Sometimes Hard, But Oh-So Worth It!

Another Year Gone...

2012-02-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

It's that day again.

The anniversary of my birth.

Two years ago, when I turned 30, I debuted a mission statement for my 30's.

(My friends even through me a Digging Deeper birthday party, including a shovel to dig with.)

Essentially, it means that I plan to spend more time doing things thoroughly, and less time trying to be perfect at everything. Two years in and I think I'm coming up wanting. It's hard to kick the habit of overachieving. Or is it overcomplicating? Overwhelming? Overthinking?

I think I'm doing okay though. I've cut out some of the things that weren't a major part of my life. True, I've added a few new things in too, but we won't go there...

Life isn't perfect, but I love it anyway. I don't mind being 32. I hope I can say that when I turn 42, 52 and beyond. Each day, each year brings new challenges. It also brings new blessings, and new opportunities.

Life goes on.

"The trick is growing up without growing old"

-Casey Stengel

Most Embarrassing Moment...

2012-01-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

I'm fortunate enough to have the kind of memory that...blocks things. It must be a self preservation tactic. Due to my "condition", I've blocked a lot of the embarrassing things I've done in my life. I think it falls close to the category of how mothers forget the misery of childbirth, when contemplating having another baby. If our minds didn't work that way, there would be A LOT of one child families out there.

When I was younger, probably Junior High and High School age, one of the most popular questions to ask people was "What is your most embarrassing moment?" Maybe because it acts as an ice-breaker. Maybe because teenagers spend their time dwelling on their own embarrassing moments, and like to feel secure in knowing theirs aren't as bad as yours. I'm not sure. But I don't think I've had anyone ask me that question for at least a decade.

The reason I remember the question so well is because I never had an embarrassing moment to share. (At the time, I didn't know I had the "block that from my memory" condition.) In searching my memory, I always came up empty. Not that I never got embarrassed. I just never felt like they were funny enough moments to qualify for "most embarrassing".

Things like trying to pull open a door when the sign right in front of me said "Push". It's funny, but it wouldn't win any awards. For a while, it was the best I could do.

Until...This happened:

While waiting in line at Lagoon Amusement Park, my teenage friends and I began "flirting" (translation: acting like ridiculous, giggling girls who thought the world revolved around us and whether or not the boys thought we were cute...)

Where was I? Oh, yeah, we were flirting with the boys in front of us in line. It was for the Sky Tram thing - the one that takes you from one end of the park to the other. As we got to the front of the line, I had my back turned to the boys (probably asking a friend something stupid like, "is he looking at me?"), when suddenly that "friend" told me to hurry up, it was my turn and I was going to miss the chair.

Without thinking, I turned around and stepped onto the spot right as the chair rounded the corner. About a second later I saw a boy, sitting in the chair next to me with a puzzled look on his face. Then I heard the giggling from behind me, and I knew what had happened.

I'd been set up. And I now had to ride the entire length of the park with the startled, albeit cute, stranger.

That story became my saving grace at those times when the question was asked: "What is your most embarrassing moment?"

But here's the thing:
I'm 99% sure it never happened.

I actually think I made up the whole story as a teenager, so I'd have something to tell, and then over the years of retelling it, I convinced myself it really happened.

Awkward!

I've been doubting the truth of that "embarrassing moment" for a few years now. So when I read this quote a few weeks ago, it really made me laugh:

"There are lots of people who mistake their

imagination for their memory."

-Josh Billings

I think I have a new most embarrassing moment. It just might be this blog post.

The True Meaning of Christmas

2011-12-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

The True Meaning of Christmas

By Kimberly Coates

‘Twas the Eve of First Christmas and all through the land

There was not one room open neither simple, nor grand

Dread filled Joseph’s heart, at the last place they tried

As the innkeeper’s head shook from side to side

Then, filled with compassion, he thought of a way

He told of a stable, a place they could stay

Having no other option, each door closed up tight

A simple old stable, became a delight

They thanked the kind man, while the door he was closing

The day nearly gone, soon the dark was enclosing

When fine’ly they found it, Joseph took tender care

Made a bed out of straw, with no time to spare

The pain soon began, God’s own son nearly here

Mary prayed to have courage to replace her fear

And when she looked at His face, sent from above

She knew in an instant of a mother’s pure love

She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes for the night

Laid Him in a manger, then noticed a light

A new star above them, up high in the East

Shining brighter then others by two times, at least

Nearby there were shepherds with their flocks in the field

Looking up to the sky, saw the star unconcealed

When an angel appeared bringing news of Christ’s birth

They set forth to visit the One of Great Worth

For God so loved the world that He sent us his son

And because of his precious gift, Christmas begun

When the wise men arrived, they knelt down in praise

And starting tradition, their gifts did they raise

But it didn’t take long to fill hearts with greed

Instead of all giving; we get, want, and need

So many distractions, ways to go into debt

The true meaning of Christmas, we must not forget

If we look at what’s changed since that first Christmas night

We’ll find the answers to things the world has lost sight

If we’d have been there, seen the star in the sky

There is one thing for certain: no reindeer flew by!

Now our stockings are filled to the brim with fun treats

Each year they get bigger, they were once for our feet

And under the tree where once there were presents

The crumpled up paper now covers the floor vents

The Christmas we know just would not feel complete

Without treats from our neighbors to fatten our seat

And by Christmas night, you bid your visitors bye

The toys are half broken, you vow that “Next year you’ll try”

To teach the true purpose of the gift of God’s love

The kind of giving and caring the scriptures talk of

No need to wonder if it’s big or too small

Cuz unlike a sweater, love is one size fits all

Christ was not wealthy in treasures of this earth

But he loved everyone, he knew of their worth

It doesn’t take money to make Christmas great

Just think about Christ, it is never too late

You don’t need to wait or hold off for good reason

To practice what you’ll do for the next Christmas season

So starting this moment to give others a lift

Love them with all your heart, for love is the best gift!

All Moved In

2011-03-31T16:31:00.000-06:00

I moved into a new home last weekend. Because I was in the middle of a move, I've been offline for a few days. Before that I was packing. It's been busy. What can I say, Moving is "Sometimes Hard, But Oh-So Worth It!"

I'm in the Syracuse Utah area now (about 30 miles north of where I was before). I have a lot to learn about the area.

It will come with time. And practice.

Kind of like writing.

Lillian Hellman says it well,

"Nothing you write, if you hope to be good, will ever come out as you first hoped."

Practice, Practice, Practice!

* * * * *

Today's writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, my day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here

Love of...Colin Firth

2011-03-17T09:47:00.000-06:00

You've probably heard about this author named Jane Austin. Well, I'd heard of her too. But unlike so many readers and writers out there, I never had the "I love anything Jane Austin, especially Pride and Prejudice" bug bit me.

I think I know why I never really connected with Miss Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy before now.

You see, I'm an audio book fan. It all began with the narrator for the Harry Potter series. That guy was amazing. And because I am able to listen to books while I work (they actually help me stay focused on that work!), I usually opt for the audio version of books if they are available.

Therein lies the problem. I listened to Pride and Prejudice instead of actually reading it, and it didn't work for me. There are some stories that must be read. I would be willing to bet that the older the actual book itself is, the better.

So I listened to the story, but didn't fall in love.

Until now.

I present:

Seriously, if you haven't seen this movie, you need to. This is the 6 hour version. And yes, it's totally worth the 6 hours spend. (Though I think you'd have a hard time convincing my husband it was worth the 12 hours it took me to watch it twice. In 3 days.) I saw the Keira Knightley version from 2005 a few years ago. But this one is So Much Better!

Now, I can't wait to get my own copy of the original book and actually read it. Too bad it will probably have to be a newly printed version instead of one so old the pages are nearly falling away from the binding.

Love of Learning

2011-03-14T21:45:00.000-06:00

I love to learn new things. So bad, in fact, that I take too many new things on and cannot stay focused on any of them long enough to actually learn something. It's a problem I've always had, but never really been able to change.

I love to learn new things!

(To be perfectly clear, I consider this different from loving change. That, I'm not so good at. Like when your computer system gets upgraded and you have no idea how to do the same thing you were good at yesterday.)

But, back to learning...

Things I want to learn:

Great storytelling
Public speaking
Will power (when it comes to food)
Spanish
Sign language
Cake decorating (thanks to you - Laura!)
First aide
How to fast forward through potty training
Patience (though I am NOT praying for this, as I do not want to learn it that way!)
Better time management (all my friends think I'm an expert at this. I have them all fooled!)

That's to name a few. I'd bore you if I continued.

It's a pretty good list. I want to do those things. But how?

The best way would probably be to pick one at a time and focus. Focus. FOCUS!!!

Or you could go with this method:

"The best way to become acquainted with a subject is to write a book about it."

-Benjamin Disaeli

What do you want to learn?

* * * * *

Today's writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, my day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here

Blog Tour - Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston

2011-02-23T08:21:00.001-07:00

Ida Mae
Babbitt rides again!
Ida Mae Babbitt may be a reformed woman, but trouble just can't stay away.
Follow the blog tour for Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston and learn
about Ida Mae's latest adventure.

This is the second book in Tristi Pinkston's Secret Sisters Series, and if you loved the first you'll love this one too. If you haven't read the first you can just pick up on the story with Dearly Departed. One of my favorite things about Dearly Departed was that Tristi gave Eden, Ida Mae's friend's granddaughter, a more essential role. I spoke to Tristi about that last weekend and she told me she was surprised by Eden as well. While Ida Mae works the inside of the Care Center, Eden investigates the crime from the outside. They made a great team. Not to mention having Kevin's help. I do love a little romance!

One thing's for sure. If, when I'm a little elderly woman, I ever break a leg and arm and am left completely helpless, I wouldn't mind checking into a place like Shady Aspen Retirement Center. Well, except for the whole murdering of residents thing.

Check out Dearly Departed for a fun light read that will give you ideas for how to spend your retirement years!

Walnut Springs Press will be giving away

THREE copies of Dearly Departed . One
GRAND PRIZE winner will win this fun
scrap booking pack.

It's easy to enter.
1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why
you're excited to read Dearly
Departed. Remember to include your email address.
2. For an additional entry become a follower of Walnut Springs Press blog,
Tristi's blog, or any of the fabulous reviews blog. Leave a comment letting
us know who's blog you now follow.
3. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or
facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an
additional entry for each post.

Good Luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on March 6th.

***
Ida Mae Babbitt has done her community service and is a reformed
woman - no more law-breaking for her. But when Arlette's granddaughter
Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae - with the
perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle - checks herself into
the place. After all, it is for the greater good. Soon she's buzzing
around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping
files from the office. She's bound and determined to get to the bottom of
this case. But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next
victim?

****
February 16th
Starcrossed book
reviews (Nichole Giles)

Febraury 17
Inksplasher (Karlene Browning)

February 18
Heather Justensen

February 21
Elizabeth Mueller

February 22
LDS Women's Book Review (Shanda
Cottam)

February 23
Rachelle Writes
(Rachelle Christensen)
Sometimes
Hard But Oh So Worth It (Kimberly Coates)

February 24
Fire and Ice (Heather
Gardner)

February 28
Cheryl's Book Nook
(Cheryl Koch)

March 1
JDP News (Joyce DiPastena)

March 2
Teri Rodeman

March 3
Why Not? Because I Said
So (Sheila Stayley)

Off to LTUE!

2011-02-16T21:38:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow morning I'm headed to the BYU Conference Center in Provo for the annual writer's workshop:

Life, the Universe and Everything

(LTUE)

But I won't see you in any of the workshops.

Why?

Because I'll be there as a vendor!

That's right, I bought a vendors table.

And I'll be there selling (hopefully selling) my writing planners.

You've heard about them...

You've wanted one...

You've put it off ordering one for unknown reasons...

Now's your chance!

If you're going to be at LTUE, come find me in the vendors hall.

You can see them in person. Touch them. Smell them. ~~Drool on them.~~ Buy them...

Who doesn't love a little organization?

Who doesn't love to have one place to write down all your writing goals?

Who doesn't love motivating writing quotes to keep you going?

And now, here's the writing quote pulled directly from this week's page:

"Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming,

we lose the excitement of possibilities.

Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning."

-Gloria Steinem

If you have any questions, send me an email or check out my website!

I'll be there Thursday, Friday and Saturday!

I hope to see you soon...

Seamless Storytelling

2011-02-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

My dad is a storyteller. He can entertain with his words and make otherwise average stories funny. When I listen to him tell a story, my mind does not drift away to my To-do list or what I'm going to eat next. Okay, sometimes I still think about food (chocolate), but you know what I mean.

He also likes to tell jokes. Only he tells them as stories, and you never know until he's done if he's building up to a story ending or a punch line. Most of the time it's a punch line.

Me, on the other hand? I'm not so good with the jokes. Never have been. Usually I can't keep a straight face. They usually go something like this:

"Wanna hear a joke? (no subtlety there!) Okay, there were three guys that walked into a bar. Or was is two guys and a girl? Um, I can't remember. Anyway, three people walk into a bar. I don't think it matters if they're guys or girls. One says to another... Oh, I can't remember how he said it. Maybe the girl said something first. Crap! I can't remember. But it was funny! You'll just have to trust me."

I know. Lame.

Lucky for me, I'm the writing kind of storyteller, not the sit-around-the-table-chatting kind of storyteller. I can revise and change my story until it actually makes sense. At least that's the idea. I haven't actually got there yet... :)

And now for my weekly writing quote:

"Storytelling reveals meaning without committing the error of defining it."

-Hannah Arendt

* * * * *

Today's writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, my day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here

Book Launch and Give-a-way

2011-02-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's a book launch and give-a-way!

Hooray!

Sarah M. Eden's newest book, The Kiss of a Stranger, has just been released. I'm currently reading it, and I love it! I'm going back to it as soon as I'm done with this post.

Sarah is joining two other authors, Jennifer K. Clark and Stephonie K. Williams, who co-wrote the book Mark of Royalty, for a book launch.

Saturday, February 12th

11am - 1pm

Provo Deseret Book

989 South University Ave

There are going to be lots of door prizes, including one of my very own writing planners:

The Write Planner.

Check out Sarah's website for more information, and to see the other prizes.

Happy Groundhog Day

2011-02-02T10:11:00.001-07:00

It's Groundhog Day! That means it's also
MY BIRTHDAY!!

And Mr. Punxsutawney Phil has given me the best birthday present ever. He predicted an
Early Spring!

I don't think I've been warm for the last three months. But there may be an end in sight.

Of course, not today. It's 8 degrees outside right now.

I'm ready for Spring. I'm ready to Spring Clean. I'm ready to do yard work. I'm ready to send the kids out in the back yard to play.

Of course all of those things will be happening in a new house. As long as everything goes smoothly anyway. Our house is under contract, and we're house hunting. I've even found a house I'm very interested in. The next month will bring lots of changes.

Bring them on!

And since I've been behind on everything this week, my weekly writers quote is late. But without further delay I present:

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
-Mark Twain

Can you use that for houses to? The difference between the right house and the almost right house is the difference between...what? Your entire future? There's a lot of pressure in that, isn't there. Where you live will have major impacts on your life. Not to mention on the lives of your children.

I hope I will choose the right words, as well as the right house!

* * * * *

Today's writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, my day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here

The Thief of Time

2011-01-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

I was going to write this post last night.

Then, I was going to write it first thing this morning.

It's now just after lunch, and I'm finally getting around to it.

Where does all the time go?

The answer to that question leads us to this week's writing quote:

"Procrastination is the thief of time."

- Joseph Heller

Oh, that's it. Procrastination took my time away. The thief!

I never used to be good at procrastination, but I'm learning!

And I hate it.

I hate how I feel when it's the night before a big event, and I'm scrambling.

I hate the sleepless nights, or even worse - the nightmares of being unprepared if I do actually manage to sleep.

Each time I promise myself that I'll be more on top of it next time.

Like I always used to be.

What happened to me?

Kids?

Church service?

Work?

Housework?

Friends?

Television?

Books?

General laziness?

Writing?

