The World Poetry Movement is currently holding an amateur poetry contest. It's free and 116 prizes will be awarded- totaling over $10,000. Entries can be submitted until August 31, 2011. Only one entry per contestant, so choose carefully.
Entry into the poetry contest is an easy two step process. Go HERE to enter your poem.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Bad news leads to rewrite
So far my blogs have mainly revolved around writing. Many will continue to do so, but this blog is also about my family life. It often affects my writing after all.
Anyone whose checked out my works in progress has seen the first novel I ever began on was spun off my fear that my husband, a U.S. Marine, would be mortally wounded in Afghanistan.
Today I found my fingers flying across the pages I have already written and adding more. All because of a call I received around 10:30 this morning. (She Waits- a poem from and for the military spouse)
The call that stopped my breath and had my control wavering.
My husband was hurt. Three and a half hours prior to that call my husband was doing his job and received shrapnel in his legs and arm due to enemy indirect fire for his efforts. One long conversation later, all I really knew was he is hospitalized with what the USMC considers a "serious injury". What is a serious injury, you may wonder. Join the freaking club! "Serious injury" is all I could get. Was he awake or sedated? How bad is the damage? Is there any resulting disability, temporary or life long?
But, no! I'll they apparently know is it's freaking serious!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
Step one: Don't fall apart in front of the children.
Find a balance. Let the know I love daddy and am very sad he is hurt, but reassure them that he's being taken care of. He's ok. And don't let them see me fall apart. I watch my mom, the woman I thought impossibly strong, fall apart, break and it frightened and hurt me. That I can not put on my children. So, hold it together. Hold it together. Hold it together. This is my motto for today and who knows how long.
Step two: Wait excruciatingly, impatiently for information.
Waiting. I am not sure what is more nerve wracking when waiting for information about a loved one in trouble. So, keep my mind and hands busy. This proves easier than I thought. One of the kids are throwing up green stuff, gotta pay insurance before it's cancelled and take a paper to the doctor to fill out so I can get more baby formula from WIC....Get dinner, keep kids busy and happy.
When a lull presented itself and I found my mind too close to worries best left alone until the kids are in bed, I turned to my writing, but my story of genies, wishes, adventure and love refused to flow. The little I wrote was stilted and confusing. I scraped it. That's when "Warriors" caught my eye. While the kids ate dinner, I felt no hunger myself, the words poured out of my finger tips with passion. I could not stop the out pour if I had wanted to. I didn't. But know the well has dried up and my story id better than before.
Step three: Make it through the day.
The day is finally done- as far as my kids are concerned. They are asleep and have taken comfort in the dream catcher that hangs in their window. For me, well, a glass of wine awaits. Something I look forward to in what is sure to be an endless, sleepless night.
But again, as most days, my family life has affected my writing. And while I wait and pray for more information, hopefully saying hubby's ok, my writing will help keep my mid and fingers busy, getting me through the day.
Anyone whose checked out my works in progress has seen the first novel I ever began on was spun off my fear that my husband, a U.S. Marine, would be mortally wounded in Afghanistan.
Today I found my fingers flying across the pages I have already written and adding more. All because of a call I received around 10:30 this morning. (She Waits- a poem from and for the military spouse)
The call that stopped my breath and had my control wavering.
My husband was hurt. Three and a half hours prior to that call my husband was doing his job and received shrapnel in his legs and arm due to enemy indirect fire for his efforts. One long conversation later, all I really knew was he is hospitalized with what the USMC considers a "serious injury". What is a serious injury, you may wonder. Join the freaking club! "Serious injury" is all I could get. Was he awake or sedated? How bad is the damage? Is there any resulting disability, temporary or life long?
But, no! I'll they apparently know is it's freaking serious!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
Step one: Don't fall apart in front of the children.
Find a balance. Let the know I love daddy and am very sad he is hurt, but reassure them that he's being taken care of. He's ok. And don't let them see me fall apart. I watch my mom, the woman I thought impossibly strong, fall apart, break and it frightened and hurt me. That I can not put on my children. So, hold it together. Hold it together. Hold it together. This is my motto for today and who knows how long.
Step two: Wait excruciatingly, impatiently for information.
Waiting. I am not sure what is more nerve wracking when waiting for information about a loved one in trouble. So, keep my mind and hands busy. This proves easier than I thought. One of the kids are throwing up green stuff, gotta pay insurance before it's cancelled and take a paper to the doctor to fill out so I can get more baby formula from WIC....Get dinner, keep kids busy and happy.
When a lull presented itself and I found my mind too close to worries best left alone until the kids are in bed, I turned to my writing, but my story of genies, wishes, adventure and love refused to flow. The little I wrote was stilted and confusing. I scraped it. That's when "Warriors" caught my eye. While the kids ate dinner, I felt no hunger myself, the words poured out of my finger tips with passion. I could not stop the out pour if I had wanted to. I didn't. But know the well has dried up and my story id better than before.
