Jo Knowles's Blog, page 33
March 17, 2011
Thankful for people who DO good stuff about bad stuff
First, Maureen Johnson.
Shortly after the news about Japan came out, Maureen jumped into action. She asked people on Twitter to donate to Shelterbox. Then, she told people if they donated, they'd be entered to win a copy of her new book. So other people said, "Hey! I'll donate a book too!" So more people started donating money. And then when that happened, more people started donating books! And it was this amazing thing! In just a few days, Maureen raised $14,202! You can read about it HERE.
Second, this CUTE (sorry) guy, Victor Kim, in LA. Here's what he says about the video below. Please read, watch and share. :)
For every 1,000,000 views that this video gets, I will donate another $600. I will take screenshots again and post on my site http://www.higatv.com for proof, when it happens. People keep saying "why don't you just donate the money instead of trying to get people to view it?" My biggest strength right now is that I'm fortunate enough to have a following. The purpose of this video was not only to support Japan myself, but to encourage others as well. I could have easily donated the money and not made a video about it, but I think its a lot more important to get support from all over the world. I personally can't donate a million dollars, but if millions of people watch this and decide to chip in, it is possible... I'm just trying to help in the best way that I can.
Money Donated so far: $1250
3/14 - $600 (honk!)
3/16 - $650 (1 million views)
Third, Greg Fishbone.
Greg is the NESCBWI conference organizer this year. He also has a little kid. So we know how busy he is already. But when he heard about the authors in the U.K. who'd organized an auction to raise money for Japan, he felt bad he'd missed the chance to help out. So he started his own auction. If you want to donate, or bid, please check the details here: http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/ In one day Greg set up a Web site, and a Twitter account (Follow @kidlit4japan) and people began donating like crazy.
I know we all WANT to help. Sometimes, it just takes an amazing person like one of these three people to lead us. Because just like Victor said, it's not just about writing a check. It's about raising awareness. So THANK YOU for taking the reins when things get rough and we need a leader to wave their hands and say,"Over here! I have a plan!" And thank you for being awesome role models. For having big hearts. For believing in the goodness of others. And caring enough to take action.
Yes. That's what I'm thankful for today.
And to every one else who not only gives, but says "Hey! I have this great idea to bring people together to do something amazing." And then they DO IT. Wow. Thanks people! I love you!
Shortly after the news about Japan came out, Maureen jumped into action. She asked people on Twitter to donate to Shelterbox. Then, she told people if they donated, they'd be entered to win a copy of her new book. So other people said, "Hey! I'll donate a book too!" So more people started donating money. And then when that happened, more people started donating books! And it was this amazing thing! In just a few days, Maureen raised $14,202! You can read about it HERE.
Second, this CUTE (sorry) guy, Victor Kim, in LA. Here's what he says about the video below. Please read, watch and share. :)
For every 1,000,000 views that this video gets, I will donate another $600. I will take screenshots again and post on my site http://www.higatv.com for proof, when it happens. People keep saying "why don't you just donate the money instead of trying to get people to view it?" My biggest strength right now is that I'm fortunate enough to have a following. The purpose of this video was not only to support Japan myself, but to encourage others as well. I could have easily donated the money and not made a video about it, but I think its a lot more important to get support from all over the world. I personally can't donate a million dollars, but if millions of people watch this and decide to chip in, it is possible... I'm just trying to help in the best way that I can.
Money Donated so far: $1250
3/14 - $600 (honk!)
3/16 - $650 (1 million views)
Third, Greg Fishbone.
Greg is the NESCBWI conference organizer this year. He also has a little kid. So we know how busy he is already. But when he heard about the authors in the U.K. who'd organized an auction to raise money for Japan, he felt bad he'd missed the chance to help out. So he started his own auction. If you want to donate, or bid, please check the details here: http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/ In one day Greg set up a Web site, and a Twitter account (Follow @kidlit4japan) and people began donating like crazy.
I know we all WANT to help. Sometimes, it just takes an amazing person like one of these three people to lead us. Because just like Victor said, it's not just about writing a check. It's about raising awareness. So THANK YOU for taking the reins when things get rough and we need a leader to wave their hands and say,"Over here! I have a plan!" And thank you for being awesome role models. For having big hearts. For believing in the goodness of others. And caring enough to take action.
Yes. That's what I'm thankful for today.
And to every one else who not only gives, but says "Hey! I have this great idea to bring people together to do something amazing." And then they DO IT. Wow. Thanks people! I love you!
