Are You Aware?

Writers, by their very nature, tend to be observant people. This is a good thing. But even the best of us has a tendency to miss important things--the kind that are glaringly obvious once someone points them out to us. Take a minute (literally, just one)to test your awareness level.



What very important things are you missing lately? Be it in your personal lives, the lives of your children, spouse, or other loved ones, or in your creative endeavors (like writing or work), the things you're missing might just be the key to reaching your goals.

Think about it.


**Check out my review of Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison today!**

Personal Rainbows

We all know where rainbows come from, don’t we? Water + sun=…well, yeah. Usually, you have to wait through a whole lot of rain to see a rainbow. Every once in a while you’ll see a small, light-colored rainbow after a little storm, but usually you only find the brightest rainbows after the hardest storms.

Let’s consider the small successes the lighter rainbows. They still make you pause and take in the quiet beauty, still give you joy and make you smile. They’re there to shore you up and help you keep on the right path until you’re able to reach that bigger, brighter rainbow. You know the one—it has a treasure at the end of it. We all want that rainbow. And we know that in order to find it, we have to endure a pounding, torrential storm.

But when the storm actually hits, we tend to forget all about the rainbow, and instead focus on the rain. We run, we hide, we seek shelter. We do everything we can to avoid being drowned. Some people do drown. And some people run so far and so fast, that they never even see the small rainbows, because they’re too busy running from the rain. But those of us who are willing to stick it out, to huddle together and wait out the storm—we’re the ones who will find that giant rainbow someday.

And then there are the go-getters who aren’t willing to wait for the storm to come to us. Instead, we know exactly where to find our rainbow, and we go after it. Climb a mountain, swim through a lake, wade through a stream and under a waterfall where we again, almost drown. But if we can make it through, we’re guaranteed to see the most spectacular rainbow ever.

Whether we wait for the ginormous storm, or go to the effort to find a waterfall—the end result gives us the same amount of joy. And hopefully, a wealth of treasure, too.

Here’s hoping we all have the endurance needed to make it to our personal rainbows!

Quitter, Quitter, Quitter

Some days, I wonder why I ever decided to become a writer. What was I thinking? Oh wait, I know. I thought it would be easier. And probably that it would happen more quickly. And that my life would change dramatically.

Well, at least I was pretty close on that last one. My life has changed. Not in ways I ever expected, and most definitely not like I pictured, but it has definitely changed. And for the better even. So. That’s good.

But easy? Huh. Not on your life. Or in my life. Or anyone else’s either. It’s more like giving blood for a living. You go into the office, hold out your arm and tell the nurse, “Okay, hook me up.” (Ahem. The first time I gave blood—passed out cold for several minutes afterward. Have not given real blood since.)

And quick? Right. Since when has anything really, truly good happened fast? Patience is the story of my life. But I often find myself wondering if I should just give it up and go work at the gas station down the street. At least I’d have a ready supply of Dr. Pepper handy. (And chocolate. Black licorice. Gum. Yeah.)

Why do I bother? Why do I try so, so, so hard? Why do I torture myself, day after day after day?

Because I don’t know anything else. I don’t know how to quit this thing.

Because when it comes right down to it, I’m a writer through and through. And from the moment I first realized that, I’ve known deep, deep down in my innermost self that this is it for me. It’s who I am. And you can’t just stop being who you are. So. You keep going, because there’s no such thing as quitting when it comes to being who you are.

So I guess I’ll keep going. Even when it’s hard. And I’ll keep bleeding even when I want to pass out from the pressure (or lack of it). And I’ll keep writing, even when I think I suck.

When was the last time you felt like quitting? Did you try? What made you change your mind?

**Check out my review of Chocolate Roses by Joan Sowards and enter to win today!**

My Childhood Hero: Nancy Drew

When I was in grade school, I was a big fan of the Nancy Drew mystery series. I think I’ve already established that I was something of a bookworm, and I loved all books. But whenever I saved up enough babysitting money to take a trip to the bookstore in the mall, I always spent my money on Nancy Drew.

Looking back, I’m not sure why, because I don’t think it was the mysteries I loved, although I always liked solving a puzzle. I enjoyed the suspense and danger, but the thing I remember most about that particular series was the shy romance between Nancy and Ned. That’s what got me every time. (Mind you, I was young and books then weren’t what they are now. Now romance is better. Way better.)

