Category Archives: writing
The House That Grandpa Built
A bar-b-que grill for more than one.
The slate patio looks like fun!
A Retraction (of sorts)
A number of people emailed and commented about my post of inauguration thoughts. I’d like to respond. Hopefully this can prevent any further distortions or faulty conclusions based on what I wrote.
I’ll not take back what I said because, as I stated in the first paragraph of Tuesday’s post, those were uncensored thoughts, an honest stream of consciousness. Politics are tricky, and everyone involved is passionate. That often leaves independents, like me, battling both sides.
I am not proclaiming blind support of President Obama. We differ on some very key issues which I will continue to follow and guard. Neither am I proclaiming blind support of President Bush. We also differed on some very key issues. While I am not at all happy with Obama’s position on abortion, I am glad to see someone new in the White House. I believe our nation needs change. I will not like all of the change, I’m sure. Already changes have been made that trouble me. But Obama is our President and, as I stated on Tuesday, that position is ordained by God and requires our respect (Romans 13:1).
One clarification I do need to make. I wrote: “I understand [Obama] writes his own speeches.” First, I did not say my understanding was absolute truth, only that this was what I understood to be true. Secondly, I have since researched this further (at the encouragement of you, dear readers) and found that Obama does indeed write many of his own speeches, just not all of them and not all alone. He wrote his first book, Dreams From My Father, entirely on his own. Since becoming a more public figure with greater responsibilities, he has employed a team of writers who helped him write his second book and a number of his speeches since. The White House gives credit for the Inauguration Speech to President Obama, though I’m sure this is mostly because he delivered it.
Here are some links to interesting articles about this topic. The first two talk about Obama and other presidents who were also writers. The second two dive into the relationship between Obama and his chief speech writer, Jon Favreau. All four articles are quite fascinating.
- How Obama Writes His Speeches, Time Magazine, 28 Aug 08
- All the Presidents’ Literature, The Wall Street Journal, 10 Jan 2009
- Obama inauguration: Words of history … crafted by 27-year-old in Starbucks, The Guardian, 20 Jan 2009
- What Would Obama Say?, New York Times, 20 Jan 2008
Being Disciplined: Part 2
Two Saturdays past I attended an event for local Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. I’ve been selling their products and teaching stamping and scrapbooking classes for seven years. It started out as a hobby and then became a business and now it’s back to being little more than a hobby. But recently a friend decided to start her own SU! business by becoming a demonstrator too. I attended this “Spring Fling” to support her and help her get off to a good start.
The day was a blast. We made some great projects and, of course, heard some very inspiring words by career demonstrators. They talked about the most productive ways to maintain a consistently successful business. Because I no longer plan to take over the world as Creative Stampin’ Queen, much of it went in one ear and out the other with a generous “if only” roll of the eyes. But some of it I found very applicable to writing. Or actually any career that has you working at home.
Leave home to work. This doesn’t mean get a different job or rent an office. Simply find a way to differentiate between home time and work time.
The problem with working at home is that we’re surrounded by all of our at-home chores. It’s difficult to turn off the “gotta do” pager when you pass a stack of dirty dishes while grabbing a glass of water or an overflowing hamper on your way to the bathroom. If I went away to work, I wouldn’t be able to do the dishes or throw in some laundry, but because I’m home all day, I feel like I have to. The result? All my work (read: writing, editing, market research, etc.) gets put off. The speaker on Saturday encouraged us to make sure we’re treating our work like a real job (duh!) by leaving home to do it (ah-ha!) Maybe that means literally leaving the house; going for coffee before returning home to start work. Or maybe you can just flip a mental switch. Maybe a timer would be helpful. Whatever it takes. But make sure you’re not using your work time for household chores.
Stop multi-tasking. I’ve decided multi-tasking is a fancy way to procrastinate without feeling guilty about it. One of the speakers asserted that doing one thing at a time ensures you’ll finish it quicker with better results than if you divide your efforts among several tasks. She’s right. This is why lists work for me. I see what needs to be done and cross them off one at a time. Without my list, I meander from room to room doing a little of this and a little of that consistently forgetting why I entered the room in the first place. I used to be labeled ADD; now it’s called Momnesia.
