Writer's Block or Procrastination??

It's good to be working on my biblical fiction chapter book after a couple of frustrating months. I just couldn't put my fingers to the keyboard. Then I pondered the answer to the question above.

I'm honored to have my post featured on Becky Fyfe's ChaBooCha (Chapter Book Challenge) Blog today.

Which do you struggle with? Find help HERE.

A pic of Charles Dicken's manuscript reject pile, from his home office in London. It's preserved to remind us we aren't the only ones who struggle.

The Halloweensie Contest!

It's time again for one of Susanna Hill's seasonal contests.  I'm always a bit intimidated, worried that I won't be able to come up with anything, but it keeps my creative juices flowing!  And I do love a challenge.

Source

Here are the the rules:

The Contest:  "Write a 100 word Halloween story appropriate for children (title not included in the 100 words), using the words spooky, black cat, and cackle.   Your story can be scary, funny or anything in between, poetry or prose, but it will only count for the contest if it includes those 3 words (you can count black cat as one word) and is 100 words (you can go under, but not over!)  Get it?  Halloweensie - because it's not very long and it's for little people :)"

It took me a while to compose my story, but at 95 words, using "black cat" as a single word (and 97 words if Jack-o'-Lantern is considered three words) I'm finally ready to submit it. By the way, years ago, I owned a black cat named Henrietta, who we lovingly named, "Ornery-etta".  She deserved it!  The photo is so near her likeness that it could have been her.

                                                  A Fur-Raising Encounter

It is a dim and spooky night.  A black cat stalks unsuspecting field mice. Slowly he moves 

in the darkness, stealthily seeking his prey. A slice of the waning moon's light reflects on 

the prowling creature below, exposing his villainous plan. 

A twig breaks. The black cat's fur stands on edge.

"Trying to scare me, eh??" the voice says with a cackle.  Slowly the cat turns. Nothing 

but shadows. 

"Oooooooowwwwwaaaaa". The ominous laugh brings shivers in the night. 

Something brushes the black cat's paw. He jumps. The mouse looks up with a jack-o-lantern grin.

 "Got ya, fraidy cat!"

For links to the Halloweensie Contest's other entries, click HERE.

Enjoy!

Don your thinking caps. . .PiBoIdMo is about to begin!

The month of November has slid into view once again. And for a writer, that means challenges.  And plenty of them!  There is of course, the ever popular NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), and more recently added: NaNonFiWriMo (National Non-Fiction Writing Month).

PiBoIdMo

But for those of us who write for children, PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) is the way to go.  This will be my third year to participate, and to tell the truth, I almost declined the opportunity. I have so much on my plate already. We are home educating our two HS seniors, one of whom is preparing for college next year!

So, what is PiBoIdMo?  A fun challenge; certainly easier to accomplish than a 50,000 word novel. (I applaud anyone who is even attempting to write a novel in one month!) The goal is to come up with 30 picture book ideas in one month. 

It could be as simple as a title, or as complicated as a basic plot. . .the choice is up to you. Whatever inspires you for the day.  Now, don't worry.  Each day Tara Lazar will post an entry from a published author who will help you towards your goal.  And what's more, if you can't think of an idea for a few days, you are allowed to pick them up anytime during the month.  An idea a day? Great! Seven ideas all in one day, or more than 30 at the end of the month?  That's even better!  Whatever works.

Are you ready for the challenge?  If so, you have until November 7th to sign up HERE. Any questions will be answered at that link. Not only do you come up with 30 new ideas that you can transform into manuscripts, but there are PRIZES, too! Can you beat that??

To fill up your "think tank" check out Tara's list of 400 things kids love HERE.

Will you be joining us in 2013??

A Fourth of July Surprise!

Here we are again with one of Susanna Hill's inspirational writing contests!  I'm so thankful for these because they get my creative juices flowing.  The rules are plain and simple:

The Contest: Write a children's story, in poetry or prose, maximum 400 words, about the 4th of July in which a secret is revealed or a mystery is solved!

