I'm Giving away a Book!

Do you remember those high school years?

I'm giving away another book!

You've probably noticed by now the newest Chicken Soup for the Soul book I posted a week or so back. Well, I'm in this one too--my story First Kiss appears in it plus tons of other great stories.

Whenever you leave a comment starting TODAY through THURSDAY, I will enter you in the drawing that will take place next Friday!

So . . . I'm waiting! Enter!

One is enough

I was moved and excited to read your comments yesterday and see how many of you out there are involved in a new writing venture.

What a blessing to see God working in so many lives. Can you imagine what kind of impact we can make by submitting one small article or our manuscript that we have languished over for months or years?

I know writing is a discouraging business. I have my own drawer full of rejections but many of you can relate when I talk about that awesome feeling we get when we hold in our hands a printed copy of a story we designed with our heart. Best of all, we know someone else out there will feel our words and maybe, hopefully, be struck by something we took the time and effort to put on paper.

It's pretty amazing.

Sometimes I like to imagine that there is one reader out there needing to hear what I have to share but when I am too discouraged or tired or fed up to put it on paper . . . well, you know what I'm about to say. I bet you say it to your self too just as I did last week and just as I will the next time I begin to wallow in my day-to-day wallows.

I'm glad we have weeks and moments when we rest from writing--those valleys sure make the mountaintop veiw so much better.

Are you thinking about writing? Are you thinking about submitting? Try thinking instead about the one individual who's waiting to read your words.

Move Over and Make Room for Me

Okay-- I am officially in the ranks of those rejected by an agent! I got my first one today by email--all of one sentence.

But what is wonderful is I am fine about it! (That surprises me.) Now had I gotten this news last week, it might have been another story--I doubt if I could have taken much more disappointment then but God knows how much we can handle, doesn't He? And He prepares us and pulls us up when we need it even on this rocky road to publication.

I promised myself I would be honest on this blog journey--and I am glad I can be about this. Did I want it? Of course--you know it-- but not as much as I want and need other things right now in my life.

It's all about timing and today wasn't the time. But who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Pass it on!

I'm energized today.

My writers group on Monday was such a blessing. We had two more people come through the doors and add their own wonderful personalities to our mix.After two hours of listening to similar writing concerns and challenges---I left knowing once more, I'm not alone in this journey to put on paper the stories that ramble around in my head.

Now I knew that--but there is something about sitting across a conference table with another writer and feeling that real-life connection that they get it. They understand the need to share not only with our voices but with our writing.

So yesterday, while Florida was experiencing record breaking temperatures--not in the direction I like--I stayed half the day under my blankets and wrote on my manuscript.

I'm back in the game and love it.

I also have some good news. My friend Angie from the Gumbo Writer blog suggested I submit one of my blogging posts. I changed it up some and sent it off and it was accepted on Monday from a Christian Writers magazine. Thanks!

Several of you commented that sometimes we need those down times to re-energize and clean out our brains and all sorts of things. I think you're right---again!

Are you energized today? Do you have a plan to put on paper all those stored up thoughts? Do you have a list waiting to be checked off? Do you have a story to be sent out?

I'm not sitting across a library table today from you but I'm here on your computer screen. Hopefully you can grab a little encouragement from me.

Marcia Gruver's Diamond Duo

I've participated in a blog tour before and love the opportunity of helping introduce a new writer.

Marcia Gruver is a full time writer who hails from Southeast Texas. Inordinately enamored by the past, Marcia delights in writing historical fiction. Her deep south-central roots lend a Southern-comfortable style and a touch of humor to her writing. Recently awarded a three-book contract by Barbour Publishing, she’s busy these days pounding on the keyboard and watching the deadline clock.

Marcia’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW); the Christian Authors Network (CAN!); Faith, Hope, & Love (FHL)-the Inspirational Outreach Chapter of the Romance Writers of America; Fellowship of Christian Writers (FCW); The Writers View; and a longstanding member of ACFW Crit3, her brilliant and insightful critique group.

