Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 69
September 11, 2012
Let us Not Forget
September 11, 2001. A day few will forget.
Today, I went to a special flag raising ceremony at my daughter's middle school. It dawned on me that none of the kids there really remember September 11. They may have seen images or studied about it, but they don't remember the feelings they had that day.
I do.
The main speaker, a representative from our local American Legion, said he would never forget 9/11, just like he would never forget John F. Kennedy's assassination, the Cuban missile crisis, and even Pearl Harbor. I realized I "see" those events like my daughters will see 9/11... a series of pictures with a history lesson.
It shows you the difference between experiencing something and studying it. This really made an impression on me today.
From the 9/11 Memorial Website...
We shall never forget
We shall keep this day,
We shall keep the events and the tears
In our minds, our memory and our hearts
and take them with us as we carry on.
Source
Today, I went to a special flag raising ceremony at my daughter's middle school. It dawned on me that none of the kids there really remember September 11. They may have seen images or studied about it, but they don't remember the feelings they had that day.
I do.
The main speaker, a representative from our local American Legion, said he would never forget 9/11, just like he would never forget John F. Kennedy's assassination, the Cuban missile crisis, and even Pearl Harbor. I realized I "see" those events like my daughters will see 9/11... a series of pictures with a history lesson.
It shows you the difference between experiencing something and studying it. This really made an impression on me today.
From the 9/11 Memorial Website...
We shall never forget
We shall keep this day,
We shall keep the events and the tears
In our minds, our memory and our hearts
and take them with us as we carry on.
Source
September 10, 2012
A Conversation with my Daughter
Today will be a short post, because I spent most of my day in manic productivity. I wish I could say all of that energy resulted in words, but I did make progress there, too. And I cleared up my calendar for some serious writing tomorrow.
I was cruising through the to-do list, when I had to stop at 2:45pm for my middle daughter's weekly allergy shot, followed by my oldest daughter's first karate lesson (something she announced she wanted to do last week), pick up my baby from a play date, run through McDonald's for dinner, then take my middle daughter to her first of three swim practices this week. In the few minutes in between, we squeezed in homework and chore assignments.
On the way home from swim, my daughter (DD2) asked me how it felt to be a writer. My kids rarely ask me about writing. If anything, I think they wish they didn't have an editor/writer for a mom, because I red ink all their first draft writing assignments.
I told her I loved writing, because it gave me a way to process the world. It just came out, and it felt like the right answer. She's not old enough to read my book just yet, and she's my only daughter I have to force a timer on to do her nightly reading requirement.
It felt like the right time to find out why she didn't like reading...
Me: Why don't you like reading?
DD2: When I don't like a book, I find it so hard to get through. But when I really love a book, I go even slower.
It took me a moment to digest what she said.
Me: Why do you think that is?
DD2: Because I want to savor it.
Now, that doesn't sound like someone who doesn't like to read. Just someone frustrated by how long it takes to get through that really great book. I'm such a book nerd that I truly wanted to cry.
I'm sharing this, because I found it really inspiring. Learning new and unexpected things about my children always brings a smile to my face. Discovering that she really did love to read. Priceless.
I was cruising through the to-do list, when I had to stop at 2:45pm for my middle daughter's weekly allergy shot, followed by my oldest daughter's first karate lesson (something she announced she wanted to do last week), pick up my baby from a play date, run through McDonald's for dinner, then take my middle daughter to her first of three swim practices this week. In the few minutes in between, we squeezed in homework and chore assignments.
On the way home from swim, my daughter (DD2) asked me how it felt to be a writer. My kids rarely ask me about writing. If anything, I think they wish they didn't have an editor/writer for a mom, because I red ink all their first draft writing assignments.
I told her I loved writing, because it gave me a way to process the world. It just came out, and it felt like the right answer. She's not old enough to read my book just yet, and she's my only daughter I have to force a timer on to do her nightly reading requirement.
It felt like the right time to find out why she didn't like reading...Me: Why don't you like reading?
DD2: When I don't like a book, I find it so hard to get through. But when I really love a book, I go even slower.
It took me a moment to digest what she said.
Me: Why do you think that is?
DD2: Because I want to savor it.
