TALK TO ME GRANDPA, TALK TO ME

Grandpa has died. Where is he now, and can I talk to him? Children have questions. How do I talk about death with my young child in the midst of my own grief? Adults have questions too.
"Talk to Me, Grandpa! Talk to Me! is intended for adults and children to read aloud together. It is not meant to be a book of answers but to encourage conversation about a frequently shrouded rite of passage, the death of a loved one. So find a cozy place, open these pages, and laugh and cry together.

I met a wonderful author, Dawn Fullerton, while eating lunch at the ICRS and we got to chatting. She showed me her new book for children about understanding death. I wanted to share her information with all of you as I was quite impressed with it and had never seen anything quite like it before in the years I had the Christian Book store. Please check out her link ( http://dawns-heart.blogspot.com/) and read more about her new book!

Montrose Writers Conference

We had our second writers group here in town today. I noticed the same thing I noticed while in Montrose. Most writers aren't connected online.

Most writers don't network either. With today's need for self-marketing, networking is one of the best way to go. When I walked into the conference, I looked for the smiley faces-- the sticker that labeled the first time conference attendees. Then I introduced myself. I had my other friends there from two years before but I wanted to also meet some new people to listen to their own writing experience.

Three ladies I spoke with didn't have a blog. The conference held a class on it and I know at least one of the women changed her mind and decided to attend.

Someone today asked if it was necessary to go to a Writers Conference. No, it isn't necessary but it is beneficial to your growth as a writer. We write alone but when it comes to taking that manuscript and finding out how to get it on a publisher's desk, a conference can be invaluable.

So I made some new friends and I attended the classes. The morning class I attended was called Writing a Non Fiction book (using moments from our lives). The speaker asked some questions. "If you could write a book about one thing --what would it be? What qualifies you to write it? Who needs this book?How will you reach them?"

She spoke on a lot of subjects but what I walked away with after three mornings of listening was this: Wait five years before you write about a trauma in your life. So I shoved one of my book ideas to the back shelf in my brain. I moved another forward. Once we recover from a major incident, we can write about it.

The speaker also suggested we think of a verse or a phrase to use as our mission statement. One line why we write. I already know what mine is. Make a Difference.

I'll write more tomorrow but until then--why do you write?

I'm back!

To sunny Florida. When you step out of the airport, the smell hits you like a hot shower. My last two weeks taught me so much-- mostly the need to connect with other writers who know their craft.

Tomorrow is the second Writers group at the library. I've got some new items to share and I am praying for even more than we had at the last meeting. But mostly that God will bring those committed writers who want to share and teach and encourage others as they write for the Lord.

I promised to mention contest results. Well, as of today, the results on the site have not yet been posted. so, could that mean I am still in the running?

I did get some final word on two stories for Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I'll post a link as soon as I know more.

And tomorrow or possibly Tuesday, I'll start posting some of my conference information!

Blueprints

I have so many good notes from the writers conference to share -- but tonight I am brain dead. Some of what I heard today was good logical information I partly knew--but some was downright inspiring.

What I'm walking away with from this three day experience is a new found drive to get my manuscript finished the best I know how. I shared with my husband the example that if he was building a house and put a wall in the wrong place but didn't know how to fix it, he'd be stuck. Along comes an architect with blueprints showing him a great fix. That's what Kathy did for me. But I need to tear apart some of those paragraphs I so dearly loved (don't we all) and write it again in a way that will capture my reader from word one.

So I am mulling over my opening hook sentence. I'm changing my main character's appearance, I'm adding in some detail at the beginning of each chapter so the reader can dog-ear his place--pick it up a week later-- and know what's going on. I'm going to weave in my backstory so the pace remains fast. The list of my blueprint goes on and on. Am I eager?? That's what going to a writers conference does for a person. It motivates. It encourages. It teaches.

In three short days, I felt part of the pack. The pack of writers, in various stages, trying to communicate what God has given them in the best possible fashion.

Edits, classes and dreams

The second day of a conference is so much easier. We have our established routines, places to sit and a few new friends to say hi as we pass the bathroom.