Lifelong Texans, Marcia and her husband, Lee, have one daughter and four sons. Collectively, this motley crew has graced them with ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter so far.

Tell us about Diamond Duo.
Bertha Maye Biddie’s in love. Trouble is, she’s not sure the object of her affection feels the same. He seems to be interested, but something’s holding him back. So when opportunity rides into Jefferson on the northbound train out of Marshall, young Bertha leaps at the chance to learn a few tricks. A charming, charismatic stranger offers to take Bertha under her wing and teach her the art of wooing a man. But when the woman is unable to keep her promise, Bertha realizes their chance meeting held far more eternal significance.

Where did the idea for Diamond Duo come from?
On a trip to Jefferson, Texas, I heard the true story of the unsolved murder of the infamous Diamond Bessie, aka Annie Monroe. In 1877, a flashy, well-dressed couple rode a train into town for a short visit. They checked into a hotel as A. Monroe and wife. The woman seemed to go by more than one name, one of them Bessie Moore. Because she wore several large diamond rings, supposedly gifts offered in exchange for immoral favors, the locals soon dubbed her “Diamond Bessie.”

On the last day of Bessie’s life, she and her companion, Abraham Rothschild, took a picnic basket into the woods. He came out alone, wandering the streets of Jefferson by himself for several days. When asked about Bessie, he said she was staying with nearby friends, and would return in time for their departure. However, he left by himself two days later, carrying Bessie’s luggage along with his own.

A local woman discovered poor Bessie’s body in the woods several days later. Jefferson officials went after Abraham Rothschild and tried him for her murder, but due to his money and considerable influence, he was acquitted.

While standing over Diamond Bessie’s grave, assuming her eternal fate, I found myself wondering: “What if?” Maybe history had been unkind to Bessie. What if she wasn’t as bad as some claimed? Suppose God had arranged a surprise finish for her—a loving, merciful end that no one would’ve expected?

How did you become interested in the real life murder of Annie Monroe?
It’s hard to visit historic Jefferson, Texas without tripping over Annie’s story. Diamond Bessie has become a tourist attraction, and the locals seem more than eager to tell the account. The shops abound with books on the topic, one penned by Jefferson historian, Fred McKenzie. Every year, during Jefferson’s annual Pilgrimage Festival, the residents perform in a play entitled “The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial.” The play is derived from court transcripts, and it’s really quite an event!

You have several themes woven into Diamond Duo. Could share them with us?
Young Bertha Biddie schemes to win the affections of Thaddeus Bloom, a man bound by honor to his father’s dream. She gets a lesson on honor herself when God asks her to risk her future with Thad to help a stranger.

Thad learns the importance of listening to his mama the hard way, but wonders if it’s fair to expect him to sacrifice his happiness in obedience to his father’s plans for his life.

Sarah King is used to better treatment from her fellow man regardless of race, but forgets her husband deserves the same regard. Her unbridled temper and acrid tongue threaten to drive him away, until the pure heart of a tragic stranger teaches Sarah a lesson in colorblind acceptance.

In Diamond Duo, Bertha feels solely responsible for leading Annie Monroe out of her lifestyle and into a believer’s world. Have you ever had a similar experience in your life?
I think every Christian feels a strong compulsion to share God’s grace once they’ve had a taste. If you think about it, given the Great Commission, we’re all solely responsible for leading those in our paths to God.

How do you research a historical project for accuracy?
Actually, I begin most of my research on Amazon.com. They have books on every imaginable topic. No, I don’t own shares of stock, but I should by now.

