Today—probably as you’re reading this, actually—I’m taking off for a week-long road trip across the country. While I’m gone, I hope to visit places I’ve never been, see things I’ve never seen, experience new things, and gain inspiration and knowledge that will help me creatively. We'll be taken roads I've never traveled, which is great fodder for writing.
I like road trips. This country is beautiful, and I’m constantly amazed at the artful hand with which it was created. Also, I love adventure. And this promises to be a good one. So. Yeah.
Maybe I’ll get to see the world’s largest ball of twine. Or something equally cool. I will definitely be making stops at some of the restaurants featured on the food network. Specifically, DDD. Because, well, it sounds like fun. Who wouldn’t want to do that? (Come be my friend on Facebook, and I’ll try to post pictures as I’m able.)
Before I go, I want to continue the good news challenge I started on this post. Let’s keep the good news flowing, shall we? (If you just asked why, because it makes me happy. So there. *sticks out tongue*)
Okay, so my good news for the week:
1. Both my books won a Silver Quill award from the League of Utah Writers over the weekend. I’m honored and amazed. And humbled. Definitely humbled too.
2. The LUW gave me cute stickers to put on my book covers that say it’s an award winning book. Which, you know, is very cool. Stickers are awesome.
3. I’m up to 75,000 words on my current WIP. It isn’t finished, but is coming along well enough that I’m happy. And I like it—well, for a rough draft.
4. It’s fall, which means all the hot fall book releases are getting ready to launch. (YAY for good books!)
So much good news! What’s yours? Feel free to share. Or tell me about a road trip turned adventure you've experienced. I want to hear that too.
**Since I’m out of town, chances are I won’t be as quick in replying to comments as I usually am (mostly via email, sometimes via return comment). Don’t worry! I will still read every single comment and appreciate your participation.
***Also, since I’m out of town, I will probably not be reading many blogs or commenting. It’s not because I don’t love you all, I promise. I’ll try to catch up when I get home.
Showing posts with label LUW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LUW. Show all posts
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
I'm A Watter Bottle Wimp
Okay, first of all, when I say wimp, yes, I’m talking about myself. I openly admit it. But in my defense, it’s not for lack of trying.
So here’s how it usually goes. I get a water bottle because I’m thirsty. I like to mix flavored green tea in my water, because it’s good for me. Sometimes this is in the morning on my way to the gym, others it’s more like lunch time. Whatever.
About a month ago, I got one of those nifty little refillable water bottles in an effort to go green. I love that thing. It’s durable and easy to refill. And the lid is easy to take off.
This is not usually the case with store-bought disposables. Sometimes, I can get the lid off with no problem. Others, not so much. My conclusion: it’s the fault of the factory robot that sealed the stupid things. They must use machines, and naturally, machines and robots are stronger than the average person. Or at least stronger than me. Case in point, I’ve been known to fight with a lid for as long as half an hour before giving up.
Considering all the typing I do, I should have at least some muscle in my hands and wrists. *shrugs* I don’t know why I don’t. Just sayin.
So, on Saturday, during the League of Utah Writers workshop, I was very lucky to sit by my friend Elana Johnson. Not only is she a blast of fun to talk to, but also, she’s an expert bottle opener. I was so relieved at that fact. Thanks to Elana, I didn’t have to try to fight my way across the crowded room to find Keith—who has also been known to open bottles for me. Nor did I have to go thirsty.
Thank goodness for friends and easy-to-open refillable bottles. If not for them, I’d probably stick to drinking pop all the time. And that wouldn’t be good for me either. Or would it? Hm.
So here’s how it usually goes. I get a water bottle because I’m thirsty. I like to mix flavored green tea in my water, because it’s good for me. Sometimes this is in the morning on my way to the gym, others it’s more like lunch time. Whatever.
About a month ago, I got one of those nifty little refillable water bottles in an effort to go green. I love that thing. It’s durable and easy to refill. And the lid is easy to take off.
This is not usually the case with store-bought disposables. Sometimes, I can get the lid off with no problem. Others, not so much. My conclusion: it’s the fault of the factory robot that sealed the stupid things. They must use machines, and naturally, machines and robots are stronger than the average person. Or at least stronger than me. Case in point, I’ve been known to fight with a lid for as long as half an hour before giving up.
Considering all the typing I do, I should have at least some muscle in my hands and wrists. *shrugs* I don’t know why I don’t. Just sayin.
