If you are an aspiring writer, then I encourage you to take this challenge and just try. You might not get a best seller or a book deal, but it is good practice either way.
Monday, October 19, 2009
I can see clearly now the rain is gone...
Just like the song goes, "I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way." Finally, we have clear, blue sunny skies again here in Memphis. For the past two weeks, we have had nothing but rain and overcast gray skies. This reminds me of what it's like to come out of a long and difficult period of conflict. Once clear skies appear, the difficult times don't seem so hard anymore. Your path is made clear and you suddenly know exactly what you need to do in order to resolve the problem at hand. Peace of mind is restored as well. Hope rises within and faith becomes the substance that carries you through the storms of life. We are once again reminded that all is well. God is in control. There is nothing to difficult for Him to conquer. Clarity is born within the storm. Your faith is defined and assurance of destiny becomes a reality. Perseverance is a must in order to succeed with anything in life. At my writer's meeting yesterday, this was the word I heard over and over again. With so many of us aspiring author's plugging along, submitting and revising and submitting again - only to receive yet another rejection letter, this one word rings true. Anyone who reaches a level success in publishing did not come by it easily. It takes years of hard work to hone your craft and skills and it takes divine destiny ordering our steps to bring about the encounters and chance meetings with editors and publishers to make it happen. If you give up though, you will only meet with failure. Perseverance tells us failure is not an option. This just simply isn't a word that should be allowed in our vocabulary. I am clinging to my destiny with perseverance and failure isn't an option. With the encouragement of friends, the love of my family and the divine destiny that my God promises me everyday, I am trusting that my steps are ordered of the Lord. His word does not return void. The inspiration He gives encourages me to keep writing and submitting. Although this may sound a little too religious and corny to some, I still believe God has a clear agenda and purpose for my writing and He will bring published works to pass in His time.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tweak, Tweak and Tweak Again
I've been working on a YA (Young Adult) novel for over 2 years now. It is a constant learning experience. This is not my first try at it either. My first one is still in the tweaking process after 3 years of research and development. Just writing a story isn't enough, it's writing the story within the expectations of the publishing industry. Learning these expectations and guidelines is sometimes a painstaking process. What I thought was ready for submission was actually not even close to being editor ready. Then there is what's hot and what's not. Writing within the marketable genres can sometimes squelch the enthusiasm right out of me. At this point, I think I am now considered at an intermediate level of writing at least. I have a little bit of published work under my belt, but I'm by no means am I a sought after published author. I am still finding my voice - whatever that is. This current project; however, shows promise and I am very excited about this latest rewrite. It seems to be getting better and better with each new tweak. I am thinking of it like an artist at the canvas. When does one know when the work is actually finished? How do you know when the final stroke of the brush has been painted? When does a writer know a chapter is complete, a character fully developed or a novel has reached it's final curtain call? I guess its kind of like putting on makeup in the morning. When do you know when there is enough mascara on those lashes along with enough shadow, rough and lipstick? One things for sure, we know when it's too much, because we will look like a clown. In that respect, I guess we can know when to back off from a project. I try to put some distance between myself and the characters I have come to know so intimately. I give my emotions a break from the intensity and then come back to it later. Seeing it with refreshed eyes helps me read it like a first time reader would understand it. Sure, I wish I could crank out a novel a week, but I'm just not up to that level of proficency and I'm not sure I want to be. I know I won't get it perfect either. After spending so much time on it, that's a given. This is why I have to have a fresh set of eyes to look at it before I even think about submitting. Then there's the pitch. With most agents and publishers now only accepting queries, the pitch is essential to getting the manuscript requested for a read. At the last conference I attended, we actually practiced pitching to each other which was a great way to get use to doing it. I suggested to my local writer's group that we try to have some pitching sessions with each other as well. Sounds like we're playing baseball. I like baseball. Eventually, all this practice, determination and tenacity should culminate in a book deal or at least an agent that can get me a book deal. Keeping my fingers to the keyboard in the meantime.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Conjunction junction what's your function...
I just returned from a Beth Moore Conference, where I learned something about myself. Other than the usual revelations, this one was more profound. All my life I have struggled with poor self esteem that stems from the lack of relationship with my father. I always felt that I must not be important enough to bother with, since my own father didn't care enough to spend much time with me at all. Of course, I'm older now and much wiser. I realize that was not necessarily the case. That my dad actually had a lot of stuff going on inside and to deal with himself. He really didn't know how to be a good father. Still, the ramifications effected my thinking and the way I saw myself for years. Even though I thought I had dealt with things, the root problem was still lurking about in the shadows of my mind. The scripture that comes to mind is in Exodus 20:4 "...Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished, he punishes the children and their children for the sins of the fathers up to the third and fourth generation of those who hate the Lord, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love the Lord." Close up on the bold words. I don't ever remember hearing about the but in that scripture during any sermon. What a conjunction to be left out. There is so much meaning in that but. What a difference a simple little conjunction makes in light of the condemnation I have felt for years simply because of my genetic gene pool.