You know what else? When I look deeper, I think Nancy kind of had a Boy Scout kind of thing going on. Seriously, the woman was always prepared. Right? She kept a change of clothes in her car—which was good, because she always needed them. And she always had her eyes open and noticed the little details that would clue her in about something that would later solve the big mystery better than the grown-up detectives. So, I liked that she, the kid, was solving the mystery by herself. When she needed information, she always knew exactly who to call or how to get it. So, yeah. That’s another thing I liked about her. Nancy Drew was a female version of a Boy Scout.

And yes, before you ask, I read some Hardy Boys as well. But there wasn’t much romance in those stories, so my heart remained loyal to Nancy and Ned.

The downside, though, was that I never felt like Nancy had any flaws. Everything about her seemed a little too perfect. She never did anything naughty or bad, and when she was with Ned, there didn’t really seem to be real temptation between them.

Correct me if I’m wrong. I haven’t read a Nancy Drew book for a long time.

This is just one more sign of how literature has changed in the past twenty or twenty-five years. What did you read as a kid and how does it differ from current popular books?

Being Braver

Recently I realized that hanging out with other writers—all in different stages of the quest for publication—makes me feel braver than I really am. Or than I think I am. Or something.

Associating with like-minded people builds my strength and confidence, before I even realize I need it.

It’s kind of like when you and your spouse—or best friend or a family member or whatever—eat dinner at a new and exciting restaurant. Or when you decide to visit a new vacation destination. Or when you attempt to learn a new skill. Having the support of someone else who is sharing a similar experience gives you a boost in confidence, or courage, or…something. Anyway, you find yourself doing things you never would have believed yourself capable, or brave enough to do.

Have you found this to be true in life? What new brave things have you tried lately? Discuss.

Judging Personal Success: A Thought

Thought of the week:

Never judge your own success on the reactions of other people.

I’ve been known to do this, and it’s something I’m working on. I’m getting better. Not perfect, it’ll be a life-long quest. But it’s a goal toward which I’m aiming, that I know will play a large part in my personal happiness.

Do you have such a goal? I’d love to hear it.

Authentically Happy

Every week, I write a minimum of five blogs (3 here, Thursdays here, sometimes here and book reviews here). Often more. I read and critique pages and chapters for other people. I moderate a large group of authors and try to keep hot topics and discussions under control. I attend weekly critique sessions that last for several hours at a time. I read and review books written by authors who aren’t necessarily within my genre, because publicists or blog tour organizers ask. I organize writing activities and get-togethers to help foster a feeling of belonging within the writing community.

On top of all that, I somehow manage to take care of my family, taxi my kids around between a wide variety of sports and activities, spend time with my husband, and I almost never miss my monthly (or sometimes more often) night out with the girls.

And I write. Whenever I can, for as long as I’m able. Because I want to. Because even though I didn’t know it for a while, it’s what I was born to do. A hidden love I didn’t discover until my kids were all in school.

Someone once asked why I try to do so much. It made me think. Made me wonder, and ponder, and question.

Sometimes you do things because they make you happy, or because you love it. And maybe you don’t know how to not help others after a while.

Sometimes you do something because you know you should, even if you think you’ll never get anything out of it.

Sometimes you go out of your way to do something because it’s the right thing, even if it hurts.

Sometimes it’s about your contribution to the world. To the universe. To the higher power in which you put so much faith and belief.

And sometimes it just comes down to being who you are and living an authentic life that makes you happy.

Seriously? Happiness is the BESTEST! That’s why.

Jody the Waiter

You know on Monday how I mentioned eating at Mazza, the Middle Eastern restaurant next to TKE? So, we had this fantastic waiter named Jody. Not only was he totally cool when we told him we were, essentially, ditching out on our food to go listen to an author read, but he set it up so we could come back and have our food hot and ready when we came back an hour later. (Actually, we were an hour and a half.)

When we got back, the place was busy, but he still found us a new table, a bigger one that would accommodate four extra people. He even remembered what drinks we ordered, and brought us new ones as soon as we got there. The guy was awesome.

He had one of those memorable charismatic personalities that makes authors stand up and take notice. And there were six (possibly seven) authors at that table. Dude, Jody. I hope you know you’re totally going to end up as a character in at least one book. Maybe more.

Have you ever met someone like that? Someone so authentic and real that you just had to model a character after them? Or—if you’re not a writer—someone you remember for years, even though you only knew them for like an hour? What is it about that person that makes them so memorable? Is it the way they make you feel while you’re in their presence? Is it the way they look you in the eye when you talk? Or maybe it’s dependent on the situation itself?