Step three: Make it through the day.
The day is finally done- as far as my kids are concerned. They are asleep and have taken comfort in the dream catcher that hangs in their window. For me, well, a glass of wine awaits. Something I look forward to in what is sure to be an endless, sleepless night.
But again, as most days, my family life has affected my writing. And while I wait and pray for more information, hopefully saying hubby's ok, my writing will help keep my mid and fingers busy, getting me through the day.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Being pulled back to reality
Have you ever been writing something and whatever it was, whatever path your thoughts were following suddenly veered back to reality? Something you wrote, something you thought, something you character said or did made you think of your life abruptly. Suddenly you realize the parallel.
I imagine this can be a good thing. Funny even, at times. But this time, it was not the case.
One small part of the reason I write is because I need something to keep the stress of life from crushing me. Without my writing and my books to read I fear I would collapse under life. I'd have an emotional breakdown...and I so hate those.
So as I wrote of a careless gesture, life slammed into my head and my characters, my story evaporated. And I was all that was left.
The kids in their beds. The lights off throughout the house. My little world silent. And me, sitting in the dark, typing away. My husband's letters in a stack near my elbow. Suddenly the worry and fear, the loneliness, the yearning for my other half was all but debilitating.
I sat for a moment, washed in self pity, in sadness. But I had a story waiting. I had to get back to Joylanna's problems. I placed my fingers on the keys, poised, ready for the journey to continue. When I looked at the clock I realized I'd sat, poised, for seven minutes, my mind blank of even the passing time.
I know I am an individual. I am strong. But my husband is my other half and I am therefore stronger with him.
And I am swamped with aching for him. His teasing. The way he absentmindedly runs his fingers through my hair. His endless tapping, like a drummer missing his drum. The mischief almost always present in his hazel eyes.
His arms around me, his head resting on mine, swaying gently is home to me.
I have my kids and the wonderful moments of watching them grow-even when they make me want to pull my hair out. It's love and happiness and hope and inspiration and protectiveness I feel with my children. It's beautiful, ultimate, and all encompassing. And different than what I have with my husband.
Can a writer pull themselves back into their story when this happens? Is there a technique? A secret? A ritual?
If so, I have not found it. So this night will be spent with a good book and a heart ache. If you know how to bounce back into a story when this happens, please share. If you have had a similar situation happen to you, I'd love to hear about it.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
My doodling friend is on the indangered list
There are so many wonderful advantaged to computers.
Writing letters, reports, stories making presentations, being creative, finding information, learning, connecting to people and much more has become easier and more time efficient. Not to mention the endless gaming possibilities. I love my computer!!!
But a dear friend of mine, the pencil (that thing you write on paper with, remember?) is shrinking into the distance as the computer races to new, improved technologies.
I bring this up because even though I treasure my lap top and all the wonders it contains at my finger tips, I am really a pencil and paper kind of person. Ok- sometimes I use pen :)
When I am jotting down my story on paper instead of Word, it all seems to flow easier for me. Plus, when I am having a moments pause over something, a search for the right wording or a simple lag between scenes I can doodle in the margins- and come on, who doesn't love a good doodle?- sometimes freeing or providing inspiration for what I need to continue my work at that moment.
Also, his makes editing much easier for me. I simply can not edit on a computer, I need the hard copy.
The draw back are simple and bold:
It takes sooooo much longer...and that's before it's transcribed onto the computer.
No auto correct on spelling or grammar.
It's easier to loose pages than it is a computer.
While I am writing I do not have that instant information at my finger tips if I need to check a fact or something. I have to move out of my comfy writing position, shuffle papers, get my computer up and running.....blah, blah, blah.
This all contributes to my time problem mentioned in my first ever post. I have many time constrictions to work around and the fact that writing by hand is easier for me makes my time a little tighter because I always get all my thoughts down in the time I have or I may no be able to finish a scene when it's first fresh in my mind with that ringing clarity.
So; this is me, owning up to another challenge I must face. But don't worry, I am a writer and I will do this! (*sings: Yay, me! Yay, me! while doing a happy dance*)
But I hope this serves as a reminder to everyone how wonderful our little doodling pencil friend still is. ;)
Writing letters, reports, stories making presentations, being creative, finding information, learning, connecting to people and much more has become easier and more time efficient. Not to mention the endless gaming possibilities. I love my computer!!!
But a dear friend of mine, the pencil (that thing you write on paper with, remember?) is shrinking into the distance as the computer races to new, improved technologies.