The highlight of my day was my meeting with the editor. She confirmed many of my suspicions about where to cut and some layout issues. Definitely got my fifteen minutes worth of time. Now I'm wishing I'd brought my manuscript so I can tear into it. But that will have to wait for a few more days.

Ahh-- the contacts you make, the friends you find, and the dreams you revive. I'm already planning to go to my next conference in Fla next year. But A conference also encourages and reminds me to get my project done with as much perfection as I can master.

So, okay, there's my update and my eyes are barely staying open as I write this. 6:30 comes waaay too early for this girl who likes to sleep in. I hear my own bed calling me but for now, I'll flip on that fan and dream about my air conditioning.

First Day

Imagine snake-like roads, hairpin curves, one-lane bridges and mink crossings. That's my morning commute as I make my way over the back roads to Montrose for the Writers Conference this week. We rented a small Dodge that sounds like it would prefer to be motoring a racetrack than these roads. As I go up and down each hill, it gently reminds me.

I checked in on Sunday--got my badge and folder and prepared my list of classes. This morning, I arrived abit later than expected as my alarm rang an hour too early. (Thanks MIL:) Anyways, I found some old friends and settled in for my class on writing a non-fiction book. Each day, we attend a morning class, then pick and choose a few different ones in the afternoon.

Already, I have learned it is wise to not write about an event that you don't have at least five years span of distance from it -- if it is a critical moment in your life. I also took a course in dialogue and found that much of what I've already learned was correct. (Always a relief)

I found Kathy Ide, the editor I took my January course from, and she convinced me to sign up for a fifteen minute critique with her tomorrow. Got it all printed out-- and also ironed up my thick skin. I know I will need it for sure but I value her opinion.

Found out the publisher I want to meet with is only going to be there one day-- Thursday-- the day I planned to skip. Maybe Kathy will think my suspense story is so bad, I won't need to schedule a time with him! Either way, I'm letting God set the path before me and I'm just trying to do the work it needs.

But that's it for now. Enjoying a beautiful evening in the mountains of PA!

More Pictures

Check out the Women of Passions main page for more pictures from ICRS of the new book!

I'm headed to PA next for the Writers Conference. Looking forward to learning a lot and seeing old friends. For now, I have a pile of books on my dining room table to go through and a stack of interview blurbs and my digital recorder waiting upon my return.

The next Clermont writers group is on the Monday after I return. Hoping and praying for some new people as well as the old.

Ok-- so for now-- I need to go have fun!

A quick break

Here is a quick peek of me in front of the display for Women of Passions book. Hey-- my first story at the show! I'd just completed my first round of interviews and ran up to the floor for a quick peek and found the display.

I interviewed for two days, then on Weds. I roamed the floor and stood in some author lines. I have a pile of great books to read and after I read a few, I'll post it here. I also ate lunch with a very nice woman one day from Minnesota who wrote a wonderful children's book. I'll be sharing her website soon too. My brain is on overdrive but totally encouraged by so many gracious authors. I hope you will be too as I share in the coming weeks. Please remember to check out Writer Interrupted as Gina and I get the interviews up and on her site this fall!

International Christian Retail Show - update

I'm headed to bed to nurse the blisters on my feet. Whew-- two days of interviewing done! Tomorrow I go back to the show and walk the floors and get some signed books.

I have so much to write about the awesome writers I met and how much I have learned from them. Gina from Writer Interrupted will be posting the interviews each week for weeks to come.

My biggest blunder???? I called Karen Kingsbury ---Kinglsey--- Ugh--- right after telling her she is my favorite author. But in my defense, I had just finished interviewing Jeremey Kinglsey!! But . . . she was so gracious and was wonderful to talk with. She offers sample proposals on her website-- something I hope to look up.

Won't be updating for a few mores days. My friend flies out on Thursday and then Friday I pack for a trip to the writers conference. I feel armed with optimism!

Count Down

I'm interviewing fourteen or so writers starting Monday. A good friend of mine wrote and told me not to be nervous--be myself. Good advice. I've already imagined worst case scenarios--my new digital recorder dies a fast death on the table between us. I accidentally delete hours of interviews. I don't recognize the author I'm supposed to meet outside the media room. I drink way too much water and discover a bathroom break doesn't occur for another hour!