I don't know how many times I heard the phrase your Heavenly Father loves you more than anything this weekend alone. As Beth Moore said, "He can't not love you, because you are part of Him and He can't deny Himself." We are all part of God's DNA gene pool, when we are God's adopted spiritual children and spiritually born again into His likeness. He could never withhold His love from us any more than a mother could keep from loving and caring for her newborn baby. The thought that my life could actually effect others for a thousand generations is pretty ominous. It is my greatest desire at this time in my life to leave a lasting legacy. This is why I write passionately. I am working hard to perfect my craft and to write something worthwhile that will reach people way beyond what I could possibly do on my own, beyond what I could ask or think. With God's love and the power of His Spirit, I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who loves me. And so can you. "Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so."
I don't know how many times I heard the phrase your Heavenly Father loves you more than anything this weekend alone. As Beth Moore said, "He can't not love you, because you are part of Him and He can't deny Himself." We are all part of God's DNA gene pool, when we are God's adopted spiritual children and spiritually born again into His likeness. He could never withhold His love from us any more than a mother could keep from loving and caring for her newborn baby. The thought that my life could actually effect others for a thousand generations is pretty ominous. It is my greatest desire at this time in my life to leave a lasting legacy. This is why I write passionately. I am working hard to perfect my craft and to write something worthwhile that will reach people way beyond what I could possibly do on my own, beyond what I could ask or think. With God's love and the power of His Spirit, I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who loves me. And so can you. "Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so."
Sunday, October 4, 2009
FALL IS HERE WITH INSPIRATION TO BOOT...
Ah, the cool crisp autumn air is here again. A welcomed relief from the hell heat of summer and the dreaded electric bill. I love the fall colors with all the renewed inspiration for writing they bring. The reminder that the holiday season will soon be upon us makes my love for baking rise within me once again. Much like the prepared dough of cinnamon rolls. Can't you smell that delicious aroma floating across your nostrils even as I write? My fondest memories take me back to Thanksgivings at the farm. In Texas, the leaves don't drop until right before Thanksgiving. Every year all the kids would rake up a huge pile of leaves, then run and jump into them. We would hike in the woods making our way down the path to the pond, where we proceeded to tie strips of bacon onto string and dangle it from a broken off tree limb. Of course, it was catch and release as the fish were not big enough. Sometimes, if the season had been particularly wet that year, we would catch a few of those giant black crawdads that took on a lobster like appearance once cooked. It was the thrill of actually catching a fish, a crawdad or even a snake in the first place that made it all worthwhile. Yes, there were water moccasins and copper heads all over those woods, but we didn't care a bit. Lucky I guess. Our parents didn't seem to take heed either. None of us ever got bit. Then there was Molly, the old pony and Copper, the cutting horse on which we all took turns riding up and down the dirt road leading to the back pasture. We often practiced target shooting with Bebe guns and puncturing through soda cans in the back lot. My dad went deer hunting early every morning. He showed me how to shoot his 30 off six, but it kicked me off my feet and threw me back on my butt, nearly dislocating my shoulder. After that, I didn't take much interest in the sport of deer hunting.
I remember we all decided to gather for Halloween one year and sat around the fire telling spooky ghost stories. Then my dad announced that the snipes were out in the pasture and asked if any of us kids wanted to go snipe hunting. What's a snipe? According to dad, it was a small bird, but in actuality, there is no such thing as a snipe. We didn't know that though. We all walked out to the pasture under a full moon holding paper sacks. I imagined a herd like stampede of small roadrunner type birds scurrying passed. Dad said, "Just listen for 'em, as soon as they run towards you, you can catch 'em in the sack. I'm gonna go run 'em out of the woods for you." He left us alone standing in the middle of a barren field. After a few scary comments from the peanut gallery, we heard an alarming sound coming out of the woods. It was my dad screaming bloody murder. He went running passed us screaming run for your lives. We all took off for the house. All the adults were standing on the porch, laughing hysterically. Once inside, my dad said he had heard something rustling behind him. When he turned to look, he said it was the biggest armadillo he had ever seen. He described it like the big fish story. It just seemed to get bigger and bigger the more he talked about it. It was amazing that he even survived the thing.