March 14, 2011
This little light
I love this time of year, after we change the clocks and the days seem filled with light. The snow starts to melt and you can smell the earth waking up. Life returns. Hope returns.
This weekend we went to NH to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday.
It was a fantastic day. And there was a lot of light there, too. On the cake, in the laughter, in the love. I think we need to have parties more often. I forget, living and working the way I do, how easy it is to become too isolated. To go for days without having a face-to-face conversation with anyone besides my husband and son. I don't realize how lightless those days can become until they get filled up again. I really need to work on getting out more. ;-)
Speaking of getting out, I'll be speaking at the Eric Carle Museum this Saturday at the Overcoming Challenges meet-up. Will anyone from LJ be there? I'm hoping to see some familiar faces.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday Morning Warm-Up:
Where do you get your light?
This weekend we went to NH to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday.
It was a fantastic day. And there was a lot of light there, too. On the cake, in the laughter, in the love. I think we need to have parties more often. I forget, living and working the way I do, how easy it is to become too isolated. To go for days without having a face-to-face conversation with anyone besides my husband and son. I don't realize how lightless those days can become until they get filled up again. I really need to work on getting out more. ;-)
Speaking of getting out, I'll be speaking at the Eric Carle Museum this Saturday at the Overcoming Challenges meet-up. Will anyone from LJ be there? I'm hoping to see some familiar faces.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday Morning Warm-Up:
Where do you get your light?
March 11, 2011
Write like there's no one in the room
I admit, I've been watching American Idol this season. My son loves it and we have fun watching together and arguing about our favorites. Please don't judge. ;-)
A while ago, Steven Tyler complimented one of the singers by saying she/he (can't remember) sang like there was no one in the room. And that, he said, is the key to success.
That endearing conversation went straight to my heart. I've been so insanely busy this year with freelance work, family stuff, revisions, etc., that I keep putting my current WIP aside, and then fretting about whether or not it will ever sell anyway. Every time I finally get back to it, I struggle with writing what I want to write and writing what I think would make the book more salable.
Big mistake.
And ironic, since the talk I'm giving next weekend is all about NOT doing this.
Time to practice what I preach. Time to WORK. Time to write like there's no one in the room, including my internal editor. *shoos her away*
My year of being a writer has not turned out the way I fantasized. But I'm realizing I'm actually more of a writer than ever. Working regular freelance again, I've been reminded that I actually enjoy it. I love learning about new health topics and knowing that what I'm writing will actually help someone.
Yes, I would prefer to be able to support myself financially on my novel writing. But I just realized that not having to actually takes some of the pressure off to write what I want to write. Because I didn't become a writer in order to make money. And even though it is FANTASTIC when I do earn money from my fiction writing, that's just the extra frosting. The best part is is sharing the meal.
I know when we put our hearts into our work, when we put the blinders on and focus on the story that needs to be told, no matter how challenging... that's when the best stuff comes out. I really believe that.
Write for yourself first.
Write like there's no one in the room.
Thanks Steven.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
I know whatever we do, we will be thinking about those in Japan and all the others in harm's way. The news is still coming out, and I suspect it will be worse before it gets better. Here is a link you can use to check on people you know in the affected areas and make donations to shelters, etc. http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/feature/2530/Japan-earthquake-live-report
I'm leaving this afternoon for a weekend of celebrating my dad's 70th. It seems a good time to spend with the people you love.
xx
A while ago, Steven Tyler complimented one of the singers by saying she/he (can't remember) sang like there was no one in the room. And that, he said, is the key to success.
That endearing conversation went straight to my heart. I've been so insanely busy this year with freelance work, family stuff, revisions, etc., that I keep putting my current WIP aside, and then fretting about whether or not it will ever sell anyway. Every time I finally get back to it, I struggle with writing what I want to write and writing what I think would make the book more salable.
Big mistake.
And ironic, since the talk I'm giving next weekend is all about NOT doing this.
Time to practice what I preach. Time to WORK. Time to write like there's no one in the room, including my internal editor. *shoos her away*
My year of being a writer has not turned out the way I fantasized. But I'm realizing I'm actually more of a writer than ever. Working regular freelance again, I've been reminded that I actually enjoy it. I love learning about new health topics and knowing that what I'm writing will actually help someone.
Yes, I would prefer to be able to support myself financially on my novel writing. But I just realized that not having to actually takes some of the pressure off to write what I want to write. Because I didn't become a writer in order to make money. And even though it is FANTASTIC when I do earn money from my fiction writing, that's just the extra frosting. The best part is is sharing the meal.
