Our house sold and we’re settled into our new apartment. Praise the Lord! Can you see I’m doing a happy dance? Envision me twirling in my chair while I try to compose this blog.
The main reason for my exuberant jig – all the tribulations (i.e. gas flow problems, heater not working, fence, curb appeal, etc.) are behind us and the closing papers are signed, sealed and delivered.
But, what does selling my home and relocating have to do with my writing career? In one word: PLENTY!!!!
There are three things I learned through this harrowing experience:
#1 - PREPARATION:
Before you put your home on the market, make sure the whole place is ready for sale. Yes, I staged the inside of my home and it touted gorgeous when you opened the front door. But, when you drove up, shabby best described the exterior. To sell our home, we needed to spruce up the outside, as well.
With our writing, it’s the same. Are the submissions we send through the mail without smudges and smears? Does the ‘inside’ of our manuscript flaunt a dazzling piece of work or one with typos? And, still needing a few touch-ups?
#2 – PERSEVERANCE:
The perspective buyers brought in an inspector to check out our home. Afterward, we got his report. Soon a series of repairmen tromped through our abode in a three week period of time to fix the problems he noted. The deadline loomed and it seemed we wouldn’t make it. But, with the Lord’s help and diligence on our part and those helping us, everything worked out and we closed on schedule.
Writing takes perseverance too. First, we have to write the piece, which takes a lot of determination on some days. Next, our critique partners peruse what we’ve written. Sometimes they will stomp all over our ideas. Suggest ways to make our work shine. We must follow through on their comments—clear to the finish line. Not give up and want to quit. We MUST make our manuscript, poem, or short story the best thing ever put on a page.
#3 – PATIENCE:
Refer back up to #2 – The countless repairmen stepped on our last nerve a few times (HA!) when we had to wait for them. Or they didn’t call. I loved the ones who didn’t show up when they said they would. But, R. and I didn’t give up. We knew patience would be the key to the success of this house deal getting finished on time. Even though the job got done at the eleventh and a half hour – the Lord blessed us with outstanding workers who schlepped through mud (and hot attics) to get it done on time.
Writing also takes patience. As writers, we have to wait and wait and wait some more. Oh, did I mention we have to WAIT. Then a rejection comes. Our last nerve isn’t just stepped on; it’s screaming UNCLE. We begin the process of finding another place to submit—certain success is right around the corner.
People, if patience isn't our friend, irritation will become our constant companion. Remember, the Lord called us to write His words – He never said if and when they’d be published. Patience is the answer.
Preparation, Perseverance, Patience
Three P’s to move us in the right (write) direction.
Happy writing,
nettie
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
MR. MURPHY STAYED HOME
That's right. Murphy's Law stayed away from the conference. YEAH!! And, since he left me alone, I could pitch my ideas, ponder the teaching I received in each class I attended, and just plain enjoy myself.
Now before I tell you about my wonderful experience—I’m going to toot American Christian Fiction Writers horn for a moment. People, the team at ACFW knows how to put on a conference.
From the time I arrived at the Marriott at 6:15 Thursday morning for the Early Bird session to when R. picked me up Sunday morning, countless volunteers helped me navigate my way. Oh, how I appreciated their assistance. Trust me, when I had that deer in the headlight look a couple of times—someone came up (with a smile) and showed me where I needed to go.
But, I didn’t need anyone to direct my path to the Early Bird session. Hoards of people (over 300) milled around waiting to hear Donald Maass. His class on Writing the Breakout Novel was fast-paced and a jaw dropping extravaganza and I have twelve pages of notes (typed and single-space) to prove it.
If the conference had ended after his session, I would have said I got my money’s worth. But, ACFW wasn’t done. Internationally acclaimed author Debbie Macomber graced the stage and she too brought the house down (3 different times). What a great sense of humor.