After I pore over written material to get a visual of the period, I plan a visit to the area where the book is set. For my Texas Fortunes Series, I spent a week in Jefferson, Texas researching Diamond Duo, book one. Book two was easy. I live just a few miles from Humble Texas, the setting for Chasing Charity. My family all work in the oil patch and have for generations. My contractor husband is currently on a job in South Texas, so I was fortunate to spend several months in Carrizo Springs researching book three, Emmy’s Equal. There’s no substitute for walking the streets, exploring the sites, haunting the libraries, and talking to the locals. However, I’ve discovered the little details that provide historical accuracy need constant verification. I do my best, but I don’t know if it’s possible to get all the facts right. I use the Internet some, but you have to be careful with information gleaned from the web. Not every source can be trusted.

You have so many wonderful and unique characters in Diamond Duo. Which of the characters do you identify with and why?
This question makes me smile. I’ve been accused of being the inspiration for Bertha Maye Biddie—a free-spirited rebel with an aversion to shoes. I think that’s me on the inside.

Can you tell us about your next book?
Chasing Charity, book two in the Texas Fortunes series, picks up in Humble, Texas, several years after Diamond Duo ends. Charity Bloom, Bertha’s daughter, stands at the altar watching her best friend flee the church on the heels of her departing fiancé. This is the final straw for Charity, who is distressed by the many changes taking place in her life and in her hometown, most notably the devastation wrought after oil is discovered near Humble. Imagine Charity’s surprise when one of the men responsible comes to her rescue, and she finds her heart torn between two suitors—the handsome roughneck and the deceitful rogue who broke her heart.

I am just now finishing this book! If you get a chance, check out Marcia's website
or her blog for more on her.

You can purchase her book at Amazon here.

Vacation Time Is Over

I was out of town last week. I didn't take muc with me--just my ideas and thoughts. Slumpville isn't a very pretty place to visit and I'm glad I'm back. But I did meet a lot of other writers there--seems it's a popular place.

Ever get a week when your brain just doesn't connect with the paper? I went through one of those times last week. I started an article and halfway through decided it was going the wrong direction but I couldn't find a new route. I picked up my second manuscript only once and did a few edits and didn't touch it again.Then I finally looked at my notebook of submissions and wished I had more on the horizon.

Not a week I can be proud of in terms of being self-employed as a writer.

How do I motivate myself into action?

Today I attend my writers group. Being surrounded by other writers always increases my desire to write. I also try to read other writers blogs and see what they do to move forward. I plan to thumb through my market guide and pick a new place to write for--that seems to get my brain working in a new direction. And finally I have some uninterrupted time this week during which I won't be cleaning the house.

After you've been in a slump--what methods do you use to pull yourself back into the writer's routine?

Risky Business

I have our fifth writers group this Monday. I get excited at the thought of sitting down again with a group of dedicated Christian writers. Each of us are at different walks in our writing process but we all have the same desire--to share our stories with others.

It isn't always easy to do that--get our stories out there. I have a ton of them languishing in a file drawer today. But eventually, one got accepted and then soon another found its home in a magazine or a book.

I doubt that would have happened it if weren't for the support of other writers wanting to do the same thing.

But probably the scariest action I ever took in my life was to start that writers group. Ever have an experience in your life that sticks with you like the smell of egg salad?

Well--I have--and when that happens it makes you really really nervous to try to do something new. I hate to plan a party in case no one shows. I hated to plan a writers group and sit there in the back room of a library and pray someone showed up.

But it worked out.

Like most ventures in our life--it worked out. Not always the way we played it out in our head--but in God's way.

Have you taken some risks lately not only with your writing but with your life?

Stuff

Stuff Happens

I went to get my flu shot yesterday and waited an hour because the doctor was interviewing someone for a job.

I finally checked my retirement balance and almost fell out of my chair.

My husband lost his job—twice in one year.

Stuff happens and I’m still supposed to write.

How do we sit down in front of the computer and conjure words to the page when our lives are in chaos around us? How do we create a story from thin air when we can hardly breathe ourselves?

I don’t know about you, but three years ago I committed to being a writer. No guarantees came with that pledge. I didn’t count on having a forever quiet time at home nor was I given the assurance that I’d never have to return to work or maybe squeeze writing in nights and weekends. I committed because I knew I had something to share and I wanted to write.

