Margo Kelly's Blog, page 28
February 3, 2016
#IWSG: Sharpen Your Axe
The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. It's a great way for bloggers and writers to discuss the fears they've conquered and to celebrate and encourage one another.
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
It said: "Assistance and Guidance"
I love coming across blogs that share links to other worthwhile blogs. It helps me expand my realm, meet different people, and learn new things.
Plus, taking the time to visit the other blogs gives us all the opportunity to " sharpen our axes ." What? You've never heard of that phrase? Well, simply put, if you're only chopping down trees (aka writing books, screenplays, or blog posts) and not taking the time to sharpen your axe (aka learning from others, improving your skills, and reading books on the craft of writing) ... it will take you much longer to accomplish a worthwhile finished product than if you'd taken time to improve, refresh, or sharpen your skills first.
So take a few minutes to check out these worthwhile blog posts and sharpen your axe! ;)
Jane Friedman's Blog - An Interview with April Eberhardt
"What have you seen authors do promotion-wise that’s been effective? They develop a long-term publicity and promotion strategy, almost always with a professional publicist, and work in tandem with her to promote and publicize the book in every way possible, online and offline, for a very long while."
Writer Unboxed Blog - Surviving Writer Envy
"It’s tough watching others succeed when we aren’t where we’d like to be. We begin to compare ourselves to that person whose Good News with a capital “g” keeps popping up in our newsfeed. We want that A-level agent, that big publisher, too! ... Believe it or not, being published makes this envy worse."
Job Hero - The Ultimate Freelance Writing Guide
"When it comes to freelancing, getting the right advice can go far in advancing your career and increasing your earning potential. It’s not hard to find blogs and sites promising to help you make money from home or to show you exactly how to get rich as a freelance writer. What can be difficult, however, is finding sound advice from real experts."
Then ... sign up for IWSG Newsletter ... details below.
The Insecure Writer's Support Group Newsletter will feature articles by industry experts, IWSG members, and administrators. There will also be a dozen links to helpful articles for writers in each edition, as well as a special Member Spotlight. Even if you're not a member of the blogging group, you'll greatly benefit from these FREE monthly newsletters. The first issue goes out on February 24th.
Sign up link - http://eepurl.com/bM8oHL Happy writing!
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
It said: "Assistance and Guidance"
I love coming across blogs that share links to other worthwhile blogs. It helps me expand my realm, meet different people, and learn new things.
Plus, taking the time to visit the other blogs gives us all the opportunity to " sharpen our axes ." What? You've never heard of that phrase? Well, simply put, if you're only chopping down trees (aka writing books, screenplays, or blog posts) and not taking the time to sharpen your axe (aka learning from others, improving your skills, and reading books on the craft of writing) ... it will take you much longer to accomplish a worthwhile finished product than if you'd taken time to improve, refresh, or sharpen your skills first.
So take a few minutes to check out these worthwhile blog posts and sharpen your axe! ;)
Jane Friedman's Blog - An Interview with April Eberhardt
"What have you seen authors do promotion-wise that’s been effective? They develop a long-term publicity and promotion strategy, almost always with a professional publicist, and work in tandem with her to promote and publicize the book in every way possible, online and offline, for a very long while."
Writer Unboxed Blog - Surviving Writer Envy
"It’s tough watching others succeed when we aren’t where we’d like to be. We begin to compare ourselves to that person whose Good News with a capital “g” keeps popping up in our newsfeed. We want that A-level agent, that big publisher, too! ... Believe it or not, being published makes this envy worse."
Job Hero - The Ultimate Freelance Writing Guide
"When it comes to freelancing, getting the right advice can go far in advancing your career and increasing your earning potential. It’s not hard to find blogs and sites promising to help you make money from home or to show you exactly how to get rich as a freelance writer. What can be difficult, however, is finding sound advice from real experts."
Then ... sign up for IWSG Newsletter ... details below.
