Word Counts and Inspiration

Yes, it's November, and this year I am once again participating in NaNoWriMo, wherein I write like crazy in hopes of getting in 50,000 words in 30 days. Except, that's not my actual goal, and it's sort of a problem.

Why is it a problem? Well, my NaNo project is actually book 3 in the Descendant series because even though I had big plans of having it done way before now, our big move back to Utah really threw a wrench in things. And we all know that Descendant and Birthright are both much longer than 50,000 words. More like 90,000 and change. So while I may likely win NaNo with the word count, to get to the end of my novel, I'll need another 40,000 or so more.

But don't worry, people. This book is going to be turned in for editing, formatting, cover art, etc. and released in April, as promised. (No, I do not have an exact date, but it will be sometime that month FOR SURE.)

In the meantime, I'm trying super hard to focus on this, the most difficult story of the series.

Also, I am working on several other super fun, secret projects. If you are a newsletter subscriber, you will be seeing some really AWESOME news in the next day or two. If you're not, I'll be sure to post the news here next week.

Good things are happening people!

And on a side note, last weekend was my anniversary. We spent a few days in San Francisco, where we found the most awesome castle turned winery just outside of Napa. I'll talk more about that next week. But for now, look what my husband had made for me!

Brownie points to the person who can tell me why it is significant, and why I am wearing it for inspiration as I work frantically on this project.

What inspires you while you work?

Inspiration

For the next two weeks, I am taking a short hiatus while we take a little trip and then finish our big move. I am so glad you stopped by to read, so I thought I'd share this lovely shot I took a couple weeks ago as my husband and I headed home from South Padre Island, Texas.

Here's a little writing prompt to go with it:

You have two characters, in a car, on this road. Who are they? Where are they going, and what happened earlier in the day that led them to this place, at this exact time?

Annnnddd....GO!

New Horizons and Unique Journeys

Since I first started writing—actually no, strike that—since I first decided to write for a career, I’ve paid close attention to the stories of other writers. When I say stories, I mean their personal stories, not the stories publishers are buying. I’ve paid attention to their real-life journeys.

I admit, there have been times when I wondered what my journey will look like, and if I’ll ever be one of those people with a personal story that is unique enough for others to want to hear it, and successful enough to inspire people to keep their chins up and continue moving forward, even when what they desire most is to quit.

I’m grateful for the inspiration others have shared with me, and so I hope to pay it forward.  Also, I can’t lie. I once thought that paying it forward in that way would have to mean I actually reach that level of success in my career.

But as I’ve mentioned before, success doesn’t always look the way we think it should. And every journey is different. My journey—over the last year in particular—has been a roller coaster of ups and downs and sideways and circular motion that I would never have expected. With the recent announcement that my publisher is closing, I realize how distinctly unique my own story is becoming.

Whether I like it or not, I’m getting my wish.

This year, I’ve gone from aspiring author to agented, published author. And now I’m getting my rights back on that published book and there is a strong possibility that going Indie might be my next step. At the same time, I have other submissions out and other things in the works.

My story has officially become unique, and very different from any other I’ve heard. I have a diverse perspective from others, and something new to share and/or contribute to the world of aspiring authors.

I feel like I’m facing a hurricane, but somehow, as I squint into the wind, I can see the calm of a new horizon. And I understand that all of the best things come at a high price, just like the most precious metals are refined in a fire.

So yeah. It’s all good. I’m just building on my awesomely unique story so that someday, when people ask, I’ll be the one inspiring others to build their own story.

And seriously people, you can’t pay for this kind of experience.

What about you? How is your story unique?

The Height of Summer

Here it is, the height of summer, and I am out of town. Again. With all this talk of how to choose our own happiness the last couple of weeks, I think it's appropriate to share some pictures of things that make me happy during the summer months.

What about you? What makes you happy this summer?

Clichés for Kids (or Inspiration for Graduates)

Make a goal

Change your mind

Break the rules

Create new ones

Forge a path

Blaze a trail

Spread your wings

Fly for the clouds

And then…

Shoot for the stars.

And if—for some reason—you don’t reach the star for which you were aiming, that’s totally okay. There are bazillions of stars in the galaxy, and you only need to claim one. They’re all bright and colorful, and somewhere, one is waiting for you to catch it—it belongs to you, and you alone.

The only question left is which one will it be?

A Fleeting Moment

The other day I was driving past a cemetery and a song came on. It had this really amazing piano refrain, and the singer had a soft, rugged voice as he sang about starting over—or something like that. Since we were between rainstorms (like, literally in the twenty minutes between), I had the convertible top down, and little bits of cottonwood tree fluff swirled around in the air.