Monday, September 28, 2009
MY NEW WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING
I am so excited to be announcing the launch of my new website: http://www.haydenkidsbooks.com
My trip to Nashville for the SCBWI Midsouth Conference was very rewarding and productive. It was great fun meeting new people and new editors. I always get renewed energy and inspiration to write after returning from a well organized conference that offers a variety of information to new, intermediate as well as published authors. There was something about not being published that weighed heavy on my thinking. I felt I didn't have the right to the title author until I was officially published, but in actuality you are an author the minute you begin to write a story. The best thing I learned was not to feel that I didn't have anything to offer on a website. My thinking was that I really shouldn't start a website about my writing until I actually have something published and out there, otherwise, it could come across as self promoting. In todays world of Internet and high speed communications; however, there is no room or real excuses for being shy or intimidated. I have actually written several picturebook manuscripts that are ready for submission. One of the conference speakers encouraged me to post a pitch for each one on a website along with a bio and contact information. She also said that many publishers and editors are looking for writers with web presence and that a website shows publishers you are serious about your writing, while giving you a professional plateform to offer short previews and samples of your writing style. The eyes of my understanding have now opened. The Internet offers a vast oasis of social networking that I was not tapping into through the use of this marvelous and wondrous tool. Please visit my new website and feel free to comment.Any helpful suggestions are also much appreciated.
My trip to Nashville for the SCBWI Midsouth Conference was very rewarding and productive. It was great fun meeting new people and new editors. I always get renewed energy and inspiration to write after returning from a well organized conference that offers a variety of information to new, intermediate as well as published authors. There was something about not being published that weighed heavy on my thinking. I felt I didn't have the right to the title author until I was officially published, but in actuality you are an author the minute you begin to write a story. The best thing I learned was not to feel that I didn't have anything to offer on a website. My thinking was that I really shouldn't start a website about my writing until I actually have something published and out there, otherwise, it could come across as self promoting. In todays world of Internet and high speed communications; however, there is no room or real excuses for being shy or intimidated. I have actually written several picturebook manuscripts that are ready for submission. One of the conference speakers encouraged me to post a pitch for each one on a website along with a bio and contact information. She also said that many publishers and editors are looking for writers with web presence and that a website shows publishers you are serious about your writing, while giving you a professional plateform to offer short previews and samples of your writing style. The eyes of my understanding have now opened. The Internet offers a vast oasis of social networking that I was not tapping into through the use of this marvelous and wondrous tool. Please visit my new website and feel free to comment.Any helpful suggestions are also much appreciated.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Josh Groban - My Confession
OK - I will admit it. Since 2005, one of my mini-passions has been Josh Groban. What can I say? Well for one, the man has an awesome voice that exudes passion and romance, while at the same time envelopes the worthwhile Cause of helping children both abroad and at home. I have worked with his charity on several occasions to help further such efforts. The inspiration for my first book (see below) came from Josh Groban's work as an ambassador with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. I figure I've spent hundreds of dollars trotting the country after him during tours and put in as many hours of effort and hard work in an effort to raise funds for his charity. Granted, there are many "Grobanites" that have far exceeded my personal efforts as far as number of concerts attended and money raised through various mediums. I'm certainly not at the top of the heap in that respect, but I do give credit to Josh for the ongoing inspiration he offers through his music and charity efforts. I love making blankets for the orphanage in Africa and creating beautiful gift baskets for the online auctions that also raise funds for the charity. I have made genuine and endearing friendships for a lifetime with people I have met online in his fanclub. He has given many people hope and opportunity to be creative and to live a purposeful life. His music may not be overtly Christian, but can certainly be understood in that way. So hats off to Josh Groban for raising us all up with his voice, his charm and his generous spirit.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Volunteering for St. Jude's Children's Hospital
This year I started volunteering at St. Jude's Children's Hospital. What a wonderful facility and fantastic organization of healthcare for children. I have been privileged to work with children in a way that brings joy and happiness into their lives. In return, I have experienced the same. At times, some of the families have expressed their gratitude to me, but I must confess I do not feel I am doing anything special at all. I am only there to help in any way I can to bring some relief from the stress and strain of the overwhelming circumstances so many families must face on a daily basis. I have suffered in other ways with my own children, one with special needs; however, I have never had to face the devastation that many families do. We all have our own hell to deal with in this life. It helps me to remember to count my blessings and understand there are people who are suffering much worse. A lot of attention and care is given not only to the patients, but the entire family, the siblings and the parents as well. I hope to continue my efforts with volunteering. My schedule fluxuates, but I do enjoy doing the little bit I can do. They say every little bit helps and in this case, I feel it is true. I have played games with children and helped them paint on the glass windows of the waiting rooms. They really enjoy creating beautiful mosiac murals for everyone to see and enjoy. I have played games with siblings while their brother or sister are getting various tests done. At times, the mother and father have actually fallen asleep in the waiting room because help watch the kids, while they get a quick nap. Other special events I have volunteered for include clothing give-aways, where each family gets to pick up to 4 brand new donated items for themselves and the children. Some got new coats and hats. Others got much needed school clothes. Then there was sibling day complete with lunch, clowns, a magic show and drum processional just to say thanks to those brave siblings who have to take the backseat all the time. I have to confess, it is a lot of fun for me too. I guess I'm still a kid at heart.
