Write! Canada and ROW80

What a great experience!

Many thanks to the faculty and staff for making it such a profitable and encouraging time! A special thanks to Denise Rumble, the managing director, and Jayne Self and Lois Rooney-Giurin, who head up the conference.

The theme this year was Live and Breathe the Written Word. Being a conference for Christian writers, this theme had a dual meaning. We are to “breathe in” the Scriptures and, in turn, live them out. As writers, we are to breathe in inspiration for our writing and breathe out words that encourage and build up our readers.

I attended Bev Boissery’s continuing class, “Create, Populate, and Plotulate.” Participants learned much about setting, character and plot development. I’ll never look at the nursery rhyme “Jack and Jill” the same again . . . and I just may have the beginnings of a children’s book. Thanks, Bev!

Karen Ball . . . what a great lady and fantastic instructor! Who would have thought I could learn so much about romance writing in two hours?

Jane Friedman and Dennis Hassell were the two keynote speakers I had the privilege of hearing. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend Carolyn Weber’s address. Her book Surprised by Oxford sold out quickly, even before she spoke.

It was wonderful to reconnect with “old” friends, make some new ones, and network with others in the writing industry.

I also want to say a special thank you to Lisa Hall-Wilson, Facebook guru, skilled writer, and great friend. I learned a lot about creating a Facebook page from your workshop . . . and I promise to read the stack of lessons from your online course before our writers’ group next week.

And now for my ROW80 check-in . . .

Since finishing my temporary position as church administrator, I’ve had to make myself get busy. There were no deadlines hanging overhead and sometimes I do better if there are.

This week . . . well, let’s just say that isn’t a problem.

NEW PROJECTS

The night before I left for the conference, I was approached about another step-by-step job, helping a budding author get her book from idea to print-ready. We will be talking tonight.

I was also asked to take on a proofreading job that needs to be completed in the next two weeks. This is one of those assignments when I must slow right down – to catch even the smallest mistake – but do it in a hurry. I’m actually looking forward to the challenge.

I was also asked to write a monthly guest post for Kimberley Payne. Thanks, my friend. I am honoured.

ONGOING PROJECTS

I co-wrote a book with Paralympian Deb Willows. It is due out later this year or early next. I discussed details with the publisher at the conference. I will be re-reading – and perhaps, tweaking – it over the next month to make sure it’s the best it can be. (Is it OK to be giddy about seeing it in print? I s’pose so, huh?)

I should be finished transcribing and editing Mike’s newsletters by the end of the month. I will then do a re-read and make sure his manuscript is ready for printing.

After the conference, Pirkko and I had dinner and discussed her second chapter. She learned a lot from the instructors at Write! Canada and is looking forward to putting it into practice.

I would like to submit more of my writing. The two new market guides I picked up should help in that area. (I bought a total of eight books and ordered three others . . . ‘cuz you can never have enough books. To use the dreaded cliche . . . that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)

Of course, I have goals in other areas, but that will do for now.

Besides, I should soon be getting ready for the post-conference leadership meeting. I do so little compared to the others on the team, but I am honoured to be included. The Word Guild is made up of a great group of people. Trust me. I know these things.

Happy Writing and Happy Monday (or whichever day you happen to be reading this)

Lessons from a Lizard

As promised, today I will tell you about our newest family member.

Our little guy is about two or three inches long and pink. He is a juvenile fancy leopard gecko (not exactly as shown).

He belongs to my daughter and my hubby, but I’ve fallen for him. “How?” you’re probably asking. Well . . .

He’s small. Barring bacteria, viruses, and bedbugs, most small creatures are cute – even, as is the case with this little guy – if they’re also ugly.

He lives in a massive terrarium in our living room, right beside where I usually plop to watch TV.

So, besides the cute factor, what have I learned from Ryuga? (My daughter named him after an Anime character.)

1. We all take time to adjust to new surroundings. He was not particularly thrilled with his new home at first, but Ryuga was fine within a couple of days. Most of us stress over unfamiliar situations, no surprise there.

