Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 101
October 1, 2011
We have a winner!
Congratulations to:
KainsHottie
You are the winner of a signed paperback copy of Depression Cookies . I will be contacting you via email shortly. My lovely assistant, my oldest daughter Jackie, drew a name out of a hat this morning.
Thanks to everyone who entered and Michelle Flick of Oh! For the Love of Books for sponsoring the Falling Into Book Blog Hop. She is a fellow Campaigner and walked me through my very first blog hop giveaway. I'm grateful for the learning experience and look forward to participating in more.
Click the link below to check out the other winners:
Today also marks the first day of my October Ultimate Blog Challenge. Thanks to Michelle Shaeffer and Michele Scism for hosting this event. As part of this challenge I will post 31 times in October, hopefully as a post a day. I look forward to meeting new bloggers and focusing on my post writing.
KainsHottie
You are the winner of a signed paperback copy of Depression Cookies . I will be contacting you via email shortly. My lovely assistant, my oldest daughter Jackie, drew a name out of a hat this morning.
Thanks to everyone who entered and Michelle Flick of Oh! For the Love of Books for sponsoring the Falling Into Book Blog Hop. She is a fellow Campaigner and walked me through my very first blog hop giveaway. I'm grateful for the learning experience and look forward to participating in more.
Click the link below to check out the other winners:
Today also marks the first day of my October Ultimate Blog Challenge. Thanks to Michelle Shaeffer and Michele Scism for hosting this event. As part of this challenge I will post 31 times in October, hopefully as a post a day. I look forward to meeting new bloggers and focusing on my post writing.
September 30, 2011
My Imago, My Friend, My Inspiration
My mother, my
imago
, inspired me to write my entire life. I put her on a pedestal and hoped someday to reach the same status. The
miasma
of constant relocations, although difficult, ended up being our family's saving grace. Most of my life I only had my mom, dad, and two sisters. We were a team; there was nothing else to fill the
lacuna
teenagers fall into. I survived in the cocoon of family, protected from peer pressure and temptation.
Writing
Depression Cookies
with my mom only strengthened our relationship. The
synchronicity
of the moves became clearer as we searched for their meaning. We believed readers would embrace our journey, especially when we intertwined it with others we had known. Even if they'd never moved, they knew disruption in some form.
It was essential for us to look closely in the mirror and be honest and raw with what we saw now, what we saw then. Our greatest hope was that this novel would open up a dialogue between all women to search for similarities instead of differences. Someday I hope my own daughters will read it and oscitate at all the things their Mom, and Nana, really do understand.
***** If you are left a bit confused and wondering why my vocabulary seems to be much improved from my last few posts, I must admit this post was inspired by the latest Campaign challenge. My first reaction was to tackle this as fiction, but I wanted to find a way to incorporate the words into a blog post I would write for our readers.
More about the challenge from Rachel Harrie's Campaign site: Write a blog post in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should:
· include the word "imago" in the title
· include the following 4 random words: "miasma," "lacuna," "oscitate," "synchronicity,"
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional and included in the word count), make reference to a mirror in your post.
For those who want an even greater challenge (optional), make your post 200 words EXACTLY! *****
I'm happy to say I took on all the challenges, even making it 200 words exactly. If you enjoyed my interpretation, please visit this page and vote for me, #173. While you are there, take some time to my fellow campaigners responses to this challenge.
Writing
Depression Cookies
with my mom only strengthened our relationship. The
synchronicity
of the moves became clearer as we searched for their meaning. We believed readers would embrace our journey, especially when we intertwined it with others we had known. Even if they'd never moved, they knew disruption in some form. It was essential for us to look closely in the mirror and be honest and raw with what we saw now, what we saw then. Our greatest hope was that this novel would open up a dialogue between all women to search for similarities instead of differences. Someday I hope my own daughters will read it and oscitate at all the things their Mom, and Nana, really do understand.
***** If you are left a bit confused and wondering why my vocabulary seems to be much improved from my last few posts, I must admit this post was inspired by the latest Campaign challenge. My first reaction was to tackle this as fiction, but I wanted to find a way to incorporate the words into a blog post I would write for our readers.
More about the challenge from Rachel Harrie's Campaign site: Write a blog post in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should:
· include the word "imago" in the title
· include the following 4 random words: "miasma," "lacuna," "oscitate," "synchronicity,"
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional and included in the word count), make reference to a mirror in your post.