Okay, so it's probably all of the above. Plus a few other things. Like trying to find a picture for this:

Today's writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, my day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here

That Explains It!

2011-01-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I began feeling nauseous. You know, pregnancy-type queazy. The problem was, I had an almost two year old, a not quite six month old, and nearly panicked with the idea of having another one added on to that.

It just couldn't be possible! Could it?

After a week or so of serious anxiety, an idea occurred to me. I had started taking a new multivitamin about the same time I began feeling "sick".

Could it really be that easy?

To my great relief, it was.

I stopped with the vitamins an voila!

They made a two-point shot, strait into the garbage!

Fast forward to two weeks ago.

Once again I decided to start taking a multivitamin. I chose a different brand, and hoped for the best.

The queasiness came back the first day!

Ugh! Could it really be so hard to add extra vitamins to my diet?

I had a new idea. I had been taking the vitamins in the morning, with breakfast. I changed to taking them at dinner. Maybe if I took them with more food I would be okay.

Guess what? It worked! No more pregnancy-like sick feeling. Hooray!

About a week into my new routine I was up late, unable to fall asleep - again! I needed to sleep. I needed to get up early. I had barely been able to stay away during the mid afternoon. Why couldn't I sleep now?

On a whim I headed toward the pantry. (Okay, it was probably more of a "search for a late night snack", but...)

While staring at the shelves, wishing for some zero-calorie chocolate to magically appear, I saw my vitamin bottle. Picking it up I read the following:

This product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

Seriously??!!

No wonder I couldn't sleep at night. I'd just taken a caffeine pill with dinner!

Now I've moved onto option number three, taking it with lunch. If this doesn't work I'm swearing off vitamins forever!

Lasterday: Made-up Words

2011-01-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

My daughter, who is almost four, has her own little collection of made up words. Most of the time she's speaks the same dialect as the rest of us, but every now and then the Made-Up-Words come out.

Member - This one's just short for Remember, but it's still cute.

"You said I could have a treat after I ate all my lunch, member?"

Yabecause - This is said all as one word. She uses it when she's looking for an excuse to get out of something. Not only that, but it's usually used in the completely wrong way. (Is there actually a wrong way to use made-up words?)

me: "It's time for bed."
her: "Yabecause, I want to watch a movie."
me: "You already watched one. Now it's time for bed."
her: "Yabecause..... (thinking really hard, looking around her room for something, anything, to ask for...) I want another drink."
me: "Okay, one more drink.... (gets another drink, tucks her in - again) Go to sleep!"
her: (two minutes later) "Mom!"
me: "Go to sleep!" (trying to maintain the sweet voice, despite my desire to duck tape her to the bed)
her: "Yabecause, I can't fall asleep..."

Begot - It's amazing how many times she can use this one.

"Mom, we begot to have a vitamin."
"Mom, we begot to have a treat."
"Mom, we begot to play the game."

Then, of course, I like to point out how she "begot" to say "forgot".

Lasterday - This is her most recent word, and one I thought was pretty unique. Until I looked it up on the good old web. It's not actually a word, but it's used a lot. Urban Dictionary has several:

A word used to describe an indefinite time in the past (e.g. last week, last month, last year)
Remember lasterday when we went to the beach?
The time peroid that falls between yesterday and last week. Excelent for college students who don't have the capacity to remember what day it is.
Jess: Yell lost her phone lasterday.
The day or days before today, any day before the current day with no exact date in mind.

I did that at school lasterday.

Hmmm... I wonder if I can use them all in a sentence...

"Yabecause you begot to paint my fingernails lasterday, member?"

Whether in real life or in the world of fiction - I'd love to hear about the made-up words in your world.

The Best Fruit

2011-01-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

This week's writing quote is,

"The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit."

- Moliere

Okay, so you can really apply that to any aspect of your life. But I find particular comfort in applying it to my writing. Because let me tell you - it is extremely slow growing!

My first book was easy. I wrote most of it in a three month block. It was exciting to see it all show up on the screen. It was a learning experience. It was Terrible!

Really. But it's okay.

I moved on to my second book. The idea was fun. I dove right in. And nearly drowned in the tide.

It proved to hold many more challenges than the first book I wrote.

Historical fiction's kind of like that.

I loved doing the research, but it was still hard to get myself to do it.

Then I put it aside so I could focus on my writing planners.

Now I'm in limbo. I think the slowest thing to develop in my writing is actually deciding what genre to write! I feel like that just comes naturally to most writers. But I'm really struggling with it. The more I read, and the more I learn about what I actually like, the more I wonder.

I'm not giving up on my current historical fiction, but it may take a vacation on my bookshelf while I explore a new idea I've got, in a new genre.

* * * * *

Today's writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, my day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here

I Can Relate...Sometimes!

2011-01-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

This week's writing quote is:

"I have made this [letter] longer, because I have not had the time to make it shorter."

- Blaise Pascal

Sometimes it's so easy to get carried away with our writing, that we've written three chapters that have nothing to do with the plot. Sometimes our characters take a detour, and we want to see where it leads so we follow, only to get lost down a dead-end street.

But that's okay. That's what drafting is for. We experiment. We explore.

Eventually we have to go back. Edit. Revise. Thus begins the process of shortening. Taking out all the unnecessary stuff. Oh yeah, and adding those most important details that somehow we missed! It takes time. But the end result is so much better.

Thank goodness we have computers. Thank goodness we're not dealing with typewriters or worse, hand writing. (Although I know a few writers who still prefer that method!)

* * * * *

If you (or anyone you know) could benefit from a day planner that's geared toward writers, my sale price is still available for The Write Planner. Right now it's only $12, which come to $1 per month!! Check out my website for more details.

* * * * *

Today's writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, a day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here

The Parts To Leave Out

2011-01-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

This week's writing quote is:

"I try to leave out the parts that people skip."
- Elmore Leonard

Such simple words. Well Duh! Right? But most of us are guilty of skipping over passages, even when we really love the book. As a writer, that's one of my biggest fears. Will I bore the reader? Will they skip this part?

So ask yourself: Is this really necessary? Does it move the plot along? Does it create conflict? Does it develop the character? Would the reader miss anything if you took it out?

No?

Then get rid of it!

(Is anyone still reading this post?)

Have I bored you yet?

Well, if you're still with me, go check out my website. I've got a special offer for The Write Planner going on now.

For the next two weeks they are on sale for just $12.

That's only $1 per month to keep you focused on your writing!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Today's writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, a day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here.

Writing Is An Adventure

2010-12-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

This week's writing quote is:

"Writing is an adventure. To begin with, it is a toy and an amusement. Then it becomes a mistress, then it becomes a master, then it becomes a tyrant. The last phase is that just as you are about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster and fling him to the public."

- Winston Churchill

This writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, a day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here.

A Time To Write

2010-12-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

This week's Writing Quote:

"Writing is the only thing that, when I do it,

I don't feel I should be doing something else."

- Gloria Steinem

Is that how you feel about writing?

For me: Not usually.

I always feel like I should be doing something else. Even when I'm working on the very thing I should be doing. There is just so much to do!

Unfortunately, writing usually falls pretty far down on the priority list. I hope to change that soon. (You know - New Years Resolutions and all....) ;)

But one thing is for sure. When I do actually write, I feel successful. Even if I've only written garbage, I wrote!

I love the feeling of creation that comes with writing. I love the sense of accomplishment.

I love writing! So why don't I do it more often?

This writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, a day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here.

Talent or Guts?

2010-12-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Today's Quote of the Week is:

"Talent is helpful in writing,

but guts are absolutely necessary."

- Jessamyn West

So many of us are held back by our own feelings of inadequacy. We think, "We're not smart enough. We're not good enough. We're not talented enough." And we may not be. Yet.

But that's not all that matters!

Sure, it's helpful.

But having guts in this business is a necessity. It's a tough world. To quote Sarah M. Eden (from my interview on her blog last Friday) "I decided to become a writer because ninja was just too easy."

First, you have to have guts to put your thoughts on paper. Next, it takes guts to let anyone actually read what you've written. Then when you're ready, you have to face the world of rejection from agents, editors, and publishers. And after all that, when you've finally made it in the writing world, when you finally have that New York Times' Bestselling Novel, you have to face the criticism of your beloved readers. Because lets face it, not everyone will love your book. And that's okay. More people will love it!

So go ahead. Put yourself out there. Prepare to be rejected. It takes guts.

Do you have guts?

This writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, a day planner designed for writers. To learn more about The Write Planner, click here.

I Need Friends Friday - My Interview

2010-12-10T08:53:00.001-07:00

Today I am featured on Sarah M. Eden's weekly interview: I Need Friends Friday.

Go check it out!

I Smell Bacon. Still.

2010-12-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I used a new recipe for Potato Soup. One of the ingredients was freshly cooked bacon. So I bought bacon, which I don't do very often.

And now I remember why.

I hate cooking it. Don't get me wrong, I love eating it, but cooking it is another story.

The smoke. The splatters. The smell.

After the bacon was done I used some of the reserved grease to cook the chopped onions in. Let me just tell you, those two ingredients together nearly did me in. I'm surprised I still have paint on my walls.

When I came downstairs this morning I could still smell bacon. And when I smelled my hands, I could still smell onions. I think I've finally got rid of the onion smell, but even this afternoon, almost 24 hours later, my house still wreaks of bacon.

I've heard before that eating too much bacon can clog your arteries. Is it possible that the smell of bacon can clog your sinus's? Because I think that's what happened here.

At least the soup was good. But I may reconsider the recipe next time, and use pre-cooked bacon and minced onion instead.

Quote of the Week

2010-12-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today's writing quote of the week is:

"A writer is someone who can make a riddle out of an answer."

- Karl Kraus

Some writers know how their book will end before they even write the beginning. Some figure it out as they go. But one thing is for sure. It's not nearly as exciting to know that "Sally" did it, if we don't get to read the how, why and when. The riddle is the good part. The answer is just the perk at the end.

I just finished re-reading The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas. This is a great example of making a riddle out of an answer. We know very early that Edmond Dantes was wrongly imprisoned, and that he wants vengeance. But watching the story unfold and discovering his complicated means of achieving that vengeance is the exciting part.

I know how my work in progress will end, but I'm still not sure how the middle of the story will go. I get to discover it as I go. Hopefully sooner than later!

This writing quote was taken from The Write Planner, a day planner designed for writers. Learn more about The Write Planner here.

It's Days Like These...

2010-11-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's winter in Utah. Even if the calendar doesn't say so, twenty inches of snow does! It's cold. The roads are bad. Most of the time I just hide out at home. But even home is lacking a few of my dream necessities.

It's days like these that make we wish for three things.

A fireplace. I want to sit next to it, curled up in a blanket while reading a good book. I've got the blanket. I've got the book. I don't have the fireplace.
A big bathtub. You know, one for normal size people, not kids under five years old. I want to actually be able to lie down in it. That would be great. Oh, and the water needs to be hot. I mean, almost scalding. That would also be great.
Finally, an in-home-at-my-beck-and-call masseuse. I shoveled so much snow yesterday that my arms and hands were numb. Not from cold, but from overuse. I could barely hang up the laundry after dinner last night. Today, when I woke up I could barely move. My arms. My back. My neck. Even my legs! Ummm... Ouch!

Maybe I'll write to you-know who.

Dear Santa,

I've been really good this year. At least, I've tried. I tried not to laugh during that over-acted roll play training meeting. I tried not to eat all the chocolate in a three mile radius from my house. I tried not to neglect my kids while I finished "one more chapter". See list above for my heart's desires.

Love,

Kim

I fear his reply would be something like this:

Dear Kim,

I received your letter of request for Christmas. I've reviewed your actions for the past year. I've come to the conclusion that I will be filling your request, at least in part. You've asked for much. Personally, I think you're being a little greedy. I'll tell you what. You get your own bath tub, and I'll send some bath salt. You get your own massuese and I'll take advantage of a nice massage when I'm there on Christmas Eve dropping off your coal (that goes in the fireplace you are in charge of getting yourself).

How does that sound?

Have a Merry Christmas. (Try harder next year.)

Love,

Santa

The Write Planner - Special Offer

2010-11-29T07:12:00.001-07:00

I've had a great beginning with my new product,

The Write Planner

and want to give a special thank you to all those who helped me spread the word.

Thank you!!

My resources only get me so far, but you've helped me extend my reach.

If you haven't heard about The Write Planner yet, listen up!

It's a day planner designed especially for writers. It includes:

Sturdy Cover with inside pocket
Weekly motivating quotes
Full 2011 Yearly calendar
Monthly Calendars
Weekly layouts with daily goals
Monthly writing goals
Card stock dividers
NaNoWriMo tracking sheet
Track your progress
Visual progress bars
New contacts
Critique group info
Notes
Upcoming conferences (blank)
Built-in Ribbon bookmark

Check out my website, Writer Remedies and see sample pages here.

As a special offer, if you order before November 30th, 2010, in addition to the full 2011 planner, you'll get the month of December 2010, included for free. That way you won't have to wait until the new year to organize your writing.

I only have 12 more of these special edition planners left in stock, in the following color options:

(5) Blue
(3) Green
(2) Tan
(2) Cream

Get one as a gift and one for yourself! (Especially since shipping is the same amount whether you buy 1 or 2 planners!)

Included in the planner are weekly quotes from famous authors to motivate and inspire you, and sometimes just make you laugh. This week's quote is,

"I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning,

and took out a comma.

In the afternoon I put it back again."

- Oscar Wilde

I'm Finally Beginning to Understand.

2010-11-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

Now that the holiday season is officially upon us, it's time to get down to business. For the first time in my life, I took advantage of Black Friday. When I heard that Walmart was opening at midnight I decided it would be easier to stay up late than wake up early. I waited on my couch reading a book while watching a movie (not sure why I was doing both) until 11:30. I figured it was close enough, so I headed out.

What a Joke!

Seriously!

I didn't know that many people lived in Utah. The parking lot (which is quite large) was full.

Completely full.

A miracle happened and a car backed out (someone who had decided it wasn't worth it) and I got their spot.

I noticed that the doors to the store must have been opened early, because no lines were gathered outside in the freezing air.

Lucky me. (I thought.)

While walking into the store I passed another woman who was leaving, while muttering under her breath that it was definitely not worth it.

I should have listened. But I was on a mission.

I rounded the corner and immediately I saw what I was searching for. A young woman was holding the very cowboy doll (Woody from Toy Story) I wanted.

I looked around for more.

She had the last one.

I looked down, searching for the companion doll that was even more of a necessity than the first. But there were NO JESSIE DOLLS!

While I searched the young woman standing next to me set the Woody doll down and walked away. Before she'd taken two steps I snatched it up, holding it close to me.

But what about Jessie?

I wandered the store for a half-hour looking for her. It still wasn't even midnight, but lines had formed at the registers, continuing all the way to the back of the store. I looked everywhere. I sqoze between carts, people, racks and shelves. Several times I looked down and saw her in other people's carts.

That's when it hit me. I finally began to understand all the stories about people fighting like crazy animals over silly little toys.

They had what I wanted. No, what I needed. How could I not get it for my sweet little daughter? It's all she's asking for. She can't wait to see Santa, so she can tell him she wants a "Big Jessie". (The one she has now is about two inches tall.)

And I didn't get there soon enough. I failed.

Inside my head I joked to myself about elbowing the woman next to me, grabbing Jessie and making a run for it. Surely I could run faster than her, right? I could blend in with the crowd!

But of course I didn't give into such foolishness. I waited in line for an hour and a half to buy the one I did get. Then I went back again at 7:00 in the morning. Still, no Jessie.

I sent my husband back in the afternoon. And I went again on Saturday.

I still don't have. But I will get her! I'll pay full price for her too, when I do find her. And on Christmas morning I'll see the light come into my daughter's eyes when she sees the Big Jessie popping out of the top of her stocking.

I'm not sure if I'll do Black Friday next year or not. I guess that depends on how bad I want to make my kids happy. If I do, I will certainly be going earlier!

Praise For The Snow Plow

2010-11-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

You know the story. You spend an hour of back-breaking labor shoveling your sidewalk and driveway only to go inside and have the snow plow come and block it again with a two feet tall wall.

