Today started day one of NaNoWriMo. So far so good and I can say I remember why I like writing. For one, it's someone elses world and ANYTHING can happen.
So the story I have chosen to write for the month is based in Fountain Colorado. It's one that I've thought about for a very long time. I started it once, but didn't like where it was going. So I figured this would be a new way to maybe breathe some new life into it. The beginning starts out the same, but from then on out, everything will be different. It's amazing to see that I haven't forgotten anything about the story and not only that, but I've remembered a whole lot of new directions that I wanted to go.
I know that after a month of writing and no editing, it will most likely be an extreme rough draft. But one thing I have learned when typing...I write a lot better when I just let my head and hands work together and get it out on paper. Writing it long hand would take too long and my fingers would not be able to keep up with my head. At least this way when my head, or my imagination gets moving, I can move my little fingers as fast as I can to try and keep up.
Then unfortunately, my great critique group will get to help me sort it all out.
Speaking of my critique group. They are all such great and amazing people that inspire me.
Christy Monson is having a book release party and signing this upcoming Friday, Nov. 4th from 5 to 7 pm at the Hastings in Harrisville. Her newest book is called "Texting through Time - A Trek with Brigham Young." I'm totally excited for her and this new book.
Lynda Scott and Drienie Hattingh have been working like crazy on selling their book "Tales from Huntsville, Eden, Liberty and Beyond." Or "Tales from H.E.L. and Beyond." It is selling well, with over 1000 books sold so far. They are working on a book two of ghost stories about 25th street in Ogden.
Patricia Gerard is getting ready for a new cover and book trailer for her book "Faery Sight." She is excited about the new look and the trailer gets you even more excited to read this book. It is great, easy and fun read. I've read the next book and can't wait for her to get it published.
Michele McKinnon has the most amazing story for young readers. It reminds me a lot of the olden days when I would cuddle up to a Nancy Drew book and join their adventures. She has these two characters that have turned into detectives, mostly by accident. I can see a great series of books coming from Michele and these characters.
So as you can see, I have a great critique group that will help me sort out all of the problems with anything I write this month. In fact, with their help, they turned me in the direction that I wanted to take this book.
Anyway, that's enough for today.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
NaNoWriMo
It's been so long since I've written in this, I don't even know where to start.
After dealing with a little depression about life and writing, I've decided to take my chances by participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). I need something that will get my juices going again. Something that will put creativity back into my brain. So I thought that if I participated in this event, it might just be the thing that ignites that spark that I am looking for.
I don't have many followers and I'm not even sure they are notified when I write something new, but one of the "rules" or "suggestions" that they give you, is to let everyone you know, know that you are participating in this event. I'm a little chicken. What if I fail. So I decided to post it on this blog. That way, if someone reads it, I have let them know. If NO ONE reads it, well, I've done my part.
I'm going to be writing my Fountain Colorado story. I started once, but didn't feel like it was going in the direction that I wanted it to. So I am going to just write. I am not going to edit. I am not going to second guess myself. I am just going to write it all out and see what happens. A lot of people who participate say that you usually don't end up using what you've written, so there is no pressure to make it the best. But I have to get the story out of my head and then I can edit, rewrite or even start over if I have to.
So today is Saturday the 29th of October. In two days from now I will start on what will probably be the longest month of my life. I may be crazy during this month, I may not even post on this blog again during the month, but when I am finished my goal is to have ignited the spark that I need.
Wish me luck! I will probably need it.
After dealing with a little depression about life and writing, I've decided to take my chances by participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). I need something that will get my juices going again. Something that will put creativity back into my brain. So I thought that if I participated in this event, it might just be the thing that ignites that spark that I am looking for.
I don't have many followers and I'm not even sure they are notified when I write something new, but one of the "rules" or "suggestions" that they give you, is to let everyone you know, know that you are participating in this event. I'm a little chicken. What if I fail. So I decided to post it on this blog. That way, if someone reads it, I have let them know. If NO ONE reads it, well, I've done my part.
