12x12 Blogging Party: A Writer's Accomplishments

What an amazing half year it has been! Each one of you have taken a unique journey of your own, participating from least three continents. Just think: 20 years ago, this would have been impossible. CS Lewis had his "Inklings" literary group, and I have my 12x12 literary buddies. Sayres, Tolkien, Williams and Lewis met on a regular basis at the Eagle and Child Pub in Oxford, England; we meet in cyberspace. Some have been fortunate to have met in person.

Wikipedia Commons "Inklings Hangout"

Our group has cheered, consoled and critiqued each other towards a better manuscript. If the figures are accurate, we have corporately written 2,400 picture books so far. That can be good and troubling at the same time. Will there be enough publishers to accept them all? Time will tell, but, I do believe we will each sell at least one manuscript as a result of our 12x12 challenge. With all the hard work invested in these manuscripts, it has to be true. So, let that be a word of encouragement to my literary buddies...keep up the good work, and you will see your creation in print one day.

I thought I would celebrate by constructing a timeline of my Writer's accomplishments since last fall. Wish I could sit down with a pot of tea and a scone and talk with each one of you personally (my kind of party!), but, I will look forward to reading your post entries.

I am not doing this to "toot my horn" but to inspire, build confidence, and offer helpful links.  It can be done with a home, husband, children and the responsibility of home educating two teens!

So, here goes:


November 2011:

It all began with Tara Lazar's PiBoIdMo...I came up with over 30 ideas for picture books that month, keeping the titles stored in my "Chapters" app on my iPad (can't live without one now!)

December 2011:

Took a few days off for a Writer's retreat in a downtown hotel, thanks to my hubby. Revised my "Prickly Tickly Hedgehog" manuscript, with the help of Julie Hedlund's critique I won during her two year blog anniversary celebration. At this point, I had no idea she would be hosting the 12x12 group, but I knew at that time we needed something to "spur us on to greatness". What an answer to prayer she has been!

Wrote, "'Twas the Night Before Jesus Was Born" for Susanna Hill's Christmas poetry contest. Although I didn't win, I was pleased with my accomplishment. My first time to write poetry. A stretching experience.

January 2012:

Joined our group, 12x12 in 2012...thrilled there was another challenge to help me in my writing. With the time I had available, I participated by commenting on the FaceBook group and on individual blogs.

Began researching information for one of my two non-fiction picture books, "The Orphans Who Saved the World."

Took a family adventure to Patagonia, and blogged my way to the tip of South America and back.

Finished 12x12 PB #1 "Where Will it Land?"

February 2012:

Joined Rachel Harrie's "Platform Building Challenge" and spread my wings in out-of-the-box flash fiction. Not my preference, but, again, it stretched me.


Wrote an online gluten-free cooking article for PositivelyFeminine.com


Submitted "Waiting for an Idea" PB to Rate Your Story. It received a 6, but I gained helpful information to move it towards publication.


Won a bid for a social media strategy package with Tricia Lawrence (Erin Murphy Literary Agency) through the "Light Up the Library" auction. Tricia's counsel was clear and concise, and aided me in discovering my "brand". I'm not there yet, but I am close!


Finished 12x12 PB #2 "Waiting For an Idea"

March 2012

Making my way through Ann Paul's, "Writing Picture Books". I recommend it!


Begin writing blogposts for the upcoming "A to Z Blogging Challenge"...one post a day for 26 days: each post on a different topic. I learn how to navigate the buttons and tabs to set up and schedule the posts.


Joined Jo Hart's Onomatopoeia PB Critique Forum. I get caught up with the blogging challenge, so I don't participate for two months!


Finish 12x12 PB #3: "Have You Ever Seen a Snow Rainbow?"

April 2012:

A to Z Blogging Challenge in Full Swing: spend the month on the web answering comments, finishing blog posts, and visiting and commenting on 10 blogs a day...whew! My followers rise from 18 to 85 that month. I meet some lovely bloggers, and decide to follow them.


My article, "Looking Back on Homeschooling" is accepted for publication in "The Old Schoolhouse" magazine's 'big book' which comes out once a year at Christmas. I'm told it features the best of OS for the year. I'm honored, and I thank God for the privilege...


I discover the editor who had asked for my Picture/Chapter book and Proposal for "A Pouch Full of Miracles" has moved to another job.  So I resubmit, with her recommendation, to another editor at the publisher. Now the wait begins again!

I join another critique group with "Children's Book Insider" and introduce myself.

Complete 12x12 PB #4, "Busy as a Beaver"

May 2012:

Take a deep breath, and continue writing blog posts and snatches of various PBs.