Happens every time, right?

Not in this story.

My husband had just finished the driveway. He was about to go inside when the plow turned onto our street. He braced himself to re-clear the driveway.

The snow plow passed and as expected, blocked the driveway. But instead of continuing on his way, he came back, adjusted the plow and CLEARED IT FOR US!

Have you ever heard of such a thing?

I haven't.

Until now.

So today I'm singing praise for the snow plow!

To snow plow drivers every where: Thank you.

Thank you for making the roads safe for us. Thank you for working through the night. Thank you for putting up with complaints that you're not fast enough, and that you throw salt on our cars.

I think you're wonderful!

Thank a snow plow driver today. Thank any and everyone today. Be thankful for all you have been blessed with.

And have a Happy Thanksgiving!

You Know You're At Grandma's When...

2010-11-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

We recently got back from a trip to see my husband's grandpa (92) and grandma (84). They are both in good health and enjoy seeing their grandkids. But lets face it, they enjoy their great-grandkids even more.

And you know you must be at Grandma's house when she showers your kids with presents.

Like a talking Teddy Bear.

And a harmonica.

(The ride home was so much fun!)

But the kids loved them. So I'm happy.

Another sign you must be at Grandma's? When you arrive at 2:00 in the afternoon and the table is already set for dinner. A wonderful, homemade dinner of rolls, jello salad, a veggie tray, green beans cooked with bacon, and scalloped potatoes with cubed ham. Oh, and dessert!

Dessert consisted of little bowls of ice cream and homemade cookies. Last time we visited we had the same dessert. Is that a generation thing, or just this grandma?

The next morning Grandma apologized for only serving us cold cereal. Of course there were three kinds to choose from. Plus orange juice, raisin toast, apples and bananas.

And the final sign that proves you're at Grandma's house? When she tries to pour the milk (from the store-bought container) into a pitcher for the table.

I convinced her that was not necessary.

But it did make me smile.

Only at Grandma's!

They live about 3-1/2 hours away. Most of the drive was pleasant (well, except for that harmonica!). Traffic was calm until the final hour as we drove into the city. It's my least favorite part of a trip.

The re-entry.

With semi-trucks on all sides we all managed to all stay in our own lanes, though some cars just barely.

We got stuck behind one particular car that didn't think they needed to drive the speed limit. (Just to be clear, the roads were dry, the weather was clear.) It took a few minutes before we could pass, but as we did we got a good laugh.

On the side of the car was a giant size logo that read ASAP.

Hmmm. Did someone change that to mean As Slow As Possible, and not send me the memo?

And the Winners are:

2010-11-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your participation in my giveaway for The Write Planner.

I hope to continue to spread the word.

I hope writers everywhere will find it helpful.

But now, the winners!

The winner of The Write Planner is: Okie

The winner of the non-writer prize goes to: Andrea

Congratulations to you both!

Last Day To Enter

2010-11-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the final day for The Write Planner giveaway! I'm away from my computer until later, so this post is coming from my phone, and I don't know how to link to the contest post. But look at Mondays post (November 15th), and comment there for a chance to win!

One winner gets The Write Planner (your choice of color). Another winner, for those of you who are not writers, gets a copy of Annette Lyon's newest book

Chocolate Never Faileth
(a chocolate cookbook)

Let me know whether or not your a writer.

Good luck to you all!

I'll post the winners this evening!

I Was Going To Read It...

2010-11-17T09:03:00.001-07:00

Many years ago while flipping through the channels I was drawn into a movie. I didn't know the name of it at first, but then found out it was called Les Miserables. I don't remember much about it, other then I liked it. Last week when the book came to my attention on Goodreads I decided I would like to read it.

That was before I picked it up from the library and realized it is 1432 pages.

Umm... maybe not.

I don't have time to make that kind of commitment right now!

So, it's going back to the library today, unread. I think I'll have to just watch the movie again. Maybe when life slows down a little (ya, right!), I can try again.

Have any of you read Les Mis?

Also, if you haven't already entered, check out my giveaway! It ends this Friday.

Introducing...The Write Planner

2010-11-15T05:00:00.002-07:00

The wait is over!

I'm excited to finally announce the product I've been working on for the last few months.

It's called

The Write Planner.

What is The Write Planner? It's a day planner designed especially for writers.

That's right, for you!

(or for that writer you know)

To celebrate the arrival of The Write Planner finally being ready,

I'm having a give-a-way contest.

The lucky winner will receive their own copy of The Write Planner for free!
Not a writer? Don't know a writer?
That's okay. Just let me know that in the comments,
and you'll be entered to win another (secret) prize!

Here's how to enter:

Visit my website. Look at the list of features. Preview the sample pages. Leave a comment telling me what color option is your favorite.
Blog about this contest, linking back to this post.
Put this contest on the sidebar of your blog.
Find my company (Writer Remedies) on facebook and 'like' me.
Post this contest on facebook, linking back to this post.

Each item will give you one entry, for a total of five entries. Tell me what you've done in the comments.

Contest ends Friday, November 19, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. (MST).

Mark Your Calendars...

2010-11-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful announcement!

Are you as excited as I am?

Good!

But you'll have to wait a few more days.

I'll be revealing this fun and exciting news on

Monday, November 15th, 2010

Let me just tell you,

It's gonna be great!

If you are a writer, you won't want to miss this.

If you know a writer, you won't want to miss this.

The announcement (and contest that goes with it) will happen in

Just 5 more days....

See you all on Monday!

My First Day of Kindergarten

2010-11-05T08:08:00.000-06:00

If you would have asked me last month when I decided to become a writer, I would have told you it started about three years ago. I went to a presentation where a local author spoke about the message in one of her books.

That's when the idea started to grow within me.

At least, that's what I thought.

A couple of weeks ago I was deep cleaning, and found a box of childhood memories. Inside that box, I found this:

My first book!

I wrote it in the fourth grade. I even won a contest with it, and got to go to the local library for an award ceremony. (Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I will admit to only remembering one other book submitted from my class, and there may have even been two awards given, but still - I won!)

Apparently I have wanted to write since I was a 10-year-old kid. Now that I've found this book, the memories are flooding back. I remember the feeling I had as I walked into the room to receive my award. I imagined dozens of people (what I now know to be called "agents") to be waiting for me, each wanting to buy my book.

I was going to be famous!

I was going to be rich!

Then reality settled in.

There were at least a hundred other kids sitting in their chairs, each having "won" their own class contest. And can you believe it, no one had to protect me from the onslaught of raving fans I was sure would pop around the corner any second....

While reading through this masterpiece, I was overwhelmed by how much I've learned in the twenty years since its publication. (And by publication, I mean my hand drawn, hand written on uneven sheets of hand cut paper.)

It's time to redeem myself. Surely this time I will be famous. Surely this time I will be rich.

Without further ado, I present:

My First Day of Kindergarten

(Type-o's, tense, and grammar errors left intact)

Hi my name is Jenny. I am 5 years old. I have lots of friends and I am a popular girl. I live in a ~~strange~~ pretty house.

"Jenny," your father and I talked about moving to somewhere else. she said. "Where" I demanded. Rigby. "She said" I didn't want to but I had to. The rest of the month I was glomy.

The days past. Tomorrow was the big day. I did a lot of cleaning. I packed and gave half of my stuff away. I hated it.

I went to bed. Jenny time to get up. So I got up and finished packing. The truck got here. We put all the things in the moving van. and we said good-by to our friends and went.

I got there and I like my new house. it was pink and blue. it is very pretty. I live in a fansy place.

Jenny, we are going to start school next week my mom said. your going to be in kindergarten. "I am" I ask. Ya! said my mom. I can't wait "I said." Let's go get suplies I said.

So we went to Shopko, and got all our suplies, and then we went home. we put our name on everything.

School starts tomorrow so I went to bed at 7:00. Jenny get up school starts in 2 hours. So I got up and got in the tub.

and got in my best dress. And went Down stairs and ate

and brushed my teeth and went to school

my teacher was pretty. Her name was mrs. Rose.

Recess. Jenny, do you want to come play with me on the swings. A girl ask me. I guess. I said, and we went and played on the swings. My name is Debbie. she said. Hi Debbie I said.

The bell rang. Time Passed. Time to go home and eat. Debbie can you come to my house I ask. yes. She said. So we went to my house and she called her mom.

her mom said she could eat at my house so we had some soup.

Then we went to her house and got some milk and cookies.

And went up stairs and played Barbies and other games like
   Hid and seek
   tag
   man in the moon
   we drew
and had fun.

I always had days like that until...Jenny, we had another talk and we desided to move to Salt lake.

here we go again, I said.

I know!

Please send fan mail via the comments section of this blog. I will await to hear from you with the patience of a 10-year-old.

National Day on Writing

2010-10-20T06:00:00.005-06:00

Today, October 20th, 2010, is the 2nd Annual National Day on Writing. Didn't know there was a National Day for writing? Me either. Until another writer friend pointed it out.

So, what should we do today?

Write something special!

I, for one, am actually planning on sitting at my computer and...get this - writing something! I know, shocker. Lately writing has been something my heart yearns for but my reality says "wait until tomorrow". Well guess what? Tomorrow never comes! So I'm writing today.

You don't have to be a novelist to take advantage of todays National Day on Writing. Write a letter (or even email) to a friend or loved one. Write an article for a local newspaper or magazine. Write in your journal. Pretend you just won a Nobel Peace Prize and write an acceptance speech.

If you want to learn more about the National Day on Writing, visit the NCTE website.

Go. Write. Enjoy!

Pitching Your Book

2010-10-11T10:00:00.004-06:00

First you write.

Then you re-write.

Maybe multiple times each.

But at some point, if you want to get published, you're going to have to present your book to an agent (or publisher).

You can write a query letter *shudder*, and wait to hear back, or you can try an in-person pitch.

These pitch sessions are available at most writing conferences. You pay to have a small window of time with an agent, in which you tell them about your book. At the end of your pitch session, you just might (crossing fingers!) be invited to send in your entire manuscript. But you only have 10 minutes (usually), so you've got to make it good.

How?

My final class at the Book Academy conference covered how to do it. Author and presenter Julie Wright has five published books, including Cross My Heart, which was just released this month. She is also an editor at Precision Editing Group.

Be Prepared!

Finish the Book!
Do NOT turn in your First Draft! Remember, this is essentially a competition. You're trying to convince them why your story is better then everyone else's.
Have alpha readers read your book first. (Alpha, or beta, readers are just people. Have other people read it. Readers, writers, ect. Get their feedback. Fix the problems they point out.)
Taylor your pitch to the person your pitching to. Know what kind of books they invest in.
Practice Out-Loud! Don't ramble or stutter.
Don't forget about hygiene. Seriously? Be presentable. Brush your teeth. Eat a mint.

What to Cover:

Character. Who is your hero and what does he want? What is at stake?
Conflict. What keeps your hero from getting what he wants?
Setting. Insure your setting, or at least your genre, is obvious.
Action. Your hook-line needs to promise excitement.

Figure out how to describe your book in three sentences or less, using the four areas above.

What? Only three sentences?

Yes. But you can do it. You're a writer!

The Pitch Session:

Be comfortable selling yourself. Don't sell yourself short.
Be confident. But not cocky!
Don't talk bad about other authors.
Prove that you are different.
Don't get defensive.
Don't be hard to work with.

Four ways to be an editor's favorite author:

1. Write well.

2. Don't be a jerk.

3. Don't be a jerk.

4. PLEASE, don't be a jerk.

Don't forget about hygiene. Seriously? Be presentable. Brush your teeth. Eat a mint. (I know, I put this above too. But it's pretty important!)
End the right way. Don't overstay your appointment.
Get their business card.
If they ask for your manuscript, submit it! And when you do, remind them that you've met.

Okay, if you're anything like me, you might be feeling more intimidated about pitching your book then you were before you read this post. But that's okay. At least you'll be prepared!

Courage is being afraid, but doing it anyway!

Thanks to all the presenters at this conference, for allowing me to blog about their classes. I learned a lot, and hope someone learned something from these posts!

Self Editing

2010-10-08T11:06:00.005-06:00

Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of several historical fiction novels which are set in Ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica (Book Of Mormon fiction). She also has a non-fiction book called Women of the Book Of Mormon.

Heather is the owner of Precision Editing Group, and contributes to The Writing on the Wall blog. She's one busy lady. But she also knows her stuff!

I took her class on Self Editing at The Book Academy Conference.

Did you know that non-fiction sells better than fiction? I had heard that before, but kind of forgot about it. So, if your passion is in fiction, keep at it. But if you have a nonfiction idea, you may want to get serious about writing it!

Heather outlined what to do after the first draft is done.

By the First Draft Stage you should have:

Selected your genre and studied your target market.
Selected POV
Researched word count for genre. The first draft should be aimed for about 5,000 words under target.

After you finish the first draft,

Take a Break!

Whether this means leaving it alone for the weekend or for a month, a break is needed so you can use fresh eyes.

Now, on to the Second Draft:

Are your hooks in place?

First sentence/paragraph.
End of first chapter.
Why should we read to the end of the book?

Dialogue Tags:

Use Said! (Most of the time at least.)
Use "he said" not "said he"
Delete adverbs! "She said excitedly" "She said sadly" "She said rudely"
Know how to use a beat. That way you can delete some of the dialogue tags all together.

He moved the chair. "Come and sit with me."

(He moved the chair is the beat. We know "he" is the one who said "come sit with me", without being told.)

Repetition:

Don't have characters repeat what has already been said. This happens a lot in introductions.
Do a search for "favorite words" and see if you can change some of them.
Be careful about overused words. Felt, saw, knew, could, that, then, ect.
Be careful with name calling:

"Hello Jenny, how are you?"

"I'm fine, Sara. How about you?"

"I'm doing great Jenny. Thanks for asking"

"So, Sara, do you want to grab some lunch?"

"Oh yes, Jenny. Lunch sounds wonderful."

(Lots of repetitions, lots of name calling. Yikes!)

Punctuation:

Exclamation points should be used sparingly!!!!! When the person is yelling is about the only time to use them.
Know the basic rules of commas. (What? There are rules for commas? I thought you should just put one in every time your fingers took a break on the keyboard. Whoops! I better learn those rules!!!!) (There I go breaking the exclamation point rule again. Man!)

Power Positions and Verbs:

Single word sentences are okay for impact. Seriously. (But don't overuse them!)
Look for more accurate verbs to bring in stronger meaning.

Walked: sauntered, strolled, ambled, paced, marched, ect.

Flag adverbs (ly). Take out of dialogue tags completely. Find stronger verbs, so you can delete the adverb.

Instead of saying "She walked anxiously" you could say "She paced".

Pay attention to the use of "was" and "were". Avoid them when possible.

General:

Use spell checker.
Have your facts straight, based on time, period, and setting. See Research Post.
Actions must be physically possible.
Use dialect lightly or it will slow the pacing (accents/ foreign language, ect.).

Point Of View (POV):

Choose the person with the most to loose (in that scene).

Pacing:

Watch for info dumps.
Is there sagging middle of the book?
Do you need more conflict?
Make sure the overall hook is strong enough.
Are you excited to be reading your own story? (If not, no one else will be!)
Every scene must move the story forward.

Sense of Place:

Where are we?
Establish setting for each scene.
What are the characters doing as they talk?

End-of-Chapter Hooks:

Read each chapter end, separate from the rest of the chapter. Does it make you want to keep reading?

Okay, now to finish my first draft so I can start applying some of these!

Thanks to Heather, for dedicating so much time to help teach the rest of us what to do! If you haven't checked out her editors blog, do it now. You'll find help on every topic you can imagine, within the writing world.

Next up: Pitching your book. (I'm scared already!)

Know What You Write

2010-10-07T07:47:00.006-06:00

We've all heard the saying, "Write What You Know", but this one's a little different. You don't have to write what you know, as long as you know what you write. And how do you do that?

Research!!!

