Destiny Allison's Blog, page 12
June 25, 2013
You Can’t See the Forest for the Trees
I spent the weekend hiking and relaxing in the canyon where I grew up. It’s different now. The beaver pond has shrunk to a puddle and the bridge where I had pretend tea with my Mrs. Peabody doll has collapsed into the stream. Time takes its toll.
In pursuit of gold and lost history, we scrambled up a steep slope covered in granite tailings. Hands and feet clawing for purchase, we reached the summit of a scraggly peak. I stopped, breathing heavily, my bare legs scratched and starting to bleed. There, in the sun and wind, the world spread open before me, I paused to take in Ponderosa pine, red rocks, and aspens shimmering in the breeze. We did not find the elusive mine, or the famed Prisoners Road. Instead, we found a moment of peace.
Later, we drove as far as we could before hiking to the overlook — a sanctuary for Peregrine falcons, deep in the backwoods. On cliffs towering more than a thousand feet above the canyon I call home, we surveyed the mountains, streams, and forests. When I looked down, my stomach thundered with vertigo, but when I looked to the horizons east and south, I was calm, resilient, and whole.
To the north, a plume roiled against the crisp, blue the sky — white, red, orange, and purple streaked with angry gray, the breath of a dying fire. Monarch butterflies spread bright yellow wings and flies buzzed. A chipmunk darted up a tree. Wild raspberries and strawberries shed their petals, the budding fruit a beckoning.
A long time ago, my sister – a conservation activist and forester – told me that a healthy forest has integrity in relationship to itself. For years, I believed the chaotic clamor of life struggling, like we did, for purchase on the rocky slopes was what she meant. This weekend, I learned that a healthy forest isn’t cluttered or choked. It is tall Ponderosas and sweeping, park-like turf. Big, natural fires, occurring about once every forty years, used to clear the weed trees, tangled vines, and unhealthy overgrowth.
The realization, and subsequent discovery, of relative health stunned me. I had thought that everything was in balance the way things were. Fires terrify me. When we drove on Sunday through the recent burn, I experienced a revelation of sorts. The blackened earth, scorched trees, and absolute lack of chaos were a precursor to recovery and eventual health.
I started thinking about how creatives operate most of the time. The soil in our minds is fertile, primed for growth. Teeming with nutrients, different seeds take root, each competing with the other for room, water, and sun. Over time, our minds become cluttered, chaotic, and rough. The Douglas Firs choke out the old growth thoughts. A story prompt takes us away from our WIP. A blog insists we belong on Pinterest. As the seeds sprout, we lose integrity in relationship to ourselves. Then, our work is clumsy, noisy, and irrelevant, part of a teeming whole out of balance with itself.
Walking through the woods, standing on that cliff, and listening to the quiet of the creek, I started to do some clearing – chopping, bagging, and discarding dead debris. Just because I get an idea or feel compelled to do something doesn’t mean it’s good for the work or me. I want the Ponderosas and singing meadows, the grace and calm of a mind and heart in harmony.
Like the forest service, we have a choice. We can wait for lightning to strike and the fire that will follow – a string of negative reviews, dismal sales, a marriage collapse – or we can manage ourselves by cutting the weed trees and raking up the duff.
What are your Douglas Firs? Social media? A clean house? The blog posts you feel obligated to read? I’m thinking about all the things that choke my forest. What’s necessary? What contributes to a sustainable ecosystem and helps the good ideas thrive? What doesn’t? Let me know. I love to hear your thoughts.
June 18, 2013
Maintaining Enthusiasm
Maintaining enthusiasm can be hard, even when you’re passionate, love what you do, and believe in yourself. It’s easy to get lost in all the tedious parts of your craft or be consumed by the ever present marketing of your work.
Creativity requires juice — hot, electric, and wet, but juice doesn’t come from a muse. No bolt of inspirational lightning will bring it on. It is not some magical genie that retreats into a bottle when the mood strikes. No, Creativity comes from the doing.
