Writer's Write

I sit down and adjust my chair closer to the computer,
shake my hands out then place them carefully on the keys,
pointers on F and J, and then I stare at the flashing cursor.
All the thoughts and ideas I have had all day flee,
leaving an empty "aaaaahhhh" in my head.

I've been told writer's write, but what do you write when you have nothing to write?
Well, I guess you blog.

So here's another tip for you writer's out there.

WRITE AT LEAST ONE HOUR EACH DAY

For some of you, like me, it is hard to dedicate an hour block of time, so most of the time my hour each day is made up of five minutes here, ten minutes there. But I do write most of the time, and come on let's be honest, if you call yourself a writer, then you'd better write.

And here's a bonus tip

WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW

Which means, write about things you have personally experienced and/or things you have learned, understand and have a passion for, ie history of the Maya people, building of the Great Wall of China, etc.

Writer's Workshop - Tip of the Day

Yesterday I had the privilege of listening to author, Terry Trueman, talk about the struggles and trials he went through in his life, which gave him the inspiration to write Stuck in Neutral which became a Printz Honor Book. I also got the chance to learn from Mark McVeigh, an agent from NY.

TIP FOR THE DAY
The tip for the day comes from Terry Trueman. When asked what main things helped him to become the author he is today he listed three things.
TALENT
PERSEVERANCE
LUCK

The more you write the more your talent develops, perseverance includes hard work and dedication and luck, though don't expect things to just fall in your lap. You need to make contacts, put yourself out there, and of course you ms, and you will eventually get lucky.

More tips from this workshop will be posted in days to follow. Please comment to let me know if this is helpful and what you would like to know.

Being a Mother

The moment the purple tinged baby boy is placed in my arms, I am lost. I love him completely with my entire being. I will do anything for this child. And the feeling is the same with the next. But with the next also comes fear, sorrow and the resolve to do everything in my power to ensure this little one gets a fair shot at life as he clings to life in the NICU, attached to IV's, oxygen and countless other wires.
They are now both strong healthy boys, nine and almost six. They are growing up, and with that comes a new fear. How long is my nine year old going to want my hugs and kisses? How much longer will I be able to carry my baby to bed, his feet dangling past my knees? How do I stop them from leaving me?
As mothers we all encourage our children to that next step, learning to crawl, then to walk and talk, ride a bike, drive a car, but one day they will leave and I will be left alone. Alone to worry and fret, are they getting enough sleep, are they eating right, are they being safe? Worrying if they can make it on their own, and knowing I can't make it without them.
I rejoice in the time I have with my exuberant boys, rejoice in the love they show me and the kisses and cuddles they let me give them. But most of all, I rejoice because they chose me, as imperfect as can be, but who loves them with every fiber of her being. On this Mother's Day, I recognize the love and honor my boys have for me. On this day, I am thankful I have one of the most important jobs in this world. Being a mother!! I am THEIR mother!

I am the Human Jungle Gym

Crouching down I spread my arms wide, almost knocked over by the force of the one year old as he vaults into my arms. After a snuggle, he turns to leave and quickly his spot is replaced by another then another. Soon I am surrounded on all sides by giggling, wiggling bodies, they succeed in knocking me over and then proceed to climb on, as though I am nothing more than a ride for their amusement. Though in this case they are right as I giggle right along beside them, tickling and bouncing them until they tumble off, rolling harmlessly on the carpet. Sitting, I spot her smiling as she watches the display, but hides her face when I beckon to her. My view of her is blocked as the wigglers and gigglers return, piling on me until I succumb and fall over to a trio of renewed giggles. I rejoice in my role, the Human Jungle Gym.

Writer's Block

Every writer struggles with this, but it sucks! All I want to do is sit down and write the story that's in my head, but there are too many distractions, from work, to kids, to cleaning, to church, to just wanting to read a good book (this one is tough to pull away from). The hardest part is when I have good flow going and I get pulled away to deal with one of the many things above and then I come back and my train has derailed.

