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The road to success is rough, but worth it.
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Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #47
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The journey is the reward.
I got the proof copy of Heroin Guns yesterday. Since it's the first print book Wonder Realms Books has done, I figured it wouldn't be perfect, but it would give me some indication of what I need to make the next proof better. Of course Wonder Realms won't release the book until it look wonderful, however many proofs it takes to get there. More formatting today, and Heroin Guns is back off to the printer. Fingers crossed the next proof will be terrific.
When I started this publishing company, I knew it would be a long journey, and not everything would go smoothly. But I am enjoying it. I do believe the journey is its own reward.
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The journey is the reward.
I got the proof copy of Heroin Guns yesterday. Since it's the first print book Wonder Realms Books has done, I figured it wouldn't be perfect, but it would give me some indication of what I need to make the next proof better. Of course Wonder Realms won't release the book until it look wonderful, however many proofs it takes to get there. More formatting today, and Heroin Guns is back off to the printer. Fingers crossed the next proof will be terrific.
When I started this publishing company, I knew it would be a long journey, and not everything would go smoothly. But I am enjoying it. I do believe the journey is its own reward.
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Saturday, December 4, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #46
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Thank goodness for family and friends. They always seem to be around to pick you up when you need it.
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Thank goodness for family and friends. They always seem to be around to pick you up when you need it.
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Friday, December 3, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #45
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You can't do everything at once. You can do one thing now.
My three daughters are all dancing in the Nutcracker ballet this year. I've been very overwhelmed with their dance class and rehearsal schedule, which between the three girls takes up almost every minute of my time after school on weekdays and all day on Saturday. At times I've wanted to throw in the towel, because I just can't do it all. The positive thought for today has been the only thing that's kept me going. I don't have to worry about everything on the schedule every moment of the day. I only have to do one thing at this moment, then worry about the next thing next.
You can't do everything at once. You can do one thing now.
My three daughters are all dancing in the Nutcracker ballet this year. I've been very overwhelmed with their dance class and rehearsal schedule, which between the three girls takes up almost every minute of my time after school on weekdays and all day on Saturday. At times I've wanted to throw in the towel, because I just can't do it all. The positive thought for today has been the only thing that's kept me going. I don't have to worry about everything on the schedule every moment of the day. I only have to do one thing at this moment, then worry about the next thing next.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #44
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This one from the brilliant and prolific writer, Dean Wesley Smith. Dare to be Bad. Check out his blog for the full explanation. It is terrific. http://www.deanwesleysmith.com
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This one from the brilliant and prolific writer, Dean Wesley Smith. Dare to be Bad. Check out his blog for the full explanation. It is terrific. http://www.deanwesleysmith.com
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #43
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The sun is still shining behind the clouds.
Hard to believe, I know. But it's up there. :)
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The sun is still shining behind the clouds.
Hard to believe, I know. But it's up there. :)
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010
My Son's Eagle Project
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I'm still trying to figure out how my little baby boy grew up so fast and is now taller than I am. And when he started in scouts and told me he wanted to be an eagle scout before he turned 14, I thought "no way."
Turns out he's a highly motivated guy. Tomorrow is his 13th birthday and all he has to do to get his eagle is finish his Fitness marit badge, do his eagle project, and put in the last of the required time as a Life Scout.
Since his mother is an author, he came up with a great idea dealing with books for his eagle project. Here's my son, Matthew, to explain.
My name is Matthew Shelley. I was born with a hole in my diaphragm. My stomach and intestines were up in my chest cavity, so my lungs could not inflate. I was flown immediately to Primary Children's Hospital. The doctors said I needed surgery and only had a 50 percent chance of surviving.
The great news is I lived, and now thirteen years later, I'm working on my eagle rank advancement. Because of my time at Primary Children's Hospital, I'm doing an Eagle Project that would benefit other children that may be staying at the hospital over the holidays.
I'm gathering donations of new children's books to wrap and take as Christmas presents to the children at the hospital. Check out my blog for more details and a link to donate.
http://www.matthewseagleproject.blogspot.com/
Thanks,
Matthew Shelley
I'm still trying to figure out how my little baby boy grew up so fast and is now taller than I am. And when he started in scouts and told me he wanted to be an eagle scout before he turned 14, I thought "no way."
Turns out he's a highly motivated guy. Tomorrow is his 13th birthday and all he has to do to get his eagle is finish his Fitness marit badge, do his eagle project, and put in the last of the required time as a Life Scout.
Since his mother is an author, he came up with a great idea dealing with books for his eagle project. Here's my son, Matthew, to explain.
My name is Matthew Shelley. I was born with a hole in my diaphragm. My stomach and intestines were up in my chest cavity, so my lungs could not inflate. I was flown immediately to Primary Children's Hospital. The doctors said I needed surgery and only had a 50 percent chance of surviving.
The great news is I lived, and now thirteen years later, I'm working on my eagle rank advancement. Because of my time at Primary Children's Hospital, I'm doing an Eagle Project that would benefit other children that may be staying at the hospital over the holidays.
I'm gathering donations of new children's books to wrap and take as Christmas presents to the children at the hospital. Check out my blog for more details and a link to donate.
http://www.matthewseagleproject.blogspot.com/
Thanks,
Matthew Shelley
Monday, November 22, 2010
Bees in My Butt Links
Here it is on Smashwords.
Here it is on Amazon Kindle store.
Here it is on Barnes & Noble.
Bees in My Butt: The Smartboys Club Book 1
Take Monkey, a literary genius with flatulence; Bean, a science and math guru; Vinny, a computer whiz who can’t keep her mouth shut; and Art, an artist who can shoot a basketball like a pro, confront them with a mess of fourth grade trouble, and watch the fun explode.
