Homework ASSIGNMENT FOR WEEK 2--PLEASE POST HERE
- Thread starter Sunny Irene Roth
- Start date
I had some quiet time this morning, so I sat down and worked on this. I was rather surprised at what I discovered, as it has been some time since I've given they "why" any thought.
If money and time were of no concern, what would you do with your days?
Write. A lot. Volunteer at shelters. Foster pets.
Looking back at your last year, what events or accomplishments made your heart light up?
Spending one on one time with each of my girls.
Having my husband return safely from his 5-month training
My trip to California...hearing the surf, surrounded by the sticky saltwater.
Trying new things -- indoor skydiving, kayaking. (one was disastrous, the other successful, both loads of fun)
Receiving great feedback on stories
Completing DIY projects
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?
My family.
If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
This was hard. There is no one I'd rather be, not really. If I had to choose someone, though, I think I'd say my oldest daughter.
She is an old soul, and already so comfortable in her own skin. She doesn't worry about conforming with anyone, and already
knows what she wants out of life. She truly amazes me.
Write out why you do what you do.
I was surprised at how easily this came to me after answering the above questions. It's like it was there all along, just waiting for
the chance to be acknowledged. So I think I do what I do because it makes me happy. When I was young, we moved from Chicago to
Houston. I wasn't a huge reader, but I loved writing at that time. I was maybe twelve years old. We moved over the summer and there
were no kids outside, so I picked up one of my dad's Nancy Drew books. He has all of them and the Hard Boys, too. I spent my entire
summer reading. I don't expect to change the world, or make a million dollars, but if one reader feels like they have a friend in one of
my characters, that they are not quite alone, I'll have given to someone else what other authors gave to me.
Goals:
One year--
To have at least one book published and working on another. To have my workspace one where I feel organized and creative. Where I
can see the mountains and dream.
Five years--
To have multiple books published. To be able to contribute financially from my writing. To attend conference and have good writing
friends.
Ten years--
To be a consistent best selling author. I'd love to have movies made from my books. I'd love to be able to mentor other writers. And
definitely still be entertaining fans and finding new readers.
Greta
If money and time were of no concern, what would you do with your days?
Write. A lot. Volunteer at shelters. Foster pets.
Looking back at your last year, what events or accomplishments made your heart light up?
Spending one on one time with each of my girls.
Having my husband return safely from his 5-month training
My trip to California...hearing the surf, surrounded by the sticky saltwater.
Trying new things -- indoor skydiving, kayaking. (one was disastrous, the other successful, both loads of fun)
Receiving great feedback on stories
Completing DIY projects
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?
My family.
If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
This was hard. There is no one I'd rather be, not really. If I had to choose someone, though, I think I'd say my oldest daughter.
She is an old soul, and already so comfortable in her own skin. She doesn't worry about conforming with anyone, and already
knows what she wants out of life. She truly amazes me.
Write out why you do what you do.
I was surprised at how easily this came to me after answering the above questions. It's like it was there all along, just waiting for
the chance to be acknowledged. So I think I do what I do because it makes me happy. When I was young, we moved from Chicago to
Houston. I wasn't a huge reader, but I loved writing at that time. I was maybe twelve years old. We moved over the summer and there
were no kids outside, so I picked up one of my dad's Nancy Drew books. He has all of them and the Hard Boys, too. I spent my entire
summer reading. I don't expect to change the world, or make a million dollars, but if one reader feels like they have a friend in one of
my characters, that they are not quite alone, I'll have given to someone else what other authors gave to me.
Goals:
One year--
To have at least one book published and working on another. To have my workspace one where I feel organized and creative. Where I
can see the mountains and dream.
Five years--
To have multiple books published. To be able to contribute financially from my writing. To attend conference and have good writing
friends.
Ten years--
To be a consistent best selling author. I'd love to have movies made from my books. I'd love to be able to mentor other writers. And
definitely still be entertaining fans and finding new readers.
Greta
Upvote
0
If money and time were of no concern, what would you do with your days?
Write, write, write, and write some more.
Looking back at your past year, what events or accomplishments made your heart light up?
Learning craft from Dean Wesley Smith’s classes, Discovering a method of plotting that works for me, Addressing a health issue (even though a second one arose from addressing the first)
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?
My husband, he’s one awesome, supportive, loving guy.
If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
Stephen King. (What a journey!) He’s made a great living writing and has lived life greatly because of his writing!
With these answers in mind, spend at least an hour writing out why you do what you do. (Note: this is not an easy exercise, and not one that can be rushed, so please take your time.)
Old Yeller, Beautiful Joe, Black Beauty, Interview with a Vampire, Rebecca, Moth and the Flame, Carrie… All those glorious books that helped me survive a none-too-pleasant childhood and teens. Since reading those, and disappearing into those worlds, THAT is what I’ve always wanted to do. I want to create those wonderful places and those memorable people and give back at least a smidgeon of what I was given. I learned to type because I wanted to write. I took classes because I wanted to write. Making a living and surviving intruded and now that I’m getting a second chance to follow my dream, I want to write books like those books that became my friends, stories that made surviving bad situations bearable and that became the inspiration for survival. (Boy, that was more deep than I expected. I had no idea… No one has asked “Why” before. Thank you!)
GOALS:
1 year:
To teach myself to produce… Increase productivity as much as possible while enjoying the process. This year, since I have not reentered the workforce and am able to write fulltime, a book a month is VERY doable (1 ½ chapters per day), especially since I’ve finally grasped the plot points and story beats. (What a struggle!) This is the year of sit butt in chair and write (while making sure to stay active…balance).
5 years:
To build a backlist from years 1-5, determine most enjoyable path and meld with most profitable path. Have a much better handle on marketing. Be making at least a modest living via book sales.
