S.A. Borders-Shoemaker's Blog, page 3

5 Tips for Fighting Writer’s Block

Cue the collective groans. Writer’s block can be horrible, and I’ve been fighting it all year. So, this week’s blog is going to be straightforward with some down-and-dirty tips on how to get past it. To be exact: 5 Tips for Fighting Writer’s Block.

The Prompt Jar

Picture this.

It’s a familiar scene. You’re staring at the screen, an empty page just existing in front of you. Try as you may, no magical words come to mind. Fantastic story ideas are buried somewhere in an undisclosed location. What do you do now? I’ve had some of the worst writer’s block this year. Let me tell you: I’ve tried A BUNCH of approaches to figure out how to get around this awful thing. Here are the methods that work for me, even as I’m still working on alleviating this problem.

1- Take a breath

The enemy of progress is frustration, not difficulty. They’re slightly different, you see. Whereas a challenge can help us be creative, frustration tends to shut down our imagination. So don’t stay there. My first and primary tip for fighting writer’s block is to pause and walk. If you can, go outside for a bit. If that’s not an option, then walk around your living space. Practice breathing techniques and even just sit in the sunlight. These are all ways to engage your physical needs bring yourself to a calmer mental space.

2- Change writing mediums

This is an old trick, but one that I find useful. Do you normally write on your laptop? Try on your phone. Or write it out longhand (*gasp* people still do that?!). Or even make a tune for your plot points and sing them out. What? You don’t do that? Oh, ok then. Moving on… It actually doesn’t matter if it’s a standard method or you’re getting creative with things like smoke signals or writing in dirt. The point is to engage your mind in a slightly different way to refresh your approach to a task. Personally, I alternate between typing, writing long-hand, or jotting notes on my phone while I’m out and about. I’ve even done voice-to-text writing just to get out some thoughts.

3- The Prompt Jar

Friends, this one is the sweet spot for me. Simply get a jar, write out prompts/ideas on small pieces of paper, fold and place them in the jar, then shake and draw at random. This has been great for me and is showing the best results so far. I knew that prompts usually get my creative juices flowing, so why not give this a go? It works. So well. And if you try it, do tell me how it goes. I designed some of the prompts with my husband and a close friend, which was great for helping me see my blind spots. The Prompt Jar is your latest and greatest weapon in fighting writer’s block.

4- Ask the hard questions

I know you don’t want to talk about this, but I’m putting it on the table anyway. Now, in fact, may not be the time for this particular story. Asking if this is the right moment hurts. Let’s admit it together, we wouldn’t be working on this idea if we didn’t believe now is the time. However, it’s simply that we start a story too early. That even when we think this is the only moment to write the thing, the answer is different. I recently had to admit this sad truth about a project I’ve been working on for almost three years. And it was difficult. But, now that I’m on the right project, this move feels appropriate. The novel in progress is what I need to write, though it didn’t present itself in my imagination until fairly recently.

5- Non-judgemental Writing

I recently learned that “underwriting” is a whole thing in the author world. Put simply, you spit out the bare bones of the story then go back and fill in. This is what I’ve been doing recently, and it’s working well. Hooray! Ok, new term. That’s nice. But here’s the thing. More than that, I want you all to focus your thoughts on not judging your process. Put simply: dude, write the thing, then go back and freak out over details. That last bit is called editing. Or write wayyyy too much detail and come back later with scissors to make it pretty. It’s up to you. In my attempt to be funny, I want you to know that I’m right alongside you. Been there, done that, ate that bag of chips.

Friend, we got this. You got this. Writing is an amazing and thrilling act, but it doesn’t come without some hold ups. And true to what the ancients’ experiences, we’ll all end up with the dreaded writer’s block at some point. The key here is to keep trying and to keep writing. You’ll push past it eventually. It doesn’t last forever. But your writing might.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

The post 5 Tips for Fighting Writer’s Block appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.

Book Giveaway!

Friends! I’m excited to announce a book giveaway. COVID-19 is a bummer, but some cool things have happened during this time!

Not only have I now written over 30 blog posts, but also have officially gained a solid 400+ followers on Instagram! Coming this far could never be possible without you and your support. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you! And especially because we’re all going through such a hard time, I want to give my thanks in the form of something you can hold.

So I’m sure you’re wondering:

What exactly does this giveaway include?

So let’s get to the point. I’m offering very unique copy of my poetry collection, Frankenstein & the Phoenix. Not only do these poems take you through time, space, love, betrayal, and healing, but also offer a source of hope when things seem dark.