For those who want an even greater challenge (optional), make your post 200 words EXACTLY! *****
I'm happy to say I took on all the challenges, even making it 200 words exactly. If you enjoyed my interpretation, please visit this page and vote for me, #173. While you are there, take some time to my fellow campaigners responses to this challenge.
September 29, 2011
Food Network-Style Writer Challenge: Exposing my Food Obsession
Yesterday, I was running at the gym and watching Food Network. My first thought... how unfair to be running and watching food. But I wasn't complaining when my four miles was over and I barely noticed. Clearly I'm obsessed.
I love food. Wish I didn't, but I do. I blame a mother who put out a Thanksgiving-like spread at almost every meal and greeted me at the door after school with warm cookies. Shame on you, Mom! ;-)
My favorite Food network show right now is Chopped . In case you aren't familiar with the show, four chefs are given mystery boxes containing three food items. These items are not obviously connected. Each chef must use these ingredients to deliver first an appetizer, then an entree, and finally a dessert. Each round has a different food basket. The winning chef receives $10,000.
For fun, I've reimagined the game as a writer's challenge. Enjoy...
Unplugged
Four writers gather in front of three book critics. After each round, a writer's laptop is unplugged and he/she is dismissed from the game.
During each round, the competing writers are given a basket with three mystery objects.
Round 1
Each writer must write a poem using the following three objects: a strawberry, a pencil, and a leaf. Time limit: 20 minutes
Round 2
The three remaining writers must write a short story using the following three objects: a dead ant, a flower, and a paintbrush. Time limit: 1 hour
Round 3
The final two writers must complete an outline and the first five pages of a novel using the following three objects: seeds, a baseball, and a stuffed panda . Time limit: 2 hours
Each week the mystery objects change, and the winner receives $10,000!
Would you participate in a televised writing challenge like this? What other types of game shows or television competitions would be fun to turn into writing games/competitions?
Have some fun with this. I did!
I love food. Wish I didn't, but I do. I blame a mother who put out a Thanksgiving-like spread at almost every meal and greeted me at the door after school with warm cookies. Shame on you, Mom! ;-)
My favorite Food network show right now is Chopped . In case you aren't familiar with the show, four chefs are given mystery boxes containing three food items. These items are not obviously connected. Each chef must use these ingredients to deliver first an appetizer, then an entree, and finally a dessert. Each round has a different food basket. The winning chef receives $10,000.
For fun, I've reimagined the game as a writer's challenge. Enjoy...
Unplugged
Four writers gather in front of three book critics. After each round, a writer's laptop is unplugged and he/she is dismissed from the game.
During each round, the competing writers are given a basket with three mystery objects.
Round 1
Each writer must write a poem using the following three objects: a strawberry, a pencil, and a leaf. Time limit: 20 minutes
Round 2
The three remaining writers must write a short story using the following three objects: a dead ant, a flower, and a paintbrush. Time limit: 1 hour
Round 3
The final two writers must complete an outline and the first five pages of a novel using the following three objects: seeds, a baseball, and a stuffed panda . Time limit: 2 hours
Each week the mystery objects change, and the winner receives $10,000!
Would you participate in a televised writing challenge like this? What other types of game shows or television competitions would be fun to turn into writing games/competitions?
Have some fun with this. I did!
September 27, 2011
And the Award Goes to... Our Blog!
Awards make me happy and put a little extra spring in my step. It's nice to know people are reading and enjoying our efforts here. Today's Tub-Full Tuesday celebrates this idea.
We owe thanks! First to Sheri L. Swift and her blog, Finding Joy in the Journey, we have been awarded the One Lovely Blog Award. Her blog is truly lovely, and I've enjoyed connecting with her through Rachel Harie's Platform-Building Campaign and now She Writes. Thanks, Sheri!
Second thanks go to the Having Acquired the Words blog, one I've recently discovered. The header says it all, "Sandwich-Generation mom, daughter, wife, bohemian... creating between the slices." I love witty, and she strikes me as witty. She gave us the Versatile Blogger Award. We've previously accepted this award (see right sidebar), but were honored to be chosen again.