I'm going to be writing my Fountain Colorado story. I started once, but didn't feel like it was going in the direction that I wanted it to. So I am going to just write. I am not going to edit. I am not going to second guess myself. I am just going to write it all out and see what happens. A lot of people who participate say that you usually don't end up using what you've written, so there is no pressure to make it the best. But I have to get the story out of my head and then I can edit, rewrite or even start over if I have to.
So today is Saturday the 29th of October. In two days from now I will start on what will probably be the longest month of my life. I may be crazy during this month, I may not even post on this blog again during the month, but when I am finished my goal is to have ignited the spark that I need.
Wish me luck! I will probably need it.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Birthdays
Well I missed posting yesterday, but that was only because I was celebrating my best friends birthday with her until late at night. We had a great time. The day started early and behind schedule, but ended with a BBQ with family and friends.
Birthdays for me are milestones. Each year they come, no matter what you try to do to stop it. They come at the same time each year with exactly one year between those milestones. Everyone has milestones in their lives, but for me birthdays are the biggest. Holidays can pass, family members birthdays can pass and even friends birthdays can pass without stopping and reflecting on my own life, because it isn't about me. But when it comes to my birthday...its time to pull out the memories of the last year and see where I am at.
For the past several years, it seems that my birthday has always come with dread. I'm another year older. I'm not any further in my writing career, or making anymore money with my business. I'm still in debt. My kids are growing up too fast. And many more I don't need to list. It's depressing, especially the year older part. Blah!
But this year was different. I still turned another year older, but I wasn't depressed. Yes all those things above are about the same, in fact in a few days I will have my oldest daughter graduating from high school. Wow! And then she will be going off to college. I will miss her a lot. I love our relationship. So if nothing else, another year older meant more depressing things happening in my life.
But I feel different. There is one thing that is different in my life. Instead of being in the exact same place, year after year, I feel like I have taken a step forward. It's not a huge step and unfortunately it comes with some sorrows, but it's forward. And isn't that the point. Who wants to go backwards.
So I think from now on I will have a different perspective when it comes to birthdays. I don't have to be rich, or even sell a million copies of my book, as long as I am taking at least one step forward. That will make me happy.
So, to my best friend Alane, Happy Birthday! Keep taking those steps and moving foward. Day by day, step by step, happiness will come!
Birthdays for me are milestones. Each year they come, no matter what you try to do to stop it. They come at the same time each year with exactly one year between those milestones. Everyone has milestones in their lives, but for me birthdays are the biggest. Holidays can pass, family members birthdays can pass and even friends birthdays can pass without stopping and reflecting on my own life, because it isn't about me. But when it comes to my birthday...its time to pull out the memories of the last year and see where I am at.
For the past several years, it seems that my birthday has always come with dread. I'm another year older. I'm not any further in my writing career, or making anymore money with my business. I'm still in debt. My kids are growing up too fast. And many more I don't need to list. It's depressing, especially the year older part. Blah!
But this year was different. I still turned another year older, but I wasn't depressed. Yes all those things above are about the same, in fact in a few days I will have my oldest daughter graduating from high school. Wow! And then she will be going off to college. I will miss her a lot. I love our relationship. So if nothing else, another year older meant more depressing things happening in my life.
But I feel different. There is one thing that is different in my life. Instead of being in the exact same place, year after year, I feel like I have taken a step forward. It's not a huge step and unfortunately it comes with some sorrows, but it's forward. And isn't that the point. Who wants to go backwards.
So I think from now on I will have a different perspective when it comes to birthdays. I don't have to be rich, or even sell a million copies of my book, as long as I am taking at least one step forward. That will make me happy.
So, to my best friend Alane, Happy Birthday! Keep taking those steps and moving foward. Day by day, step by step, happiness will come!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Check Up
So...last night I signed off to clean up the area by my desk, which leads to my closet. And the day before I was talking about doing something that I like doing and that meant writing in my blog everyday.
I cleared out the area right in front of my closet. I still can't shut the closet door, but that is because I have a stack of research sitting in front of it. But you can't imagine how good I felt after taking 10 minutes to clear out that area of clutter by my closet. I felt relaxed. I felt good. I decided that the next thing I am going to tackle is my headboard. I read mostly off of my nook now, so all the books on my headboard don't need to be there. I can't wait to clean that area.