After I published Shaping Destiny, I spent most of my time trying to market the book. When I wasn’t marketing, I was checking my stats, my rankings, and googling the book to see if someone had reviewed it without my knowledge. This was a waste of time.
Don’t get me wrong, social media can be wonderful and I’ve met some amazing people and made some great friends via my time spent on line. It’s also a necessity, no matter what business you’re in, but it can also be a life sucking drain that saps every bit of creativity out of you.
Finally, shriveled and dry, on edge and snapping at my family, I forced myself back into a writing discipline. The effort resulted in Pipe Dreams and writing it, I was on fire again. What a rush. Oh my god. I couldn’t wait to write the next chapter, dreamed about it all the time.
When I launched it, I planned to do what I’d done with the first book. Market, market, market. Surprisingly, I got sick of hearing myself really fast. Then I remembered that life sucking feeling I’d experienced before and decided to slow down before it ate me alive. So I started the next book. I’m 18,000 words into it and, as I’m sure you know, there’s nothing like it.
Sure, I spend some time every day doing the marketing work, but I’m not letting it own me. Instead, I’m keeping my discipline and doing the real work — the work that makes me smile all the time. The funny thing is, I sell more when I’m making the next thing than I do when I’m marketing incessantly.
My enthusiasm is contagious. It sparks real conversations, inspires others, and feeds itself. So if you are finding that you can’t maintain yours, start working on something new. Get excited again. Be a kid. Jump up and down when something goes right. It’ll change your world. I know because it changed mine.
On a separate note, and because I’m really excited, I want to let you know that Shaping Destiny just took 1st place for inspirational nonfiction in the LuckyCinda book competition for Indie authors and small presses. Yippee! To celebrate, I’ve put Shaping Destiny on sale on kindle if you want to check it out. For a limited time, you can get it for 99 cents. 
Now back to the original thought. What do you think? How do you keep your enthusiasm on over drive? What are some of your tricks for balancing creativity with the business side? Please share. I love hearing from you.
June 13, 2013
A Frustrated Reader
Reblogged from Robynn Gabel's Common Sense Experience:
It’s nice to be wanted. I know every Indie writer searches for an avid reader like me. I speed read and can easily devour up to 80,000 words a day. I'm always hungry for a good story. I will overlook a lot for that elusive plot that will submerse me in another time and place, leaving behind the troubles of this world.
I loved this. Honest, accurate, and appropriate.
June 11, 2013
At long last, There is Calm
For the last year, I’ve been questioning myself. What the hell am I doing? Am I crazy? Am I really moving away from a business that’s consistently averaged a quarter million in sales each year to be a writer? A what? You’re kidding!
Then, this week, I launched Pipe Dreams.
I was SO BLOODY SCARED, but people have been wonderful. The book is selling better than I’d hoped and the first feedback from readers is coming in.
Their comments, through email and twitter, are making all the worry, sleepless nights, and fear worth it.
Here’s an email that came in on Sunday night:
“It is Sunday evening – 9:00 pm. FINALLY I can catch my breath, stretch, go to the bathroom, feed my cats, etc. etc. etc. !!!
That ##¥¥€\|**%€!!! book has not let me go and I have spent the entire day (not to mention a good part of last night) super-glued to my hammock chair reading reading reading ! There went the yard work and the Sunday afternoon outing….
My God! What a read!!!!! Holy mackerel ! Destiny, this is awesome! You are amazing! This book is more than good and I think it should hit the big time. I would think that a big time publisher would want to nab this. Wow.
Oh, and please hurry up with the next one, ok?
Where can I buy more copies for gifts?
I am so impressed!” – Betsy
Betsy’s email is one of many and, while I know not everyone will like it, Pipe Dreams is finding its legs. It’s amazing. Today, humbled and calm for the first time in a long time, I’m inspired and hopeful.
