Tag: what I’m up to

Author life

Story Storm — How did I do?

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I loved participating in Story Storm.

It was very motivating to receive tips in my inbox each day from published authors and illustrators. They had some unique suggestions on where to get ideas for stories!

Here’s what happened to me this month:

I brainstormed 40 ideas.  (I was hoping for more, but it was great to have a push to get some new ideas cooking.)

I began developing two of the ideas because I am so excited about them.

I also joined a critique group through SCBWI and went to my first meeting.  It was fun! I look forward to receiving feedback about some of my writing pieces.

Finally, I even edited and worked on a few proposals for manuscripts that have been on the back burner for awhile.

Thanks STORY STORM, for helping me be productive and push forward with my writing!

Author life

I’m a STORY STORM participant!

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Each day of January I am pledging to brainstorm ideas for new stories.  All participants of STORY STORM are on the honor system (meaning we don’t actually share our ideas publically), but each day on Tara Lazar’s blog, she hosts an “expert” who gives exercises and techniques for authors to use.  The first few days of January were a little rough for me, but I have now officially started and am ready to CREATE!  Maybe one day I’ll be able to say…”that book you hold in your hand was an idea that came from STORY STORM 2018!”

Tara’s blog/website

Thanks, @Tara Lazar for this inspirational experience.
You can also follow the Twitter hashtag #STORYSTORM to see what we are up to.

Author life, My Faith

Writing- test of endurance and willingness to take a LEAP OF FAITH

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So many points along the writing journey have required a leap of faith.

–Taking a writing course (even when it cost money)

–Believing that my manuscript was good enough to submit to an agent, magazine publication, or a book publishing house.

–Submitting the manuscript for the possible acceptance/rejection of that agent, publication, or a book publishing house. (FOLLOW THROUGH)

–Going to a Writing Conference

–Signing up for a 15 minute appointment with an expert at the Writing Conference

–Talking to other people that I didn’t know at the Writing Conference

–Joining a critique group

–Setting up a Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter promoting the fact that I am a writer.

–Actually telling people face-to-face that I am a writer.  That was and is probably the hardest!  Especially when I don’t have anything published to show for myself (yet) 🙂

And,
I have taken each of these steps of faith along my writer’s path! And survived! God was (and is) with me every step along the way.

And, currently in my writing journey, I am facing another LEAP.  Can’t explain the whole thing, but it is there.  And looking very impossible!

So that’s why I’m reminding myself of the faithfulness of God.

Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Not to take this verse too far out of context but.. 1 Thess 4:24 “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”

Many of Jesus’s miracles required the person he was helping to take a leap of faith.

Can you think of any examples?

Here’s an example from something I studied last week:

Jesus’s first miracle…turning the water into wine.

Have you ever noticed that the servants had to take the “water” to the master and present it to him as wine.  The question is, when exactly did they KNOW they had wine in their jars?

I admire their faith.

I want to imitate their faith.

I will take my leap of faith.  (Hold me accountable, please!)

I will let you know how it goes.  Are you facing a leap of faith?  I’d love to hear about it.

P.S. BTW, a good reminder. Even if what I want to happen doesn’t happen, God is there.  And HE is enough!

Author life

I’m going to a Writers Conference!

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Another author first for me!  After a push from a few writing pals that I have, I am officially signed up to attend this conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  How do I feel?  NERVOUS!  Especially since I am going to drive up there by myself.  Thank goodness for Mapquest!

But I can’t wait to learn, learn, learn, and learn some more.  The break out sessions look very helpful, and I will finally get to meet my new online friend Glenys Nellist.  She is PRESENTING at the conference which is so amazing.  I’m sure I will take a TON of notes!  Congrats, Glenys Nellist!  Your work is inspiring.