Some days are easier than others. Some days I can push aside the land mines and hibernate in front of my desk. But other days, when the stuff happens and I want to scream—I try to remember what life would be like without the challenges.

Pretty boring.

So I try to be thankful for the opportunities that come my way because through all the stuff that falls down around me—I find my stories. And then I thank God for giving me what otherwise could be a dull life and chocking it full of possibilities.

How are you dealing with the stuff in your life that prevents you from writing?

Finding Your Stories

Have you ever told yourself you have nothing to write about? Have you ever asked 'what can I possibly share that someone would want to read?'

I hope today is the last time you say those things.

I hope today is the day you recognize that your life is filled with stories--life is filled with stories. You only need to learn how to write them down.

Where do I get my stories from? I start first with the people and events closest to me--my family, my friends and mostly my own history. Every day we set our feet on the bedroom floor--there's a story waiting to be written. We as writers only need to look around and dig deeper.

Today I cleaned my house, ironed some clothes, read a book, and cooked some meals.

So okay, you say--where is the story in that??

Well, what I've told you are only the outward events. What else was going on? What were my emotions as I took a call from my daughter or my mother or opened the mail and found a card from a friend encouraging me?Why did my neighbor stop over in the middle of the day and tell us about his job search--why did my husband react to a picture of a black Lab named Fay in the Pennysaver?

Where's the story in our mundane lives? Perhaps the story is so faint--you need to step back and put your hand to your ear or perhaps the story is so loud you can only run and write it down to catch the emotions.

Listen with your heart and you'll find your stories.

Christmas Contest

My daughter who lives in Seattle sent me a link for a free contest yesterday. If you write a Christmas or Thanksgiving story for this Christian radio channel (Spirit 105.3) they are giving away two free tickets to anywhere in the US and $1000. Now she is pretty desperate to get home for Christmas this year since she hasn't been since she married three years ago...

So she asked me to write a story--the tricky part is it has to be under 1000 characters--not words--characters. So I took a story of 750 words and cut and cut some more down to about 200 owrds and the funny thing is--I liked it better!

Amazing how less is more in writing.

So go ahead and pop over there and give the contest a try. The link is under the drop-down at the top under Spirit Family. You might need to register but it is free--who knows--maybe you can win tickets to Florida to visit me!

Submissions

Kasie asked me yesterday if I would do a post on how I find places to submit.

That's an interesting question as most writers have a variety of places--but I'll share with you what I do.

The first book I purchased as a new writer was Sally Stuart's Christian Writer's Market Guide. The second book I bought was the Writer's Market. I write for the Christian market as well as the secular so I bought each and studied them--underlining any places that accepted the kind of writing I did.

That was the first action I took--the second thing I did --was go online and google submissions, writer's guidelines, publications etc and I came up with a ton of sites that listed places or the site itself with the information I needed. I try to do that each month.

I also joined several online writing groups and some of those have listings of submissions and I regularly visit those forums.

I attend conferences and gather up all the freebie stuff that shows publications needs.

BUT the most important way I find new places to submit is through NETWORKING. I have had so many of my writer friends share their sources with me and I do with them in return. Many of the anthologies I got in were the direct result of a friend telling me about it. I can't stress the importance of sharing a submission call-out with a friend. If you don't get in--maybe your friend will and they will pass on submission needs to you in the future. There are plenty to go around.

One site I frequent as well is www.anthologiesonline.com Also check out my writers group site where I post any and all of my finds.

Please feel free to e-mail me with your needs. If you've written in an area I've submitted to in the past--I'll share it with you. Happy Submitting!

Monday's Manna

Not even sure if I spelled manna correctly--but you get the jist. It's Monday and today each of us could hear great news about our writing or not so great but I am preferring to think optimistically.

