Diversity & Dutch Oven Cooking...

I think it’s so neat how much diversity is right here in our own little blogosphere. Surprisingly, it’s something that I haven’t thought much about. For the most part, we’re a community that really does genuinely care about the success of others, which unifies us even though we’re all so different. Right off the top of my head, I started listing names and genres that show how different we all are:

Carrie-Anne and her 20^th century historical fiction sagas…  

Michael Offut and his high-concept speculative fiction…  

If it weren’t for Mark Koopmans, I don’t think I’d ever have read a memoir… 

Michael Di Gesu and his elegant noir writing and magical MG… 

Sabrina Fish’s epic fantasy… 

The elusive Kevin Hiatt—who knows what he writes… 

Tiana Smith and her light, but magical writing that takes me back to my childhood… 

And of course there’s Alex and his epic Space Operas… 

And the list goes on.

But to diversify it up a bit more, I wanted to give a special highlight to a book that was recently published, and is in a genre outside of all the ones above. My dear aunt, Michele Pika Nielson, just had a book come out! Take a look:

It’s a step-by-step book about Dutch Oven Cooking. Fun, huh? I’m SO proud of her. She’s absolutely brilliant and is one of those people who know so much about everything.  I can’t wait to see what’s next for her. But for now, you can get her book at:

Amazon.  

Barnes & Noble. 

Books&things 

Deseret Book 

You can also follow her on Facebook here. 

Any genres I’ve missed? What do you write? Going to go check out my amazing aunt Michele? 

Red. Head. Out. :D 

Random Thoughts Tuesday

First, I want to say thanks for your help with my insecurity (IWSG post) for June. Already, I’m mapping out a new story that I’m waaaay excited about. I didn’t think I could dive into another world so fast, and yet, I’m already there! Funny how we can be insecure about something one minute and then not have it be an issue the next. But I think I owe a lot of it to YOU, so thank you.

Next, I finished reading Donna K. Weaver’s new book, A Change of Plans… and guys… I LOVED it. Like, loved. It was SO good. You can find my review on Goodreads for it here. Please go buy her book and support her. Not only is she a wonderful person, but she knows how to tell an amazing story.

In other random news, I decapitated a rattlesnake in my yard yesterday with a shovel. So that was fun. I’m still running 30 minutes a day even though I’m not a fan of running. (Ballerinas are awkward runners) And I’m embracing summer even though I’m counting down the days till fall. Oh! And I’m also counting down the days for the SCBWI LA conference this August. Anyone going?

Any random thoughts you’d like to share?

Red. Head. Out. 

My Insecurity For June...

So great to be able to post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group this month. (Thank you, Alex!)

This month, I’m insecure about starting a new project. I’m not ready to leave the world from my last WIP, and I kinda want to stay there for a while. But with it done, it’s time to move on and jump into something new. I do have a fresh idea that I’m excited about, but it takes a conscious effort to get mentally in the right place and create a new world.

Plus, I sort of feel like I’ll be cheating on my other characters. Which is silly, because I’ve written two novels before this last one, but my latest book was special to me, so it’s extra hard to move away from. Have you ever written something that encompasses who you are? A story that’s so you you wonder if you even have something else to offer? (Which I also know is silly, but it’s how I feel).

So it’s hard to move on from that.

But I’m slowly getting there. I’m excited to dive into a new world and see what else I can create. But if any of you have advice with how you *cough Jolene* can flip from one project to the next so quickly, I’d love to hear it. I’m kind of a one project at a time girl—not used to working on many projects at once like some of you brilliant people—so I’d love to know how you’re able to categorize different projects in your brain.

Any thoughts? Do you work on more than one project at once? And have you ever had a hard time leaving a story you’ve written?

Red. Head. Out. 

Revisions and FATE...

I've decided that my favorite stage of writing is the revision stage. I looooove revisions. It's so much fun to take apart stories and piece them back together. To flesh out scenes that need expanding and delete what isn't necessary. This is when the magic happens--when an author adds the tiny details that bring in flavor and life to the writing.

I'm not a fan of first drafts. Or outlining. I know most people LOVE the spark of a new idea and playing with fresh story lines, but I'd much rather work with a manuscript that's already on paper and improve it from there. If I could, I'd stay in the revision stage forever. It's safe. Fun. There's time to play with words and you haven't put yourself out there yet... ;-)

I don't know why this is on my mind, but I do know that I have to segue this in a clever way to a totally awesome cover reveal.  How about: I'm glad these two girls know when to take the leap and not stay in the revision stage.

Jolene Perry and Steph Campbell are two of my most favorite people on the planet. And they're sickly talented to boot.

I'm so privileged to help take part in their cover reveal for My Fate For Yours. Check this out:

A secret love.

A life lost too soon.

A destiny reversed.

You’ve met Tobin & Delia.

This is Eamon’s story…

The prequel to My Heart for Yours.

MY FATE FOR YOURS.

Their first book, My Heart For Yours was such a success, they had to write the prequel. (Literally. They had screaming fans and an overflowing inbox of mail demanding to know more of the story!) And I'm so excited. Jolene and Steph together create magic. My Fate For Yours comes out July 15 2013!  


Are you a revision fan like me? Have you read Jolene and Steph? Hope your week is going fabulous.

Red. Head. Out.

Why Writing Is Worth It

I find this whole writing journey fascinating.

It’s incredible what happens from the moment an author decides to put words on paper to the moment they hold their own book in their hands. The crazy thing is it isn’t even about the final product. I think the most amazing part of the process is the change that takes place inside of us.

It’s amazing what facing rejection over and over again can do to solidify our resolve and determination to stay in this business. It’s amazing what happens when we sacrifice time and sleep to create even when we don’t know if our efforts will ever come to fruition.

