How Do You Know? It’s a Mystery.

Recently, we got a subscription to Netflix (I know we’re behind the times—don’t judge) and I was scrolling through and found Shakespeare in Love in our que. And OH MY GOSH, that has always been one of my favorites, and I was in a romantic mood (meaning I needed inspiration for edits and stuff), so that was kind of a no-brainer. I was all, love + kissing + Shakespeare = happy and yeah.

I watched it, remembering things I had forgotten, or picking up small comments or nuances I haven’t noticed in the past. And I was struck by an undercurrent, an ongoing theme that hit home for my current circumstances. At one point, the owner of the playhouse tells the loan-shark, Mr. Fennyman, that it’s okay that the playhouses have been shut down because of the plague, because strangely enough, it all works out in the end. Mr. Fennyman doesn’t believe him at first, asking, “How do you know?” and the playhouse owner (whose name slips my mind for now) shrugs and says, “It’s a mystery.”

This same line is used between Christopher Marlowe and Will Shakespeare, and then again between Will and Viola (his love interest) at the end of the movie. And then, mysteriously, it does work out in the end. Not necessarily with ideal circumstances, and as the queen predicts, the story ends with tears and a journey, but also with a playwright who will FOREVER have a muse. (Sorry if you consider those spoilers!)

That line pretty much applies to my life on any given day lately. And yet…strangely enough, things tend to mysteriously work out in the end. Call it faith. Or human nature. Or divine intervention. You could even call it fate if you’re so inclined. But the thing is, when life throws us challenges, IT REALLY DOES WORK OUT. And usually, for the better.

So there you have it. My weekly dose of wisdom handed down from a movie.

Has fiction ever given you wisdom? Do share!

Sometimes Creativity is About Faith

In yourself.

In your work.

In the family and other loved ones who support you and try to understand but don’t always succeed.

In allowing the house to be messy, and letting the kids eat cereal for dinner.

In your creative friends. And your not-so-creative ones.

In the market.

In readers who always want something new to read.

In your original ideas—there will be a place for them.

In publishers who are brave enough to take a chance on something different. Or something similar. Or something else.

In agents who might be in a terrible mood when they read your submission, but decide they like it anyway. Or not.

In a higher power who has plans for you, even though you can’t see the blueprint.

In your ability to continue producing.

In your need to take breaks.

That what your gut tells you is the right thing to do, even if no one else—even the person you trust most—agrees.

Faith that you will be successful. Eventually.

And until then, faith in the power of chocolate covered marshmallows, Cadbury mini-eggs, black licorice candies, Black Forest gummy bears and Dr. Pepper. When creativity fails, these things will certainly see you through.

When News is Made of Win

Did I ever tell you guys my recent news? Life has been a tad on the crazy side for me, so I can’t remember, but I think I didn’t. (Please forgive me if I repeat myself.)

A couple weeks ago, I got two bits of good news. First, I found out that the beginning of one of my manuscripts won second place in the Romance Writers of America Heart of the West contest. (Translation: a really COOL prize from a way cool organization.) It’s been a long time since I entered a manuscript in a contest, so it felt really good to not only place, but place high.

*does happy dance*

Maybe my writing doesn’t always suck.

Second, I have officially been asked to present at a local conference hosted by the LDStorymakers this coming spring. I haven’t done a lot of presenting up to this point, and since both my published books are through small-ish presses, I am beyond flattered by this development. And completely pleased.

*does happy cartwheels and other feats of bravery*

But I have to point out that neither bit of happy news simply fell into my lap by chance.

To place in the contest, I had to first enter. And to enter, I had to research the contest, judges, guidelines/rules, and also polish and perfect the manuscript segment I hoped to submit. (Once I clicked send, I put the entry out of my mind and literally forgot about it—hence my absolute surprise when I found out I was a finalist.)

To present at the conference, I had to fist come up with an idea, create an outline/lesson plan/proposal, and then research to whom I should sent that proposal in order for them to know that 1) I am willing to teach and 2) I will be prepared with a class that will help others in the writing process. (After I sent the proposal, it was several weeks before I heard back, but I was so happy when I did.)

So, lessons of the day:

1. Research
2. Prepare
3. Submit/ propose/ enter
4. Have faith enough to move on once you’ve clicked send.

What would you add to this list?