The Book Academy Writing Conference presenter Sarah M. Eden talk all about it. Sarah's the author of several romance novels based in London in the Regency Era (her most recent is Courting Miss Lancaster). Since Sarah has neither been to London, nor has she lived in the early eighteen-hundreds, she had to resort to the painstakingly grueling job of doing research. Lucky for her, and us, she loves it, and even majored in it.

Doing research can be boring. It can be intimidating. We tend to procrastinate doing it, so we can spend our time on something fun. But we have to do it.

Feel the Research Love:

Every book of fiction requires some research. EVERY SINGLE ONE!
Don't give your readers a reason to hate you, by getting things wrong.
You don't want to look like an idiot (who does?).
While researching, you just might come across ideas for another book!

Foundational Research provides background and backbone of the setting, characterization, historical/cultural content.

language and wording
knowledge base of characters
words they would/would not use
philosophies
world views
demographics
geography
feel and time of place

Itemized Research provides specifics.

order/location of events
dates/times
disease/injuries/treatments
specific procedures
account of events

There are two types of SOURCES.

Primary Sources (more reliable):

provide firsthand accounts/info
this includes videos and photographs

Secondary Sources (less reliable):

these are at least one step removed
textbooks, someone who heard the story, history books

When thinking about using material you found, consider a few things.

Read about the author. Are they qualified to teach you?
Look at the bibliography. It needs to site more reliable (Primary) sources.
Can you back it up? Find it in at least 2 different places.

Be careful about what you use from the internet.

Upside

digitized libraries
websites run by museums, libraries, special-interest organizations

Downside

copyrights and citations are often ignored
no guarantee of accuracy

If there was one thing that Sarah wanted us to remember at the end of the class, I think it would be this:

Wikipedia is NOT a source. EVER!

(seriously, she made us repeat this out loud!)

Wikipedia is a great starting place. Don't stop there!

Tips of the Trade

Plan ahead. Decide before you start what you want to know, why, where you plan to look for it.

Set aside time for researching! The research may change the outcome of the story.

Learn (from primary sources) how the people feel about what they see. Emotionally connect, so your readers will too.

Ask People who are experts on the topic you're researching.

Keep a File or resources you used in the past. Chances are good that you'll need them again.

Sarah promised that if you do your research:

Your work will improve. Guaranteed!

(Now, who doesn't want that?)

So go, research what you've been avoiding for the past six months. (I'm talking to you Kim!)

Next up: Self Editing

I Can't Make You Be Funny!

2010-10-06T09:52:00.004-06:00

The Book Academy Conference, continued...

Immediately following Brandon Mull's Keynote address, in which I decided I need to add more comedy to my writing, I stepped into Becca Wilhite's class. Let me tell you, she is adorable. And funny. And adorable (did I already say that?). I found myself suddenly wanting to cut my hair just like hers. That's how adorable she is.

She walked into the room with a burst of energy I can only dream about. And I do - dream about it, that is.

Becca is the author of two books (with more to come). Her first is Bright Blue Miracle, and her second is My Ridiculous, Romanic Obsessions. I have to admit that I hadn't read either of these before the class, but after meeting Becca, and seeing her personality and sense of humor, I've added them to my "To Read" list. Check out her website here.

Okay, onto the class notes.

The first thing Becca said when she walked into the room was:

"If you're not funny, I can't make you be funny."

We all laughed, and she announced that because we had, she could teach us how to use our funniness (my word, not hers. I'm not sure if is really is a word).

First thing? Read funny books! (Do you see a pattern here? Writers have to read!)

She identified Three Kinds of Humor:

Silly
Sincere
Sophisticated

Silly humor is things like puns. She used the movie Shrek as an example.

Sincere humor is everyday funny.

Sophisticated humor is a little more complicated. First, she said you are required to be British to pull it off. (Jane Austen, for example.) This type of humor is intellectually demanding. You have to understand the back story to understand the humor. No one-liners here.

Testing your humor:

Not sure if your stuff is really funny? Test it by having three different people read it out loud to you. Not just any three people though. Becca provided a formula to make sure you cover all the basis.

Person number one: Someone who reads like you.

Person number two: Someone in your target audience.

Person number three: Someone with no sense of humor.

After listening to all three, you will have a better feel for how it reads. Did they understand? Did they laugh? Did they stare at you like you're an idiot? (That might be okay if person number three is the one staring. But on a personal note, I think you need to find someone who is more fun to hang out with.)

Sometimes swear words are used for humor. Sometimes they work. (For me, most of the time they do not.) Whenever you are tempted to use swear words, think of them as cliches. And as writers we want to avoid cliches like the plague! (Did you get that, or are you a person number three?)

Lastly, make your story funny for different age groups. If your writing children's books, add something that the parent will laugh at. If it's for adults, don't forget to include humor that a teenager will get.

For example: One of my daughter's favorite movies is Toy Story 2. She loves the part at the very end, where Jessie skateboards down the loopty-loo ramp, flies across the room, and opens the door for the dog. Buzz Lightyear watches in amazed awe, and... (do you remember?).

She laughs every time. I laugh too, because she has absolutely no idea what it means. She's three. When she's older, I won't think its funny anymore.

Check back tomorrow to learn about Research! (Seriously, come back. It's not that bad. Every writer has to do it!)

Now go. Write something funny.

Write What You Love

2010-10-05T10:05:00.004-06:00

The keynote speaker at last weeks writing conference, The Book Academy, was New York Times Best-selling author Brandon Mull. He wrote the Fablehaven series, The Candy Shop War, and has a new series coming out soon, called Beyonders.

Since he became an author, he's become many more things. He's become a public speaker, a teacher, a reading advocate, an entrepreneur. He's in marketing. He's also a professional "liar", although he corrected himself and changed it to an illusionist. And maybe worst of all, he's become a murderer. He says it's amazing how many people come up to him disturbed, and demanding to know why he "killed so-and-so". I don't hold it against him.

Who knew that becoming an author meant doing so much more than just writing?

Brandon posed two questions that writers need to ask themselves.

First: What makes a story worth telling?

This is something inside you. You either have it, or you don't. You, the writer, has to love what you are writing. If it doesn't interest you, no one else will care either.

The Characters are the life of the story. The reader has to love (or hate) them. They can't just be there. We have to care! We need to get to know them. What do they do, how do they think? Show us their personality. Write characters you love!

What are the Relationships between your characters? Who are their friends? Family? Pets. What is the relationship between the "good guy" and the "bad guy"?

What kind of Trouble does your character get into? This is also called change/conflict, but Brandon likes the straightforwardness of the word trouble. There has to be trouble. There has to be conflict!

What Decisions will the character make? Sometimes they are good, sometimes they are bad. But they have to make decisions. They have to figure things out for themselves.

What are the Consequences of their decisions? There has to be consequences. Our characters cannot always get a free ride. (That would be boring!)

The story does not happen with the words on the page.

The story happens inside the mind of the reader!

Second: What is the best way to tell your story?

This is technique. Unlike the first question, where it resides inside of you, this can be learned. It's the rules of writing. It takes time. It takes effort.

Go to conferences. Join a critique group. Read books about writing. And maybe even more important than all of that:

Read a lot

and

Write a lot!

But the most important thing of all?

Write what you love!

During Brandon's speech I had to ask myself, what do I love to write? What do I love to read?

The answer?

I love to laugh. I love books that make me laugh right out loud.

Lucky for me, the workshop I attended immediately after the keynote speaker was about

Using Humor in Writing!

Check back tomorrow for that post.

Re-charged

2010-10-01T11:34:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I attended the Book Academy writers conference. I suffered from a major sinus headache the entire day. It wouldn't go away! I tried to be social, to make conversation. Mostly, I failed. It's just not fun to be overly friendly when your head feels like exploding.

Besides my headache, I was freezing! Seriously, I couldn't keep the goose-bumps off my arms. I tried to suck it up, but caved while eating a cold (but delicious) salad for lunch. Off to the bookstore I went. Maybe it's a conspiracy - between the conference committee and the bookstore manager - to keep the temperature down so low.

I wonder if anyone else had to spend their novel-buying book-money on a stop-the-shivering sweatshirt? I'm now the proud owner of a UVU zip-up hoodie. At least, because of a Back To School sale, I got a $40 souvenir for only $25!

But even with a couple of personal complications, I rate the conference a success!

It was just what I needed to recharge my muse. I learned some new things. I was reminded of some things I already knew. I met a few new people. I ran into one of my cousins (in the restroom, of all places!). I even approached someone from the virtual blogging world, and introduced myself (Hi Don!).

There is nothing quite like a writers conference to lift your spirits and get you re-motivated.

And just in time too! Today is the beginning of Tristi Pinkston's quarterly writing challenge. I SO need to do this. If you want to push yourself a little this month, check it out here.

Stay tuned for more posts about the wonderful things I learned!

Carefree Drive

2010-09-16T21:13:00.002-06:00

Today I went for a drive. It was not a "carefree drive". It was a drive filled with construction, traffic, errands, and whiney and tired children. Children who did not eat their lunch, but now complained of hunger. Children who refused to go potty before we left, only to announce they now needed to go.

There was nothing really unusual about this particular drive.

Not until I passed a neighborhood street sign that read:

"Carefree Drive".

Did you know that people actually LIVE on Carefree Drive? How great would that be!?!

I really think I must move there.

How would it be to have no worries. No cares.

Wait...

Does that mean that I don't care about anyone? Does that mean that no one cares about me?

Hmmm... maybe this is not such a wonderful place to live after all.

I want to care about people. I want people to care about me.

I don't want to be Carefree!

I want to love and be loved.

I want to know sorrow and pain, so I can appreciate happiness and pleasure.

I want to fail, so I can more fully enjoy success.

I don't want to live on Carefree Drive.

But maybe a week long vacation there wouldn't be so bad!

Upcoming Book Academy Conference

2010-09-14T20:43:00.003-06:00

As writers one of the most common things we are encouraged to do is attend writers conferences. In them we meet authors, gain knowledge, network with other writers, and get a free lunch. Okay, so we paid for the lunch in the registration fee but still!

I love attending conferences. I always promise myself that I will be outgoing. That I will seek new friends, start lively conversations, ask inspired questions, and maybe even motivate someone newer to the writing world than myself. I promise myself that I will not hide in the corner.

Easier said then done.

It's hard to meet new people. It's hard to put yourself out there. But...

It's important to do it.

And I'm going to try it again.

I'm going to the Book Academy Writer's Conference on September 30th, 2010.

It's at UVU, in Orem Utah. For details check out their website.

It's just over two weeks away. That's enough time to line up a sitter, take the day off, and enjoy a day surrounded by other writers like you.

Early registration is open until this Thursday, September 16th. The conference is only $49 until that date, then it goes up to $59.

Are any of you going? I'd love to see you there!

And The Winner Is...

2010-09-12T14:44:00.002-06:00

I'm a day late drawing the winner of my contest, but as they say: Better late then...

I'm thrilled with the amount of entries I had. I wish you all could have won.

However, if you're anything like me you've stopped reading by now, and are just skimming, in hopes of reading your own name.

So, without further delay - the winner is:

Kala!

I'll get your winning package in the mail soon.

Thanks to everyone for making this so much fun.

Last Day to Enter

2010-09-10T08:36:00.002-06:00

Just a reminder that today is the last day to enter my Give-a-way Contest.

Who doesn't love a new book to read,

while enjoying a luscious piece of cheesecake?

Seriously!

My mouth is watering, just thinking about Red Velvet Cheesecake!

Mmmmmmm.....

Click over to my contest post, and leave me a comment.

I'll announce the winner tomorrow!

P.S. After a full 10 days, my office is STILL CLEAN!

That's gotta be a new record!

Celebrating 100 Posts

2010-09-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

Today, we are celebrating. Why? Lots of reasons!

First: This is my 100th post on this blog. This is a feat I hoped to accomplish months ago, but...well, that didn't exactly work out.

Second: I'm back in the world of blogging. My July Hiatus took an extension, but now it's September and I'm returning. I'm not sticking to a blogging schedule like I tried previously. It was just too much pressure, and it took the fun out of it for me. No more forced blogs. If I feel like posting, I will. If not, well, there are plenty of other blogs out there for you to read. But I hope you'll still hang around.

Third: I finally managed to clean out my office. This has nothing to do with blogging or my 100th post, but it's a serious accomplishment for me, so I'm celebrating. You should see it - it looks amazing! Now to keep it that way...(ahem!)

Fourth: I missed you all. And I hope I still have readers out there. Thank you for reading. And what better way to say thank you then having a Give-A-Way?

I am giving away a copy of Rachael Renee Anderson's newest book "Luck of the Draw", along with a $10 gift certificate to The Cheesecake Factory. My recommendation for the winner: buy a delicious slice of cheesecake, take it home, hide in a closet if you must - so you don't have to share - and enjoy while reading your new book.

Leave a comment in this post if you want to enter the drawing. If you spread the word and tell me about it you'll get another entry.

Contest runs through September 10th.

I look forward to getting reacquainted! Thanks for stopping by!

Official Hiatus

2010-07-07T12:32:00.003-06:00

Okay people, I'm making it official. I can't keep up, and something's gotta give.

I'll miss you all. I hope a few of you will miss me too.

But I have too many logs on the fire this month.

It's either giving up the blog (only for the month of July) or going completely insane. (Yeah, I bet some of you would love to see that, huh?)

Have a great month, and I'll see you all in August!

Optimistic Mondays – Laugh So You Don't Cry

2010-06-28T08:05:00.004-06:00

Lately, I've been surrounded on all sides by things I "Need To Do". I acknowledge the fact that many of them are self imposed, but that doesn't diminish the importance of getting them done. At least not for me.

I've divided my life into four quarters.

Home/Family
Church Responsibilites
Work
Writing

Each of those sections has many subsections within it. They swirl around me, each begging for proper attention, none able to get it.

It's very overwhelming, but I've chosen it. I choose to clean my home

. I choose to interact with my children. They demand to be fed, and I choose to quite them by listening.

I've chosen to accept my church calling. It takes more time/thought then I imagined it would.

My work is less of a choice than a necessity, but nonetheless I still choose to do it. Like I said above, my kids like to eat. Who am I kidding, I like to eat.

I don't always choose the story lines that pop into my head and talk to me, but I do choose to write them down. Writing is so much bigger than non-writers think. There's the actual writing. Then the rewriting/editing multiple times. I have to continually learn the craft. I have a critique group that I submit to, and critique for.

Blogging is pretty much a necessity for writers now. This means not only do I need to have my own blog, but I need to read other blogs. To network. To learn from others.

These four main sections of my life each try to take over as "the most important". It's a battle every day. Sometimes I just want to sit down and cry.

So what's a girl to do?

Sometimes, I cry. But the rest of the time I've adopted a new attitude.

When something goes wrong, instead of crying, I try to laugh it off. It doesn't always work, but most of the time it eases the tension just enough to where I can deal with it.

So, my advice to you on this Optimistic Monday?

Laugh, so you don't cry.

Happy Monday.

My Tale of Two Shoes

2010-06-25T08:40:00.003-06:00

Random Tidbit About Me: Week 8

I can’t stand loosing things. It makes me crazy.

And I don’t like to buy shoes. I have bigger feet, and they just don’t look as cute in the bigger sizes then the cute little size 6. So I only have a limited supply of shoes. And why would I want to spend money on shoes when I could spend it on something important. Like books. Or chocolate.

Today’s post is a re-post from my other blog’s archives.

It’s a Tale of Two (lost) Shoes.

I hope you enjoy.

It began like any other Sunday morning. I was being lazy. I knew I needed to get moving so I wouldn't be running late when it was time to go to church. But knowing I should be doing something, and actually doing it, are two separate things.

After a couple hours of laziness, I hurried to get ready. I went to put my shoes on, so I could head out the door. It was then that I noticed something was missing from my closet.

My shoes!

Well, that's not entirely true. I was missing two shoes, but they were two different shoes.

I'm not like so many women out there that have seven pairs of the same black shoes. I don't really like to buy shoes, and therefore only have a bare minimum of them. I have one pair of dress shoes, and I wear them every week to church. (I need to fix that!)

Because I had spent the morning milling around I found myself rushing to get out the door. So I wasn't happy about finding only a single church shoe.

