ABCs for New Writers – “D” is for Determine, Devise, Design

As a new writer there is nothing more important than getting started. Believe me, if you do nothing else today - get going. Two years ago when I left my career to be a full-time mom and writer I had to get started right away. So, I took a class at Emory and thought, Wow! Now I’ve got it! I’m ready! What was I ready for? Ha! I thought after that one class that I was ready to take the publishing world by storm. What I was really prepared for was…wait for it…getting started.

Let’s stop here at the first “D” word for today – Determine. Before I could take even the tiniest step into my journey as a writer I had to determine that writing was what I really, with all of my heart and soul, wanted to do. Yes, you really have to decide if this is it otherwise you’re going to go through the birthing process only to find you aren’t Dickens, Tolkien, or Ephron, face the rejection of a lifetime and quit or self publish and fail miserably. Did I just burst your bubble? Good! Somebody needed to. Writing is for everyone but becoming a published author takes guts, gumption, fearlessness, commitment. It is not easy nor is it without pain. Still want to proceed? I had a feeling you might. Let’s move on to our second “D” word for today – Devise.

So I put on my project management hat and had, in order to be successful, to devise a plan. My plan for 2011 is called: My Writing and Career Goals. It consists of weekly and monthly goals for this blog, my website, WIPs, the blog I am launching with critique partners Pam Asberry and Pamela Mason, working on my career plan and goals for 2012, and last but certainly not least a job I can actually bill hours for. Take something as simple as this blog (you only think it’s an information dump) - I have an editorial calendar mapped out through the end of the year with topics to write about three times each week, and so it goes for every one of my goals. But making a plan is only part of it because in all of this you must live. Which leads us to our final “D” word – Design.

No, I’m not talking about designing a platform, a website, or even a plot. I’m talking about designing your life. If you were sitting here at my desk right now looking up at My Writing and Career Goals you might find it easy to fold under the pressure. I often do. Some days I sit here paralyzed wishing that I didn’t put so much into achieving my dreams. Some days being immobile is the best thing for me. Some days I have to, as my friend Pam calls it, refill the well. But that’s the thing about designing your life. You must recharge your batteries every single day. You must eat, sleep, play and work. Not just WORK. Yes, work is a four letter word. W.O.R.K. See. Anyway, design time to not only grow yourself and your career, but to live. Go to the gym, take a walk, go to the nearest bouncy play place with your kids and jump like you're a five year old, read, journal, cook, paint – do what makes you happy. And when the responsibilities wear you down, well, forgiveness is another topic for another day (a couple of weeks from now) but be ready to love yourself for letting go of what you can. Do what’s important; forget and forgive the rest.

It’s officially time for you to join the conversation. I want to hear from someone who has been stalking this blog. I dare you to come out of the shadows and tell us about your plans as a new writer or even as a human. You could even win a t-shirt. All of today’s commentators will be entered to win the Unstoppable t-shirt.

Until Wisdom Wednesday, I remain Unstoppable.

Sylvia’s Roses – The Reveal

Sylvia’s eyes filled with tears as she read the words printed in pencil on the tiny sliver of sack paper:

My sweet Sylvia,

As the sun sets on next summer’s long hours, I respectfully request that you consider becoming my bride. I promise to love you with all my heart, forever and ever. I already talked to your Daddy and he was pleased. Sylvia, won’t you be mine?

All my love,
Elmer

My great aunt and uncle inspired this story with their sixty-plus year marriage. Not only were they the model of abiding love, they always seemed to like one another; they were friends. I can only hope one day to find a love so true and blessed.

Until Monday, I remain hopeful and Unstoppable.

Truth or Fiction Thursday - Sylvia's Roses

Sylvia stood at the intersection of her parent’s driveway and the dirt road that ran between her home and the expanse of field where her family raised vegetables in Laurens County, Georgia. The mid-summer view of the farm filled Sylvia with thoughts of busy farm hands and late afternoon jaunts out to offer up her mother’s lemonade for their hard work. It was her favorite part of every day because of one boy – Elmer.

Elmer was tall and thin, handsome with dark hair and striking green eyes. He had worked her parent’s farm since he was thirteen. At the beginning and end of each season and often in between, he brought Sylvia a rose.

Standing near the worn white mailbox at the road's edge, Sylvia could hear the roar of an engine coming closer to her. She took two steps back away from the road and waited for the vehicle to pass. It was a truck full of farm workers coming in from town and hanging off the back of the truck, making eyes at Sylvia, was Elmer. Like a typical seventeen year old boy he hooted and hollered his greeting to her. Then all at once he tossed a beautiful pink rose in her direction. It was no secret that the two teenagers were in love.