Because of some recent events in my life--I've learned to focus on each day and what I can do to make that day complete and fulfilling.

I start with being thankful I have today to pursue my dreams and goals. Then I get really concrete and write them down. This week I'm working on an article for a magazine that I've never submitted to before--and is more difficult to get into. It will be a stretch but I feel motivated to give it a shot. The familiar adage "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" is usually my push for writing--as it is also for most areas of my life.

Are you a doer or a watcher?

When it comes to writing and getting published--my own opinion is you have to be a doer. Or those dreams will stay buried deeply in your journal.

Let today be the day you pull out that story you've been mulling over in your heart and put it on paper--but go the next step--submit!

Hand over the barbecue sauce...

This is the scene I awoke to on Tuesday morning. It wasn't the first time some neighbor's pigs got loose and ran wild in our backyard destroying our landscaping. They did it last week and we had just repaired the damage and then they returned.

I wanted to cry when I saw the deep ruts they tore into our lawn and gardens. They flipped up bushes and tore at the sod all with the end of their noses.

All that work we did--destroyed in seconds.

I felt much the same way when an editor sent back a story I'd written and it was filled with red marks. Corrections needed. I wanted to take the book and toss it. I wanted to take those pigs and shake them.

But eventually I got my rake and attacked the holes and ripped out plants and tried to put it back together somehow.

I did the same with my book; but with the book--I knew it would not only be repaired--it would be better.

Do you feel some days like wild pigs have torn apart your work of art? Maybe a well-meaning writer critiqued some of your favorite parts? Maybe an editor sent it back with corrections?

Pick up your pen and put it together again--you'll be surprised how quickly those repairs really do go!

The twitchy finger disease

How many of you wake up--turn on the computer--and check your email before you do anything else? ( A hand is raised here.) And then if for some wild chance, you only see three new ones, you get this let-down feeling?

So you scan them quickly and prioritize them for importance. A good friend wrote about her weather, a blogging buddy left a blurb about your last post, and Amazon notified you that your book shipped. That's it. You click the Check mail again. Maybe another time for good measure. Is Yahoo down or what?

Come on! No response from an agent? No acceptance from a publisher about that article you sent in a month ago! No note from an author saying you won a free book! What's this day going to be like?

And then I decide to eat my bowl of oatmeal and wait it out. Maybe it will happen later. Maybe all my good news is being stacked for one huge surprise.

Ever play that game?

Another hand is being raised here in Florida. But hopefully I'll get over it quickly as I actually have some writing I should be doing instead of moaning over my lack of good news.

Thanks for reading my blurbs on writing a story for an anthology. Hopefully, it motivated some and encouraged another. Have a great day writing and try not to hit the email button too many times!

Final-It's all about the details

Once you’ve come up with a great opening and an ending that will leave most readers satisfied—you need to remember the middle of the story.

I wrote about visiting a beach—not just any beach—but Rehobeth Beach in Delaware. I wrote about standing in line for my plane—but not any plane—Southwest airline.

Your best story is in the details. It becomes even more believable when your description is great.

Example: Your mother buys you some toys in the store. Better: Your mother buys you Play-Doh in Toys R Us.

When we write in details –we tell a much clearer and vivid picture.

Example: My three-year-old daughter pulled on her T-shirt and bib-overalls all by herself. (Instead of saying she put on her clothes.) Be specific as you can. The reader is pulled into the story through the details.

My final thoughts on writing a story for an anthology: Write and submit to a ton of them! Increase your odds.

With Chicken Soup, if they are interested in your story, you’ll first get an e-mail. Then as it gets closer to the publication, you’ll get a hard copy edit in the mail. After you send that back, you wait again for another e-mail either saying Congratulations, you made it in or you get a thank you but you made the top 150 but not in the book. The entire process could take more than a year.

Thanks for hanging in there while I shared what I’ve personally learned in writing for anthologies. As I first said, I’m in no way an expert, but if someone wants me to look over a story before you submit, ask!