Many people have told me they could never do this, but it isn't at all as bad as they think. I don't see the same patients all the time. I might only see them once. This is a good way to keep from becoming too emotionally involved. Being sick is hard enough without having to get too involved with the patients anyway. It is best to keep a professional distance, so to speak. I may never know how it all works out for them either, but in the meantime, I can help make their lives a little more tolerable and enjoyable.
Many people have told me they could never do this, but it isn't at all as bad as they think. I don't see the same patients all the time. I might only see them once. This is a good way to keep from becoming too emotionally involved. Being sick is hard enough without having to get too involved with the patients anyway. It is best to keep a professional distance, so to speak. I may never know how it all works out for them either, but in the meantime, I can help make their lives a little more tolerable and enjoyable.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
It's the climb....
We went to Fall Creek Falls State Park last weekend and enjoyed the Mountaineer Folk Festival. The clogging and bluegrass music were fun to watch and of course the food was good too. I have shared some photos to remember this day. It was an absolutely perfect weather weekend. The kind we rarely see except in the fall or maybe spring. The leaves had just barely started to peep out in color. I hope to make another trip to another state park in October during the peek color time. Tennessee is a very beautiful state to live in. Unfortunately, Memphis is not the pretty part so we make drives towards the eastern part of the state often to enjoy the natural beauty. Here we are at the entrance to the festival.
We took the scenic driving tour to enjoy the natural wonder and beauty of this massive 20,000 acre gorge in the middle of Tennessee. One overlook offered a short trail down a rocky stepped path. It seemed harmless enough to tackle, so I tried. Along the way, I saw a protruding rock formation that looked just like a foot. Being totally unfit, since my diagnosis with Rheumatoid and chronic back pain had prevented me from exercising at all, I hesitated to continue on to the suspension bridge that overlooked the creek. Yet, I pressed onward and downward with determination. All the while keeping in mind I would have to climb back up those steep rocks to get back to the car and the known civilized world from wince I came.
Finally, I heard the falls and came to a fenced barrier that overlooked them. Darn, I didn't have the camera with me though. After a brief rest, I trudged on to the suspension bridge picking up momentum with the anticipation of achieving my goal. Yahoo! I did it. The creek was lovely to view, but the suspension bridge was a little too wobbly. I decided not to continue on to the other side, once I had made it to the middle. Other hikers had entered from the other side and the shaking was a little scary and made it difficult for me to head back to my side. I had growing concerns as to the sturdiness and security of the bridge itself and was glad to reach the cliff.
Now for the return hike up the mountain back to the car. I was surprised at how energetic I felt and gained confidence with each step. Huffing and puffing along the way, I only stopped twice to rest. My husband and son met me close to the entrance and were surprised to hear I had actually made it all the way to the bridge and back. I felt so accomplished. My back never hurt, not even once the entire time I was climbing up or down either. That was amazing. I felt God was with me in that task, urging me to press onward to teach me that I am still a usable vessel for His purpose and glory. This makes me think that as long as we keep our minds on the goal, we can accomplish things we never thought possible. I was reminded of the song "It's the Climb" that Miley Ray Cyrus sings. No matter how long it may take to get there, as long as you keep trying and moving forward, you will eventually get there. Remember to, it is truly all about the climb and the things we learn along the way to seeing our dreams come true. Keep on believing in yourself and your dreams. Be encouraged.
The beautiful Fall.
We took the scenic driving tour to enjoy the natural wonder and beauty of this massive 20,000 acre gorge in the middle of Tennessee. One overlook offered a short trail down a rocky stepped path. It seemed harmless enough to tackle, so I tried. Along the way, I saw a protruding rock formation that looked just like a foot. Being totally unfit, since my diagnosis with Rheumatoid and chronic back pain had prevented me from exercising at all, I hesitated to continue on to the suspension bridge that overlooked the creek. Yet, I pressed onward and downward with determination. All the while keeping in mind I would have to climb back up those steep rocks to get back to the car and the known civilized world from wince I came.