If the circumstances were reversed, I wonder how Jody the waiter would remember me? Or us as a group. If you were going to end up in someone’s book, would you be the hero or the villain?

Food for thought. Happy Wednesday!

Writerly Adventures

Last week Ali invited me to go with her and Elana to The King’s English for the launch of Kimberly Griffiths Little’s newly released novel, The Healing Spell. TKE is an Indy bookstore in the Avenues of Salt Lake City crammed and jam-packed full of more books than you’ve ever seen in your life. It’s the hip and trendy place for launch parties. Just walk in sometime, and you can totally see why.

*sniffs the air*

Ahhh. Can you just smell the mixture of powdery paper and leather and all things bookish? It’s better than a library, although, more expensive because you have to buy your books.

So Elana, Ali and I were hungry and feeling adventurous, so before the launch we went to Mazza—a totally charming Middle Eastern place—to eat.

We didn’t recognize a single thing on the menu—except Dr. Pepper. They did have that, to my utter relief. Elana even Googled one of the items in question. Anyway, we each picked something and ordered, but our food kept not coming and not coming, and then we needed to go to the reading, so Ali flagged down our waiter, Jody, to see if we could pay and then come back to eat in an hour later. He very kindly sent us on our way. Without paying.

Dude. We already had our drinks, so this was very trusting on his part. (Thanks Jody!)

Anyway. When we came back, we brought Jenn, Sheralyn, Suzette, and Suzy’s son Asher with us, and ended up seated outside on the softly lit patio. Dusk fell around us as we ate and laughed, and strings of tiny white lights twinkled in the shrubs nearby. Elana discovered her first fan-boy in Jody the waiter—and Suzette even took a picture to prove it—and we spent the evening talking writing and books and families and life.

If I had been on a date, I’d have called the whole evening romantic.

What do you call an experience like that when it has nothing to do with the courting process and everything to do with having a great time hanging out with friends?

Doesn’t matter. It was fun, and I came away feeling refreshed, recharged, and grateful to my supportive writer friends. Without their help, I don’t know how I’d ever survive the crazy quest for publication.

From Utah to Virginia

If you were going to drive across the country from Utah to Virginia, which road would you take? What would you want to see the most? (Besides the "Virgins" I mentioned in Monday's post. Tee hee.)

I’m sure I’ll be telling you all about this opportunity in the coming months, but the short of it is my husband is going to do some specialized training in Quantico, VA, and because he’ll be there for an extended amount of time, he’s going to need a car.

This means he’s driving. And since he invited me(cuz, I don't know, I think he likes me or something), I’ve decided to drive with him, and then fly home. I love to travel, and this road trip is an opportunity to see parts of the country I’ve never visited.

So tell me. Which route will allow for the most impact in a few days? Help me out, here, friends. It's a given that I'll use what I see in my writing. And hey, maybe I’ll pick up some awesome blog giveaways while I’m at it.

Thoughts? Ideas?

A Sort-Of System

Have I ever mentioned that I write all my blog posts on the weekend? I got the idea from my friend Elana, who is the most organized writer I’ve ever met. Well, at least, the most organized writer who has been willing to tell me her secret.

So yeah. I schedule all my posts in advance. This is a handy-dandy thing, because it frees up the rest of my week—whatever writing time is available, anyway—to working on manuscripts or queries.

Sending out query letters takes a LOT of time. Oodles. Tons. If it doesn’t, you aren’t doing it right.

First, you have to perfect your pitch. Then you have to research all the agents you believe might be a good fit for you and your manuscript. This is a fairly long process, since it requires reading blogs, websites, social networking profiles, and anything else you can find about each and every agent.

After you’ve done your homework, you then use the information to personalize each letter, include the required amount of manuscript pages, and either click send or seal the envelope. (I don’t do snail mail very often. Too expensive.)

Times that by eight to ten every week, and you’re talking ten hours. Just for query letters.

*shrugs* I’m a glutton.

So. I write blogs on the weekends. I send queries during the week, and somehow manage to find time to write. Not much lately, but I do write. Because if I don’t, I won’t have anything else to query next year.

And also, there’s that writer thing. You know the one. That part of life where you know you don’t really need a therapist to deal with the voices in your head. You just need a notebook or computer, and after you give them their say they’ll leave you alone. For a while. And if they don’t, you just hurry and tell their story and THEN they leave you alone. Theoretically.

