S.A. Borders-Shoemaker's Blog, page 4

Influences and Muses

Ok, some of my influences and muses are pretty well known. Others, not so much.

Outside the Princess of Wales Theatre

Simple as it sounds, I feel this is important to discuss. Also, this blog needs some levity added in.

You see, every writer under the sun is inspired by someone. And that person becomes part of their literary DNA. So today, I want to share some the influences who really underpin my style of writing. Take this as suggested reading and listening, and a small invitation to know me better.

Sting, a.k.a. Gordon Sumner

Don’t laugh. (I mean it!) This may seem a bit random to those who don’t know me. However, friends and family are vigorously nodding their heads. Sting holds the title of my favorite musician throughout my entire life. I have to credit him for the beginnings of my love for poetry. Even today, the elegance of his lyrics still capture me with their vivid imagery. Just look at this line from my very favorite song: “Those who speak know nothing/ and find out to their cost,/ like those who curse their luck/ in too many places,/ and those who fear are lost.” His music also helped me build my vocabulary and my understanding of various historical events.

My love for his style of writing is so deep, that my husband and I literally drove from southeastern Virginia to Toronto, Canada to see his show, The Last Ship. In the winter. I really could go on and on, but it should suffice to say that if you don’t find his music magical, I really am judging you.

J.R.R. Tolkien

I’ve mentioned my adoration for Tolkien multiple times, so I’ll keep this one brief. But you should know that he was the first influence to make me deeply consider pursuing a Ph.D. I also write books because I originally wanted so badly to write something of worth like his books. It may surprise you that I also get my penchant for writing SUPER-DETAILED descriptions from him. You don’t see it much in my writing now, but oh boy is it something I have to be aware of at all times! Also, can we talk about how wondrous his world-building is? Second to none, really.

Edgar Allan Poe



At the Edgar Allan Poe memorial in Baltimore, MD.

This one may come across as mystifying and commonsense all at once. Poe’s works have always been on my shelves. Literally, everywhere I’ve been in the world, I have a copy of his stories/poetry in hand. You may recognize my other connection to him from the first lines in my poetry book, Frankenstein & the Phoenix: “Born in the city/ that remembers Poe,/ I came to the world/ with eyes of first snowfall/ and branded thigh.” Yup, I was born in Baltimore, Maryland. The same place where Poe lived the last days of his life.

It’s true: I love a good, haunting story. Not gory or obscene, but a story that stays with you in its sensory command. My childhood bears the legacy of ghost stories, courtesy of the deep-rooted Southern culture around belief in spirits. And I respect Poe’s contribution to this body of supernatural and thriller literature. Also, I have his poem, “Annabel Lee,” committed to memory.

Kahlil Gibran

A literary crush I will never outgrow. I am an ardent lover of his writing style. The sheer beauty of his word-choice is enough to command respect. But his thoughts- there is something truly remarkable. I still feel like I dialogue with his logic and musings each time one of his books crosses my mind. Jesus, Son of Man is perhaps one of the best works of fiction on Christ that I have read. There is a wild beauty about that text that I simply can’t get over. And Mary Magdalene’s narratives in the book always touch my heart in a profound way. These lines from Christ to her get me every time:

“But I see in you a beauty that shall not fade away, and in the autumn of your days that beauty shall not be afraid to gaze at itself in the mirror, and it shall not be offended. I alone love the unseen in you.”

You’re seeing a theme here, right? Beautiful, carefully chosen words to convey something meaningful. There are, of course, several other important individuals who influence my writing. But I wanted to start here with some fundamentals. I will write about some others later on.

But I hope this provides you with some insight into me. Certainly, sampling these writers is a great way to start better understanding my approach to writing. Yes, I am classics-biased. I am an unabashed lover of language and try to reflect that in my work. I do not seek shallow interpretations. My work dives deep into the heart of a matter. This is my literary signature.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Copywriting and Editing Services

I’m so excited to announce that I now offer copywriting and editing services!

Frankenstein & the Phoenix inside Finley’s General Store

It feels so good to finally share that with you all.