Now, that doesn't sound like someone who doesn't like to read. Just someone frustrated by how long it takes to get through that really great book. I'm such a book nerd that I truly wanted to cry.
I'm sharing this, because I found it really inspiring. Learning new and unexpected things about my children always brings a smile to my face. Discovering that she really did love to read. Priceless.
September 9, 2012
Book Focus Groups: ROW80 Update
Have you ever participated in a focus group?
You know the kind I'm talking about. One of those "try this yogurt and tell me what you really think" groups where they pay you to try several yogurts and give your honest opinion.
Or, have you heard about the test groups that get blamed for movies getting a new ending? (By the way, how do you get in one of those? There's a group I'd be interested in.)
I've decided it would be interesting to have a blind focus group for my book's rough draft. People who don't know me, or any other books I've written. I know, what about beta readers? Yep, I want them as well. But, I also think a group of "blind" readers (chosen of course based on my target audience for age and genre) would be beneficial. Especially with a list of questions...
1) Who is your favorite character and why?
2) Which character do you not like and why?
3) What do you think of the ending?
4) At what page did you feel the story grabbed you?
5) Was there a "lull" at any point in the book?
6) What was the most memorable section of story?
I wonder why we don't hear of this kind of group, especially in the big publishing houses. A book that comes out with a "test audience recommendation." Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be thrilled about rewriting an ending or a character, but if enough people had the same feedback, it would be worth it.
Thoughts?
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Writing: Slow and steady wins the race, right? I'm keeping with my time commitment, but it's not producing as many words as I would like. I'm sticking to it, and I hope the structure will encourage the words to flow.
Editing: Just like with reading, I find it hardest to get started on a new story. There's so much to learn about a new book, you really know little to nothing about characters, story, setting, etc. I find it hard to get my head into it at first. But, I finished up one project last week and finished a first edit on another... one I'm so excited to see come out!
Reading: I'm currently reading Anne Lamott's Blue Shoe. I was excited to read another Lamott after reading and enjoying her craft book, Bird by Bird. I'm finding the slow start a bit rough, but I trust Lamott enough to keep going. I wonder, though, if I had no relationship with this author, would I continue? Hmmm. If I was reading it in a blind test group...
Social Media: Did better the last few days, but I'm still trying to claw my way out of a very deep hole. Part of my problem, I feel the need to comment so people know I was there, but that takes a lot more effort than simply reading a post.
Blogging: So far, I'm keeping with the BlogHer daily challenge. 9 days and counting.
I hope all my ROW80 buds are doing well!
You know the kind I'm talking about. One of those "try this yogurt and tell me what you really think" groups where they pay you to try several yogurts and give your honest opinion.
Or, have you heard about the test groups that get blamed for movies getting a new ending? (By the way, how do you get in one of those? There's a group I'd be interested in.)
I've decided it would be interesting to have a blind focus group for my book's rough draft. People who don't know me, or any other books I've written. I know, what about beta readers? Yep, I want them as well. But, I also think a group of "blind" readers (chosen of course based on my target audience for age and genre) would be beneficial. Especially with a list of questions...1) Who is your favorite character and why?
2) Which character do you not like and why?
3) What do you think of the ending?
4) At what page did you feel the story grabbed you?
5) Was there a "lull" at any point in the book?
6) What was the most memorable section of story?
I wonder why we don't hear of this kind of group, especially in the big publishing houses. A book that comes out with a "test audience recommendation." Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be thrilled about rewriting an ending or a character, but if enough people had the same feedback, it would be worth it.
Thoughts?
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Writing: Slow and steady wins the race, right? I'm keeping with my time commitment, but it's not producing as many words as I would like. I'm sticking to it, and I hope the structure will encourage the words to flow.
Editing: Just like with reading, I find it hardest to get started on a new story. There's so much to learn about a new book, you really know little to nothing about characters, story, setting, etc. I find it hard to get my head into it at first. But, I finished up one project last week and finished a first edit on another... one I'm so excited to see come out!
Reading: I'm currently reading Anne Lamott's Blue Shoe. I was excited to read another Lamott after reading and enjoying her craft book, Bird by Bird. I'm finding the slow start a bit rough, but I trust Lamott enough to keep going. I wonder, though, if I had no relationship with this author, would I continue? Hmmm. If I was reading it in a blind test group...