I begin my non-fiction PB, "Peacocks in the Courts of Royalty" with a few hours of research.

Still reading through Christina Katz, "Get Known Before the Book Deal"


Visited San Antonio, Texas and found myself blogging about and photographing the historic spots we visited...inspirational! Love the city's RiverWalk...rejuvenating!

Had my pitch for "Waiting for an Idea" critiqued on Susanna Hill's "Would You Read it?" post.  Although most writers voted "maybe" to "no",  I am learning to have thick skin, and to count it a blessing to learn from my mistakes.

Finished 12x12 PB #5, "Grace All Over the Place!"

June 2012:

Participated in Jeff Goins' "15 Habits of Great Writers" 3 week challenge, which becomes a springboard for solidifying my writing habits. I blog my way through, and begin the habit of rising at least one hour earlier each day. I'm more productive now! Because of his challenge, I was able to complete the projects below:


Submitted another PB, "Where Will It Land?" to RYS


Finish my book proposal for "Your On the Wrong Road, Solomon" (pending approval from my three contacts willing to endorse my possible publication, I am ready to submit the package to messianicjewish.net )

Read half way through Jeff's ebook, "You Are a Writer"


Created a "dummy book" for "The Prickly Tickly Hedgehog". Tara Lazar tells all here.


Submitted a Christmas themed inspirational story to "Chicken Soup for the Soul"


Located a few possible publications to submit my Christmas themed poem in "The Christian Writer's Market Guide 2012"

Completed my June PB for 12x12 in 2012



For all this, I am grateful to Julie Hedlund and our supportive Writer's group, and, of course, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave me the ability and inspiration in the first place!

My goal for the last half? 

-Complete 6 more picture books

-Visit each of my 12x12 writer buddy's blogs

-Revise my blog posts to help fellow writers in their craft

-Read more non-fiction PBs

You may not have accomplished all I have...maybe you have accomplished more. Either way, as long as you are on the "Write Road" to publication, moving forward, step by step, you can realize your dream. Stay with us for the remainder of the year, as we fill world with quality writing.

What has been your biggest accomplishment during the 12x12 Challenge?

Becoming a Better Writer: Survey and a Giveaway!

We've come to the end of the Challenge!

Jeff Goins has been extremely helpful in challenging me to be the writer I am meant to be. His advice has been clear, concise and easy to follow...something I can continue to pursue and ponder in the weeks and months to come. I thank God for Jeff!!  Here, in a nutshell, are his last two challenges:

BRAND

It's an impression you leave on someone's mind...what image do people (readers) have when they think of you?

Jeff tells us we must spend time "tightening up each of these":


1. Name. It may be your given name or a pseudonym or something else, but you need to be consistent. Make sure your website, business cards, and social media properties all say the same thing.

2. Image. This can be a logo or a headshot. It's whatever you want to use to make people recognize you and your work. Make sure it's on your blog, Twitter profile, etc. Don't use different images; make them all the same.

3. Voice. This is how you sound. It's your style and personal flair as a communicator. If you aren't confident in your unique writing voice, go through these 10 steps to find it.  Check out Jeff's post on
voice here.


SERVE

Jeff reminds us to "write for ourselves" before we write for others. It sounds selfish, doesn't it? But, it's not. If you don't like what you write, if you are not passionate about your writing, no one else will want to read it.


Now it's time to GIVE instead of TAKE: we need to know what our audience needs before they do.

How?  Jeff suggests two simple ways:

Answer questions. If you don't know where to begin, look at the questions you want answered. Be observant. Put yourself in the seat of the reader...

Help people. Do favors without being asked. Be generous (think over-the-top here). Do something remarkable, something truly outstanding that will get noticed...

Here is Jeff's final challenge:

"Ready to be generous and serve your audience? Here are a few ideas (pick one):

Do a giveaway of a product or service. Find authors or organizations wanting to partner with people like you, and ask them for donations. Make sure whatever you give away clearly adds value to their lives.

Conduct a survey. Find out what readers (or perfect strangers) want, what they struggle with, and create something for them. This can be a blog series or an eBook or a whatever.

Write something important and give it away. Publish an eBook to Amazon and distribute it through the KDP Select Program. Or offer it in exchange for people subscribing to your blog.

Answer all correspondence. Respond to every single email, phone call, tweet, etc. until you can't possibly keep up. This is how tribes are formed — through accessibility.

So, which one did I pick?

Well, although I have a small following on my blog and in social media, I have already attempted to answer each comment that comes my way. Therefore, since I have been mulling over a survey for a number of months, I've decided to go that route, and do a mini version on this post...perfect timing!