Her teaching on setting goals told me to “THINK BIG". Another of her gems, “Treat your writing as a business. When you get paid, invest the money back into your writing (conferences, computer, etc.). Don’t buy new cars or other material things.” She went on to say, “This built a strong foundation for me to continue my writing.”
Debbie, I’d say with over 150 novels published, you’re on pretty solid ground. Amazing!!!
And, since I’m on a roll, I’ll brag about another outstanding speaker I heard at the conference—Deb Raney. I took her class on Ideas and Inspiration. She gave me (us) a list of where to find ideas. I will never read a newspaper, look at a grocery list, or business card the same again. Thanks, Deb, for sparking my imagination.
Now it’s time for my editor and agent meetings. Thankfully, no one fell down in front of them to distract them this time (which I’m very glad). But, I knew before I sat down that my Historical Romance wasn’t ready for publication.
I pitched my novel, explaining that after the Donald Maass class my novel screamed for deeper scenes. More peril. The look on their faces told me I wasn’t the first person to mention this fact. The great news—the agent said to send it to him when I’m finished polishing off the rough edges.
Guess I’ve rambled on long enough about the great time I had. Anyway, I need to get busy and put some sizzle into Abigail and Noah’s budding romance. Maybe dangle one of them over a cliff. Do something with them to make them sing. Now where did I put those stupid notes? Mr. Murphy, you need to leave me alone.
Love ya,
nettie
PS: Oh, I almost forgot – Debbie Macomber mentioned she’s a huge Barry Manilow fan and she said he’s very nice, too. Yoo Hoo!! Be still my heart.
Now before I tell you about my wonderful experience—I’m going to toot American Christian Fiction Writers horn for a moment. People, the team at ACFW knows how to put on a conference.
From the time I arrived at the Marriott at 6:15 Thursday morning for the Early Bird session to when R. picked me up Sunday morning, countless volunteers helped me navigate my way. Oh, how I appreciated their assistance. Trust me, when I had that deer in the headlight look a couple of times—someone came up (with a smile) and showed me where I needed to go.
But, I didn’t need anyone to direct my path to the Early Bird session. Hoards of people (over 300) milled around waiting to hear Donald Maass. His class on Writing the Breakout Novel was fast-paced and a jaw dropping extravaganza and I have twelve pages of notes (typed and single-space) to prove it.
If the conference had ended after his session, I would have said I got my money’s worth. But, ACFW wasn’t done. Internationally acclaimed author Debbie Macomber graced the stage and she too brought the house down (3 different times). What a great sense of humor.
Her teaching on setting goals told me to “THINK BIG". Another of her gems, “Treat your writing as a business. When you get paid, invest the money back into your writing (conferences, computer, etc.). Don’t buy new cars or other material things.” She went on to say, “This built a strong foundation for me to continue my writing.”
Debbie, I’d say with over 150 novels published, you’re on pretty solid ground. Amazing!!!
And, since I’m on a roll, I’ll brag about another outstanding speaker I heard at the conference—Deb Raney. I took her class on Ideas and Inspiration. She gave me (us) a list of where to find ideas. I will never read a newspaper, look at a grocery list, or business card the same again. Thanks, Deb, for sparking my imagination.
Now it’s time for my editor and agent meetings. Thankfully, no one fell down in front of them to distract them this time (which I’m very glad). But, I knew before I sat down that my Historical Romance wasn’t ready for publication.
I pitched my novel, explaining that after the Donald Maass class my novel screamed for deeper scenes. More peril. The look on their faces told me I wasn’t the first person to mention this fact. The great news—the agent said to send it to him when I’m finished polishing off the rough edges.
Guess I’ve rambled on long enough about the great time I had. Anyway, I need to get busy and put some sizzle into Abigail and Noah’s budding romance. Maybe dangle one of them over a cliff. Do something with them to make them sing. Now where did I put those stupid notes? Mr. Murphy, you need to leave me alone.