Social Media: Did better the last few days, but I'm still trying to claw my way out of a very deep hole. Part of my problem, I feel the need to comment so people know I was there, but that takes a lot more effort than simply reading a post.
Blogging: So far, I'm keeping with the BlogHer daily challenge. 9 days and counting.
I hope all my ROW80 buds are doing well!
September 8, 2012
Grammar: Short and Sweet Saturdays
Saturdays are for family and catching up, so I've decided to make them Short and Sweet Saturdays here. Mostly I will share quick thoughts or questions based on a quote, graphic, or picture.
Today's...
I hate when people use irregardless (it's a double negative). It's not a word! Let's all agree to get the word out about this sensitive topic. Obviously, the "like to cast your vote" won't work here (it was originally published on Facebook), but feel free to show your support by saying Like in the comments below. If you haven't visited Grammarly.com, please do. It's made for people with OGD (Obsessive Grammar Disorder) like me!
Today's...
I hate when people use irregardless (it's a double negative). It's not a word! Let's all agree to get the word out about this sensitive topic. Obviously, the "like to cast your vote" won't work here (it was originally published on Facebook), but feel free to show your support by saying Like in the comments below. If you haven't visited Grammarly.com, please do. It's made for people with OGD (Obsessive Grammar Disorder) like me!
September 7, 2012
Yellowstone National Park: Fascinating Facts Friday
It's Fascinating Facts Friday. Feel free to let yourself get a bit giddy.
Since I'm participating in BlogHer's "eye" challenge, I wanted to also incorporate today's prompt: What is the coolest thing you ever saw?
I'll admit, the first thing that came to my mind was seeing my first baby come into the world. But, multitasker that I am, my next thought was Yellowstone National Park. Truly, it is the most beautiful place I've seen so far. But, just as importantly, part of my Young Adult WIP is set there, so consider this research.
Our Yellowstone trip 2010
Yellowstone National Park
- The park experiences 2,000 earthquakes per year. It's no wonder with its 10,000 thermal features and 300 active geysers.
- It is home to two endangered species: the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) and the Whooping Crane (Grus americana).
- Did you know that the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park area is roughly half the size of New Zealand and covers more than 2.2 million acres?
- Yellowstone National Park has the largest concentration of free roaming wildlife in all of the lower 48 states. (We took the picture of the buffalo above as he walked next to our car on the main road.)
- A grizzly bear will eat about 35 pounds of food in a given day. In August 2012, a man was killed by a grizzly in the park.
- Yellowstone National Park has 5 park entrances, 466 miles of roads, 950 miles of backcountry trails, 97 trailheads, and 287 backcountry campsites.
Note: It sure would be easy to lose someone to suspicious circumstances in such an area. Just saying.
- Yellowstone was the world's first national park. It was established by Congress and President Grant in 1872. Most of Yellowstone (96%) is in Wyoming, but parts extend into Montana and Idaho. The park is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Its elevation ranges from 5,282 feet to 11,358 feet (at Eagle Peak.) About 80% of the park is forested. (Source)
- Yellowstone has its own Grand Canyon, called the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. (That's my dad in the picture above.)
And just for a bit of fun, a picture of me, my husband, and our three girls during our 2010 Yellowstone trip (although the picture was taken at the Tetons).
For my writer friends... if you use a real city in one of your novels, do you visit it in addition to other types of research about the area?
Since I'm participating in BlogHer's "eye" challenge, I wanted to also incorporate today's prompt: What is the coolest thing you ever saw?
I'll admit, the first thing that came to my mind was seeing my first baby come into the world. But, multitasker that I am, my next thought was Yellowstone National Park. Truly, it is the most beautiful place I've seen so far. But, just as importantly, part of my Young Adult WIP is set there, so consider this research.
Our Yellowstone trip 2010Yellowstone National Park
- The park experiences 2,000 earthquakes per year. It's no wonder with its 10,000 thermal features and 300 active geysers.- It is home to two endangered species: the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) and the Whooping Crane (Grus americana).