My daughter Emily has this game, where she puts anything she can find in a cupboard, or a drawer, or anywhere "hidden". She tells me it's "baking." (Thanks to the toy kitchen set at the church nursery.) Because of her game, I've found myself searching the house many-a-times for something I was missing. It always turns up, eventually.

I spent 10 minutes going through every hiding place I could think of. I was getting more frustrated by the second. I tried asking her where she had put them, but she didn't have an answer for me. (She usually does.) By this time I was late and realized I had to give up. I went back to the closet to consider my options.

The two shoes that looked back at me didn’t match…but maybe…hmmmm… No, even if I were desperate enough to try that (which, I wasn't), they were both left shoes. I've heard of people having two left feet, but come on now!

So I resorted to wearing a pair of black boots that looked ridiculous, and hoped no one would look at my feet.

After I got home my husband helped search the house again. Nothing. Nada.

I pride myself on keeping a fairly clean and organized house, and it drives me crazy to have things go missing. I finally had to give up again, because I was so annoyed about it.

Maybe the shoes decided to divorce their matching shoe companions, and run away together? I thought.

But no, it was nothing quite so exciting and scandalous. I found them both the next day, in the bottom of the dirty clothes basket, as I did the laundry.

Turns out I have to blame my son Ryan for this one, and somehow make it up to Emily for blaming her. Ryan loves to put things in the laundry. The best part is, I probably covered the shoes up myself, when I put my towel in the basket after my shower.

Book Review - Alma the Younger, by H.B. Moore

2010-06-23T08:57:00.005-06:00

Alma the Younger is the third book in H.B. Moore's current series about Book of Mormon prophets. (Abinadi and Alma are books one and two.)

If you like Book of Mormon fiction, you'll love this book. If you've never tried it before - this is a great place to start. Alma the Younger takes place about 20 years after the second book, Alma, and the story lines are not closely tied together. So if you haven't read the first two yet, you can just dive right in to Alma the Younger. (Although you'll probably want to get a hold of the others soon, because you'll love them too.)

I've read the story directly from the Book of Mormon (several times, in fact), but I've never connected with it the way I did in Moore's telling. Immediately after finishing Alma the Younger I opened my own Book of Mormon and read the account again. This time it really meant something to me.

While Alma the Younger is a work of fiction, H.B. Moore's knowledge of the Book of Mormon and the people's culture brings the story to life in a way that connects with the reader. She takes facts from the Book of Mormon and weaves them together with fictional characters, powerful emotion, and a well written storyline.

Before I even got started on the novel, I was impressed with the message H.B. Moore delivered in the Preface:

...The question is whether Alma the Younger knew that what he was doing was wrong. Or had he been so carefully led by Satan down the path of idolatry, and an anti-Christ pattern of belief, that he truly believed he was in the right?

Another question we might entertain is how Alma the Younger could exert so much influence over people as to lead them astray from the church. The record tells us that he did "speak much flattery to the people" (Mosiah 27:8). He must have been a natural leader, charismatic and easily loved by people, with the power to persuade. His influence nearly toppled the Church in Zarahemla as he stole "away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension" (v9), so his preaching was no small thing.

In studying Mosiah 26-28, I was struck with the idea that Alma the Younger was no rebellious teenager, playing pranks or skipping Sabbath meetings to go fishing or hunting...

A final question we might ask is why the Lord saw fit to send an angel to intervene in Alma the Younger's behalf. Yes, his father and many others had been praying and fasting for him to have a change of heart. But there are many parents who pray for their errant children and angels aren't sent. This led me to believe that what Alma the Younger was doing had such grave consequences and the potential to devastate an entire nation - thus thwarting the Lord's plan - that extreme action was needed.

Alma the Younger is a great reminder of Heavenly Father's promise that through sincere repentance, all men can be forgiven, and with that forgiveness they will find a peace and joy they never knew they were missing.

Happy Birthday Blog!

2010-06-14T08:01:00.004-06:00

Today is this blog's birthday. She is officially 1 year old!

It feels like I've been blogging for longer than a year. Actually I have, but not on my "own" blog. I've met so many new people over the last year. I've built friendships that will last a lifetime. I'm so grateful for all my readers. Yes, both of you. Thank you!

I started this blog out as a personal/family blog. A couple months in, I decided to split and do a separate family blog. That one contains mostly pictures of my kids. And darn cute ones too! The kids, not the pictures. Okay, both.

This is the blog I use for my writing. I meet writers. I share my progress, or lack of it. I share bits of myself, and hopefully some encouraging words too.

Thank you for making me feel like a successful blogger. I look forward to many years ahead.

Picture found here.

You've Got Mail

2010-06-11T10:12:00.006-06:00

Remember the movie "You've Got Mail", with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks? Of course you do! Then you probably remember the part where Meg Ryan describes the feeling of getting a new email.

"What will NY152 say today, I wonder. I turn on my computer. I wait impatiently as it connects. I go online, and my breath catches in my chest until I hear three little words: You've got mail. I hear nothing. Not even a sound on the streets of New York, just the beating of my own heart. I have mail. From you."

I'm so glad I don't have to deal with the dial-up noise, while the computer works to get a connection, but my anticipation of opening my browser is about the same as Meg's.

My heart races, and I'm filled with hope. Hope that someone will have responded to my email. Hope that an old friend will have sent well wishes my way.

With modern technology, I am one of many who has email capabilities on my cell phone. That means I am connected, no matter where I am. And with that capability, my phone chimes whenever something new is dropped into my inbox. That sound makes me drop whatever I'm doing, and race to see who emailed me. It's an addiction, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I LOVE EMAIL!

The most disappointing feeling is when I open my account, only to find junk mail, or a long list of forwards. I want PERSONAL mail. I want to feel important and loved. If only my phone would know how to sort emails, according to my mood. I want to hear from this person, but not that store advertising the latest sale. (Yes, I know about filters, but some still sneak through the cracks.) I want to hear news that applies to me. Perhaps I'm being selfish. But I can't be the only one to feel this way, can I?

I am an email junkie. Most of the time, I'd rather correspond through email then in person or by phone. The idea of web-cam conversations terrify me. There is so much pressure to keep up a constant dialogue. I'm not a great conversationalist. For some people that comes naturally, but I struggle. With email, I can think, write, then rewrite my thoughts until they make sense.

What type of communication do you prefer?

Gotta go now! I just heard the oh-so wonderful chime from my phone, announcing the arrival of a new email! I hope it's a good one.

Crunch Time

2010-06-09T13:14:00.003-06:00

While driving across town last week, I was stopped at a stop light. I watched as two rather strange men used the cross walk in front of me. I was trying not be be obvious as I stared rather rudely, and I hope they didn't notice me. Though I'm sure they must have been used to it. EVERYONE was staring.

Lucky for me, I had a distraction. It wasn't the kind of thing that would have distracted most people. It was a small twist of irony, in fact. Another - much more normal - man was crossing the same street, in the opposite direction. In his hand, he held a copy of a book. (One of these days, I hope to be able to write a post about how it was MY book he held, but no - not today.) But it was the book that caught my attention.

It was a copy of the book Nauvoo, Kingdom on the Mississippi. I've had a copy of that very book on my desk for the last couple months. I was supposed to be reading it, researching for my novel that takes place in modern day as well as old Nauvoo. Supposed to being the key word. It's a library book, and every time it comes close to being due, I just click on the renew button, and I'm good to go.

When I saw this guy with my book, it made me curious. What was he doing with it? Why was he reading it? How did he like it? Was he reading for work or for pleasure? I'm technically supposed to be reading for pleasure. I've chosen to be a writer. I've chosen to write this particular book. I even like to learn about history. So why can't I make myself read it!

A couple of days ago, I got an all too familiar email from the library, once again telling me the book was approaching it's due date. I once again went to the website and clicked on the renew button, promising myself I really would read it this time. If some random man walking down the street is reading it, surely I can too.

The problem was, I'd renewed it one too many times. It's due this Friday, and I have to take it back to the library, or I'll start building a fine. I know I could take it back, and then re-check it out again. Maybe that's what I'll end up doing. But I'm hoping that the pending due date will be motivation enough to bare down and do the stink'n research! (Honestly, you'd think someone was twisting my arm to get me to write this book!)

Don't Give Up.......On Me

2010-06-02T07:00:00.001-06:00

It became obvious to me that my son did not read last week's post. What's a mother to do? :)

I've been a slacker when it comes to my blog lately. I've had so many things going on, I just haven't kept up with it.

Please don't give up on me. I'm trying.

I hope to be back to regular posting, as well as regular reading of all your wonderful blogs soon.

Be curious!

2010-05-26T09:58:00.005-06:00

My writerly wisdom today comes from the novel Far World - Water Keep, by J. Scott Savage.

"They who are too afraid to ask questions,

will remain forever ignorant."

So true, so true. Whether you're a writer, or just trying to learn something new, don't be afraid to ask questions. It's how we learn. Your question may help someone else learn too. It's all a part of the process.

Optimistic Mondays – First Pants, then Shoes!

2010-05-24T08:47:00.004-06:00

A few years ago my office had a "Far Side" calendar. To the left, I found a cute little "reenactment" of my favorite cartoon.

It always made me laugh. Now, I still laugh, but it's more of a reminder. Things need to be done in order. First we have to get out of bed, and then we tackle our day. Once we're up and about, we need to set priorities, and follow the order.

We have to learn to play the piano before we can perform a concert.

We have to learn the rules of writing, before we will be published.

We have to take time to really get to know someone, before we can count them among our dearest friends.

How embarrassing it is to jump ahead of things, putting our shoes on first, and entirely forget about our pants. I've done it before. Figuratively, of course! I wouldn't recommend it.

Happy Monday!

Optimistic Mondays – Do Not Follow Trucks

2010-05-17T13:55:00.005-06:00

Last week, I drove south for my monthly ANWA meeting. The freeway is under construction, with orange cones and reduced-speed-limit signs everywhere. On the way back home late that night, I saw a sign that made me laugh. After I had a good laugh, it made me think.

A mile or so back I had read a sign that said "Trucks entering highway". I've seen those signs before, and didn't think much about it. But then I read one that said:

"Do Not Follow Trucks."

My first thought was, "Wow, I can't believe they had to make a special sign, just for that."

Next, I realized that people had actually followed the trucks, creating a need for the sign.

Finally, I related it to everyday life.

How often are we so busy following the path we are on, we don't stop and think about where we want to be?

Do we aimlessly follow the person in front of us, or do we take the lead and decide where our future will end up?

Only you can decide where you want to go. Sometimes there are unforeseen detours on the road ahead, but we can choose how to handle them.

Do not walk aimlessly, without a destination in mind.

Do not follow trucks.

Tag - I'm it.

2010-05-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

Last week (or was it the week before?), I got tagged by Michelle Teacress. She's a writer friend, and member of my critique group.

For my "About Me" Friday post, I'll answer the tag questions (five times each). Reader beware, this could get boring. :)

Where were you five years ago?

1- Working too much overtime. (60+ hours/week.)

2- Excited beyond belief to finally be expecting a baby, only to loose it to miscarriage. (Time heals all wounds. That, and my two beautiful children that followed.)

3- Worrying about my husbands health problems and job change. (Don't worry, he's ok!)

4- Going on the stake Pioneer Trek, as the official photographer. (Way cool!)

5- 50 pounds heavier. (Go Weight Watchers!)

Where would you like to be in five years?

1- A published author, with an active writing career.

2- Living in the home I plan to stay in while my kids grow up.

3- With the wisdom gained in five years time, but not the wrinkles or weary joints.

4- Have a kitchen floor that, after every single meal, does not need to be swept and mopped.

5- The same weight I am now. Who am I kidding, I'd love to be a few pounds less!

What is on your To-Do list today?

1- Errands: Grocery store, bank, Walmart, clothes shopping for the kidlets.

2- Take my daughter swimming. Hopefully get her more comfortable in the water.

3- Write 1,000 words on my WIP.

4- Make a couple phone calls for my church calling.

5- Write today's blog post. (Yay, I'm half-way done with this one!)

What snacks do you enjoy?

1- Anything chocolate.

2- Anything cheesecake.

3- Wheat Thin crackers.

4- Granola bars.

5- Popcorn.

What would you do with a billion dollars?

1- A billion dollars? Seriously? Who could ever use that much money?

2- Stop world hunger?

3- Fix the oil leak in the ocean?

4- Buy a house with a gas fireplace and a large jetted tub. Oh, and central air for my hubby!

5- Get rid of 90% of it, before it changes who I am.

Okay, so I'm cheating here, and not tagging anyone new. If you want to answer the questions, just copy and paste them. (And don't forget to let me know, so I can check them out!)

Starting Over

2010-05-12T10:59:00.003-06:00

Last night I made some real progress on my WIP. I went from just over 7,000 words to a big fat ZERO in 2 seconds flat! Then I managed to type another massive 100 words before quitting for the night.

"Are you sure that's progress?" you may ask. Yes, because this time I have a better beginning. I changed the POV, and started in the middle of the action. Okay, so I didn't get far into that action, considering there are only 100 words on the paper, but I know where it's going from here.

This opening scene is pretty clear in my mind, and I want to get it down on paper. After finishing chapter one though, I'm done writing until I've done more research and outlining. This story is a historical fiction, and I'm only beginning to realize how much research will be involved.

It's overwhelming. So much so that it challenges me to give up. I don't know much about life in Nauvoo in the 1840's, so how can I write a book set in that time? The answer: one slow scene at a time, combined with lots and lots of studying.

I feel like I'm back in school.

Optimistic Mondays – Sting Like A Bee

2010-05-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

My husband has an enormous fear of bees. Seriously. If you want to see me run away screaming like a girl, put a spider near me. If you want to see him do it, well...okay; he doesn't really scream like a girl, but he does run away. I'm called in to be his protector. (Just like when I make him "deal" with the spider.)

I was stung by a bee once. Actually, it was on my first date with my now-husband. The darn thing flew inside my shirt and stung my stomach. When I grabbed at my shirt and pulled the bee away from my body, it bit my thumb. Ouch. Hubby was brave then, I don't remember any screaming or running. Good thing too, since we were in his truck, driving down the road.

Today, the weather was near perfect. The temperature was a comfortable 70 degrees, and there was no wind. My family was spending some leisurely time hanging out in the back yard. My three-year old daughter was standing next to me, when she winced and started to cry. Then she started screaming. Her dad and I both tried to figure out what was wrong, and eventually found a bee inside her dress.

The bee sealed his own fate when he stung my little girl. If the act of stinging her was not enough to kill it, Daddy took care of the rest.

Fifteen minutes later, and a few pieces of chocolate too, the pain was going away. Did you know that chocolate has healing powers? It does. But two Hershey's Kisses weren't quite enough, we had to up the dosage to three.

I never would have hoped for my daughter to get stung, but there is a positive way of looking at it. I now know she's not allergic to bees. If it happens again, in a more remote area, I know she will cry, and then probably demand chocolate, but I also know I will not be faced with a medical emergency.

That brings peace of mind to a mother's soul. What more could any mother ask for on Mother's Day?

Getting and Using Criticism

2010-05-05T10:08:00.005-06:00

I've got some heavy deadlines this week, in my personal life, so I'm linking over to another blog post for the day.

Tristi Pinkston, with Valor Publishing, wrote a wonderful post about Getting and Using Criticism. In writing, putting ourselves out there for criticism is one of the hardest things we do, but it's also one of the most important.

I blogged my thoughts about it a couple weeks ago, but if you want more, check out what Tristi says about it here.

Optimistic Mondays – Failure Creates Opportunity

2010-05-03T09:18:00.004-06:00

I can hardly believe it's already May! I had set some goals for April, and posted them on my sidebar - shamefully so. I didn't do very well.

Okay, so my writing goal came up way short. I hoped to write 20,000 words, and only came up with 7,000. I spent a lot of time working on my first chapter, to get it ready for bootcamp. I'm glad I didn't write much more than that, because after what I learned in bootcamp, I will be changing a lot.