Finally, I heard the falls and came to a fenced barrier that overlooked them. Darn, I didn't have the camera with me though. After a brief rest, I trudged on to the suspension bridge picking up momentum with the anticipation of achieving my goal. Yahoo! I did it. The creek was lovely to view, but the suspension bridge was a little too wobbly. I decided not to continue on to the other side, once I had made it to the middle. Other hikers had entered from the other side and the shaking was a little scary and made it difficult for me to head back to my side. I had growing concerns as to the sturdiness and security of the bridge itself and was glad to reach the cliff.
Now for the return hike up the mountain back to the car. I was surprised at how energetic I felt and gained confidence with each step. Huffing and puffing along the way, I only stopped twice to rest. My husband and son met me close to the entrance and were surprised to hear I had actually made it all the way to the bridge and back. I felt so accomplished. My back never hurt, not even once the entire time I was climbing up or down either. That was amazing. I felt God was with me in that task, urging me to press onward to teach me that I am still a usable vessel for His purpose and glory. This makes me think that as long as we keep our minds on the goal, we can accomplish things we never thought possible. I was reminded of the song "It's the Climb" that Miley Ray Cyrus sings. No matter how long it may take to get there, as long as you keep trying and moving forward, you will eventually get there. Remember to, it is truly all about the climb and the things we learn along the way to seeing our dreams come true. Keep on believing in yourself and your dreams. Be encouraged.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Writing for children has been another of my mini-passions, yet I would say it has turned out to be much more than mini. I have been writing passionately for children for the past 4 years now. It is a never ending learning experience and far more difficult than I could have ever imagined. Currently I have several works in progress along with a few of those rejection letters. The last of which was very promising, however. The editor actually said, "Be comforted in knowing you did make it to the final round." I believe in my work and I have worked very hard to make it as excellent as possible. I have also invested not only my time, but money in that I have attended several writer's conferences and had some picturebooks professionally edited in an effort to continue honing my skills.
One can never go wrong with getting a professional edit no mater how small the project. It is always helpful to have a professional eye review your work before submitting it. Making sure your work is editor friendly and editor ready is the best thing you could do for yourself. An editor will take notice faster and as I understand will be most likely to offer a contract. There are so many things that can go wrong in a manuscript that I wasn't aware before. I am very glad I took the time to get my work edited and rewrote it several times before attempting the submissions process. Hopefully, this will pay off in the long run. Now I have two young adult novels I am currently working on and the editing fees are much more expensive, so it will be a while yet before I am ready to invest in those pieces. Hopefully, I will get a couple of picturebooks out there before then and start to create a presence in the publishing industry. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Please see the book button below and feel free to preview and order. This is a self-published picturebook I have created specifically as a fundraiser. 100% of all profits will go to help the children of Africa.
One can never go wrong with getting a professional edit no mater how small the project. It is always helpful to have a professional eye review your work before submitting it. Making sure your work is editor friendly and editor ready is the best thing you could do for yourself. An editor will take notice faster and as I understand will be most likely to offer a contract. There are so many things that can go wrong in a manuscript that I wasn't aware before. I am very glad I took the time to get my work edited and rewrote it several times before attempting the submissions process. Hopefully, this will pay off in the long run. Now I have two young adult novels I am currently working on and the editing fees are much more expensive, so it will be a while yet before I am ready to invest in those pieces. Hopefully, I will get a couple of picturebooks out there before then and start to create a presence in the publishing industry. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Please see the book button below and feel free to preview and order. This is a self-published picturebook I have created specifically as a fundraiser. 100% of all profits will go to help the children of Africa.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Community Theater
One of my mini-passions is community theater. That was until I became a member of the Board. Oh my gosh - what a job. At first, I considered being a board member to be an honor, but it really is more like a gloried gofer. Without the Board nothing would get done though. Yet I have found myself loosing the passion I once had for theater lately. I think I will have to reconsider being a Board member in the future, if I want to get the joy back for acting that I once had. For now I am off to another Board or rather Bored meeting.
If any of you here are community theater lovers, please remember those who work behind the scenes. I have a renewed appreciation for all the work that goes into creating a great play for the community to enjoy since I've been working for the past 3 years as a Board member. I have learned a lot, but mostly I have learned I need to recapture the fun again.
If any of you here are community theater lovers, please remember those who work behind the scenes. I have a renewed appreciation for all the work that goes into creating a great play for the community to enjoy since I've been working for the past 3 years as a Board member. I have learned a lot, but mostly I have learned I need to recapture the fun again.
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