Friday--The Writer's Porch--Start Small

The dream of a published book makes most writers’ hearts flutter. Their pulse quickens and they dream of seeing their name on the cover. Bliss!

And it’s true, seeing your name as an author holds a thrill, but so does seeing your name in the byline of an article or devotion. My first experience in publication was with a very small story in "Today’s Christian Woman". They had accepted the four paragraph article and told me the issue of when it would be published. I was so excited. For six months I floated on air in anticipation. When November rolled around I almost had an anxiety attack. I drove to our local Christian bookstore. What if someone recognized me as the author? Grandiose thoughts of fame flittered through my mind. (Let me remind you--it was only four paragraphs.)

When I arrived at the store, I went inside wearing very large sunglasses. (I am absolutely not exaggerating.) I anonymously bought the magazine, rushed out to my car and burst into joyful tears when I saw it. I was absolutely delighted.

Here’s my point, don’t start out writing your novel or a bestseller non-fiction. Work on it, of course, but also write other pieces. Articles are a fabulous way to break into the publishing world. Many publications do not pay, but they still are a “credit” in your writing resume. Devotionals are another way to break into print. (In a few weeks, I will start a series on how to write great devotions.) Check your Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Market Guide. It lists various publications that are seeking writers who will write good material.

Before I ever signed my first book contract, I was published in several magazines and devotional publications. It gave me the credentials that editors were looking for—they knew I could write and I would finish the assignment.

So, don’t scoff at the thought of writing miscellaneous stuff—most writers start small. Usually writing is a progression and when you finally sign the long awaited book contract you will be prepared to write the book, because you’ve written for publication previously. Start small. Plan patiently. Dream daringly. Write well.

Before you know it you will be putting on oversized sunglasses and sneaking into a store to see your name in print.

Humpty Dumpty continued

Yesterday I wrote about falling down and blacking my eye, bruising my face, and probably breaking my nose. But as weird as all that is, it is the stares that I am getting from others that are most disturbing. Women especially seem to give me a second look. I see the look of concern and anger cross their faces. I can tell they are thinking, "Her husband hit her."

This weekend I went out with my husband on his Harley motorcycle. Of course, we were dressed in black leather (at least it matched my black eye) and all the other Harley gear. We stopped by a Starbucks and people looked up as two "Harley riders" strode in dressed in black boots, leather jackets, etc. I took off my helmet and immediately I saw the frowns and disgusted looks at my sweet husband. Now, my guy couldn't spank the kids, let alone punch his wife. But the misconception was there. It's been an interesting time to observe human reactions.

I know many, many times I have thought the worst when I have seen bruises, casts, and such on women or children. And I know the thoughts will probably still cross my mind because of the prevalence of domestic violence in our culture. There is never any excuse for physical brutality to anyone. However, at the same time I hope I have learned not to jump to immediate conclusions. I hope the Lord grants me discernment to assess the situation correctly and the wisdom to know the appropriate action or response.

For now, I am very thankful that BIG sunglasses are in vogue.

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

That was me this weekend. I took a great fall and did a faceplant on a concrete patio. Most likely I broke my nose--definitely a black eye. Scabby face and bruises on every part of my body. I'm a real cutie pie.

It was early in the morning and my feet just weren't awake yet, I guess. I went to let my dogs outside for their morning "business." I stepped over the--well, not quite--I tripped over the small dog fence and kaboom. I remember feeling my skin scrape across the cement and thinking like my two-year-old grandson, Michael, "uh-oh!"

Without exception everyone has asked, "Didn't you put your hands out?"

"Uh, no. Just my face." (I do not know why my hands didn't respond, except that I would have probably broken my right wrist--disaster for a writer.)

"Did you go to the doctor?"

"Uh no, I prefer self-medicating." (Just kidding!) Actually, by the time I realized that my nose was probably broken, it was hours afterwards. I figured that by that time, it wasn't going to do any good. (Afi, if you're reading this, I'll see you on Tuesday anyway--smile.)

All right, I am off to watch the Tony's and I need to take another Tylenol.

Friday -- The Writer's Porch -- Writers Write

Whenever you attend a writer's conference you will inevitably hear the phrase, “Writers write.” This translates to, if you are really a writer then you sit down at your computer and plod on along. You may sit and stare at the screen for hours, but your cute bottom is stuck to the chair until you write something down.

For the past several months, I have struggled with making myself write. I can think of a bazillion other things that I need to do or want to do. However, yesterday I made a decision to get back in the saddle (my ergonomic computer chair) and to write 300 words a day—except for Saturday and Sunday. If I do the math correctly that averages out to 1500 words a week. If I do this for 52 weeks, I will have written 78,000 words—in essence a book. And if I am honest with myself and I am actually writing I will probably achieve closer to 600 words a day. So for me that translates to writing my blog, my Proverbs 31 devotions and a book in one year. So why haven’t I kept up this pace? Good question.