In Bees in My Butt, the first book of the Smartboys Club series, the members of the Smartboys Club use their skills to fight a group of crazed Ninjas that take over the school. And it happens on a day when Monkey has the worst case of flatulence imaginable.
Daily Positive Thought #42
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Believe in yourself.
It's easy to question if your vision for your writing and your life is what it should or could be. Writers can't just attend a specific college, take a test, and get their published author certificate. Everyone has to find their own way into print. No two paths are the same. When we first start out we spend a lot of time asking other authors how they broke into the business. We try one idea than another. Since we refuse to give up, we keep trying and trying. I think that's the only consistent aspect--constantly trying something and never giving up. How do we do that through the months and years it takes to see something into print? We have to believe in ourselves. If you don't believe in your own writing, possibly no one else will. So go ahead. Be Brave. Believe.
Believe in yourself.
It's easy to question if your vision for your writing and your life is what it should or could be. Writers can't just attend a specific college, take a test, and get their published author certificate. Everyone has to find their own way into print. No two paths are the same. When we first start out we spend a lot of time asking other authors how they broke into the business. We try one idea than another. Since we refuse to give up, we keep trying and trying. I think that's the only consistent aspect--constantly trying something and never giving up. How do we do that through the months and years it takes to see something into print? We have to believe in ourselves. If you don't believe in your own writing, possibly no one else will. So go ahead. Be Brave. Believe.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #41
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Tell the people you care about that you love them. Do it now.
Big snowstorm here tonight. As I was driving home, the thought crossed my mind, what if I didn't make it home? What if my husband didn't get home safely? Truth is, we never know when might be the last time we see those we love. There's no better time than now to tell someone you love them.
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Tell the people you care about that you love them. Do it now.
Big snowstorm here tonight. As I was driving home, the thought crossed my mind, what if I didn't make it home? What if my husband didn't get home safely? Truth is, we never know when might be the last time we see those we love. There's no better time than now to tell someone you love them.
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Friday, November 19, 2010
My New Ebook is Out
Take Monkey, a literary genius with flatulence; Bean, a science and math guru; Vinny, a computer whiz who can’t keep her mouth shut; and Art, an artist who can shoot a basketball like a pro, confront them with a mess of fourth grade trouble, and watch the fun explode.
In Bees in My Butt, the first book of the Smartboys Club series, the members of the Smartboys Club use their skills to defeat a group of crazed Ninjas that take over the school. And it happens on a day when Monkey has the worst case of flatulence imaginable.
Tomorrow I’ll post the links. I’m super excited about this series.
In the Smartboys Club series, a group of fourth grade geniuses use their skills in outrageous ways to defeat the challenges that confront them. Many people mistakenly assume that only people good at math and science are smart. The Smartboys Club proves differently. There are many kind of geniuses, and working together they can solve a slew of problems.
Monkey leads the Smartboys, and his special genius is reading and history. Bean is the math and science guy. Art is the sports star and artistic genius. Vinny is the spelling queen and computer aficionado. Together they defeat a band of crazed ninjas that take over their school in the first book, and a bully who won’t leave Vinny alone in the second book. In the third book the Smartboys learn about musical genius and welcome Sandra to the club after solving the mystery of her strange disappearance.
The Smartboys Club books provide children with a fun read, great adventure, and characters they can identify with and love. It also gives children a boost to their self-esteem no matter what their personal genius is. The Smartboys Club shows that there are a lot of ways to be smart, and everyone is smart in their own way.
Parents will find that the Smartboys Club books will get their children wanting to read and learn, and will instill in them the notion that it’s cool to be smart.
The Smartboys Club series is great for teachers because the books will grab their student’s attention and in a fun way introduce a broad range of topics that are studied in school: science, reading, history, geography, social skills, math, spelling, culture, music, sports, art. As a special bonus, the secret notebooks included at the end of each book give teachers a chance to expand on the kernel of knowledge planted in the story and springboard into class discussion and learning.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #40
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Love your enemies.
LOL. Yes, it's been that kind of a day. Since my mother taught me that if I can't think of anything nice to say, not to say anything at all, I guess I should leave it at that. I've never had too much trouble forgiving people who have hurt me. But people who hurt my kids . . . Love your children's enemies too. I'm going to have to work on that one.
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Love your enemies.
LOL. Yes, it's been that kind of a day. Since my mother taught me that if I can't think of anything nice to say, not to say anything at all, I guess I should leave it at that. I've never had too much trouble forgiving people who have hurt me. But people who hurt my kids . . . Love your children's enemies too. I'm going to have to work on that one.
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Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #39
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The neighbors down the street have their Christmas lights up. I love the holidays.
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I know some people get mad when I start listening to Christmas songs before Thanksgiving. Believe me, I'm not skipping Thanksgiving; I'm enhancing it. I hate how dark it gets this time of year. The holidays baring light and decorations and music and all the wonderful things that make the long winter months bearable. Besides, Christmas lights are beautiful.
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Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #38
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Peer pressure can be a good thing.
Especially if your friends are pressuring you and each other to do good stuff. In this case write. It feels like all my friends are doing National Novel in Month this month. They're doing sprints together and reporting all their wordage, and I'm feeling highly pressured to come along for the ride. Like, I'm totally missing all the fun. Thanks everyone for working so hard and reporting all that work. You are the greatest. I may have to give up doing book polishing and editing, and jump in and write. Writing is tones more fun that line editing. :)
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Peer pressure can be a good thing.