10 years:
To have built several brands (Horror, YA, Romance, possibly Erotica) and nurture those brands, while also focusing more strongly on those that are stronger money streams, all the while not losing the sense of challenge or the fun aspects of making up stories for a living, while making a generous living.
Of Note to Share:
For Writing Diary and Yay Me File, I am experimenting with a 45-day trial of The Journal, by DavidRM Software, which includes a way to highlight text and designate that particular text as a topic (such as Yay Me), so that you can pull up all of your Yay Me’s for the week, month, year, also for particular categories, etc. After the 45 days, the cost of the software is $44.95.
For outlining, Steve Windsor’s 9 Day Novel Outlining and 9 Day Writing Fiction [Just what I needed, when I needed it. (Just like this most awesome mentorship.)]
Thanks so much,
Kathy
Write, write, write, and write some more.
Looking back at your past year, what events or accomplishments made your heart light up?
Learning craft from Dean Wesley Smith’s classes, Discovering a method of plotting that works for me, Addressing a health issue (even though a second one arose from addressing the first)
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?
My husband, he’s one awesome, supportive, loving guy.
If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
Stephen King. (What a journey!) He’s made a great living writing and has lived life greatly because of his writing!
With these answers in mind, spend at least an hour writing out why you do what you do. (Note: this is not an easy exercise, and not one that can be rushed, so please take your time.)
Old Yeller, Beautiful Joe, Black Beauty, Interview with a Vampire, Rebecca, Moth and the Flame, Carrie… All those glorious books that helped me survive a none-too-pleasant childhood and teens. Since reading those, and disappearing into those worlds, THAT is what I’ve always wanted to do. I want to create those wonderful places and those memorable people and give back at least a smidgeon of what I was given. I learned to type because I wanted to write. I took classes because I wanted to write. Making a living and surviving intruded and now that I’m getting a second chance to follow my dream, I want to write books like those books that became my friends, stories that made surviving bad situations bearable and that became the inspiration for survival. (Boy, that was more deep than I expected. I had no idea… No one has asked “Why” before. Thank you!)
GOALS:
1 year:
To teach myself to produce… Increase productivity as much as possible while enjoying the process. This year, since I have not reentered the workforce and am able to write fulltime, a book a month is VERY doable (1 ½ chapters per day), especially since I’ve finally grasped the plot points and story beats. (What a struggle!) This is the year of sit butt in chair and write (while making sure to stay active…balance).
5 years:
To build a backlist from years 1-5, determine most enjoyable path and meld with most profitable path. Have a much better handle on marketing. Be making at least a modest living via book sales.
10 years:
To have built several brands (Horror, YA, Romance, possibly Erotica) and nurture those brands, while also focusing more strongly on those that are stronger money streams, all the while not losing the sense of challenge or the fun aspects of making up stories for a living, while making a generous living.
Of Note to Share:
For Writing Diary and Yay Me File, I am experimenting with a 45-day trial of The Journal, by DavidRM Software, which includes a way to highlight text and designate that particular text as a topic (such as Yay Me), so that you can pull up all of your Yay Me’s for the week, month, year, also for particular categories, etc. After the 45 days, the cost of the software is $44.95.
For outlining, Steve Windsor’s 9 Day Novel Outlining and 9 Day Writing Fiction [Just what I needed, when I needed it. (Just like this most awesome mentorship.)]
Thanks so much,
Kathy
Upvote
0
If money and time were of no concern, what would you do with your days?
I would rise every morning and write for three hours and most afternoons write 2-5pm.
A personal trainer would come to my house 3 days per week.
One afternoon a week I would spend on a “possibilities” initiative I’d co-created for at risk girls age 9 to 13 years old.
I would volunteer at our library one afternoon a week
Every night after 10pm I would write, work on marketing and social media.
Since money is not a concern I would have a part time cook for lunch and dinner and be free from cleaning my house.
Looking back at your past year, what events or accomplishments made your heart light up?
I self published The Truth About Lilly in print and digital which was a challenging and gratifying accomplishment. Many friends praised the book on Facebook and various alumnae pages-unsolicited and much appreciated. Readers began asking when my next book was coming out because they wanted to go to Haley, Vermont again. They liked the people and characters there.
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?
If I lost my family and our two Labs, I would be devastated. My world would cease to exist. If you are referring to “things” I would miss all of the items relating to my family’s heritage that had been passed down or accrued and could not be replaced.
If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
I would trade lives with Steven Spielberg. He has done it all, screenwriting, producing and directing. He began a new kind of creativity with Dreamworks. To live inside his mind, to experience how new ideas evolve within him, would be awesome.
My writing vision
I began writing when I was nine years old and produced my first neighborhood newspaper. In college I majored in Radio-TV- Film. I worked for two TV stations as a news anchor and wrote news copy. There is not a lot of creativity in news but I liked being in the nucleus, in the studio and control room. At this point I didn’t see myself as a real writer, only as a talking head. Later, I did commercial production which is more creative because you are brainstorming to find another clever way to sell a client’s product. I wrote/produced radio and TV spots and got some satisfaction from it. I had done film projects in college and really liked the idea of writing and creating the visual. As my career moved along, every job I took had some writing in it. Physician bios, point of sale, print ads, a literacy video and an orientation video for large university. One day, years later, in a good paying job in marketing which made me miserable, I knew I had to do something else, something that I enjoyed. As fate would have it, there was a Romantic Times Conference in Savannah a few hours away. To my astonishment, I knew I was in the right place. I pitched an idea to a publisher who had a new line and the editor asked for three chapters, which I didn’t have because I’d never written fiction. After writing the synopsis and chapters, she asked to see the whole book. Unfortunately by the time I’d written and polished it the line had been cancelled. But I’d learned something. Writing was fun and I thrived being inside the book with my characters. When I wrote, I disappeared from being an employee, mother and wife; I immersed myself in my fictional town. If ever there was an “in the groove” I had found it.