The Insecure Writer's Support Group Newsletter will feature articles by industry experts, IWSG members, and administrators. There will also be a dozen links to helpful articles for writers in each edition, as well as a special Member Spotlight. Even if you're not a member of the blogging group, you'll greatly benefit from these FREE monthly newsletters. The first issue goes out on February 24th.
Sign up link - http://eepurl.com/bM8oHL Happy writing!
January 28, 2016
Relationships - A Tribute to my Friend
[ The following is the text of a speech I gave at Toastmasters back in September 2015 about relationships. Today, on the birthday of my dear friend, Beth, I post this in honor of her. I miss her. ]
My friend, Beth, and me at Barnes & Noble. October 2014
Over the last several months, I have been thinking a lot about relationships. During this time, interesting articles and inspiring quotes have come to me, helping me ponder the relationships in my life. Today, I will share three of these quotes with you.
First: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn. When I first read this quote, I was quick to dismiss it, because I disliked it. But it kept gnawing at the back of my mind, demanding more attention. So I revisited it and reconsidered its meaning. I realized I hated the quote because I did not want to be the average of the five people I spent the most time with. Because they were negative, angry, and selfish people. Why was I even spending time with them? Well, frankly the relationships were a matter of circumstance and chance. I had not consciously chosen these relationships. I wondered what five traits would I want other people to associate with me? So I made a list. I want to exemplify the following traits … I want to be 1) kind 2) sincere 3) grateful 4) happy and 5) healthy. Then I asked myself, what people do I already know who personify these traits? I made another list of five people. One of the people on this list was my good friend, Beth Suhr. The thought came to me that I should call her right then, invite her to lunch, ask her how she’s doing, but I thought of my looming to-do list, and I decided I would call her tomorrow. That would be easier. Tomorrow came, and I forgot to call her.
Second: “Don’t live like you were dying … live like they were dying.” – unknownSeveral days later, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and I came across a post by Eric Rhodes. It was a variation of this quote, and I sat back in my chair and thought about it for a few minutes, considering the dynamic shift. If I were to live like I was dying, I’d eat chocolate Haagen-Das ice cream, go camping, and spend time with my children, because that’s what I enjoy doing. But if I were to live like you were dying, I’d ask you what your favorite dessert is, what you like to do for fun, and what I can do for you. The dynamic shifts from selfishness to charity and kindness. So make a new list. Who would you want to spend more time with, if you knew they were going to die soon? Less than two hours after reading this post from Eric, I received a phone call from a complete stranger telling me that my friend Beth was receiving hospice care. When I hung up the phone, I was overcome with a variety of emotions. 1) Relief: I was glad that Beth was receiving hospice and not already dead. I still had time. 2) Anger: I was so angry that I had not called her sooner. I had thought of her multiple times over the last several months. I knew that I should have called her and taken her to lunch, but I had been too busy. I had failed her. 3) Selfish: I felt extremely selfish, because I had listed Beth as one of the five people I wanted to spend more time with so that I could become a better person. 4) Regret: I could have been a better friend to her. I could have done so much more. I phoned Beth and got her answering machine. I left a completely incomprehensible message, because I was a blithering idiot. She called me back a few hours later, and we had a nice conversation on the phone. She invited me to her Celebration of Life party that she was having later that weekend.