I know when we put our hearts into our work, when we put the blinders on and focus on the story that needs to be told, no matter how challenging... that's when the best stuff comes out. I really believe that.
Write for yourself first.
Write like there's no one in the room.
Thanks Steven.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
I know whatever we do, we will be thinking about those in Japan and all the others in harm's way. The news is still coming out, and I suspect it will be worse before it gets better. Here is a link you can use to check on people you know in the affected areas and make donations to shelters, etc. http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/feature/2530/Japan-earthquake-live-report
I'm leaving this afternoon for a weekend of celebrating my dad's 70th. It seems a good time to spend with the people you love.
xx
March 10, 2011
Friends
Via
![[info]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380449247i/1833871.gif)
chris_writes
:
It's the kind of thing that makes you happy and sad at the same time. I think it's beautiful.
chris_writes
:YOUTH from Tommy Petroni on Vimeo.
It's the kind of thing that makes you happy and sad at the same time. I think it's beautiful.
March 9, 2011
March 4, 2011
Thankful Thursday Friday 5 Mash-Up
I admit. I don't even really know what a mash-up is. But cool people say it a lot so I decided to do some posing. I'm not even really sure that is the proper use of the word "posing". But I do know it's Friday and I missed Thankful Thursday yesterday and I haven't blogged since Monday so I thought I should say HI and do an update. So here are 5 things I'm really thankful for, in addition to the word "really."
1. Students.
I spoke with a writing class at Dartmouth College this week and I was so impressed with the questions the students asked, and basically their overall sweetness. Wow. They were fantasic. I love this sort of author visit because I can have a casual chat with students and answer questions and laugh and basically just hang out with them. But at the same time, tell them things that are important to me, and hopefully give them some hope about their own work.
2. JUMPING OFF SWINGS is going to come out in paperback in October!!
The cover is going to be slightly different, with a nice blurb on the front. There will also be a chapter from LESSONS FROM A DEAD GIRL in the back! I'm so excited!
3. My dad turned 70 this week!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD! I love my dad so much. He is such a good sport and gave me a childhood filled with love, fun and adventure. We're having a big party for him next weekend and I can't wait.
4.My sister saved me from tax time.
As you can see, my taxes have taken over my office. Yesterday, I decided I needed an escape so I met up with my sister for a morning of shopping and lunch. It was just the thing. Thanks Steph!!!
5. My son's reaction when his favorite got voted off last night.
He was so sad. No, I'm not grateful for that. I'm grateful for the reason he loved Brett: "Because he's the nicest one and he has a great voice and he's not afraid to be himself." I think that's a good thing to aspire to. Who's your favorite?
Have a great weekend. :-)
1. Students.
I spoke with a writing class at Dartmouth College this week and I was so impressed with the questions the students asked, and basically their overall sweetness. Wow. They were fantasic. I love this sort of author visit because I can have a casual chat with students and answer questions and laugh and basically just hang out with them. But at the same time, tell them things that are important to me, and hopefully give them some hope about their own work.
2. JUMPING OFF SWINGS is going to come out in paperback in October!!
The cover is going to be slightly different, with a nice blurb on the front. There will also be a chapter from LESSONS FROM A DEAD GIRL in the back! I'm so excited!
3. My dad turned 70 this week!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD! I love my dad so much. He is such a good sport and gave me a childhood filled with love, fun and adventure. We're having a big party for him next weekend and I can't wait.
4.My sister saved me from tax time.
As you can see, my taxes have taken over my office. Yesterday, I decided I needed an escape so I met up with my sister for a morning of shopping and lunch. It was just the thing. Thanks Steph!!!
5. My son's reaction when his favorite got voted off last night.
He was so sad. No, I'm not grateful for that. I'm grateful for the reason he loved Brett: "Because he's the nicest one and he has a great voice and he's not afraid to be himself." I think that's a good thing to aspire to. Who's your favorite?
Have a great weekend. :-)
February 28, 2011
The writer is in
This morning I woke up to a 6:00 phone call to learn that school is canceled. Wah! On top of all the snow, we've now got freezing rain. What a winter. But Kate Messner's most recent post did remind me to be thankful for the beautiful moments.
Remember those?
This past weekend was really full of those for me, and I'm truly grateful. Three writer friends and I got adjoining rooms at an old inn by the sea and spent the days writing, sharing ideas, and helping each other through trouble spots.
And we ate well. Very well.
