I'm Grateful

For so many blessings: my family and God's graciousness to me first and foremost.

We just had a new addition to our family: Little Joseph, my son's boy born yesterday. What a treat for me to be in the delivery room with them, and to help with the delivery.

I had six children, but, I'll tell ya, I was biting my nails!

He's stunning and I'm in love with him already :)

Whatever you're doing today, wherever you are I hope your holiday is blessed and safe.

Tongue -Stuck-In-Cheek

Okay, so I was at UVU speaking on writing a few weeks ago, and one student asked me, "Do you ever find yourself jealous of other writer's success?"

My tongue popped to my cheek. "Uh. NEVER."

The class laughed.

I added," The T word is NOT allowed in our house." ( Now, if you don't know what T stands for, it's Twilight )

Most authors are happy to see other authors have success, we all hope for that. Everyone defines success differently. For me, writing has never been about money. I'm well taken care of in that department by an awesome husband who has always been a stellar provider.

I write because I LOVE TO WRITE.

I remember an old critique partner who said, "Well, I'm in it for the money." Her book just got published, so I guess she's going to see just how much money really comes to her.

It's cool Stephenie Meyer has made a freaking fortune with her series. Love it or hate it, she doesn't care and doesn't need to care what anyone thinks at this point. Her bank account will never suffer again. So, all those critics who love to jump all over anyone who HAS gotten there faster and bigger than them, well, that's the way the page turns.

So, am I going to New Moon tonight? You betcha. Where I couldn't get through the books, I really enjoyed Twilight the movie. So, off I go to add another penny to Steph's coffer.

Cinderella Stories ROCK!

- Country, that is.

As for me and my house, we will adore Taylor Swift.

Taylor's story is remarkable. Young girl loves to sing and convinces her mom to drive her to Nashville so she can hand out demo CDs. Mom does.

Imagine little 12-year old Taylor bouncing enthusiastically into every record label in Nashville saying, "Hi, I'm Taylor and here's my CD."

It took guts and passion and complete belief in herself to do that. At 12.

At 14, she was doing a regular gig at the Blue Bird Cafe and a record guru was listening. REALLY listening. He'd just left Universal Records and wanted to start his own company - another dreamer - like Taylor, he believed in himself. Saw another way. Bucked the big guys.

He offered her his maverick company and she "went with her gut."

WOW. Last night, she took home every award she was nominated for on the CMAs. Taylor's heart-felt, real, clicheless music speaks to the hearts of listeners. Her effervescence is contagious. Her clean, wholesomeness refreshing in an industry fraught with artists ready to sell themselves for the chance at fame.

Taylor's an inspiration. Every now and then it's nice to see Cinderella get exactly what she deserves.

Are Distractions a Sign?

I have never had more difficulty getting to the end of a manuscript. Usually, I can't wait to get up and hit the keyboard. Now that I'm wrapping up Zoe's story with a third and final book, I am losing steam.

Of course, I have many personal issues happening right now as well, distracting me from getting words down and giving Zoe the ending she deserves.

Distractions used to not bother me and never got in the way. But the last few years of writing with serious distractions has shown me that it's not always easy to create when surrounded by crises.

How do other creative people deal with it?

I'm Just Not That Into You

Or other words of rejection.

Authors get their fair share of such words when querying agents. If I had a taped message I could send to all struggling authors it would run the word "subjective" on an endless loop.

"Where I find_______( your character ) a believable character, I'm afraid I'm just not passionate enough about..." blah, blah, blah.

At that point, toss the letter or press DELETE.

Agent A has no doubt read the first few lines, discovered the characters name so she/he can make the rejection letter sound personal ( hello, doesn't agent A know we authors get hundreds of the EXACT same 'personal' rejection over and over??? ) and therefore less - what - disappointing?

On one such occasion after receiving one of hundreds of 'personal' rejection letters I thought, "You may not be passionate about Zoe and her story, but I am."

And that's what that matters.

I'm so glad I don't swim with sharks anymore. Man, who wants to lose limbs every time you get in the water?? I need my fingers to write.

Writer's Group

Every week, I meet with a select group of choice writers and we read each other's work and critique. The exercise is the most valuable part of my writing. Going public before going public. I love my friends both at my 'in person' writer's group and my online group. No one else 'gets' the frustrations and joys that come with writing and publishing like they do. When there is nowhere else to go, we go to each other and laugh. Cry. Scream. Whatever.

Tonight is the night, and, as usual, my stomach still fills with butterflies. I can't wait to share, to listen and learn from these amazing friends.

If you're a writer, finding the right group of people you trust is an important step in your writing evolving into what you want it to be.

Find your group, if you haven't already.

Nanowrimo No-No

Not sure I can participate. Family intervenes with needs greater than my writing a few words, it appears. A frustrating fact no one - or very few - seem to understand.

Thank you to those who do: Jennifer. Your support means the world to me. Bella, Dawn and Ter. My writing pals. YOU GET IT: frustration and all. You get it.

Thanks.

Wolves

They're out there, dressed in writer-friend clothing. Be careful. Know your friends. Keep distance from the fakers.

Sad to say some writers don't think there is enough room for everyone on the bookshelf and that may be true if you're talking about a bookstore bookshelf. Still, success can't be achieved by climbing the broken backs of others.

What goes around, comes around. Eventually.