You see, it’s been a long time in the making. And my recent blog post about working with editors was my gentle hint. Now, it gets to come into center stage as an official branch of my authorship.

I’ve been quietly helping people maximize their writing potential for a long time now. Over 10 years, in fact. In addition to being involved in the publishing industry in a variety of capacities for 18 years, I developed and have maintained an excellence for supporting other writers who want to share their words.

When I say “other writers,” here’s who I mean: professional academics, students at all levels, first-time authors, seasoned writers, aspiring writers.

But it can sometimes be difficult to understand just what the terms “copywriting” and “editing” can mean. So, I’m going to outline here just what it means in terms of my services.

What does copywriting mean?

No, it does not mean I’m securing a copy right for your work. When I take on a copywriting job, it means I’m going to help you with writing that is a) a daily/weekly/limited task, and b) that requires attention but is not your main focus.

This includes blogs, newsletters, and social media announcements. There can be some extensive types of copywriting, especially for website development. While that is outside of my expertise, I am more than happy to refer you to capable individuals I know you could take on that role for you.

What about editing?

I talk at length about how to work with editors in one of my previous posts; but for our purposes here, I’ll be brief. The primary work I do as an editor is copyediting. This basically encompasses me looking for errors in grammar, context, syntax, basic fact-checking, consistency, and style. You will encounter a variety of approaches from editors.

Spoiler alert: I am highly involved. I work closely with you as an author to make the changes needed for your manuscript as quickly, efficiently, and thoroughly as possible. As an editor, my goal to help your voice be as clear and understood as possible. The changes made reflect words that you would choose in real time.

I hope this has given you all some insight into what I’m now offering and answered some of your initial questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more things to ask. This is an exciting time and I can’t wait to help you all achieve your writing dreams!

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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An Apology and a Vision

This year, I’m starting off with an apology and a vision to share. Not because I have committed mortal sin, but because I have made missteps that should be acknowledged.

So, I want 2020 to start off on a better foot with you all.

You deserve it. And I want to show up for you all in a meaningful way. To help your navigate the waters of life and creativity. Perhaps even to assist in easing the burdens you carry. In light of this desire, let me begin.

I have hidden myself more than I should.

I am an eccentric sort of person, something I readily accept. And in my human imperfection, sometimes I am more afraid to be judged than I am brave and willing to be vulnerable. For the appearance of being quite open, I am actually a deeply private person. A true introvert, I keep what is precious close to my chest.

Don’t mistake me: I don’t think being private is an issue. What isn’t working here is that I have so often invited you all to share while not doing so myself. For that, I am sorry. You wouldn’t speak freely with someone you don’t know, and I shouldn’t expect that of you.

When you are fully alive in who God made you to be, the world benefits. This is something I strongly believe in. Yet, I have found that in the chaos of bending and adapting to the numerous changes over the last few years, I have neglected to be more myself. It’s that part of me that’s a people-pleaser. That’s not an easy thing for me to admit. It is true, all the same. I have been tremendously tired, and there were periods where everything felt like a battle. And I needed to work on the hurting pieces that had gone neglected too long.

My goal is to open up.

I am in the midst of becoming and returning. Becoming the person I’m meant to be and returning to those parts that make me wildly myself. So this year, my goal is to be more open with you all. To share more about those things that define me, my talents and struggles. Oh, and my quirks. I’m a quirky gal.

Here’s how it’s going to look:

More candid and random reflections for you all. Engaging in meaningful conversations that are important to you.Being more present.Relaxing into this process.

Yes, on the business side, I intend to offer new services. But we’ll talk about that more in another post.

I do intend to maintain healthy boundaries. I want to come to you all refreshed and prepared rather than hurried and disgruntled. So I am putting into place practices that will help with that.

Getting to know you all is my privilege, and I want to honor that. May 2020 be a year of authenticity for me and you. May we journey forward together and in kindness.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!

Ph.D. Graduate Breakfast

I took a hiatus last week to fully enjoy the holiday festivities with friends and family, and I hope you did the same.

I’m actually going to use this post to let you all know some big changes are coming in 2020. Not just because it’s a new decade, but because I want to step up my game. As an author, as a professional.