- Did you know that the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park area is roughly half the size of New Zealand and covers more than 2.2 million acres?
- Yellowstone National Park has the largest concentration of free roaming wildlife in all of the lower 48 states. (We took the picture of the buffalo above as he walked next to our car on the main road.)
- A grizzly bear will eat about 35 pounds of food in a given day. In August 2012, a man was killed by a grizzly in the park.
- Yellowstone National Park has 5 park entrances, 466 miles of roads, 950 miles of backcountry trails, 97 trailheads, and 287 backcountry campsites.
Note: It sure would be easy to lose someone to suspicious circumstances in such an area. Just saying.
- Yellowstone was the world's first national park. It was established by Congress and President Grant in 1872. Most of Yellowstone (96%) is in Wyoming, but parts extend into Montana and Idaho. The park is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Its elevation ranges from 5,282 feet to 11,358 feet (at Eagle Peak.) About 80% of the park is forested. (Source)
- Yellowstone has its own Grand Canyon, called the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. (That's my dad in the picture above.)
And just for a bit of fun, a picture of me, my husband, and our three girls during our 2010 Yellowstone trip (although the picture was taken at the Tetons).
For my writer friends... if you use a real city in one of your novels, do you visit it in addition to other types of research about the area?
September 6, 2012
Cry Baby, Stick Your Finger in Your Eye
Today's BlogHer "eye" challenge post... Are you okay with letting people see you cry?
We all heard it as kids, the classic
SourceCry baby, cry baby
Stick your finger in your eye
Tell your mother it wasn't I
Okay, I looked up that last line. I only knew the first two. Still, it's just not cool to cry in public, especially when you are young.
I'm not a crier, in general. A good book can cause a lump to form in my throat, making it hard to swallow, and even cause a tear to fall down my cheek. A sad movie might cause several tears, but full-out crying... it's been a long time.
I'm more of a cry-out-of-frustration sort. If I'm crying, I've reached the end of my rope. So, I find it even harder to want people to see me cry. If I'm at that point, I'm about to crumble and have reached a heightened state of vulnerability.
Plus, I fight a cry. You know what I'm talking about. I'm the one waving my hand in front of my face (someone please explain to me why that helps!) while saying, "I think I'm going to cry."
Happy tears are something I've never understood. If I'm crying, I ain't happy. Being overcome with happy, excited, or proud moments doesn't usually bring tears... it brings joy and hyperactivity! I didn't cry at my wedding, but I danced with a fervor that shouldn't be allowed (might have been a bit aided by alcohol).
For those that find tears cleansing and therapeutic, it might be different. For me, I don't like the feeling of helplessness of someone seeing me losing control. Good friends and family only. Aren't they so lucky?
Do you mind people seeing you cry? What usually brings on the tears?
We all heard it as kids, the classic
SourceCry baby, cry babyStick your finger in your eye
Tell your mother it wasn't I
Okay, I looked up that last line. I only knew the first two. Still, it's just not cool to cry in public, especially when you are young.
I'm not a crier, in general. A good book can cause a lump to form in my throat, making it hard to swallow, and even cause a tear to fall down my cheek. A sad movie might cause several tears, but full-out crying... it's been a long time.
I'm more of a cry-out-of-frustration sort. If I'm crying, I've reached the end of my rope. So, I find it even harder to want people to see me cry. If I'm at that point, I'm about to crumble and have reached a heightened state of vulnerability.
Plus, I fight a cry. You know what I'm talking about. I'm the one waving my hand in front of my face (someone please explain to me why that helps!) while saying, "I think I'm going to cry."
Happy tears are something I've never understood. If I'm crying, I ain't happy. Being overcome with happy, excited, or proud moments doesn't usually bring tears... it brings joy and hyperactivity! I didn't cry at my wedding, but I danced with a fervor that shouldn't be allowed (might have been a bit aided by alcohol).
For those that find tears cleansing and therapeutic, it might be different. For me, I don't like the feeling of helplessness of someone seeing me losing control. Good friends and family only. Aren't they so lucky?
Do you mind people seeing you cry? What usually brings on the tears?
September 5, 2012
Books that Make You Go Hmmmm: #IWSG and ROW80
It's the first Wednesday of the month. Just in time for a much-needed writing therapy session in the form of an Insecure Writer's Support Group (#IWSG) post.