Giving up my day job wasn’t possible at this point. I liked writing but I didn’t envision being able to make a living with it. I joined RWA in Atlanta and met some generous, successful writers. If they could succeed, could I? While some of my colleagues dreamed of getting “the call” I dreamed of standing on the stage at the Academy Awards accepting an Oscar for best Adapted Screenplay and thanking everyone who helped me get there.
1 year
My plan was to write a Christmas novella and another book in my Shores of Lake Champlain series. I’m beginning to realize I am not capable of doing “short” and will probably turn the novella into another book in my Shores series. My goal for this year is to complete two books and concentrate on improving my web site and driving traffic through social media.
5 years
Hopefully as Hallmark, Showtime, HBO, Netflix, Amazon and other new production entities create original programming, I can sell to one of them. At this point, I am still turning out two contemporary romance novels a year and two paranormal books under the name Skyler Cross. By now, I will have become proficient in screenwriting and completed four screenplays.
10 years
Continue writing contemporary and paranormal. I imagine readers will have some new and innovative delivery methods for reading and I intend to be on the cutting edge of it. I will also set up an annual scholarship for a creative writing program at my alma mater.
I would rise every morning and write for three hours and most afternoons write 2-5pm.
A personal trainer would come to my house 3 days per week.
One afternoon a week I would spend on a “possibilities” initiative I’d co-created for at risk girls age 9 to 13 years old.
I would volunteer at our library one afternoon a week
Every night after 10pm I would write, work on marketing and social media.
Since money is not a concern I would have a part time cook for lunch and dinner and be free from cleaning my house.
Looking back at your past year, what events or accomplishments made your heart light up?
I self published The Truth About Lilly in print and digital which was a challenging and gratifying accomplishment. Many friends praised the book on Facebook and various alumnae pages-unsolicited and much appreciated. Readers began asking when my next book was coming out because they wanted to go to Haley, Vermont again. They liked the people and characters there.
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?
If I lost my family and our two Labs, I would be devastated. My world would cease to exist. If you are referring to “things” I would miss all of the items relating to my family’s heritage that had been passed down or accrued and could not be replaced.
If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
I would trade lives with Steven Spielberg. He has done it all, screenwriting, producing and directing. He began a new kind of creativity with Dreamworks. To live inside his mind, to experience how new ideas evolve within him, would be awesome.
My writing vision
I began writing when I was nine years old and produced my first neighborhood newspaper. In college I majored in Radio-TV- Film. I worked for two TV stations as a news anchor and wrote news copy. There is not a lot of creativity in news but I liked being in the nucleus, in the studio and control room. At this point I didn’t see myself as a real writer, only as a talking head. Later, I did commercial production which is more creative because you are brainstorming to find another clever way to sell a client’s product. I wrote/produced radio and TV spots and got some satisfaction from it. I had done film projects in college and really liked the idea of writing and creating the visual. As my career moved along, every job I took had some writing in it. Physician bios, point of sale, print ads, a literacy video and an orientation video for large university. One day, years later, in a good paying job in marketing which made me miserable, I knew I had to do something else, something that I enjoyed. As fate would have it, there was a Romantic Times Conference in Savannah a few hours away. To my astonishment, I knew I was in the right place. I pitched an idea to a publisher who had a new line and the editor asked for three chapters, which I didn’t have because I’d never written fiction. After writing the synopsis and chapters, she asked to see the whole book. Unfortunately by the time I’d written and polished it the line had been cancelled. But I’d learned something. Writing was fun and I thrived being inside the book with my characters. When I wrote, I disappeared from being an employee, mother and wife; I immersed myself in my fictional town. If ever there was an “in the groove” I had found it.
Giving up my day job wasn’t possible at this point. I liked writing but I didn’t envision being able to make a living with it. I joined RWA in Atlanta and met some generous, successful writers. If they could succeed, could I? While some of my colleagues dreamed of getting “the call” I dreamed of standing on the stage at the Academy Awards accepting an Oscar for best Adapted Screenplay and thanking everyone who helped me get there.
1 year
My plan was to write a Christmas novella and another book in my Shores of Lake Champlain series. I’m beginning to realize I am not capable of doing “short” and will probably turn the novella into another book in my Shores series. My goal for this year is to complete two books and concentrate on improving my web site and driving traffic through social media.
5 years
Hopefully as Hallmark, Showtime, HBO, Netflix, Amazon and other new production entities create original programming, I can sell to one of them. At this point, I am still turning out two contemporary romance novels a year and two paranormal books under the name Skyler Cross. By now, I will have become proficient in screenwriting and completed four screenplays.
10 years
Continue writing contemporary and paranormal. I imagine readers will have some new and innovative delivery methods for reading and I intend to be on the cutting edge of it. I will also set up an annual scholarship for a creative writing program at my alma mater.
Upvote
0
If money and time were of no concern, what would you do with your days?
Write, write, write, and write some more. Absolutely!
Looking back at your past year, what events or accomplishments made your heart light up?
Learning craft from Dean Wesley Smith’s classes, Discovering a method of plotting that works for me, That is wonderful! Addressing a health issue (even though a second one arose from addressing the first) Sorry about that...
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?
My husband, he’s one awesome, supportive, loving guy. I am SO glad for you! That is SO important!
If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
Stephen King. (What a journey!) He’s made a great living writing and has lived life greatly because of his writing! GREAT!
With these answers in mind, spend at least an hour writing out why you do what you do. (Note: this is not an easy exercise, and not one that can be rushed, so please take your time.)