Great tips – right? Only I can’t do it.
My work IS my home. I’m a stay-at-home mom! My kids and the home where they live, they are my work, and I can’t leave them. I’ve tried. They follow. (The kids, not the house.) So, I set up designated work times when they’ll leave me alone, but that doesn’t work either. Take today for example. Rest time is not optional. It happens every day at one o’clock. For at least one hour, I have quiet to work. In theory, anyway. But today Zach didn’t want to play in his room and he didn’t want to take a nap. Instead he chose to stand just inside his door and scream for an entire hour. Did I mention my workspace is about ten feet from his door? After several visits to calm hm down and remind him who is in charge, he finally quit screaming (I think he passed out from the exertion.) at 2:08. That’s when Ellie came down the stairs thrilled that rest time was over. I popped in a video for her, hoping it would keep her occupied for a while. Instead of being content with Cinderella, she begged me to sit with her (cue the mom guilt) and has been talking to me nonstop since.
As for multi-tasking, well, that’s my life too. I need to be able to fill juice cups, make dinner, clean the kitchen and listen to one kid singing while praising another’s latest drawing for Grandma. Sure, a list keeps me directed, but actually being able to focus on one thing at a time? Well, that would only be possible if I woke up hours before the rest of my family. I’ve tried working after the kids go to bed, but by then I’m exhausted and my brain barely functions.
And so, as my friend Dale would say, it’s another day of Tanya’s whining and complaining. *grin* I’m not complaining! Or at least I dont mean to be. Just sharing thoughts. Maybe I’m too ambitious, my goals too lofty. Perhaps my expectations for this time in my life are completely unrealistic. Or maybe I’ve just done enough already today. But I did want to share these tips with you! If they don’t work for me now, maybe they’ll work for you. And I can get them back later.
I did it!
Anyone ever read A Hat for Ivan? It’s a children’s book by Max Lucado. It describes a village in which all the citizens wear hats. On their 12th birthday, they each receive their own customized hat, made just for them by the hatmaker. These hats tell them what they should do and what they should become. They draw attention to their strengths, their gifts and their greatest joys. The story tells of the hatmaker’s son, Ivan, who is about to turn 12. As he walks through town, several people give Ivan hats just like theirs. They presume to know what he should do. The baker wants him to be a baker; the music teacher thinks he would be better suited as a musician; the fireman has his own ideas, as well. None of the hats fit very well and they all weighed him down. Ivan was left in a heap trying to please everyone and never truly reaching his potential.
I’ve been an Ivan. Blame it on my middle-child syndrome. Or maybe I’ve just been convinced it’s the “right” thing to do. Regardless, I’ve been moping around for three weeks trying to convince myself to wear hats that don’t fit. I’ve been weighed down by what others think I should be doing. I’ve been crumped into a pile by the expectations placed upon me — none of which fulfill my purpose. I’ve listened to the wrong voices.
After posting this week and receiving all your words of encouragement, I did it. I made the calls I needed to make to get out from under the wrong hats. And you know what? Just like Ivan, I feel so much lighter! I feel happier and, best of all, I can now wear the hat made just for me. I’ve regained my desire to write. I’ve actually spent several hours today working on my book; a project that nearly fizzled has been revived. I’m so grateful!
So, THANK YOU for your prayers and encouragement. Thank you for your sound wisdom. And thank you for your patience with my compaining and dim-wittedness, two traits that seem to prevail often. *grin* I praise God He doesn’t give up on us, even when we’re not listening. I thank Him for His clear direction and quiet strength that allow us to heed His still, small voice.
I covet your prayers.
Hey, folks. I know I’ve been MIA lately. Even now I don’t have anything profound or meaningful to share with you. I’m just writing to let you know I’m still here and I covet your prayers. All is well, as it always is when God is sovereign, but the reasons to pray continue to multiply.
We’ve had much happen to and in our family recently. The kids seem to be growing at exponential rates, making our responsibility as their parents and spiritual guides all the more overwhelming. Top top it off, I’ve discovered I really don’t like doing children’s ministries and I don’t know how to get out of it.
