Women of Passions

Please check out this link http://www.journezine.com/ in a few days. It is the site for Women of Passions. I have a few stories being published there this month for Mothers. I have always loved this ministry and their heart for God. Hope you enjoy!

http://womenofpassions.net/ Also please check out their upcoming book I'm in and a listing of all the other authors in it.

A Miracle in the Making

Sometimes doing what we hate most becomes what we enjoy doing the most. Note I said sometimes. I performed the duty of Table Topics Master last night for my Toastmasters club. What that means is I gather some information on an agreed upon topic then tack some impromptu questions with it for the members to answer.

What I noted most was I could actually breathe when all I had to do was read something I pulled from the Internet. Not bad. I actually glanced around the room a few times like I did this all the time. A pro. Okay, not a pro, but someone who is learning a new skill. Just like I always am with writing.

I cring with horror when I go back and read something I wrote a year ago--no--a month ago! And I call myself a writer? But I read the magazines, the writers' blogs, and accept my rejections with the grain of salt. After all, writing takes practice and more practice. Just like learning to give a relaxed speech. But I'm getting there.

I'm working on a speech for next week entitled "Do You you Believe in Miracles?" I do, and I don't have to look at the picture of my new grandson to remind me. I've been the recipient of quite a few in my lifetime--but that's another story.

Speech 101

I coveted that blue ribbon. I didn't care if I learned how to be a better speaker--I just wanted that ribbon.

My husband reminded me it is not about the grade. It is way more important to learn how to get up in front of a room full of strangers and share with them something they want to hear.

When we arrived at Toastmasters, the woman in charge told me five people had planned to speak but no one could come except me.

Okay--so don't tell anyone. I was the first, middle and last speaker which means I got the blue ribbon no matter how badly I did.

But, to be quite frank, I did give a speech, and I did breathe all the way through it. I only blanked out one time and frantically searched my notes only to discover I couldn't read my handwriting.

Lesson learned---- TYPE your cheat sheet.

I'm working on another one for two weeks from now. This time I want to get through it without a lapse in memory.

So I want to know more tips on speaking. Does anyone want to offer up their worst and best speech experience?

Montrose Christian Writers Conference July20-25

This week I received my brochure for the Montrose Writers Conference in Montrose PA. I plan to hopefully get there this year. I tried last year, but instead we took a trip north for my husband's class reunion.

I recognized a few faces who are teaching this year. It will be fun also to meet some new faces as well. But I attended a few years back and made some good writer friends who I still keep in touch with now and who have been great supports.

For me, conferences let writers connect and share and network. I don't think one gets as much out of them if you are on the shy side. At lunch, people meet and greet and share information about where to submit and how to get marketed.

I'm hoping to attend more conferences as time allows but I think this one will always be close to my heart.

Contests

Another day for a few rejections--but that's okay. A writer can't be expected to get into every publication out there. But, as I wrote before, I tried and that is what counts. I have my own style of writing and it is a perfect fit for some places and not so for others. Finding out where it works can be the challenge. That's why I love online submissions. They tend to be quick and easy and places generally reply soon.



Along with these submissions, I entered a few contests this month. One cost $15 and the others were free. Again--if you don't enter--you don't win. But I have a limit each year of how much I will spend on them. In past years, I entered the Writer's Digest contest and placed #88 the first time. Not bad, but I didn't place in the top 100 the next year. Still toying with the idea to enter this year but I did do the Guidepost contest. Hey--it is free and if you win--you get a free trip and training!



I don't hold my breath on any of the entries I send in--but it is fun to do and easy. Who knows? One of these days it just might pay off. Nothing ventured--nothing gained.

An Unexpected Blessing

I wrote an article this week--my first on the topic of writing fiction--and today it was accepted for publication in a magazine designed for writers.

To say I feel blessed is an understatement. Pure joy is a better description. As a writer of only three years, I've studied everything I could find on this craft. So many writers have taught me methods to improve what I do. Now, to be able to take a piece of that knowledge and share with fellow writers--it is a dream come true.

On another note--I head back to my speaking group tonight to try to hone that skill (or should I say lack of - skill).

Women of Passions

Jan, the director of Women of Passions, sent me the final edit to a story I have coming out in their new book this summer. It was exciting to read her take on my story. Sometimes when I reread something I've written--it speaks to me all over again. I am reminded by this submission how God works in our lives when we think we can't possibly be used. I hope many of you are touched by the examples this book gives and will check back for updates on its release.

Taming the Fear of Public Speaking

I've never enjoyed getting up in front of a crowd of strangers and speaking. My heart starts to beat widely in my chest, my words get stuck in the back of my throat and my focus runs out the door. Worst off--I can't even breathe!

A writer friend of mine wants me to talk to a group she attends about how I came to have a book published. "I'd die in front of everyone," I told her. How would I ever avoid embarrassment when I stumbled all over myself? Let me write the words but please don't make me speak them out loud.

Last night, my considerate husband accompanied me to my first Toastmasters' meeting. I'm not sure if it is called that because you feel like you've been toasted afterwards or what. I know this fear of public speaking is important to conquer if I want to go forward with some of my other goals. So we settled at the board table with about seven other people. Before we knew it, we were called on to speak during the table top speeches. I wasn't even allowed to say "Wait! I don't know what I'm doing! I may pass out!"

So I spoke about the many Frenchmen I knew. I talked and talked and watched the light to turn red only to find out later I had spoken for one minute and thirty-two seconds and should have stopped when the light turned green--not red.

I'm going back next week . . . and the week after and then the week after that until I can get it right. I should have learned this skill years before but now seems to be the time.

If you are a writer--look ahead. Someday you may be called upon to stand up in front of a room of other writers and tell them what you've learned. I hope I'm in that room because I'll be praying for you but also sharing your joy.