So, here is my entry. Thanks to my critique group I was able to pare it down from 475 words to 388:

                                 The Fourth of July's Surprise!

     The frightened kitten darted back and forth in the middle of the street, 

dodging the feet of the band members parading by. The onlookers pointed and 

nudged each other, aware of the kitten's dilemma. At one point, she froze, and 

then, in the confusion, she scurried into the lap of a boy sitting on the curb.

The kitten panted, but remained motionless, somehow knowing she was in a 

safe place.

     Trevor came home that day with July the kitten. She was always into 

mischief.  Now July had grown from a scraggly kitten into a handsome reddish-

brown tabby cat. But lately, she wouldn't eat, and laid around all day.

     "Meooowwww. . . aaaauuuuggghhh. . . mrrrrrooooow," complained July. 

Twitch went her long skinny tail.

     The next morning, July couldn't sit still. She paced back and forth. "What's 

wrong, July?" Trevor asked. "You're not sick, are you?"

     July did not answer. Instead, she curled up behind the couch. At lunch, 

Trevor took his hot dog into the living room and sat near July.  He watched her 

intently as he munched his lunch. She shuddered. She shook. She moaned and 

shuttered again. Then, July began to clean her bottom. Trevor saw a

balloon-shaped object under her tail. What was THAT?  July licked and licked 

until a tiny kitten appeared. Trevor stared with amazement. "Mom, MOM. 

MOMMMMMMMM...."

     Mom came running. "What's the matter?"

     "Look. . . July is having a baby!"

     "She'll probably have more, Trevor."

     Sure enough, a second kitten appeared.  July kept cleaning. The first kitten 

was striped and ginger-furred, just like July. The second had gray stripes.

     "Do you think she'll have more?"

     "I don't know.  Let's watch and see," Mom suggested.

     A few minutes later, July cleaned a third kitten, all black with a white nose.

     "Now, don't touch them, Trevor. July knows what to do. She will be a good 

mom, but she'll want to be left alone."

     "Can I at least stay to see if she has any more? Please, Mom?"

     "Alright, but keep your distance." She went into the kitchen.

     Soon Trevor called, "Mom, come quick! Look! This last one is white with 

reddish spots. They look almost like, like. . ."

     "Well, well. The fourth of July's kittens is covered in stars. Stars and Stripes. 

Well done, July! You really know how to celebrate the birth of our nation!"



To see more creative entries for the Fourth of July Secret Surprise Contest click HERE.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, FELLOW AMERICANS, and may we honor God so He can bless us!

A to Z Challenge Wrap-Up

Although I did not make as many connections as last year, I'm glad I decided to join the A to Z Challenge again this year. . . twenty-six posts during the month of April (except Sundays).

Last year, each post was on an entirely different topic....with photos. I honestly don't know how I did it! To see them, go to this link.


I'M GLAD I PARTICIPATED!

This year, since I absolutely LOVED "Les Mis" (saw it twice), I decided to concentrate on different characters and facets of the production for the Challenge. I found so many spiritual applications for life in the almost-completely-sung movie. The main theme of Les Misérables? Redemption! Hard to miss, no matter who you are...

To see my posts, if you missed them, click here.

Photo Source

The A to Z Challenge helped me to hone my writing, and discover my passion: interpreting life through Biblical glasses. It could be a movie, or an event, a piece of literature or a "day in the life of". Many things spark my thinking.


LOOKING BACK

To be honest, looking back at the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I was frustrated to find very few people reading and commenting on at least five blogs a day. And very few commented back. Not sure if there is any way to resolve that. I did like the idea of labeling our links with a code that reflected the subject matter. I did not do that, only because, although I blogged about Les Misérables, my posts generally are varied.

I did not find any "kindred spirits" to follow, because I faithfully made my way down the list of links, beginning with mine, commenting on at least five a day. I think if I would have specifically chosen writer's or traveler's blogs, I would have found a few. So, I suggest that next year, we be allowed to choose categories, as long as we visit and comment on at least five.