Okay, that last one may need a little explanation. Hmmm … I don’t think I’ll give one. *grin* Scripture teaches about spiritual gifts. We all have them and we all need to use them to further the kingdom of God. We need to use them to edify the church and point the lost to Christ. Well, after 17 years of doing children’s ministries — VBS, puppets, music, drama, teaching Sunday School, street clubs and more — I don’t think my gifts lie there. Or maybe they do, but I spend all day using those gifts with my own kids. By the time I get to “ministry” time, I’m sick of kids and long to develop other gifts. Which leads me to my next prayer request …
I haven’t had the time nor the energy to write. Conference season quickly approaches and I’m not prepared. Furthermore, I’m unmotivated. I feel ill-equipped, tired and fraudulent. The rejection slips are piling up, causing me to doubt everything.
Prayer. I need to pray. Only by talking with God can all things be made right again. Only then can my perspective be corrected and my strength renewed.
Finding Focus
I wrote a children’s book last month. This month I spent teaching stamp classes, studying magazine markets and starting a new freelance editing project. Next month I’ll be running a new book giveaway over at CCBR. None of this has anything to do with my nonfiction book proposals. Three months pass and I’m not a single step closer to my goal.
Before our vacation one of my writing groups held a discussion about branding, setting a distinct way for people to remember you and what you do. People naturally brand, so the idea is to brand yourself before others give one to you. If you want to be known as a suspense novelist, write great books to earn you that title. Parenting books won’t do the trick. If you want to be known as a missions advocate, speak about your passion, and I don’t mean your baseball card collection. Once people categorize you, it’s difficult to alter their perceptions.
Personally, I wish I had convinced Sunday school workers my son is assertive and passionate before they labeled him as difficult and aggressive. It’s not lying or changing the facts, just putting a positive light on them. We admire assertive and passionate adults. Those same traits in a two-year-old, however, exhaust and frustrate us. I face an uphill battle convincing nay-sayers how wonderful my kid is when they’ve already decided he’s trouble.
Our discussion revolved around pros and cons, hows and whys. A number of members grew concerned. They didn’t want to be pigeon-holed. Is it “wrong” to write more than one genre? To enter diverse markets? One panelist explained it’s not “wrong,” but it’s not expedient either. We can go in different directions at the same time, but we’ll arrive at both destinations much later than if we had just chosen one path.
Rick and I experienced this last month. We were meeting a group of friends for our annual outing to a special resturant. Rick printed Yahoo maps and I copied directions from the website. After some off-roading (nearly driving into a lake), we arrived an hour late — all because we tried to follow two routes at the same time.
I would rather be known as diverse than distracted. But then sometimes distracted is the better word. My time is limited. Spending it playing an online version of Boggle doesn’t help me finish those book proposals. I need to focus.
What is the focus God wants you to have? Are you divided in your endeavors?
We all wear several hats. I’m a mother, a wife, a friend, a sister, a neighbor, a daughter. I’m also a writer, a teacher, an encourager, a stamper and scrapbooker. And this is just a glimpse! I’m not saying we can only be defined by one thing. I’m just saying that we need to emphasize the one thing God wants to be our focus. If He wants you to witness to your coworkers, you can’t spend all your time together talking abour movies and never mentioning the Gospel. If God wants you sharing meals with the homeless, you can’t avoid where they live.
Let’s find our focus and reach our destinations.
Photo by Margo C, courtesy of Flickr.com.
New Year’s Resolutions
I’ve never been big on new year’s resolutions. A year seems like a very long time to test a goal. And why is January 1st the magical day that changes everything? It doesn’t make much sense. If you want to change a habit or set a new goal, why wait until the dead of winter to do it?
That said, I do have a few goals I’d like to share. I tend to be an over-achiever, so I’m trying to keep it simple this year. I hate failing, even if it’s my own standards, so I’m trying to only set goals I believe are realistic and tangible. Here goes.
- Book Review Tuesdays. I have a beautiful Bookshelf on this website, but haven’t been updating it regularly. This is going to change. I posted four new reviews today and hope to post at least one new review each Tuesday. I’ll continue posting at Christian Children’s Book Review, as well. I do 5-10 reviews there each month. (It’s much quicker and easier to review picture books than titles appealing to adults!)