2. Sometimes we try to hide where no-one will see us. There is a tiny space behind the heating rock. He was tucked in so snugly I thought he might have died, but nope, he was just seeking a secure spot to hang out. While that’s OK for a lizard, we have to face the things that make us uncomfortable – most often, head-on.

3. Ryuga is just a lizard – and a young one at that. He sleeps most of the day, travels between his cave and his favourite spot under the driftwood, and presumably eats the crickets my hubby puts in the terrarium each night. Yet, my daughter is delighted with him and both Dave and I have grown oddly attached. There are times our purpose in life is far greater than we imagine.

And the lesson that inspired this post . . .

4. Trust can be learned. Two nights ago, I glanced in the tank and found him sleeping under a piece of driftwood – right out in the open. I was sitting less than a foot away watching TV, and there he was, secure enough to fall asleep. He was vulnerable, as we are sometimes. However, we, too, must learn to trust.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV).

Thanks to my friend, Tracy Campbell, you can now see what he really looks like . . .

10 Reasons You Need a List

Lists . . . I love them.

Here are a dozen reasons you should too.

1. You will have a target to aim for.

2. You will gain a sense of accomplishment as you cross each item off the list.

3. You will be able to prioritize, realizing some items are truly important while others are only masquerading as such.

4. You will come to realize just what a reasonable, obtainable list looks like.

5. You can intersperse time-consuming tasks with those you can achieve in short order, thus increasing your sense of accomplishment.

6. So obvious I didn’t think about it until now . . . You will remember to do things you need/want to do.

7. You don’t have to fret that you will forget something if it’s on your list – and if you remember to check said list regularly.

8. While some people feel they’ve broken a promise to themselves if they don’t accomplish everything on their list, I’m fine with copying undone items to the next day. Knowing in which category you fit will help you know yourself better.

9. As we are learning about ourselves, if we’re honest, we’ll see if we can complete all the tasks we put on our list. If we’re too easy on ourselves, we won’t accomplish all we can. If we’re too hard on ourselves, we may simply throw up our hands and give up. (I’m prone to Option 2, though I’m not proud to admit it.) Balance . . . not always easy but always necessary.

10. If you have a life verse, you can measure your goals against it. Perhaps some of your goals need to be set aside and others taken up.

I have two passages that count as life verses. The first is Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (ESV).” I don’t have to worry about life’s needs. God will take care of those as I seek Him.

The second verse is a challenge. Luke 12:48 in the ESV reads “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required . . .” Whether of my resources or understanding, the more I have, the more is required of me.

June 2 ROW Check-In

I wanted to make this another poetic check-in, but that didn’t work out.

So, here’s the skinny on this week’s goals . . .

ROW-Specific Goals

~ visit and comment on five fellow ROWers’ sites

Editing Goals

~ finalize things with two clients

~ add seven newsletter transcriptions to a third client’s manuscript

Writing Goals

~ write a picture book manuscript

~ write a piece for Chicken Soup . . .

~ 3-5 blog posts

Submission Goals

~ submit the above

Reading Goals

~ Proverbs 31 Bible study daily assignments

~ a chapter in Worship Matters

~ at least 50 pages for my certification course

~ 30 chapters in one of the novels I’m reading

~ 150 pages in another

Fitness Goals

~ walk twice

~ resistance training three times

Domestic Goals

~ organize and clean the main floor

Focus

One little word . . . and it applies to all my eclectic interests. Here’s how?

Photography

This is fairly self-explanatory. Whatever the photographer wants to emphasize is what she makes sure is in focus. (I love my Canon. With nine points of focus, it’s easy to depress the shutter release at just the right moment.)

Writing

As I look ahead to the writers’ conference I will be attending mid-June, I get more and more excited about reconnecting with those I met at previous conferences and networking with writers, editors, publishers, and agents.

As an extrovert, these are the times that charge my batteries and make me want to dive into the projects I have on the go and brainstorm new ones.

Editing

What an honour it is to help other writers get their work ready for publication!

And then of course there are the edits I must make of my own work, only allowing myself to be satisfied when it’s the best I can make it before sending “my baby” out into the world.