Again, I’m reminded that if you follow your heart and do the work a path will appear.
There is a lot of work ahead and the next book to write, but today I’m breathing slow and deep. For the first time, and in spite of Shaping Destiny, I feel like an author and that maybe I’m not so crazy after all.
Don’t forget that 25% of sales will go to help other authors/artists achieve their dreams. To be entered to win, all you have to do is share a link to the book or this blog on your own blog, facebook, or twitter.
Thanks for being here and being part of this amazing journey.
June 5, 2013
World Building: A taste of Pipe Dreams
One of the hardest things about writing Pipe Dreams was building the world. I wanted it to be realistic and not so far in the future that it seemed pure fantasy. Originally, I referenced the Occupy movement, the 99%, and other current issues. That changed as my world evolved, but the rudiments are still there. In the end, I couldn’t help using a prologue because the back fill on the story could be a book by itself. For those interested, here it is.
On the day the rebellion was finally quelled, Vanessa Kovalic emerged from her grandmother’s apartment and joined other survivors on the street. Tacked to every tree and taped to streetlights, storefronts, and abandoned cars was a flyer printed on a single sheet of white paper. It read:
THE BULLETIN
Edenton, New York Volume 1, Issue 1
Where there is no need, there is no greed
Citizens of Edenton, before we lost all communications, we learned rebels on the mainland released a bio-weapon. Known as the Blue Flu, the weapon is wreaking havoc and millions of our brethren are dying. Through God’s grace, we have been spared and may be the last hope for humanity.
We advise you to stay away from birds as they are potential carriers of the Blue Flu. We are under absolute quarantine. No one may come ashore or leave the island. Arrangements have been made to supply the city and keep it safe.
In response to the rebellion – staged by members of the People’s Protest – and the effects of the Blue Flu on the mainland, a new government has been formed. Under its guidance, we will implement a New Social Order. Together, we will eradicate greed and ensure equality. From the ashes, we will build a society free from strife.
All citizens are required to work. Managers will assign jobs based on prior experience. The managers are our drivers, for they will steer us where we need to go. Workers, united as equals regardless of race or gender, will be provided with food, clothing, and other necessities. Those who fail to report immediately, work, or comply with the new mandates will be cast out. The Fallen will not share our resources or benefit from our protection.
Finally, law enforcement departments have merged. They will be housed under one roof, known as the WatchTower. Watchers are establishing a safe zone so workers can perform their duties unmolested. Families and married couples may petition to relocate inside the Zone.
Join us in praying for our fellow man in these sad times. With God’s help and yours, we will overcome the challenges ahead.
The Administration
Vanessa’s mouth fell open and she paled. Young, frightened, and unsure, she followed the crowd through silent streets toward the new sorting office. The staggered progression was like a funeral procession, only no one shed tears for the dead.
Now that the book is launched and people are starting to read it, I’m excited to talk about it in a real way. What did Occupy accomplish? How do we affect change in our world? Why does history keep repeating itself, in spite of our knowledge of it? Things to chew on. Let me know what you think. I love hearing from you.
June 4, 2013
Amazing People You Should Get to Know
I have been so fortunate to be part of the wonderful blogging community. I follow a lot of blogs and seldom find the time to comment because I tend to move at lightening speed. Today, I’m going to introduce you to some of my favorites.
Take some time and get to know these wonderful, caring, and amazing writers.
Ana Lewis Gonzales at http://womenontheverge.net
We are a global online community that empowers women of all nationalities, races, political affiliations, sexual preferences and aspirations. Our mission is to serve our members in the most inclusive and supportive manner via our FREE online community.
Teri Polen at http://teripolen.com
Some of Teri’s favorite things in life are books (no romance), music (preferably alt/rock and absolutely no country), movies (rarely chick flicks), red wine (no merlot), and dark chocolate (please don’t add any fruit to what is already perfection).