Old Yeller, Beautiful Joe, Black Beauty, Interview with a Vampire, Rebecca, Moth and the Flame, Carrie… All those glorious books that helped me survive a none-too-pleasant childhood and teens. Sorry about that....Since reading those, and disappearing into those worlds, THAT is what I’ve always wanted to do. I want to create those wonderful places and those memorable people and give back at least a smidgeon of what I was given. That is SO SO wonderful! I learned to type because I wanted to write. I took classes because I wanted to write. Making a living and surviving intruded and now that I’m getting a second chance to follow my dream, I want to write books like those books that became my friends, stories that made surviving bad situations bearable and that became the inspiration for survival. (Boy, that was more deep than I expected. I had no idea… No one has asked “Why” before. Thank you!) I am glad that this process was really beneficial for you.
GOALS:
1 year:
To teach myself to produce… Increase productivity as much as possible while enjoying the process. This year, since I have not reentered the workforce and am able to write fulltime, a book a month is VERY doable (1 ½ chapters per day), especially since I’ve finally grasped the plot points and story beats. (What a struggle!) This is the year of sit butt in chair and write (while making sure to stay active…balance). GREAT goals!
5 years:
To build a backlist from years 1-5, determine most enjoyable path and meld with most profitable path. Have a much better handle on marketing. Be making at least a modest living via book sales. These are all wonderful and doable goals!
10 years:
To have built several brands (Horror, YA, Romance, possibly Erotica) and nurture those brands, while also focusing more strongly on those that are stronger money streams, all the while not losing the sense of challenge or the fun aspects of making up stories for a living, while making a generous living. This is harder, but quite achievable! I know you can do it!
Of Note to Share:
For Writing Diary and Yay Me File, I am experimenting with a 45-day trial of The Journal, by DavidRM Software, which includes a way to highlight text and designate that particular text as a topic (such as Yay Me), so that you can pull up all of your Yay Me’s for the week, month, year, also for particular categories, etc. After the 45 days, the cost of the software is $44.95. Try it out Kathy and see how it works for you. There are people who really swear by it. Let me know how it works for you.
For outlining, Steve Windsor’s 9 Day Novel Outlining and 9 Day Writing Fiction [Just what I needed, when I needed it. (Just like this most awesome mentorship.)] GREAT resource! Aw...thank you for your kind words!
Thanks so much,
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Here are my comments for you!
Keep up the GREAT work and I hope you have a lot more aha moments in this group!
Upvote
0
Hi Kristy,
I love your dream lines too! I think it is great to dream!
You have such an interesting background. It will definitely work in your favour as time goes.
Keep up the GREAT work!
See my comments above!
Irene
Upvote
0
Assignment 2
If time & money were of no concern
I would spend my days writing while my daughter was at school. My focus would be being a SAHM and a writer
Events of 2015
I am assuming this doesn't include the loss of life -- therefor I would most miss pictures & scrapbooks and a few other sentimental things. My grandmother's sewing machine FI
Trade lives
I would trade with someone like Mary Higgins Clark or Janet Evanovich because they are doing what I want to do.
Why I want what I do
When I started my vision was also my reality -- reporter then editor out on a beat, in a busy newsroom etc. Now I envision it in the way I once heard Stephen King describe -- home writing and writing and writing.
First year - writing and finishing up books. Finally sell them to major publishing house.
5th year -- writing, books tours, keep producing and keep selling
10th year -- an established success! Keep writing and selling
Writing dairy is a journal I write in with a pen. Old fashion maybe, but simple and effective.
Yay me -- Is mostly Beachbody stuff, My weight loss journey. Although oddly this has all helped my writing tremendously.
If time & money were of no concern
I would spend my days writing while my daughter was at school. My focus would be being a SAHM and a writer
Events of 2015
- My son's high school graduation
- my daughter's duet placing high at a very competitive national competition
- all my fitness and weight loss accomplishments for myself and as being a Beachbody coach
- The authors I worked with at SCP still choosing me to edit after the company folded
I am assuming this doesn't include the loss of life -- therefor I would most miss pictures & scrapbooks and a few other sentimental things. My grandmother's sewing machine FI
Trade lives
I would trade with someone like Mary Higgins Clark or Janet Evanovich because they are doing what I want to do.
Why I want what I do
- I need to get the stories and voices out of my head. I always tell stories and whatnot orally, people love them. I do prefer to write them down on paper.
- I want again to be a SAHM for my daughter
- I want to be financially stable on my own and not depend on CS, my aunt, etc.
When I started my vision was also my reality -- reporter then editor out on a beat, in a busy newsroom etc. Now I envision it in the way I once heard Stephen King describe -- home writing and writing and writing.
First year - writing and finishing up books. Finally sell them to major publishing house.
5th year -- writing, books tours, keep producing and keep selling
10th year -- an established success! Keep writing and selling
Writing dairy is a journal I write in with a pen. Old fashion maybe, but simple and effective.
Yay me -- Is mostly Beachbody stuff, My weight loss journey. Although oddly this has all helped my writing tremendously.
Upvote
0
Assignment 2 - Alisa
I'm apologizing up front for the length. Once I started typing, I just kept going....
If time & money were of no concern:
- Write without worrying about what I should be doing
- Write
- Write
- Read, read, read (Reading my genre or researching the time period inspires me to write)
- Though I’ve never been to Wyoming, I’ve always felt a connection to the Wyoming Territory of the latter 19th It would be a dream to travel around the state and visit Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and all the old west towns. Then move on to Montana, and other Western states for the same. (strictly for research purposes of course, LOL)
- Hire a personal trainer – I’ll need to be in shape to do all of that outdoor, old west sort of stuff
- Attend whatever writers’ conferences and workshops I want to – regardless of cost or location
- I love the PBR (Prof. Bull Riders), but they hardly come to FL because of the heat. I’d love to be able to travel to some of the venues and to the finals in Vegas every year.