Third: “Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” – Mother Teresa.As I prepared to attend Beth’s Celebration of Life party, I wondered, what can I take? What can I say? What can I do? What should I wear? So I googled Celebration of Life parties to learn what the proper protocols were, since I’d never attended one of these events before, but really, the only thing I learned was that most of the women in the pictures wore dresses. So I put on a skirt and headed out to the party. When I arrived, Beth’s husband Dave wrapped his arms around me and thanked me for coming. Then he said, “Your son wrote us the most amazing letter. It was really incredible and meant so much to us. Thank you.” I went and sat with Beth and had a nice conversation with her, during which she clutched my hand and said, “Oh, Jacob wrote the most beautiful letter. It really touched my heart and it meant so much to me.” Later when I was mingling with the other guests, Beth’s daughter, Cheryl, came up to me and said, “Oh, your son wrote the most incredible letter. It was wonderful. Would you like to read it?” Of course, I said. As I followed her into the kitchen, I couldn’t help but imagine this incredible, amazing letter. I pictured a huge framed piece of artwork that had been embellished and embossed with the eloquent words written in beautiful calligraphy … because that would match the way they had described this letter to me. Cheryl grabbed a piece of paper off the counter and handed it to me. It was a folded piece of loose leaf notebook paper. Very ordinary. My son had written in his normal, ordinary handwriting using a basic black ball point ink. There was no calligraphy. The letter read, “My dear beloved Beth …” The sentences were simple. The thoughts were concise as he wrote about memories he had of Beth and things he appreciated about her. The entire letter took up only about half of that sheet of paper. It was a perfectly ordinary thing done with extraordinary love. And it touched that family. What types of ordinary things could you do to express your love to the people that matter most in your life? It could be a simple text telling someone that you’re thinking of them, that you appreciate them. You could cut flowers from your yard, stick them in a Mason jar, and hand deliver them to someone. Whatever it is … do something.
As you consider the relationships in your life, I challenge you make conscious choices, because you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Don’t live like you were dying … live like they were dying. And finally, do ordinary things with extraordinary love, because people matter. Nurture the relationships with people in your life.
Beth's Celebration of Life Party
My friend, Beth, and me at Barnes & Noble. October 2014Over the last several months, I have been thinking a lot about relationships. During this time, interesting articles and inspiring quotes have come to me, helping me ponder the relationships in my life. Today, I will share three of these quotes with you.
First: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn. When I first read this quote, I was quick to dismiss it, because I disliked it. But it kept gnawing at the back of my mind, demanding more attention. So I revisited it and reconsidered its meaning. I realized I hated the quote because I did not want to be the average of the five people I spent the most time with. Because they were negative, angry, and selfish people. Why was I even spending time with them? Well, frankly the relationships were a matter of circumstance and chance. I had not consciously chosen these relationships. I wondered what five traits would I want other people to associate with me? So I made a list. I want to exemplify the following traits … I want to be 1) kind 2) sincere 3) grateful 4) happy and 5) healthy. Then I asked myself, what people do I already know who personify these traits? I made another list of five people. One of the people on this list was my good friend, Beth Suhr. The thought came to me that I should call her right then, invite her to lunch, ask her how she’s doing, but I thought of my looming to-do list, and I decided I would call her tomorrow. That would be easier. Tomorrow came, and I forgot to call her.
Second: “Don’t live like you were dying … live like they were dying.” – unknownSeveral days later, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and I came across a post by Eric Rhodes. It was a variation of this quote, and I sat back in my chair and thought about it for a few minutes, considering the dynamic shift. If I were to live like I was dying, I’d eat chocolate Haagen-Das ice cream, go camping, and spend time with my children, because that’s what I enjoy doing. But if I were to live like you were dying, I’d ask you what your favorite dessert is, what you like to do for fun, and what I can do for you. The dynamic shifts from selfishness to charity and kindness. So make a new list. Who would you want to spend more time with, if you knew they were going to die soon? Less than two hours after reading this post from Eric, I received a phone call from a complete stranger telling me that my friend Beth was receiving hospice care. When I hung up the phone, I was overcome with a variety of emotions. 1) Relief: I was glad that Beth was receiving hospice and not already dead. I still had time. 2) Anger: I was so angry that I had not called her sooner. I had thought of her multiple times over the last several months. I knew that I should have called her and taken her to lunch, but I had been too busy. I had failed her. 3) Selfish: I felt extremely selfish, because I had listed Beth as one of the five people I wanted to spend more time with so that I could become a better person. 4) Regret: I could have been a better friend to her. I could have done so much more. I phoned Beth and got her answering machine. I left a completely incomprehensible message, because I was a blithering idiot. She called me back a few hours later, and we had a nice conversation on the phone. She invited me to her Celebration of Life party that she was having later that weekend.
