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THE RACE BEGINS

May 27, 2012 By

It just dawned on me the other day that receiving a publishing contract was only the beginning for me. Now the hard work begins.

 

Added to my daily creative schedule, I have to make time to investigate promotional opportunities as well as pick up my writing pace.  I need to develop stories and write them at a faster pace than the one I enjoyed as an unpublished writer.

 

Writers share a common characteristic with other creative individuals. In order to stay relevant you’ve got to continue to produce. Now I know why singers like Beyoncé and Adele often have two or three songs playing on the radio at once or why film stars do two movies a year.  The public can be demanding. Take a nap and they move on to the next best thing waiting to step into your place.

So while I’m excited about my first offer, I can’t sit back and claim victory. I need to work even harder to build my brand, produce a backlist and understand the industry

I used to think that getting the call from a publisher was akin to crossing the finish line. A place where I would jump around, be happy and marvel in my accomplishment.  Of course I did all those things.  But I also realize it was more like the beginning of the race-the sounding shot.  There is no finish line, that place where I slap myself on the back for a job well done and then take a seat..

 

If I’m lucky and blessed, this is a continuum.  I get do this for as long as I want.  What could be better?

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I GOT THE CALL

May 5, 2012 By

 

 

Earlier this week I posted a saying on my web site from the Reverend James Cleveland – “A Delay is not a Denial’. The minute I saw this comment it resonated with me.  As a writer, struggling towards publication, I had to learn to accept rejection.  It’s part of the process.  Overcoming the disappointment and continuing to pursue my goal took an amazing amount of courage and tenacity. There were times when I wondered if it was worth it.  Instead of hovering over my desk, writing, I could have curled up on the sofa with a bag of cookies and watched reruns on television.

This week I found the true meaning of Delay does not mean denial.  I received a call from an editor who wants to publish one of my manuscripts.  I have been grinning since getting that joyous call. After so many years and so many roadblocks, this moment is pure magic. (YEAH!)

While working towards this goal, delays tried to hinder my momentum. Real life stuff got in the way, work sometimes slowed me down and other times uncertainty  caused me to pause.  But none of that meant my dream was denied.  I still have a long way to go before I see my name on the New York Times bestsellers list.  This is only the beginning for me.  How about you? Are you waiting on something?

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FOLLOW THE LEADER

April 12, 2012 By

It’s time to follow the leader, but only if that leader is you. Only you can direct your soul to true happiness.

Over the Easter holiday I had an urge to dye eggs.  Without a single person in my house under the age of ten, it seemed like a ridiculous pursuit. Memories of dunking eggs in brightly colored water and drawing crude or exotic designs on them would not leave me alone.  I even asked several people if they were dyeing eggs.  I intended to invite myself to their festivities.  No luck.  When the urge would not dissipate, I finally listened to my true leader.  Me.  I followed my heart and threw my own Egg-Dyeing Bash.  The only attendee:  Me. Not only was it fun, it was therapeutic.

 

I only dyed seven eggs.  This small gesture forced me to examine how many times I wanted to do something that would bring me joy and dropped the idea because it didn’t conform to some idea of the norm.  I think I’ve learned my lesson. Listen to my counsel, more often than not it will help me get where I want to be.  Is your inner leader whispering something in your ear?

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IT’S TIME FOR RECESS

March 19, 2012 By

It’s time for recess.  Time to jump up and down, to have some fun.  Remember when life was that simple?  I think it was back in kindergarten, before I couldn’t wait to grow up.  When days seemed to go on forever and summer passed in a flash.  However, I’m not going to wallow in the pity of what used to be, I can have recess now, if I just take the time to do it. I’m going to spend more time being happy in this moment instead of thinking joy exists in the moments to come.

 

Starting today, I’m putting a little recess in my days.  Each and every one of them. Just the idea of it makes me giddy. The possibilities of what I can do during recess are endless. Today I downloaded a song that reminded me of grade school. “Alouette.”  Target is using this song in their latest ad campaign and every time I see the commercial by stomach gets happy, like I used to in grade school just before recess. Now I’m on a search for other things that remind me of my good old days.  I want to find one of those candy necklaces that I used to wear and nibble on throughout the day.