- Maintain a meal plan. I always plan meals before grocery shopping, but I never set the dates for when we will eat what. What’s worse is I don’t keep a list of the recipes I’ve chosen. This results in wasted produce (I forget what is necessary for which meals and use it in something not planned.) and a lovely routine of “What do you feel like eating?” right around 6 o’clock every night. Not exactly wise stewardship of time, food or money. So, this resolution is to keep a calendar of meals, with recipes annotated.
I’ll know exactly what we’re eating each night and whether or not we have the ingredients required.A tangent of this goal includes make-ahead meals (Ala Once a Month Cooking and Don’t Panic — Dinner’s in the Freezer!). I’m not (completely) naive. I know life is never as expected, so I want to stock the freezer at least once a month with ready-to-heat meals for those nights when I won’t have time to cook. - Exercise three times a week. Yes, I know I should already be doing this, but doesn’t running up and down stairs 15 times a day count as exercise? Maybe. This goal refers to premeditated and deliberate exercise. I already do my crunches and such twice a week. (I was doing it every day until I realized that made me useless the next morning when my 30 pound child wanted to be carried everywhere.) So, three times a week is the goal.
- Complete at least 40 books by the end of the year. This year I read 30. I started probably 70, but only finished 30 of them. (ADD strikes again.) My list was pretty balanced; about 50/50 for nonfiction vs. fiction. If I only read fiction, I could knock out about two books a week, but with nonfiction, I have to process everything thoroughly before I can move on. This is why I am still reading Prayer by Philip Yancey. I started it last spring. The man is brilliant, forcing much prickly introspection. I hope to finish this title this year. I’ll not list other specific titles (see my previous post), but I do hope to again maintain an equal balance.
- Continue writing. I want to submit at least ten articles for publication in 2008. I also want to rework my book proposal and begin another one. Finally, I want to get an agent who can shop those proposals for me.
What are your goals for the new year?
A long-awaited decision
The answer is “no.” And I’m okay with that.
Here’s a recap. Back in May I pitched a nonfiction book idea at a writers conference. I got a few nibbles, but only one real bite. An acquisitions editor enthusiastically requested the full proposal. After polishing it a bit, I emailed it to him. That was June. Less than two weeks later he contacted me again. He liked it! 
By July my proposal was with the editorial director awaiting a board decision. Since then I have been trying to acquire patience.
Here we are, five months later, and I have neither patience nor a contract. (Not a good match for their current editorial plans.) I do, however, have contentment.
Maybe contentment isn’t the right word. I expected to be upset, but I’m not. I’m not even surprised. I’m not sad; I’m actually relieved. As I’ve gone over my proposal the last few months, I’ve seen so many weakenesses. The idea is great, but it needs to be refined, polished, perfected. My writing needs to improve. So is this vacant feeling happiness? Opportunity? I don’t know. Maybe I just hate waiting more than I hate rejection.
One thing I do know: God is in control. Of that I have no doubt. He has a plan and He has equipped me to fulfill it. Now if only I knew what that plan was!
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Please pray with me and for me. I’m not discouraged, I’m just uncertain. I know God wants me to write, but what does He want me to write? Where? For whom? And how much of my time and energy should be devoted to this? Or is there something else He really wants me to do? I don’t know. So … prayer is my only option.
I’m a writer.
This morning I sat in the dentist’s chair waiting for the Novocain to take effect. The cute little hygienist felt like talking. “So, what do you do?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, I responded: “I’m a writer.” There was no intimidation or embarrassment, no fear, just a solid answer.
My confidence startled me. I’ve never said that before! I have been a published author for nine months and have never told anyone I’m a writer. Usually my what-do-you-do answer is all about the kids. “I’m a stay-at-home mom. I love scrapbooking!” Eventually, if the questioner keeps probing, I stammer a quick “I like to write when the kids are napping.” But today, I didn’t even think about it. I didn’t falter. It was clear and spoken: I am a writer.
I’ve hesitated in the past because of personal doubts. Am I any good? Is this really what I should be doing with my time? What is this person going to think if I claim to be something I’m not sure I am? Not any more. Let me tell you why.