- Stay at the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian @ Walt Disney World
- Volunteer – probably some sort of literacy program
Highlights of 2015:
- My husband’s support & the way we were able to stick together throughout a hellish year.
- The couple of long weekends we were able to spend at Walt Disney World
- Kit Morgan accepting me into the Pioneer Hearts FB groups: Authors Only Pioneer Hearts, Brainstorming Buddies and Accountability Partners – Pioneer Hearts
- Cathy Chant’s various writing workshops – her lessons and comments resonate with me. Because of one of her classes, I realized I had more than just one idea for a story – and I started the framework for a novella related to my main WIP.
- Signing up for Irene’s Writer’s Block workshop. If it hadn’t been for that class, I never would have signed up for the mentor group. (Hmmm. Time to reread the WB lessons me thinks).
- Made, with hubby’s help, serious inroads into setting up a Writing Office
Who would I trade lives with: A more confident, healthier me. Or… someone from the time period I write in – but probably not for a long time. I’d miss my modern conveniences. Like indoor plumbing and air conditioning.
Why I do what I do: (This is long. Once I started typing, I just kept going)
I started writing in high school. It was a miserable time in my life and writing soothed me, and helped me to escape. Though I had no clue what I was doing, I just knew I had a story in my head. I loved anything (and still do) having to do with the old west. But in those days (early 80’s), there was no internet and I had no idea how to research. AND I stupidly believed my boyfriend at the time that what I was writing was no good and a waste of time. And I trashed it. Since I’d been using a typewriter, there was no bringing it back later on.
Fast forward to 5 years ago. The voices in my head were back with a vengeance. I became lost in the storytelling, and spent many weekends and evenings in my office writing – ignoring most other segments of my life (except the day gig). Research was easier, but I still had no idea what I would actually do with the effort if and when I completed it. Eventually, burnt out, I fell into the time suck of FB, Farmville, etc. (Ugh) and the writing was put aside.
Fast forward again 3 years. While investigating the links on one of my favorite author’s websites, I discovered links to RWA and other similar sites. This was a big Aha moment for me. After a lot hemming and hawing, I joined RWA and a couple of its online chapters. And then Savvy. I realized I COULD learn what I needed to do what I NEEDED. Write that story.
Around the same time, I discovered some authors who, while not NY Times material, told stories I enjoyed. And not only did they have FB presence, but they also personally and generously replied to inquiries from this newbie author. And one of them owns a publishing company that looks for women who write old west romances. Another aha!
Why do I write? Not for money (though it would be nice) or fame. But for the pure joy I feel when I’m in the zone and listening to those voices and telling their stories. And because I know that the only one holding me back from finishing the story is my dedication, not my inability to learn the necessary skills or business acumen.
Writing Career:
- 1 Year: (not necessarily in order)
- Attend the RWA Nationals in Orlando (2 hours away)
- Increase focus, productivity and discipline
- Complete ACL (novel) and MOB novella
- Submit something to Prairie Rose Publications
- Plot out and start next stories
- Be organized. (already started with the recent decluttering project – so cleansing and freeing.)
- Review workshop class lessons (hard copy) files. I’ve taken great classes, but have never made time to go back and review some of the more pertinent ones.
- Same for the files I’ve stored in email & in Dropbox. I really NEED to get those organized and do some printing and hard copy filing
- Review all those blogs and posts I’ve pinned. Organize them so I know what I have (research file, writing aids, etc.) and can access when needed. Delete what I don’t need.
- 5 Years:
- Multiple books published
- Earning something
- Facebook and blog following like some of the authors I follow
- Have attended at least 1 or 2 writers’ conferences (RWA, Romantic Times, Prairie Hearts)
- 10 Years:
- Successful author
- Have attended several writers’ conferences (RWA, Romantic Times, Prairie Hearts)
- Still enjoy writing and able to earn at least enough to support my writing and reading habit
Upvote
0
I see a lot of echoes in what I wrote above (beaches, good husbands, writing, pets, books, heirlooms, scrapbooks and aspirations), which is cool for a team like ours .
If money and time were of no concern I would do pretty much what I do now. Just more effectively!
But that would be kind of wasting a wish so I’d also run a bakery (Sunshine Bakery) and a bookstore (Romance Rocks) and an outdoor gear store (Onward & Up) and a mixed-housing community of apartments and houses for developmentally delayed adults and higher functioning adults with families willing to look out for their neighbors in exchange for a subsidized rent. If that worked I'd try it with foster kids aging out of the system. I even have sites and staff in mind for all these endeavors. I don’t play Powerball but I do play the game of “what would I do with endless money and time.”
These events and accomplishments made my heart light up last year:
If I could trade lives with anyone, I wouldn’t. I’m happy I’m me and don’t want to be anyone else.
My whys:
In one year I will finish at least one book and know for sure that it’s good.
In five years I connect with the right people who help get my books to an audience who will like them.
In ten years my life still has a rhythm of work, exploration and refuge that helps me grow as a person but is also centered on writing as a job, with deadlines and hubbub and all that jazz I miss.
.If money and time were of no concern I would do pretty much what I do now. Just more effectively!
But that would be kind of wasting a wish so I’d also run a bakery (Sunshine Bakery) and a bookstore (Romance Rocks) and an outdoor gear store (Onward & Up) and a mixed-housing community of apartments and houses for developmentally delayed adults and higher functioning adults with families willing to look out for their neighbors in exchange for a subsidized rent. If that worked I'd try it with foster kids aging out of the system. I even have sites and staff in mind for all these endeavors
. I don’t play Powerball but I do play the game of “what would I do with endless money and time.”These events and accomplishments made my heart light up last year:
- Husband’s recovery
- Daughter Caitlin’s super fun and inclusive wedding
- Getting official status as Lou’s in-law family afterward
- Scrapbooking with my mom
- Enjoyed most of RWA, proud of myself for how much I learned
- Retired rather than fired from work (**always good**)
- Spending time on the beach alone with Hunter as he learned to swim
- Incredible feedback from Grace Burrowes (OMG!!)