Tonight, after a long day, I was sitting on my bed going through magazines that had been sitting on my desk. I was looking for recipes for grilling and came across a page that talked about blogs. That's when it hit me...I hadn't written in my blog tonight. So it didn't matter that I had just turned off my computer, I knew that I needed to write in my blog.
I decided it was a good time to check in. It's been two days...am I happier? Obviously it is too early to answer that questions, but I have had a few good days. My closet only took me 10 minutes and writing each night takes less than 10 minutes, overall I feel better with those small steps.
I think I'm moving in the right direction. It may be little steps, but isn't that how most things start? Isn't that how habits are formed? So I think if I can continue to do these little things...cleaning up an area each night, writing in my blog, then I am making progress. I will feel better about life. And I will be happier.
I cleared out the area right in front of my closet. I still can't shut the closet door, but that is because I have a stack of research sitting in front of it. But you can't imagine how good I felt after taking 10 minutes to clear out that area of clutter by my closet. I felt relaxed. I felt good. I decided that the next thing I am going to tackle is my headboard. I read mostly off of my nook now, so all the books on my headboard don't need to be there. I can't wait to clean that area.
Tonight, after a long day, I was sitting on my bed going through magazines that had been sitting on my desk. I was looking for recipes for grilling and came across a page that talked about blogs. That's when it hit me...I hadn't written in my blog tonight. So it didn't matter that I had just turned off my computer, I knew that I needed to write in my blog.
I decided it was a good time to check in. It's been two days...am I happier? Obviously it is too early to answer that questions, but I have had a few good days. My closet only took me 10 minutes and writing each night takes less than 10 minutes, overall I feel better with those small steps.
I think I'm moving in the right direction. It may be little steps, but isn't that how most things start? Isn't that how habits are formed? So I think if I can continue to do these little things...cleaning up an area each night, writing in my blog, then I am making progress. I will feel better about life. And I will be happier.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Clutter
So I was thinking about things that prevent me from writing and CLUTTER is one of those things. I have clutter everywhere I look. There is clutter on my desk, although that is cleaned off regularly because I need the space to write. I have clutter by the side of my desk that spills out from the closet. In fact, I usually try to shut the closet to keep the clutter in, until it gets to the point that I can't even shut the door. Speaking of closet, it's full of things I don't wear, don't use, but feel I have to keep. Adding to the cluttering mess.
Are you one of those people that has a list of things you NEED to do before you can do the things you WANT to do? Unfortunately for me, that's why writing always gets pushed to the back burner. Because I have a list of things I NEED to do and it usually takes me so long, that by the time I've done those, the day is over and I have to start again tomorrow.
I'm going to refer to "The Happiness Project" for a few days, at least until I finish reading it. Clutter comes up in her book very early and mentioned several times. Clutter is distracting. It's meant to side track me from the tasks that I really need to accomplish. So when it comes down to it, clutter is the reason why I procrastinate.
So what's the solution? Well, when it comes to writing, the solution is to clean up my writing area so when I sit down to write, I'm not side tracked by anything but writing.
My writing desk is in my bedroom. I'm surrounded by things that I love. Pictures of family and friends, knick knacks, accomplishments and a lot of relaxing things like pictures of the ocean and dolphins. I set it up this way so that when I sit down to write, I could relax. But with the clutter around, I am easily side tracked.
So step one - clean up the clutter! Sounds easy...maybe. The reality is that I have way too much stuff and its time to downsize. Holding on to things could be a whole other subject, but for now, I'm going to sign off and look at what I can get rid of.
Wish me luck!
Are you one of those people that has a list of things you NEED to do before you can do the things you WANT to do? Unfortunately for me, that's why writing always gets pushed to the back burner. Because I have a list of things I NEED to do and it usually takes me so long, that by the time I've done those, the day is over and I have to start again tomorrow.
I'm going to refer to "The Happiness Project" for a few days, at least until I finish reading it. Clutter comes up in her book very early and mentioned several times. Clutter is distracting. It's meant to side track me from the tasks that I really need to accomplish. So when it comes down to it, clutter is the reason why I procrastinate.