I bring this up because even though I treasure my lap top and all the wonders it contains at my finger tips, I am really a pencil and paper kind of person. Ok- sometimes I use pen :)
When I am jotting down my story on paper instead of Word, it all seems to flow easier for me. Plus, when I am having a moments pause over something, a search for the right wording or a simple lag between scenes I can doodle in the margins- and come on, who doesn't love a good doodle?- sometimes freeing or providing inspiration for what I need to continue my work at that moment.
Also, his makes editing much easier for me. I simply can not edit on a computer, I need the hard copy.
The draw back are simple and bold:
It takes sooooo much longer...and that's before it's transcribed onto the computer.
No auto correct on spelling or grammar.
It's easier to loose pages than it is a computer.
While I am writing I do not have that instant information at my finger tips if I need to check a fact or something. I have to move out of my comfy writing position, shuffle papers, get my computer up and running.....blah, blah, blah.
This all contributes to my time problem mentioned in my first ever post. I have many time constrictions to work around and the fact that writing by hand is easier for me makes my time a little tighter because I always get all my thoughts down in the time I have or I may no be able to finish a scene when it's first fresh in my mind with that ringing clarity.
So; this is me, owning up to another challenge I must face. But don't worry, I am a writer and I will do this! (*sings: Yay, me! Yay, me! while doing a happy dance*)
But I hope this serves as a reminder to everyone how wonderful our little doodling pencil friend still is. ;)
Attitude
Sitting here watching America's Next Top Model, one of my TV vices, I'm struck with an important lesson some writers, and people in general, pay little attention to.
Your attitude effects your life.
Want a more popular cliche? Perception is reality.
If you go to collage, studying for that one perfect job, graduate top of your class, get your coveted interview then walk into the interviewee's office late, smacking gum, while snappily answering questions with "I don't need you or your crummy job" oozing out in your tone do you really think you are going to get your dream job? Better yet, do you honestly believe you deserve it?!
So, if you write, edit, rewrite, edit some more, write an amazing query, edit it, rewrite an even better query and find the perfect agent to send it all to then ignore simple courtesies- such as "Thank you for your time and consideration"- instead stating you are the best and they'd be down right lucky to have you and out of their ever lovin' minds to reject you....
Are you getting that agent to represent you or your work? Do you deserve to have that agent take the time to pitch and represent and stand by your work?
Let me help....the answer is NO!
But don't make the mistake of being selectively nice to those you have to impress- i.e. sucking up.
There are people those agents depend on, such as assistants, that help them daily, save them time and energy so the agents can do their job better with more efficiency. You need to impress them just as much as the agent. Plus, Hi!, they are people too.
Janet Reid, a literary agent, talks about this in her blog (read it here).
Simple things like "please", "thank you", keeping calm, not hounding, trying to intimidate or yelling at people can make such a world of difference, like whether or not the choose to represent you, and it's simple courtesy. That shouldn't be so hard people.
The simple, tired cliche "Do unto others as you'd have done unto you" is a cliche for a reason.
This holds true not only in the business world, but in every one's own personal little bubble of life. Think about it, beyond it being a simply kind, courteous and respectful way to treat people simply because they are indeed people, you never know if that person you met at the hotel lobby while you were in a hurry and tired could help you further your career or your life in some way.
Your attitude effects your life.
Want a more popular cliche? Perception is reality.
If you go to collage, studying for that one perfect job, graduate top of your class, get your coveted interview then walk into the interviewee's office late, smacking gum, while snappily answering questions with "I don't need you or your crummy job" oozing out in your tone do you really think you are going to get your dream job? Better yet, do you honestly believe you deserve it?!
So, if you write, edit, rewrite, edit some more, write an amazing query, edit it, rewrite an even better query and find the perfect agent to send it all to then ignore simple courtesies- such as "Thank you for your time and consideration"- instead stating you are the best and they'd be down right lucky to have you and out of their ever lovin' minds to reject you....
Are you getting that agent to represent you or your work? Do you deserve to have that agent take the time to pitch and represent and stand by your work?
Let me help....the answer is NO!
But don't make the mistake of being selectively nice to those you have to impress- i.e. sucking up.
There are people those agents depend on, such as assistants, that help them daily, save them time and energy so the agents can do their job better with more efficiency. You need to impress them just as much as the agent. Plus, Hi!, they are people too.
Janet Reid, a literary agent, talks about this in her blog (read it here).
Simple things like "please", "thank you", keeping calm, not hounding, trying to intimidate or yelling at people can make such a world of difference, like whether or not the choose to represent you, and it's simple courtesy. That shouldn't be so hard people.
The simple, tired cliche "Do unto others as you'd have done unto you" is a cliche for a reason.
