What's So Inspiring About November?

With November often comes the onset of cold gusty winds, gray, dreary days, and the first snowstorms of the season.  To make matters worse, the days become shorter and the sun seems to shine but precious little, but as "blah" as that sounds there's an upside to everything.  These are the perfect days to hunker down and light spicy scented candles all over the house, play board games with the kids or simply cuddle up under blankets with good books to read or a laptop for writing.

November is the beginning of many exciting and even inspiring things to come, especially this year.  On a national scale, American citizens will soon be casting their votes to determine who will be president for the next four years.  Some will be happy, some will not, but it remains a time of hope and change for a promise of a bright future.

Soon after election day, will come Thanksgiving.  What's more inspiring or joyful than sharing a delicious feast with your closest friends and loved ones?  For writers, taking a moment to jot down a few of their favorite memories, or even bits of funny conversations may become grist for the mill down the line.  It's those little things that might give your fiction, memoir, or even magazine article that special tidbit that makes it real for your readers. The ability to do that makes you a real writer.    

Of course, it's also the beginning of the Christmas season, and despite what others may think I love everything about this time of the year.  I'm one of those crazy people who can't wait to hear the first Christmas jingle on the radio.  After that, it's Christmas cookies and decorating all the way - all the way to Christmas day that is!  

For me personally, I will hopefully be publishing my new freelance writing website this month.  Getting it up and running will be my main writing goal, but I'll also be working on marketing and acquiring some jobs as well.  I'll keep you posted throughout my journey.      

So for me, the drear of November holds no threat.  I'm ready to hear the whistle of cold, wild, wind gusts, to see snow falling gently (or angrily) to the ground while I tap, tap, tap the keyboard of my laptop.  When the sun does shine, I'll greedily soak it in and think of all the great things to come this November!

Leave a comment and tell me what you are looking forward to this month?  I'd love to hear from you!


photo credit: susanvg via photopin cc

    

Spring - The Season of Creation

Spring is here!  Ok.  Technically, it actually isn't until the 20th, but it's beginning to feel like it anyway.  When I first stepped outside yesterday, I was delighted by our first real taste of spring.  The thermometer bragged of temperatures in the 60's, and although we've had a mild winter, it was a treat none-the-less.  In eager anticipation, I walked the premises of our property in search of snow drops, crocuses and tips of tulip leaves barely breaking the soil.  By the time I completed my rounds, I caught the fever - spring fever that is.     

I love spring.  It's definitely one of my favorite seasons.  Confession:  I've never really been able to narrow it down to one, but I can say with certainty that winter is at the bottom of the list, despite the fact that even it has it's own special qualities.  But what I love about spring is that it's the season of creation.  Birth.  New life is everywhere and it's so exciting.  I can only imagine how God must have felt as He created it all in the beginning!

But for me, the best thing about spring is the way it makes me feel.  Like many people, I find myself inspired by all things new.  Sometimes it comes in the form of cleaning my house from top to bottom, but at other times, it plants a seed within my soul.  I want to soak in all the beauty around me, but I also want to be an active part of it.  I want to create.  So I set aside my inhibitions and do what I love to do: I write. 

That's why I'm here today.  I'm partnering with mother nature and letting that seed of inspiration sprout into a blog post - my first in nine months!  Say what? Yep.  It's true, but even though I haven't been diligent here, doesn't mean I haven't been working on other things.  Last spring, I actually outlined my first book, but then did nothing with it all summer long.  In fact, I did nothing with it until my dear friend and writing partner, Betsy Henning, approached me about wanting to participate in Nanowrimo, otherwise known as National Novel Writing Month.

For those of you who don't know, Nanowrimo is simply a project coordinated by the Office of Letters and Light, a non-profit organization with the goal of helping people (young and old) attain their writing goals.  Specifically here, the goal is to write a 50,000 word book in the month of November.  According to their website, "it is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing.  I'll say!

"Let's do it!" Betsy challenged.  She spoke of it throughout the entire month of October, even going so far as to sign up for an online Nanowrimo preparation class.  She meant business.  She really wanted to do this thing. 

"Yeah.  Sure.  I'll do it," I said, unenthusiastically.  But when I went back to the outline I worked out the previous spring something moved me.  I don't know if it was belief in my story, the fact that I knew I had something to say and needed say it, or if it was that I just needed to know if I could write a book from beginning to end.

Whatever the reason or reasons, I committed wholeheartedly.  Betsy and I worked diligently all month and completed our first manuscripts slightly ahead of the allotted time.  It was a victory for us both.  We completed the writer's equivalent to the marathon.  Of course, I know mine needs a lot of work.  It accurately fits Anne Lamott's definition of a "shitty first draft," but I am comforted by the fact that according to her all good writers write them.  And hey, I did it!   I outlined and wrote a book and now I need to move on to the next step - revising and editing.  I know I will spend many hours at it, but eventually, I hope to end up with a good second draft and maybe even a terrific third draft (that's what she says happens if you keep at it!).  