So, on Saturday, during the League of Utah Writers workshop, I was very lucky to sit by my friend Elana Johnson. Not only is she a blast of fun to talk to, but also, she’s an expert bottle opener. I was so relieved at that fact. Thanks to Elana, I didn’t have to try to fight my way across the crowded room to find Keith—who has also been known to open bottles for me. Nor did I have to go thirsty.
Thank goodness for friends and easy-to-open refillable bottles. If not for them, I’d probably stick to drinking pop all the time. And that wouldn’t be good for me either. Or would it? Hm.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Presentation Recap and Author Spotlight, L.C. Lewis
In case you were wondering, last night’s presentation went really well. Splendid. Fantastic. Okay, enough adverbs for this blog. Anyway, we didn’t have a huge turnout—blah to the snow and icky weather!—but it was still a great experience. Cindy and I talked about our journey from proposal to publication and then promoting. It was a learning experience for us as much as the aspiring authors for whom we presented, and I hope we get the opportunity to present again soon. Believe me, I need the practice. (Thanks to Tobyn DeGraw for inviting us to speak in the first place.)
While I was speaking—or maybe after, I don’t know—I realized something about myself. Even though I was a little bit nervous, I’m actually fairly comfortable talking and/or presenting, about writing, even in front of a group. Granted, it was a small group, but still. Ask me to speak in church, and…ahhhhah, everything in me cringes. But have me talk about writing, being published, anything to do with the industry, and I’m okay. Who knew?
You’d think I spend a lot of time hanging out with authors or something. Or maybe it’s because my amazing coauthor Cindy and her husband Russ were there to cheer me on, as always. *shrugs* I dunno. I do know it helped that we presented together, simply because my brain has a tendency to draw a blank when a lot of eager faces are staring at me. Yeah. I’ve so got to get over that. Sheesh. Working on it. (Hence the need for more practice—but not at church, please!)
Anyway, it went well. And now that my week is halfway over, I’m feeling somewhat relieved because I’ve already finished half the stuff I mentioned in my last post, and even a few extra things besides. Now all I have to do is write a chapter to take with me to critique tonight, find all my tax deductions from 2009 to take to a meeting with our accountant, and pack my bags for my trip to Phoenix on Friday. Piece of pie. And can I just say I’m way excited for Phoenix? Yeah. It’s like a mini vacation, plus authors. So. Stoked. Squeee!
I digress. And now, on to this week’s author spotlight, which I totally didn’t forget, and which I’ve needed to do all week but haven’t had time until right now. L.C. Lewis, come on down!
L.C. Lewis (aka Laurie) is the author of the Free Men and Dreamers series, which consists of three books, Dark Sky at Dawn, Twilights Last Gleaming, and Dawns Early Light. She’s also the author of Unspoken, as well as a new romance that is soon to be released. (No solid title yet, I’m told.)
Laurie is a woman after my own heart, as she loves music, acting, and writing all equally. She even admits on her website biography that she wanted to be a rockstar in her youth. Now, I’m sorry, I thought I was the only author who dared admit something so bold—and on my website. Since Laurie has proven me wrong in that aspect, I’ve decided we’re kindred spirits. Lots of things in common. You can read her full bio here.
You can find Laurie’s books wherever LDS books are sold, as well as the regular online sources. Or, if you’d like to read a few sample chapters, check out her website or blog.
As I was researching for this spotlight, I came across this interview, which I lifted from her website. I’d love to send her my regular interview questions, but—well, you’ve all seen my schedule this week. It’s a tad insane, which is why I’m going to cheat here and use someone else’s interview. Don’t worry, though. I wouldn’t do that unless I really got a lot out of reading it myself.
What made you decide to write a historical novel set in a war period?
Two of my sons were at EFY in Willamsburg, Virginia about ten years ago and I became so intrigued and awed by the richness of our colonial heritage that I began reading about the life and lifestyles of early America. Originally, I set the manuscript forward from where it now is because the scope of events in the early nineteenth century was overwhelming to me, but when I was asked to expand the manuscript, I couldn't resist the temptation to illustrate the history in my own backyard and to further research these amazing Americans who had captivated my interest for over a decade and who set the stage for the Restoration.
Which historical figure stands out to you?
Oh, without question it would be George Washington. He always looked so stern to me in those classroom prints growing up, but after reading about his personal life and his struggle to serve his country despite his intense desire for a private life, I have come to really respect and love him, and more importantly, I am so grateful to him. He was so revered that he could easily have set himself up as a king figure, but he was such a spiritual man that he understood that there was a divine plan for this nation.
How has your research changed you?
