The Days I Feel Like a Failure

Have you ever had a day or two where you really just feel like.... a failure? It's a big word to swallow, and not one that is very fun to say or use. However, it's one I tend to use on myself a lot- especially when it comes to writing.

I know that I'm not a perfect person (nor will I ever be), but there are days when I think I *should* be perfect, and I'm simply not trying *hard enough*.  I wake up in the morning with grand plans of things to do (writing is usually included in them), but by mid afternoon I realize that I've only gotten half the things done on my list, and writing isn't one of them. A good writer is someone who makes themselves write every day, even if just a few words, or simply typing up a long email to an old friend. So, if I didn't do either of those things, then what does that make me? A bad writer?

My answer would be yes. The *real* answer, though, would be 'no'.

I've found, in my years of writing, that writing is really a habit. That's all. Sure, it's a great one to have if you use your writing to Glorify the Lord, but it's a habit nonetheless. It's something that becomes part of you like chewing on your nails when distracted, or twirling the end of your hair while doing homework. It isn't something you think about, really, but simply do.

How do we make habits? It is something that is done with hard work and perseverance. It takes time, and it takes focus. Consider an exercise routine. If you can pass the 3 day mark, it suddenly seems easier to get up in the morning and hit the floor. It isn't as difficult to remember to do it. It isn't as hard to make yourself do it. It suddenly becomes part of the routine, a habit.

I believe it is the same way with writing. It takes hard work, perseverance, and some effort on your part, but in the end, the results will be satisfying. So, here is something I'd like to propose: A Writing Challenge. The good news is that it only last two weeks. The bad news is that it will be hard work, but you'll have to stick to it.

I'll admit that I came up with this myself, and, although I've never proven it to work or not, I have had enough experience with forming habits (good and bad) to know that this sort of method is usually works out. The other good news is that I'll be doing it with you, and posting about it as often as I can remember. :-) The bad news to that is that I often forget to come and blog (as evidenced by my lack of posting here recently). However, I'll do my best.

Now, for the challenge. Like I said, it only lasts two weeks. Remember that, just like exercising or dieting, it's ok to have a 'fudge day' thrown in there. That doesn't mean you've failed. It simply means that you needed a break from it. We all need breaks in anything we do, so don't beat yourself up over it.  I did provide break days after every 3 days, but if your own day gets to be too busy, it's ok. Just try not to make a habit out of 'fudging'... haha, get it? A habit... oh never mind. Anyway, moving on. The goal here is to simply accomplish writing something, anything, every day (except break days). It is simply training oneself to form the habit of writing on a regular basis.  Ok, so here it is: (when I say 'book only' this would be in your manuscript for whatever book you might be working on currently)

Writing Challenge 101:

~Write 200 words (email, letter, journal entry, book, etc)

~Write 300 words (book only)

~Write 400 words (email, letter, journal entry, book, etc)

~Break

~Write 500 words (book only)

~Write 600 words (email, letter, journal entry, book, etc)

~Write 700 words (book only)

Week Two:

~Write 800 words (can be divided between different writing entries-book, journal, etc)

~Write 900 words (book only)

~Write 1000 words (big one, so again divide if need be)

~Break

~Write 1100 words (book only)

~Write 1200 words (book only)

~Write 1300 words (book only)

See? Not too difficult, right? Well, I guess we'll see about that. The nice thing is that if you get a little bit behind, no big deal. If you start late, no big deal, just jump on in! If you get ahead, that's great! All we're working on is simply training the brain to fire those writing neurons. Exercising our writing muscles. So, who'll join me in this challenge? Let us work towards forming this new habit, and not considering ourselves as failures simply because we didn't finish writing that chapter like we wanted to. 

Writing On! 

A Few Writing "Tips"... or Something Like That...

Yes, and no... it's sometimes rather exciting, too!! =D 

*Ahem* Um, yes... I believe we can all raise our hands at this point. :-) 

Very true, I've heard... I've never experienced the reader crying over my books before, but I have made myself cry (and, no, it wasn't over one of my children's books... :-) 

Doesn't seem quite so bad when you put it that way, does it??

These were just a few things off of my Pinterest Account. Thought I'd share them on my 'writing blog' as they were 'author appropriate'. :-) I've been considering sharing bits of some of my books on here as well, but I haven't come to conclusion yet. Would any one be interested in that sort of thing?

Exciting Plans on the Horizon!

I am rather excited to announce that I have some exciting plans for the near future! (Oh yes, that made a LOT of sense, didn't it?). Well, it's all true, no matter how much sense it makes. I've been concocting some wonderful plans in this little head of mine and I'm extremely excited to share them with you all.... next month!!!!

Yes, next month, because that's how long it will take me to put it all together. I can't even give a specific date because I just don't know when it will happen exactly- but it will happen (Lord Willing!!).

Other news on the home-front is that I plan to start posting some book reviews on here very soon. A friend suggested it and it was pretty much a 'duh moment' for me (oh, of course! I'm an author, I have an author blog... why didn't I think of doing that before??). Well, in any case, I decided I should definitely add that to my list of things I'd like to post on here. Hopefully I'll become a more regular writer on this blog to keep it up to date!

So, until next time.... Cheerio!!! (as in the 'goodbye' term, not the cereal term....) =D

Final Date for Book Orders!

I realized when I posted about placing a book order that I never did place a 'end date'.... My mistake, so I figured I'd better hop in here and fix it. :-)

I will be placing the order by Monday evening. So, if you would still like to buy a copy (or more) please let me know. Also let me know if you would like it signed and who it should be signed to.