Stephanie Stamm http://stephaniestammblog.wordpress.com/
Technical writer by day, creative writer by night & weekends, Stephanie is the author of A Gift of Wings, a YA fantasy and the first volume of the Light-Bringer Series.
Kira at http://wrestling-life.com
Wrestling Life blog is Kira’s journey on the twisted road through the dark addiction forest of “love, and sex, and men…oh my” desperately seeking the distant speck of hope’s silver light barely visible to her shadowed addict eyes.
Ionia Martin at http://readfulthingsblog.com
Ionia is a writer, a reader, a musician, a photographer and a mother. She is also a book reviewer/blogger and love to read books of many genres/styles and varieties. She loves discovering new voices in literature and spend almost every minute of her spare time with a book of one sort or another in front of her
Robyn Chausse at http://museiddity.com
Back in 2009, Robyn had an epiphany. She wanted—needed—to express my creative side. Now she’s created Museiddity — a place to play and celebrate our creative selves. She invites you to come along and explore living a fully creative life.
Jennifer Howard at http://www.jennifer-howard.net/
When not writing, Jennifer enjoys being a wife and mom, reading, cooking–especially the sweet stuff, and traveling. She self-published a children’s book, entitled Lucy and the Land of Lost Socks in 2009. The Healing Heart is her first true endeavor into the ‘adult’ world, and she hopes to pen many more novels in the future!
Wyndy Dee at http://wyndydee.wordpress.com
Happily Married to her husband for 24 years (25 years July 30), 3 kids and a grandson whom she totally adores. She was injured in an accident April 2011 and had back surgery including placing a new disk and screws in her lower back. She has not been able to work since as a Paramedic in the ER nor will she most likely ever be able to work in that field again. She was able to turn a hobby and love into an Awsum Career as an Editor with The Writer’s Coffee Shop and Leader of Team Awsum.
Marie Ann Bailey at http://1writeway.com
Marie Ann, “finally started to wake up to the fact that those things–career, working in an office, going to meetings, conferences–means little to me. I’d rather be writing (ideally, in my jammies with a pot of hot tea for fuel).”
Sarah M. Craddit at http://sarahcradit.wordpress.com
Sarah is a writer. More specifically, she is the author of the House of Crimson and Clover series.
Like most writers, it’s hard for her to remember a time in her life when she didn’t write. She was always the kid with the vivid imagination and an answer for everything.
Sarah Solmonson at http://sarahsolmonson.com
Sarah Solmonson began her writing career crafting books in crayon and fondly considers “My Daddy’s Airplane” (1991) to be her first draft of her debut memoir, Taking Flight.
Charles Yallowitz at http://legendsofwindemere.com/
Charles is the author of the Legend of Windemere series. He says, “You see, my reason for writing these stories is because I like seeing the expression of interest and enjoyment on the face of a person reading my story. I love hearing that there was a character that they connected with or a scene that made them laugh or cry.”
I’ll introduce more in the coming days. Hope you take the time to check these people out and say hello. You’ll be glad you did.
June 3, 2013
Launch Day!!! Pipe Dreams is Here!
Yes, I’m dancing on my toes ( alternately literally and metaphorically) because the day has finally arrived. There were some glitches — the paperback won’t be available on Amazon for a few more days — and some scary moments, but it’s done.
I’m free to read other people’s books and I don’t have to revise it again!!!
As most of you know, 25% of the sales of this book will go toward helping another author or artist achieve his or her dreams. All you have to do to be entered to win is help promote this book.
For those of you who have already said you want to help, it’s time to rock and roll.
Here are some talking points:
If you like Margaret Atwood, you will love Pipe Dreams.
Support other authors and artists. Buy this book. #pipedreams
What the world might look like next year. #pipedreams
Pay it forward and buy #pipedreams
Here’s the link to amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pipe-Dreams-ebook/dp/B00D5ENV7W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370263333&sr=1-1&keywords=pipe+dreams+destiny+allison
All this week, I’ll be featuring my pay-it-forward friends here, on twitter, and on facebook. If you have some news you want to share, please email me at destinyallison (at) aol (dot) com with your blurb.