It’s amazing what can spring from one idea—from one moment of inspiration—when we get that spark of an idea from a song or from a thought in the middle of the night. I truly believe there is magic that lives in each of us. That there is something extraordinary that can only come from that secret part of our souls that holds all of the stories we’re meant to write. And there’s a place for all of us—a place for all of our stories.

I do think though that we have to dig deep. Deeper than we think. We have to force ourselves to re-experience moments in our lives—even the not so pleasant ones—to make it real on the page. Even if our story is on the lighter side. Because if it doesn’t come from something real, readers will see through it. They’re smart, and know when they’re being lied to.

So far in this process, I’ve also learned to embrace the hard moments. To consciously accept the lows, and know that they’re a necessary part of the process. I’ve also realized that the lows usually come after a big high! It’s important to accept all that comes with making the decision to be a writer and to be okay with it. To enjoy the ride, because it’s a privilege to even be on the ride.

I also know that good things come to those who keep working. It doesn’t matter where anyone else is on the journey, or even how easy their success seems to have come to them. What matters is our own journey, and how hard we’re pushing ourselves. Even though we might not see our own progress day to day, when we duck our heads and focus only on the words on the page, (and rewriting them however many times necessary), we will see the reward. Even if the reward is the knowledge we’ve gained or the strength we’ve developed or the transformation that’s taken part inside of us.

And that, to me, is worth it.


Red. Head. Out. :D 

My Five Happy Ways...

When Madman Mark tagged me in this meme, I knew I had to participate. I usually don’t do memes, but anything that has to do with gratitude or happiness, I’m there!

Here’s how it works:

Offer a shout out to the Happy One who tagged you.

Then, list my five happy ways.

Tag five more.

So my shout out to Mark: Koopmans is such a bright light in this blogosfear (As he likes to write it) His posts are downright hysterical, but he knows how to bring it down too. He isn’t afraid to talk about important topics and make the reader feel. And he’s extremely talented to boot. I’ve read his WIP, and it’s phenomenal. Can’t wait to see it on shelves! So thank you, Mark, for existing. Because it sure wouldn’t be the same without you.

My five happy ways: (And I’m going to pull a Mark here and say that spouse and family automatically trumps everything)

People who go out of their way to be kind, even when they’re stressed.

Funny story: The other day I was at the post office, and the lady behind the desk was extremely rude to me. Imagine me, with a baby on my hip and my other 3 kids running around. It’s almost closing time and there’s a huge line behind me. I needed help taping my package together because I didn’t have free hands. The woman at the desk absolutely refused to help me.

Long story short, I’d been there before (heh, we writers mail out a lot of manuscripts) and this woman had been rude to me in the past, but I swallowed it down the first time. Anyway, something came over me this time. I told her in a very loud, but kind voice, “She could be more nice.” I told her that even if we’ve had a bad day, it’s okay to offer a helping hand.

I may or may not have continued on a small tangent in front of the whole room, and I probably looked a sight “chastising” this woman with a cheesy smile on my face, but the woman still refused to help me. Finally, a lady from the line behind me came and helped. All I needed was an extra set of hands. Maybe I had caught this woman on two bad days, and if so she has my sympathies, but I also appreciate people who can step out of their life and act in a positive way when necessary.

Exclamation points. Love them. Almost obnoxiously so. They make me happy. And if I get a text without them, I panic that I’ve done something wrong!

Writer Friends. All of you guys! And in particular, Cortney Pearson. I don’t know how I’d survive without her. We text each other all day, every day about everything. She helps me work through all the emotions that are part of this crazy journey.

The Writing Journey. This whole process is amazing. I love the downs and ups of writing. I love the personal change that happens in us when we keep pushing even when we have doubts. It really is a beautiful thing.

Dancing. Baroque music. Talking "ballet talk" with my sister. So You Think You Can Dance! 

And now for my five happy people tags:

Cortney Pearson

Michael Di Gesu

Julie Musil

Sabrina Fish

EJ Wesley 

Thanks again, Mark, for the opportunity to share! Any updates on you guys? How are your projects coming along? I want to know!

Red. Head. Out. :D 

I'm getting old...

Just kidding. It’s my birthday on Wednesday!                    

I’ll be 32. Thirty TWO. Sometimes I feel ancient next to some of you 20-something-year-old writer/bloggers, and I’ll have a fleeting thought of wishing I had discovered writing sooner so I could be further ahead in the game, but then I instantly shove the thought away.

I love getting older. I don’t know, I think there’s beauty with age. I wouldn’t trade the experience I’ve had or any or the wisdom I’ve gained to be back in my twenties for anything.

I didn’t start writing until I was 28, took a year off when I was 29, then started again at 30. But everything pre-writing was only life and experience that I’m now drawing off of for my stories. (Uh oh, CP’s… you now know that everything in my writing is REAL!)

I think I’ve said this before, but the older I get, the younger I realize I am. Forties and Fifties are SO YOUNG. Even Sixties! My mom always told me “Once you reach college, age doesn’t matter. We’re all in the same boat.”

Which is true. We’re all just living, doing our best, trying to make our mark in this world.

And that’s what is SO great about this writing community. Age doesn’t matter. Neither do all of the other differences that may exist between us. We’re all lifting each other up, respecting one another, and supporting each other on this crazy journey.

Oh, and before I go, I must give a quick shout out to Kelley Lynn and Anne Pfeffer. They both have new books out. To check out Kelley’s, click here. To check out Anne’s, click here.

(And life is good right now. I’ve finished my revisions and waiting for feedback from CP's! Love this part of the journey!)

Red. Head. Out. :D