After a summer full of reading but short on writing, I realized something. (Okay, two things, but finding out it's hard to write when kids are running around is less shocking!) It's the books I read that I don't like that intimidate my writing process more than the ones I love.
Doesn't make sense, does it? You would think the off-the-charts amazing books, like The Book Thief , would leave me wondering if I should write or can write. But those books actually leave me inspired to write a book that leaves a lasting impression on a reader. I feel a writer's high, if you will.
Instead, it's the books I think will be good and aren't that leave me feeling unsure. As I sit and pick apart why I think the book failed, my mind wanders off to what in my current WIP might or might not be working. I'm left feeling unsure and insecure.
If I think it's pacing, I become obssess with the structure of my storyline. If I don't care about a character, I wonder if my own characters are likeable or memorable? And so on.
Please tell me I'm not the only one!
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Wednesdays are also ROW80 check in days.
Writing: My test mile of one hour is going well so far. I'm finding a time focus versus a total words focus is better for me.
Editing: A time focus is working best here, too. I have three novel-length projects right now, and I am finding it difficult to balance them fairly. I can't decide if it's better to finish one then another, or work on them alternating days to give each author a fair amount of time. Suggestions?
Blogging: I really need to focus on pre-writing posts. I am back to frantically writing them the day of, and that always leaves me stressed.
Reading: Loving reading lately. Please stop over to my Mom in Love with Fiction blog from time to time to check out my latest reviews. And to my ROW80 (and other writing friends), I'm always happy to promote books (through reviews or spotlights, etc) on my blog. It's my way of giving back.
Social Media: Catching up. Why do I always feel like I'm never able to get my head above water on this goal?
How's everybody else doing? I'm not even sure when this round officially ends, but I know it's coming up. Off to write...
After a summer full of reading but short on writing, I realized something. (Okay, two things, but finding out it's hard to write when kids are running around is less shocking!) It's the books I read that I don't like that intimidate my writing process more than the ones I love.Doesn't make sense, does it? You would think the off-the-charts amazing books, like The Book Thief , would leave me wondering if I should write or can write. But those books actually leave me inspired to write a book that leaves a lasting impression on a reader. I feel a writer's high, if you will.
Instead, it's the books I think will be good and aren't that leave me feeling unsure. As I sit and pick apart why I think the book failed, my mind wanders off to what in my current WIP might or might not be working. I'm left feeling unsure and insecure.
If I think it's pacing, I become obssess with the structure of my storyline. If I don't care about a character, I wonder if my own characters are likeable or memorable? And so on.
Please tell me I'm not the only one!
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Wednesdays are also ROW80 check in days.
Writing: My test mile of one hour is going well so far. I'm finding a time focus versus a total words focus is better for me.
Editing: A time focus is working best here, too. I have three novel-length projects right now, and I am finding it difficult to balance them fairly. I can't decide if it's better to finish one then another, or work on them alternating days to give each author a fair amount of time. Suggestions?
Blogging: I really need to focus on pre-writing posts. I am back to frantically writing them the day of, and that always leaves me stressed.
Reading: Loving reading lately. Please stop over to my Mom in Love with Fiction blog from time to time to check out my latest reviews. And to my ROW80 (and other writing friends), I'm always happy to promote books (through reviews or spotlights, etc) on my blog. It's my way of giving back.
Social Media: Catching up. Why do I always feel like I'm never able to get my head above water on this goal?
How's everybody else doing? I'm not even sure when this round officially ends, but I know it's coming up. Off to write...
September 4, 2012
Peering into the Soul's Window
Today's BlogHer prompt: When you are speaking with someone, do you prefer to look them in the eye or talk over the phone?
This month I'm participating in BlogHer's daily blog challenge with an eye theme. My goal for the month is to reveal myself through honest answers. After all, what's the point of having a month of inner reflection without honesty?
I prefer to look people in the eye when I want to talk to them about something important. If it's a happy topic, I want to see their excitement and joy. If it's a truly sad moment, I want to be there to comfort them, although seeing sadness is always difficult.