I slowed the car, gazing over the headstones and multi-colored flowers, and realized that a cemetery is not really the scary, zombie-ridden place we thought it was as kids. Actually, it’s beautiful and sacred because it is the one common place where an entire community lays loved ones to rest. And I was inspired. Scenes in two different books will probably come out of that inspiration.

It wasn’t the kind of feeling that can be forced, but one that comes unbidden, in that perfect moment that embeds itself in your memory and changes you, even though you weren’t doing anything to deserve it.

Sometimes inspiration is like that. Momentary. Fleeting. A throbbing ache that reaches up and grabs you by the throat and squeezes. (Feel free to change my description to one that fits you more accurately. Perhaps you prefer something more like: A 200lb boulder that slams into your chest and steals your breath, your very soul…) And in that moment, you just know you have the power to change the world, or at least the thinking of one person in the world.

That moment, my friends, is a gift. When you find one of those, be very careful and please don’t waste it.

What moments have inspired you lately? And what will you do with that inspiration?

*Don't forget to enter to win a hard cover copy of The Forgotten Locket.*

Liberty, Old-World Style

Most likely, I won't have a post up on Monday, as I won't be home until very late Sunday night. So, just to hold you over, a few more pictures of my beautiful country for some thought-inspiring inspiration.

All pictures shared this week were taken by me or a member of my family. Just, FYI.

See you soon!

While I'm Gone: Something to Ponder

I know I said I wasn't posting this week, and really, I'm not. But I am going to share with you a few things that have inspired me. I hope they can somehow inspire you too.

Today's song: Anything by the Beach Boys. Happy day!

Take a Break From the Break

When I went to write my posts for this week, I found myself coming up blank. This is a problem I have regularly after an extended break. I get out of blogging mode, out of writing mode even (gasp) and then when I open a new document, find myself staring at the blank page for a long time, wondering how I ever thought I could fill it with beautiful words.

As a solution, I hopped around to a few blogs. Not many, mind you, since my writing time was already pretty limited due to the whole staring-at-the-blank-screen thing. But as always, reading a handful of posts by other authors got my brain moving again.

I think the same can be true for writing short stories or books. Whenever I find myself coming up blank, I head to my TBR stack (otherwise known as “to be read”) or the library, and find a book in which I can lose myself for a while. If the story is good, I find that my brain is humming, my thoughts spinning into storyteller mode. Then, when I open the document again, my fingers start typing of their own accord.

My friend James Dashner has said this same thing about movies. In fact, he makes seeing movies an integrated part of his full-time-writer workday.

So. If, like me, you’re having a hard time jumping back into your computer (or your housework, or job, or whatever thing from which you’ve recently taken a break) here’s a suggestion. Don’t jump in. Read a book. See a movie. Visit a friend. Go for a drive. Do that thing that most inspires you FIRST. Then get started.

It works! It really, really works. That is all.

Connect the Dots: A Pep Talk From Steve Jobs

A few months ago, a friend of mine sent me an email that included a link. The text preceding the link warned that the video is long, but worth watching.

I have a confession to make. I don't always watch videos when people forward them. If I have time, sometimes I will, or if I'm looking for a laugh and the video is supposed to be humorous. But for the most part, I know if I'm on the computer I should be doing one of two things. Writing or communicating through one of many networking methods. Most other computer actions are superfluous for me.

But on that particular day, I needed some inspiration. Remember how I told you I've been doing hard things lately? Yeah, well, it's an ongoing process. But I think that's true for everyone on the planet. Anyway, I watched the video, not knowing who this guy was or why his words should be inspiring to me. But they were. And I've been thinking about his story ever since. The three stories told in this speech reminded me that no one can look forward and see the future, but when you look back, it's easier to connect the dots to see how you became successful. Sometimes, success starts with failure. (Aka rejection.)

Tee hee. Um, yeah. I now know who this person is, and so should you. If you don't, you will when this video is over. Take fifteen minutes out of your day and let Steve Jobs give you a pep talk. You'll be glad you did.




Also, don't forget to come on over to Star Crossed to see my review of Heather Justesen's Rebound. What a fantastic book!

Thursday Inspiration

Okay, so this week, all my blogs were scheduled because I'm trying something new to get myself organized. But today I had to come out of edit-mode to share something I saw on Nathan Bransford's blog. (Thanks again!)