The Ah-Ha Factor - Part Two

Yesterday I shared about the first phase of writing for an anthology—picking the right story.

But then you might have the greatest story known to mankind but unless you deliver it correctly—it will fall flat.

So you have your idea and now you start to write. I usually like to compose my ending before I go to all that work—also I like to think about the story’s appeal. That leads me to talk about what I call the “Ah-ha” factor.

Some of my stories that didn’t make it were not well written. Some were downright boring. But most lacked that perfect ending.

When I wrote for the Beach Lover's book—I wrote a story about beaches. But not just about beaches—there was also an underlying story. I wrote about a mother’s greatest fear—losing her child. I brought in that part as the story moved along building it in the middle of the story. But by the ending, I had to be sure the reader was not only satisfied but “got it.”

When I finish reading a short story—I want to read that final sentence and say “Yes!” or “Wow” and feel totally satisfied that the author gave me a great read. I want to nod my head and sit back and say “I understand. I've felt that too."

I call this my Ah-ha factor—giving a deeper meaning behind the story. Creating emotion. Not falling flat with the story. There has to be more behind the simple story you tell. You can’t just tell how you sang in the school play and thought it went well—you have to tell how you grew from a gangly insecure pimply faced teenager into a person who became confident to live her dreams.

Always try to shoot for a bigger meaning when telling your Chicken Soup story—but make it subtle—make it real--let the reader be the one to say—“Oh yeah, I know what she means.”

Choosing Your Story - Part One

Before I start to write a story for Chicken Soup, I go to their site and skim through the possible book titles. Some I can usually rule out immediately. Twins, no … special needs children, no…but then I might come to a few that might work. High School—yup, that’s me. Beaches—me again.

Here’s where the next step begins. Once I pick a book title that I think I might have a story for—I focus on the story itself. So I went to high school—but what was so special about it? What made my days roaming the halls of Sayre High School any different than someone else who went there?

Have you sat down ever and read some Chicken Soup stories? Don’t try writing one until you have. There are a few common threads that run through them. The first thread is what happens when you read one of them. The stories usually touch a nerve—an emotion—a tear duct.

When I first mull over story ideas in my mind—I stop at the one that most makes me feel—something. That’s step one in writing a story for Chicken Soup (in my opinion). I try to pull up a memory that makes me cry, sigh or feel something deeper than a passing comment to a friend might. I try to remember a moment in my life that I would share with my best friend over a cup of hot cocoa after a successful day of shopping.

But this is only the wind-up.

You can’t just write an emotionally packed story—it must relate to more people than just yourself. It has to have a general universal appeal.

Tomorrow, I’ll share more on this aspect as well as how to be sure you create what I call the AHHA factor as well.

Sharing What We Know- How to write for Chicken Soup

First, let me say, I’m not by any means an expert at writing for Chicken Soup. I’ve had a ton of them rejected but in the same breath, I can confidently say, I’ve had quite a few make it to the finish line or place in a close second. I think it’s important in the writing to community to share what you know with other writers. If we all do that—we all have something we excel in—we make all of us better writers. I’d like to do that with Chicken Soup and share what I’ve personally learned in my journey to be published by them.

If you take a look at their website, you will see that they say they receive at least 100 submissions a day.

Talk about competition.

But unlike many publishers, they offer a variety of topics and an easy format to submit. I chose to submit to many of their titles for that reason alone, besides the reason that I had a story to tell about almost all of the book titles.

And I bet you do too.

This next week, I’ll share with you some of what I’ve learned in getting my stories published at Chicken Soup. Every editor is different and I know they use a few, but if you read enough Chicken Soup stories—you can pretty much tell the formula—the problem lies in writing your story in that way.

My credits? I’ve had nine stories in the past two years make it either to print, or are soon to be published or made the top 150 or made it in but the book wasn’t published. For me when I think of the odds--I am happy. It’s a long process but when you finally see your story in one of their books—it’s worth it.

