Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson's Blog, page 18

Just Write. Every. Day.

They say that confession is good for the soul.



Meh.



Depends on who you're confessing to and what you're confessing.





I'll share a confession with you.



Up until three days ago, I had not opened my WIP since December 7th. That's right, nearly a month went by without a single word put to page.





Sure I had plenty of excuses.



Christmas. Guests in town. Big year-end work commitments. New Year's.



Feeling stuck at a crossroads in the novel and afraid that I'd take the wrong turn. (ah, there's the real culprit.)



But three days ago I opened the file and just started. And was amazed that new, unexpected, ideas started pouring right from brain to fingers, completely by-passing the critical, fearful, editor that is moi.



At the same time, I read a blog post somewhere (over at Amy Sue Nathan's Women's Fiction Writers) about two writers who'd decided to post a challenge to themselves and anyone else interested, to write at least 20 minutes a day for 365 days straight.



I didn't sign up, but I think this is a great idea.



After all, who doesn't have 20 minutes (or even 10?) to spare during some point in each day. As I write this blog, it's 11PM and before I started, I managed 30 minutes on my WIP, and tackled a dialogue transition that had stumped me earlier in the day. Effortlessly.



Writer's block is always solved by applying seat to chair.



What I've learned from my own experience of writing every day for the past few days is how much I enjoy it. Whether I manage a few hours or just 30 minutes, I get up from my desk feeling happy. I love what I'm writing. I am excited about this book.



Writing is like any other endeavor, the more consistent, focused attention that you apply to it, the better you will become, the greater your output, and the more quickly you will reach your goal (finish the book).



So why do we make it so hard on ourselves to do it?



Why, indeed.



So, let's write. Every. Day.

The Golden Rule 9 January 2013

Today's Verse:



Matthew 7:12



Jesus said: "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets."





Reflections on Today's Reading:



Today's verse is known as the Golden Rule and is probably the most often quoted verse in the Bible, even when the speaker doesn't know that it's a verse from the Bible, or one of the central teachings of Jesus Christ. Perhaps, that is because of the universality of its sentiment.



After all...


don't we all wish that we could be treated as we treat others?





Really?



As I started to write this post, I was going to focus on what a lovely, peaceful world this would be if everyone else was just as kind and gentle as we were.



Smiley face.



Smiley face.



And then, just as I typed that bold-faced sentence above, my heart was convicted.



And I said a quick "Thank you, God" that there are moments when I am treated better than I have treated others.



Sometimes, the way that I have treated other people has not been fair, and if I'd faced the same treatment, I'd be hurt and disappointed.



You see, that's one of the true gems of this sentence is that Jesus is asking us to hold a mirror up to ourselves and take an honest look at our reflection, the beauty and the beast.



It also makes us realize what a miracle it is that when God looks at us through His compassion, He loves us fully, warts and all, and without end.



Amen.

What's Your Word for 2013?

If you read my last two posts of 2012, you might have detected an (undercurrent?) of malaise.



I spent the last two days of 2012 reading through my journal and coming to the unhappy conclusion that many of the goals I want to accomplish in 2013 bore a close resemblance to the same ones I wanted to accomplish in 2012...how many times can I wish to lose 20 pounds?



Which led me to a rumination about how I never accomplish anything and therefore have wasted the last 50 years of my life.



I'm nuanced like that.



And then...



Luckily.



I snapped out of it.



Instead of listing a litany of goals for the coming year, I will present a simple defining theme:



FORWARD.



Yes, of course, I have specific goals that I want to accomplish, especially regarding the books that I want to publish this year:






2 children's picture books (the first one will launch in March, the second in September)
2 novels (the first will launch in June, the second in time for Christmas shopping)



And other specific goals regarding the building of my writing business.



And I will run another 5K or 10K this summer, because they are fun.



And lose 20 lb., because my body deserves it.



And add a bit more structure to my life so that I'm actually doing more of what is important to me, like reading, and writing, and walking the dogs at the off-leash dog trails, instead of sitting in front of my computer...



But most of all, I want to finish 2013 knowing that I have moved forward with my life. That I am not stuck, trying to accomplish the same things I wanted to accomplish last year, and the year before.



I will move forward into new territory.



So I've found my inspirational word.



FORWARD.



And here's my inspirational verse:






I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,




Philippians 3:13

Amplified Bible (AMP)






Now please share......what will be Your Word for 2013?

This Writer's Year in Review 31 December 2013

2012 was a year of new beginnings, new focus, and new dogs!