Third: “Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” – Mother Teresa.As I prepared to attend Beth’s Celebration of Life party, I wondered, what can I take? What can I say? What can I do? What should I wear? So I googled Celebration of Life parties to learn what the proper protocols were, since I’d never attended one of these events before, but really, the only thing I learned was that most of the women in the pictures wore dresses. So I put on a skirt and headed out to the party. When I arrived, Beth’s husband Dave wrapped his arms around me and thanked me for coming. Then he said, “Your son wrote us the most amazing letter. It was really incredible and meant so much to us. Thank you.” I went and sat with Beth and had a nice conversation with her, during which she clutched my hand and said, “Oh, Jacob wrote the most beautiful letter. It really touched my heart and it meant so much to me.” Later when I was mingling with the other guests, Beth’s daughter, Cheryl, came up to me and said, “Oh, your son wrote the most incredible letter. It was wonderful. Would you like to read it?” Of course, I said. As I followed her into the kitchen, I couldn’t help but imagine this incredible, amazing letter. I pictured a huge framed piece of artwork that had been embellished and embossed with the eloquent words written in beautiful calligraphy … because that would match the way they had described this letter to me. Cheryl grabbed a piece of paper off the counter and handed it to me. It was a folded piece of loose leaf notebook paper. Very ordinary. My son had written in his normal, ordinary handwriting using a basic black ball point ink. There was no calligraphy. The letter read, “My dear beloved Beth …” The sentences were simple. The thoughts were concise as he wrote about memories he had of Beth and things he appreciated about her. The entire letter took up only about half of that sheet of paper. It was a perfectly ordinary thing done with extraordinary love. And it touched that family. What types of ordinary things could you do to express your love to the people that matter most in your life? It could be a simple text telling someone that you’re thinking of them, that you appreciate them. You could cut flowers from your yard, stick them in a Mason jar, and hand deliver them to someone. Whatever it is … do something.
As you consider the relationships in your life, I challenge you make conscious choices, because you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Don’t live like you were dying … live like they were dying. And finally, do ordinary things with extraordinary love, because people matter. Nurture the relationships with people in your life.
Beth's Celebration of Life Party
January 19, 2016
#Book Review: THE NEWSMAKERS by @LisWiehl & Sebastian Stuart
As a writer, it's essential to read books within your genre, but it's also important to read a wide range of books. I write thrillers for the young adult audience, but I love thrillers in general. So when I was offered a free copy of THE NEWSMAKERS to read and review - I jumped at the opportunity. Lis Wiehl is a NYT Bestselling Author, and this book did not disappoint! My full review is at the bottom of this post. And the fact I received the book for free in no way influenced my review.
The Newsmakers
By Lis Wiehl with Sebastian Stuart
Published by Thomas Nelson
Hardcover: 352 pages
January 19, 2016; $26.99 US/ $33.50 CAN; 9780718037673
Description
TV reporter Erica Sparks has become a superstar overnight. But is it due to her hard work and talent? Or is she at the center of a spiraling conspiracy?
Erica Sparks is a beautiful and ambitious reporter who has just landed her dream job at Global News Network in New York. And while it was hard to leave Jenny, her cherished eight-year-old daughter, in the custody of her ex-husband, Erica is determined to succeed in the cutthroat world of big-time broadcasting. She can only hope her troubled past won't come back to sabotage her dreams.
Although the wounds from her divorce are still fresh, Erica can't deny the chemistry between her and her new producer, the handsome and empathic Greg Underwood. But a relationship is the last thing she wants right now.
On her very first assignment, Erica inadvertently witnesses -- and films -- a horrific tragedy, scooping all the other networks. Mere weeks later, another tragedy strikes -- again, right in front of Erica and her cameras.
Her career skyrockets overnight, but Erica is troubled. Deeply. This can't just be coincidence. But what is it?
Erica will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. But she has to make sure disaster -- and her troubled past -- don't catch up with her first.