Sylvia waited a moment for the dust to settle before stepping out into the road to pick up the flower. She shook off the dirt that had come to rest on it then inhaled its fragrant scent. She loved roses, especially the wild ones that Elmer picked for her because they smelled the sweetest. On the beautiful wildflower Elmer had tied a small note with thin brown twine.

Now, it’s time for you to join the conversation. What do you think the note said? Did this really happen in 1920s Laurens County, Georgia or is it fiction?

I hope you enjoy today’s little romantic mystery. Until tomorrow’s reveal I remain Unstoppable.

Wisdom (from chocolate) Wednesday - Celebrate Life!

Sometimes I feel like such a fraud sharing tidbits of wisdom with you, especially when it comes to things like celebrating your own life. But I realized this morning that in my attempt to reach you, I am really reaching out to me. Sounds crazy, yes, but does it make sense? How often have you offered advice knowing full well that you don’t practice what you preach (but you want to)?

Well, here I am on another Wednesday, my heart in my hand, telling you what I need to hear. Are you ready?

The more you praise and celebrate your life the more there is in life to celebrate. – Love, Dove

Yes, you read it right. Insight from a piece of chocolate. Dark chocolate with almonds in this case.
The marketers at Dove are pure genius just like the folks who decided to put stuffed animals on the lowest shelves in the store to attract little ones. Who wouldn’t keep buying bags of chocolates when shown the path to enlightenment, individuality, joy? I certainly do. Every time I visit the grocery store I shyly make my way to the candy isle knowing I can’t afford another calorie, but longing for a tiny bit of something to keep me inspired, moving through life with hope instead of desperation. Off soap box, back on ground.

Think about who you are, really. I publicize myself as a writer. Have I been published? Yes, in many ways, but I have yet to sell a novel. Does that stop me from reveling in the fact that I’m a writer? Heck no! It’s on my business cards. I’m a writer. A PRO. No longer a hobbyist in my field, but someone willing to go the extra distance it takes to finish, revise, develop a platform, build an audience, and market, market, market. I’m happy to celebrate that little piece of me and in doing so hope that one day I can celebrate publishing a novel. Put it out there so it comes back tenfold. That’s the message.

My good friend and critique partner, Pam Asberry shared a smart little video in her blog this week that made me realize how necessary it is to look at life differently (from the opposite). Little ways to get inspired and celebrate who we are and the lives we live.

Back on soap box…As humans I think it’s easy to forget how to celebrate, as Americans I believe we’re cursed with believing we’ll never achieve to our highest ability so there’s nothing to celebrate. The American Dream has morphed from a two bedroom one bath house, with a car in the driveway, two kids and a pet into McMansions, cars for each member of the family and sixteen hour workdays to support it all. With all of this, who has time to party? And, when did we lose sight of the little things that need celebrating?

My Aunt’s brother Don has been suffering the ills of cancer for what seems like forever and yesterday after a long wait he endured the surgery to replace all of his organs. Yep, you heard me right – ALL. Don’t you think when Don wakes up he’s going to rejoice in his life? Why should we wait for such dire circumstances when we have minutes and hours each day to revel in the little things?

So, here’s your challenge for today – be your curse heartache, a huge mortgage, illness, addiction, six kids in college, or a job that works your fingers to the bone – take the afternoon off from your brand of crazy and enjoy yourself! See things from another direction. Take in this gorgeous spring day! See what you can learn from the triumphs and the tragedies! Laugh with your kids and family! Celebrate you!

Diane Ackerman once said, “I don’t want to be a passenger in my own life.” I think, just for today, I will follow her lead and direct my head strong locomotive right where I want it to go, to a party just for me, just because.

Until tomorrow, I will party and work myself crazy in order to remain Unstoppable.

ABCs for New Writers - "C" is for Closed Mouth

In the beginning I did say that Malleable Monday is what you make it and these ABCs are for NEW writers, right? Well, some of us who have been at it for a while need this same gentle reminder: In order to learn about anything you must close your mouth and open your mind. In essence, no matter how good you think you are, you still have more to learn. We all do!

Seriously, don’t pay good money to attend a conference, class or workshop unless you are going to listen. Don’t monopolize a conversation with your tidbits of wisdom unless they are called for. Stop and think if what you want to contribute is truly relevant. I’m not preachin’ I’m just sayin’.