New York Times bestselling author, Jeffrey Blount, calls this collection “a touchstone for how we might look inward to find ourselves” and “bewitchingly intimate poetry.”

The winner, of course, gets a signed copy with your name inside. But I’m going to add a little something special to it.

The winner’s copy will also have an exclusive, one-of-a-kind poem written inside just for them!

Excited yet? I am! Let’s dive into how you can enter.

You’ll get 1 entry per the steps you take below:



Sign up for my email list and enjoy the freebie you’ll get!Follow me on Instagram at sabordersshoemakerauthor!Tag 2 or more friends on the giveaway’s post on Instagram!

You can gain a total of 3 entries. Unfortunately at this time, I can only accept entries from residents of the United States. Entries will close May 8, 2020 at 8PM. The lucky winner, chosen at random, will be announced on Monday, May 11, 2020 at 8PM. After the announcement, I will contact the winner via email/Instagram DM and coordinate on how best to deliver their prize.

As you all know, for every giveaway there are of course Terms & Conditions. All of that is in an outline below, and making an entry means you’ve agreeing to them. So do take a look; it’s all standard stuff for most giveaways.

I am so happy to offer this unique giveaway. Wishing each and every one of you the best of luck!

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

Entry into the competition equates acceptance of these terms and conditions. Specific Terms & Conditions below:

The competition is open to residents of the United States excluding previous winners of S.A. Borders-Shoemaker giveaways, their close relatives, and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation or judging of the competition. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition. By entering this competition, an entrant indicates his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. This competition accepts entries as listed above through sabordersshoemaker.com and Instagram on the specified sabordersshoemakerauthor account. Only three entries per person are permissible so long as they comply be the outlined rules above. Attempts at more than three entries automatically disqualifies an entrant. Closing date for entry will be 05/8/2020. After this date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

The prize is as follows: one signed copy of Frankenstein & the Phoenix with unique poem written inside. The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered.The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

The winner will be notified by email and/or DM on Instagram within 28 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or does not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner. The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected / is delivered.

The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by United States law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United States.

The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [US] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram or any other Social Network.

You are providing your information to S.A. Borders-Shoemaker and not to any other party. The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found at http://sabordersshoemaker.com/?page_id=3. S.A. Borders-Shoemaker‘s decision as to those able to take part and selection of winners is final. No correspondence relating to the competition will be entered into. The entrant must be following @sabordersshoemakerauthor on Instagram or subscribe to the website email list in order to enter. S.A. Borders-Shoemaker shall have the right, at its sole discretion and at any time, to change or modify these terms and conditions, such change shall be effective immediately upon posting to this webpage. S.A. Borders-Shoemaker also reserves the right to cancel the competition if circumstances arise outside of its control.

The post Book Giveaway! appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.

Working with Writing Muses

Edmund judging my artistic struggle.

If you’re a writer, you know what I mean. There’s a great idea floating around in your head, but- you’re working with writing muses.

Uh oh.

This is tricky business. Your partners-in-art have minds of their own. To illustrate my point, author J.R.R. Tolkien often wrote about his characters introducing themselves and insinuating themselves into the stories he was writing. Faramir is one such character, who Tolkien kept around simply because he liked him.

And what do I mean by “writing muses?”

It’s hard work nailing down such a vague concept. Loosely, think of them as inspiration. The caveat I’d add is that they’re opinionated. Very opinionated. At the risk of sounding slightly off my rocker, ask any serious artist about their muses and they’ll tell you the same thing. The original concept of muses comes from Greek mythology surrounding the nine daughters of (maybe) Zeus and Mnemosyne, who artists depended on for inspiration. And we’ve never been free since.

Obviously, I don’t mean you hear actual voices or that goddesses are talking to you. Art is interactive and has distinct messages for each piece and then ample room for interpretation. And wordsmiths, who are a type of artist, understand the same principal. These muses are essentially other interpretations of artistic work that you can spot while thinking through the meaning of a piece.

That doesn’t sound so bad…

Yeah, until you’re trying to write against the intuition. Then the problems start. Suddenly, you have writer’s block like whoa and find yourself arguing against the other instincts at play. This looks a little bit like the inner dialogue of the angel on one shoulder and the demon on the other. Or, worse, nothing comes. Nothing at all.

Of course, there are exercises you can do to push through mental fog, or lack of inspiration. One method is to write out ideas by hand. Another strategy is to word-cluster, which is essentially breaking down your ideas into words or short phrases and pair them with similar concepts or ideas. Again, handwritten exercises. Preferably with vibrant colors.