- “Daily rhythm” time with my extended family on vacation on Mt Desert Island
- World Cup semi-final win for USA in Montreal
- Discovering inner art sense, filling house with prints Mark and I like
- Caitlin and Lou’s pregnancy
- A really nice holiday with my husband and kids
- Scrapbooks (these are my memories since the rest are fuzzy. I bought a scanner for backups)
- The feel of my bed, favorite chair, the colors of my house, the hardwood floor Mark finished
- My wedding ring, and grandmother’s engagement ring, and anniversary necklace
- My new fridge (she’s a scratch and dent but beautiful; I call her Chica).
- My big, luxurious tub, and the Christmas lights around the ceiling. Heat and light in general.
- All my books, my hundreds of favorites.
- Easy walk to the Audubon wetlands, and long walk on beach
- My super hard-working washer and dryer, orange, right in the middle of my kitchen.
- My favorite jeans, hiking boots, camping gear and backpack
- My computers, and everything on them (including the stickers)
- Money to go places I’m curious about, and take classes that interest me, and office supplies
- Mark’s truck and my Jeep
- Walking granddaughter to the bus stop from our house
- My fountain, waterfall, backyard grill, gardens, swing set and canopy over the picnic tables
- Backyard connecting to my mom and step dad. Living across from daughter and son in law.
- The feeling of independence of security, the freedom to choose what I do with my days
- Ease of having important documents in hand, bills paid, money saved, plenty of food
- Going days without fear, and when “not writing enough” was my biggest problem
- Feeling competent as a parent, not having brain preoccupied with survival and safety
If I could trade lives with anyone, I wouldn’t. I’m happy I’m me and don’t want to be anyone else.
My whys:
- I take care of my home because it’s another way of providing security and love to my family
- I’m a mom because I love kids and like the challenge of civilizing them. I take care of them with “semi-close attention” because I trust my instincts as a mom for a lot of years. When something makes me uneasy I’m right on it, but it takes a lot to rock my boat.
- I’m a foster parent because it’s a job where you offer love and security to kids who need that and I'm willing and able to put in the effort to make those offers stick.
- I’m married because I fell in love with this really great guy who centers me. I prioritize my marriage over every other relationship because the life we’ve built falls apart if we don’t stay devoted, connected and happy with each other.
- I spend time with my parents, my brothers and sisters, my cousins and their families because they’re my favorite people and we have fun and relax with each other.
- I take care of myself and do things I enjoy because I have a spirit that likes attention and a body that demands it ;-).
- I write because it’s how I make sense of what I’ve seen and learned and struggled with and all that comes through in a kind of kaleidoscope way in my characters. I see bits and pieces of myself in their stories but not much I recognize. They are “of me” but not “me,” if that makes sense. What’s closest to me is their focus on hope and understanding, and faith that all will be well. That’s what I need in a happily ever after—reminders that most of life is good, most people are good, and with hard work and perseverance we can all make joyous lives for ourselves through loving and caring for others.
In one year I will finish at least one book and know for sure that it’s good.
In five years I connect with the right people who help get my books to an audience who will like them.
In ten years my life still has a rhythm of work, exploration and refuge that helps me grow as a person but is also centered on writing as a job, with deadlines and hubbub and all that jazz I miss
.
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If money and time were of no concern, what would you do with your days?
Honestly, I think I would do exactly what I am currently doing. For the first time, our kids are independent, either in school or working, and I am free to travel for work and family assistance, allowing me to write on the road. I started working at 14 with a work permit and landed a job with our local veterinarian. Every job I’ve had since has been one with a great sense of connection to where I wanted to be, what I wanted to do. I always knew when it was time to move on. Most of my jobs continue to be a win-win combination…and believe me, I know how fortunate I am!
If money wasn’t an issue and I wasn’t using my time for writing, I would invest in start-up charities like HUNGRY HARVEST, that trucks fresh produce into free inner city farmer’s markets. Or walk dogs at pet shelters, or foster more. (That last may not be advisable since we already have an embarrassing number of dogs and cats living with us…and I’m sure my DH does have limits somewhere…)
After reading Lisa's comment about not wasting a wish... I'd like to invest in her program. And supply each resident with a starter cat.
Looking back at your past year, what events or accomplishments made your heart light up?
Wow…I didn’t realize how even-keel 2016 was?? Outside of family events and accomplishments, writing highlights included finding Irene’s mentoring workshop and the INCREDIBLY supportive writers showing up to help each other move forward. I’m used to working alone. Writing with others, even sharing writing goals and ideas with others, was very new to me. This gave me an unexpected passion for continuing fiction writing when my productivity dropped to zilch.
One aside-from-writing Yay! Was when my quilt donated to a local animal shelter’s 2015 event was auctioned off for $1400.00. Did not see that one coming, and it lead to a new direction in quilting for the 2016 charity auction quilts. And additional side income, taking on a few requests for similar quilts (more practically priced J)
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?
The only thing that matters—my family.
And after that, my independence, my ability to choose: where I wanted to be, what I wanted to do, who I wanted to do it with. Writing, sewing, drawing, fostering—all of the things I love doing on a daily basis would fall into this category.
If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
Nope, not trading, not with anyone else, regardless. What I know for sure: Everyone has their private issues to deal with, mostly things others never know. And a lot of us struggle pretty darn successfully with things that could lay another person low. For me, it’s the enemy you know, kind-of thing.