Look, I don’t share these things because I know best. I offer my tidbits to save you a little time, frustration and money. Be it a class that is boasted as one thing and turns out to be another, or a conference you have high expectations for only to be let down, a blog post or a conversation with a dear friend, there is always (ALWAYS) something to sink your teeth into – to learn.

Take today’s Petit Fours and Hot Tamales post by fellow writer, Sally Kilpatrick. She paid attention in church and found comparison between storytelling and accompaniment. She discussed how beautiful words can often mask a poor storyline and how instead the writing should be an accompanist, like a good organist, not to overshadow an intriguing plot. I was listening recently when fellow author C.L. Wilson spoke about the most touching review she ever received. Her tearful confession was one I needed to hear. She said that many people will read your works, some will be happy and some won’t, but those who you are privileged enough to touch are the ones that truly matter.

Writer or human, if you are going to be privy to impacting someone’s life, their soul or spirit, don’t you want to be as well informed as possible? Balanced? I’m not saying don’t contribute. And, if you know me, you know I’m not saying don’t stand up for what you believe. What I am trying to convey is the importance of paying attention, listening to what others and your surroundings have to offer, because ultimately, it will be what you share too. Everything comes and goes full circle. Gain wisdom that you’ll be proud to extend some day.

It’s time for you to join the conversation. Is there something you’ve picked up on recently in a place or situation that you weren’t otherwise happy with? Have you found yourself offering unwarranted advice to others instead of just listening to what they have to say? Leave a comment for your peers.

Until Wisdom Wednesday, I remain tight-lipped and Unstoppable.

Thursday's Paranormal File - The End of the Story

I (aka Lucy) grew up in a subdivision that was constructed atop Healy Plantation just north of Macon, Georgia. Active during the Civil War, the remnants of the plantation offer plenty of history to inspire one's imagination. The subdivision is riddled with graves, both marked and unmarked, and is known to experience odd paranormal activity. The snake and the stallion, though strangely romantic, did appear to me in just this way. And the whisper, well, that is wholly true as well. Not scary, but very real.

I have always believed in life beyond what we know. Though I have a hard time wanting to believe it is something tortured or gruesome, I do feel that it exists. Owning this belief is what drives me to be a storyteller of the Southern derivation.

Tanya Michaels (Michna) challenged us in a workshop not too long ago to call out our "voice" in three words. When I think about those words, ghost stories come to mind. They are part of who I am and what I want to share. So, be it a romance or a mystery, somewhere there will always be entwined a ghoul or two.

Until Monday, I remain Unstoppable.

Truth or Fiction Thursday - A Paranormal File

Lucy crept up to the edge of the cemetery. She welcomed the quiet it offered away from her parents and the confusion that accompanied being thirteen. She was certain it seemed morbid to her friends that she would spend her afternoons among stone markers instead of them.

Sliding up to the ancient iron gate surrounding the family of a Civil War veteran, Lucy was overwhelmed by a cold breeze, yet the evidence of wind was absent. She felt unnerved; uncomfortable in the place she usually found solace. She heard a rustling in the brittle straw and leaves a few feet away. Following the noise she caught a glimpse of a long, thick black snake winding its long body around the base of a tall pine tree. She was captivated by the sight of it, but was paralyzed by her fear of anything scaly and reptilian.

The wind whipped harder, whistling in Lucy’s ears as if to warn her. “Danger! Danger! Danger!” it called out its warning. Lucy wanted to run, but her feet were planted firmly, stuck in a mire of panic.

The violent wind was joined by the pounding of heavy hooves and the sound of branches breaking. Startled, Lucy swung her head left to look toward the woods at the back of the graveyard. A large white stallion appeared through the tall stand of pines. Rearing up on its hind legs it seemed to push at Lucy wanting to free her from her fear. Captivated, Lucy couldn’t move.

“Danger! Danger! Danger!” the wind screamed at her again.

Lucy closed her eyes and shook her head hoping to shake off the chill and the voice calling out its caution. When she opened them the pristine white horse was gone. The woods were silent. Snapping her head right, she looked at the base of the tree where the snake had been. It too was gone. Taking a tentative first step, she moved toward the forest looking for any sign of the horse and the snake, but found none.

It’s your turn to join the conversation. Did this really happen to Lucy? Have you ever experienced anything paranormal? Do you believe in ghosts? Do they inspire you or instill fear?

Until tomorrow’s reveal, I remain Unstoppable.