Let’s consult some famous authors for their feelings about the writing muses:



“Oh, for a muse of fire that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention!” -William Shakespeare



“I’m not in control of my muse. My muse does all the work.” -Ray Bradbury



“The muses are ghosts, and sometimes they come uninvited.” -Stephen King

Get the gist of it? Because it’s still hurting my head. Still, hope it provided some entertainment for you to get inside the world of being an author. Now, to get back to bartering with my own whimsical muses.

But you know who is always my muse.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

The post Working with Writing Muses appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.

Coronavirus

Yup, I’m gonna be the next one to talk about coronavirus. I’m gonna keep it simple, though. And I have such mixed emotions that I’ve rewritten this several times.

I’m taking advantage of the time at home, but I know that this is a luxury.

I’m hoping to make some headway on my novel during this time of quarantine/social distancing. But as someone who also works in the service industry, I know a lot of people who really can’t afford to stay at home. I’m privileged that I’ve saved enough to help me buckle down and that I have a husband to help with finances. Not everyone has that.

I want to urge you: if you’re lucky enough to be financially stable and have a few bucks to spare, consider buying something from a small business. Doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but I can tell you that now, more than ever, I am so grateful for the people who purchase my books and editing services.

Please, please check on people.

This doesn’t require any contact. Just a text, phone call, social media message, email, etc. While some of us are perfectly fine with some solitude (hey, hey you fellow introverts out there!), others will not handle it so well. And especially for those who struggle with depression and other kinds of mental illness, this is a shaky time.

Your communication can be funny memes or words of encouragement and love. We don’t have to discuss the pandemic every second of the day. Trust me, this is not the time to feed fear or despair. And isolation is a huge factor for people who suffer from suicidal ideation. An ugly topic but a stark reality. Let’s not forget each other. We’re all still a community.

Be gentle with yourself.

I’m all about being informed. And heaven knows, I want you to be equipped with knowledge. For all that is good, please be careful to not overwhelm yourself with bad news. Remember, knowledge is meant to help us prepare. But do what is needed to avoid a mental spiral downward.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you trust for help. And if you are in a moment of crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. It’s free and saves lives. Even if you are not struggling in this moment, build good habits to prevent yourself from getting to those places. Limit your social media and news consumption. Have regular communication with someone. If you live alone, consider inviting a good friend to stay during the quarantine.

Friends, I know this advice is limited, that it is imperfect. But it is a place to start. I will do my best over the next few weeks to be someone you can rely on for encouragement. Let’s stay safe and get through this together. I believe in you all.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

The post Coronavirus appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.

Fear & Anger

Fear and anger are quick poisons.

And it is a wonder that humankind keeps going back to them as a remedy for what ails them. Yet time and again, we witness the sheer force of these mindsets and how enticing they are in difficult moments. What’s even more interesting is when you try to write about all of this without sounding cliche.

Who hasn’t known someone who lost themselves under the sway of fear and anger?

Or experienced it themselves. It’s a reality we all face- the temptation to succumb to the dark voices in our heads when things get hard.

I can think of a number of examples going on right now that show just how much we corporately and individually can fall into this trap. Yet, I want to get more to the point.

When I wrote the poem, “Drinking Chaos,” I wanted to bring into the foreground the truth of how hard it is to break this cycle.

Systems of thought are difficult to break when you’ve been in them too long. And toxic systems make you forget your better nature. As the poem suggests, it is better to risk the chaotic healing process than be enslaved to the complacency of pain.

“If it means I will heal, if it promises I’ll be free.”

I want to speak to you- you who are struggling, you who are looking for a healthier, safer place to be. Take that courageous leap towards freedom. It is hard. Frightening. And worth everything.

This post carries with it a prayer for you. That you will find the courage to heal.

Have a blessed week, friends. Resist living in fear and anger.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

The post Fear & Anger appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.

If we’re being honest

I’m a big believer in saying what you mean. I come from a culture that prioritizes saving-face and uses passive-aggression to get points across. And even now, I find myself using the phrase, “If we’re being honest…”

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art

I felt out of place by wanting to just be me. Unashamed.

Which is why I’m direct. I’m diplomatic, but I am honest. It’s a good mix of my upbringing and who I want to be. Which is why I want to get real here about accepting yourself. Right where you are. Because I am certain that there are at least a few of you who know exactly what I mean when I say it’s hard to embrace each part of your character.