Author Bio
Lis Wiehl, author of The Newsmakers, is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels. She is a Harvard Law School graduate and has served as a federal prosecutor in the state of Washington and as a tenured faculty member at The University Washington School of Law. She is currently a popular legal analyst and commentator for the Fox News Channel.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter
My review of THE NEWSMAKERS:
The first thing I noticed on page one was the story was written in first person present tense. I cringed, because I have a harder time settling into the fictive experience when a story is written in present tense. This is my own personal bias, and I never hold it against an author. While reading THE NEWSMAKERS, I was highly aware of the present tense for the entire story.
While the plot was pretty obvious from the blurb, the story was well written and I enjoyed reading along to see how the events would play out. There were no surprises along the way, plot-wise, but there were a few choices made by the main character, Erica, that surprised me. I love to be surprised.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters that Erica worked with at GNN, but some of the character development felt like it was delivered to me on a newsfeed with just the facts. There were also times where I felt like I was reading the logs of a GPS: "They take off, heading up Route 959. ...They pass under the Dolphin Expressway and turn west on Perimeter Road. ... They turn right on Milam Dairy Road, which turns into NW Seventy-Second Avenue." (page 326 of the Advance Reader's Copy)
Overall, it was a great read. I enjoyed it, and I'd recommend it to book clubs. There are plenty of great topics for discussion within the pages of this story!
And in case it matters to you: the story had no sex, foul language, or significant violence.
My favorite line from the book: "Erica faces the bitter irony that she, who is so committed to finding the truth, may be undone by her own sin of omission." (page 288 of the ARC)
The Newsmakers
By Lis Wiehl with Sebastian Stuart
Published by Thomas Nelson
Hardcover: 352 pages
January 19, 2016; $26.99 US/ $33.50 CAN; 9780718037673
Description
TV reporter Erica Sparks has become a superstar overnight. But is it due to her hard work and talent? Or is she at the center of a spiraling conspiracy?
Erica Sparks is a beautiful and ambitious reporter who has just landed her dream job at Global News Network in New York. And while it was hard to leave Jenny, her cherished eight-year-old daughter, in the custody of her ex-husband, Erica is determined to succeed in the cutthroat world of big-time broadcasting. She can only hope her troubled past won't come back to sabotage her dreams.
Although the wounds from her divorce are still fresh, Erica can't deny the chemistry between her and her new producer, the handsome and empathic Greg Underwood. But a relationship is the last thing she wants right now.
On her very first assignment, Erica inadvertently witnesses -- and films -- a horrific tragedy, scooping all the other networks. Mere weeks later, another tragedy strikes -- again, right in front of Erica and her cameras.
Her career skyrockets overnight, but Erica is troubled. Deeply. This can't just be coincidence. But what is it?
Erica will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. But she has to make sure disaster -- and her troubled past -- don't catch up with her first.
Author Bio
Lis Wiehl, author of The Newsmakers, is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels. She is a Harvard Law School graduate and has served as a federal prosecutor in the state of Washington and as a tenured faculty member at The University Washington School of Law. She is currently a popular legal analyst and commentator for the Fox News Channel.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter
My review of THE NEWSMAKERS:
The first thing I noticed on page one was the story was written in first person present tense. I cringed, because I have a harder time settling into the fictive experience when a story is written in present tense. This is my own personal bias, and I never hold it against an author. While reading THE NEWSMAKERS, I was highly aware of the present tense for the entire story.
While the plot was pretty obvious from the blurb, the story was well written and I enjoyed reading along to see how the events would play out. There were no surprises along the way, plot-wise, but there were a few choices made by the main character, Erica, that surprised me. I love to be surprised.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters that Erica worked with at GNN, but some of the character development felt like it was delivered to me on a newsfeed with just the facts. There were also times where I felt like I was reading the logs of a GPS: "They take off, heading up Route 959. ...They pass under the Dolphin Expressway and turn west on Perimeter Road. ... They turn right on Milam Dairy Road, which turns into NW Seventy-Second Avenue." (page 326 of the Advance Reader's Copy)
Overall, it was a great read. I enjoyed it, and I'd recommend it to book clubs. There are plenty of great topics for discussion within the pages of this story!