I must minimize distractions so I can do the best job possible. Plus, I must devote time to increasing my knowledge base.

Submitting

This has long been on my Procrastination List, but shock of shocks, an agent or publisher is not going to walk up to my door and say, “Hey, I hear you write. Let me make you an offer.”

I must crack the spine of my market guides, make my list, and start submitting. I’ve joined a Facebook group that challenges members to write something new and submit weekly. Accountability is a very good things.

Childbirth

To develop my doula business , I have to focus on doing those things that require time and effort – as with anything that’s worth doing.

I must get my business cards – and myself – out there. I must also continue to read and learn from those who know more than I do.

I’m looking forward to the Birth and Beyond Conference in the fall. As is the case with any conference or gathering of like-minded people, I’m sure I will come home gung-ho to make a difference.

Fitness

Can I really offer others something I’m not willing to pursue myself, something I’m not willing to sacrifice for?

What do I have to sacrifice to pursue fitness? Laziness. Excuses. Rationalizing. Preoccupation. Lethargy. Well, if I must . . .

Reading

What happens when one loves books but is, by nature, incredibly lazy? One has several shelves of unread books – and continues to buy more.

What happens when this same individual leaves the TV off and curls up with a book instead of a remote? She learns new things. She gains a sense of satisfaction as well as entertainment. And she is motivated to sit down at the keyboard and write.

TV or books? Seems to me the answer should be as easy as choosing between vegging on the couch or picking up a dumbbell.

Volunteer Work

Believe it or not, this extrovert has to kick herself to go out into the world. (Remember that lazy thing I mentioned?)

However, the longer I spend time with people, the more I want to. (Think of that little icon on your cell phone that let’s you know it’s charging. That’s what happens when I’m around other like-minded people and those with whom I can have a respectful exchange even if we don’t see eye to eye.)

So, remembering that should motivate me to look forward to opportunities to spend time with others.

And when there are things I’ve agreed to do sitting on my Procrastination List, well . . . All I have to do is remind myself how amazing it feels to cross off even one of those items and it propels me forward.

Spiritual Life

As many of you know, I consider journalling “rambling until I stumble upon truth.” The same can be said of this blog post. As I wrote this it, I realized I can apply these insights to my spiritual life as well.

I need to bring into focus that which I want others to notice most clearly. If I say sharing my faith in Christ is of prime importance, I must do more to bring that area of my life into focus.

Spending time with other writers or birth pros sharpens my focus and again opens a world of possibilities. I am reminded that I am part of a vast network that spans the globe. It isn’t much of a leap to realize the same can happen when I spend time with other believers. Christianity isn’t a solitary endeavour.

I must take 1 Corinthians 12:12 to heart. ^“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (ESV).

While I love the fact that I have many interests, many things to focus on, I must keep my priorities in check. I must filter the pursuit of each one through the lens of my number one priority: making Jesus known.

To do this means doing the things I love to do, always keeping my motivation in check. But it also means doing those things, I keep putting off. I’m old enough to realize I don’t want to get to the end of my life with a long list of regrets, not because I ignore them but because I seek to bring the divine purpose of my life into ever sharper focus.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV).

How about you? How will focus help you achieve the things that are most important to you?

May 12 ROW Check-In

Let’s begin with a few true confessions . . .

Since my job at the church ended, I found out some things about myself. Actually, “rediscovered” is a better word.

I’ve learned that I like staying up late and sleeping in. Now, that wouldn’t be a bad thing if I kept busy during my waking hours. However . . .

I’ve also rediscovered that I am, by nature – sigh! – lazy.

Did you know that playing Tetris and watching episode after episode of Numbers does not constitute great accomplishments?

One of the ladies at church suggested I take a holiday before knuckling down to my freelance work. OK, let’s call these two weeks my holidays. In that case, I haven’t done too badly. So, with that in mind, here’s my official check-in.

Editing

I’ve pretty much finished up with Client #1. I’m going to write the first draft of his cover copy today and then, I’ll probably be done until we work on his second book in the fall.

I’ve gone through Client #2′s manuscript a couple of times, made suggestions for improving it as well as copy editing it, and am waiting to hear back from him.