Especially if your friends are pressuring you and each other to do good stuff. In this case write. It feels like all my friends are doing National Novel in Month this month. They're doing sprints together and reporting all their wordage, and I'm feeling highly pressured to come along for the ride. Like, I'm totally missing all the fun. Thanks everyone for working so hard and reporting all that work. You are the greatest. I may have to give up doing book polishing and editing, and jump in and write. Writing is tones more fun that line editing. :)
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Friday, November 12, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #37
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Be true to your creative voice.
That is sometimes hard to do. Every once in a while I start to doubt if what I'm writing is any good, or will have a positive effect in the world. That's when I have to remind myself of my purpose. I have it written on a sticky note attached to my computer.
The purpose of my writing is to create joy in my life and in the lives of others.
Well, I hope my writing creates joy in the life of others, but I can't really know or tell that until long after a book is written and published. While I'm producing something new, I have to ask if it is bringing me joy. Perhaps that's the only real measure a writer has. Does the writing bring the writer joy? I believe that when we stay tuned to what we love, we will write books that others will love as well. That's being true to your creative voice.
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Be true to your creative voice.
That is sometimes hard to do. Every once in a while I start to doubt if what I'm writing is any good, or will have a positive effect in the world. That's when I have to remind myself of my purpose. I have it written on a sticky note attached to my computer.
The purpose of my writing is to create joy in my life and in the lives of others.
Well, I hope my writing creates joy in the life of others, but I can't really know or tell that until long after a book is written and published. While I'm producing something new, I have to ask if it is bringing me joy. Perhaps that's the only real measure a writer has. Does the writing bring the writer joy? I believe that when we stay tuned to what we love, we will write books that others will love as well. That's being true to your creative voice.
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Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #35
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You're good enough. You're smart enough. And doggonit people like you (Stuart Smalley, Saturday Night Live).
Hey, we writers need to hear this once in a while, what with all the rejections and alone-time writing and worrying if we're good enough. Guess what. We are!
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You're good enough. You're smart enough. And doggonit people like you (Stuart Smalley, Saturday Night Live).
Hey, we writers need to hear this once in a while, what with all the rejections and alone-time writing and worrying if we're good enough. Guess what. We are!
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Daily Postitive Thought #33
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Gravity keeps us on our feet.
Sometimes I'm not too happy with gravity--when I drop a glass and it shatters all over my kitchen floor, or when I've been hiking up a mountain all day long and the gravity seems to drag my backpack down until it feels like it weighs a hundred pounds.
Gravity is, however, an important part of life. I've never been to the International Space Station, but I've watched clips of the astronauts up there and how hard it is for them to move around in a zero-g environment. It's gravity that makes it possible for us to stand easily, and sit and sleep and eat and do all the common stuff we don't usually think about. Though gravity seems like a drag sometimes, it is an important positive in our lives.
Sometimes hard things happen to us in life that seem to drag us down or shatter our world. A while ago when my husband got laid off, I thought my entire life was ruined. Looking back now I see that he'd been at a dead-end job at low pay for a long time. His lay-off turned out to be a great thing. Now he has a job doing what he really wants, making more money, working with an organization that appreciates him and gets along with each other very well. Like gravity, sometimes it is the hard things that make our lives better in the long run.
Gravity keeps us on our feet.
Sometimes I'm not too happy with gravity--when I drop a glass and it shatters all over my kitchen floor, or when I've been hiking up a mountain all day long and the gravity seems to drag my backpack down until it feels like it weighs a hundred pounds.
Gravity is, however, an important part of life. I've never been to the International Space Station, but I've watched clips of the astronauts up there and how hard it is for them to move around in a zero-g environment. It's gravity that makes it possible for us to stand easily, and sit and sleep and eat and do all the common stuff we don't usually think about. Though gravity seems like a drag sometimes, it is an important positive in our lives.
Sometimes hard things happen to us in life that seem to drag us down or shatter our world. A while ago when my husband got laid off, I thought my entire life was ruined. Looking back now I see that he'd been at a dead-end job at low pay for a long time. His lay-off turned out to be a great thing. Now he has a job doing what he really wants, making more money, working with an organization that appreciates him and gets along with each other very well. Like gravity, sometimes it is the hard things that make our lives better in the long run.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #31
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Every day is a day closer to perfection.
While none of us are likely to reach perfection in this lifetime, we can still try each day to get a little better at something. A little better at writing. A little better at expressing love for our family. A little better at recognizing beauty in the world around us.
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Every day is a day closer to perfection.
While none of us are likely to reach perfection in this lifetime, we can still try each day to get a little better at something. A little better at writing. A little better at expressing love for our family. A little better at recognizing beauty in the world around us.
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What is the Audiance?
I've had a number of people ask me about the intended audience for Heroin Guns. Since both my previous books, Red Dragon Codex and Brass Dragon Codex, were middle-grade books I know that could be the first assumption for Heroin Guns.
I guess I had better clarify. The publisher, Wonder Realms Books, will be publishing all of the books for adult audiences under the R. L. Tyler name and all of the Children's books under the Rebecca Shelley name. This was decided so that it might minimize confusion about intended audiences for my books.
Heroin Guns is definitely a PG13 book. Though I have picked up many YA books that have more swearing, more sex, and as much violence as Heroin Guns, I did intend the book for an adult audience. There are detailed depictions of knife fights, shootings, and the use of heroin; as well as explosions, car chases, and a faint innuendo once or twice.
So, to avoid confusion:
the Rebecca Shelley name will be on all the children's books
the R. L. Tyler name will be on all the adult books.
The YA books are a tough call. What do you think? Should I put them under the children's name, the adult name or under a separate third name?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #30
My new book is out!