Last year, almost 75 folks chose to follow me. This year, there were about 20.  I do not fault anyone for that, nor am I discouraged. For one, choosing to follow a blog is a personal thing. My blog posts and topics do not resonate with everyone. Why clutter your inbox or feed with posts that do not interest you, just to be nice to me?

I was encouraged by everyone's comments, tho', which was a highlight for me. There were only one or two blogs on which I could not comment, because I had no idea what to say. By the way, I am very thankful you requested the label of AC for those blogs which were "adult content". I purposely avoided those.


STILL DECIDING ABOUT NEXT YEAR

I was faithful to follow the rules, and I did benefit from the Challenge. It kept me writing on schedule. But, because few read and commented on my blog (I'm very thankful for those who did!), and because it distracts me from my writing of articles and children's/Middle Grade books, I have not decided if I will participate next year.


BUT, TRY IT FOR YOURSELF. . . SO MANY REASONS TO JOIN IN 2014!

All that said, I do not want to discourage my readers. If this is your first time with the Challenge, or, you have never tried the Challenge, I definitely suggest you do. It gets you writing, and helps you find your strengths and passions.


THANKS TO THE TEAM!

I do admire and want to thank all the faithful folks who worked so hard to monitor the A to Z Challenge this year. . . Kudos to you!!

Find the list of the co-hosts here.  And visit their blogs!

Susanna Hill's "In Just Spring" Contest!

It's here! Another writing contest. This time, as you can see, it's about Spring.

Here is a summary of the rules for the contest:

• Write a children's story, in poetry or prose, maximum 350 words.
• The story must be about something that really says "SPRING" to you - something that really makes you feel that spring is here!
• The only other requirement is that the last line must be "[Character Name] knew Spring was really here!" or "[Character Name] knew Spring was here at last!"

More information can be found on Susanna's website, here.




Since our family celebrates the Biblical foundation of Easter, I composed this little story at 347 words.

Suzie's Spring

Suzie's favorite season was Spring. She couldn't wait for it to arrive.

Will Spring be here soon, Mama?

"Not until the bluebells push through the earth, Sweetheart."

The next day she asked, "Today? Is it today?"

"No, dear, the robins have not come home to sing. Maybe tomorrow."

Tomorrow arrived, but not the Spring. "Is it here?"

"Not yet, honey. Be patient! The buds of the forsythia bush have not begun to bloom. "

Suzie could wait only two more days. This time, she was sure it had come.

"Now, Mama? Is it Spring?"

"I'm very sorry bunny-kins, but no. The robins have not arrived at our bird feeder."

Suzie was not happy. In fact, she was cross.

"I can't wait, Mama!" she complained.

"Darling, have a seat on my lap. I want to tell you something."

Suzie obeyed, but not with a happy heart.

Mama continued, "Remember when we talked about Jesus, and His special work on the cross for us?"

"Yeeaaaahh. And we made those res...res..resurr..."

"Resurrection cookies. That's right! Remember how, after we put them in the oven, we taped it shut?"

"You let me do it, Mama!"

"Yep. And the oven was like the tomb where Jesus was laid after they took him down from the cross. And why did we taped it?

"'Couldn't open it because Jesus stayed in the tomb for three days."

"Good, Suzie! Now, when we removed the meringues and bit into them, what did we discover?"

"I know! They were empty in the middle."

"Exactly!"

"Just like Jesus' tomb...empty!"

"Yes...Jesus came back to life again, just like He promised, so those who believed could someday live with Him in Heaven. A new life, and a new beginning!

"But when is Spring coming?"

"Just at the right time...when new life comes, Spring will begin!"

Three days later it happened.

"Mama, guess what!! Guess what I saw!"

What dear?

A robin, a yellow blossom, and bluebells!!

Well, well," Mama said, "new life has begun. Spring has sprung!"

Suzie's Spring had come at last.