Love ya,
nettie
PS: Oh, I almost forgot – Debbie Macomber mentioned she’s a huge Barry Manilow fan and she said he’s very nice, too. Yoo Hoo!! Be still my heart.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
ENCOUNTER(S) WITH MURPHY'S LAW
Next week I’m heading to the ACFW Conference in Denver. My hope and prayer this year is that Murphy’s Law keeps away from me. His shenanigans the last time he made an appearance almost made me swear off ever going to another conference.
Most of you are familiar with Murphy’s Law, but for those of you who aren’t, let me tell you how he works. Mr. Murphy (what I like to call him since we’re so close) sneaks in at the most inopportune times and wrecks havoc in a person’s life. Or, in my case, my very FIRST writer’s conference (and it wasn’t ACFW).
If you can spare a few minutes I’d love to tell you about the encounter(s) Mr. Murphy and I had over those three days. And, I’d like to add a little spice—instead of Letterman’s Top 10—today I’m featuring:
Nettie’s Top 5 List:
Number 5: You go to your first appointment with a publisher (which you signed up for weeks in advance and did your research). You give your spiel. The young woman says, after only five minutes, that they don’t take devotionals. As you get up--you wonder why she didn’t stop you after thirty seconds, but instead of asking, you give her your best smile and walk away. Certain the conference will get better.
Number 4: Between classes, you go to the auditorium to familiarize yourself with where you’re meeting an agent later in the day. To make sure, you ask an official looking person with a badge on. Their LOUD response almost curls your hair. “You need to get to your next class.” (Someone’s not having a very good day, are they?).
You’re aware Mr. Murphy has arrived, but still hold out hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Number 3: You’re sitting at one of the round tables eating breakfast. There’s lots of talking and laughing going on and a variety of subjects are discussed. Never does anyone mention to you (a newbie) who you’re sharing the meal with. Since you’re one to always entertain, you mention you’re a HUGE Elvis and Barry Manilow fan, telling them your most embarrassing moment concerning Elvis and Jesus. Laughter fills the cafeteria. At the end of the meal you find out you’ve been sitting with a publisher from Bethany House and the woman on your right, is a multi-published author. So much for wanting anything you’ve ever written.
And, I’m not speaking to Mr. Murphy at this time.
Number 2: You and three friends decide to go to town for pizza (what does this have to do with a writer’s conference—not a thing, but I know Murphy was responsible). As you’re leaving the grounds, one of the ladies sees a wolf, or two or three. You’ve never been up close and personal with a wolf in all your years in Colorado, but you feel certain you are safe behind the closed doors of the rented Ford, but your friend begins to hyperventilate and just stares out the rear window. She tells us she’s making sure they aren’t following us into town. You decide that’s a good thing.
Drum roll, please!!!!
NUMBER 1: You go back to the auditorium to meet with the agent. Your eyes catch sight of a commotion going on in front of her. You sit down to chat and she tells you what happened. An older gentleman fell and was now sitting on the floor. She went on to say they didn’t want to move him because of his advanced age. He could have broken something. The man continues to sit there while you try to talk to the agent, but she’s paying more attention to him than what you have to say. Guess my work in progress isn’t the BIG news of the afternoon. Hey, maybe I should have sat down next to the older gentleman—might have gotten the agent’s attention.
So, people, I’m off to ACFW, and can’t wait to see what’s going to happen. I just hope Mr. Murphy misses the plane I’m taking to Denver. I don’t think my writing career could take another one of his encounter(s).
Love,
nettie
Most of you are familiar with Murphy’s Law, but for those of you who aren’t, let me tell you how he works. Mr. Murphy (what I like to call him since we’re so close) sneaks in at the most inopportune times and wrecks havoc in a person’s life. Or, in my case, my very FIRST writer’s conference (and it wasn’t ACFW).