Heroin Guns
Years after the US liberation of Afghanistan, war still rages in the tribal areas of the mountains. From the midst of the turmoil, powerful drug lords flood the world with heroin. World leaders scream for the US to act.
The president orders his two best agents, Vince and Cat, into Afghanistan to stop the flow of heroin from Kabul. They unwittingly expose a file that could destroy the Afghan government, topple the American president, and endanger millions of lives. Vince and Cat race into explosive danger in order to uncover the truth behind the file before it's too late.
Heroin Guns is available as an e-book now and will be out in print in a few months. Here's a special deal for all my friends and family.
The book is priced at $3.99 and I've got a coupon code from Smashwords that will make the book half price.
Heroin Guns half price on Smashwords
Promotional price: $1.99
Coupon Code: DS97Z
Expires: December 25, 2010
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/28854
I just had to share the good news. :)
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #29
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Diversity is a great thing. It makes the world more interesting.
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Okay, it's election day. I suppose that it is almost mandatory to blog about that. But I'm going to keep this short. I think it's wonderful that I live in a country where everyone can have their say and vote according to the things they believe in. Everyone sees the world in a different way based on their own experiences. I believe that diversity is a blessing. So go ahead and fight, people. Have at it. It's all fodder for my next book. :)
Diversity is a great thing. It makes the world more interesting.
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Okay, it's election day. I suppose that it is almost mandatory to blog about that. But I'm going to keep this short. I think it's wonderful that I live in a country where everyone can have their say and vote according to the things they believe in. Everyone sees the world in a different way based on their own experiences. I believe that diversity is a blessing. So go ahead and fight, people. Have at it. It's all fodder for my next book. :)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #28
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Modern technology is amazing.
I could write a very long post about this. Since it's late, I'll just say I love the whole e-book revolution.
Modern technology is amazing.
I could write a very long post about this. Since it's late, I'll just say I love the whole e-book revolution.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #27
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It's good to have a day off once in a while.
Life has been crazy this month. Very very crazy, what with going out of town twice and all the a Halloween parties and stuff, and Nutcracker rehearsals. Yes, all three of my daughters are in the Nutcracker this year. That means that I have to be at the dance studio six days a week. Thank goodness for Sundays. I'm sure I wouldn't survive without them.
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It's good to have a day off once in a while.
Life has been crazy this month. Very very crazy, what with going out of town twice and all the a Halloween parties and stuff, and Nutcracker rehearsals. Yes, all three of my daughters are in the Nutcracker this year. That means that I have to be at the dance studio six days a week. Thank goodness for Sundays. I'm sure I wouldn't survive without them.
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Friday, October 29, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #26
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Fall is a wonderful time of year.
I love making costumes and dressing up. The weather is just right: not too hot and not too could. I love watching the dry leaves skitter across the road, smelling the scent of new-fallen rain, and seeing the fantastic sunsets light the clouds with crimson and orange.
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Fall is a wonderful time of year.
I love making costumes and dressing up. The weather is just right: not too hot and not too could. I love watching the dry leaves skitter across the road, smelling the scent of new-fallen rain, and seeing the fantastic sunsets light the clouds with crimson and orange.
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Thursday, October 28, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #25
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Being Creative Makes you happy.
Well, it makes me happy anyway. I spent the day working on graphic design. When I get involved with graphics, I lose all track of time and enjoy every minute as it rushes past. I forgot about the whole world including eating breakfast and lunch today. I was enjoying myself so much. Of course I don't get any writing done while I'm playing with pictures. But, Hey, I feel great.
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Being Creative Makes you happy.
Well, it makes me happy anyway. I spent the day working on graphic design. When I get involved with graphics, I lose all track of time and enjoy every minute as it rushes past. I forgot about the whole world including eating breakfast and lunch today. I was enjoying myself so much. Of course I don't get any writing done while I'm playing with pictures. But, Hey, I feel great.
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Daily Positive thought #23
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There is snow in the mountains!
Yippee for skiing and other fun winter sports.
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There is snow in the mountains!
Yippee for skiing and other fun winter sports.
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Saturday, October 23, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #22
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A clean home is a happy home.
That just about says it all. Easy to guess what I've been doing today.
A clean home is a happy home.
That just about says it all. Easy to guess what I've been doing today.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #21
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Push yourself. To succeed, sometimes you have to get uncomfortable.
My darling daughter suggested this one. After many years of trying, she managed to do full splits all the way to the ground yesterday. Today, she's wandering around the house saying, "OW it hurts, OW OW OW!"
I'm right with her on this one. Not doing the splits, of course. No way. But adapting to the new digital book age has made me super uncomfortable.
My new publisher, Wonder Realms Books, is gearing up for a big e-book and trade paperback release of my spy thriller Heroin Guns. I am more excited than I can possibly say. They've already published my initial short story with the Heroin Guns characters,"Chasing Pirates in Never Land." (An agent in forced retirement investigates a string of brutal murders while coming to terms with his wife's death.) on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.
I'm excited, yes, but doing the final formatting on Heroin Guns for the publisher is making my head explode.
I learned to type on an old manual typewriter. Yes, the kind that actually had little metal arms that came up and hit an ink ribbon which made the letter mark on a piece of paper. You had to crank a return on those things at the end of every line. I've long since learned to let the computer wrap my sentences on its own. But up to this point, I've kept the use of the tab key to indent my paragraphs. And now I have to change over my manuscript from all the tabs to this First Line Indent thing. I have to learn about paragraph styles and a ton of other stuff. Ow, ow, ow. You younger folks are laughing. But its true.