In so many ways. First, I relate everything to history now and my family gets pretty tired of that, I can tell you! But I hope I've learned one important lesson that crosses all times periods and situations, and it is that we must judge or evaluate a person's life based on the times in which they lived. If we try to measure them using hindsight and the values of another period, we may fail to see that they were a giant in their own time.
Which character in Dark Sky at Dawn most reflects you?
I don't know how it is for all authors, but when I write, each character reflects a little piece of me, or a sliver of my life experience at one time or another, albeit even as an observer. In this way I feel personally engaged in the conversations and thoughts, and hopefully, I can create a more vivid character and story for the reader.
Are you saying that Hannah's spiritual struggles are a reflection of your personal experiences?
Yes, in some ways. Our family went through a very trying period when we were living on prayer and faith. There were lots of days when life seemed so hard and heavy. We carried on with our lives, but often, as soon as the house emptied, I fell beside my bed and pled out loud with the Lord. Many tender, spiritual experiences came from those moments, but had I listened more carefully, I would have felt His arms of love around me even before I began my pleading. I wanted Hannah to reflect that struggle to learn to listen, to trust and to surrender ourselves to His will.
And that’s going to do it for this week’s author spotlight. Stay tuned for exciting news about my experience at the ANWA conference, and have a great weekend.
While I was speaking—or maybe after, I don’t know—I realized something about myself. Even though I was a little bit nervous, I’m actually fairly comfortable talking and/or presenting, about writing, even in front of a group. Granted, it was a small group, but still. Ask me to speak in church, and…ahhhhah, everything in me cringes. But have me talk about writing, being published, anything to do with the industry, and I’m okay. Who knew?
You’d think I spend a lot of time hanging out with authors or something. Or maybe it’s because my amazing coauthor Cindy and her husband Russ were there to cheer me on, as always. *shrugs* I dunno. I do know it helped that we presented together, simply because my brain has a tendency to draw a blank when a lot of eager faces are staring at me. Yeah. I’ve so got to get over that. Sheesh. Working on it. (Hence the need for more practice—but not at church, please!)
Anyway, it went well. And now that my week is halfway over, I’m feeling somewhat relieved because I’ve already finished half the stuff I mentioned in my last post, and even a few extra things besides. Now all I have to do is write a chapter to take with me to critique tonight, find all my tax deductions from 2009 to take to a meeting with our accountant, and pack my bags for my trip to Phoenix on Friday. Piece of pie. And can I just say I’m way excited for Phoenix? Yeah. It’s like a mini vacation, plus authors. So. Stoked. Squeee!
I digress. And now, on to this week’s author spotlight, which I totally didn’t forget, and which I’ve needed to do all week but haven’t had time until right now. L.C. Lewis, come on down!
Laurie is a woman after my own heart, as she loves music, acting, and writing all equally. She even admits on her website biography that she wanted to be a rockstar in her youth. Now, I’m sorry, I thought I was the only author who dared admit something so bold—and on my website. Since Laurie has proven me wrong in that aspect, I’ve decided we’re kindred spirits. Lots of things in common. You can read her full bio here.
You can find Laurie’s books wherever LDS books are sold, as well as the regular online sources. Or, if you’d like to read a few sample chapters, check out her website or blog.
As I was researching for this spotlight, I came across this interview, which I lifted from her website. I’d love to send her my regular interview questions, but—well, you’ve all seen my schedule this week. It’s a tad insane, which is why I’m going to cheat here and use someone else’s interview. Don’t worry, though. I wouldn’t do that unless I really got a lot out of reading it myself.
What made you decide to write a historical novel set in a war period?
Two of my sons were at EFY in Willamsburg, Virginia about ten years ago and I became so intrigued and awed by the richness of our colonial heritage that I began reading about the life and lifestyles of early America. Originally, I set the manuscript forward from where it now is because the scope of events in the early nineteenth century was overwhelming to me, but when I was asked to expand the manuscript, I couldn't resist the temptation to illustrate the history in my own backyard and to further research these amazing Americans who had captivated my interest for over a decade and who set the stage for the Restoration.
Which historical figure stands out to you?
Oh, without question it would be George Washington. He always looked so stern to me in those classroom prints growing up, but after reading about his personal life and his struggle to serve his country despite his intense desire for a private life, I have come to really respect and love him, and more importantly, I am so grateful to him. He was so revered that he could easily have set himself up as a king figure, but he was such a spiritual man that he understood that there was a divine plan for this nation.
How has your research changed you?