Self acceptance is a discipline.

My first nature is to be gentle. I’m not interested in fighting if I don’t have to. And while I feel like this is a virtue, you wouldn’t believe the number of people throughout my life who’ve tried to stamp that out. I even had a teacher in first grade who told my parents I needed “lessons in aggression.” I’m sure you can imagine the kind of words exchanged over that one.

But then, there is a part of me that burns bright. When I want something, nothing stops me. And as friends and colleagues will attest, I am not one for easy or lazy answers and will PUSH for more satisfactory results. Close friends will read this part and nod their heads vigorously, because they’ve good and well seen me in action.

I’ve watched people tear themselves apart trying to over-justify this dichotomy in themselves. And heaven knows, I’ve been there too. But in more recent years, I’ve just come to accept that this is how it is with me. I really am both soft and powerful, a flower petal and flame. Not contradictory, just multi-faceted.

What about you? What makes you who you are?

Be encouraged. Your weaknesses can become strengths and vice versa. Learning to accept who you are as God made you is the best step towards growth to make.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

The post If we’re being honest appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.

Writing the Book: Frankenstein & the Phoenix

It’s been a while since I went behind the scenes. And for this week, I want to dive into writing the book Frankenstein & the Phoenix.

I wrote the majority of this poetry collection in two weeks. Yes, two.

NYT Bestseller, Jeffrey Blount, review

Picture the moment: I’m sitting at a stoplight while running errands. As usual, my mind is pouring over writing ideas. What works, what doesn’t. And for a while, a single thought keeps reappearing. I hate that the Frankenstein story is so cheap. Mary Shelley’s great masterpiece is reduced to a chintzy Halloween figure rather than the exploration of life and death she meant it to be.

I go through keywords in my head related to this topic. Life, death, mortality, human frailty. Then it comes.

Resurrection.

Yes, that’s the one. With water jug in hand, I drive across the 5-mile long James River Bridge mulling over what this word means to me and to others I know. And I can’t help but think of fire. The image of a phoenix suddenly hits me, and I chew the inside of my mouth. A good analogy- both figures experience the resurrection process, but one is artificial and the other organic… Will people get it?

Doris Gwaltney review

Two mythological creatures with deeper meaning but cheapened by commercialism; a bit of a daunting task to reclaim through poetry. But I love the idea of examining what it means to rebuild oneself through unnatural means versus letting the process happen. And even as I reach my destination, I’m more determined than ever.

So yeah, I didn’t let much stop me.

A regional independent publisher had been urging me to publish a book with him. I’d put it off for almost a year, prioritizing my Ph.D. research. But in this moment, I tap my cellphone thoughtfully. Taking the leap, I email him a simple question: What if I give you the draft for a book in two weeks?

Ann Falcone Shalaski review

A series of email exchanges follow, and he’s interested. When he asks me the name, I shoot off my gamble title (though I know it’s the one I’ll fight for): Frankenstein & the Phoenix. To my surprise, it strikes him and he doesn’t fight it. A raised eyebrow perhaps, but not push-back. He wants the draft, and I set to work.

I craft a larger story.

So many poetry books these days are centered on a story that is only about the author. I often refer to it in conversation as “diary poetry.” And that’s fine, but it’s not my style. I want my work to be broader in reach, and not just be a story of my life. Sure, my experiences are in it. But they are laced and woven with the stories of others, deepening the connection of the theme. At some time or another, we must all choose whether to stitch ourselves together or burn and be reborn.

If you open the book, you’ll find it to be a comprehensive story. Of hope, betrayal, youth, womanhood, isolation, resurrection, courage. And, ultimately, love. From the threads of story, I fashioned this collection to speak to individuals who know what it’s like to be broken. And despite the distance between us, imagine that it is my way of reaching out, taking your hand in mine, and saying: You are made of powerful things. Embrace that.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

The post Writing the Book: Frankenstein & the Phoenix appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.

Imago Dei series

Surprise! I’m writing a three-part guest blog called the Imago Dei series. It’s in collaboration with Tianna Yentzer at Yours Truly Portraiture to bring some love into the hurting places in our hearts.

Courtesy of Yours Truly Portraiture

Premiering on Valentine’s Day, you’ll be able to find each post on her own blog. If you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll get a reminder for when the next one goes live.

So, what’s this series about anyway?

Simply put: how we view our bodies. If you’ve been following me a while, then you know I’ve already written in several capacities about my own struggles with the body. In getting to know Tianna and her work with confidence-building, it became clear that I had a story that should be told. Her Christ-centered work on helping women cultivate healthy love for their bodies and souls inspired and challenged me.