My personal goal for April was to not weigh myself for the entire month. It was an idea I got from another blog, encouraging us to monitor our weight by how our clothes fit, rather than obsessing about the ups and downs on the scale.

I succeeded at this goal, mainly because I sent my scale home with a friend for the month. The result? Not good. Apparently I need the numbers on the scale that tell me to stop eating so many sweets. (I'm a sucker for anything sweet.)

But the good news about failing at something, is that it creates a new opportunity. I've redefined my goals for May, and hope to do better.

My writing goal is to revise my first chapter, applying what-I-wish-I-would-have-known-before-bootcamp. Also, I need to research and create an outline, before beginning chapter 2.

My personal goal? Reverse the damage I did in April, by staying in frequent contact with my bathroom scale.

What are your goals for the month of May?

Elizabeth Mueller's Blog Contest

2010-05-01T15:38:00.004-06:00

Hi All,

My friend Elizabeth is having a fabulous blog contest. Go check out her blog for more information. She's a very talented artist, and will actually draw the winner as an Avatar. Plus the actual movie and all the candy you need to enjoy it.

It's her birthday month, and she's celebrating with all of us.

Check it out here.

Oops, I Did It Again!

2010-04-30T08:37:00.004-06:00

For as long as I can remember, I've been a cluts. Growing up, it seems like I always had a battle wound of some kind. I have the scars to prove it.

I worry constantly about the things my children do, that will inevitably injure one or both of them. Things like jumping on the couch or spinning around until they're too dizzy to stand up. Their favorite thing lately is running back and forth toward each other, with blankets covering their heads. Um...ok?

For me, my nemesis is the stairs. I think they have it out for me. (Can I make stairs into the antagonist of my next novel? Probably not.)

I fall up the stairs. I fall down the stairs. So far I haven't fallen through any stairs, but give me time. It's bound to happen.

Last week, I tripped while going up the stairs. Our top stair is a safety hazard. It's got a tile edge, and I constantly worry that the kids will crack a head open. So far, they've been fine. I, however, have not avoided injury. At least it wasn't my head. I scraped up my shin in two different places from that fall.

A couple of days later I was going down the stairs. It was right before church, and I was wearing my heels. Well, one of the heels caught on the carpet and I went down, face first. My legs buckled under me, and my other shin got scraped up.

So now I'm walking around with two wounded legs, not to mention my wounded pride.

I think I need to move into a rambler.

And I quote...

2010-04-29T08:23:00.004-06:00

Listen up people! I just got an email that I was quoted in the Mormon Times. Can I say...Way Cool!

Until now, the only person who ever quoted me (that I know of, at least) was my three year old daughter. And trust me, that isn't always a good thing.

Check it out here!

(Thanks Tamara, for letting me know!)

Novice Writer Mistakes

2010-04-28T08:34:00.005-06:00

As I mentioned on Monday, I spent last weekend at the LDStorymakers Conference.

I spent:

11 hours in class or other instruction
5 hours in Boot Camp
8+ hours socializing / networking
4 hours driving
not nearly enough time sleeping

It was a long, intense couple of days, that I wouldn't trade for anything. Well, maybe some things: like already knowing everything about the writing craft. But then I would have missed out on getting to know so many wonderful people.

I had a hard time deciding what classes to take. There were so many wonderful options. For the first breakout session, I was torn between two options. One that I was interested in, and one I felt like I should go to. Heather Moore's class was titled, "How to Avoid the Common Mistakes of a Novice Writer."

I wanted to convince myself that I had already learned most of those "mistakes", and therefore allow myself to go to the other class. When I mentioned that to a man I sat next to, he laughed. That's when I realized he was probably right. (sigh)

At least some of what I heard was a review. But I also learned some valuable information. Mostly, Heather invoked a passion in me, a new motivation that I can do this.

A few things she covered:

Flashbacks. Avoid them, especially in the first pages/first chapter.
Info dumps. Don't give too much information up front. Historical fiction needs more description in the beginning than most, but not too much. We need action. We need to know what is going on now, not yesterday or last week or ten years ago. Fiction is movement, description is static. (We want fast pace movement people!)
Hooks. If possible, there should be a hook in the first sentence. Next is the first page. Make the reader have to turn the page. End the first chapter, and each subsequent chapter, with another hook. Your goal is to keep them reading to the wee early hours of the morning.
Point of View. Don't head hop between your characters within the same scene. A couple of book resources listed were Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card, and The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them by Jack Bickham (he also wrote Scene and Structure). I haven't read these yet, but plan to soon. Also, when picking whose point of view you will use, make sure to pick the right one. Use the character with the most to add to the scene, or in some cases, with the most to loose. What is at stake? Who will show that the best?
Formatting. It really does matter. Agents do not want to see pretty pink paper, or scripty font. The just want to read your story (hopefully past the first five pages, but that's a whole other class). Use standard 12 point type (Times New Roman). Double space lines. 1 inch margins all around. No underline or bold font, use italics for emphasis.

Michael De Groote, a reporter for the Mormon Times attended the class, and wrote a fun article about it here.

Heather Moore is the owner of Precision Editing Group. She edits a lot of novels, from advanced writers down to the novice beginner. A common mistake Heather sees in manuscripts is those of only a first draft quality. The process of learning to write is not quick and easy. If we are serious about it, we have to put forth the effort. Day after day after day.

Technical Difficulties

2010-04-27T14:28:00.004-06:00

I'm a somewhat average person when it come to technical knowledge. I'm not quite a beginner anymore, but FAR from knowing exactly what I'm doing. I think a majority of us are in that boat.

So with that in mind, please forgive me for the technical difficulty I've caused for myself, and possible you as well.

You see, I decided to change my email address. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but it was the very email address I have associated with the blogging world. It was my gmail account.

Why would I change it? That is a very long (and somewhat embarrassing) story. Mostly, I didn't like it. Ninety-nine percent of the people I know never even saw the email name, because I used my yahoo account for my correspondence. But I always had to log-in with the old one, and I hated it.

Anyway, I've created a new account. I figured out how to transfer my own blogs to the new gmail account, not loosing anything, including my list of followers.

I even exported my google reader list from my old account into my new account. (Wow, actually sound like I know what I'm talking about.)

Then I deleted my old account. Bye Bye. Good riddance. Don't let the door hit you on your way out!

But wait! I have now been removed as a follower from all of your blogs. Trust me, it's nothing personal. I didn't abandon you (on purpose, at least).

I thought I'd just go back in and re-push the follow button, under my new account.

Nope.

It seems I've been blocked from all your accounts.

I don't understand this, and I'm working on fixing it. I want to follow your blogs. Really.

I hope to be back soon. Anyone have any brilliant ideas?

Optimistic Mondays – Criticism

2010-04-26T08:54:00.005-06:00

Even the most thick-skinned person out there has been effected by someone's negative criticism, although they may not admit it. We've all been there, and it hurts.

There is a good type of criticism too. Sometimes it's harder to come by and we don't recognize it for what it is. But it is out there. And that's a good thing.

How can any type of criticism be good?

When it's given with love. When it helps us become a better person. When it makes us want to improve.

As a writer, I subject myself to criticism whenever I let someone read my work. Take this last weekend, for example. I signed up for the Boot Camp at the LDStorymakers conference. I sat at a table with three other writers, and our instructor, Josi Kilpack. We each took turns reading our story, followed by receiving feedback from each other.

Without going into it with an open mind, it would have been brutal. Well, it was a little brutal anyway, but in a good way.

I can't tell you how much I learned during those few hours. I have such a better grasp on what I should be doing. I received advice for how to improve my writing. I gave advice for the same.

If I had gone into it thinking my story was perfect, and not open to new ideas, I would have been sorely disappointed.

We all have room for improvement. Not just in writing, but in every aspect of our lives. Having an open mind, and being willing to listen - really listen - will make the difference between growth and stagnancy.

I don't want to be stuck at the level I'm now on, in writing or life in general. I don't think I'm a terrible writer, but I know I have SO MUCH to learn. There are so many ways I can improve.

The next time feel like someone is being too hard on you, too critical, take a step back and think about it. Maybe they really are just being rude. But maybe they are trying to help you become better.

Here's my group from Boot Camp. They were amazing.

Left to right: Melanie Jacobson, Josi Kilpack, Jewel Allen, and myself.

Sadie was also in our group, but not here for the picture.

Thanks for all the help Ladies!

Test Drive

2010-04-21T09:00:00.001-06:00

I've recently gone on a test drive. It wasn't anything as cool as this car though. Truthfully, I'd be scared to death to drive something like that.

No, my test drive was of more unpleasant things. I've taken procrastination for a test drive.

The result? I do not like it.

I'm not usually a procrastinator. I like to plan ahead, and challenge myself to beat my own goals.

Today, I sit two days away from the writers conference I've been looking forward to for the last six months, and I'm not ready. Time sure does move quickly when you procrastinate.

If I survive the next few days, and make it through the conference alive, I plan to get back to my non-procratination days. They are not for me.

Blog Tour - I'll Know You By Heart by Kimberly Job

2010-04-19T09:00:00.003-06:00

From the book cover:

The day Stephanie Roberts met Jared Wakefield, she didn't realize they had met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, Stephanie turns to Jared for support - but he needs more from her than she might be capable of giving. With her abusive husband looming in her past, the difficulties they must overcome seem insurmountable.

Is it possible for love to conquer all? I'll Know You By Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity - a story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal - ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

I was sucked into this story from the moment I read the first paragraph. I felt instant empathy for main character Stephanie, and was cheering her on as she made the decision to escape from a bad situation.

While it is, at the core, a love story, it's not the everyday kind. Both characters had been through difficult marriages, filled with either emotional or physical pain; in Stephanie's case, it was both. Stephanie continually had to keep her guard up against her abusive husband. When she met Jared, she began to realize not all men were like the man she had run away from.

I'll Know You By Heart is Kimberly Job's first novel. While it is an LDS fiction, I didn't think it was overdone. Religion was a part of this story, but it never felt cheesy or misrepresented, and I appreciated that.

The powerful connection made between these characters could not be possible without the trials they had to endure first. Just like in our own lives, we sometimes have to taste the bitter to fully enjoy the sweet.

If you're looking for a light and fun romance, this may not be the one. But if your looking for a story that's a little more serious, that will touch you and stay in your heart, I'd recommend this book.

For more information about the author, you can visit her website.

You can find the book here.

Dimes Make Me Happy

2010-04-16T10:25:00.004-06:00

Like many people, I have a jar full of coins. Every now and then, I cash it in and get something fun. I actually have two jars. One contains quarters, nickels and pennies. The other has only dimes.

Why? Dimes make me happy. They're my favorite coin. If I'm in the store, and trying to come up with spare change to pay for something, I will usually skip the dime in my hand, and give the cashier either two nickels or a quarter. I don't like to part with dimes.

It's a habit I got from my dad. Growing up, we always had a container of dimes around. If I remember right, it was a large coke bottle, about two feet tall. You know the ones. I also remember hearing that it was that very jar that funded a trip to Disney Land for the family. I'm not sure if it paid the whole way, but it most certainly helped out.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my little jar full of dimes, but it has to be something great, or I won't be able to part with them. Until then, I'll just hang on to them and keep them safe.

Don't Just Talk...

2010-04-14T15:59:00.007-06:00

One of my new favorite quotes says,

"Don't just talk,

Say Something."

What wonderful words. If only everyone would apply it into their lives. There would be a whole lot less talking, and maybe a little more listening.

What if we apply it to writing? It would read,

"Don't just write,

Write Something."

I recently participated in a Write-a-thon, and spent 4 hours typing away at the keyboard. I was excited to see my word count at the end of the 4 hour block, but have since realized that I'm not going to be keeping much of what I wrote. I thought I had planned for what I'd be writing, but the story took a turn, and ended up at a dead end.

Now I've got to get back in and re-write. Instead of just writing whatever comes to mind, this time I hope to actually write something.

Optimistic Mondays – One Person

2010-04-12T08:32:00.006-06:00

I've read a lot of blog posts lately about people feeling small and insignificant, especially when compared to the achievements of others around them.

As I've read these posts, I've nodded my head in agreement. I have those feelings too.

But with each of these posts, there is usually an uplifting message of how they overcame these feelings of inadequacy. Or at least how they are trying to.

With so many things vying for our attention, it's hard not to let it overwhelm us.

I am just one person. How can I fit it all in?

One day at a time. Sometimes it's one hour or one minute at a time.

Rather than feeling like I'm small and insignificant, I like to relate the following quote:

"To the world you might be one person,

but to one person you might be the world"

There are countless people out there who mean the world to me. Look around you. I'll bet you have that impact on more people than you realize. And one of them just might be me.

Blog Tour - Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston

2010-04-10T06:00:00.002-06:00

I was given the opportunity to read and review Tristi Pinkston's new release, Secret Sisters. It was a quick read, that was a lot of fun. The characters really came to life, and felt real.

From the back cover:

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low, and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods . . . well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors, Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye.

But it's all in a day's work for the Relief Society.

With their bishop encountering health problems, Ida Mae and her counselors decide it is their duty to relieve him of as much stress as possible. They decide to deal with whatever problems they can themselves, and not worry him with the details. What starts out as a small concern over whether a family has enough food quickly turns into full-fledge spy work.

Tristi really took on the challenge for getting into her character's head. I can totally imagine the things they say coming from my own grandma's mouth. These women were lively and fun, and totally convincing as elderly women.

I have to admit that even though I've served in a few Relief Society presidencies, I've never taken my job quite this seriously. We could all learn a thing or two. Putting aside all the illegal acts Ida Mae and her presidency participated in, they really did know how to serve and watch out for the women in their stewardship. I feel a new motivation to personally maximize my own calling.

To get your own copy of Secret Sisters, click here.

A Magical Time of Day

2010-04-09T06:00:00.003-06:00

Random Tidbit about me: Week 3

On any given day, there are certain times I look forward to. Take meal times, for instance. I love when the clock gives me permission to eat. I wish I only ate when the clock says it's okay, but that just aint happening.

During the weekdays, I look forward to 10:00 am. That's when my daughter's favorite TV show comes on (Word World), and I can get a few things done without feeling (too) guilty.

I love 1:00 pm because that's nap time. (Don't judge me!)

I'm not a fan of 8:00 pm, because that's bed time. (Too much work!)

I'm definitely not a fan of 6:00 am, or any earlier. I need my beauty sleep. (Really, I need it!)

But my very favorite time of day?

12:34.

I love it.

I can't help but smile when I look at the clock and see those cute little numbers all lined up in row, and in order to boot. So much fun. It's a magical time of day.

Of course, I prefer the 12:34 pm time over the 12:34 am time. When I see the later, I know it's going to be a short night. Especially when my son's new favorite time is 6:30 am.

A Writer or an Architect?

2010-04-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

I’ve always had a fascination with architecture. While in junior high school, I decided I wanted to be an Architect. I signed up for a drafting class when I got to high school. (Good thing too, because it was in that class that I met my future husband!)

While taking the architectural drafting class, I was given a wonderful opportunity. An actual architect called the teacher of my class, with an entry-level position in his firm. I called immediately after school, and was interviewed and offered the job.

Working in that office I learned a valuable lesson about designing a home. I learned that you couldn’t just design a floor plan, without thinking about the rest of the structure. What will the exterior look like? How will the roof work? And even more importantly, does the design meet the needs of the client it’s designed for?

As I’ve been working on my latest novel, I’ve come to realize that writing a book is like designing a home. I can’t start at the beginning, without having at least an idea of how it will end. I need to think about the middle, before I write myself into a corner. It’s a process that requires planning, and problem solving.

Just like I don’t want a large hole in the middle of my kitchen, I don’t want a hole in the middle of the story. I want to sit down and write this story, but every time I do, I realize how much more planning, or I should say research, I need to do first. I don’t really like to outline, but I’m finding it to be necessary on my WIP.

Optimistic Mondays – Live Like You're Dying

2010-04-05T21:33:00.005-06:00

Okay, so I know this post is later than usual, but hey – it’s still Monday – at least for a couple more hours.