Writing/Submitting

I have prepped a number of picture book manuscripts for submission. I gave myself the goal of submitting three before my next writers’ group meeting the last Tuesday of the month. I just may make it.

I also began working on the first chapter of my long-neglected novel with the lesson from Don McNair’s book in mind. (See review below.)

Reading

I’ve been doing more reading, both fiction and non-fiction. I’d get a lot more done if I turned the TV off.

Business Endeavours

I have set up my website. (What was supposed to take 20 minutes took the best parts of the morning.) After checking a few things, I’ll let you know where you can find it.

ROW-Related

I’ve been doing more visiting to fellow ROWers’ sites. It’s good to be doing so again.

I’m touching base with my fellow ROW80 Fitness FB group a little more regularly.

Pregnancy Fitness Educator Certification Requirements

I’ve been studying the manual daily for a week now, a good start.

I have seven of the ten evaluations I need from clients. I’ll have to teach another class. Maybe we can do some walking and hand-weight upper body work outside now that the weather is getting more springlike.

Exercise

Though my eating still has a long way to go, I have been walking more and doing more resistance training.

Family Time

As you may have noticed, I wrote a poem in honour of my mom and changed my profile and cover pictures on Facebook with Mother’s Day in mind. Funny how one’s mom keeps teaching her things even after she’s gone.

I spent time with each family member this past weekend. ’twas nice.

Volunteer Responsibilities

I’m puttering along. That whole being lazy thing means I’ve allowed myself some downtime. However, I think I’m moving forward again . . . slowly.

All in all, I guess I’m doing OK, especially if I consider these two weeks holidays, in which case, I have one more day off. Woohoo! Maybe I’ll watch another episode of Numbers before I head out tonight.

Editor-Proof Your Writing

I have just begun working through Don McNair’s book Editor-Proof Your Writing: 21 Steps to the Clear Prose Publishers and Agents Crave.

Now, there are 21 steps I’m more than willing to take. In fact, it got me back to the novel I began writing in 2007. (Who knows? Maybe this time I’ll push through and finish it.)

Chapters include “Your manuscript is a Christmas Tree,” “Don’t discuss sows’ ears with silken words,” and “Watch for foggy phrases.”

McNair covers the expected topics: hooking your reader, point of view, and how to avoid being too wordy – among many others.

He also includes chapters on writing query letters and synopses.

I love that each chapter includes “Your Assignment.” Hammering out a solid first chapter will make it much easier to craft each subsequent chapter.

So far, I’ve found the book easy to understand yet rich in practical information. Editor-Proof . . . is a writing course in approximately 200 pages.

I, for one, don’t want a first reader at some publishing house to toss my manuscript in the reject pile because of something she sees in the first paragraph – or the last, for that matter.

McNair was approached by an unpublished author who was wondering why her manuscripts were being rejected time and again. “This lady was basically a good writer. Her blogs sparkled, she dreamed up creative plots, and her heart was certainly in her work.” If all that was true of this author, is there hope for us?

Apparently, “she’d made a major craft mistake in that chapter and, presumably, in all twelve of [her other manuscripts]. It was a mistake that almost guaranteed she’d never be published.” Eek!

Well, they discussed the problem, she got it, and has “now been published many times.”

If McNair’s advice can help this author, it may just help us as well. So, if you have at least one chapter of your novel written and are willing to do some serious editing, grab a copy of Editor-Proof Your Writing . . . and get to work.

What are some of your favourite books on the craft of writing?

Hidden in Plain Sight

funny

the world changes

when viewed through the lens

a ten-minute walk

turns into thirty

every step

reveals something formerly hidden

in plain sight

slow down

get close

adjust the focus

a brand new world

right under my nose

a perfect reflection

on the pond

the tiniest of leaves

bursting forth

the sun shining through

a stand of cedars

a bird scolding me

for getting too close

flowering trees

whose fragile beauty

lasts such a short time

even dried leaves

and diseased bark

entice

so

my camera

my friend

we will go for another walk

very soon

A Tale of Two Workouts

As a personal trainer, I come across exercises that will push me and my clients to the limits, tent my fingers, and grin a sinister grin.