Rules for accepting the One Lovely Blog Award:
1. Thank and link to the person who nominates you (done)
2. Pass this Award along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it!
Since we've been honored with several awards lately, I am going to pass to 10 newly discovered blogs instead of 15.
Now for the fun part... sharing the love:
1. Having Acquired the Words
2. Becky's Barmy Book Blog
3. The Bookworm is Here
4. Lindy Legends and Other Such Nonsense
5. Once Upon a Prologue
6. Amanda's Writings
7. The Guardian Writer
8. Just a Word in this Story Called Life
9. Scribble and Edit
10. Bridget Straub: Author, Artist, Mom
Several of the newly found blogs above are participating in the Falling Into Books Blog Hop with me. Find out more about my giveaway here.
Or click on this badge for all the giveaways.
We owe thanks! First to Sheri L. Swift and her blog, Finding Joy in the Journey, we have been awarded the One Lovely Blog Award. Her blog is truly lovely, and I've enjoyed connecting with her through Rachel Harie's Platform-Building Campaign and now She Writes. Thanks, Sheri!
Second thanks go to the Having Acquired the Words blog, one I've recently discovered. The header says it all, "Sandwich-Generation mom, daughter, wife, bohemian... creating between the slices." I love witty, and she strikes me as witty. She gave us the Versatile Blogger Award. We've previously accepted this award (see right sidebar), but were honored to be chosen again.
Rules for accepting the One Lovely Blog Award:
1. Thank and link to the person who nominates you (done)
2. Pass this Award along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it!
Since we've been honored with several awards lately, I am going to pass to 10 newly discovered blogs instead of 15.
Now for the fun part... sharing the love:
1. Having Acquired the Words
2. Becky's Barmy Book Blog
3. The Bookworm is Here
4. Lindy Legends and Other Such Nonsense
5. Once Upon a Prologue
6. Amanda's Writings
7. The Guardian Writer
8. Just a Word in this Story Called Life
9. Scribble and Edit
10. Bridget Straub: Author, Artist, Mom
Several of the newly found blogs above are participating in the Falling Into Books Blog Hop with me. Find out more about my giveaway here.
Or click on this badge for all the giveaways.
September 26, 2011
Falling into Books Blog Hop Giveaway: Ready, Set, Go
It's officially giveaway time!
To recap my Friday post:
We are participating in our first Blog Hop Giveaway. *rounds of applause* *fireworks* The brainchild of Michelle Flick of Oh! For the LOVE of BOOKS, the Falling Into Books Blog Hop runs from Monday, September 26 to Friday, September 30. Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 1st.
We are giving away a signed copy of our novel, Depression Cookies. More information about our award-winning novel can be found at our website. This giveaway is open to all US residents over age 13. Details for entering are below.
Please click on this beautiful badge to participate in more fantastic giveaways.
Details for my giveaway:
- Please leave a comment below answering this burning question: What's the single most important characteristic of a meaningful relationship? (this is research for our next novel about a mother and her college daughter)
- For an extra entry into the hat, please join this site with Google Friend Connect on the right sidebar. One more entry for following me on Twitter. Please note if you did one or both of these in your comments below so I can count it properly. If you are already my friend and follower, thank you. We want to reward you with one extra entry (again make note in your comment).
The morning of Saturday, October 1 I will put all the names in a hat (with repeat names for extra entries) and have my oldest daughter pick. I know it's not as fancy as using an internet tool, but I haven't played with those yet and don't want to mess up my first official blog hop giveaway. I'll post a picture with my daughter pulling said name (for fun!).
Any questions, please leave a comment. Good luck!
To recap my Friday post:
We are participating in our first Blog Hop Giveaway. *rounds of applause* *fireworks* The brainchild of Michelle Flick of Oh! For the LOVE of BOOKS, the Falling Into Books Blog Hop runs from Monday, September 26 to Friday, September 30. Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 1st.
We are giving away a signed copy of our novel, Depression Cookies. More information about our award-winning novel can be found at our website. This giveaway is open to all US residents over age 13. Details for entering are below.
Please click on this beautiful badge to participate in more fantastic giveaways.
Details for my giveaway:
- Please leave a comment below answering this burning question: What's the single most important characteristic of a meaningful relationship? (this is research for our next novel about a mother and her college daughter)
- For an extra entry into the hat, please join this site with Google Friend Connect on the right sidebar. One more entry for following me on Twitter. Please note if you did one or both of these in your comments below so I can count it properly. If you are already my friend and follower, thank you. We want to reward you with one extra entry (again make note in your comment).
