Thanks for the Post!

I was intending to write a post about how difficult it is to be a writer, especially when you're a mom and have a full-time job.

Well, that was when I HAD a full-time job. I don't anymore (Not really out of choice, more out of necessity due to employer issues - Long story. I am looking for a new one, though.) I AM still a mom, so half of the motivation for writing said post still applies.

But it isn't just because now only half of the motivation still applies that I've chosen not to write that post. It's because I found another post, just this morning, that totally comes at the issue from a different and very refreshing angle. And I'd rather provide you with the link to that post.

So, if you'll excuse me I'll go re-energize with a dip into my latest manuscript as you follow this link and read Johanna Harness's wise words. And you'll see that this advice doesn't only apply to writers. It applies to anyone who does anything. (And I'm assuming you're a someone who does something.)

Happy Snow Day! Er... I Mean, RAIN Day

Whatever kind of day it's turned out to be, my school's been closed and I'm home writing. But unfortunately I'm not writing what I should be writing. I'd every intention of making a serious dent in my WIP today, but as it's turned out my intentions have panned out about as inaccurately as the weather forecast has.

Oh, I've been writing, alright - just as ... STUFF most definitely has been falling from the sky. But just as the STUFF falling from the sky should be forming snow banks, the words flowing from my brain and out through my fingers should be forming chapters in my WIP. But they're not. Instead, they've been forming emails, tweets and this blog posting. And now, lo and behold, it's lunch time. Sigh.

The problem today has been that it's a blank page day. I've come to the end of a chapter in my book and all that's staring me in the face right now is a blank page. I'm not one who outlines and plans ahead - I've tried and it doesn't work for me. But usually when I get to this blank page stage, I go back a few chapters and revise what I've already written. At least then I feel like I'm accomplishing something. And sometimes it helps propel me forward. Sometimes.

But today I thought I'd try something new and push forward without going back first. I'm always so impressed by people who can write an entire first draft in a continuous forward motion - without looking back. So at 8:30 this morning I told myself: Self, today you are not going to look back. I forbid you to look back. You must push forward. Onwards and upwards! Eyes on the prize! No pain no gain! You gotta climb that mountain! One foot in front of the other! Head up, shoulders back, stomach in. Charge!!

I'm still facing a blank page.

I've always hated cliches!

Is it ever too early to think about Christmas shopping?

I'll share a secret with you: I hate shopping.

There, I've said it. I'm not quite normal, I know. The only time I shop, on purpose, is around Christmas, so I'm seriously thinking about it now. (and I'm breaking out in hives)

Now, some people think it's too early to be thinking about Christmas. Afterall, American Thanksgiving isn't even over yet.

But then again, I've heard of people who do their Christmas shopping on Boxing Day of the previous year. So I guess the end of November isn't too early.

And it isn't too early if you're going to consider buying gifts online. And it isn't too early if you're going to take some time to consider which organizations you're going to buy from.

Please don't get sucked into only buying from the box stores this Christmas season. I know, I know, money's tight these days and who can resist the rock-bottom prices offered by said box stores? But you know, without this coming off as a guilt trip, somewhere someone has to pay for these box stores to be able to offer these irresistible rock-bottom prices. And it certainly isn't us.

This is the main reason I hate shopping.

Now, I'm going to ask something of you. No, you don't have to start hating shopping too. I'm going to ask you to consider Buying to Make a Difference this year. At least when purchasing SOME gifts - if not all.

If this concept interests you, (or if you want to know what the heck I'm talking about) here are a few links to help get you started. I've personally bought items from these organizations - your money will be used in the way they say it will.

Ten Thousand Villages

Sari Bari

Made by Survivors

Toms Shoes

Pura Vida Coffee

Just Us!

If you have any other suggestions of proven organizations that offer fairly traded and fairly made products, please share them here.

Now this is shopping I can get excited about!

Happy shopping!

Big News? YES!!

I've finally been able to confirm my Big News with my very own eyes. Take a looky for yourself:

This is in the November issue of the tween magazine, The Magazine. What a stunner! I'm still recovering from the shock.

Yay Smudge!

Big News? Maybe.

Wow. So I was just told something that (to me) is really big news.

But I'm not going to write a post about it until I confirm it with my own eyes.

The Revision Process Demonstrated

For all you teachers of writing and writers of writing (and would-be writers of writing): here's a great LiveJournal post that talks about the revision process. Take heart! When it comes to writing, it's evident we're all in the same boat! :)

http://kmessner.livejournal.com/126769.html

Privileged to Be

So, I've said it before during the last week, and I'll say it again:

What took me so long to pick up Percy Jackson??

Rick Riordan is one of my new favorite authors. Usually for me, having a favorite author means that person has, in one way or another, inspired me to write. That person has used their talent and it has moved me, and it totally motivates me to do the same for other people. My favorite authors make me excited to get back to my writing.

Neil Gaiman's dark, bizarre, impossible-yet-realistic tales; Sally Gardner's backstory and ability to completely sweep me into her worlds; Markus Zusak's Death narrator's grip on my heart and mind; Lawrence Hill's ability to make me angry, sad, and hopeful at the same time; Dr. Seuss's (yes, Dr. Seuss!) breaking of all possible rules, and now Rick Riordan's brilliant blend of intensity and humor have all inspired and challenged me.

I'm not worthy... *bow* *bow* *bow* ...to be counted among your numbers.

But I'm privileged enough to be.

I hope you all have the experience of reading books that move you, speak to you, and inspire you.