In so many ways. First, I relate everything to history now and my family gets pretty tired of that, I can tell you! But I hope I've learned one important lesson that crosses all times periods and situations, and it is that we must judge or evaluate a person's life based on the times in which they lived. If we try to measure them using hindsight and the values of another period, we may fail to see that they were a giant in their own time.
Which character in Dark Sky at Dawn most reflects you?
I don't know how it is for all authors, but when I write, each character reflects a little piece of me, or a sliver of my life experience at one time or another, albeit even as an observer. In this way I feel personally engaged in the conversations and thoughts, and hopefully, I can create a more vivid character and story for the reader.
Are you saying that Hannah's spiritual struggles are a reflection of your personal experiences?
Yes, in some ways. Our family went through a very trying period when we were living on prayer and faith. There were lots of days when life seemed so hard and heavy. We carried on with our lives, but often, as soon as the house emptied, I fell beside my bed and pled out loud with the Lord. Many tender, spiritual experiences came from those moments, but had I listened more carefully, I would have felt His arms of love around me even before I began my pleading. I wanted Hannah to reflect that struggle to learn to listen, to trust and to surrender ourselves to His will.
And that’s going to do it for this week’s author spotlight. Stay tuned for exciting news about my experience at the ANWA conference, and have a great weekend.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lots of Random
What is it about fate that makes certain weeks extra busy, and others extra slow? And why haven't any slow weeks been thrown my way lately? Seriously, sometimes I think it's a miracle that I get any sleep at all. Just saying.
Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'm actually very excited about everything I have going on right now. But, you know, there aren't enough hours, yadda yadda. The good news is this is a cool, fun, interesting week. Here's the rundown:
1. Today I blogged on Writing Fortress (aka Cedar Fort Authors) about why networking is important. Click here to read more.
2. The winner of the $20 Barnes and Noble gift card has been posted, along with a few random Monday comics on LDS Humor. (Yes, posted by yours truly.) And while I'm talking about winners, the contest winners for all the other contests I posted about last week have also been chosen. I'm not one of them, but scroll down and click on the links to see if you might be one of the lucky ones.
3. Tomorrow, right here on this blog, I'll be reviewing a book called Love Your Body by Brooke Parker R.D.. It's a short read with excellent suggestions on how to rethink your eating and dieting habits. PS This is NOT a diet book! I'm not a big dieter, but I do think eating right is important. Check back on Tuesday to read more about it. Also, as a bonus, enter to win one of five copies of the book, being given away by the publisher. Yahoo! More free stuff.
4. Wednesday I've been asked to present at the League of Utah Writers meeting. This is a great honor. I'll be bringing my coauthor Cindy Beck with me, and we're speaking about our journey From Proposal to Publishing and Promotion. (Aka how Mormon Mishaps and Mischief came to be.) The meeting is being held at the library in Provo, UT, room 201 from 7-9 pm. Oh yes, and it's free to the public. That is, unless you're a heckler. Then you'll be forced to buy my books as payment.
I'll also have a few books handy for purchase, and will sign them for you if you ask nicely. Or if you bribe me with chocolate. Either way.
5. Thursday is my regular posting day at LDS Writer's Blogck. Since I've been busy taking care of Monday-Wednesday's obligations, I have no idea what I'm blogging about there. I'll surprise you. But still come leave comments. They make me so happy.
6. Friday I'm jumping on a plane bound for Phoenix. (Okay, not literally jumping. We all know what happened when Kramer did that.) Yahoo! Off to the ANWA Writer's Conference. I'll be spending the rest of the weekend hanging with my ANWA sisters, learning, relaxing, and writing. Along with some other authors, I'll be signing right after the conference, probably somewhere in the hotel, so if you're in the Mesa area come by and say hi. I'll even sign a book for you. **Crossing my fingers I'll have copies of The Sharp Edge of a Knife before Friday**
7. What else? Oh yes, March 5th is the day I'll post about my next way cool giveaway. This is in conjunction with a blog tour for my good friend Rachelle Christensen's new release, Wrong Number. You don't want to miss this one, people. So mark your calendars. Also, you MUST read this book. It's a page turner, I tell ya.
8. I'm also still looking for a way awesome, incredible, cool grand prize to give away on my blog tour for The Sharp Edge of a Knife. Speaking of that, I'm also STILL waiting for confirmation on the launch date. I have a tentative schedule, but it all depends on how fast the bookstore can get books. One way or another, I'm launching in mid-March, even if I have to change locations. I'll let y'all know asap.