I had mentioned two months ago, that I would use "Fresh as a Daisy" Soaps as a give-away, to honor my friend who was faithful to leave comments during the A-Z blogging challenge.

I struggle with these four things in my writing life:

-Finding an appropriate descriptive word as I compose my stories
-Overusing common or lazy words instead of using fresh, creative alternatives
-Using correct punctuation
-Finding time to read books on the craft of writing

Do you struggle with the same issues? If so, let me know...I want to help!

Choose a post title that would be helpful to YOU from the list below, and mention it in the comment box. Make sure your contact information is embedded, or leave your email address along with your comments if you would like to be placed in our "Fresh as a Daisy Soaps" drawing. If your name is chosen, you will be sent the soap of your choice...no matter where you live! Check out Daisy's store here.

So, here goes...which series of posts fill a need in your writing life?

A. Mulling it over Mondays: excerpts from books on the craft of writing, for those of you who have little time to spare.

B. Tricks of the Trade Tuesdays: tips from "The Elements of Style" or "Writer's Inc....this could be punctuation, grammar, etc.

C. Thesaurus Thursdays: a list of descriptive words and/or verbs to replace those overused "lazy" words Jeff mentioned.

If you have another idea for me, I'd love to hear it...leave it in the comment box below.

Hopefully, this challenge has inspired something in your life...whether you are a writer, a mom, or a person who desires to be more motivated and organized.

WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU? Which post above would be the most useful? A, B or C? Vote in the comment box below....you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a natural homemade bar of "Fresh as a Daisy Soap"!

Are You Calling Evil Good? 15 Habits of Great Writers

This is the toughest assignment yet...for me, anyway. I like to be nice, helpful, encouraging. But, there is a lion inside, waiting to pounce at any minute. I usually show my claws with strangers or acquaintances. But, I CAN'T HOLD IN THE TRUTH FOREVER...

Jeff challenges us on DAY 12:

"Are you ready? No more prompting, no more practice. Write something that gets under our skin, that tests our nerves. Provoke us. Not for the sake of being being contentious or intentionally provocative, but for the sake of being honest.


Why do we do this?


Because we live in a world of lies. Of false flattery and exaggeration. And we need you, the artist, to tell the truth. To help us get out of our comfort zones. After all, that's the only place we grow.


Because this sets others free. To do the same. To live freely and honestly. So get in our faces; tell us the truth. And watch the ripple effect."


So, I'll take a big breath...

I am becoming concerned over the rise in "paranormal romances" or "sweet vampire stories".

 Can anyone see the "oxymoronic" nature of these words: sweet/vampire, paranormal/romance? Incongruous, to say the least. What's more, it's dangerous to "sweeten" a bloodthirsty relationship, or foster a romance with something abnormal, psychic or other-worldly. Our only source of inspiration should come from Go(o)d, not D(evil)...do you see what I mean?

God's Word, in Isaiah 5:20,21 it says, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

By now, some of you might be fuming. These are not my words. They are God's...but I believe them. That's the crux of the matter...we put ourselves and others in jeopardy when we become the authority, instead of the God who created us.

Enough said. I will let my words simmer and sink in...

PUBLISH

The challenge for DAY 13:


"Today, we're going to publish something. Anything, really. Whatever you do, don't play it safe. Go for broke. Stop hiding and start writing for real."

So I did!

I'm sending a book proposal and full manuscript of my children's picture book, "You're on the Wrong Road, Solomon!" to messianicjewish.net next week. It's exhilarating! A shot in the arm...a boost! Just what I needed...thank you Lord! And I do appreciate Jeff Goins' challenge these last three weeks...what a blessing!

So, what project are you ready to complete or send off in the next few days? You don't need to be a writer to act now. What will you release to the world??

15 Habits of Great Writers: Share and Declutter

Why wouldn't I want to share another author's works?  We do not exist in a vacuum. We learn from each other... by reading great works.

Jeff encourages us in this 10th Day of 15 Habits of Great Writers Challenge:

"Great writers SHARE. Not just their own knowledge, ideas, and expertise. They also share the work of others and credit them accordingly. And ironically, paradoxically, they ultimately benefit from their own generosity."








With that in mind, today I want to share a company and an author with my audience. They publish and promote inspiring children's books from the 18th and early 19th century.  So?  These books focus on something readers of modern fiction rarely find: CHARACTER. 


Each and every book reveals a character's relationship with God, his fellow man, and himself...for good or evil.  Every title could be considered a classic...they are thought provoking, have deep character development, and the plots keep you hanging!