Sunday, I drove up to Idaho for my grandpa’s funeral, which took place today. I didn’t get a post done before I left, so here I am.

After such a weekend, I’m feeling especially optimistic.

I’m not particularly sad over my grandpa’s passing. He was 90 years old, and suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. He didn’t know anyone, and he didn’t remember who he used to be. I’m happy for the reunion that must be happening on the other side. My grandma passed away 23 years ago, and they are now re-united. I am sad for those he left behind, who will miss him. He left a wonderful legacy.

My grandpa had 27 grandchildren. All but one of them was able to be there for the funeral. They came from all over the country, to pay tribute. I spent several hours with family members I hadn’t seen in a long time, and got to know them a little better.

I even got to do a little research for my newest novel, and made a wonderful contact that will help me along the way.

Tonight, I’m thankful for so many blessings in my life. Among them, I was blessed with safe travel. I was blessed with helpful family members, when both of my kids needed attention at the same time. I was blessed with inspiration, and motivation.

While gathered for the funeral, one of my cousins requested a certain picture. Three of us cousins were born within months of each other, and we each turned 30 within the last few months. She wanted a picture of the three thirty-year olds together. After the picture was taken, we realized that our combined age totaled that of our grandpa.

When I think about how much I’ve learned, grown, and matured in the last ten years alone, it makes me look forward to the years that wait ahead for me. Grandpa got 90. I’ve had 30 so far. I hope to have another 60 in me, and I hope to use each one of them wisely.

Are you happy with the direction your life is going? If not, go and do something about it. Don’t waste another day.

Happy Monday

I Like It Hot

2010-04-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

Random Tidbit about me: Week 2

When it comes to food, I like it hot. Or cold. Never luke warm.

My husband and I have very different opinions on when our food is hot. I like my hot chocolate to be just that: Hot. Once it's cooled down, even just a little, it is not longer appealing to me. However, when I make some for him, he lets it cool down for a good five minutes before trying it. By that point, mine is already gone.

The same goes for soup. Luke warm soup tastes terrible to me. It's not uncommon for me to re-heat mine halfway through the meal. It's the way I like it. He just looks at me and shakes his head, then blows on his own before taking a spoonful.

There are, however, some things that should be served cold. Take ice cream for example. I like my ice cream to be good and cold. It's better that way.

I few days ago my family was having ice cream for dessert. I pulled the container out of the freezer, so it would soften a little. (I like it cold, but not rock hard.) When my 3 year old daughter asked to have some, I told her it had to warm up first.

She said, "But Mom, I like it cold."

I guess she has preference on food temperature too.

Book Review – Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon

2010-03-31T06:00:00.001-06:00

Band of Sisters is an LDS Women's Fiction about 5 military wives who come together for support, while their husbands serve a one-year deployment in Afghanistan.

As I read, I quickly made a deep emotional connection with these women. They suffered from feelings of self-doubt, unworthiness, and depression. They found joy in motherhood, and in living the Gospel.

They were realistic characters, that each of us can relate to on more than one level. Each had their own set of problems, but still, they took the time to look out for one another.

Through the course of serving each other, they grew to truly love each other as sisters.

This is Annette Lyon’s 7^th novel. For more information about Annette and her books, visit her website at www.annettelyon.com. There you can also read the first three chapters of Band of Sisters.

Optimistic Mondays – New Diet Plan

2010-03-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

I'm stealing this from a signature line I saw on an email. It makes me laugh every time I read it, and I hope it brings a smile to your face too.

Wheat for man. D&C 89:17

Chocolate for woman. M&M 24:7

Words to live by!

Happy Monday.

Beyond the Introductions...

2010-03-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

We all know what it's like to meet someone new. Whether you are introduced by someone else, or you are required to introduce yourself, there is a basic formula.

"Hi, I'm Kim. What's your name?"

"I'm Katelyn. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too."

*Slightly awkward silence follow*

"So... what are your interests?"

"I'm an aspiring author."

"Really? Me too! What do you write?"

And so on. We may or may not remember that person's name afterward, no matter how badly we try. But we've officially met. Now what?

It's fun to dig a little deeper, and really get to know them. What makes them tick. Why do they do things the way they do? What unusual things do you both have in common? This type of getting-to-know-you takes time. We don't usually learn a person's cousin's friend's dog's name during our first conversation.

I thought it would be fun to start a weekly series, where I will explain one of my person characteristics. Maybe expose a little more of what makes me who I am. Maybe I can get to know some of you a little deeper in the process.

Random tidbit about me - Week 1:

I love notebooks. I don't think love is a strong enough word. I practically worship them. (I said practically!) I think it's kind of like a foot fetish, only I can't be sure, because I don't actually like feet.

Notebooks make me happy. Especially brand new ones. They're so crisp and clean. All those blank pieces of paper, just waiting for me to cover them with ink.

I have them in all sizes. I have side-bound, top-bound, spiral, and non-spiral. Some have cute covers. Some have plain covers.

I can usually find at least one notebook in every room of my house. There is almost always one in my bag. Or two.

I can't think without a notebook in my hands. Oh, and a pen usually helps too. Even if I only make one note, or write down one item on my To-do list, I've learned that I can relax, as soon as I've written it in a handy-dandy notebook.

And then life can go on, until I need to reach for that beloved notebook, once again.

Book Review – Women of the Book of Mormon, by Heather B. Moore

2010-03-24T06:00:00.003-06:00

When I first heard about this book, I thought it sounded interesting. We know very little about the women in the Book of Mormon, and I was curious. I will admit, I am a fiction junkie, so I was a little nervous about reading and reviewing a non-fiction book. But I’m glad I took the opportunity.

In Women of the Book of Mormon, Heather B. Moore dives into what life must have been like for the women we hear so little about. She uses the small amount of information given in the scriptural text, and combines it with her knowledge of the ancient culture, to bring these women to life.

From the book’s preface:

These women were by no means perfect, as we are not. They doubted, they complained, they criticized, and they were tempted. But as we read about them and their children, husbands, brothers, and fathers, we can begin to liken ourselves to them. And suddenly, the lives of the women in the book of Mormon seem remarkably similar to ours.

The women of the book of Mormon are our sisters, and their stories lie within those sacred pages. Not only can we learn from the messages of their husbands and sons, we can discover how much the Savior loves us through the experiences and enduring faith of these women.

Before now, I never took the time to consider what life may have been like, for a wife and mother during the events of Book of Mormon history. As I read, I could feel their pain, sorrow, and trials. I could also feel their determination and faith.

Just like today, these women were the center of their home. They had a profound influence on their husbands and their sons, who were called as prophets of God. I feel more connected to the stories in the Book of Mormon, now that I have a better understanding of such strong and faithful women.

Women of the Book of Mormon is insightful and inspirational. Not only is the text well written and informative, the book also includes beautiful artwork, representing the women discussed. It will be available in April, and will make a great Mother’s Day gift.

It can be pre-ordered at Deseret Book

http://deseretbook.com/item/5043072/Women_of_the_Book_of_Mormon_Insights_and_Inspirations

and Barnes and Noble

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Women-of-the-Book-of-Mormon/H-B-Moore/e/9781608610075/?itm=7&USRI=Women+in+the+book+of+mormon

For more information about Heather B. Moore’s books, check out her website.

Optimistic Mondays – Do More Then Endure

2010-03-22T09:42:00.004-06:00

By my front door I have a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley that says,

“Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.”

It acts as a constant reminder for me to not forget to enjoy myself a little. Sometimes (okay, most of the time) it’s hard, because I have so many responsibilities. Most of them, however, I place upon my own shoulders.

When I remember those simple words by my door, I take a minute, and think. Am I enjoying my kids today, or just enduring them? Am I enjoying the wonderful gift that is my body, or only focusing on what other women look like? Am I enjoying the writing process, or wishing I were wearing someone else’s shoes, who is already established in the writing world?

If the answer I get is anything less than enjoyment, I know I must be doing something wrong. It becomes time to re-evaluate what I’m doing, and make a change! After all, what is the point of doing anything, if your not enjoying the journey?

Too Good to Last?

2010-03-19T09:22:00.003-06:00

You know the feeling where everything is going so well, that you worry about what tragedy awaits you just around the corner? I'm experiencing that right now. And it's spider related. Allow me to explain.

I am deathly afraid of spiders. Not the "scream like a girl" kind of scared, but more like the "paralyzed with fear, creepy crawly for the rest of the day" kind of scared. I can't handle them. Okay, so the small ones aren't so bad. I can handle them. But the big ones with long hairy legs and bodies the size of small coins, I just can't deal with. (Don't even get me started on the time I found one crawling on me in my own bed!)

And every now and then, I walk down to my basement, and discover just such a disgusting creature. It's enough to make me vow never to walk down there shoeless again, lest I should actually step on one with my bare feet (shudder).

So for the last couple of months, I've almost been expecting to find one (or two, don't they come in pairs?) waiting to greet me. And it hasn't happened. Yet.

Now, every time I head downstairs, I'm on the lookout. I just know it will happen soon. It's bound to. And I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for it. Maybe I should start carrying around a can of mace, just in case.

I Love Blog-Land

2010-03-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

You know what? This whole Blog-Land sure is amazing. It gives us the opportunity to meet people that we may never have met otherwise. It offers support, and allows us to try to help others who may be struggling with something.

It's a great way to share recipes, knowledge, and memories. It's also a great place for contests.

Everywhere I turn these days (maybe I should use the word "click"), there is a great contest. The ones I usually enter involve reading/writing and free books. I've been incredibly lucky over the past couple of months, as I've won several blog contests. I want to express my gratitude to all the bloggers out there, who offer such wonderful prizes.

In the last two months, I've won the following items:

Book - Altered State, by Gregg Luke (Cami Checkett's blog)
Book - Missing, by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen (Marilyn Bunderson's blog )
Book - Love Your Body, by Brooke Parker R.D. (Walnut Springs Press)
Book - Abinadi, by H.B. Moore (Heather Moore's blog)
Pair of Pajamas (Kimberly Job's Blog)

I've also agreed to do book reviews for three authors, and will be getting copies of their books as well. I will blog about them in the coming weeks.

All of these great things would not be possible without Blog-Land.

And speaking of meeting people through Blog-land, I had a great opportunity last night. I went to Valor Publishing's 5-author book launch, and it was great. I got the chance to meet SO MANY people I've been acquainted with through blogs, but never met in person. I also got to meet the authors, which is always fun.

It was so great to be able to look around a room full of people, and recognize so many faces. Some people even recognized me too, and that was doubly cool.

To all of you who I finally "met" in real life last night, thanks for making my evening great. I look forward to getting to know you all even better in the future, and seeing more of you as we journey down this writing path together.

Optimistic Mondays – Give It Back!

2010-03-15T06:00:00.002-06:00

I don’t know who it was, but someone stole my motivation, and I’m demanding it back! (Pretty please… I’m lost without it.)

I’ve come up with a plan, just in case my motivation doesn’t show up at the door this morning. (If opportunity knocks, what does motivation do, ring the bell?)

If you know me very well, you know I like to make lists. I love to set goals. And I really love to accomplish my goals. When I have success in my life, I feel positive. It makes me want to keep going.

I have a list of things I want to do each day. Each item has been carefully chosen by a panel of judges (me). They are tasks that, when accomplished, will help me feel motivated.

I call it the list of "Motivating Moments".

Make Bed. It amazes me at how much better I feel, when I walk into my bedroom and the bed is made. And it only takes about a minute to do.
Do my makeup/Get ready. I usually do this. But I've noticed that when I don't, I feel lazy, negative, and washed out. I'm not talking about full blown makeup/dressy clothes each day. Just enough to make me feel comfortable, if a neighbor should drop by.
Clean Something. This does not count the daily cleanup around the house, like dishes or picking up toys. It's for things like scrubbing toilets (because, no - I don't do that everyday), organizing my desk, or tackling an item from the Spring Cleaning list.
Eat at least 1 fruit and 1 vegetable per day. This one sounds ridiculously easy, but I'm surprised at how often I don't have any at all. Eating healthy food always motivates me to eat more healthy food. I really do like fruit and veggies. But I also really like chocolate.
Read to/Teach my kids something. I'm really good about reading to my 3 year old. I'm not as good about reading to my 1-1/2 year old. I would feel so much better, as a mom, if I knew I had spent time each day teaching my children something.
Write 500 words. I hope this number will be higher most days, but this is a goal for my minimum. It includes any type of writing, whether it be on a book, blog, in my journal, or any other misc. writing. As long as I'm writing, I feel motivated.
Read my scriptures. This is a habit I already have, but I'd like to change, just a little. I currently read them just before going to bed. That's the time of day when my mind is so tired from a long day, and my eyelids are so heavy they don't want to stay open. Perhaps there is a better time of day, when my mind will register what I'm reading. I'll see if I can find it.
Plan ahead for dinner. I usually make a menu for the week, when I do my grocery shopping. I couldn't survive dinner-time without it. But dinner is still a little too hectic. The kids always want my attention, and it creates an unpleasant environment. This goal is to plan and prepare as much of the meal as possible ahead of time, leaving me less frazzled when dinner-time actually comes.
Get rid of 2 things. It feels so good to get rid of things I no longer need. This can be anything from a pair of shoes that make my feet hurt like crazy (today's example), or cleaning out the fridge. Broken toys, clothes that don't fit, expired coupons: be prepared to say goodbye.
Exercise. I always feel more motivated when I've exercised for the day. I am so excited that Spring is just around the corner. It's amazing how much work it is to push 2 kids up and down the neighborhood hills, in a double stroller.

There you have it. My hope is that my productivity will increase as I work on accomplishing these daily tasks.

Are there certain things in your life, that make you feel motivated?

Happy Monday Everyone!

I Envy Bella Swan

2010-03-11T12:58:00.006-07:00

It's true, I'm jealous of Bella. But not for the same reason hundreds of thousands (millions?) of teenage girls do all around the world. I don't actually want to have a boyfriend that wants to kill me and drink my blood. I don't want to fight the Volturi, or have to pick between Edward and Jacob. And I certainly don't want to have my baby try to kill me from the inside. (If you are one of the three people who haven't read the last book, sorry for the spoiler.)

What I envy about Bella, is her ability to make a decision, and stick to it. She doesn't turn back, change her mind, or rethink it a thousand times. That's what I do.

And it's SO frustrating.

I recently came to a crossroads, with my writing, and I don't know which direction to take. I'm playing around with a few different genres. I can't decide which one to pursue. I can't decide if I want to write for adults, or young adults. Serious? Funny? Real world or Fantasy? I know I can dabble around a bit in several, but ultimately, I feel like I should have a general focus. But it keeps changing.

And it's driving me crazy.

Just when I think I know, I think "What if I try..."

Triple Book Launch Party

2010-03-09T08:54:00.004-07:00

Not sure what to do this Friday night? I've got the solution!

Gather up the girls for a night out.

I'm excited about this one.

It's three different authors.

It's three different genres.

And it's three new books.

THIS FRIDAY, March 12th

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Deseret Book at University Village

(East of University Mall, in Orem, Utah)

I'll bet you are wondering which authors will be there, right? Well, let me tell you.

Annette Lyon, with her new women's fiction, Band of Sisters.

Sarah M. Eden, with her new Regency Romance, Courting Miss Lancaster.

Julie Coulter Bellon, with her new thriller, Dangerous Connections.

Whether you love Regency Romance, Thrillers with lots of suspense (and a little romance thrown in!), or Women's Fiction (or know someone who does), you'll want to be at this event.

They will even have a bunch of great door prizes!

I'll be there, and I hope to see you there!

Optimistic Mondays – Do Over

2010-03-08T07:54:00.005-07:00

Considering how motivated I felt last week at this time, I sure don't have a lot to show for it. Except for the 2 pounds I gained, the pile of laundry I didn't do, the 160 unread blog posts in my google reader, and the feeling of being a headless chicken dancing around in my kitchen.

Can I have a do-over? Please? Fine, then can I at least go pout in the corner for a while? Thanks.

Okay, I feel a little better. Try it, it just might help you get ready to tackle the week in front of you.

I'll leave you with this thought:

Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right. - Henry Ford

Lets all go out and accomplish something great this week.