Another Challenge: The Chapter Book

Now is the season for challenges of all sorts.  This month, the Chapter Book Challenge, and next month, The A to Z Blogging Challenge (more on that later).

This one is new to me, and although I do not need another challenge complicating my already busy life,  I decided to join.

Why?

Because I have a Chapter/Middle Grade book in the making, and am looking for a way to get motivated.  This is it!

It's very loose and informal.  The goal?  To write a Chapter book by the end of March.  Write every day.  As many words as possible....

So, how many words does it need to be?  Here is a guide for the word count of all children's books: Click here.

So, why don't you join me?  There is still time to register here.

I'm on my way to write a few more words in the story of, "The Orphans Who Saved the World."  Gotta go....

Celebrating a Year of picture Book Writing: 12x12 in 2012

I just realized this morning that our fantastic 12x12 in 2012 PB Challenge Party, hosted by our dear Julie Hedlund, begins on 12/12/12. I'm sure Julie had this planned from the beginning. But moi? The thought dawned in my mind as the sun peeked through my window this morning. Yes, a little slow here...

The 12x12 in 2012 Challenge has been one of the highlights of my year.  Why?


-It has kept me on track as I focus on writing a picture book manuscript each month.
-I've read and assimilated a myriad of inspirational ideas from 12x12 guest posters.
-I've met a multiplicity of writing buddies online who share the same goals and dreams.
-I've discovered many helpful links to aid me in my writing journey.
-The energy running throughout the challenge was electrifying!

Soooo...if you have never joined our group, GO FOR IT!  Sign up here for 2013.

This year goes on record for being the most challenging, productive and inspiring one to date for me as a writer. But, contrary to the first six months, the second half has been quieter...on purpose.

http://www.juliehedlund.com/2012/12/11/121212-blog-party/

I realized in retrospect, in my first six months I was:


-participating in many challenges (blogging, flash fiction, PB ideas, etc).

-commenting on everyone's blogs (to encourage them), spending sometimes hours doing so.

-downloading e-book after e-book on "developing my platform" (but not reading them).

-listening indiscriminately to many (very good) podcasts on a variety of topics.


All good things.

But...very little writing was happening!

I examined the situation, and decided I would slow down for the second six months of 12x12 by:

-Focusing on one specific task or skill (mechanics of writing PBs).

-Reading at least one picture book a week (similar to the genre I was writing), and posting it on Susanna Hill's "Perfect Picture Book" site.

-Gettting up at 5:50 each morning (no matter what) and, after my daily Bible reading and prayer, spending at least a half hour writing. Jeff Goins was the inspiration for this one...

-Editing my manuscripts, (via Rate Your Story or an online critique group), and when ready, sending one every other month to an appropriate publisher.

-Taking a writer's retreat (self-imposed) at least twice a year, and attending one writer's conference.

and I would not:

-Take on more challenges (other than Tara Lazar's  PiBoIdMo and Julie's 12x12 in 2012).

-Read more about (or attempt to develop) my writer's platform until my book was accepted for publication, since I had already laid an adequate foundation.

So, what did I accomplish this second half of 12x12?

July

My story of the "Christmas Miracle" (occurring during my time in Papua New Guinea) was accepted and ghost written for "Angels on Earth" magazine.   "A Pouch Full of Miracles" rejected by Crossway Books.  Wrote "Diligent Dorcas" for 12x12.

August

My article, "Looking Back on Homeschooling" was accepted for publication in the "Old Schoolhouse" magazine's "best of 2012" hardbound volume.  Began research for my "Orphans Who Saved the World" historic PB about the small pox epidemic and cure.  Wrote "Are They Here Yet?" for 12x12.

September

Involved in online critique groups, and submitted "Leaf" story to WYS. Began a weekly post summarizing Roy Clark's "Writing Tools"  Wrote "The Sights and Sounds of the Seasons" for 12x12.

October

Began Jeff Goins "Tribe Writers" online course. Joined Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Fridays, and post once a week. Submitted "You're On the Wrong Road, Solomon" to Messianicjewish.net
Wrote "Reigning Cats and Dogs" for 12x12.