You can find all the details on this previous page.

Thank you!! :-)

Updates and Prayer Requests

I've decided it would be a good idea to pop over here and do a quick update post, as well as post some prayer requests. I'm a very strong believer in prayer, and I think that sometimes it's difficult to ask for prayer because it's like asking for help- something we particularly fond of doing (me included). Updates first, however. :-) 

1. Sales on Amazon have been wonderful. I've reached a total of 8 sales since the end of April and this month so far. Praising the Lord for that! Please continue to pass the word around. 

2.  Equipment for my recording has come in. I'm extremely excited to begin working on my Audio Dramatization of my children's stories. (prayer request for this below)

3.  It's been great to see some reviews up on Amazon about my book... If you have a review, please post it there, or email it to me and I shall put it on my blog. I'd greatly appreciate it. 

Prayer Requests:

1.  Prayers that the Lord will continue to use my book for His glory. Whether it be by selling more copies, or simply having me obey His command of publishing it and giving it all to Him.

2.  I would ask for prayers for this upcoming project. It's going to be a long haul to get it all done, but I'm also extremely excited. Having done audio dramas before with some friends, I sort of have the hang of it. However, it will still be a HUGE learning process. I'm sure there will be tons of ups and downs. Please pray that I get it done quickly. I definitely want to have it done by the end of this year. I still have to write up the scripts (which should be too hard, seeing as the stories are already finished). I'm thinking of possibly adding more stories so that the CD length will be longer and more worthwhile. I'm also needing volunteers to help out with the voices. Prayers that God will send those that I need.

3.  I would also ask for prayer on whether or not I should continue with my second book. I did have major plans to keep writing more in the series, but I'm feeling a 'halt'... From God? I don't know yet. Satan can do all sorts of things to get us off track, and if he is simply trying to prevent me from writing, then I need to continue on. However, if it is of the Lord, then I want to listen. Prayers, please, that God will make HIS will clear to me. 

Thank you so much for your continued support!!! You have no idea how much it means to me. 

God bless!!

Putting in a Book Order!

Hello everyone! I hope you have had a wonderful week so far. :-) Mine has been filled with painting walls (which I hope to post about because it also has something to do with my book writing), scheming for my next book, and working on scripts for my audio dramatization of my stories. Life is good! :-)

I have decided to go ahead and place another book order, but would love to order some books for you as well! So, if you (or someone else you know!) is interested in purchasing their own copy of "On Grandpa's Knee", please let me know!

I'm still offering the special discount of $10.00 plus free shipping on your first book! If you order more than one, I just ask that you tack on $1.00 per every book after that to help with the shipping costs. If you are interested, you can Email Me to let me know how many books you would like to order.

Thank you so much and I look forward to hearing from you!

*End date for ordering is this coming Monday Evening (27th of May). Please let me know by then....

Success at the CAPE Home school Convention

Hello everyone! I thought I had better drop in and do an update. First of all, thank you so much to everyone who prayed that my book would get here in time. Praise the Lord, it actually arrived several weeks before convention. So happy about that. :-) The Lord just continues to amaze me as He orchestrates everything with  this book publishing process (from the very beginning all the way to getting my book out to different retailers.)

Just last week I was blessed to be part of the exhibitors at the New Mexico Home School convention. My friend, Alicia, and I shared a table. We cleverly called it, "Homeschool Authors"... actually, I think she is the one that came up with that title.. :-) In any case, it was quite brilliant and made for some neat conversations with homeschooling parents.

Alicia was selling her book, "To Birmingham Castle". If you haven't seen the interview I did with Alicia, you can check it out here. The book that she published was written very well and had tons of historical facts and adventure. She researched for about 5 years before publishing so that she made sure she was as accurate as possible. It definitely paid off! Alicia was able to sell out on the second day, which was fantastic! We were all pretty excited- yes, I say 'all' because we had several visitors and helpers who came frequently to our table.... but, hey, who could resist the free chocolate we were passing out?

We forgot to start out our first day 'right'. We had both said that we wanted to pray together for the Lord to bless our sales and let us just shine for Him. So, we forgot to that the first day. The second and third, however, we were able to have some time before we opened to seek the Lord. It is quite amazing how it can make your day go so much better when you start out right! :-) Not that we were too surprised or anything, but it was still nice to see and feel that change.

The Lord blessed me as well and I was able to sell out- at the last minute! I remember thinking, as the people in charge began calling through the vendor hall for vendors to start shutting down, "Well, Lord, thank you for letting me sell most of my books..." then it occurred to me that we hadn't officially closed and He could still sell my last three books.... and sure enough, He did. It was quite exciting. :-)

Needless to say, Alicia and I had a wonderful time at convention. We hope to do it again next year and we'll see how the Lord grows it.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures from the convention. They were taken by my friends Rachelle and Kelsey. Enjoy!

(The candy that was in that jar was the 'convention saver'... espresso candy! Literally kept us going... and all the mom loved it, too.... hmm..)

 (The pictures below were taken by Kelsey- Thank you for letting me use them!)

(This is a book that we were honored to also have at our table. The illustrator, Debbie, did an amazing job. It is simply Psalm 1 put to pictures to help children memorize their scripture. I thought it was fantastic! She has done the artwork for the Curious George show as well.)

Well, that is all I have! I will be returning soon with some other update posts. Also, you can now find links to purchase my book on the sidebar.