So much more is conveyed in a real conversation (body language, facial expressions) than can ever be conveyed over a phone. When it comes to my family and friends, I always prefer in person but sadly have to often settle for the phone.
But there are just those times you need a phone. If someone's trying to sell me oceanfront property in Tennessee, give me a phone and an off button. Or a cell phone with really bad reception.
In our society, too often we use phones to hide away and avoid personal interaction. Even then, we don't talk to people. We email, we text, we update our Facebook status... okay, we even blog. Communities and relationships are stronger when people focus on personal conversations and not just quick communications through technology.
At the end of the day, if eyes are truly the window to the soul, why would you ever want anything less than to gaze into them?
This month I'm participating in BlogHer's daily blog challenge with an eye theme. My goal for the month is to reveal myself through honest answers. After all, what's the point of having a month of inner reflection without honesty?
I prefer to look people in the eye when I want to talk to them about something important. If it's a happy topic, I want to see their excitement and joy. If it's a truly sad moment, I want to be there to comfort them, although seeing sadness is always difficult. So much more is conveyed in a real conversation (body language, facial expressions) than can ever be conveyed over a phone. When it comes to my family and friends, I always prefer in person but sadly have to often settle for the phone.
But there are just those times you need a phone. If someone's trying to sell me oceanfront property in Tennessee, give me a phone and an off button. Or a cell phone with really bad reception.
In our society, too often we use phones to hide away and avoid personal interaction. Even then, we don't talk to people. We email, we text, we update our Facebook status... okay, we even blog. Communities and relationships are stronger when people focus on personal conversations and not just quick communications through technology.
At the end of the day, if eyes are truly the window to the soul, why would you ever want anything less than to gaze into them?
September 3, 2012
Rules of the Race: ROW80
Yesterday, I ran 13.1 miles after months of training. It was a very humid and hot day even at 7am when the race started in Virginia Beach. I was sweating before the race began.
A couple of years ago I promised myself I would finish a half marathon sometime in my 40th year. Mission accomplished. I also promised myself I'd finish the sequel to Depression Cookies in my 40th year... 11 months and counting.
Training for a race was exhausting and full of ups and downs, but it taught me a lot about life and writing.
My Depression Cookies medal and Half Marathon medal
1. You Can't Prepare for Everything, But You Can Prepare
You can't know every challenge you'll face, but you can prepare in the best way possible. Even though my running partner and I ran in heat and humidity, we never ran 13 miles in it. But we prepared mentally and physically for a grueling race and it paid off.
We can't predict life, but we can plan to make writing such a priority that life can only make us slow down... not quit.
2. Don't Race Out of the Gate, Conserve Your Energy
It's so easy to get caught up in the energy of the runners and take off at the sound of the starting gun. But 13 miles is a long way. Same in writing, it's easy to see other writers setting word count goals and jump on board, fist pumping and excited. In the end, you want to be able to finish.
3. Don't Worry About People Passing You at Mile One
Because it's more important to run your race, your way. Plus, the people who start off without being practical, might just see you move past them at mile 12 or 13.
Along the course, my running partner and I were amazed at how many people we were passing. People who looked like amazing athletes. They warned us at the starting gate to take it easy with the humidity, suggesting to back off your normal times. Clearly a lot of people didn't listen and gave out.
4. Enjoy the Training and the Race
My sister, and 5-time marathon runner, gave me this advice while I was training: long, slow runs should be enjoyed. These runs build endurance and should be the one training run you look forward to.
What's the point of all the mental and physical preparation if you don't enjoy it? Sometimes I get so caught up in the goals and numbers, I forget to simply enjoy it.
5. Bring it!
On race day, you have to bring your A game as best you can. It's best to surround yourself with people who are cheering for you and rooting for your success. Same with writing, surround yourself with positive writers who support you (like ROW80!). It'll give you the encouragement you need during the rough spots (or hills!).
If you give it your all, you'll be proud of the final result.
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
A day late thanks to my race, but still kicking. I'm going for the short update. On the writing front, I discussed my book with a fellow author and got some valuable and energizing input. Much needed. Kept to my hour of novel time on Thursday and Friday, but was not for my marathon weekend. It is still my goal to finish DCII before I turn 41!