9. There's still time to register for the LDStorymakers Conference in April. And if you hurry, you'll be able to just squeak by inside the deadline for the first chapter contest. Great prize this year, too. Check it out and register, if you know what's good for you. I'm going, which means all the cool people will be there.
Am I missing anything? Seriously? Because I know I am--not including my kids' indoor soccer games, basketball, music, yadda yadda yadda. What is it? Remind me already!
Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'm actually very excited about everything I have going on right now. But, you know, there aren't enough hours, yadda yadda. The good news is this is a cool, fun, interesting week. Here's the rundown:
1. Today I blogged on Writing Fortress (aka Cedar Fort Authors) about why networking is important. Click here to read more.
2. The winner of the $20 Barnes and Noble gift card has been posted, along with a few random Monday comics on LDS Humor. (Yes, posted by yours truly.) And while I'm talking about winners, the contest winners for all the other contests I posted about last week have also been chosen. I'm not one of them, but scroll down and click on the links to see if you might be one of the lucky ones.
3. Tomorrow, right here on this blog, I'll be reviewing a book called Love Your Body by Brooke Parker R.D.. It's a short read with excellent suggestions on how to rethink your eating and dieting habits. PS This is NOT a diet book! I'm not a big dieter, but I do think eating right is important. Check back on Tuesday to read more about it. Also, as a bonus, enter to win one of five copies of the book, being given away by the publisher. Yahoo! More free stuff.
4. Wednesday I've been asked to present at the League of Utah Writers meeting. This is a great honor. I'll be bringing my coauthor Cindy Beck with me, and we're speaking about our journey From Proposal to Publishing and Promotion. (Aka how Mormon Mishaps and Mischief came to be.) The meeting is being held at the library in Provo, UT, room 201 from 7-9 pm. Oh yes, and it's free to the public. That is, unless you're a heckler. Then you'll be forced to buy my books as payment.
I'll also have a few books handy for purchase, and will sign them for you if you ask nicely. Or if you bribe me with chocolate. Either way.
5. Thursday is my regular posting day at LDS Writer's Blogck. Since I've been busy taking care of Monday-Wednesday's obligations, I have no idea what I'm blogging about there. I'll surprise you. But still come leave comments. They make me so happy.
6. Friday I'm jumping on a plane bound for Phoenix. (Okay, not literally jumping. We all know what happened when Kramer did that.) Yahoo! Off to the ANWA Writer's Conference. I'll be spending the rest of the weekend hanging with my ANWA sisters, learning, relaxing, and writing. Along with some other authors, I'll be signing right after the conference, probably somewhere in the hotel, so if you're in the Mesa area come by and say hi. I'll even sign a book for you. **Crossing my fingers I'll have copies of The Sharp Edge of a Knife before Friday**
7. What else? Oh yes, March 5th is the day I'll post about my next way cool giveaway. This is in conjunction with a blog tour for my good friend Rachelle Christensen's new release, Wrong Number. You don't want to miss this one, people. So mark your calendars. Also, you MUST read this book. It's a page turner, I tell ya.
8. I'm also still looking for a way awesome, incredible, cool grand prize to give away on my blog tour for The Sharp Edge of a Knife. Speaking of that, I'm also STILL waiting for confirmation on the launch date. I have a tentative schedule, but it all depends on how fast the bookstore can get books. One way or another, I'm launching in mid-March, even if I have to change locations. I'll let y'all know asap.
9. There's still time to register for the LDStorymakers Conference in April. And if you hurry, you'll be able to just squeak by inside the deadline for the first chapter contest. Great prize this year, too. Check it out and register, if you know what's good for you. I'm going, which means all the cool people will be there.
Am I missing anything? Seriously? Because I know I am--not including my kids' indoor soccer games, basketball, music, yadda yadda yadda. What is it? Remind me already!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Work or Recreation?
By Nichole Giles (Well, who else would it be by?)
This weekend I had the privilege and opportunity to attend another writer’s conference. This one was for the League of Utah Writers. I try to go to as many conferences as I can (you know, if time and budget both allow) because I am of the opinion that I need to learn all I can, and network, and all that good stuff. Plus, it’s fun.
It was held in Midway, Utah, which—if you’ve never been there—is a tiny mountain town, surrounded by trees, and grass, and gorgeous mountains. The view was absolutely stunning with the colors beginning to change and the sky going from clear, to cloudy, to rainy, and then clear again. But the most awesome part—aside from the uber-informative classes that will definitely help me hone my writing skills—was hanging out with so many awesome, incredibly talented authors.