So what's the solution? Well, when it comes to writing, the solution is to clean up my writing area so when I sit down to write, I'm not side tracked by anything but writing.
My writing desk is in my bedroom. I'm surrounded by things that I love. Pictures of family and friends, knick knacks, accomplishments and a lot of relaxing things like pictures of the ocean and dolphins. I set it up this way so that when I sit down to write, I could relax. But with the clutter around, I am easily side tracked.
So step one - clean up the clutter! Sounds easy...maybe. The reality is that I have way too much stuff and its time to downsize. Holding on to things could be a whole other subject, but for now, I'm going to sign off and look at what I can get rid of.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Creativity & Happiness
So I haven't written for a while and I got to thinking that maybe I didn't have anything to say, so why write? But last night as I was reading "The Happiness Project," I realized that this blog is more for me than anything else.
I was thinking about things that inspire me, or get my creative mind going. Needless to say, TV, movies and books inspire me. I'm not trying to steal idea's from these things, but there are different aspects of each of these that get my creative mind going.
So I'm reading "The Happiness Project" and I realize my creativity is based on happiness. When times are tough, I am stressed, I don't get a lot of sleep or I worry about money and my creativity is almost nonexsistent. When there is no creativity going on, I get frustrated and my writing suffers. So I started thinking about why the creativity goes up and down and realized it is all related to Happiness.
When I'm writing, I'm happy.
When I'm paying bills, I'm not happy.
When I'm using my imagination, I'm happy.
When I am tired and didn't sleep well, I'm not happy.
So what it comes down to, is that I can't control the unexpected, stressful things, but I can focus on the things that make me happy.
When I was reading the book the other night, there was one part where she said to look back at the things I liked as a kid, when life was really fun. Telling stories and using my imagination is what I spent most of my childhood doing. My mom can probably attest to the fact that she was a worried sometimes when I would rather have played by myself then go to a friends house. And several of my friends can probably attest to the weird games that I made them play on the trampoline that were part of my imagination. But I was happy.
I guess the point of this post is just to say, I am happy when I am creative. I like writing, it brings out my creativity. It lets my mind wander back to those fun, innocent times that I enjoyed. So needless to say, I am going to write on this blog at least five times a week, because it's what I like to do. The real problem may be finding things to write about.
So until next time...
I was thinking about things that inspire me, or get my creative mind going. Needless to say, TV, movies and books inspire me. I'm not trying to steal idea's from these things, but there are different aspects of each of these that get my creative mind going.
So I'm reading "The Happiness Project" and I realize my creativity is based on happiness. When times are tough, I am stressed, I don't get a lot of sleep or I worry about money and my creativity is almost nonexsistent. When there is no creativity going on, I get frustrated and my writing suffers. So I started thinking about why the creativity goes up and down and realized it is all related to Happiness.
When I'm writing, I'm happy.
When I'm paying bills, I'm not happy.
When I'm using my imagination, I'm happy.
When I am tired and didn't sleep well, I'm not happy.
So what it comes down to, is that I can't control the unexpected, stressful things, but I can focus on the things that make me happy.
When I was reading the book the other night, there was one part where she said to look back at the things I liked as a kid, when life was really fun. Telling stories and using my imagination is what I spent most of my childhood doing. My mom can probably attest to the fact that she was a worried sometimes when I would rather have played by myself then go to a friends house. And several of my friends can probably attest to the weird games that I made them play on the trampoline that were part of my imagination. But I was happy.
I guess the point of this post is just to say, I am happy when I am creative. I like writing, it brings out my creativity. It lets my mind wander back to those fun, innocent times that I enjoyed. So needless to say, I am going to write on this blog at least five times a week, because it's what I like to do. The real problem may be finding things to write about.
So until next time...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Motivation
I've been thinking the past few days about what motivates me? I realize that it depends on the day, how my day is going and what I am trying to do.