This video pretty much says it all for me today. It's very short and so worth watching.



Don't forget that today is my day to post on LDS Writer's Blogck. Come on over and say hi.

A Little Inspiration, A little Information

First, the information:

Two of my good friends are launching books this week.
Ronda Hinrichson will be signing her debut book Missing Thursday, October 22nd at the Reflections of Utah bookstore @ 47 South Main Street, Brigham City, UT from 5-7:00.

This is a long anticipated release, so if you're anywhere near Brigham City, run on over and be one of the first to get your copy and have it signed by the author--who's name is actually lit up in lights on the marquis.

Heather Justesen will be signing her debut book The Ball's In Her Court Saturday at the Filmore City Library, in Filmore Utah from 10-1:00.  

Again, a much anticipated book. I already have my copy--signed by the author, naturally--and am excited to get reading it this week. So if you're anywhere near Filmore, same deal. Go get your copy, get it signed. Be ahead of the crowd.

If you are not one of the lucky people who can make it on Thursday or Saturday don't despair. I hear both of these ladies will be signing together at the Barnes and Noble in Sandy, UT on November 7th. (Details to come when I have them.)

Also, Frank Cole, author of the Hashbrown Winters series will be signing at the library in Pleasant Grove on Thursday evening, and since the library closes at 7:00, I'm thinking that one will be early--like five-ish. (Don't quote me, I'm not positive.) His book has been out for a month or so, but this will be a great chance to say hey to Frank if you live in Utah County.

Okay, now that I have you running all over the state of Utah (sorry out-of-towners) here is some inspiration for the week.  This is not your average shampoo commercial, and so worth watching.  Bottom line? NEVER GIVE UP.

Nuff said.

Sunday Inspiration

Just a little something to remind us all why we try so hard. I didn't make this, nor do I know the person who did. But it was inspiring to me, so I thought I'd share.

The following is an Anthony Fernando creation:



Happy Sunday! Have a wonderful, spectacular, encoraging week.

PS. Don't forget to leave a comment and enter your name in the drawing. You have until midnight tonight to try and win the beautiful Roxy bracelet! For more details, scroll down two posts to the entry titled, Summer Rocks.

Quote of the day

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” ~ Og Mandino

Amazing People, Amazing Conference

By Nichole Giles

I spent the weekend at the LDStorymakers writer’s conference, and boy, what an inspiration. Every year, this is the conference to which I most look forward all year. The one where I know so many people and where I have always been made to feel like a part of things.

Those who know me will understand when I say I’ve come a long way since my first conference in 2005. That year, it took every ounce of courage I had in me to even admit I wanted to write. And I didn’t say much to anyone, didn’t make loud comments, and was not outgoing in striking up a conversation. I was at a low point in my life, and trying to claw my way back up.

This year, I stood up on stage in front of the entire audience and participated in a skit to encourage new attendees to join our online writer’s group. And there’s more. During the skit, I actually took the microphone and sang. Solo for two whole lines until the rest of the participants joined in. Something I haven’t done since high school (ahem, many years ago.)

In case you’re wondering what has gotten into me, I’ll tell you. Confidence. Self respect. Self-assurance. Self value.

And while you may be thinking that’s something I should have had before I started writing, I didn’t. Or at least hadn’t for years. Very often, when women get married young, dedicating themselves to having children and being good wives, they are in danger of losing their self identity, and in the process all of the things I mentioned above. That was me. And I could go into a long story here about myself and how I happened to go in search of something that was mine—something I never knew I always wanted—but that would make for a really long—and probably boring—blog.

Suffice it to say, when I knew—really truly knew—I wanted to write, I spent a lot of time praying that God would point me in the right direction. That He would help me know how to go about doing what I wanted so badly to do. And then I happened on a flier for the LDStorymakers conference—which just so happened to be a week away. I called the number and talked to Tristi Pinkston—who is now a very dear friend—and signed up. She told me I could pay at the door, and the next week, I showed up with no idea what to expect.

And what I got there was priceless. Invaluable. More than I could ever pay for in this lifetime or the next. The killer is, I get the same treatment, lessons, and more, every year I attend. These people are more than teachers and instructors. They truly care about every person at the conference, and they want to see us succeed. And because of them, so many of us will.

(Picture of a small portion of our writer's group.)

This year’s conference was truly amazing. And to be honest, I spent all of Sunday being sad that it was over. But that’s not completely true. It isn’t over. Not in the least. I have a whole year—and an amazing online group put together from attendees—to look forward to next year’s conference. In the meantime, I aim to show my utter and complete gratitude to the Storymakers by making the most of what I’ve been taught.