Happy hollering and thanks so much to all of you who are helping.
May 28, 2013
Road Trip Inspired
I just got back from a weekend road trip and my brain isn’t working very well. I wanted to tell you another pay it forward story and why we just spent three days digging a playground out of a school, loading it in trucks, and driving it home, but everything I try to write comes out wrong.
After a pulling a 16 foot trailer for five hundred miles, my legs are wobbly and my mind is a blur. Still, I do blog posts on Tuesdays, so I’m writing.
Here are some thoughts the trip inspired.
Things are seldom what they seem. Each experience is layered, onion-like, and the best parts are rarely on the surface. The only problem is that we often move too fast to appreciate what’s beneath.
When stereotypes are shattered, people grow.
Stepping out of your comfort zone to make someone happy pays off in ways you would never expect.
The desert is achingly beautiful.
Never drink three cups of coffee before getting on the road if your gas tank is full.
Road trips are great for deep conversations and problem solving.
You know a friend is true if she will sit in a restaurant for hours waiting for you to show up and is still smiling when you arrive.
Do not set a time to meet when you’re on the road. Things happen even with the best laid plans.
Never drink whiskey in a hot tub, even if it’s your birthday, after twelve hours in the sun.
Holding hands with your love while driving puts book launches and deadlines in their proper perspective.
Hope you all had a great weekend. If you did something special, let me know.
May 23, 2013
The Countdown Begins — How You Can Help
It’s almost here. After a grueling year bringing Pipe Dreams from its creative inception to a finished work, the novel will launch on June 3rd.
But why should you care?
Because you love dystopian fiction?
Because Pipe Dreams is fast paced, immensely enjoyable, and hard to put down?
Because it speaks an important truth about how society evolves?
Maybe, but I think the real reason you should care is that I’m paying it forward. 25% of the sales of this book — at least through the end of June — will go to an individual in pursuit of his or her dreams.
That person could be you. If you want to see why I’m doing this, click here.
Here’s how you can be entered to win and/or help someone else with their creative process.
1. Tweet about the book and encourage people to check it out. Use hashtag #pipedreams or my handle, @sfsculptor
2. Blog about it and how I’m paying it forward.
3. Post it on Facebook and share on my wall at https://www.facebook.com/shapingdestiny
Here are some tweetables:
If you like The Handmaid’s Tale, you’ll love Pipe Dreams. 25% of sales go to helping another writer/author achieve their dreams. #pipedreams
Fast paced, dystopia. #pipedreams and it helps other writers. http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LM7FXE
Check this out and help other writers/artists achieve their dreams. #pipedreamshttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LM7FXE #pipedreams
Please RT Pipe Dreams helps other writers/artists achieve their dreams. #pipedreams http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LM7FXE #pipedreams
I’ll be paying attention and, in addition to giving away 25% of my sales, I’ll be featuring people who help on my blog, twitter, and Facebook for the entire month so that I’m helping to promote you as well.
Hope you’ll join in and make this launch super successful for everyone.
If you plan on helping, please let know in your comments so I can start doing my part to help you. Thanks in advance!
May 22, 2013
Creative Spotlight: Destiny Allison, Artist and Author--Guest Post and Book Launch Announcement
Today I welcome metal sculpture artist and author Destiny Allison. I first “met” Destiny while managing a WOW Blog Tour for her memoir, Shaping Destiny. Her book, and her sculptures, connected with me in a deep way. Destiny has recently finished her first novel, Pipe Dreams. I’ll share more about that in a minute.
Destiny possesses a compelling “voice”; I find it strong, intelligent and poetic.
Thanks to Robyn Chausse for the opportunity. Honored and excited for this new community. Check out her blog and see what she's up to. I bet you'll enjoy it.