Sometimes people will ask me, "Why don't you like to run/walk/exercise?" I could think of a lot of random answers. My favorite one is about my grandmother. In her later years while sitting in her wheelchair at the nursing home she would talk about all the times that her and grandpa would go walking. I remembered those times. In the summer when I stayed with them, they would get up at 6 am and go walking. Most of the time I had to go with them. Grandpa would wake us up by threatening, and sometimes following through, with throwing water on us if we didn't get up. So we got up quickly and head out on a walk. Grandmother would later say, "that's why her feet don't work anymore. She used all her allowed steps and there are none left." So why use up all my steps now, maybe I should save some for later.
But my brother Lex, not only runs for exercise, but for fun too. Can you imagine?! He actually pays people to run to. He has travelled around the country participating in marathons, races of all kinds. Why? Why would he do this? What motivates him? If someone offered to pay me to run...well it would have to be a lot of money. Even that wouldn't be enough to motivate me.
So here I am, asking you, my followers. What motivates you? Why? Comment please. I want to know what motivates people. Are you like me and it depends on the day, the mood and what your trying to do? Or do you wake up everyday motivated to do something?
My son has been putting off doing his 10 page homework assignment that is due Thursday...or Friday. Anyway, he started tonight. He had to write a poem. It kind of relates to motivation by asking the question Why?
Why?
"Why?" I asked.
Why is the sky blue?
Why does grass grow?
Why do I have hair?
I would always ask myself these questions.
Every single day I would think of them.
Will I ever find the answer to my questions?
I could not stop thinking about them.
Does anyone know the answer to the questions I asked?
Will I ever find the real truth?
I went on and on trying to figure out what they meant.
I could not stop thinking about them.
Why do I ask questions?
Why do I feel emotions?
Why is food so good?
Why is the White House white?
Why do I even bother finding the answer?
Maybe the answer will pop in my head one day.
Maybe I will never know.
I could not stop thinking about them?
By Tyson Pace, 15
I seriously wonder why I am a procrastinator and can't figure out what motivates me so I don't procrastinate. So tell me again followers - - - What Motivates You?
Sometimes people will ask me, "Why don't you like to run/walk/exercise?" I could think of a lot of random answers. My favorite one is about my grandmother. In her later years while sitting in her wheelchair at the nursing home she would talk about all the times that her and grandpa would go walking. I remembered those times. In the summer when I stayed with them, they would get up at 6 am and go walking. Most of the time I had to go with them. Grandpa would wake us up by threatening, and sometimes following through, with throwing water on us if we didn't get up. So we got up quickly and head out on a walk. Grandmother would later say, "that's why her feet don't work anymore. She used all her allowed steps and there are none left." So why use up all my steps now, maybe I should save some for later.
But my brother Lex, not only runs for exercise, but for fun too. Can you imagine?! He actually pays people to run to. He has travelled around the country participating in marathons, races of all kinds. Why? Why would he do this? What motivates him? If someone offered to pay me to run...well it would have to be a lot of money. Even that wouldn't be enough to motivate me.
So here I am, asking you, my followers. What motivates you? Why? Comment please. I want to know what motivates people. Are you like me and it depends on the day, the mood and what your trying to do? Or do you wake up everyday motivated to do something?
My son has been putting off doing his 10 page homework assignment that is due Thursday...or Friday. Anyway, he started tonight. He had to write a poem. It kind of relates to motivation by asking the question Why?
Why?
"Why?" I asked.
Why is the sky blue?
Why does grass grow?
Why do I have hair?
I would always ask myself these questions.
Every single day I would think of them.
Will I ever find the answer to my questions?
I could not stop thinking about them.
Does anyone know the answer to the questions I asked?
Will I ever find the real truth?
I went on and on trying to figure out what they meant.
I could not stop thinking about them.
Why do I ask questions?
Why do I feel emotions?
Why is food so good?
Why is the White House white?
Why do I even bother finding the answer?
Maybe the answer will pop in my head one day.
Maybe I will never know.
I could not stop thinking about them?
By Tyson Pace, 15
I seriously wonder why I am a procrastinator and can't figure out what motivates me so I don't procrastinate. So tell me again followers - - - What Motivates You?
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