Going back to what started it all
Along the journey of our careers and lives we are easily distracted. Opportunities that sound good pop up and we jump on them. Other interests arise that detract from our main goals, but we pursue them anyway. For me, I lost sight of what my writing began as and what I want it to be.
I started writing around the same time I got my first horse — and the two loves became inseparable. I was 12 years old, and I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Ride horses and write novels.
In high school, the story of one horse’s escape from Nazi rule during WWII captured me and never let me go. I wrote a story based around this heroic tale and this would be the manuscript I write, rewrite, edit, tweak, rewrite and finally put aside for many years. This past year, however, I dug it up and gave it a facelift for today’s market.
This has brought me back to remember why I started this all. I couldn’t find a book I wanted to read about this—so I decided to write one for myself.
In doing so, I discovered countless truths about myself. I grew with each page I wrote, as did my confidence and sense of purpose. I know this is what I’m meant to do, whether I ever get these manuscripts published or not.
This love and passion put a spin on everything that followed in my writing career. As a journalism major in college, I’d find the “horse stories” and play every angle I could. At my internship at a Business Journal, I was nicknamed the “Cowgirl” and I even vowed to get a horse business story in print. Which I did.
Over the past few years, my blog has had little true “focus,” but I’m amending that now. I’m going back to the heart of what inspired me and drove me to start writing in the first place. I’ve never been able to find a good history blog that focused on horses and the riders. (But there are many, many good horse blogs out there, and some incredible magazines.) I’m just going to have to write what I want to read.
I hope you enjoy it as well.
In the pipeline:
- More on Witez II
- More Arabian legends
- Hollywood horse stories (who doesn’t love seeing a horse on the big screen?)
- Horses in War
- the horses that changed/scarred me
- common horse misconceptions
- horses making headlines today
Do you have any horse stories you’d love to learn more about? Any horse story that influenced you? Share in the comments!
Going through some changes
Blogging is like any other process in life—the more you do it, the more you learn and grow.
My blog has grown a lot over the years and I’ve had to experiment with the content and purpose of it. I’ve shared my writing journey, my personal stories and my novel research. Lately, however, I’ve come to realize this isn’t what my blog is meant to be about.
There are millions of blogs out there in cyberspace. What makes mine so special? (Well, I think I’m special, but that’s not enough.) :-)
It is time for a revamped focus. It is time to go back to heart of what I truly love: Horses & History.
So expect to see a shift in this blog. It will be renamed “Hoofbeats of history” (PLEASE let me know if that is tacky… I can’t decide, honestly, if it is or not.)
I’ll focus more on the stories that have shaped my life—the horses and horsemen and horsewomen who have shaped history. I’ll post some controversial questions that have been around since the dawn of time.
I’ll still feature updates on my publication journey and my latest research. I’ll share some of my horse photography as well.
I realize this might not be of keen interest to some of you readers, and I understand if you remove me from your “to read” list. There are too many good blogs out there and not enough hours in the day.
But if you love horses and you love history, this is the place for you.
I’d love to hear any feedback you may have! Feel free to share – I’m so grateful to all my readers and this journey we’ve endured!
- Nicole
Is Pinterest Really Worth the Risk of Addiction?
Yes.
I say this after “pinning” for about an hour while scouring the inter-web for information and inspiration for my next manuscript.
The above board is basically a collection of important links and images that all play a factor in my next novel. In the course of this research and content curation, I’ve connected with other horse lovers and even had the shock of a key association following my pins on Pinterest. (Following little ol’ me, really?)
Pinterest is invaluable to a writer. Why? Because you’re reaching people with similar interests = i.e. potential readers.
The beauty of different “boards” is your ability to show your own three-dimensional-ness. (Yes, I made that up.) I think it is cool to know what my favorite authors are cooking. What sort of funny pins they feel like re-pinning. Here you can “show” who you are, rather than “telling.” (Sound familiar.)
Other reasons to jump on the Pinterest bandwagon.
1. It’s cool. And peer pressure generally works.
2. Pinterest is now third among social media sites for driving referral traffic. That’s huge.
3. Pinterest increased my blog traffic increase by 2-3 times. That’s enough proof for me.
4. Pinterest is a non-sleazy way to sell yourself as an interesting figure. Provided you’re actually interesting.
5. Joining Pinterest instantly makes you seem more “hip.” (Kind of relates to point #1. But it’s true.)
That’s all I have to say about this matter. Now go forth and Pin.
(And leave a comment if you disagree, need a Pinterest invite, or care to tell me how brilliant and witty I am.) 
A 1912 Kodak Camera Through the Lens of iPhone’s Instagram
Yes, I realize the irony in taking a picture of a 1912 Kodak camera with my iPhone app, Instagram. One technology pushing out another.