So here I am, sprouting my little seed of inspiration once again and hoping that with hard work and diligence, great things will begin happening elsewhere in my writing life as well.    
        

Stuffing it All In!

Pardon my absence over the last week.  I've been out walking, taking bubble baths and buying new stuff!  Obviously, I've been seeking some inspiration!  Just kidding.  Actually, I've been super busy with life.  Some of you saw and commented on pictures of my daughter as she went off to dance the night away at her first prom.  Believe me, that brought a couple tears to my eyes.

Other than that, there's been the typical illnesses that seem to always linger in my house, and as for me, I have a couple confessions to make.  First of all, I've been stricken with addiction - a gardening addiction, that is!  Last week's stretch of gorgeous weather had me out digging in the dirt and planting the very perennials that will reward my toil with beauty for years to come.

As for writing, that's the other confession.  Obviously, I wasn't here posting, nor did I work on my book or any of my other self-assigned writing projects.  I did, however, work on a project for a client, so at least that's something, but since it's not pressing I didn't complete it yet.  Naughty me!!!

So the personal struggle now is to not be too hard on myself.  During times like these - periods where I am less productive with my writing -  I try to remember that I am still a mother of young children and they must, and always do come first.  I try to be patient with myself and my goals (and believe me that's hard to do sometimes) while keeping in mind that these little ones won't be little forever.  Before long, they will all be in school and I'll have more time to focus on writing.

In the meantime, I continue to challenge myself to do all  the things in my life that I enjoy: parenting, writing, gardening, drawing, knitting, yoga/pilates and the list goes on and on.  I guess that's what living life is about, isn't it?  It's about stuffing every little thing into your day that you possibly can and enjoying it to the max.  It's living life with abandon, but not abandoning the things we are passionate about.   

So here I am writing again, refocusing myself without beating myself up over the things I didn't get done.  If I keep at it, I'll get where I want and need to be in time. 

What about you, do any of you ever get sidetracked with life?  Are you stuffing it all in and keeping focused?  How do you do it?

Renew Your Writing Inspiration with These Simple Tips

Some people would argue that there's no such thing as writer's block.  I guess I agree with that.  A lot of times, it's mind over matter - it's the sitting down and doing it that's difficult.  But I know without a doubt, there are times when my own writing feels a bit stifled and inspiration isn't exactly right around the corner.  The blessing for writers, and creators of all artistic forms, is that taking action in fun ways will help reapply a fresh approach to your creative spirit.

Get out of the house

Last week, I went on a field trip.  My husband took two of our children, Danielle took the baby, and I went to the library.  For two-and-a-half hours, I worked diligently, and uninterruptedly developing a magazine article idea, and then even managed a significant amount of time on my book.  It was wonderful.  No sippy cups to fill, diapers to change or sibling disagreements to mediate.  Did somebody say Heaven?

Seriously though, sometimes inspiration comes in the form of a break from the norm.  For parents who stay at home, it can be hard to juggle everything - housework, parenting, and everything else in our lives - and try to write too.  It's overwhelming at times and coming up with fresh ideas amidst all of that is hard to do.  Getting out of the house isn't always an option for everyone, but when the opportunity strikes take advantage.  One or two getaways a week can do wonders for your muse. 

Re-inspire by doing something enjoyable

Do something you enjoy to reawaken your creative spirit.  It doesn't have to be writing related.  Go for a walk and take note of the fresh green foliage bursting from buds in trees.  Feel the wind blowing gently on your face.  Listen to the spring birds singing.  Watch them flitting about as they prepare nests for future babies.  Use all of your senses like a child would.  Enjoy the experience.   

If that doesn't get the juices flowing for you, do something else that gets your mind off of life's worries - the things that really block inspiration.  Draw up a warm bubble bath, light a few of your favorite scented candles, and grab up that magazine that came in the mail three weeks ago (or three months ago). Treat yourself to a freebie spa in your own home.

Whatever you enjoy that's deeply relaxing, give it a try.  You work hard and you deserve it.  You'd be amazed what a few moments of quiet doing something you enjoy can do to stir up new ideas.  

Buy yourself something new

For me, there's nothing quite as motivating as buying new exercise clothes to get me to go for a run.  It's the same thing with writing.  Having new stuff to use - sticky notes, pens, or a pretty journal - inspires me to write something new.  If you're on a tight budget, don't worry.  These items can be found at affordable prices at your local Dollar Store, and if it ends up being enough inspiration to land you an assignment, it might just be worth it.   


Remember that all writers have periods of great creativity and those that are not quite as productive.  It's ok.  When the less industrious times come, take an active approach.  Follow these suggestions or come up with your own to get yourself back on track.

What are some of your best tips for renewing your writing inspiration?

Inspiration for the Muse

Right now my windows are wide open and one of my favorite sounds fills the house: it's the song of spring sung by so many birds belting out their beautiful chorus.  I am thankful for our taste of spring yesterday.  By late afternoon, it was nearly 75 degrees, and although it's supposed to get chilly again, it's still warm enough to have the windows open.