And in case it matters to you: the story had no sex, foul language, or significant violence.
My favorite line from the book: "Erica faces the bitter irony that she, who is so committed to finding the truth, may be undone by her own sin of omission." (page 288 of the ARC)
January 18, 2016
January 6, 2016
#IWSG: 2016 - You Got This!
[ Six quick pictures to inspire your #writing for the new year! ... Scroll on down! ]
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.htmlIt's the first Wednesday of the month, which equals INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP! It's also equals motivation for me to write a blog post. :) ... I've had my head stuck in revisions for months now, and I've hardly come up for air. But I'm SO CLOSE to finishing ... I'm in love with my current project, and I can hardly wait to send it to my agent. I hope she likes it half as much as I do. And I can hardly wait for the world to read it. My hopes are high on this one. *fingers crossed*
In the mean time ... I was thinking ... what would make a great post for today? I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions, but I do love motivating ideas. So allow me to share some great pictures with you ... scroll on down ... and happy writing to you ... and may 2016 bring you great joy.
December 2, 2015
#IWSG: Use It OR Lose It
Many #writers fear #speaking in front of a crowd. Today, I offer a few tips to make the experience easier.
www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com *** The first Wednesday of the month is Insecure Writer's Support Group - when we offer words of encouragement and advice to one another. Join the group by clicking on the link above.***Use it, or lose it.I once played a flute solo in front of a huge crowd in the BSU Pavilion (currently known as the Taco Bell Arena). Now the instrument sits in my closet unused. I haven’t played the flute in decades, and I’ve since forgotten how to even finger the notes. It was a talent I once had, and now I don’t. As the old adage says, “Use it or lose it.”
Margo Kelly - 1986This is often true for various abilities. If we don’t exercise the skill on a regular basis, we run the risk of losing it. I know that if I want to keep a particular talent, I must make a habit of using it.
For me, public speaking is an ability that I want to keep polished. So I’ve made the conscious decision to practice on a regular basis. That means I’m not only delivering prepared speeches, but I’m also leading efficient meetings and offering verbal evaluations of other people’s speeches. These three processes allow me to use my brain in different ways which then enables me to remain proficient with this skill.
Margo Kelly - 2015So let’s briefly address these three topics: delivering a prepared speech, leading an efficient meeting, and offering verbal evaluations.
First, prepared speeches help me improve my communication skills because through the process, I need to write the speech, polish it, and memorize it. Now of course memorizing is not always necessary, but it is excellent brain exercise. Some people do Sudoku. Some people do crossword puzzles. I do public speaking. I’ve also figured out that about 600 written words equals a five minute presentation for me. In daily life, I tend to be very long winded. So to prepare something short is a great way for me to practice being concise with my message.
Second, leading an efficient meeting is another way to utilize my abilities – because instead of writing, polishing, and memorizing, conducting a meeting allows me to organize, monitor, and listen. These are all necessary tools not only for a competent speaker but also for a leader in any arena. We must be able to organize an agenda, monitor the usage of time, and listen to what’s being said throughout the entire meeting. Listening is a vital element of being a great speaker. Which brings me right into to the next point.
Offering a verbal evaluation of another person’s speech is a practical way for improving my own aptitude. When I am actively engaged in listening critically to someone else’s presentation, I can observe techniques I want to adopt personally and styles I might want to avoid completely. However, being an effective evaluator involves more than just listening. I must also then compile my thoughts quickly in order to offer verbal feedback in a kind but helpful way.
These three opportunities: delivering a prepared speech, leading an efficient meeting, and offering verbal evaluations provide me with varied ways to practice my public speaking.