My parents and grandparents drilled into all of us that we can do anything we want; but, we need to be open and creative as to how we get there. I wouldn’t trade my opportunity to reinvent myself whenever I wished for someone else’s much more successful life. That said, there are wonderful people out there who inspire me to be so much better, to work harder, to dress better, to attempt something totally off the grid. I don’t want to be them, I just want to learn to be a better Me from them.
With these answers in mind, spend at least an hour writing out why you do what you do.
I love to read--always have--and I write because I love the written.
There is a rush that comes when a new plot direction suddenly shows up on the page, especially when it’s a direction I could never, ever have planned or outlined. I adore inventing new people and then walking them into odd situations, wondering how they would/could deal. You know, doing things I’d never have the guts to do or say or wear. All of my life, especially because I was a shy child, books pulled me forward and strong characters taught me how to “be” and helped me modify that “be” into who I wanted to then become when I got there.
Books are an excellent tool for growth, often better than a kid’s current choice of adult mentors or caregivers. That’s really such a cliché, but it’s so true. It’s so much better—I believe—to show someone how much more they could be than telling them to get their act together and grow up.
Books let us live vicariously through another character’s dumbass actions—and teach us how to avoid doing the same thing, or at least, survive long enough to be cast in the sequel. Books keep teens moving forward, help them keep from shutting down totally, because they can read about characters that take one of those optional paths…and then books show them the consequences and help them decide whether or not it’s worth it to make those same decisions. Books show, they don’t tell, not as much as parents do. The first approach gets our attention, the second sometimes shuts us down.
Books can show someone how to move past the worst thing that ever happened to them. Books can hammer home the point to a lonely child that they DO matter, even when everyone else around them is telling them they are worthless. Books can point teens in the right direction behaviorally by showing them all the wonderfully stupid things the rest of us do—and survive—and why one approach to a problem may be more successful than another. Books will tell us things that society tells us we have no business thinking about, or caring about, or trying to emulate. (Buy banned books, people!)
Books have been the single greatest influence in my life, even more than my family. That is probably my main motivation for writing—to talk to people I will never meet.
I want to tell them, Hey, it’s going to be okay…hold on. And, Have you thought of doing x…or,…Want to see what happens when this guy does y? I want to share encouragement, pay forward all of the gifts I’ve been showered with from the amazing people I know. Teach what I've been given, help others find their own gifts.
Where I’d like to be, professionally:
1 year: complete 3 category or single title romances, 12 picture books, and have enough research for my nonfiction to begin pinging prospective editors. Doesn’t matter if the fiction books are ready for publication or even if they ever get picked up. 2016 is my year to finish strong in productivity.
5 years: consistently completing 12 PB’s a year, writing 2 or 3 category romances, and working on another book in a nonfiction series. Writing for publication is now a given, and I am working with editors I trust and enjoy. My first goal—hitting it within this deadline, is to have published 10 books by my 5 year mark.
10 years: have a solid backlist in fiction and nonfiction, submission rate of 3 fiction books a year and nonfiction every other year and recognized as a prolific author of PB for elementary school age. I'm still teaching but now focused on teaching writing to children and teens, elementary school and junior high through inner city school programs.
Writing Diary
I started my journal on a Word doc on the computer. I find this the very best way for me to write—long-hand is too slow. If I can’t write fast enough to keep the words in pace with the thoughts, I lose them. Also, I can’t always read what I wrote. UGH! So, I will make notes on paper but I will embellish on the computer. I just seem to think better by keyboard.
Yay, ME!
My YAY, ME! file will be noted on my daily planner. I splurged and purchased one I would keep and reread. Every day I note the best things I accomplished, and what’s going on. List style so I can refer back and find it easier…and then return to this journal if I want more info.
Honestly, I think I would do exactly what I am currently doing. For the first time, our kids are independent, either in school or working, and I am free to travel for work and family assistance, allowing me to write on the road. I started working at 14 with a work permit and landed a job with our local veterinarian. Every job I’ve had since has been one with a great sense of connection to where I wanted to be, what I wanted to do. I always knew when it was time to move on. Most of my jobs continue to be a win-win combination…and believe me, I know how fortunate I am!
If money wasn’t an issue and I wasn’t using my time for writing, I would invest in start-up charities like HUNGRY HARVEST, that trucks fresh produce into free inner city farmer’s markets. Or walk dogs at pet shelters, or foster more. (That last may not be advisable since we already have an embarrassing number of dogs and cats living with us…and I’m sure my DH does have limits somewhere…)
After reading Lisa's comment about not wasting a wish... I'd like to invest in her program. And supply each resident with a starter cat.
Looking back at your past year, what events or accomplishments made your heart light up?
Wow…I didn’t realize how even-keel 2016 was?? Outside of family events and accomplishments, writing highlights included finding Irene’s mentoring workshop and the INCREDIBLY supportive writers showing up to help each other move forward. I’m used to working alone. Writing with others, even sharing writing goals and ideas with others, was very new to me. This gave me an unexpected passion for continuing fiction writing when my productivity dropped to zilch.
One aside-from-writing Yay! Was when my quilt donated to a local animal shelter’s 2015 event was auctioned off for $1400.00. Did not see that one coming, and it lead to a new direction in quilting for the 2016 charity auction quilts. And additional side income, taking on a few requests for similar quilts (more practically priced J)
If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?
The only thing that matters—my family.
And after that, my independence, my ability to choose: where I wanted to be, what I wanted to do, who I wanted to do it with. Writing, sewing, drawing, fostering—all of the things I love doing on a daily basis would fall into this category.
If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
Nope, not trading, not with anyone else, regardless. What I know for sure: Everyone has their private issues to deal with, mostly things others never know. And a lot of us struggle pretty darn successfully with things that could lay another person low. For me, it’s the enemy you know, kind-of thing.