Happy Monday.

Optimistic Mondays – March and Monday

2010-03-01T07:52:00.003-07:00

It’s my favorite day of the week – Monday! And to top that off, it’s also the beginning of a new month. Both on the same day! What more could anyone ask for? Seriously. It’s like a perfect alignment of the stars. I’m ready to take charge of the week. I’m ready to have a productive month of March. And it’s a good thing too, since I have so much to do!

I’ve been writing the Optimistic Mondays posts for six months now, and I have many new readers since I started. I’ve copied the original Optimistic Monday Post, to explain my purpose:

When I was a teenage, I worked at the Hogle Zoo. I was a manager of a concession stand, and I had a set schedule. I worked Tuesdays and Thursday-Sunday. I always had Mondays and Wednesdays off. We always had the radio on in the back part of the building, and I remember one song in particular. The words to it were "It's just another manic Monday. I wish it were Sunday, cause that's my fun day...." I had made up my own little version, and sang, "It's just another manic Sunday, I wish it were Monday..." Monday's were a welcome relief after a busy weekend at the zoo.

Most people look forward to Fridays, and dread Mondays. There was a time in my life when I was the same way. When I worked in an office from 9-5, Monday - Friday, I loved Fridays. Don't get me wrong, I loved my job. But I still welcomed the weekend. Now that I'm a stay at home mom, the weekend doesn't mean quite the same thing. Yes, Todd is home, and it's nice to spend time with him. But my job doesn't stop just because it's the weekend. I still have to feed and dress the kids. I still have to wash dishes and do the laundry.

But there is something special for me about Mondays now. It's a fresh start. A new beginning. If I didn't do as well as I wanted to with something during the week, I decide that on Monday, I'll do better. Did I over eat this week? Did I not exercise as much as I wanted? Did I not get the house cleaned? It's okay, on Monday I will start fresh. I will do better. And there's even more refreshing news. If I slip up half way through the week, and don't keep up with my new found determination to succeed at whatever I had decided to do: It's only 3 or 4 more days until another Monday! A new fresh start. It's a wonderful cycle.

So as March begins, I’m ready to challenge myself, and exceed my own expectations. February may as well be written off completely. What did I even accomplish? Next month, I plan to have a long list of accomplishments!

What are your goals for the week? How about the month?

Happy Monday Everyone!

Alien Abduction?

2010-02-27T21:38:00.004-07:00

No, aliens haven’t abducted me. No, my computer didn’t break down. And no, I didn’t lose the use of my fingers, forcing me to learn to type with my toes.

I have no excuse for my blogging absence. Well, at least no good ones. I could give you a list three pages long of bad excuses, but I’ll spare you.

Over the last six weeks, I’ve been taking a Creative Writing class. It’s been wonderful, and I’ve learned so much about the craft of writing. I’m sad to see it end. Each Saturday, I looked forward to the hour long drive to get there, followed by two hours of class, and another hour to get home. The drive gave me time to think, and reflect on what I'd learned.

I often left the class feeling overwhelmed with the enormity of the writing world. It is not for the weak at heart. I feel a little bit like I’m running a race, only I’m turned the wrong direction and have to fight my way through the crowd, without getting trampled on. I hope I can fight my way through, and not give in to self-doubt.

Frustration is a normal part of a writer’s life. Okay, frustration is a normal part of everyday life, but we’ll stick to writing today. There is SO much to learn. I want to plug myself in to a Matrix-like machine, and upload all the files. If anyone knows how, please leave a comment below.

I figure I’m just going to have to learn it one step at a time, like everyone else. Line upon Line, Precept on Precept…(Are any of you singing the Saturday’s Warriors song, like I am?)

There were so many elements from class that have impacted my writing. I think the one that will help me the most was the concept of “Show, not Tell”. I’d heard the phrase thrown around in the writing world several times, but didn’t fully grasp the concept until now.

Annette Lyon taught the class, and was wonderful. (Check out her website, and read her books.) For one of our homework assignments, we had to write a paragraph that “Showed” an emotion, without “Telling” what it was. The exercise really pounded the idea home, so I thought I’d share it with you.

A Telling (and therefore-BAD) sentence would be something like this:

Brandon sat at the table, feeling frustrated as he tried to write an apology letter.

My Showing scene read as follows:

Brandon sat at the kitchen table, hunched over a blank piece of paper. The pen in his hand tapped the table repeatedly, though Brandon was hardly aware of doing it.

“It shouldn’t be this hard. Just apologize and get it over with,” he said to the empty room.

A moment later, he placed the pen to paper and began to write. The words came quickly at first, then slowed until mid-sentence they stopped. He slammed the pen down and crumpled the paper into a tight ball. He chucked it at the corner of the room, where a trash bin waited to add one more failed attempt to its growing pile.

In the second paragraph, I never said he was frustrated, but you could see it.

Okay, now I have an entire manuscript to revise. Hmmm…better get started.

Thanks Annette, for helping me become a few steps closer to becoming a better writer.

Optimistic Mondays – Be Yourself

2010-02-15T10:21:00.004-07:00

It's Monday, and I'm running low on creativity (and time), so this post will be short. I recently read a quote that my grandma posted on facebook, and it really it me hard.

"Be a first rate version of yourself,

not a second rate version of someone else."

- Judy Garland

They are words I need to remember everyday. It's hard not to want what others have. It can range from anything as simple as wanting someone else's hair style, to wishing for their life. I look at other more established writers, and it's hard not to want to be in their shoes. But I also know that I need to make the journey myself, so I can appreciate it when I get there.

Heavenly Father did not make us the way we are by accident. We are all His creations, each one made with care and love. When we put ourselves down, we are putting our Creator down.

We all need to stand up and be proud of who we are. There may always be room for improvement, but don't ever forget who the real you is.

Happy Monday!

Critique Group

2010-02-12T22:40:00.003-07:00

Help! I need to get into a critique group. Do any of you know of a group that is looking for another member? I'm interested in either an online group, or an in-person group that meets somewhere in the Salt Lake Valley.

I have been writing for about a year, and while I have an enormous amount to learn still, I have improved drastically over the last year. I write LDS Women's Fiction. I'm not necessarily looking for a group of the same genre, but one that is okay with LDS fiction.

Are you looking for a group for yourself? If I can't find an existing one to join, I will look into starting one up myself. Let me know if you are interested. We can talk about specifics, and see if we can work together.

If you know of anyone else who may be interested, please pass this information along. You can comment here, or email me (Kim) at coateskj (AT) yahoo.com.

Almost Famous...

2010-02-11T15:31:00.003-07:00

If you want to read about the nearly famous me, go check out my guest post over at Mormon Mommy Blogs.

Optimistic Mondays – Coughs, Fevers and Runny Noses

2010-02-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

Having sick children is miserable. Almost as miserable as having a sick husband. (Oops, did I say that?) My son got it first this time. After about a week, my daughter got it too. Such fun. The other night I swear I got out of bed 15 times during the night. No, I wasn't counting, but I should have. Maybe it was 16. Talk about a long night (or short one, depending on how you look at it).

Since my Monday posts are about looking at the optimistic side of things, I present a list of pros and cons.

Cons of having sick kids:

going thru tissues by the box
interrupted sleep for the kidlets as well as Mommy
keeping track of medicine doses (when/how much?)
excessive whining/crying
constant need for attention
co-pays to the doctor
paying for prescriptions (ear infection)
keeping track of more medicine
grumpy Mommy

Pro of having sick kids (YES, there is exactly ONE pro):

extra cuddle time

It is so easy for me to stress about all the things I'm not getting done when my kids are sick. Somedays, none of us even get dressed. The dishes pile up, toys cover the floor, my work is behind and my writing is all but abandoned. It's times like these when it's important for me to remind myself of the bigger picture. The kids need me. Everything else can wait.

When I focus on that important fact, and let everything else go, I can allow myself to enjoy the cuddle time. It doesn't happen very often, and it is so wonderful.

Happy Monday

I should be cleaning...

2010-02-05T13:21:00.003-07:00

...but...I'll get to that later. :) Instead, I'm sitting at my computer in the most adorable new apron. I got it for my birthday from a very good friend, and I can't bring myself to clean in it yet. I don't know how I'll ever possibly cook in it. It's just too darn cute. What if it gets dirty? I know, I know, that's what it's for. But not today. Today, it's for being cute, and making me smile.

I think the computer is a safe spot to hang out, and keep it nice and clean. Hopefully my printer doesn't explode and spray ink all over. That would make me cry. I don't know if the ink would come out.

Moving on...

My creative writing class has been having a contest this week, and it's been a blast to see all the entries. It's a Bulwer-Lytten contest, which means its a BAD BEGINNING contest. There have been so many great entries. Just for fun, here's a couple of mine. (Remember, they are supposed to be bad!)

Once upon a time, on a dull and lonely morning, Judith opened her eyes and tried to remember the one important task she needed to do today, but was unable to think of it because of the strange dream she had just had about a flying carpet that was chasing her through the woods-oh, that was it; she was having her carpets cleaned today.

"Stop the train, I dropped my lipstick out the window!"

Life sucks, and then you die, but since I haven't keeled over just yet, let me share my story.

Do you know the feeling when someone is rambling off about something that you could care less about, but they think it's the most wonderful story in the world, and you have no choice but to just sit and listen, hoping it will end soon, so you can talk about something much more interesting, like yourself?

As I've been focusing on bad beginnings this week, it's made me think a lot about good beginnings as well. I'm working on revising my first chapter, trying to get it ready to enter into a first-chapter contest. Just when I think it's ready, I get a little more feedback, and change a few more things. Then I begin to doubt the chapter as a whole, which leads to doubting the entire manuscript. It's a vicious cycle.

My goal for the upcoming week is to focus on first chapters. I plan to read the first chapter, or at a minimum, the first couple of pages, of dozens of books on my bookshelf. Many of them are in the genre I'm writing in, and some are not. I've read them all, but never payed much attention to what goes into a first chapter.

By the end of next week, I'll either know I'm headed in the right direction, or I'll be trying to convince myself not to burn my own first chapter.

Contest Winner

2010-02-02T20:55:00.003-07:00

Thank you to all who participated in my "13 Going on 30" contest. I got several new followers, and can count over 30, between a few different methods. I'm excited for the opportunity to get to know more bloggers out there, and have you get to know me. I hope you will continue to follow along with my journey, and that I will continue to grow and meet more of you.

Without further delay, here is the result of the drawing:

My daughter helped select the lucky winner.

And the winner is: Andrea, from Networked blogs.

You get to choose between the DVD "13 Going on 30", or a lovely box of chocolates.

I'll contact you by facebook, and get your prize sent out. Thanks for being a follower.

I'm planning more contests soon, so everyone else - stay in touch.

Optimistic Mondays – Tomorrow’s the Big Day

2010-02-01T09:15:00.004-07:00

This is it! Today is the last day I can claim to be in my 20’s. Tomorrow I turn 30. As promised, today I will reveal my “Mission Statement”. I’m know you have all been living in suspense. The fan mail has been rolling in. Hundreds of you have begged me to leak the secret, but I’ve been strong. I hope you didn’t loose too much sleep over this. Well, actually I hope you lost a little. That would make me feel important. Are you ready?

First a little explanation. About six months ago, I got this idea. I based it off the fact that successful businesses all over the world have something in common. They have a Mission Statement. It’s something that keeps them on track. It tells the employees what is expected of them, and it helps the clients and customers know what the company stands for, and that they live by a certain code.

I decided that if it works for them, maybe it would work for me too. So without further ado, I give you my mission statement for my 30’s.

"Digging Deeper"

Say what??? Allow me to explain.

I have spent my twenties trying to figure out where I belong. I have started dozens of projects. I’ve tried out new things. I’ve wanted to master them all. You know what I’m talking about. I wanted to be the perfect mother, housekeeper, cook, employee, gardener, photographer, scrapbooker, breadmaker, piano player, Spanish learner, singer, artist, visiting teacher, friend, blogger, exerciser, reader, craft show maker, makeup consultant, and many more I can’t think of right now.

I saw someone else succeeding at something, and I wanted to do it too. But I didn’t just want to do these things casually; I wanted to be the best there was. I never really thought of myself as competitive, I just wanted it for myself. I had a genuine interest. I loved to learn new things.

The problem was I didn’t have time to really focus on any of those things. I got so overwhelmed by the task in front of me, that I would give up, and find something else to master. It was a vicious pattern.

I’m not disappointed about my 20’s. I did a lot of wonderful things. I grew, progressed, learned, and experimented. See last weeks post.

Now it’s time to move on. This time, instead of just skimming the surface, I’m going to be digging deeper. I’m going to pick a few things, and focus on them. I’m going to let go of the rest. I’ll not be completely abandoning them, just not focus on them. For example, I love to take pictures. But somehow I couldn’t just take a picture for fun. I dreamt of being a professional. I’m letting that go.

I don’t plan to participate in craft shows. Instead, I’ll go and support my friends that are in them. Artwork? It was never really in my blood. Easy to let go of. Gardening? I want to have a garden, but no longer want to learn the proper name of each flower. I wont try to plant every variety of vegetable.

Instead, here is where I will list the things I plan on focusing during my 30’s.

1. I am first and foremost a mother. I have a heavy responsibility placed on my shoulders, and feel the weight of it every day. The next ten years will bring many moments of joy, pain, challenge, and worry to my family. My children will be exposed to the world, and things I would rather protect them from. I hope I will be a good enough mom to prepare them.

2. Recently I developed my passion for writing, and have every intention of taking it to higher levels. Sometime in the next 10 years, I hope to become a published author. I hope it doesn’t take the whole time, but even if it does I’m not giving up.

3. I own a piano. It’s a beautiful piece of furniture that sits in my living room. My children play on it every now and then, and I plan to put them in lessons when they are old enough. I used to play it regularly, but with everything else going on, I’ve abandoned it. I plan to get back into it, and regain some of my talent. I hope to be able to start lessons again.

There you have it. It’s a small list, but hey-it’s supposed to be. It’s hard to let go of so many things, but it’s the only way I’ll be able to really focus on what’s the most important for me. I will still do things that are not on my list, but I won’t obsess about them anymore.

I’ve got my shovel (literally, a friend gave me one, see picture above) and I’m Digging Deeper. I can’t wait to look back in 10 years and see what I’ve accomplished. Okay, I can wait. I don’t want it to go too fast. ;)

Happy Monday.

Soon to be released: Devil's Food Cake

2010-01-31T14:06:00.005-07:00

Devil's Food Cake, by Josi Kilpack, will be in stores mid February. It is the third book in the culinary mystery series. Sadie Hoffmiller is a fun character who just can't seem to stay out of the center of trouble, when it comes to murder mystery's. You'll fall in love with Sadie's fun and spunky character.

For more information, check out Josi Kilpack's website, or Deseret Books website.

Thirteen Going on Thirty

2010-01-26T07:56:00.008-07:00

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, my 30th birthday is quickly approaching. In fact, it is exactly one week from today. Any guesses as to what is on my wish list?

Thirty followers!!!!

That means I’m holding a CONTEST….

There are three ways to enter.

You can press the “follow this blog” on left hand side of this page. That way I can see your smiling face everyday.

You can also follow me via “google reader”. I can’t see who follows me this way, so you’ll have to leave a comment to tell me. I love this feature, because it keeps track of all the blogs you follow, and lets you know when there is a new post. No more checking with each one every day, just to find it hasn’t been updated. If you don’t use it yet, and have questions about how to set it up, let me know. It’s a free service, included in your Google (gmail) account.

Follow me on networked blogs, also on the left side of the page.

Pick the one that works for you, or do all three. You’ll get one entry point for each.

I know you are all anxiously awaiting the announcement of the prize, so I won’t delay any further. The winner will get your very own copy of the movie 13 Going on 30.

I know, I know, you all want to win. But I only have one copy to give, so you’ll just have to enter twice, and hope for the best. J

Contest closes at noon on Tuesday, February 2^nd. I will announce the winner by 7:oo that night. Good luck to all, and thanks for reading (and following).

Have a wonderful day.