But I digress. The point is I like writing my blogs on the weekend, sending my queries during the week, and writing the rest of the time. I think I’ll stick with this system for now.

Do you have a time-saving trick? Some kind of social networking/blogging system that works well for you? Tell me about it.

A Week of Wonders

Wonder #1: Will she survive?

This was not my favorite thing that happened last week. It wasn’t me! It was my teenage son (yes, he’s fine). Neither of us will be driving her for a while, because, well, she’s in intensive care (it's worse than it looks). But a good friend reminded me she’s Ford Tough. Which is encouraging. Being that she’s American made, my baby can take it. I think. Either way, this week I seem to need therapy more than most others.

Wonder #2: What was Enterprise thinking?

Instead of my gorgeous Mustang, I’m driving this. It has manual windows and locks—who even makes those anymore? Why? It isn’t therapeutic to drive, but gets me from place to place, which is the point, I guess. Anyway, it goes.

Wonder #3: Why don’t I go to movies more often?

Taking my two youngest kids to see this was very therapeutic. I hear shirtless wolf-packs have a tendency to aid in healing a broken heart (you know, because my car is in critical condition and all). Vampires are also helpful from time to time. Just sayin.


Wonder #4: How to explain a child’s important question?

I laughed out loud in the movie during a certain scene in which Charlie and Bella are having an uncomfortable chat. This is what happened:

Mr. Monkey (9 years old): Mom, what’s a virgin?

Me: Uh…Um…

Him: Is that someone from Virginia?

Me: Uh, Yep. That’s right. Now watch the movie.

Him: Oh, that’s what I thought.

*wiping a bead of sweat from my brow* Crisis temporarily averted. More serious discussion plans are underway.


Wonder #5: How do we celebrate Independence Day and do it justice?

Eating brownies topped with home-made ice cream and strawberries, while sitting on the driveway watching the city fireworks show on our right, a really great neighborhood fireworks show (which, BTW was better than the one done by the city—someone with pyrotechnic training and a permit) on the left, and a whole slew of random really awesome fireworks not far away, while the kids use sparklers to light their own fireworks in the street.

Wonder #6: How did I get so lucky to live in this fantastic country?

Someone upstairs must be watching out for me, that’s for sure.

Happy birthday, America!

*singing* “Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave? O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

I Have the Freedom to Pursue My Dreams

When I was young, this song was one of my favorites. I used to sing it regularly, no matter the season. It's still one of my favorites, and never fails to bring me a sense of pride.

Happy Independence Day!

And a great big THANK YOU to the men and women of the armed forces who have made it possible for all of us to pursue our biggest dreams.

Winner of Chasing Twilight Trivia, Day 29

The question was:

Who is the evil vampire who is still alive and in Forks plotting against Bella at the end of New Moon / beginning of Eclipse?

 

 

The answer: Victoria

And the winner of the Team Edward Bracelet is:

Riv Re!

 

Congratulations! Riv Re, please email me at writenichole at gmail dot com so I can get that mailed out after the holiday weekend. 

What I Learned Last Week

1. Service = love. Start with family, then work your way out.

2. Sometimes the needs of others are more important than our personal needs. And sometimes they aren’t.

3. When something I’ve done makes a person smile on the outside, I feel all happy and smiley on the inside.

4. Be careful with your gadgets when going to the pool. Water+phone=BADBADBAD! (And to think I considered--for a short minute--taking my netbook!)

5. I am completely dependent on technology, and I’m really okay with that.

6. The Apple genius squad knows how to make things all better. For a price.

7. I can live without hot water for at least three days—maybe more. I can deal with damage to my car—yes, my beloved Mustang—without tears. The loss of my phone for 30 hours was life-altering, traumatic, and completely crippling.

8. But my family means more to me than my phone, and cannot be fixed or replaced by the guys at Apple.

9. Sometimes life keeps you from writing when you really, really want to write. Even when you have fantabulous ideas that must be scribbled onto a napkin as you’re waiting at a traffic light, hoping that when you get to a computer you can read your writing and make sense of the jumble of words.

10. It’s okay if I didn’t make my weekly goal. All I can do is what I can do, and then pick up where I left off and try again next week.

Ahh. Summer.

Goal for July: FINISH at least one of the two rough drafts on which I’m working. Hold me to it, peeps!