The morning of Saturday, October 1 I will put all the names in a hat (with repeat names for extra entries) and have my oldest daughter pick. I know it's not as fancy as using an internet tool, but I haven't played with those yet and don't want to mess up my first official blog hop giveaway. I'll post a picture with my daughter pulling said name (for fun!).
Any questions, please leave a comment. Good luck!
September 25, 2011
A Flexible Challenge: What Could be Better?
If you frequent my blog, and little makes me happier, you've heard all about A Round of Words in 80 Days. If not, it's time you do.
Kait Nolan's challenge is "the writing challenge that knows you have a life." How grand. I considered joining NaNoWriMo next month, but ultimately decided to wait until the next one (or Camp NaNo next summer). First, Mom and I are committed to finishing the follow-up to
Depression Cookies
. I am going to be working on my solo YA project when Mom has the book, but know I can't completely commit to it.
ROW 80, however, lets me set goals and change them throughout as necessary. I learned so much from Round 3, my first. See my post detailing those lessons here.
Round 4 runs from October 3 through December 22, perfect for your year-end writing goals. Whether a longtime writer trying to finish a project or a newbie trying to kickstart scheduled writing, you will benefit from this lovely group of writers. And this Round, I am a sponsor.
From the ROW 80 site, a bit of explanation about the challenge:
We have 4 rounds a year, each running 80 days.
Your goal can be anything you like as long as it is measurable (e.g. number of words/pages, specified amount of time to spend on writing per day/week, number of pages edited, etc.–for more on what makes a measurable goal, see this post).
Once you have settled on a goal, you write it up on your blog (yes, you must have one) and link to it on the Goals Linky for the Round, which will be posted on the ROW80 Blog.
If your goal changes before the end of the 80 days, simply write up a new goals post and link to it on the latest check-in day.
We have check-ins twice a week on Wednesday and Sundays where you will update us the same way (e.g. write up a blog post of your progress and link to it on that day's linky).
On Twitter we use a hashtag of #ROW80 if you wanna come hang out
And if you happen to find us after a round has begun, just write up your goals post and hop on in whenever. We're a friendly bunch.
I hope you'll join us for Round 4.
Do you enjoy the accountability of a challenge?
Kait Nolan's challenge is "the writing challenge that knows you have a life." How grand. I considered joining NaNoWriMo next month, but ultimately decided to wait until the next one (or Camp NaNo next summer). First, Mom and I are committed to finishing the follow-up to
Depression Cookies
. I am going to be working on my solo YA project when Mom has the book, but know I can't completely commit to it.ROW 80, however, lets me set goals and change them throughout as necessary. I learned so much from Round 3, my first. See my post detailing those lessons here.
Round 4 runs from October 3 through December 22, perfect for your year-end writing goals. Whether a longtime writer trying to finish a project or a newbie trying to kickstart scheduled writing, you will benefit from this lovely group of writers. And this Round, I am a sponsor.
From the ROW 80 site, a bit of explanation about the challenge:
We have 4 rounds a year, each running 80 days.
Your goal can be anything you like as long as it is measurable (e.g. number of words/pages, specified amount of time to spend on writing per day/week, number of pages edited, etc.–for more on what makes a measurable goal, see this post).
Once you have settled on a goal, you write it up on your blog (yes, you must have one) and link to it on the Goals Linky for the Round, which will be posted on the ROW80 Blog.
If your goal changes before the end of the 80 days, simply write up a new goals post and link to it on the latest check-in day.
We have check-ins twice a week on Wednesday and Sundays where you will update us the same way (e.g. write up a blog post of your progress and link to it on that day's linky).
On Twitter we use a hashtag of #ROW80 if you wanna come hang out
And if you happen to find us after a round has begun, just write up your goals post and hop on in whenever. We're a friendly bunch.
I hope you'll join us for Round 4.
Do you enjoy the accountability of a challenge?