If you can spare a few minutes I’d love to tell you about the encounter(s) Mr. Murphy and I had over those three days. And, I’d like to add a little spice—instead of Letterman’s Top 10—today I’m featuring:
Nettie’s Top 5 List:
Number 5: You go to your first appointment with a publisher (which you signed up for weeks in advance and did your research). You give your spiel. The young woman says, after only five minutes, that they don’t take devotionals. As you get up--you wonder why she didn’t stop you after thirty seconds, but instead of asking, you give her your best smile and walk away. Certain the conference will get better.
Number 4: Between classes, you go to the auditorium to familiarize yourself with where you’re meeting an agent later in the day. To make sure, you ask an official looking person with a badge on. Their LOUD response almost curls your hair. “You need to get to your next class.” (Someone’s not having a very good day, are they?).
You’re aware Mr. Murphy has arrived, but still hold out hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Number 3: You’re sitting at one of the round tables eating breakfast. There’s lots of talking and laughing going on and a variety of subjects are discussed. Never does anyone mention to you (a newbie) who you’re sharing the meal with. Since you’re one to always entertain, you mention you’re a HUGE Elvis and Barry Manilow fan, telling them your most embarrassing moment concerning Elvis and Jesus. Laughter fills the cafeteria. At the end of the meal you find out you’ve been sitting with a publisher from Bethany House and the woman on your right, is a multi-published author. So much for wanting anything you’ve ever written.
And, I’m not speaking to Mr. Murphy at this time.
Number 2: You and three friends decide to go to town for pizza (what does this have to do with a writer’s conference—not a thing, but I know Murphy was responsible). As you’re leaving the grounds, one of the ladies sees a wolf, or two or three. You’ve never been up close and personal with a wolf in all your years in Colorado, but you feel certain you are safe behind the closed doors of the rented Ford, but your friend begins to hyperventilate and just stares out the rear window. She tells us she’s making sure they aren’t following us into town. You decide that’s a good thing.
Drum roll, please!!!!
NUMBER 1: You go back to the auditorium to meet with the agent. Your eyes catch sight of a commotion going on in front of her. You sit down to chat and she tells you what happened. An older gentleman fell and was now sitting on the floor. She went on to say they didn’t want to move him because of his advanced age. He could have broken something. The man continues to sit there while you try to talk to the agent, but she’s paying more attention to him than what you have to say. Guess my work in progress isn’t the BIG news of the afternoon. Hey, maybe I should have sat down next to the older gentleman—might have gotten the agent’s attention.
So, people, I’m off to ACFW, and can’t wait to see what’s going to happen. I just hope Mr. Murphy misses the plane I’m taking to Denver. I don’t think my writing career could take another one of his encounter(s).
Love,
nettie
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Seeking Submissions
Hey all! Last minute call for memoirs, personal essays or creative non-fiction...
Hi,
I'm with a personal history service called Memoirs Ink. We have a Memoir writing contest on our website and I was wondering if you could post it on your site. I was very impressed with your website and what you guys stand for. I think a lot of the people who visit your website might be interested in memoir writing and as well as personal history. Please let me know if you can announce the contest on your site. Details can be found below. Thank you!
Memoirs Ink Annual Personal Essay Contest
We’re looking for memoirs, personal essays, or creative non-fiction stories on any topic. 3000 words max. Prizes: $1000, $500, $250 + publication. Deadline: August 15, 2009 postmark. Late deadline: August 31, 2009 postmark. Full guidelines here: www.memoirsink.com/contests .
Jaela Austen
Contests
Hi,
I'm with a personal history service called Memoirs Ink. We have a Memoir writing contest on our website and I was wondering if you could post it on your site. I was very impressed with your website and what you guys stand for. I think a lot of the people who visit your website might be interested in memoir writing and as well as personal history. Please let me know if you can announce the contest on your site. Details can be found below. Thank you!
Memoirs Ink Annual Personal Essay Contest
We’re looking for memoirs, personal essays, or creative non-fiction stories on any topic. 3000 words max. Prizes: $1000, $500, $250 + publication. Deadline: August 15, 2009 postmark. Late deadline: August 31, 2009 postmark. Full guidelines here: www.memoirsink.com/contests
Jaela Austen
Contests
Sunday, August 9, 2009
How do you write?