Mom continues to enjoy good health and joy in living in the mountains.




Mrs. Tuesday's Departure continues to do well.




God Loves You. -Chester Blue is gathering steam.




The greatest lesson I've learned in the past year is that being an indie-author is as much about marketing and running a business as writing books that readers want to read. The greatest challenge is learning to balance the two sides of the business.




And boy, do I have a lot more to learn.




2013 will see the launch of at least two new books: The Night of the Great Polar Bear, a children's picture book; and A Map of Heaven, a contemporary inspirational novel.



I believe it will also be a year of decisions and crossroads.



I am so grateful for this time I've had to pursue a much loved career, I've discovered that I love writing more than I ever have in the fifteen years that I have pursued this dream. I believe that I have found my writing voice and my niche. The coming year will determine whether I will be able to make writing a full-time pursuit.



I hope you'll continue to join me on my journey!



God bless and Happy New Year!

Let Go and Let God - 30 Dec 2012

I've spent the last two days thinking about what I've accomplished (or not) in 2012 and what I want to accomplish in 2013. My thoughts have been both positive and disappointed. 



This excerpt landed in my email box yesterday and it made such an impact on me, that I wrote out part of the quote and posted it on my desk. And then I wanted to share it with you...









Why is it that some people with disabilities [...] or others with serious illnesses or cruel diseases can find peace, enjoy other aspects of their lives, and even make positive contributions despite their own challenges? 



Could it be that they have not allowed their physical problems to cripple them emotionally? 



Could it be that they’ve chosen to focus on what is good in their lives instead of what is bad? 



Perhaps. Here is another possibility: maybe they’ve let go and let God. Maybe they’ve decided to let go of their pain, anger, and grief and let God handle it instead. 



- Nick Vujicic

UNSTOPPABLE





P.S. I'll be back tomorrow with my year-in-review and my plans for 2013. 

Merry Christmas 2012

For unto us a Child is born,


Unto us a Son is given;



















And the government will be upon His shoulder.


And His name will be called













Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,




Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  












Jesus is still the reason for the season!










 WISHING YOU AND YOURS

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

AND PEACE ON EARTH

Trusting God - Book Review

A few months ago, I joined the Blogging for Books from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and for my first book I chose Trusting God. 



It's described as a twelve-week devotional study, and the book is structured as such with weekly questions. And used with this structure it would be a fun, light, devotional for a group of friends to share and discuss weekly.



I used it differently. Of course. I found that I dipped into the book and read the devotionals randomly or when a particular topic drew my interest that day. And I can happily report, that this unconventional approach worked beautifully as well.



The daily devotionals take no more than a quick 5 minutes to read and are written in a breezy, easy to understand format, that is much like a talk with an understanding, compassionate friend.



I highly recommend this book, either to share in a group format, or as an individual. Trusting God has a great deal of encouragement to offer.



Here are some useful links to introduce you to the book:



VIDEO: Trusting God - A Girlfriends in God Devotional



Author Podcast - Trusting God



More Info



Read Chapter One



Author Bio






"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

The Reason for the Season

Please take five minutes to watch this beautiful video that will inspire and fill your heart with gladness.

Amen.

Chester Blue's Cyber Monday Sale!

God Loves You. 

-Chester Blue




Gift Set 

only on Amazon.com












 The most surprising comment I received in reviews of  Chester Blue were from readers who wanted their own Chester Blue bear to remind them that wherever you are...




 God Loves You! 




With that in mind, I put together this gift set. It includes a paperback copy of God Loves You. -Chester Blue with a fluffy 21 inch blue bear from Ty's "My First Teddy". The beautiful blue teddy bear is the perfect companion to snuggle with as you read through the adventures of Chester Blue, the special bear sent with a very special message:

 God Loves You!

Here's What I'm Grateful for this Thanksgiving (tear-jerker alert)

This five minute video sums up what I am most grateful for this Thanksgiving.



My beautiful Mom, working her way toward 86 with grace and beauty and humor. 



She's never stopped learning... over the past two years she's embraced a new found love of cooking. And she's become passionate and prolific in her culinary endeavors.



Or giving of herself, whether serving lunch every Thursday at the Senior Center, or acting as a fashion consultant and clothes re-hanger at the thrift store 'boutique'.



Mom has taught me what it means to live each day to its fullest, with optimism, and perseverance.



She is my rock.



When I fall into despair, she always points to the silver lining.



( Maybe that's the secret to a long life .)



I am eternally grateful for her. Every. Day.



Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends and lots of good food.



God bless us all.