It is progress, a natural evolution in our thriving, speeding society. Still, there is something so incredible about holding one of the cameras that at the time was a pillar of technology. Kodak, in the late 1800s was the first “box” camera where you just had to “push the button.”
What is your favorite piece of “old” technology that draws you in every time? I have a collection of four “older” cameras that I will take off the shelf and admire from time to time. I’m sure as time goes on, I’ll only add more to my collection.
1942 Field Bible – Holding history in your hands
“Throughout the centuries, men of many faiths and diverse origins have found in the Sacred Book words of wisdom, counsel and inspiration…” – FDR
My husband gave me this 1942 field bible for my birthday and in holding it, I feel the history of whoever carried this through the battle or service during World War II.
Do you have any pieces of history that you’re fascinated by?
Sometimes things happen 167 words at a time
Chapter One.
Twenty minutes of cardio.
Five minutes of guitar strumming.
These things feel insignificant and yet so daunting all at once. But in our crazy, hectic lives, sometimes we can only manage 167 words in a weekend. Five minutes of practicing that guitar. Twenty minutes of cardio.
That’s enough—if you stay consistent. If you make that happen on a regular basis. Then you’ll have 1600 words, a few hours of guitar practice, better workout habits.
If you keep waiting for that “right moment” to start something—it will never happen. Trust me. Be honest with yourself.
What project do you need to start? Where can you squeeze in twenty minutes a day to work on your dream? Make it happen.
May the 4th Be With You.
I think that’s really all that needs to be said on this day. (If you’re a Star Wars fan/nerd/geek like me, you’ll understand.)
Have a fabulous weekend! (Happy Cinco de Mayo as well!)
Five Necessary Ingredients for a New Novel
I’ve blissfully wrapped up my latest work-in-progress and am so looking forward to diving into a new project. (Yes, this is a disease and I can’t help myself. Must. Write.)
As I gear up to put fingers to keyboard and cursor to Word document, I’ve spent a few days working on the following key ingredients:
1. Enough background research to establish a historically accurate timeline and plot.
2. Photos of characters. Having a clear picture in my mind helps me keep the descriptions consistent throughout. I love taking images from the 40s themselves – it helps put me into the era and create more authentic characters.
3. Photos of beautiful horses to inspire and fuel the horsey characters. (I’d argue the horses are more important than the human characters, but not everyone will agree.)
4. Susan May Warren‘s worksheets for establishing character basics, plot points and the inner journey. Check out her writing workbooks to learn more!
5. A compelling opening scene. I’m struggling with this one, as my characters are a bit out-of-the-box. This can’t be any old regular opening scene. This sets the tone and pace for the entire novel. Not a task to be taken lightly.
Writers: What are your key ingredients before sitting down and creating a new manuscript?
Love Does (Part Two): Doing
I think Jesus had in mind that we would not just be “believers” but “participants.” Not because it’s hip, but because it’s more accurate, more fitting that way. He wanted people who get the “do” part of faith, not because He wanted activity, but because He wanted our faith to matter to us. – Bob Goff, Love Does
Lately, this point has come up again and again in my life. Words don’t matter. Action matters.
For a writer, that’s a hard reality to swallow. But I’ve come to see that the people and the books that have inspired me, like Love Does, comes from people who have done the actions in their life. The words (or book) came later.
So what is it that you need to go out and do? Go! Don’t wait for the “right time.” This is your time.
Book Review: Love Does (Part 1)
If you watch this video, you won’t regret it. If you watch this video, you might cry. (Fair warning.)
The grand marshal – the beautiful boy with the amazing smile, is a Ugandan boy who fell victim to a witchdoctor. Bob Goff’s law firm brought this case to trial – the first case for trafficking in people against a witchdoctor – and won the case.
This is unlike any other book you’ll read. Because Bob Goff is unlike an other person I’ve ever heard of.
You’ll be challenged to live a better story. You’ll be challenged to get up and do. You’ll be challenged to look at your world differently. You’ll be challenged in your own study of Jesus. You’ll be challenged in your perception of church.
Publisher’s description: “Love Does shares powerful stories coupled with eye-opening truths and empowers anyone who longs for a better world and a richer faith.”
To me, this book was so much more. I carried it around with me each day because I felt like seeing the binding every time I looked into my purse reminded me of what I so easily forget. Love. Does.
Action. Not words.
Take it from Bob, who sat outside the dean’s office at a law school for seven days until they finally admitted him. Bob, who encouraged his children to come up with ways to solve world disputes and then followed through by sending letters and then eventually dining and visiting with many world leaders. Bob, who accepted his role as consul for Uganda after believing it was a practical joke.
I can’t begin to discuss everything that touched me – not in one blog post. For now, trust me. Get this book the moment you can. (Releases May 1.)
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for my honest review through Thomas Nelson’s Booksneeze program. In all honesty, I’d planned on getting this book the moment I heard of it. Check out Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years for another life-changing perspective and more on Bob Goff.
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