In conclusion, as the old adage says, “Use it or lose it.” I don’t play the flute anymore. I don’t remember how to play a simple scale. But that’s not a priority to me at this point in my life. Speaking well is a priority, and I practice regularly at Toastmasters.
Toastmasters is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. By participating in the variety of roles offered at the meetings, like delivering prepared speeches, leading efficient meetings, and offering verbal evaluations, I am able to exercise my skills and feel comfortable in front of others in many settings.
https://www.toastmasters.org/#ISWG: Use It OR Lose It
Many #writers fear #speaking in front of a crowd. Today, I offer a few tips to make the experience easier.
www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com *** The first Wednesday of the month is Insecure Writer's Support Group - when we offer words of encouragement and advice to one another. Join the group by clicking on the link above.***Use it, or lose it.I once played a flute solo in front of a huge crowd in the BSU Pavilion (currently known as the Taco Bell Arena). Now the instrument sits in my closet unused. I haven’t played the flute in decades, and I’ve since forgotten how to even finger the notes. It was a talent I once had, and now I don’t. As the old adage says, “Use it or lose it.”
Margo Kelly - 1986This is often true for various abilities. If we don’t exercise the skill on a regular basis, we run the risk of losing it. I know that if I want to keep a particular talent, I must make a habit of using it.
For me, public speaking is an ability that I want to keep polished. So I’ve made the conscious decision to practice on a regular basis. That means I’m not only delivering prepared speeches, but I’m also leading efficient meetings and offering verbal evaluations of other people’s speeches. These three processes allow me to use my brain in different ways which then enables me to remain proficient with this skill.
Margo Kelly - 2015So let’s briefly address these three topics: delivering a prepared speech, leading an efficient meeting, and offering verbal evaluations.
First, prepared speeches help me improve my communication skills because through the process, I need to write the speech, polish it, and memorize it. Now of course memorizing is not always necessary, but it is excellent brain exercise. Some people do Sudoku. Some people do crossword puzzles. I do public speaking. I’ve also figured out that about 600 written words equals a five minute presentation for me. In daily life, I tend to be very long winded. So to prepare something short is a great way for me to practice being concise with my message.
Second, leading an efficient meeting is another way to utilize my abilities – because instead of writing, polishing, and memorizing, conducting a meeting allows me to organize, monitor, and listen. These are all necessary tools not only for a competent speaker but also for a leader in any arena. We must be able to organize an agenda, monitor the usage of time, and listen to what’s being said throughout the entire meeting. Listening is a vital element of being a great speaker. Which brings me right into to the next point.
Offering a verbal evaluation of another person’s speech is a practical way for improving my own aptitude. When I am actively engaged in listening critically to someone else’s presentation, I can observe techniques I want to adopt personally and styles I might want to avoid completely. However, being an effective evaluator involves more than just listening. I must also then compile my thoughts quickly in order to offer verbal feedback in a kind but helpful way.
These three opportunities: delivering a prepared speech, leading an efficient meeting, and offering verbal evaluations provide me with varied ways to practice my public speaking.
In conclusion, as the old adage says, “Use it or lose it.” I don’t play the flute anymore. I don’t remember how to play a simple scale. But that’s not a priority to me at this point in my life. Speaking well is a priority, and I practice regularly at Toastmasters.
Toastmasters is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. By participating in the variety of roles offered at the meetings, like delivering prepared speeches, leading efficient meetings, and offering verbal evaluations, I am able to exercise my skills and feel comfortable in front of others in many settings.
https://www.toastmasters.org/November 26, 2015
Some Turkey for You!
Fun turkey pictures! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!
November 24, 2015
5 Inspiring Quotes for #Writing
Need a little push to get your writing off the ground today?