 

What would you do if you could have recess every day?

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IN THE COMPANY OF WRITERS

February 27, 2012 By

This weekend I went to a family gathering; a birthday party for one of my sisters. In the tastefully decorated dining hall, we gathered to tell my sister how special she was and to wish her well.  As the guest moved around and caught up with each other on all the activities we’ve missed since we last got together, I found out that several of us were on the writing path.

I’ve heard it said that everyone has at least one magnificent novel in them.  It was surprising to hear how many of us were on the hot pursuit of a story, from memories, autobiographies, fiction and poetry. It didn’t take long before we start sharing our journey.  For sure, we all struggle with finding the time to sit our butts in the chair and get the ideas out of our head and on to paper. Our reasons for dragging out the process were all varied and all the same. Talking about the things that motivate us and the things that keep us mired in place was enlightening.  For reasons that are beyond me, it always helps to know that others struggle with the same challenges that I do.

To hear us talk about our craft made me realize we are no different from golfers bragging about their putts and drives, or accountants discussing their debits and credits or doctors talking about the newest discovery in medicine.

I came away from the evening with a bounce in my step.  Being in the company of other writers is always fun for me. This journey towards publishing is tough and exhilarating all at the same time.  However, one thing’s for sure, I’m always thrilled to help others on this journey and I’m amazed at how many people are willing to help me.  Tell me who do you like to keep company with?

 

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MY CLUTTERED LIFE

February 11, 2012 By

My office is a mess. No matter how hard I try to keep it neat and organized, it always reverts to looking like it’s been recently raided. Little pieces of paper with websites links or to-do-lists seem to multiply like sex-crazed rabbits every time I turn my back.

I’ve tried to find a place to keep all the stuff I think is too important to throw away, but I must admit I’m fighting a battle I can’t win. Some days when I settle in to do some writing I end up trying to find the top of the desk.  My closet and kitchen cabinets suffer from the same predicament. The other day I opened a cabinet and a swarm of plastic containers that I bought to hold Thanksgiving leftovers tumbled out. When a large lid thumped me on the head, I realized that all this stuff was holding me back, like walking through waist-high water with weights in my shoes. I was trying to claw my way to greatness with all of yesterday’s baggage in tow.

Is clutter stifling my creativity? Is clutter stifling my ability to mine that little nugget of gold that unquestionably belongs to me?  Can the things I think I need to write the Great American Novel keep me from writing the Great American novel? Almost every great philosopher has a quote about clutter. But no one has actually told me what to do with this stuff. I’m sure as soon as I throw something away, I’ll need it. If I can’t find that little piece of paper, I’ll never settle on a satisfying ending for my manuscript. The minute I clean out my closet that leather skirt will come back in style. How about you, is clutter keeping you from something?

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A VACATION STATE OF MIND

January 23, 2012 By

Right now in the Northeast the days are short, cloudy and cold.  My main goal is how quickly I can get from Point A to Point B and spend the least amount of time outside.  Even when I take the dog out, I stand in the tiny bit of warmth the garage provides and look around the corner at him.   I guess I’m still waiting for my thick winter blood to form, because it’s awfully frigid outside to me.  

 

 

 

 

For me, the most soothing way to deal with winter is to look for the beauty in it. As I gaze out the window at the barren trees, I’m guessing they’re taking a rest in order to prepare for spring, when they’ll gently come to life.  Every day the sun gives us another minute of sunshine to remind us of the gorgeous days that are just ahead.  Winter provides an opportunity for me to be lazy, to curl up on the couch, under a blanket, with a good book and take it easy.  With all the activity that summer and spring bring, that’s a luxury I seldom give myself.