Checking it Twice

I have been feeling pretty good about what I've accomplished this week as far as writing goes. How about you?

Goals:

Do a once over on my #1 book-make sure all paragraphs correct, pages numbered, and any last minute changes complete. DONE

Begin to reread #2 book and get some ideas going about it. TEN CHAPTERS REDONE

Finish reading book for the blog tour coming later this month. ONE FOURTH

Search out one new market to submit an already written story. DONE-SUBMITTED TO A CONTEST!

I'm actually feeling inspired again once I made myself sit down and reread what I'd already written on book number two. In fact, I like this book better than the first and it motivates me to finish it by February when I have a conference to attend.

I've heard nothing back from the agent and am wondering if I should try elsewhere, wait it out longer or forget about it and just focus on writing a better book.

Any thoughts? How's your progress been this week?

I've been tagged--ok--I'll play

I wasn't going to post today but since Vickie wrote down 7 things about herself that others don't know, I figured I could do the same. But I tend to be one of those people who tell everyone everything anyways so these facts probably aren't new!

1. I got my first kiss when I was seventeen. (Hey--that story is coming out in the Chicken Soup for high schoolers--read all about it then! :)

2.I met my husband in November, got engaged the following March and married him that Sept.

3. I was a dancer in high school for the band.

4. I never made cheerleader though I tried out--same for singing in school plays!

5. I eat gluten-free.

6. I've moved seven times since getting married.

7. I was a real estate agent for three years and hated every second!


I won't pick anyone to tag but some brave soul can be next. Let us bloggers out here learn more about you!

This thing called blogsphere

We all know how lonely writing can get. Whatever did writers do before the Internet? Hole up in their rooms and let the dog or cat visit between chapters? Sit in the library and steal a glance at the librarian hoping to make eye-contact and conversation? Yep, a lonely world.

Then along comes this thing called Blogging.

Suddenly, I have a whole new set of fellow undertakers in this process called writing. I have a group of fellow conspirators who hope to crack the mystery of publishing an article, a book or the great American novel.

Some will come and go. I miss a few already. But there will be those of us who jointly pull each other through the trenches and cheer and throw our hats in the air when each of us gets the long-awaited news!

Today I am thanking my newly-discovered Blog friends for going on this journey with me. Thank you for lifting me up, encouraging me, and sharing in all my ups and downs.

Can you imagine the day we meet at some conference or bookstore signing, or Bookseller's show?

Or better yet--Heaven!

Blogging Pros and Cons

Rachel Gardner had a great post about blogging today. She lists some pros and cons but I also went on to read the comments from those who posted and the majority blog for support and have found it to be beneficial but also you have to be disciplined. Some days I am--other days not so. Enjoy!

Publication News!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Empty Nesters comes out today! It you happen to be strolling through a major bookstore--(like Barnes and Nobles) look for it and check out the two stories I have in it.



I plan to give one away to the person who can tell me what holiday both stories center around. (No guessing!) So get a head start and peak at them and when I advertise the give-away post--you will be the first to win!

Watch the sidebar!

Full speed ahead

It's a new week, and I don't know about you, but I'm feeling the need to get some concrete plans down for my writing or I might be floundering in the shallow end of the pool all week.

Goals:

1. Do a once over on my #1 book-make sure all paragraphs correct, pages numbered, and any last minute changes complete.
2. Begin to reread #2 book and get some ideas going about it.
3. Finish reading book for the blog tour coming later this month.
4. Search out one new market to submit an already written story.

As I've said before--having clear-cut goals makes me accountable. Otherwise, I'd find myself wasting precious hours floating through the days instead of making some headway.

Unfortunately, family needs enter into the picture. I'm considered a professional job-hunter now for some family members and now I'd searching for another one. That takes time on-line as well so I need to be able to juggle my plans around the hours in the day.

What kind of schedule do you see for yourself this week? Are you going to be treading water or swimming laps?