I'm excited as can possibly be to see my stuff published like this. I've sent a letter to Santa Clause asking for an ipad for Christmas. But I do have to admit to being a bit uncomfortable. A good kind of uncomfortable. A stretching and succeeding kind of uncomfortable.
Push yourself. To succeed, sometimes you have to get uncomfortable.
My darling daughter suggested this one. After many years of trying, she managed to do full splits all the way to the ground yesterday. Today, she's wandering around the house saying, "OW it hurts, OW OW OW!"
I'm right with her on this one. Not doing the splits, of course. No way. But adapting to the new digital book age has made me super uncomfortable.
My new publisher, Wonder Realms Books, is gearing up for a big e-book and trade paperback release of my spy thriller Heroin Guns. I am more excited than I can possibly say. They've already published my initial short story with the Heroin Guns characters,"Chasing Pirates in Never Land." (An agent in forced retirement investigates a string of brutal murders while coming to terms with his wife's death.) on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.
I'm excited, yes, but doing the final formatting on Heroin Guns for the publisher is making my head explode.
I learned to type on an old manual typewriter. Yes, the kind that actually had little metal arms that came up and hit an ink ribbon which made the letter mark on a piece of paper. You had to crank a return on those things at the end of every line. I've long since learned to let the computer wrap my sentences on its own. But up to this point, I've kept the use of the tab key to indent my paragraphs. And now I have to change over my manuscript from all the tabs to this First Line Indent thing. I have to learn about paragraph styles and a ton of other stuff. Ow, ow, ow. You younger folks are laughing. But its true.
I'm excited as can possibly be to see my stuff published like this. I've sent a letter to Santa Clause asking for an ipad for Christmas. But I do have to admit to being a bit uncomfortable. A good kind of uncomfortable. A stretching and succeeding kind of uncomfortable.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Daily Positive thought #20
I'm happy when I'm busy.
And some of you are saying, "well, I hope so since you've missed posting a positive thought for a few days now." My apologies for that.
As the mother of four children, I wish I could clone myself. That way I could take them to all their different activities all over the valley all at once. This week I really could use a clone. Tonight I think I'm supposed to be like in five places at the same time. I just look at my schedule and shake my head in bewilderment.
But with all of that going on, I have to say I'm happy. No time to think negative thoughts. Only time for action. And when I look back after being busy and see how much I've accomplished, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction.
Will you look at those four sets of fairy wings my daughters and I constructed, painted, and decorated for Halloween costumes. Those look totally awesome. I did that. :) And today, I have to help my son construct and paint a pair of gauntlets for his Lord of the Rings Witch King costume. Oh, but that's going to be the easy one. He just wants that costume for a class party. For the real Halloween he wants to be Gollum.
Doing stuff makes me happy. Creating stuff makes me really happy. This is a wonderfully fun time of year.
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Why fairy wings? I'm working on a book called The Fairy Tome, so I bought a bunch of cheep fairy wings from the dollar store and stapled them to my office walls. I've got fairy dolls, fairy statues, and fairy wall stickers everywhere in here. So of course my girls wanted to get in on some fairy action as well.
And some of you are saying, "well, I hope so since you've missed posting a positive thought for a few days now." My apologies for that.
As the mother of four children, I wish I could clone myself. That way I could take them to all their different activities all over the valley all at once. This week I really could use a clone. Tonight I think I'm supposed to be like in five places at the same time. I just look at my schedule and shake my head in bewilderment.
But with all of that going on, I have to say I'm happy. No time to think negative thoughts. Only time for action. And when I look back after being busy and see how much I've accomplished, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction.
Will you look at those four sets of fairy wings my daughters and I constructed, painted, and decorated for Halloween costumes. Those look totally awesome. I did that. :) And today, I have to help my son construct and paint a pair of gauntlets for his Lord of the Rings Witch King costume. Oh, but that's going to be the easy one. He just wants that costume for a class party. For the real Halloween he wants to be Gollum.
Doing stuff makes me happy. Creating stuff makes me really happy. This is a wonderfully fun time of year.
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Why fairy wings? I'm working on a book called The Fairy Tome, so I bought a bunch of cheep fairy wings from the dollar store and stapled them to my office walls. I've got fairy dolls, fairy statues, and fairy wall stickers everywhere in here. So of course my girls wanted to get in on some fairy action as well.
It's turning out to be a very fun book to write.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #19
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I'm Still Alive!
What can be more positive than that thought. I'm still breathing, eating, thinking, and dreaming. I have one more day to love my family and pursue my writing. I think I take this very basic fact for granted too often. So, today I'm glad to be alive.
I'm Still Alive!
What can be more positive than that thought. I'm still breathing, eating, thinking, and dreaming. I have one more day to love my family and pursue my writing. I think I take this very basic fact for granted too often. So, today I'm glad to be alive.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #18
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Consistency has great power.
I'm sitting in our workshop room in the hotel on the beach in Lincoln City. Through a huge bank of windows I have a perfect view over-looking the sea. The waves crest and splash down on the pristine white beach. Those waves over time have worn the rocks down into smooth sand. All the time I've been sitting here, the waves have never ceased to roll in--continually, always. That kind of consistency is awe-inspiring, powerful, and beautiful. As a writer, I'd like to have the consistency in my writing as the ocean waves.
Consistency has great power.
I'm sitting in our workshop room in the hotel on the beach in Lincoln City. Through a huge bank of windows I have a perfect view over-looking the sea. The waves crest and splash down on the pristine white beach. Those waves over time have worn the rocks down into smooth sand. All the time I've been sitting here, the waves have never ceased to roll in--continually, always. That kind of consistency is awe-inspiring, powerful, and beautiful. As a writer, I'd like to have the consistency in my writing as the ocean waves.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #16
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Publishing's brightest days are yet to come.