September 23, 2011
Falling Into Books Blog Hop: Giveaways Galore
Pardon the interruption to our normal Friday Feature, but this is exciting. We are participating in our first Blog Hop Giveaway. *rounds of applause* *fireworks* The brainchild of Michelle Flick of Oh! For the LOVE of BOOKS, the Falling Into Books Blog Hop runs from Monday, September 26 to Friday, September 30. Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 1st.
I'm posting about this giveaway early to give my readers a heads up. I will re-run this post Monday.
We are giving away a signed copy of our novel, Depression Cookies. More information about our award-winning novel can be found at our website. This giveaway is open to all US residents over age 13. Details for entering are below.
Please click on this beautiful badge for more fantastic giveaways. Information about the giveaway will be posted Monday, September 26.
Details for my giveaway:
- Please leave a comment below answering this burning question: What's the single most important characteristic of a meaningful relationship? (this is research for our next novel about a mother and her college daughter)
- For an extra entry into the hat, please join this site with Google Friend Connect on the right sidebar. One more entry for following me on Twitter. Please note if you did one or both of these in your comments below so I can count it properly. If you are already my friend and follower, thank you. We want to thank you with one extra entry (again make note in your comment).
On Saturday morning, I will put all the names in a hat (with repeat names for extra entries) and have my oldest daughter pick. I know it's not as fancy as using an internet tool, but I haven't played with those yet and don't want to mess up my first official blog hop giveaway. I'll post a picture with my daughter pulling said name (for fun!).
Any questions, please leave a comment.
Comments left before Monday, September 26 will not be considered, so please come back then. Just wanted to give you some food for thought for the weekend. Comments about your excitement over the giveaway or our blog in general, however, are always welcome. *smiles* Wishing everyone a happy weekend!
I'm posting about this giveaway early to give my readers a heads up. I will re-run this post Monday.
We are giving away a signed copy of our novel, Depression Cookies. More information about our award-winning novel can be found at our website. This giveaway is open to all US residents over age 13. Details for entering are below.
Please click on this beautiful badge for more fantastic giveaways. Information about the giveaway will be posted Monday, September 26.
Details for my giveaway:
- Please leave a comment below answering this burning question: What's the single most important characteristic of a meaningful relationship? (this is research for our next novel about a mother and her college daughter)
- For an extra entry into the hat, please join this site with Google Friend Connect on the right sidebar. One more entry for following me on Twitter. Please note if you did one or both of these in your comments below so I can count it properly. If you are already my friend and follower, thank you. We want to thank you with one extra entry (again make note in your comment).
On Saturday morning, I will put all the names in a hat (with repeat names for extra entries) and have my oldest daughter pick. I know it's not as fancy as using an internet tool, but I haven't played with those yet and don't want to mess up my first official blog hop giveaway. I'll post a picture with my daughter pulling said name (for fun!).
Any questions, please leave a comment.
Comments left before Monday, September 26 will not be considered, so please come back then. Just wanted to give you some food for thought for the weekend. Comments about your excitement over the giveaway or our blog in general, however, are always welcome. *smiles* Wishing everyone a happy weekend!
September 22, 2011
Dear Diary: Protect my Words and my Heart
Today, September 22nd, is Dear Diary Day. Months ago, I ran across information on this special day and knew it was post-worthy. You don't need to be a writer to appreciate the value of words. Words helps us express emotion and desire, catalog memories, and communicate ideas.
For mothers, remember all the cute things your toddler has said. Their words, so priceless when said, are often lost in the shuffle of life. Take a moment, write them down. Before you know it, they'll be packing for college.
For writers, keep a journal in your car, purse, everywhere. Write every thing you see, feel, touch, taste... detail any sensory experience. Keep it for scenes and inspiration. Write whenever something touches you.
For readers, write down how your favorite book makes you feel. A friend recently gave me a book lover's journal to record cherished moments from books. I want to remember why it touched me, not just that it did.
For people struggling, write it down and let it go. Sometimes expressing your thoughts in words, in a private place, can be the first step to healing. The paper won't judge you. It takes your words without opinion. Close the cover and revisit it as you can.
Part of the inspiration for Depression Cookies came from finding my teenage diaries during a move. As soon as I read the words, the emotions were so clear. Fears, desires, disappointments... all protected in a red velvet-covered diary with a broken lock. Some things were forgotten, but came rushing back with the power of the written details.
May today remind you to record your thoughts, no matter your profession. Those words will always mean something. A diary or journal can be the simplest way to protect your heart.