Editing is cruising along, even with the weekend break, but a bit behind in reading and social media. Tomorrow is my makeup day, because the kids will be back in school and my mental energy will no longer be focused on my race.
I hope everyone had an amazing Labor Day weekend filled with friends, family, and words (whether writing or reading.)
Oh, and just in case you missed it yesterday, Depression Cookies got a great review here. Please check it out!
A couple of years ago I promised myself I would finish a half marathon sometime in my 40th year. Mission accomplished. I also promised myself I'd finish the sequel to Depression Cookies in my 40th year... 11 months and counting.
Training for a race was exhausting and full of ups and downs, but it taught me a lot about life and writing.
My Depression Cookies medal and Half Marathon medal1. You Can't Prepare for Everything, But You Can Prepare
You can't know every challenge you'll face, but you can prepare in the best way possible. Even though my running partner and I ran in heat and humidity, we never ran 13 miles in it. But we prepared mentally and physically for a grueling race and it paid off.
We can't predict life, but we can plan to make writing such a priority that life can only make us slow down... not quit.
2. Don't Race Out of the Gate, Conserve Your Energy
It's so easy to get caught up in the energy of the runners and take off at the sound of the starting gun. But 13 miles is a long way. Same in writing, it's easy to see other writers setting word count goals and jump on board, fist pumping and excited. In the end, you want to be able to finish.
3. Don't Worry About People Passing You at Mile One
Because it's more important to run your race, your way. Plus, the people who start off without being practical, might just see you move past them at mile 12 or 13.
Along the course, my running partner and I were amazed at how many people we were passing. People who looked like amazing athletes. They warned us at the starting gate to take it easy with the humidity, suggesting to back off your normal times. Clearly a lot of people didn't listen and gave out.
4. Enjoy the Training and the Race
My sister, and 5-time marathon runner, gave me this advice while I was training: long, slow runs should be enjoyed. These runs build endurance and should be the one training run you look forward to.
What's the point of all the mental and physical preparation if you don't enjoy it? Sometimes I get so caught up in the goals and numbers, I forget to simply enjoy it.
5. Bring it!
On race day, you have to bring your A game as best you can. It's best to surround yourself with people who are cheering for you and rooting for your success. Same with writing, surround yourself with positive writers who support you (like ROW80!). It'll give you the encouragement you need during the rough spots (or hills!).
If you give it your all, you'll be proud of the final result.
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
A day late thanks to my race, but still kicking. I'm going for the short update. On the writing front, I discussed my book with a fellow author and got some valuable and energizing input. Much needed. Kept to my hour of novel time on Thursday and Friday, but was not for my marathon weekend. It is still my goal to finish DCII before I turn 41!
Editing is cruising along, even with the weekend break, but a bit behind in reading and social media. Tomorrow is my makeup day, because the kids will be back in school and my mental energy will no longer be focused on my race.
I hope everyone had an amazing Labor Day weekend filled with friends, family, and words (whether writing or reading.)
Oh, and just in case you missed it yesterday, Depression Cookies got a great review here. Please check it out!
September 2, 2012
A Review and an Accomplishment
My ROW80 update post will come tomorrow... a day late, but for good reason.
Today I participated in and finished (2:45---it's a start!) my first half marathon. My knee is screaming, but the sense of accomplishment I feel is worth every second of pain. That being said, I sure am thankful for Advil.
A special thanks to my sister, Tara, and friends, Tricia and Siobhan, for taking that journey with me!
To make this an even more special day, a fellow author reviewed Depression Cookies here. Please check it out! I always love it when readers like our book, but Shauna Kelley's review is particularly special for me because I so loved her book, Max and Menna.
Hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend.
Today I participated in and finished (2:45---it's a start!) my first half marathon. My knee is screaming, but the sense of accomplishment I feel is worth every second of pain. That being said, I sure am thankful for Advil.
A special thanks to my sister, Tara, and friends, Tricia and Siobhan, for taking that journey with me!
To make this an even more special day, a fellow author reviewed Depression Cookies here. Please check it out! I always love it when readers like our book, but Shauna Kelley's review is particularly special for me because I so loved her book, Max and Menna.
Hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend.