My parents and grandparents drilled into all of us that we can do anything we want; but, we need to be open and creative as to how we get there. I wouldn’t trade my opportunity to reinvent myself whenever I wished for someone else’s much more successful life. That said, there are wonderful people out there who inspire me to be so much better, to work harder, to dress better, to attempt something totally off the grid. I don’t want to be them, I just want to learn to be a better Me from them.
With these answers in mind, spend at least an hour writing out why you do what you do.
I love to read--always have--and I write because I love the written.
There is a rush that comes when a new plot direction suddenly shows up on the page, especially when it’s a direction I could never, ever have planned or outlined. I adore inventing new people and then walking them into odd situations, wondering how they would/could deal. You know, doing things I’d never have the guts to do or say or wear. All of my life, especially because I was a shy child, books pulled me forward and strong characters taught me how to “be” and helped me modify that “be” into who I wanted to then become when I got there.
Books are an excellent tool for growth, often better than a kid’s current choice of adult mentors or caregivers. That’s really such a cliché, but it’s so true. It’s so much better—I believe—to show someone how much more they could be than telling them to get their act together and grow up.
Books let us live vicariously through another character’s dumbass actions—and teach us how to avoid doing the same thing, or at least, survive long enough to be cast in the sequel. Books keep teens moving forward, help them keep from shutting down totally, because they can read about characters that take one of those optional paths…and then books show them the consequences and help them decide whether or not it’s worth it to make those same decisions. Books show, they don’t tell, not as much as parents do. The first approach gets our attention, the second sometimes shuts us down.
Books can show someone how to move past the worst thing that ever happened to them. Books can hammer home the point to a lonely child that they DO matter, even when everyone else around them is telling them they are worthless. Books can point teens in the right direction behaviorally by showing them all the wonderfully stupid things the rest of us do—and survive—and why one approach to a problem may be more successful than another. Books will tell us things that society tells us we have no business thinking about, or caring about, or trying to emulate. (Buy banned books, people!)
Books have been the single greatest influence in my life, even more than my family. That is probably my main motivation for writing—to talk to people I will never meet.
I want to tell them, Hey, it’s going to be okay…hold on. And, Have you thought of doing x…or,…Want to see what happens when this guy does y? I want to share encouragement, pay forward all of the gifts I’ve been showered with from the amazing people I know. Teach what I've been given, help others find their own gifts.
Where I’d like to be, professionally:
1 year: complete 3 category or single title romances, 12 picture books, and have enough research for my nonfiction to begin pinging prospective editors. Doesn’t matter if the fiction books are ready for publication or even if they ever get picked up. 2016 is my year to finish strong in productivity.
5 years: consistently completing 12 PB’s a year, writing 2 or 3 category romances, and working on another book in a nonfiction series. Writing for publication is now a given, and I am working with editors I trust and enjoy. My first goal—hitting it within this deadline, is to have published 10 books by my 5 year mark.
10 years: have a solid backlist in fiction and nonfiction, submission rate of 3 fiction books a year and nonfiction every other year and recognized as a prolific author of PB for elementary school age. I'm still teaching but now focused on teaching writing to children and teens, elementary school and junior high through inner city school programs.
Writing Diary
I started my journal on a Word doc on the computer. I find this the very best way for me to write—long-hand is too slow. If I can’t write fast enough to keep the words in pace with the thoughts, I lose them. Also, I can’t always read what I wrote. UGH! So, I will make notes on paper but I will embellish on the computer. I just seem to think better by keyboard.
Yay, ME!
My YAY, ME! file will be noted on my daily planner. I splurged and purchased one I would keep and reread. Every day I note the best things I accomplished, and what’s going on. List style so I can refer back and find it easier…and then return to this journal if I want more info.
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This is fantastic Kathleen but where is the uploaded picture (or link) of this Amazingly Awesome Quilt???
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Caren, awesome post.Sorry,it wouldn't let me paste it here so I had to attach it below.
My current series is set in a wilderness school, teaching foster kids survival skills (but the romances are about the grown-up staff, natch
).So your vision might still come to fruition. On paper, anyway
.
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Alisa, that's awesome! PBR's
all I know it Ty whathisface who married (and divorced) Jewel. You're my go-to girl now on all things cowboy.And way to go on the Prairie Hearts. You belong there, go you!
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Colleen, so glad you are a part of this group! Very interesting post. Let us know more about your Beachbody and weight loss journey--we LOVE success stories on this loop! And consider hosting a chat? I teach Pilates and do Bootcamp daily and still struggle with keeping my weight down. Guessing the struggle is more about keeping the food OUT
Always appreciate hearing about others' accomplishments in this area BTW, our daughter's name is Colleen, named for my sister. Still a beautiful name that you don't often hear.
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::snort:: If I can get it uploaded, I will! It's a collage quilt made from 24-26 college t-shirts. It was a huge fluke of fate, but one that still makes me squeee
It's a no-kill shelter and really struggles to stay that way. It was the theme that carried it, an OSU (for those with Michigan ties, that's THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, right???) 2014/15 season quilt. They were considered underdogs from the start and ended up winning everything. Lots of very unusual slogan shirts printed that year, including ones available only at the championship game in TX. Our daughter won the school's lottery for student tickets to that game (another fluke of fate) and was able to snag some of the unique shirts.
This year's squilt is based on the Cincinnati Reds...not such a hot season but they held the All-Star Game here AND Red's teammate Todd Frazier (hugely popular here and nicest Red's Guy EVER) won the Home Run Derby...so again with the unique shirt options.
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Thanks, Lisa!Alisa, that's awesome! PBR's
And way to go on the Prairie Hearts. You belong there, go you!
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Hi there,
I love your goals and vision for the future. How wonderful!!!
Your 2015 was busy, but in a nice way.
And your dreams for 2016 are absolutely awesome and doable!
Thank you for your reflections!
Irene
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