Anyway, as a group of us were hanging out, we got into a discussion about movies, and the merits of watching them to see how the plots progress, and to notice dialogue and things. I have to admit, most of the movies that came up for discussions I either never saw or saw so long ago that I have about zero recollection of details. But the point is that we made the conclusion (or at least, James Dashner did, and then convinced us all to subscribe to his
way of thinking) that seeing movies is as important a part of our job as reading books.
What other people do in their off time for entertainment is actually part of what we do as artists and writers. I love that thought! And you know what else? Going to conferences where we can sit (or stand) around having intelligent conversations about the merits of this movie or that, or this book or that and why this worked but that didn’t is also part of our job. (I did know that, by the way.)
The problem I’m having is that it just doesn’t feel like work. Not that writing always does either, but at least that requires my butt being in a chair and my computer on (or notebook open) and concentrating for blocks of time. Hanging out chatting with friends (who also happen to be authors/agents/editors) feels more like recreation, just like seeing movies.
So the question begs to be asked: Can there be a more rewarding, fulfilling, awesome career on the planet?
Hm. I’m thinking no. No way, no how. I’ll take my rejections and run with them (and by the way, I’m accumulating quite the collection) because this is definitely where I want to be, what I want to be doing. It’s my dream career. How ever did I—lowly housewife and mother—get so lucky?
For your enjoyment, a few pictures of some of my author friends at this conference. (Somehow, I failed to get a picture of all of us together, and didn’t get one of Eric Swedin, and a few others who were also our conference buddies. My bad, and now I’m sorry. Catch you all next time, guys! And just for clarification--I don't personally know Richard Paul Evans, but I did meet him and can testify that he is genuine, kind, and extremely smart.)
This weekend I had the privilege and opportunity to attend another writer’s conference. This one was for the League of Utah Writers. I try to go to as many conferences as I can (you know, if time and budget both allow) because I am of the opinion that I need to learn all I can, and network, and all that good stuff. Plus, it’s fun.
It was held in Midway, Utah, which—if you’ve never been there—is a tiny mountain town, surrounded by trees, and grass, and gorgeous mountains. The view was absolutely stunning with the colors beginning to change and the sky going from clear, to cloudy, to rainy, and then clear again. But the most awesome part—aside from the uber-informative classes that will definitely help me hone my writing skills—was hanging out with so many awesome, incredibly talented authors.
Anyway, as a group of us were hanging out, we got into a discussion about movies, and the merits of watching them to see how the plots progress, and to notice dialogue and things. I have to admit, most of the movies that came up for discussions I either never saw or saw so long ago that I have about zero recollection of details. But the point is that we made the conclusion (or at least, James Dashner did, and then convinced us all to subscribe to his
way of thinking) that seeing movies is as important a part of our job as reading books.Seriously, after the discussion, I decided James is absolutely right. I should totally see more movies. In fact, I should make a point to watch old movies when I can, too. (Remind me to ask my accountant if there’s any way I can deduct the price of movie tickets…) 
(In the picture: James Dashner, Clint Johnson.)
What other people do in their off time for entertainment is actually part of what we do as artists and writers. I love that thought! And you know what else? Going to conferences where we can sit (or stand) around having intelligent conversations about the merits of this movie or that, or this book or that and why this worked but that didn’t is also part of our job. (I did know that, by the way.)
(In this picture: Rachelle Christensen, Connie Hall, Me.)
The problem I’m having is that it just doesn’t feel like work. Not that writing always does either, but at least that requires my butt being in a chair and my computer on (or notebook open) and concentrating for blocks of time. Hanging out chatting with friends (who also happen to be authors/agents/editors) feels more like recreation, just like seeing movies.
So the question begs to be asked: Can there be a more rewarding, fulfilling, awesome career on the planet?
Hm. I’m thinking no. No way, no how. I’ll take my rejections and run with them (and by the way, I’m accumulating quite the collection) because this is definitely where I want to be, what I want to be doing. It’s my dream career. How ever did I—lowly housewife and mother—get so lucky?
(In this picture: Heather Moore and Richard Paul Evans.)
For your enjoyment, a few pictures of some of my author friends at this conference. (Somehow, I failed to get a picture of all of us together, and didn’t get one of Eric Swedin, and a few others who were also our conference buddies. My bad, and now I’m sorry. Catch you all next time, guys! And just for clarification--I don't personally know Richard Paul Evans, but I did meet him and can testify that he is genuine, kind, and extremely smart.)
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