November

My meditation "Christmas Musings" accepted for publication in "A Mother's Touch" online magazine.
Wrote "The Woodcutter's Daughter" for 12x12.

December

Submitted "The Prickly Tickly Hedgehog" to two Australian publishers. Excited about the possibility of working with an Australian artist and illustrator I met via PiBoIdMo last year!  Finished writing "Tell Me the Christmas Story" for 12x12.

Now, enough about me.  Since I love to make the Write Connections for my readers, here are some resources for writers...

Just for fun! Some writing apps I found very helpful for my iPad:

Chapters: I use one notebook for 12x12, and each chapter is a PB I've written...one per month.

My Writing Nook: Another app to organize your manuscripts and ideas...syncs with online site.

Writer's App: Most helpful for middle grade or YA novels...keeps all the details of novel in one place, and gives you ideas for plot, characters and setting.

Storyist: Fleshes out your story, using "index cards" for organization which you can view alongside your manuscript as you write.  Formats your ms in a form which you can immediately send out to an editor...a plus!

Writer's List: Helps with anything from names of characters, to plot and descriptive words...amazing little app for the money!

StoryTracker: Helps keep track of all your submissions and the publications and other contact info...an enormous aid!

All the above are found in the app store on your iPad/iPhone.

I am so thankful for the gift of writing...my favorite gift each year! God is leading and blessing, and it's my desire to dedicate my words to Him.

Cindy Sigler Dagnan wrote a post entitled "Before the Lord" in which she committed her writing to God.  As she sends out her manuscripts, she prays for six things; three of which resonate with me:

-I ask Him for the right eyes to read this work.

-For reader's hearts to be touched.

-For me to write to His glory alone, every word committed to him.

Read the remainder of her prayer here.

...and, for Monday Prayer Posts for writers, go to Betsy Duffy and Laurie Myers blog here.  They are the "Writing Sisters"  authors of many children's books, and daughters of Betsy Byars, author most known for "The Summer of the Swans."

Thank you Julie Hedland for your amazing dedication to 12x12, and for all my writing buddies with whom I interact on a daily basis.  You are all a treasured gift to me!

PiBoIdMo Countdown...need an idea?

I have enjoyed participating in Susanna Hill's "Summer Shorts and Sweets" and was thrilled to receive a generous gift at the end of the contest: a notebook, note pad a sweet card from Susanna, AND

                                          STORY SPARKER CARDS!!!!

Just the kind of emergency packet one needs in the last few days of the PiBoIdMo challenge! 

 Since these are not available to the public at this time, I thought I would give you a link to Susanna's summer challenge posts, and capture a few ideas from them. I found it very easy to come up with PB concepts from them. So, here you go: 

http://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/summer-short-and-sweets.html

Scroll down on this site, and you will see a list of the challenges.  Each one will give you some great ideas...enjoy!

PiBoIdMo 2012

The big challenge begins tomorrow!  Sign up here if you are interested in generating 30 picture book ideas (PiBoIdMo) for the month of November.  I found it the perfect motivation to jumpstart my children's book writer's career, and you will too.  The fellowship with likeminded writers is amazing...you will be glad you participated!

Below is a blog post I wrote after last year's PiBoIdMo.  It will give you a picture of what the challenge entails, and why I loved it so much:

What an adventure! As you can see, this is a travel blog, yet today I'm veering off course...but not really. I've just taken a wild and crazy ride through the children's literary world via the PiBoIdMo challenge, a.k.a Picture Book Idea Month. And I haven't arrived at my destination yet, but sometimes the process is as important as the end result.

Although I love adventures, new sights, sounds and destinations, I have found this PB challenge to be an exciting journey of its own. And best yet, I don't need to leave my comfy chair, or ensure my passport is up to date!