Free Critique SIte

Check out this post over at So you want to Be Published. She is offering a free critique on Weds. and all you have to do is post a paragraph. Pick your favorite one and go to it!

Happy Sunday and see you tomorrow!

Live the Moment

Three months.

When my husband took a new job in Florida, my teenage daughter and I stayed behind in a half-empty house to fend for ourselves. Every time the phone rang, I prayed it was the Realtor telling us she had a buyer--a real buyer who loved our custom-built ranch as much as we had for the past fifteen years.

By the second month, I was ready to pack the rest of our furnishings and drive a U-Haul myself to Orlando. I missed my husband so much. I was worn out playing both mom and dad. I felt like I needed to move on with my life.

But it wasn't God's timing yet.

A few weeks ago I sent in my first query to an agent. The Web site says I can expect to wait three months. For some reason, I can't seem to do much else until either I get a yes or a nice rejection. Why didn't I tell the agent I was going to do simultaneous queries? Why am I always in a hurry to move forward?

Three months.

Sometimes it's hard to understand God's plan in my life. But I know his timing is perfect even in the little things. But especially in the big things.

I have to say, it was a tearful celebration when I finally got that buyer. When my daughter and I waited at the foot of the airport escalators for my husband to pull us into his arms--I no longer counted the moments. I lived them.

Kicking back

My brain feels on empty today.

One of those days. But hopefully what it means is that I used it all week.

I spent a moment with my chiropractor this morning and now I have a book to read for a blog tour. Sounds relaxing?

Hope all of you accomplished a ton of writing this week and can sit back and enjoy the day. In Florida, we actually had the temperature dip into the 60's overnight and it was only mid 70s this morning--is it fall here?

Impressions

I spent some time in Publix grocery yesterday chilling in one of the four chairs lined in front of the pharmacy. While waiting for my medication to be filled, I couldn’t help but notice the hodgepodge of shoppers who shuffled past me with half-filled carts or toddlers in tow.

Almost every woman wore a T-shirt and sweats or an outfit they must have deemed suitable to use as grocery-wear. At this time of day, 1pm, I didn’t see any snappy suits or Sunday-morning dresses—mostly tired moms browsing the baby food aisles.

Now I’m not a great dresser (ask my dear daughter) but when I go to town, I try to put on something I wouldn’t wear to run the mile in. Granted, I know very few people here but I never know when I might bump into a member of my church or a former client and I don’t want them to discover my real identity—a slob.

You know where I’m going with this.

My same thoughts apply when I submit a manuscript to an editor. I don’t want to send in something I quickly pulled together from the back of my mind—something that needs a grammar check or a stronger opening.

When I submit a piece, I never know who will be reading it just like I never know who I might meet in public, so why not send my very best?

I get only one chance to make a good impression with an editor. I don’t want him seeing my high-waisted mommy jeans from the eighties or my MSC sweatshirt.

I want him to see the little black dress I wore on a cruise.

Or maybe the silver necklace my husband surprised me with for my daughter’s wedding.

First impressions are sometimes lasting.

Living Your Miracle

A little more than ten years ago, a couple approached us about buying an existing Christian bookstore. We prayed about it for twelve months. When I finally heard the asking price, I knew I was experiencing a miracle.

One dollar.*

I almost feel guilty today; because once again, I'm experiencing a miracle. As a writer, I see a miracle every time one of my stories is accepted. Every time someone reads my words, and I make a difference--it's a miracle. Best of all, I'm doing the work I most have a passion to do.

Not everyone is so blessed. Two close family members of mine are working jobs they hate. They anxiously wait for the right opportunity to come along to do what they really want to do.

I'm there all ready and even when I receive disappointing news from a rejection, I try to remember the other miracles of acceptance. Some days I feel positively guilty but then I thank God and enjoy His gift again.

Are you living your miracle? What's holding you back?

*Read the entire story in Women of Passions book.