I had one of the most inspiring, motivating weekends the end of September. I was fortunate to go to a writer's retreat and meet three great editors. They all gave a lot of good information, from what they were looking for, what they won't take, their pet peeves, and their favorite books.

Anica Rissi, from Simon Pulse, a sister company of Simon & Schuster in New York, was by far my favorite editor. I got the chance to sit with her for a meal and enjoyed seeing her personality and learning where she came from and things that we have in common. Anica made it very clear what she is looking for. YA books that are edgy and raw. I don't think my book it very raw, but I believe I have something great for her, but I am so frustrated with my schedule and lack of time to write and then I sit to write and I can't think. I get maybe one of two pages if I am lucky. I really want this. I know I can do it.

Another publishing house I believe will work well for my book is Shadow Mountain Press. They are a sister company to Deseret Book. They published the Fablehaven series, (which I have yet to read, but just bought) which is the same genre as the book I am trying to write.

And to top this all off, I haven't been able to exercise properly because I fell of the porch we are building and pulled the muscle in my leg. I has been almost three weeks, but the darn muscle won't heal.

Thanks for letting me vent. Aarrgh!!! Wish me luck.

Results from Seeley Lake Triathalon. (Finally)

I had so much fun in Seeley Lake. I had no idea it was so beautiful there either. It was a cold chilly morning and I dreaded getting in the water, until I was told it was 70 degrees compared with the air temperature at 50 degrees. Who would have thought the water was warmer than the air. Kaysie Guymon was my inspiration to attempt this triathalon due to it being an open water swim, but it was almost too easy of a swim.

The gun was fired and Kaysie and I ran off the beach into the water. I dove in kicking with my feet. But the water shoes I thought were a brilliant idea (I was planning to use them on the bike) slowed me down instead, so I kicked them off in the water, never to be seen again. The surge of people diving into the water made swimming difficult as with every stroke of my arms and kick with my legs, I bumped into someone. I got tangled up in the buoy and then I was done, running to my bike.

The 10 mile bike ride was next and it was wonderful, especially going down the big hill right before we turned to go back. But then I had to go back up it. Whew it was tough. Riding back into the transition area, I stowed my bike and headed back out for the run. Running for me is a love hate thing. I love the accomplishment of finishing the distances I can go, but I hate the running. At least in the beginning. There's always a wall to get through, before I can just run without the constant nagging in my head to stop.

All said and done, I finished the Triathalon in 1:30:17. Total distances were 300 yd swim, 10 mile bike and a 5K (3.2 mile) run. Not bad, I'd say. And yes, I plan to do it again next year. My new goal for next year is to complete an Olympic distance Triathalon which is usually twice as long in all areas.

Good Intentions

Yes, I had the best of intentions to keep everyone updated on how I did with my races. They all went great, although the 10K kicked my butt. (I had severe stomach cramps start up 3/4 of the way through. It was tough to finish.) I finished the 12K trail run in 1:32:30, 2 1/2 minutes faster than my previous time in '08. Yea, me!

For the Race for the Cure, 5K, I ran it in 29:11, shaving 5 minutes 15 seconds off last year. Another self pat on the back.

The Queen City Triathalon was fun. It was tough. But it was so worth it. (I planned to do it again next year, but I couldn't wait, so I am doing another Tri at Seeley Lake on the 15th of Aug.) I swam the 20 laps (1000 yds) in 28 minutes, biked the 12.4 miles in 53:24, and ran the 5K in 37:31 (I was a little tired). Total time with transitions was 2:02:36.

Then the final of the 4 events was the 10K Governor's Cup. I was doing awesome. I was in the front of the pack (the blog group pack), then my stomach was gripped with horrible cramps (I had been having minor bouts all month) and zoom, there went Nichole. But I toughed it out to the end finishing seconds before Jen.

I have since found out I was suffering from a gluten intolerance. I feel so much better when I stay away from wheat, but I miss pizza and pasta and PBJ Sandwiches, etc. I will post my results for the next Tri. I can't make any promises as to how soon though.

Thanks for checking in.