I remember watching Star Trek and Battlestar Gallactica when I was growing up, and being so entranced by all the gadgets. It seemed so wondrous amazing that they could talk to each other with these little communicators and even better yet have video conferencing. They carried around little data pads from which they read stuff. All casual like as if it was as common as breathing. Now I watch my daughter with her real life modern day gadgets and every once in a while it gives me a little chill--like I've stepped into those TV shows. So much of what was only imaginary has become reality.
To us older people, changes in the publishing industry seem to be coming alarmingly fast. An end-of-the-world sense of fear and foreboding seems to hover over us and seep into offices and work spaces. What will we do? What is the publishing world coming to?
And yet to the children, carrying around a personal device; which they can use to talk face to face, or just using audio, or texting; which they can use to take pictures and record video; which they can use to download and read all sorts of content, including books; isn't strange or wonderous at all. The technology is as natural as breathing to them.
Those folks who say that children read less because they spend all day watching TV and playing video games, perhaps haven't watched children closely the last few years. The amount of pure text children devour on their gadgets any given day is staggering. And as books become one of those things that are instantly accessible, I believe there will be an explosive growth in the number of books published and sold. The future I dreamed about as a child has arrived. And I believe in the next few years, publishing will see a higher growth than many can now imagine.
Now I'm just waiting for the transporters. The hand-held medical scanners. And those cool instant broken bone knitting machines.
Publishing's brightest days are yet to come.
I remember watching Star Trek and Battlestar Gallactica when I was growing up, and being so entranced by all the gadgets. It seemed so wondrous amazing that they could talk to each other with these little communicators and even better yet have video conferencing. They carried around little data pads from which they read stuff. All casual like as if it was as common as breathing. Now I watch my daughter with her real life modern day gadgets and every once in a while it gives me a little chill--like I've stepped into those TV shows. So much of what was only imaginary has become reality.
To us older people, changes in the publishing industry seem to be coming alarmingly fast. An end-of-the-world sense of fear and foreboding seems to hover over us and seep into offices and work spaces. What will we do? What is the publishing world coming to?
And yet to the children, carrying around a personal device; which they can use to talk face to face, or just using audio, or texting; which they can use to take pictures and record video; which they can use to download and read all sorts of content, including books; isn't strange or wonderous at all. The technology is as natural as breathing to them.
Those folks who say that children read less because they spend all day watching TV and playing video games, perhaps haven't watched children closely the last few years. The amount of pure text children devour on their gadgets any given day is staggering. And as books become one of those things that are instantly accessible, I believe there will be an explosive growth in the number of books published and sold. The future I dreamed about as a child has arrived. And I believe in the next few years, publishing will see a higher growth than many can now imagine.
Now I'm just waiting for the transporters. The hand-held medical scanners. And those cool instant broken bone knitting machines.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #15
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This world is beautiful!
I'm on the road again, headed up to the Oregon coast for a writer's workshop focusing on New Technology and how authors can take advantage of it. It's a healthy drive from Salt Lake to Oregon, along some of the most scenic country in the US. I passed through desert and hills, fertile farmland and stately pine forests. The sun lit up the dazzling blue sky and kept me awake an entranced with the beauty for many long hours.
Living in the city, I find it too easy to forget that there is an endless beautiful world beyond the buildings and foul air and rush hour traffic. I'm very grateful that a couple of times a year I get out of the city for a long drive across the countryside.
This world is beautiful!
I'm on the road again, headed up to the Oregon coast for a writer's workshop focusing on New Technology and how authors can take advantage of it. It's a healthy drive from Salt Lake to Oregon, along some of the most scenic country in the US. I passed through desert and hills, fertile farmland and stately pine forests. The sun lit up the dazzling blue sky and kept me awake an entranced with the beauty for many long hours.
Living in the city, I find it too easy to forget that there is an endless beautiful world beyond the buildings and foul air and rush hour traffic. I'm very grateful that a couple of times a year I get out of the city for a long drive across the countryside.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #14
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Spending time with good friends rejuvenates your spirit.
I had the great opportunity to meet with my novel critique group last weekend. We meet once a year and critique novels that we've been working on during the year. Because we're all Odyssey alumni, the quality of critiques is wonderful. This year was our fifth year doing this. I came away uplifted, excited, and ready to implement the changes everyone suggested. I am so grateful to these friends and their excellent help with my novels. Big hugs to Laurie, Jenn, Brian, and Susan. Thanks for letting me spend time with you.
Spending time with good friends rejuvenates your spirit.
I had the great opportunity to meet with my novel critique group last weekend. We meet once a year and critique novels that we've been working on during the year. Because we're all Odyssey alumni, the quality of critiques is wonderful. This year was our fifth year doing this. I came away uplifted, excited, and ready to implement the changes everyone suggested. I am so grateful to these friends and their excellent help with my novels. Big hugs to Laurie, Jenn, Brian, and Susan. Thanks for letting me spend time with you.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #13
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Colors are amazing.
Fall has arrived. I can look up at the mountain slopes (when it's not raining like today LOL) and see an array of dazzling reds and yellows. The leaves on the trees in my yard are just starting to change. What a wonderful time of year. The world and its colors provide so much beauty. It makes me happy.
Colors are amazing.
Fall has arrived. I can look up at the mountain slopes (when it's not raining like today LOL) and see an array of dazzling reds and yellows. The leaves on the trees in my yard are just starting to change. What a wonderful time of year. The world and its colors provide so much beauty. It makes me happy.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #12
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When you can't find an ending to your story, take a nap.