How do you write?
That’s a question often asked of a writer. Do you plot
? Are you an intuitive writer (AKA seat-of-the-pants writer)?
Do you do a rushed first draft to get it all down? Do you outline first and then write? Do you edit as you write? Or do you wait until you’re finished with the story to start the edits?
So many questions, and there are as many answers as there are writers.
I recently ran across an article about F. Scott Fitzgerald, or more accurately, his secretary. It’s a sweet, well-written article about a literary icon and his last secretary. The article discusses Fitzgerald's creative style. Take a look and enjoy The typist's tale of 'Last Tycoon.'
Sunday, August 2, 2009
VOICES
Most of you know I’ve been a blogging fool for the past few months. What fun I’ve had sharing our adventures with my family and friends. But the real thrill for me came when I received the comments from my faithful followers.
The feedback on my BACK EAST BLOGLOG verified in my heart the reason WHY I write - I love to make people LAUGH and help them forget their troubles, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
In the almost six years since I started writing, I’ve taken many different roads to achieve publishdom and it always felt like I tried to fit a square peg into a round hole. But, not anymore. COMEDY is the gift the Lord gave me to use to touch others. I believe this one fits me like a glove.
So, my advice to any writer who's struggling with what your calling is - do something different. Hey, maybe try a blog. What do you have to lose? Remember, glowing comments on mine helped me find my true voice. You never know, writing one of your own might change your writing life, too.
Well, I got to run ‘cause I have to start packing. We’ll be on the road again soon and this time R. and I (and the ‘kids’) are heading to Texas. YIPPEE!!! I can’t wait to get back to the heat. HA!!!
Love ya,
nettie
The feedback on my BACK EAST BLOGLOG verified in my heart the reason WHY I write - I love to make people LAUGH and help them forget their troubles, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
In the almost six years since I started writing, I’ve taken many different roads to achieve publishdom and it always felt like I tried to fit a square peg into a round hole. But, not anymore. COMEDY is the gift the Lord gave me to use to touch others. I believe this one fits me like a glove.
So, my advice to any writer who's struggling with what your calling is - do something different. Hey, maybe try a blog. What do you have to lose? Remember, glowing comments on mine helped me find my true voice. You never know, writing one of your own might change your writing life, too.
Well, I got to run ‘cause I have to start packing. We’ll be on the road again soon and this time R. and I (and the ‘kids’) are heading to Texas. YIPPEE!!! I can’t wait to get back to the heat. HA!!!
Love ya,
nettie
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Ideas -- they're in the air!
As a writer where do you come up with ideas? If you ask a seasoned writer, they’ll tell you that ideas are in the air.
Ideas are all around you. All you have to do is be observant. If you write fiction, look at the people around you, what quirks make you think, “What if that girl with the blue hair and nose ring was a closet Young Republican . . .?”
What about the man in the grocery store, racing with his clunky cart down the aisle as if he’s playing chicken with oncoming shoppers? Why is he in such a hurry? All it takes is a germ of an idea to settle into a writer’s brain before they’re off and dreaming.
Don’t despair if you see someone else chasing the same idea. No two writers will create the same story, and ideas are not copyrightable. Your execution of an idea is what makes it unique.
And what about non-fiction writers? From where does their inspiration come? The answer is the same, from life.
Be attentive to the people you come into contact with. Ask questions. For example, I once visited a library that had a display of Hopalong Cassidy memorabilia. I contacted the man who owned the display and requested an interview. By focusing on different aspects of his collection and his passion for Hopalong Cassidy lunch boxes and paperback books, I was able to tweak the material and sell the article to two different markets.
What thrills you lately? What annoys you lately? Both of those topics are fodder for an article, short story, or novel. Open your eyes, remove your earphones, breath in the fragrance of the season, and write what you sense.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