All I needed to do was to come up with 30 picture book ideas for the month of November. Sounds like an impossibility? Well, I didn't go it alone. I had help, in the form of other aspiring authors, and those who have lead the way...authors, illustrators and editors. Each with their own unique point of view.

First, I experienced the wonderful camaraderie of fellow writers who, like me, adore children, and love to read and write for children. It's akin to riding with a tour bus full of people who have the same destination in mind. We are enjoying the journey together. No one writes in a vacuum; we need each other! Fellow PiBoIdMo contestants, critique groups, conferences, books and seminars dedicated to the craft of writing, are all things that help us grow our passion to write children's literature.

At one point during the challenge, I was worried that others would "steal" my ideas...imagine! Not that anyone would purposely do so, of course, but someone could POSSIBLY come up with the same idea. Diandra Mae, in her post, reminded us not to give in to negativity. We are a diverse group of writers, with a variety of experiences and backgrounds. There is an abundance of ideas to gather in God's world, so the chances are slim. And if so...so what? I have a mind to conceive many more over the course of my lifetime, and could use a little competition anyway to hone my ideas.
Carolyn Crimi reminded us in her guest post to turn our problems into stories.

I have been stretched in PiBoIdMo to go places I never thought possible. And, I've discovered something along the way....I am a non-fiction writer and reader at heart! No matter how many times I try to crack open a novel, I end up putting it down, and then move on. On to a practical topic such as health, decorating, and raw foods, or maybe a historic or spiritual book: the Bible or inspirational biographies. It must be the teacher or librarian in me. I'm thankful for Cynthia Levinson who connected us with the Carus group of children's science and history magazines, such as "Cobblestone", hoping we could catch a few sparks for the imagination. Laura Crawford confirmed my passion by sharing her A-Z picture books on Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims.

Even so, this challenge has drawn me into the realm of fictional picture books...to play with ideas, words, situations and pictures. No, to juggle them in my mind, until they land in a delightful way on the page. I'm finding myself melding the two, fiction and non-fiction, in unique ways. I like it! Aaron Zenz uses his children's artwork to spark PB ideas, and it drove me to the closet to unearth my teens early drawings. Julian Hecters cheered us with his "mousecycles", and Dianne de Las Casas reminded us that sounds can be a springboard for story writing.

Not only have I been challenged with the daily invention of ideas, but with technology as well. I can't figure out how to grab my badge and attach it to my blog...or my post, for that matter. Or, type those links that are hidden under a name or title. Just signing in for a comment during PiBoIdMo was daunting. So I've come a long way, kiddies! Brenda Reeves Sturgis relieves our fears as she shared links to those who have helped her with technical inadequacies.

There is a child in each of us. Picture Book Idea Month has expanded my horizons. Taught me to think more like a child. It's been fun to read fellow participants comments...upbeat, encouraging, ever the cheerleaders with their, "woots" and "woohoos" and such. What fun it was to look at the world from a child's point of view with Liz Garton Scanlon!

Every traveler needs a guide, and ours were fabulous! Whether they were authors, editors, or illustrators, they all led us through the month with their inspiring and informative posts. Our mentors revealed sources for ideas, helped us navigate the mechanics of writing and gave us hints to develop our writer's platform. Thanks to Linda Ravin for giving us four endings to consider as we polish our manuscripts, and to Becky Levine who urged us to revise again and again until we achieve our best work.

I HAVE been stretched...to go places I never thought possible....to connect with others...to push myself into the world of fiction. Plugging in to PiBoIdMo has been the highlight of my creative year. God had a purpose for my journey, and I salute Tara Lazar for hosting this life changing event.

Now on to challenge #2: 12x12 in 2012, hosted by Julie Foster Hedlund. I can't wait to develop the little nuggets I have picked up, and the seeds I have planted.  Note:  A year later, looking back on 12x12, I have completed 10 of the 12 manuscripts, and plan to complete the challenge.  I have developed tremendously during this challenge, and have had magazine articles published and have send two manuscripts off to editors because of it.  You, too, can join 12x12 in 2013 HERE.

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"!