Here are the things that tend to distract me from writing:

Emails

Internet research (Yes, we must do it as writers, but I can do it for hours)

Phone calls I feel I just have to make

Playing Hearts on the computer

A few weeks ago, I read Michael Hyatt’s blog. He’s the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing. He highly suggested setting the goal of zero emails in the inbox by the end of the day and to only read your emails twice a day. Check it out at http://michaelhyatt.com/2008/06/yes-you-can-stay-on-top-of-email.html Love it!

Internet “research” can take on a life of its own. It can become a fire breathing dragon that fries up your writing time. Make your search and stop! Personally, I am going to try to do my research at night while I'm watching TV or sitting outside enjoying the summer weather. And try not to do it when I am supposed to be typing away.

When I am sitting at my desk, for some reason I always think of someone I should call. So I call and bingo, 30 minutes is burned up on the phone. So, my new resolution is no calls until I have written my 300 words.

And the game of Hearts? It needs to be deleted. I had to do that once with Solitaire when I had a manuscript deadline looming ahead of me. So, if I can’t stop Hearts, it’s going into the recycling bin.

John Saul said, "When I write a book, I always think it's patently absurd that I can write one. No one, certainly not me, can write a book 500 pages long. But I know I can write 15 pages, and if I write 15 pages everyday, eventually I'll have 500 of them." (1942).

My word count for today: 750. Woohoo!

Babbling About Books--Thursday--House of Dark Shadows

House of Dark Shadows (Series Dream House Kings)
Robert Liparulo
Young Adult Fiction
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
(2008)

Yesterday I encouraged my blogger friends to invest in the youth of our nation by encouraging them in their gifts and passions that God has given to them. So today I thought I would follow-up with a great young adult book series. These books would be a great summer read for you and your kids.

The first book of the series, House of Dark Shadows, begins with the history of a very strange house. The protagonist, Xander, moves into the house with his family. He has an eerie feeling right away and soon the house begins to reveal its secrets—and they are truly scary. It is a page turner from beginning to end.

What I like about these books is they aren’t smarmy religiously written books. They are action filled with real kids who do things they shouldn’t, get into situations because of poor choices, and the house is frightening. The characters are believable. Mr. Liparulo has written a book that grabs the read with the fantasy and the character driven plot, while not succumbing to the occultic tendency of the Harry Potter books. Think of a cross between J.R.R. Tolkien and Edgar Allen Poe.

I sat in on a lecture by Liparulo at the Christian Book Expo. His thoughts on plots and character intrigued me. I went out and purchased most of his books. (He writes adult thrillers, also.) I have not been disappointed. He knows what he’s doing in the genre of thrillers for adults and young adults.

As for House of Dark Shadows I applaud Thomas Nelson, the publisher, for printing Christian Young Adult fiction that not only will reel in the kids, but can keep an adult turning the page. I have purchased the series and will keep them for my grandchildren to read in the future.

Hang on Michael, Emily and Brianna, these books will make you want to keep a flashlight by your bed even when you’re a big person.

Next Generation--Encourage Her Now!

Do you dream about speaking or writing? Do you wish that you had pursued your dream earlier? I certainly do. I wanted to be a writer at the age of fourteen. Decades later I finally began the pursuit of my writing dream.

I hear about young women who hold a passion for Christ and want to dedicate their lives to His service. Just on Monday, I spoke with a mom whose daughter has the gift of writing. I told her to encourage her--put her in a writing class somewhere!

Now there is the problem--finding that type of creative outlet for young women. Proverbs 31 Ministries has the solution. We provide Next Generation, which is held during the same time as our She Speaks Conference. Please let me encourage you to bring your daughter, niece, granchild, etc. to Next Generation. They will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with nationally known authors and speakers. They will catch a glimpse of dreams coming true. Each young woman will be loved upon and encouraged to follow her heart.

I feel passionately about this opportunity. One of my nieces showed amazing talent to write in her teen years. But life took over and she has shelved the gift of writing words to work in a mundane job. I wish I could've provided an outlet for her dreams. I wish I hadn't waited so long.

Take the opportunity of Next Generation to fulfill a dream of someone you know! Register her online at http://www.shespeaksconference.com/theNextGenInfo.htm

Friendships--Priceless

The last few days I have had treasured moments with some of my favorite people, my girlfriends. I sipped coffee with a friend who makes me laugh like no one else. I shared with one of my dearest friends heart-to-heart the struggles of life.

Then tonight I went to my small group that consists of seven girlfriends. We ate, laughed, studied and prayed together--absolutely priceless.

I have given some thought to what I treasure in my friends. Number one is authenticity and number two is a great sense of humor. I need all the laughter I can get in my life. Tonight at Bible study, somehow we got off on the topic of doing kegel exercises. (If you are not sure what those are, do a Google search.) :) We laughed our heads off.

I would not trade my friendships for anything. They are a gift from God.

Psalms 126:2-3 (MSG) "We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations— 'God was wonderful to them!' God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people."