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.
Monday, September 28, 2009
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