Not so when I’m planning a prenatal workout. There are several differences to take into consideration.

PT clients almost always want to go beyond where they are: get stronger, lose weight, increase cardio capacity . . .

An expectant exerciser, however, should look to maintain her level of fitness.

When a PT client says, “That hurts,” the question I ask is this: “Is it a good hurt or a bad hurt?” Muscles being pushed to the limit are going to object – though it is, of course, important to know your body well enough to know that you aren’t actually causing injury.

Relieving aches, pains, and stiffness is a key reason for pregnant moms to maintain a routine of regular exercise.

More reps; more weight; more cardio unless . . .

. . . there’s a baby on board. Then it’s time for walking, swimming, easing up a little.

With the nicer weather coming, it’s a great time to take up a new sport: baseball, soccer, running . . .

The sunshine also beckons expectant moms to head outside, but it’s best to avoid sports in which there is a risk of injury, including taking up running. The relaxin her body is producing loosens all the joints, and the risk of injury is greater.

Yes, there are differences, but some things are the same for all exercisers.

Get approval from a midwife or doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Try to find a physical activity you actually enjoy. You’ll be more likely to stick with it.

Find a workout buddy or join a class. Especially if you’re just beginning, accountability and companionship can make a huge difference.

Get sufficient sleep. Expectant mom, listen to your body. It’s working even harder than usual – even when you’re sleeping.

The importance of eating well can’t be overstated. There is a wide variety of thinking on exactly what that means, but it is our responsibility to do our research and be willing to make necessary changes – one or two at a time. Every step in the right direction is . . . well, it’s that: “a step in the right direction.”

Typically, those who exercise regularly have a more positive attitude, think more clearly, and work more efficiently. And these are only a few of the many benefits.

These are generalities. Everyone is unique. That is one of the main reasons it really is important to have clearance from a healthcare professional.

 

9 Steps in the Write Direction

Raise your hand if you’d like to be a best selling author.

Too ambitious?

Raise your hand if you’d like to be a published writer.

Still too much?

Are you ready to add writing to your Action Plan – not necessarily every day, just regularly?

Good! Let’s start there.

Here are eight suggestions for writing more (and developing your knowledge of what constitutes “good writing”).

1. Read

Even reading fiction gives you a feel for good writing . . . or not-so-great writing, depending on what you grab. And, of course, reading how-to books will help you learn the craft. However, don’t think you have to “know it all” before you start or you never will.

2. Start small

Unless you already write on a regular basis, it’s likely best to set yourself a goal that fits into what is likely an already-busy schedule.

3. Add “writing” to your Action List

You’re probably well aware that when we write something down it is far more likely to happen. It also feels great to cross it off the list once a week . . . once a day . . . whatever works best for you.

4. Be willing to make sacrifices

It isn’t easy to make writing a priority, especially with the pace most of us keep. Sacrificing time spent on Facebook, in front of the TV, or playing video games might just give us the time we need. Just don’t sacrifice family, work that pays the bills, or sleep – well, not too much sleep anyway.

5. Get those closest to you on board

Though they may not understand your desire to write, it’s great to have support from family and friends.

6. Ditch the words “aspiring” and “wannabe”

Do you express yourself on paper – physical or electronic – in words? If the answer is yes, you are already a writer. Not all writers are published. Remind yourself of that – often.

7. Connect with other writers

Getting together with one or more other writers can be a tremendous encouragement. If there isn’t a writers’ group nearby – or there isn’t one that seems to be a good fit – consider starting your own. Our writers’ group began by working through Judy Reeves’s Writing Alone, Writing Together. Even if members are all new to the adventure, you can learn from one another.

8. Attend a writers’ conference

Sound crazy if you’re just starting out? Trust me on this. Attending classes and workshops put on by professionals and hanging out with other writers really gets the creative juices flowing. It is also great to connect with others who “speak your language.” They’ll understand the challenges, the sorrows, and the joys of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

9. And don’t forget the obvious – WRITE!