Do you journal? Will you start?
For mothers, remember all the cute things your toddler has said. Their words, so priceless when said, are often lost in the shuffle of life. Take a moment, write them down. Before you know it, they'll be packing for college.
For writers, keep a journal in your car, purse, everywhere. Write every thing you see, feel, touch, taste... detail any sensory experience. Keep it for scenes and inspiration. Write whenever something touches you.For readers, write down how your favorite book makes you feel. A friend recently gave me a book lover's journal to record cherished moments from books. I want to remember why it touched me, not just that it did.
For people struggling, write it down and let it go. Sometimes expressing your thoughts in words, in a private place, can be the first step to healing. The paper won't judge you. It takes your words without opinion. Close the cover and revisit it as you can.
Part of the inspiration for Depression Cookies came from finding my teenage diaries during a move. As soon as I read the words, the emotions were so clear. Fears, desires, disappointments... all protected in a red velvet-covered diary with a broken lock. Some things were forgotten, but came rushing back with the power of the written details.
May today remind you to record your thoughts, no matter your profession. Those words will always mean something. A diary or journal can be the simplest way to protect your heart.
Do you journal? Will you start?
September 21, 2011
Top Five Lessons from my Friends: Last Round 3 ROW 80 Check In
I'll Be There for You, Cause You're There for Me Too
Can you tell I loved Friends? Well, I also love my friends. I must admit I have some blogger and writer friends right now I'd love to meet. I'm grateful for the online relationships and support, but I'm still wishing for a more personal dinner out. Maybe we'll all pick a conference to attend in 2012 or something. Just saying...
It's hard to believe this is the final check in for Round 3 of A Round of Words in 80 Days. I am so thankful to Kait Nolan. This challenge has taught me so much.
Top Five Gifts From Round 3:
Support
I love to write, but it can be a very solitary existence. I'm a people person. I knew this about myself, but didn't think it applied to my writing. It does. Encouragment and camaraderie are essential to my writing life. Hearing about others' struggles and accomplishments makes me feel less isolated and more inspired.
Knowledge
I learned something from every post I read during the challenge: everything from writing technique, editing hints, suggestions for formatting ebooks, cover art, trailer production to not being so hard on yourself when life gets in the way.
Accountability
Overall, I'm a motivated person. I like to succeed and fulfill goals. Still, knowing my fellow writers were working toward their own goals and planning to stop by, was a huge motivator for me.
Goal-Setting
ROW 80 is unique because it allows the participants to reassess their goals and customize the challenge for their needs. This was a new concept for me. I tend to overschedule and run around like a mad woman. I rarely give myself permission to reassess. I've discovered my writing flows better when I don't force it.
Acceptance
Life happens. Writer's block happens. You have to learn to accept change and move forward or life will take over. Easier said than done. ROW 80 participants have helped me learn this valuable lesson.
Overall, I am happy with my Round 3 results. Mom and I are almost 25,000 words into our sequel. It took us 10 years to write the first book and its 176,000 words. I'm looking forward to better defining my goals in Round 4.
The best challenge I set for myself this week was to visit every blog on Sunday's Linky. Success! It was my sprint to the finish. I wanted to give back some love to show appreciation.
Round 4 starts October 3rd. I hope to see a lot of familiar faces as well as find new writer friends. Readers: this is a great place for you to check out writers and hear about some exciting book projects, most prior to publication. If you are on the lookout for new authors and books, you'll be thrilled with what you find.
Can you tell I loved Friends? Well, I also love my friends. I must admit I have some blogger and writer friends right now I'd love to meet. I'm grateful for the online relationships and support, but I'm still wishing for a more personal dinner out. Maybe we'll all pick a conference to attend in 2012 or something. Just saying...
It's hard to believe this is the final check in for Round 3 of A Round of Words in 80 Days. I am so thankful to Kait Nolan. This challenge has taught me so much.
Top Five Gifts From Round 3:
Support
I love to write, but it can be a very solitary existence. I'm a people person. I knew this about myself, but didn't think it applied to my writing. It does. Encouragment and camaraderie are essential to my writing life. Hearing about others' struggles and accomplishments makes me feel less isolated and more inspired.