I love spring.  It's one of my favorite times of the year.  Waking up to fresh air and the sound of birds on days like today really is a pleasure.  But what I love most is the transformation.  I love watching the grass go from brown and listless to vibrant green and lush in a matter of days.  I enjoy seeing the daffodils and tulips grow taller every day.  I know that before long, they'll be erupting in color all over the country - along with new foliage on once naked trees.

It's new life, and like the birth of a baby, it's always remarkable.  Forever inspiring.  In fact, I think I'll let it inspire my muse today, and try to get some good writing in.  I hope you all had an amazing weekend and find some inspiration in your own day!    

Surmountable Barriers

The other day, I was surfing around on some of my favorite blogs when I came across an entry by Lori Widmer at Words on the Page about what she accomplished in the month of March.  The 38+ query letters that she sent out was enough in itself to impress me, but that was only a drop in the bucket of her freelancing accomplishments for last month. 

What Lori's post got me to wondering was what are the barriers in my life that keep me from that level of productivity.  Although the last couple months have been the most productive I've had in a while, I've definitely not sent out nearly 40 query letters.


What I'm working on now

• Posting on my blog on a regular
• Researching markets and querying magazines for articles (I say again, not 40.  I promise you!)
• A couple small freelance projects
• Networking/marketing
• Always stretching myself by reading and learning about my craft
• Outlining and beginning my first book

As for barriers, I can give you a list of 40+ of them with ease.  Family (children, spouse, pets), chores, lack of time, hobbies and other interests, but when it comes right down to it, I think I've learned what my ultimate barrier is: myself.

I know that I'm not sitting around making excuse after excuse to not write.  I'm getting "stuff" done, just not quite as much as I'd like.  I must not make excuses.  Do you think Lori is?  I sincerely doubt that!

One of my biggest problems is that I always worry I'm not giving my children enough of my time.  After all, being with my girls and giving them my best is the reason I am home right now.  But what I've learned is that sometimes giving them "my best" looks different than I expect. Instead of thinking I am depriving my children of my time, I must keep in mind that I am doing more than something I enjoy.  I am showing them that mama's goals and ambitions are important, and so are theirs - they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.  I must continue to press on and reach all my writing goals.  

Yes, it's a juggling act.  No, it's not impossible.  Those barriers are surmountable and so are yours.

What are some of  the barriers in your life? 

Words Are Not Enough

I yearn to be more like this earthly man, this hero, whose love for his son knows no boundaries--this man whose love is more like Jesus than any example I have ever seen...This man is a poetic example of our awesome and amazing God .

Spring Slideshow

Just imagine our lives without lovely green grass...





What would it be like if God hadn't given us delicate spring flowers?





...or the ones we planted...






What would the hardworking bumble bee do?







Where would he go?



Just imagine...

Simply Amazing!

I sit in my car, waiting for my husband to come out of the store. My eyes are closed-- seatbelt still strapped across my waist. My hand feels the silky smoothness of the strap. I recognize what it is. My youngest daughter's breath slows down, becomes louder, more methodical. She sleeps peacefully. My eldest shuffles the pages of her book. She reads quietly. My mind quickly identifies all it senses and I marvel at the complexity of the human body. I am amazed at how easy the mind and senses come together to identify all that surrounds us.

Wouldn't it be nice if writing were as easy as living and breathing? Not to say it never is, but the words do not always come flowing from the fingertips like the blood that circulates our bodies. Things get in our way and impede the writing process. What are our distractions?

At times, merely living gets in our way. We are busy people. Many have jobs to go to and families to raise. My job is at home maintaining a household and raising children. I love it. There is nothing in my life I enjoy more, but it definitely makes carving out time for writing difficult.

Juggling household chores and the demands of parenting are hard enough in themselves, but adding writing to the mix really steps things up a bit. I admit that I have not yet mastered time management, but there is one thing that consistently works for me. I write when my three-year-old naps. I never do anything else during this time and it allows me at least two good hours in the afternoon to work on my writing projects. It is a productive time for me.

Another big distraction in my life is--you are never going to believe this one--the internet. It is not unusual for me to turn my laptop on with the intent of working on an article, but first I think, "Well, I will just check my email real quick." I check my email, find a neat link to an interesting website, check it out, and that one leads me to another. Then I figure I may as well see if any posts were made to my favorite blogs, and before you know it an hour has gone by. An hour I could have spent writing!

A couple of things have helped me in this area. I only allow myself so much time a day to do all that fun stuff. I take a look at my schedule and determine when I should read those blogs, and then stick to it. Ok, so I get a little ADHD sometimes and I don't always stick to it, but I try. I find that when I do, my writing time becomes more productive.

Another thing I do--especially when I have a project looming--is turn the internet off. I make sure my research is done so I don't need it anymore, and then apply myself. I get into the project and before I know it I am nearly done.

Many things get in our way, but many things can be done to overcome the obstacles. And it's true that some days will be more productive than others, but we must keep at it. Keep those fingers typing. Eventually they've got to work with your mind in the same way that your senses do; working in coalition to write a masterpiece. Right?