So consider this post your invitation to get ready and hyped about it.

Let me catch you up on some highlights.

Graduation was such an exciting moment. One I’ve literally dreamt of since I was 8 years old (that’s 22 years!). I was even surprised with being named a highlighted graduate by the university’s president, who told a stadium full of people about my doctoral work. To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement.

We spent our holiday in Pennsylvania, just like the song. And while we didn’t get snow, we got to be surrounded by love and family. And I always enjoy getting to see the hills that grow into mountains up there. The drive is really lovely.

Here’s what to expect in next week’s post:

I’ll be making a few announcements about the direction I’ll be taking this writing enterprise in 2020. I’ve been hard at work to make some much-needed changes that will more meaningfully speak to you all. It will be great to finally share them and get feedback.

I’m also going to dive deeper into things. Yes, I intentionally am making that a general statement. No great details for now, so watch this space. I’m not big into massive New Year’s resolutions, but I’m all about meaningful and purposeful efforts to improve things.

So here’s my wish for you before we ring in the New Year:

That your life be rich with fellowship,



Your needs are amply met,



And that love will always find you.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Christmas Market poem

I’m switching things up this week. Get pumped for my Christmas Market poem about running a booth!

With things being hectic, starting substitute teaching, and whatnot, I’m making this week’s post a small bit of fun.

Without further ado, here goes!

The Market Before Christmas

‘Twas the market before Christmas

and all through the street 

was chance after chance encounter

to purchase gift and treat/

Alone I sat 

on the curb side 

tableful of books

hoping someone would buy/

When along came a husband 

who stopped by the display

called out to his wife

who came dashing my way/

What does this bird mean

what do your words say

I have a daughter who needs them

to celebrate survival this day/

Marked on her back

this bird displays

a life anew for her

and surely you too/ 

So off she went

blessing and book in hand

and I continued to survey the crowd 

from behind my book stand/

Second came a woman

of soft voice and ear

who knew the same lands so far away

that I hold so dear/ 

Offering hot chocolate 

beside me she sat

we spoke of esoteric things

for two hours flat/

Then off she went

 book and smile in hand

I felt gratitude for kindness and a purchase

from my modest book stand/

because sometimes we win

other times we fail

but when our meetings are glad

surely the spirit of Christmas  prevails.

Obviously, this is more fun than serious, but I do hope you enjoyed it. Just remember- there’s lots to be thankful for if only we allow ourselves to look around. And in a season where hearts can be secretly heavy, I hope it brings a smile to your face. Or even a laugh.

I graduate this Thursday, so I will try to share photos next week. Have a blessed week, friends.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Tips for Working with Editors

Receiving edits is hard. Which is why this week’s post is about tips for working with editors.

Book signing at The Muse Writers Center, Norfolk, VA

Did you know I am an editor?

Freelance, academic, fiction, etc. I’ve done some interesting gigs in my time helping others best craft their words. It is often tedious, but can also be such satisfying work. I still get a thrill when clients talk about how their confidence has grown just by being encouraged and not beaten down over their mistakes.

The best editors really care about your work. Some of us take on your work for the dollas, and I won’t argue with that. But an exceptional editor, the kind you want on your side, is someone who believes in your craft. Having said that, there are ways to make our job easier. So as you consider working with editors, keep these things in mind.

Edits are invitations, not insults.

I’ll never forget the first time someone cried over my edits. It was in college and my friend struggled with grammar. Nothing in my comments said anything about her; yet when we next spoke, big, fat tears were streaming down her face over what I’d written. I get it- I’ve been there. Looking back on it now, I realize she took my corrections as big signposts of failure rather than the care I showed in wanting to help her improve. And edits aren’t that. They’re meant to help you grow.

This is a difficult concept to digest. Edits always feel personal. And that’s because we, the authors, have poured blood, sweat, tears, and beverages into our writing. But friends, if you hire an editor, you’ve asked for help. So when they write out a comment about improvement, it is not a reflection of your worth as a person. Again, an editor takes on your work because they’re willing to invest in you. It’s a compliment. So see edits as invitations to improve yourself, and not as insults to your very being.

If you say you don’t need edits, you actually do.

