What got me into journalism and history at the same time? Hint – An old friend of my grandfather’s and his crazy stories. What legendary horse inspired my first “real” novel? What WWII author tucked me under her wing and answered all my annoying questions via Facebook and email? Two years later, she’s still my idol! 🙂 What book changed my outlook on writing, characters and the meaning of book clubs? Hint – it’s not my typical genre. And the movie comes out March 23, 2012. (Yes, I’m counting down the days.) Finally – what blog series did I start in 2010 that I’m still continuing to this day? Hint...
What I’ve learned in two years of blogging
My first blog ever: It’s a simple blog in itself and a simple title, even. “Welcome.” Looking back to August of 2009, I realize how different things were. I thought Twitter was a fad that would pass. I had attended my first writer’s conference and taken the first real step in becoming a writer. I was polishing and preparing a manuscript that could simply not be repaired. Two years later, things are very different. I’m on my third full manuscript, working on my fourth. I’ve signed with an amazing agent and attended a handful of conferences. I study other blogs and improve my craft daily. To put it simply, I’ve...
Pushing through to the finish
Earlier this month, I set a goal of 40,000 words that I wanted to complete in one month. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have had a problem with it. I always enjoy November’s NaNoWriMo. However, life intervened. So far I’ve only done around 15,000 words (even though the month is NOT over yet!) As certain parts of my personal life have settled, I’ve been able to dive back into the writing marathons whenever I have a spare moment (and my husband is otherwise busy.) Recently, I’ve also been riding my bike home from work (a ten mile commute) and learned a few things from that as well. Whether with writing...
Pavement & Ponderings
This past weekend was jam-packed. And action-packed. A 5K walk (OK I jogged a little too). A 10-mile bike ride. Hauling 60 bales of hay from the field. One hour stripping a large stall bare. Cleaning a barn. Ever notice how deep and refreshing sleep is when you’ve exhausted your body beyond belief? This morning (after a bit of caffeine), I’m contemplating how blessed I am. Blessed to be able to move and do the activities I love. We take for granted such simple things – a sunny day, a job, our family…our mobility, even. This past weekend, aside from the exercise, gave me a mental boost and on a...