So, where can you find them? Right here at Lamplighter Publishing. Mark Hamby is the president and an author himself.  He is doing a tremendous job of tracking down old, charming, but meaty books to republish.  Many of the books have been dramatized...check them out here.

DECLUTTER

Before you can do the work of creating anything, you've got to clear off the desk and get your stuff in order. It doesn't have to be perfect, but your mess isn't helping you; it's not contributing to the creative process. And you need to stop hiding behind it...Jeff Goins: 15 Habits of Great Writers, Declutter

He suggests you:

Clean up your workspace

I removed over 50 yet-to-be-read books from under my Victorian Sitting Room table, and placed them, categorized, on other shelves around the house!

Get rid of non-essentials in your writing: Words

My weakness...weak, unnecessary, lazy words. I will be revising two of my mss this week, striking those words from the text.

Below is Jeff's list of weak words. Find the entire post here.

very
all
important
used to
every
never
feel
seem
think
often
almost
big
small
have got
just

How many of these words do you overuse? No matter your profession, can you clean out your workspace today?

15 Habits of Great Writers: Build and Connect

"If you build it, they will come" Theodore Roosevelt

But, I've begun a story...is it the same as building??



There's a fundamental difference between starting something and actually building it.
"Building" something creatively happens the same it does in the "real" world — with a lot of sweat and pain and grunting. It's not easy; if it is, you're doing it wrong.
So what does this look like when it comes to writing? It means showing up and doing the work, day-in and day-out. If you're not doing this already, you need to be....JEFF GOINS 15 Habits of Great Writers













Well, this morning I failed. I got up at 5am, sat down in my Victorian chair, and had major writer's block. Not just a block. I felt as if my brain had been hijacked to another state. I began to shake. It was then I realized that I would not be productive this morning...I needed more sleep. Sometimes we need to adjust to real life. I'll get up at 6am tomorrow, and see if I can be more productive. I truly want to do this, Lord!!

Next was Jeff's challenge: FINISH something you have begun!

The first thing that came to mind was a "dummy" of my picture book, "The Prickly, Tickly Hedgehog". I've been meaning to do it for months, so, by tonight, it will be done. This step is important in PB writing. One needs to see where the text falls on the page, to make sure it breaks at the appropriate time, so kids look forward to what's next, and, there will be a balance of text on each page.

CONNECT

Jeff tells us there are three important ways to connect. We need to:

Make friends (those of like-mind, writers)
Find fans (by helping people, giving them what they need)
Earn patrons (leaders and influencers in the writing industry).

His challenge: reach out to one of each today. If you receive an email from me, you'll know I've picked you!

I have been blessed by my 12x12 in 2012 group, who serve to enlighten and encourage me on the road to publication.  Julie Hedlund has orchestrated this challenge group.  Our goal?  To write 12 picture book manuscripts (first draft) in 12 months!  For more info, click here.

So, what project have you left hanging that you could finish today??

15 Habits of Great Writers Challenge: Steal and Start Ugly

STEALING...humm, well...okay...BORROWING

Jeff Goins, in the 15 Habits of Great Writers Challenge, clarifies what he means by stealing:


"Sometimes, we don't even realize we do this, but we all do it. Great artists borrow from other artists. They meld together pieces of the chaotic mess we all call life, and they end up with a whole new creation.


Find a quote or a painting or some form of inspiration — and steal it. Make it your own. Attribute it — give credit where it's due — but don't be afraid to use it. Let someone else's work springboard you into your own."

Whew! I'm glad he explained his point. I don't like the idea of stealing.

So, here it is....my author's "booty":

..."If I sin and am rebellious, help me to repent;
Then take away my mourning and give me music;
Remove my sackcloth and adorn me with beauty;
Take away my sighs and fill my mouth with songs;
And when I am restored and rest in thee,
Give me summer weather in my heart."


"Repose" from "The Valley of Vision: a Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions"


Coincidentally, I am creating a picture book in rhyme about Job's sufferings and restoration during this 3 week challenge. The above portion of a quote will serve as inspiration for the manuscript. I can already envision the ending..."Give me summer weather in my heart". PERFECT!

START UGLY

....and Jeff during the 15 Habits Challenge, tells us where to begin:



"Leonardo Da Vinci once said, "Art is never finished, only abandoned." So
every time you endeavor to create, you will have a choice:
You can first make it ugly, or not make it at all. There is nothing else.
All creation comes from chaos. All works of art begin as splotches of paint on a canvas. It's never beautiful at the outset. Before your work can reach its potential, it will first have to be bad."