Knowledge
I learned something from every post I read during the challenge: everything from writing technique, editing hints, suggestions for formatting ebooks, cover art, trailer production to not being so hard on yourself when life gets in the way.
Accountability
Overall, I'm a motivated person. I like to succeed and fulfill goals. Still, knowing my fellow writers were working toward their own goals and planning to stop by, was a huge motivator for me.
Goal-Setting
ROW 80 is unique because it allows the participants to reassess their goals and customize the challenge for their needs. This was a new concept for me. I tend to overschedule and run around like a mad woman. I rarely give myself permission to reassess. I've discovered my writing flows better when I don't force it.
Acceptance
Life happens. Writer's block happens. You have to learn to accept change and move forward or life will take over. Easier said than done. ROW 80 participants have helped me learn this valuable lesson.
Overall, I am happy with my Round 3 results. Mom and I are almost 25,000 words into our sequel. It took us 10 years to write the first book and its 176,000 words. I'm looking forward to better defining my goals in Round 4.
The best challenge I set for myself this week was to visit every blog on Sunday's Linky. Success! It was my sprint to the finish. I wanted to give back some love to show appreciation.
Round 4 starts October 3rd. I hope to see a lot of familiar faces as well as find new writer friends. Readers: this is a great place for you to check out writers and hear about some exciting book projects, most prior to publication. If you are on the lookout for new authors and books, you'll be thrilled with what you find.
September 20, 2011
New Mom Advice and Instructions: Tub-Full Tuesday
People who are willing to pass on knowledge to help others fill my tub. I've often posted about the generosity of the writing community, but there's another wonderful group who live to give... mothers. I've yet to meet a mom who wasn't terrified to leave the hospital with her first baby. I know I personally questioned the sanity of the nurse who signed my exit papers. What did I know about this little person?
My gut sent me running to my mom. She was unbelievable, so patient with all my questions. But she didn't live close by. I learn by watching, and I needed to surround myself with other women figuring it out. I needed new mom advice and camaraderie.
One of my first Mommy-friends suggested a book I adore to this day, Anne Lamott's Operating Instructions: A Journal of my Son's First Year. She didn't hold back any of her fears. I was so tired with a newborn, but devoured this book in one evening. I laughed and appreciated the author's raw honesty about tackling the unknown beast of motherhood. Truly some of the best new mom advice I've ever received. At the core, we have to believe in ourselves and embrace our struggles and thoughts. The biggest defeat a mom can have is trying too hard to be perfect, it's simply unattainable.
When I was querying my fellow moms about whether to have a third kid or not, a handful were truly honest. I so appreciated it, and I spread the love. I tell other moms all the time that they will inevitably love and cherish a new life, but they should consider the effort of different personalities, needs, wants and energies. It's a commitment, and one not to be taken lightly.
A huge thank you to all my mom friends who constantly fill my tub and help me be a better mother and woman.
Today, my mom and I are featured on WoMom.net, a wonderful site for mothers. I love their slogan... real moms. real life. Please take a moment to checkout their site and our interview.
What is the best real advice a mother ever gave you?
My gut sent me running to my mom. She was unbelievable, so patient with all my questions. But she didn't live close by. I learn by watching, and I needed to surround myself with other women figuring it out. I needed new mom advice and camaraderie.
One of my first Mommy-friends suggested a book I adore to this day, Anne Lamott's Operating Instructions: A Journal of my Son's First Year. She didn't hold back any of her fears. I was so tired with a newborn, but devoured this book in one evening. I laughed and appreciated the author's raw honesty about tackling the unknown beast of motherhood. Truly some of the best new mom advice I've ever received. At the core, we have to believe in ourselves and embrace our struggles and thoughts. The biggest defeat a mom can have is trying too hard to be perfect, it's simply unattainable.When I was querying my fellow moms about whether to have a third kid or not, a handful were truly honest. I so appreciated it, and I spread the love. I tell other moms all the time that they will inevitably love and cherish a new life, but they should consider the effort of different personalities, needs, wants and energies. It's a commitment, and one not to be taken lightly.
A huge thank you to all my mom friends who constantly fill my tub and help me be a better mother and woman.
Today, my mom and I are featured on WoMom.net, a wonderful site for mothers. I love their slogan... real moms. real life. Please take a moment to checkout their site and our interview.
What is the best real advice a mother ever gave you?