Last week was the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina. I was fortunate to attend. It was an amazing experience! I highly recommend it to everyone who writes. If you want to write full-time, as a hobby, or if you’re not sure what you’re doing with your writing … it doesn’t matter. You’ve got to go. If not this conference, go to another one like it. In five short days my life as a writer was solidified. God used this week to affirm His call on me and my writing. I’m not intimidated anymore. I’m not scared or playing “catch-up”. I am right where God wants me — and sure of it! I was encouraged and challenged. It was an amazing experience.
So what is a writers conference? Well, it is many things. First and foremost, it is where people in publishing come together: writers, editors, agents, publishers, publicists. Everyone rubs shoulders, gathers in worship (at Christian conferences), shares meals and fellowship. Secondly, there are classes. The bigger the conference, the more classes there are available. This conference has around 400 people in attendance. Third, there are opportunities to meet one-on-one with people in the industry. As a writer, you can pitch ideas to them and see if they are interested in your projects. It’s a way of skipping the “slush” pile and getting tips on your work from the experts. Finally, it’s a break. It’s dedicated, undivided attention for your writing. You all know about my life. With two young kids, home, family and church responsibilities, I don’t get many days to focus on just my writing. My time and energies are deeply divided. Removing all those interruptions allowed me to hear that still, small Voice and know His purposes for my writing. It offered validity to this passion and confirmation of my calling.
Whether or not you’re a writer, doubts may plague you. You may wonder why you’re doing what your doing, if you should be doing it at all. You may wonder about your value. I can’t answer your doubts, but I know the One who can.
Take time to escape every day life. Close out all distractions until you can hear Him and know Him. When you find Him, go to where He is. Then you need not worry about anything else. It doesn’t matter if I’m a good writer or not, because being good is not my job. Obeying God and doing what He tells me to do, that’s my job. I want to do it to the very best of my ability, but the results are in His hands. It’s not my responsibility to get published or make people like me or my work. If that’s what God wants, He’ll take care of it. I just have to make sure I’m ready for whatever He is going to do. Ready and waiting, I’ll watch. It’s sure to be a great show! And the same is true for you. Be the best parent you can be. God will take care of the kids. Be the best administrative assistant you can. God will offer you favor in the eyes of your boss, if that’s what He wants. The results are not up to us — they’re up to God. All we need to do is obey.
So, you may be wondering what the results were of my conference. Well, they are the lesser of my concerns — My first priority is to stay in the center of God’s will — but I will tell you: two publishers have requested book proposals. I also received invitations to query a number of magazines with articles. It’s very exciting! I have no idea where this will go, but … God does.
Having the time of my life!
Hey folks! Well, I finally figured out how to access the internet here in the hills of North Carolina. I am still at Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference and having the time of my life. So many have told me the significant value of conferences such as these. I never doubted their wisdom, but I didn’t understand fully until coming here. This is truly amazing!
I wish I could adequately describe for you the encouragement I have received in just a few short days. Every part of me is overflowing with the knowledge that God has brought me to this place for such a time as this. I am unworthy, yet oh-so grateful! I’ll fill you all in more when I get home. In the meantime, please know I appreciate your prayers immensely! God has made very clear that He is in this. He has confirmed this is what I need to be doing for Him right now through those I have met here. The faculty has been fabulous. The people endearing. I even met a great band of good-ol‘ Southern boys. (Be sure to check out their site: www.Testify.org) I feel somewhere in between Heaven and high school youth group. People are crazy-fun, spiritually challenging, intellectually brilliant and just plain wonderful. We have prayed together, worshipped together, worked together, eaten together and even done danced together over a simple cup of Starbucks. I am already looking forward to my next conference. It is absolutely awesome to travel to a place not knowing anyone and yet instantly be embraced by family! This is the family of God and I’m in love.
I apologize if this seems cryptic. It’s not meant to be. I just cannot yet adequately tell of the depths of all I have experienced this week. I’ll be home by Friday. I’ll tell you all more after then.
Oh, by the way, I have pitched my book to a few people and received some wonderful feedback — constructive criticism as well as positive interest — so I am greatly encouraged with this project. I’ll keep you posted with the progress.