I have a story to share. And this blog series is one of my testimonies. My physical body has been through a lot: some things self-inflicted, others far beyond my control. I told you all at the beginning of this year that I wanted to be more open with you. I’m following through on that. By telling my fuller story, I hope that it helps someone who’s hurting right now. Because they are not alone, even if it may feel that way.

Don’t worry, I’ll still be posting here.

These guest blogs are separate from what I post here. I encourage you to carve out some time each week to read both. Because a little soul food goes a long, long way.

Why call it Imago Dei, though? Because of the simple reminder that we are made in the image of God. That we are sacred beings worthy of love, care, and protection. And if it helps one person, then my efforts are not in vain.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

The post Imago Dei series appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.

Word Harvest

There is a time for sowing and a time for reaping, especially for authors. Our written work is a kind of word harvest.

Whenever you read a published piece of writing, it is the result of a long season of labor. And it begins with a single thought.

And no, it’s not the first creative idea. It’s actually this:

Believe you have thoughts that are worth speaking.

Are you an overthinker like me? (Go on, I see you there in the back!) No shame. Thoughtful people tend to comb through their thoughts again and again. But your important thoughts can’t be heard if you don’t speak. What’s more- if you don’t believe that these ideas are worth sharing, then they will be just as you say.

Lack of confidence keeps a lot of interesting thoughts at bay. And the collective push for perfection makes us all terrified to say the wrong thing. To be wrong. This is where a heart of humble confidence needs to come in. Be open to being wrong, be willing to be right in controversy. Don’t be too proud for critique. And TAKE YOUR TIME to say what you need to in a way that makes you feel proud.

Discover when your words should be harvested.

I’m a careful woman. Not in the sense of being overly paranoid, but rather I am perfectly comfortable waiting to speak my mind. The mental reactions go through several layers of filters before I speak. Not that this is foolproof or without fault, but it has served me well. Yet, I also find that it can work a little too efficiently. This costs me my voice.

I find it is good to give your thoughts ample time to grow. Don’t rush that process. So often, I observe people jumping to be the first to say something. This is neither talent or expertise. Think it over and voice an idea worth hearing, for yourself and others. At the same time, don’t let overthinking prevent you from speaking. Your words could be very important, yet never reach the ears of others because of fear.

May your word harvest bring life, nourishing yourself and others. Take the time to cultivate, have the courage to speak. You never know what adventure or blessing it will bring.

What’s something you’re cultivating right now? I’m cheering you on!

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

The post Word Harvest appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.

The Link Between Story and Connection

I think a lot of people are deep in thought today. And the link between story and connection couldn’t be any clearer to me. This post is my call not to despair, but to rejoice in this moment. It does have a happy ending.

The tragic death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna yesterday causes us all to pause. To look around us and value who we have in our lives just a little more. Many of us did not know him personally, but were impacted through his skill and talent. I particularly consider his grieving widow, who faces the loss of both her husband and child all in one stroke of time.

But I woke up to another story much closer to home.

A text from one of my best friends saying that someone had been murdered at a Walmart in Texas. The same Walmart she and another friend were in. The store was in lockdown.

For one awful moment, panic rushed through me. Seeing the time signature, I realized that it had happened last night; coupled with a text telling me she is safe.

Considering who I could have lost, I feel sick. And while the homicide is believed to be a matter of domestic violence (having shot his sole, female victim 7 times), I am grateful he did not continue to find targets.

You see, stories impact us because of our connection to them.

My friend’s story is a happy-ending. She is safe, unharmed. And I know she must be sick of me telling her how happy I am that she’s okay. But I am grateful all the same.

The closer our ties, the greater the impact. And while Bryant’s death was tragic, the thought of losing one of my closest friends is infinitely more important to me.

“We are the/ delicate dances/ of story and connection.”

That is a line from a poem in my book, Frankenstein & the Phoenix. And I can’t help but think of it in light of all of this. What we have between each other in relationships is fragile yet lifegiving. And for better or worse, our empathy is heavily influenced by the ability to connect ourselves to that other person.

So take time this week to be grateful for what love you have. Celebrate the story of your life and how it connects to others. Because the things we do together create the overall tapestry of our world. Your existence matters, and I hope you feel cherished by those around you. I’m so glad we get to share a story together.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

The post The Link Between Story and Connection appeared first on S.A. Borders-Shoemaker.