One restaurant had s'mores you could make right at the table:
Ironically, after![[info]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1380442897i/1319734.gif)
robinwasserman
joked about me playing with fire on Twitter, we awoke to a fire alarm in the middle of the night. OK, so that wasn't so much a beautiful moment. But everything else was truly wonderful.
I managed to revise 21 chapters! And today, despite school being canceled and having a bored child in the house, I'm determined to finish this revision at last.
I love retreats. I love the friendships that grow from them. The ideas that bloom. The memories we make. And the confirmations that solidify. We are writers. Thank you Libba, Robin and Kara. For everything.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday Morning Warm-Up:
What are your writing goals for the week? The month? The year? Write them down somewhere that you'll see them at least once a day. You can even write them here. :-)
Remember those?
This past weekend was really full of those for me, and I'm truly grateful. Three writer friends and I got adjoining rooms at an old inn by the sea and spent the days writing, sharing ideas, and helping each other through trouble spots.
And we ate well. Very well.
One restaurant had s'mores you could make right at the table:
Ironically, after
robinwasserman
joked about me playing with fire on Twitter, we awoke to a fire alarm in the middle of the night. OK, so that wasn't so much a beautiful moment. But everything else was truly wonderful.I managed to revise 21 chapters! And today, despite school being canceled and having a bored child in the house, I'm determined to finish this revision at last.
I love retreats. I love the friendships that grow from them. The ideas that bloom. The memories we make. And the confirmations that solidify. We are writers. Thank you Libba, Robin and Kara. For everything.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday Morning Warm-Up:
What are your writing goals for the week? The month? The year? Write them down somewhere that you'll see them at least once a day. You can even write them here. :-)
February 24, 2011
For Lisa
The Pasture
By Robert Frost
I'm going out to clean the pasture spring;
I'll only stop to rake the leaves away
(And wait to watch the water clear, I may):
I sha'n't be gone long. You come too.
I'm going out to fetch the little calf
That's standing by the mother. It's so young,
It totters when she licks it with her tongue.
I sha'n't be gone long. You come too.
February 23, 2011
I love Lauren Myracle!!!!!!
Hi!
I have been very absent from this place. I miss you.
My son is on vacation. I have deadlines looming. And so many things I want/need to do seem to be just out of reach.
BUT. I do have something to share. It's an interview with Lauren Myracle over at the YA Contemps blog.
I really hope you'll read it because Lauren's answers are so incredibly inspiring. Last night when I received them, I cried.
So, if you're looking for some inspiration. Some words to help you be a little braver today. Head on over.
Thanks again, Lauren!!!
Tomorrow, I leave for a desperately-needed writing retreat with three friends. My March 1 deadline is dangerously close and my finishing this revision seems dangerously far away. But I'm holding Lauren's words close for inspiration.
xo
I have been very absent from this place. I miss you.
My son is on vacation. I have deadlines looming. And so many things I want/need to do seem to be just out of reach.
BUT. I do have something to share. It's an interview with Lauren Myracle over at the YA Contemps blog.
I really hope you'll read it because Lauren's answers are so incredibly inspiring. Last night when I received them, I cried.
So, if you're looking for some inspiration. Some words to help you be a little braver today. Head on over.
Thanks again, Lauren!!!
Tomorrow, I leave for a desperately-needed writing retreat with three friends. My March 1 deadline is dangerously close and my finishing this revision seems dangerously far away. But I'm holding Lauren's words close for inspiration.
xo
February 18, 2011
What Do You Hear?
Today I hear sounds of hope
Birds singing in what I swear is a more cheerful call than yesterday
Snow blocks sliding off the roof in a satisfying woosh
Water drip drip dripping from the tips of icicles
Fundraising on VPR coming to an end
A cat's sleepy grunt as he rolls away from the heat of the wood stove
A child singing as he gets dressed for school
Water in a kettle hissing, ready for tea
The distinct sound of tires on gravel, not ice
The start of keys clicking on the keyboard
Warming up for bigger things
And still small moments of quiet
For thinking
and waiting
for everyone to come back home
What do you hear?
:)
Birds singing in what I swear is a more cheerful call than yesterday
Snow blocks sliding off the roof in a satisfying woosh
Water drip drip dripping from the tips of icicles
Fundraising on VPR coming to an end
A cat's sleepy grunt as he rolls away from the heat of the wood stove
A child singing as he gets dressed for school
Water in a kettle hissing, ready for tea
The distinct sound of tires on gravel, not ice
The start of keys clicking on the keyboard
Warming up for bigger things
And still small moments of quiet
For thinking
and waiting
for everyone to come back home
What do you hear?
:)