In a more recent commission, I had a first-time author tell me they probably didn’t really need my services, but just wanted to be extra careful. This was a red flag that engulfed my vision as we spoke. And, true to my gut feeling, there were a lot more edits that needed to be made than originally thought.

Let me be clear: everyone needs edits. I do not care how fancy you think your word-processing program is, you will still need an extra pair of eyes on the manuscript. And frankly, more than one person looking over your work is a great idea. Without a doubt, I still need an editor and always will.

Friend, big-name authors like J.K. Rowling need editors like whoa. I own a first-edition copy of The Order of the Phoenix that’s filled with type-os. Being fair to her, these mistakes should’ve been picked up during the publishing process. Authors make mistakes all the time. I’m sure the mad rush for the next Harry Potter book downplayed the need for careful editing, which is why that happened. When you’re on an international stage, you really want to be certain your editor does a great job. I honestly sympathize with her every time I think about that copy I bought.

Respect editorial pricing.

An editor is very different from your gifted highschool bestie. Editors have extensive experience in identifying the numerous types of errors that occur in writing. Because it’s not all grammar. There’s style to consider as well. And context. Continuity. Fact-checking. And this all takes TIME.

I repeat: editing is a highly repetitive, time-consuming, at times soul-crushing job. In addition to all of the obvious work, we also are a kind of teacher in some ways. I know that all of my clients get various detailed notes about the things that don’t work and why they don’t work. Which is even more time. If you’re curious about standards of pricing for editors, here’s a quick guide from the Editorial Freenlancers Association. You may get sticker-shock from the pricing, but once you understand the time and work put into the process, you’ll be glad for every penny spent.

I know not everyone on this blog is a writer. However, I wanted to make this post to help everyone better understand the value that goes into editing work. The average ratio is about 10 pages/hr. If you’re editing 500+ pages, you’d want to be compensated appropriately as well. A good editor is an integral part of your team. Don’t ignore the massive value they add to your work. They believe in you, too.

With Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Owning Your Story

Of course your story belongs to you. But that’s different from owning your story. That requires more than copyright.

Samaritan Woman’s Well, Nablus, OPT

You need to accept the good and bad parts.

Those elements are your creation. You run this life you live. In the past year, I’ve thought a lot more about what it means to embrace the narrative of my life. Now that I’ve entered into a new decade of my life, I’d like to start on stronger footing. And that process always begins at home.

You are the creator of Creative and Real stories.

Just as you write a short story, so you also write the lines of your own life. This isn’t always easy to accept. Cue thoughts of your most embarrassing/shameful/wish-that-hadn’t-happened moments. Squirming a little? Yeah, me too. But what you do with those moments are steps in creating your present reality.

For a long while, I lived in a state of deprivation. I didn’t allow myself to fully extend my “wings” of ability. Might as well have chained them, so heavy was the burden of expectation and fear. Fear. I was so often afraid. Of being the wrong kind of person. Letting people down. Or, worst of all, not being worthy of forgiveness when I made mistakes.

Heroes are made in hard moments.

Authors know well that characters must go through trials to highlight their best qualities. And in the midst of the struggle, uglier parts of who they are come forward. Trust me when I say that this isn’t my favorite moment in the writing process. I care about my characters and always wince when I talk about their weaknesses. But, it makes them human. Believable. Someone we can all relate with.

I’ve always wanted to be the kind of person that could be a hero. Someone that does what is right, regardless. When I let people down, it hurts me. Oh yeah, I definitely struggle with being a people-pleaser. I’m getting better, though. When I look at those unsavory moments in my life, I give them a little “kiss on the nose.” I bless the opportunities they provided me for learning. And gives thanks that I’m no longer that person.

The end of one story isn’t the end of them all.

A book can end without telling the whole story. That’s what series are for. In the same sense, our lives are episodic. If one of your moments ends poorly, there’s still time to make the next one better. Don’t lose hope when your story goes awry. Seize the moment, give it a burst of courage, and shift its course.

Also, life has unlimited “phone-a-friend” opportunities. Funny as it sounds, I hope the point is clear: ask for help. If you need it, get support. No shame in that. We were created for community, not isolation. I would include professional help in this category, too. I know counseling has done wonders for me.