How? By getting published.

Duh!

A Beautiful Video About Creativity

A dear friend and fellow writer sent this to me yesterday, and of all the stupid things, I put off watching it until today because...well, I was busy. Today, I decided to take a minute and watch, and it's so beautiful, so inspiring that I'm very glad I did.

"Heaven Scent" Book Tour Stop

By Nichole Giles

She should have considered herself the luckiest girl in the world, or at least in her high school. From the outside, it looked like Liza had it all. A wonderful family, a promising basketball record, and halfway through her senior year, scholarships were already beginning to pour in. She had everything a young woman could ever want—except the love and attention of the father she had once adored.

When a terrible tragedy takes away everything that matters to Liza, she must find it in her heart to forgive the broken promise that caused the loss and embrace the last thing she has left—who also happens to be the last person in the world she wants. Her father. The road to forgiveness is long and hard, but along the way, Liza is introduced to a religion that gives her hope and fills her with the peace she longs for.

Heaven Scent is a touching story of a young woman’s journey toward forgiveness, and her search for the one thing she never knew was missing in her life…religion. This book is a must read for adults and young women alike—just be sure to start the journey with a handy box of tissues!

Rebecca Cornish Talley, author of Heaven Scent, has kindly agreed to answer a few questions about the writing process and how Heaven Scent went from manuscript to published book.

First of all, Rebecca, thanks for joining me today. I know you must be so busy, being not only a wife, but also the mother of ten children and several animals. (By the way, you do NOT look like you have ten kids—amazing.)

1. Where did your initial inspiration for “Heaven Scent” come from?

My mom used to wear a distinctive and unique perfume. She passed away when
I was a young girl and during different times of my life, especially difficult ones,
I’ve been able to smell her perfume.


2. How did you know where to start writing?

I wanted to start with an exciting scene, a hook, that not only showed Liza’s talent in basketball, but also showed her frustration with her dad. Since her basketball game is a turning point in her life, it seemed like the natural place to start.


3. How long did it take you to write “Heaven Scent” from rough draft to polished copy?

About a thousand years—at least it felt that way. It started as a short story in high school. I decided I wanted to expand the story into a novel and started working on it on and off for years between pregnancies, nursing newborns, toddlers, kids, teenagers, and caring for my ailing grandparents. It was a long process and I sometimes wondered if I’d ever finish it.

4. What were your strongest influences as you went through this process?

My family kept encouraging me to finish it. I also joined some online groups and members of those groups (David Woolley, Patricia Wiles, Terry Montague) kept encouraging me and helping me understand the mechanics of writing. Latterdayauthors.com was a valuable resource for me. I also had the internal drive to complete this story because it was so important to me.

5. What made you decide to write for the young adult audience?

This particular story is a YA story. I’ve worked with young women over the years and have three teenage daughters at the moment and wanted to write something that would be interesting, and maybe even inspiring, to this age group.

6. With so many kids—and animals, and a husband, and household—how in the world do you find time to write?

I just squeeze it in whenever I can. I usually have a notebook with me to jot down ideas or things I want to change on a work in progress. I “write” in my head while in the shower, doing dishes, ironing, or driving kids to activities. It’s hard to find time to write, but I’ve given up hobbies and other interests to pursue writing.

7. I understand that you played high school basketball. Did you find that you had to further research the game as you were writing, or is this one of your personal areas of expertise?

Unfortunately, I didn’t ever play well enough to be offered a place on a college team so I had to research that. The rest of it I remembered from playing for so long. I also watch basketball games here and there. In fact, I was watching the NBA playoffs on TV one year when I was pregnant and my water broke during a game (I had the baby 2 hours later).

8. What advice would you give to fellow fiction writers who are targeting the young adult audience?

Read as many books in that genre as you can. Listen to how teenagers speak and to what concerns them. No matter what, though, write that story that’s in your heart.

Rebecca, thank you so much for your time! I so appreciate being able to visit with you. I’m especially grateful for your efforts to create this wonderful, inspiring book. As I read, I put myself in Liza’s footsteps and felt her pain. It takes a talented author to be able to do that.

Thank you, Nichole, for hosting my book. I so appreciate your help and your kind review.


Heaven Scent is available for purchase at:

Deseret Book, Seagull, Independent LDS Bookstores, Amazon.com, BarnesandNobel.com, Target.com, and CedarFort.com.