Here are five of my favorite quotes on the topic:
"Wounded villains often wear their wounds like a badge and use them to justify their villainy." -- James Frey (HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD THRILLER)
"Whether or hero is skilled or not, it's the relative size of the challenge that makes these stories work. And one rule of thumb is: The badder the bad guy, the greater the heroics." -- Blake Snyder (SAVE THE CAT)
"If your every sentence admits a doubt, your writing will lack authority. Save the auxiliaries would, should, could, may, might, and can for situation involving real uncertainty." -- Strunk & White (THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE)
"Whatever drives the main character ... make sure it is an inner conflict as powerful as any outer conflict could hope to be: urgent, unavoidable, and full of an emotional appeal that anyone can feel." -- Donald Maass (WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL)
"YA writers must master ... a youthful sensibility. Young people are learning to be self-aware rather than self-centric, and their appreciation of others' places ... in the world is still maturing. ... see the world as youngsters see it, letting that view influence your phrasing and sentiments." -- Deborah Halverson (WRITING YA FICTION FOR DUMMIES)
How about you? Do you have a favorite writing quote? Share it in the comments. :) Happy writing!
Here are five of my favorite quotes on the topic:
"Wounded villains often wear their wounds like a badge and use them to justify their villainy." -- James Frey (HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD THRILLER)
"Whether or hero is skilled or not, it's the relative size of the challenge that makes these stories work. And one rule of thumb is: The badder the bad guy, the greater the heroics." -- Blake Snyder (SAVE THE CAT)
"If your every sentence admits a doubt, your writing will lack authority. Save the auxiliaries would, should, could, may, might, and can for situation involving real uncertainty." -- Strunk & White (THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE)
"Whatever drives the main character ... make sure it is an inner conflict as powerful as any outer conflict could hope to be: urgent, unavoidable, and full of an emotional appeal that anyone can feel." -- Donald Maass (WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL)
"YA writers must master ... a youthful sensibility. Young people are learning to be self-aware rather than self-centric, and their appreciation of others' places ... in the world is still maturing. ... see the world as youngsters see it, letting that view influence your phrasing and sentiments." -- Deborah Halverson (WRITING YA FICTION FOR DUMMIES)
How about you? Do you have a favorite writing quote? Share it in the comments. :) Happy writing!
November 4, 2015
#IWSG: Make Friends
It can be a tough world out there, and having friends will make the journey easier, brighter, and happier.
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for Insecure Writer's Support Group! One of the things the group advocates is:
"Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling."
Sometimes the publishing world can seem overwhelming, especially if rejections are filling your inbox. Rejection is a part of the process, but dejection is a choice. If you have friends in the trenches with you, the journey is so much better. And I mean WRITER friends. People who are pursuing similar goals as you are. Only writers understand what it's like to get multiple rejections in one day. Only writers understand changing a verb in a sentence fifteen times only to revert it back to the original verb.
So make friends. How? Be friendly on social media, visit blogs, leave comments, ask to swap chapters for critiques. Reach out to other writers, and before you know it, you'll have writer friends. You can also join local writing groups, attend retreats, and participate in conferences. Network and connect with people. Writing is a very solitary activity, but friends are essential for various times - especially when you need a word of encouragement.
The Insecure Writer's Support Group is an excellent place to start. Join the group. Visit the blogs. Make friends.
:)
Happy writing.
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for Insecure Writer's Support Group! One of the things the group advocates is:
"Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling."
Sometimes the publishing world can seem overwhelming, especially if rejections are filling your inbox. Rejection is a part of the process, but dejection is a choice. If you have friends in the trenches with you, the journey is so much better. And I mean WRITER friends. People who are pursuing similar goals as you are. Only writers understand what it's like to get multiple rejections in one day. Only writers understand changing a verb in a sentence fifteen times only to revert it back to the original verb.
So make friends. How? Be friendly on social media, visit blogs, leave comments, ask to swap chapters for critiques. Reach out to other writers, and before you know it, you'll have writer friends. You can also join local writing groups, attend retreats, and participate in conferences. Network and connect with people. Writing is a very solitary activity, but friends are essential for various times - especially when you need a word of encouragement.
The Insecure Writer's Support Group is an excellent place to start. Join the group. Visit the blogs. Make friends.
:)
Happy writing.