Now, that might sound like a strange DPT. Almost like giving up. But that's not what I had in mind. In writing and in life, sometimes things don't go as planned. We make up an outline for where we want to go and what we want to accomplish, and then everything comes crashing down. That's when it's very tempting to give up. I've found myself thinking, this whole book stinks. I should just chuck it out and start something new. Something better. That would be giving up.
Of course there's the old adage, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." True.
BUT!
Even the toughest, if they don't take a break, rest, recharge, won't make it to the top of the mountain. Those who are tough, know that pacing themselves is important. They don't try to sprint the whole distance of a marathon.
So today's DPT is a reminder (for those of us workaholics who have a hard time doing this naturally) to take some time for yourself to relax and regenerate. Taking a nap once in a while isn't a sin. And many has been the time when I've been completely stuck on a story and after racking my brain for hours I've let go of the conscious struggle, lain down for a nap, and woken with the answer staring me in the face. Rest can do that. In writing and in life. After a rest we can come back to the problems at hand with a new and better perspective.
When you can't find an ending to your story, take a nap.
Now, that might sound like a strange DPT. Almost like giving up. But that's not what I had in mind. In writing and in life, sometimes things don't go as planned. We make up an outline for where we want to go and what we want to accomplish, and then everything comes crashing down. That's when it's very tempting to give up. I've found myself thinking, this whole book stinks. I should just chuck it out and start something new. Something better. That would be giving up.
Of course there's the old adage, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." True.
BUT!
Even the toughest, if they don't take a break, rest, recharge, won't make it to the top of the mountain. Those who are tough, know that pacing themselves is important. They don't try to sprint the whole distance of a marathon.
So today's DPT is a reminder (for those of us workaholics who have a hard time doing this naturally) to take some time for yourself to relax and regenerate. Taking a nap once in a while isn't a sin. And many has been the time when I've been completely stuck on a story and after racking my brain for hours I've let go of the conscious struggle, lain down for a nap, and woken with the answer staring me in the face. Rest can do that. In writing and in life. After a rest we can come back to the problems at hand with a new and better perspective.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #11
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Learning is Fun!
My twelve year old son will argue with this vehemently. He says school takes away time from playing and should be avoided at all cost. I have an ongoing argument with him on the matter. I love learning new stuff. I think life would be so boring if I were stuck in the dark ages drudging through the daily grind, unable to read and learn about the world around me.
We live in amazing times. I have information about any topic only a few clicks away. I love doing research for my books. Some days I get carried away with research and forget to write at all, but hey, I learn important things like the awesome features of a Mercedes-Benz S550--Infrared Nigh View camera--how cool is that? How much a pair of AG Adriano Goldschmied "Angel" Bootcut pants cost at Bloomingdale's. And the absolutely vital information that the JFK International airport Port Authority General Aviation Terminal doesn't have a pilot lounge. I mean, really, if someday I were piloting a private jet into that airport, I'd need to know this stuff.
Or more likely, my characters fly into JFK on a private jet. And while they head off to Bloomingdale's in the Mercedes to buy clothes, the jet and its valuable contents get hijacked. Days worth of research just two write a couple of chapters. And I'm loving every minute of it. Learning is a ton of fun.
Learning is Fun!
My twelve year old son will argue with this vehemently. He says school takes away time from playing and should be avoided at all cost. I have an ongoing argument with him on the matter. I love learning new stuff. I think life would be so boring if I were stuck in the dark ages drudging through the daily grind, unable to read and learn about the world around me.
We live in amazing times. I have information about any topic only a few clicks away. I love doing research for my books. Some days I get carried away with research and forget to write at all, but hey, I learn important things like the awesome features of a Mercedes-Benz S550--Infrared Nigh View camera--how cool is that? How much a pair of AG Adriano Goldschmied "Angel" Bootcut pants cost at Bloomingdale's. And the absolutely vital information that the JFK International airport Port Authority General Aviation Terminal doesn't have a pilot lounge. I mean, really, if someday I were piloting a private jet into that airport, I'd need to know this stuff.
Or more likely, my characters fly into JFK on a private jet. And while they head off to Bloomingdale's in the Mercedes to buy clothes, the jet and its valuable contents get hijacked. Days worth of research just two write a couple of chapters. And I'm loving every minute of it. Learning is a ton of fun.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #10
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I have hands for typing my stories, holding my children, planting a garden, and painting a picture.
What a blessing to have two hands to do all the things I have to get done every day. I must remember not to take them for granted.
I have hands for typing my stories, holding my children, planting a garden, and painting a picture.
What a blessing to have two hands to do all the things I have to get done every day. I must remember not to take them for granted.
I'm Excited
I'm so excited.My friend Chris York's new book is finally being released. Check out this trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-n2CqII-nQ
Monday, October 4, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #8
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The sun came up this morning.
Yes, I know it does that every morning. That's my point. No matter what happens, the sun comes up. Sometimes I feel like if everything doesn't go just right it's the end of the world. the truth is, no matter how bad things seem to get, the sun keeps rising. A new day comes. Life moves on, and each new day brings the promise of better things to come. Thank goodness for the sun.
The sun came up this morning.
Yes, I know it does that every morning. That's my point. No matter what happens, the sun comes up. Sometimes I feel like if everything doesn't go just right it's the end of the world. the truth is, no matter how bad things seem to get, the sun keeps rising. A new day comes. Life moves on, and each new day brings the promise of better things to come. Thank goodness for the sun.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #7
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Books are your friend.
I can't say how many times I've been hurt, confused, lonely, board, or otherwise feeling miserable and have picked up a good book that has swept my cares aside as I leave my life behind to experience the world of the book. I love that. This world would be a much more miserable place without books. What great friends to have around.