Going forward, my message is this: let your life be one of great courage and care. It’s why I sign my messages that way.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Looking at the decade of 30

Yup. Here I am, looking at the decade of 30. Next Sunday is my birthday and the start of two new decades for me. And 2020 is just around the corner.

A lot has happened in the last ten years.

I was born on the cusp of a new decade. I also trailed a series of important beginnings that happened in late 1989. (And yes, if you noticed the similarities, you are correct. T-Swift and I share the same birth month/year AND middle name; though like myself, she is not a major 1989 event, hahaha.) With the 20s coming back around, I even dare to say that little optimism is coming my way as well. So this week’s post is about some of the things I’ve learned.

I better understand hard work.



BA History

I completed three degrees in the last decade: BA, MA, and Ph.D. And published three books in the process. Let me tell you: I worked my ass off and there’s just no other way to say it. I sacrificed a lot to be where I am today, and I won’t apologize for it. But that is not the core of my lesson.

I strive for excellence and I am not always met with approval. No, you do not always get support for the blood, sweat, and tears you put into things. People have a weird way of placing expectations on others, and you sometimes just don’t fit their boxes. Happily, you don’t have to. Your dreams and goals are yours. They don’t belong to someone else and do not require explanation.

MA Palestine Studies

Want to wait to have kids? Great. Excited to start a family sooner? Lovely! Longing to be a boss babe in your chosen field? Get ’em, sister! The core of hard work is that you do it because it gets the thing done. If you work hard to please others, you will burn and spiral out of control. So work hard for your own integrity and excellence. Not someone else’s whim.

I better understand self-worth.

Like the previous point, there are plenty of people who are all-too-ready to knock others down. Loving myself is a powerful and loud act. Here’s a list of some reasons people have used to criticize me, my: age; beauty; weight; relationship status; beliefs; experience; intelligence; honesty; education; job; emotions; imperfection; privacy; intentions; words; silence; color of lipstick/hair/clothes; amount of makeup; etc.

Courtesy of Kate Styles Photography

All these things fall to the wayside in the light of a greater identity: the one God gave me. Like everyone else, I am imperfect. But harsh words don’t define me. At the end of the day, you must be the one to look in the mirror and sit with decisions made. If you cannot stand who you see, it’s time for some adjustments. But never make changes just because someone spews venom. Do it because you want to be a better, fuller, healthier person. No other person has the right to define you.

I am a stronger, kinder, happier woman for embracing exactly who I am: flaws and all.

I better understand love.



Courtesy of Katie McGee Photography

This is perhaps the biggest and hardest lesson. My twenties were certainly eventful in the love department. I fell in love and got married; which is a journey all its own. And I am blessed to be married to someone who is willing to walk through fire with me, who is steady and constant even when things get very, very hard. I love you with all I am, Tim.

But I also came to see the need to give some love to myself, too. I spend a lot of time trying to help others in their own lives. And in the process, I starved myself of the confidence I needed to be healthy. I’ve written about the physical manifestations of this neglect in two pieces at Harness magazine: To My Body and Idiopathic.

But I want to also talk about another kind of love: boundaries. We all struggle with setting boundaries. And where we should start with setting appropriate limits is in the hardest place of all: with people we love. I am a giver by nature. My way of showing love is to let it flow abundantly. But the unfortunate reality is that some people who claim and should be careful with your love are anything but that.

Setting boundaries is an act of love, albeit the tough kind. When we respect ourselves, others feel compelled to follow suit. We set the example to be followed. And, we are freer to give love without harm or burnout when we establish how much another person is allowed to affect us. Your wellbeing is worth protecting. You are not selfish to take space to heal.

I’m forever in progress.

Please believe me when I say that I am still learning. I am open to the knowledge that waits for me as time and experience step in. But these things have been the big, flashing signs in front of me throughout the last decade. And as I am looking at the decade of 30 and beyond, I hope I become a kinder, more thoughtful and grateful person. That my words fill you, my readers, with love and life.