This holds true not only in the business world, but in every one's own personal little bubble of life. Think about it, beyond it being a simply kind, courteous and respectful way to treat people simply because they are indeed people, you never know if that person you met at the hotel lobby while you were in a hurry and tired could help you further your career or your life in some way.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
If the origin of sorrow is desire then we should not desire anything. T/F?
I was asked this question in a public forum. deep thoughts for someone out there, I guess. So, I have an answer to share and would love to hear if you agree or disagree and why. False.
Desire can bring both sorrow and happiness. Desire the married woman who doesn't know your interest or have interest in you and sorrow is eminent. Desire the promotion to the head of your chosen pushes you to work hard and do your best and there is happiness when you reach the goal.
Even in love, which is a long journey often full of trips, small pain, disappointments that ends in a thrill filled love, once found there will still be tests and struggles, big and small. However love, if it is love, endures and changes and even through the small sorrows there is a bone deep, heart deep happiness.
Above and beyond that, without sorrow in the world, in our lives, we would not know or appreciate the true value of our happiness.
Hello. Welcome to HBH: Journey to the Beginning.
When considering a name for my blog I went through several days of trail and error. I tried silly and serious and even a few innuendos. Finally I hit on "Journey to Getting Published". This is a good solid name, but I saw two big problems.
1) It was already taken.
2) This isn't just about being published.
Yes! I want to get published. That is my goal, but I hope to continue this blog after I am published. I didn't want a title that indicated once I reached my goal of getting published I was done. Getting published is an ending to my goal, but a whole new beginning for my life! So, I decided on my blog's name. I stayed up all night setting up my blog. Now comes the hard part.
Every writer faces obstacles on the way to print; some the same, some very different. I need a plan. First I must recognize my obstacles so I may map a route to overcoming them.
Time:
I have a husband, house, dog, and 3 kids under the age of 6 to take care of. While I normally have help from my husband for help and support, he is currently serving in Afghanistan (*proud me*) and needs my support. Between playing, studying- yeah, we do that over the summer- potty training, bottle feeding, sports camp, cooking, cleaning, house chores, exercise...blah, blah, blah.... My time is often stretched thin.
My solution: Squeeze it in. At the end of the day when I'm tired, grab a hot shower, a piece of chocolate and put in some quiet, productive writing time.
Memory:
My A.D.D is so bad I may be worse than a few people with short term memory loss. I have struggled with weather I should go to a doc and see if meds can help, but I am not fond of meds in general and that's IF I remembered to take them! I lose. I what I'm thinking before I complete the thought sometimes.
My solution: I am currently trying many things. I carry a little note pad and pen with me everywhere to jot down thoughts. I have been trying meditation- key word: trying. If it continues to interfere with my writing or if it gets worse I will probably have to suck it up and go to the doc.
Typing:
I did OK in typing class, but not great. I have been getting better over time with lots of use, but I simply like pencil paper better. My thoughts flow easier, but hand cramps faster...and I am horrible at short hand.
My Solution:
Bite the darn bullet and practice. I will have to keep at the typing. I can do both, but I do need to keep typing and hopefully continue to improve.
Ignorance:
No. I am not saying I am stupid- though I can claim my fair share of blond moments. I am simply ignorant of the way the industry works and have many questions about how to do stuff; like send in manuscripts, where, when, who???
My Solution:
Research. If I can research a topic for my book, I can certainly research how to get that work on the market. As I feel my way around this process I will share my experience and hopefully help someone else with theirs.
Finally, the biggest and hardest of my obstacle...
Fear:
There is the fear of rejection, too many or too obvious mistakes. I have felt many types and degrees of fear in my life, the worst ever not knowing weather my infant would wake up and breath by himself outside of a hospital ever again. This I have now is strong, not quit that strong, but strong all the same. I love writing and I want so very painfully to be good at it. I think I am good, but I want it so bad and I am afraid I will simply find out I don't have the talent for it.That would be a crushing thing.
My solution: This one is rather tricky. I don't have a solution. Instead I have a wall around my heart. It looks like it's made of brick, but really it's that vinyl stuff that is brick patterned and flimsy when not glued to the floor. I have that wall and two sayings I repeat every day, several times a day. "I will never know, unless I try." and "Failure is the path to success."
So, armed with my quotes, fake wall, computer and will I am marching toward my goal. It will be a hard journey I am sure and I have yet to leave my safe little concrete driveway for the dirt, dust and pot holes ahead, but I can do this.
I believe in positive affirmation and I can do this. I will do this. I AM doing this.
I have to thank Janet Reid-who has never met or even spoken with me directly- for my courage to start a blog (new territory for me) and stay on my toes with my writing. Her "Rules for Writers"; particularly Be Confident and Be Brave, spoke to me like no other articles I have read. It was from the I got the confidence to pursue this dream. You can link to her blog from my home page and check out her Rules for Writers.
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