And that's just what I have been doing with the Job story. Up at 5am (it's addicting) write for about two hours (tea break allowed). I am not a poet, but I am compelled to write it in verse. But, I will be brave and share a stanza with you:

Job was a man who was righteous in all
He did not sin, nor cause others to fall

Ten children he did have
He loved his dear kin,
Job sacrificed daily,
Just in case they would sin

And it goes downhill from there...

But, I will work and work and work some more to perfect the rhyme. And then send it in to a critique group.


I like STARTING UGLY. It relieves the pressure to be perfect. And it gets words on paper. Without words, an author has no tools.

How about you? What project have you been afraid to begin, because you thought you were not capable?

15 Habits of Great Writers: Practice and Prepare

Practice and more practice...yesterday was my first day to rise at 5am!  Well, it was actually 5:55am.  I tossed and turned most of the night, because I made a bad choice...caffeinated tea before bedtime!  But, thankfully, I was productive during my two hours of concentrated work.  After reading my Bible portion for the day, I began writing my June manuscript for the 12x12 in 2012 Challenge...a picture book (rough draft) a month.  This one is a poetic approach to the book of Job.  I finished almost half the story, relishing the peace and quiet of the morning.  Believe it or not, I'm looking forward to rising early again tomorrow!

Jeff suggests a way to carry out habit #4...Practice

"Find a way to practice in public. Here are a few ideas:

Pitch a magazine you want to write for. Follow some of the templates in You Are a Writer. This article might help, too.

Ask a friend (or stranger) to guest post on his/her blog. Here's another useful post.

Publish something on your blog you've never shared with anyone. Take a risk (we'll be doing more of this soon).

Submit that book proposal. Don't "work on it." Finish it. Send it off. And say a little prayer."

 Jeff Goins

He's got me...I've been writing blog posts to the detriment of my stories! So, I'm going to pursue number four...send in my book proposal/story for "Your on the Wrong Road, Solomon!"

Ahhh....it's feels good to have a goal. To focus... Five AM here I come. My Victorian Sitting Room beckons me!

Jeff goes on to say:
"There is a difference between putting things off and preparing. Preparation is good; procrastination is not. Let's talk about the former.

REAL PREPARATION

You know you're preparing when:

You're getting better every day.
People keep asking you, "When are you going to publish X?"
You're building measurable momentum.
So let's say you're not preparing to launch something big and you want to. Here's what you need to do:

Ship something. Anything. It doesn't matter how bad it is, just put it out there.
Get feedback. If this is an eBook or article idea, even a book proposal, one way you can do this is ask readers, friends, or fans to proofread something you're working on. Send it to them, give them a deadline, and ask for brutally honest critiques.
Make it better. Trust your heart and intuition, but also apply some of the feedback you received.
Repeat until the project is ready to launch."

Okay...I have my proposal to perfect and ship...check. I have a story to submit to "Rate Your Story"...check. And many WIPs (works in progress) to fine tune...check.

My list is getting longer....

If you are a writer, which of the above steps recharges you? If not, what project will you begin today that you have put on the back burner??

15 Habits of Great Writers: Believe and Initiate

BELIEVE

I do believe God has given me the DESIRE and ABILITY to write, as I mentioned in my last post.

Jeff Goins suggests to:

"Take some time to dwell on the fact that you are a writer. Meditate on it; let it sink in. Write about it, if you want. Do whatever it takes. The important part is you believe it. And just so you don't think this is all esoteric, you're going to do something radical. You're going to get up two hours early and write."

Wow....I need my sleep. This indeed will be a challenge!


Yes, we must declare our faith/belief by our actions. So, I will take the challenge. Beginning Sunday morning, I plan to rise two hours early each day, to WRITE. Not check emails, Facebook or Flipboard, but write....what God has placed on my heart. Making history and Scripture come alive for my readers is my passion. So, I will dwell on the Devotionals and picture books that are WIPs (works in progress). They have only titles and a skeleton plot, but I will attempt to flesh them out, getting them ready for submission.

INITIATE

Every day, you have a decision: to start or stop the things worth doing. To continue building habits that make you more of your truest self, or to break the ones you've been doing for awhile"....Jeff Goins

He suggests we do something scary. Something we have been putting off. So.....

Not only will I continue writing, but, I will begin a project that seems overwhelming...my story "The Orphans Who Saved the World".  It centers around the solution to the global smallpox epidemic...and the boys who made it possible. I've done much background research. Now it's time to put the facts down in story form....

Have you been putting off something scary?  If so, what?  Isn't it time to be brave and do it??