Books are your friend.
I can't say how many times I've been hurt, confused, lonely, board, or otherwise feeling miserable and have picked up a good book that has swept my cares aside as I leave my life behind to experience the world of the book. I love that. This world would be a much more miserable place without books. What great friends to have around.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #6
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You have a unique story to tell and the world needs to hear it.
Every person views the world a little differently. We've all had different life experiences. The same topic expressed in one person's story is bound to come out totally different in another's. That's what makes literature so deep and vibrant. Don't be afraid to tell your stories in your own way. It brings variety and enjoyment to the world.
You have a unique story to tell and the world needs to hear it.
Every person views the world a little differently. We've all had different life experiences. The same topic expressed in one person's story is bound to come out totally different in another's. That's what makes literature so deep and vibrant. Don't be afraid to tell your stories in your own way. It brings variety and enjoyment to the world.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #5
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You've worked hard. Reward yourself.
In a regular job you go to work, clock your hours, and get paid. Within a couple of weeks you get monetary reward for your hard work. Not so for writers. We write and write and rewrite and submit, and even after something is accepted for publication it can take months before we ever see the first advance check. Delayed gratification is the name of the game. So, as writers we need to keep ourselves motivated. I've found that if I reward myself for little goals along the way, I do a better job of waiting for the big checks later on.
After a good day's work, give yourself a pat on the back. After achieving a writing goal, reward yourself by going out with friends. Or hey, try one of my favorite rewards, Chocolate! Of course I'm on a diet now, so I've relegated that to sugar free hot chocolate. But the effect is the same. I reward myself for doing a good job. You can to. It feels great and helps us to keep going.
You've worked hard. Reward yourself.
In a regular job you go to work, clock your hours, and get paid. Within a couple of weeks you get monetary reward for your hard work. Not so for writers. We write and write and rewrite and submit, and even after something is accepted for publication it can take months before we ever see the first advance check. Delayed gratification is the name of the game. So, as writers we need to keep ourselves motivated. I've found that if I reward myself for little goals along the way, I do a better job of waiting for the big checks later on.
After a good day's work, give yourself a pat on the back. After achieving a writing goal, reward yourself by going out with friends. Or hey, try one of my favorite rewards, Chocolate! Of course I'm on a diet now, so I've relegated that to sugar free hot chocolate. But the effect is the same. I reward myself for doing a good job. You can to. It feels great and helps us to keep going.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #4
It's never too late to start writing.
LOL. A perfect thought since It's after 9 PM here, and I just remembered I hadn't done my thought for today. Obviously I have a little way to go before this becomes a good habit.
I met a lot of people who say they want to write a book (or a journal, or poetry, etc.). The older I get, the older my acquaintances get. I like to tell them if you want to write then do it. Most look at me rather glassy eyed. I can see their mind just screaming, "It's too late. I haven't managed it my whole life. How can I possibly start now?"
The Truth is, there is only one moment in life. Now. Now is all that really exists. Yesterday and tomorrow are only in our minds. It doesn't matter how many yesterdays there have been. We can't know how many tomorrows there may be. All we have is now. If you want to write something, start now. Type something in a blog. Tweet. Scribble something on the back of an envelope. Or open a Microsoft Word document and start a book. Now is the beginning of all of our lives. You are never too old. Now is the time to write.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Daily Positive Thought #3
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No one succeeds alone.
I spent a number of years in my early life writing and never really showing anyone what I wrote. During that time my writing didn't really grow or improve.
It wasn't until I started taking classes, joining writing organizations, and attending conferences and workshops that my writing gained strength and I rallied the courage to submit. I could spend days trying to name everyone who helped me along the way. Every mentor and writing friend I've rubbed shoulders with has moved me forward.
As Ken Rand, one of my first mentors, always said, I can't pay them back. There is no way. The only thing to do is pay it forward to others I meet. So a great BIG THANKS to everyone who has helped me on my road to success. And I hope I can do the same for others.
No one succeeds alone.
I spent a number of years in my early life writing and never really showing anyone what I wrote. During that time my writing didn't really grow or improve.
It wasn't until I started taking classes, joining writing organizations, and attending conferences and workshops that my writing gained strength and I rallied the courage to submit. I could spend days trying to name everyone who helped me along the way. Every mentor and writing friend I've rubbed shoulders with has moved me forward.
As Ken Rand, one of my first mentors, always said, I can't pay them back. There is no way. The only thing to do is pay it forward to others I meet. So a great BIG THANKS to everyone who has helped me on my road to success. And I hope I can do the same for others.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Daily Positive Thought
I've been thinking about doing a Daily Positive Thought for about a year now. For my own self, mostly. I need a shot of positive thought on a regular basis to keep me going as a writer, a DPT booster you might say. An inoculation against rejection, distraction, and self-doubt. But the intimidation of coming up with a positive thought to post each day has kept me from starting. Crazy, as if thinking one positive thing a day should be so hard.
So, today I'm going to start sharing one positive thought a day with my friends. If I fall off the horse and miss a day or two here and there, I'm not going to try to make it up. I'll just start where we are and go on.
DPT #1: Starting to write each morning is like jumping into a cold pool. Sometimes you just don't want to do it, but once you get in and going it feels pretty go. So, go ahead. Take the plunge.
So, today I'm going to start sharing one positive thought a day with my friends. If I fall off the horse and miss a day or two here and there, I'm not going to try to make it up. I'll just start where we are and go on.
DPT #1: Starting to write each morning is like jumping into a cold pool. Sometimes you just don't want to do it, but once you get in and going it feels pretty go. So, go ahead. Take the plunge.
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