So I have a vivid imagination. I think we all do when faced with a new situation in our lives. Yesterday, my Women of Passions book arrived. I grabbed my chair on the patio and began to read figuring a break would do me good. I can't remember the name of the story today but I can remember something the writer wrote. "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called." Sounds like me-- pretty unequipped--both in writing and in my interviewing techniques. Oh how this sentence ministered to me.

Monday morning at 9:45 when I'm setting across the table from one of my heroes, I'll remember those words and then whisper another prayer.

Hurry up and wait!

I found out today that a story I submitted almost a year and a half ago is is being accepted for a book. Another story of mine in another anthology won't be finalized until next year!

When I first began writing, someone told me to develop thick skin. I think developing patience rates number two. It always amazes me when I hear back from some place I submitted months and months ago. But then that is the cool part about submitting--you never know when the next surprise might pop into your e-mail account or mailbox! For me, it's a sweet note from God reminding me I'm on the right track:)

Up and Running

I am on my mad dash to get everything organized and ready for the ICRS. I have my schedule for the interviews set up, know how to work my recorder (unless something unforeseen happens!) and even purchased some comfortable shoes to wear. (A must!) I pick my friend up at the airport on Sunday and then we will go over to the convention hall and register. Then a blur of a week. She flies out on Thursday and then I pack Friday and board a plane myself on Saturday to go to the Montrose Writers Conference.

I had hoped to have my other book ready by then but time seems to be running out but will have to make do with what I have. I received my confirmation from Montrose in the mail yesterday. Can't wait to sit in some classes and learn! I even signed up for a course in writing greeting cards even though I don't think I have the talent for that one!

New Blog for Writers Group

I've started a site designed specifically for the Clermont Christian Writers group but other writers might find it beneficial as well. Just click on the above link and check it out. It's a work in progress but please check back often for further information and for a list of market opportunities.

What Positive Changes Have Been Made?

Every morning, I have a routine of reading other writers' blogs and one in particular hit me this morning. She suggested reviewing the positive changes we have made in our lives this first half of the year instead of dwelling on all the rejections we writers are so fond of gettting. So it made me want to pull out my list making skills and see where I've come.

1. Overcame my fear of public speaking by joining Toastmasters. So I only gave a few speeches--that's more than I ever gave in my life! And I learned what not to do should the challenge ever arise again.

2. Started a writers group. Oh, that one was easy. NO--it wasn't since I'm the person who dreads planning parties in case no one shows up!

3. Agreed to interview authors I don't know and I admire. Haven't done that yet but the process is in motion. First, I said YES and now I'm panicking but I'm doing it because I know the outcome will be more than worth it. Plus, I've never interviewed a soul.

4. Putting together some pitches for editors at the conference I'm going to in a few weeks. I have never signed up to meet one--not sure at all what to say but what have I to lose?

My spin on why this year I'm willing to take a few more risks? I joined some writers associations and I've noticed that the average writer can improve her skills by learning and trying and eventually be successful at it. In the battle to learn, keep putting one foot in front of you or you'll never get there.

Where's a teen when you need one?

I bought a digital recorder yesterday. When I got home, I slit the package open and unfolded eight pages of directions. Eventually, I found page one, (yes, it was that confusing) and figured out how to record.

Sometimes it seems the directions I get from God are just as complicated. What? Start a Christian Writers Group? Write a proposal for a book? Are you kidding? I don't know how! So I kick and scream and I whine and I put it off. But I have a deadline and commitment with the recorder. I have people counting on me. Come to think of it, I have a commitment to writing too but sometimes I think it is just as easy to put it off and go work out, or clean the house or convince myself I can't figure it out.

When these days occur, I find it best to jump in feet first and forget all the excuses and have a little faith that it will all work out. My friend reminded me today how hard it is to Let Go and Let God sometimes. It's just as hard to Grab Hold and Do It. But now that I've mastered the sound of my voice(ugh), I think I'm ready to tackle the next thing on my list.

What are you putting off doing because it's too hard?