But even while I relish the peace and quiet of winter, I can’t help but think about taking a vacation.  There’s an adventure calling me off this couch.  Whether it’s a warm sandy beach, a bit of history to be explored or a concert in the park, my mind is not on winter or it’s limitation.  I’m almost out of breath picturing all the things I can do and places I can go, once winter loosens its grip.  Oh, there’s no doubt about it, I’m in a vacation state of mind.  Tell me what’s on your mind right now?

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THE DREADED LIST

December 29, 2011 By

It’s that time of year. Yes, you guessed it, time to make those New Year’s Resolutions.  The moment has come for me to be still and contemplate all the wonderful things I’m going to do in 2012.  I need to select life changing actions that will make me better, happier and healthier.

 

Maybe I’ve been cheating or maybe I haven’t focused enough in the past, but my resolutions have remained the same over the last few years.  So this year, I’m doing something radical.  I’m making a change.  Forget that stuff about eating right and exercising every day.  Next year I’m just going to have fun and be happy.

I’m going to eat chocolate, really good chocolate 

I’m going to sleep late on Saturday mornings

I’m going to take a walk during a warm summer rain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m going to listen to my music and dance; I don’t care whose watching

I’m going to sing – off key – in the shower

Yep, it’s that simple.

How about you, care to join me?

 

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MARKING TIME

December 5, 2011 By

Have you ever stopped long enough to consider the effect time has on you?  Whether it’s friend or foe?  Well I have.  I’ve probably wasted too much time thinking about it and I’ve come to one satisfying conclusion.  Time – no matter how it’s measured –  in years, months or minutes is never quite as long as we think.

 

 

As this year draws to a close I find myself trying to capture memories that happened in March or July or even September.  What significant event took place that I need to remember or treasure?  That family get together to celebrate Independence Day seems like it occurred only yesterday.  Just a month ago the leaves on the tree in my backyard were a fabulous shade of red and orange.  Within days they’ve fallen, turned brown, have been picked up and discarded.  Already we’re facing mid-December and we just rang in the New Year a few moments ago.

 

Even those unpleasant events that we would like to forget come and go much quicker than we’re willing to acknowledge.  My last visit to the dentist only lasted 30 minutes but my gut tried to convince me I was there for hours.  The other day as I rushed home from work and got caught by that awful traffic light that seems to stay red for years, actually only held me up for less than a minute.

 

 

No matter how I mark time, I’m seldom happy with the clock.  It’s either moving too fast or too slow.  How about you, is time your friend or foe?

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EXERCISE ANYONE

November 16, 2011 By

Okay, I admit I’m one of those people that’s reads a story guaranteeing to help you lose weight or an exercise crazed that melts away 10 pounds in one day and I’m hooked.  I’ll park my butt in front of the television or flip to the designated page in the magazine to find the new and improved way to stay healthy with less time and pain.  

 

My exercise madness started after a lovely trip to Charleston, South   Carolina. During our visit I ate some of the most delicious foods on the plant.  You see, I love anything and everything cooked with grits.  I can eat grits and eggs for breakfast and then pig out on shrimp and grits for dinner.  While running on the tread mill the other day I watched Paula Dean make a grit soufflé that I must try.  But, I digress…

 

When I returned from Charleston, I stepped on the scale and five brand new fat pounds had followed me home.  I vowed to begin exercising every day, before that extra weight took up permanent residence on my thighs.  And I did. And it worked. In short order
those pounds were banished.

It’s true what they say. Doing something for 14 days becomes a habit.  Now I exercise everyday.  Even on vacation I pack my running shoes, workout clothes and find the fitness facility. But like everything else there is a downside.  Some mornings I ache from the pounding I take from my long runs.  I swear the glitch in my elbow is from the rowing machine and my calves are so developed my trouser socks are hard to pull up.  But still I’m always looking for that magical solution that will let me eat anything I want while still fitting into my clothes. So if you have that magic potion, please share t with me.  I’m always looking for new ideas.

 

I must confess, I have never exercised and said I wish I hadn’t done that.  But, my butt could have done without that New York Style Cheesecake; I gobbled up the other night.

 

How about you, do you have the miracle solutions?

 

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