I want to leave a legacy.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Real Talk: Dealing with Overwhelm

I’m not immune to stress. Which is I want to have some real talk about dealing with overwhelm in this blogpost.

Photograph by Laura Genschmer

I know a lot of people talk about it.

I’m sure you’ve read helpful stuff.

But I want to add in my proverbial two cents. Because what I think we don’t discuss enough is resisting the temptation to feel guilty when we take a step back.

I’m looking you, overachiever!

Guilty as charged: that’s me (if you haven’t already noticed that.) And I was surprised last week when I hit a roadblock that sent me flying. Overwhelm showed up and tried to take control.

I’m late with this week’s post and newsletter. And it’s never something I like admitting. But… I’m human. Shortcomings happen. And I did what needed to be done so that I can show up for you all. Because I deeply care about being a presence in your life that’s honest and encouraging.

If you’re overwhelmed, don’t be ashamed to reorganize your priorities.

Burnout is a serious thing, and it isn’t far away from overwhelm. So before you even get close to the ledge, turn around. Got a project that’s taking up too much time? Shift whatever you can to put it on the backburner. Don’t be afraid to press pause on stuff that isn’t vital. Your sanity matters, friend.

So when I started to realize that overwhelm wanted control, I took the reins. I carved out time to recharge, I took a break from the novel-writing/NaNoWriMo, and I let myself breathe. Sure, I took on an editing gig this week, but that’s not a stressor. It’s actually a much-needed blessing that I wouldn’t have been able to take on if I hadn’t already taken that time to reorganize.

The holidays are such a wonderful time of the year. But a lot of people also experience serious depression.

I see you, friend. And I’m cheering you on as you fight to find peace.

Let this post be a reminder to be gentle with yourself. I believe in your capability to make good decisions for yourself and others.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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Writing History into Fiction

I get it. Writing history into fiction is a super cool idea. But, there’s a tiny problem.

How do I use facts?

Sunset in the UAE

How do I honor them but have fun?

In my current WIP, I’m covering multiple real-time events. Both current and historic. And let me tell you: I’m definitely doing the awkward dance around balancing fiction with what real people experienced. Which I approach in two different ways.

Don’t freak out: I’m not saying you need a degree in either (although that helps).

But, spoiler alert. I have a degree in the historical period I’m covering: British Mandate Palestine. And I am intimate with details of the Syrian Civil War. So as a scholar, I have the knowledge and resources to ensure that I am appropriately covering complex scenarios.

As a fiction author, I definitely have to go where academics cannot. That’s the beauty and challenge of it. Ensuring that representation is as accurate as possible while enjoying the creative whims of writing.

What you need is in-depth knowledge from reputable sources.

What Aunt Sue said last Saturday doesn’t cut it. Unless Aunt Sue was directly involved, has a degree, or has spent significant time in the place and space you’re writing about. As insightful as they may sound, her opinions are just a place to start. Because history is very much alive and people connected to it care VERY MUCH about how it’s represented in writing.

And please, please, please don’t get your info from television or film. Again, places for ideas to start with. But telling me you got your info from those sources, unless they are purposefully educational or add important artistic insight, won’t really convince me.

Read the leading works on the period. It’s not too hard to identify books you can read that will give you greater insight. It’s a google search away. Talk to *gasp* experts! They’re usually more than happy to give you information if you come with informed questions. And if your know someone who was alive/involved in the period, they’re an excellent resource for enlivening your writing and character development with real-life issues.

Also, have accountability.

Beta readers are invaluable in so many ways, and this is one of them. If you’re writing history into fiction, be sure you’re not unconsciously saying something harmful. Mistakes happen, but can be fixed while you’re drafting. So find some people who are competent in the historic periods you’re discussing. Ask if they feel your writing appropriately represents the real facts while also honoring your creative license.

You’re allowed to have an opinion and reshape events because this is, afterall, fiction. Just be sure you’re doing it in a way that acknowledges and honors what actually happened. If you’re already writing about a historical event, it’s clear that you care about what happened. So translate that into the work that takes your story from novice to excellence.

It’s work, but so worth it. You’ll be even prouder of the end result.

In Courage & Care,

Samantha

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