Ah, The Difference A Day Makes

Yesterday was ... oh, we're not even going to talk about it.

Today, ahhhh. Today was a jewel. I was able to spend time with my husband and that alone, was pure heaven. We don't have nearly enough (go, play, talk, relax) time. Bet your world is the same.

But ... today was the exception. If I were to describe this day, these words would all apply.

Wonderful husband. New phone. Juicy, old-fashioned cheeseburger. No computer blitzes. Rainy. Fireplace. Snuggly dogs. Purring cats. Thoughtful friends. New names to add to my collection. Two new book ideas. Happy sighs.

Wish more days could include these words. Oh, wait. Hmmm. ;-O With the exception of new phone, these words do describe my world. I am one lucky woman.

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For those of you who write ... there is an awesome woman you need to visit online. Her name is Susan May Warren. Sound familiar? Yep, she's the author of the book I turned to last night for inspiration and rejuvenation. There is a definite reason this woman has an outstanding reputation. Visit her online at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com
You won't be disappointed!

Oh, and when you have days like I had yesterday, here is a wonderful verse:

"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desire."

I hope your tomorrow is as blessed as my today was. ;-}

Cyber Circus

Today has not been a good day in my computer world.

Allow me to rephrase.

Today has been horrible in my computer world.

Nope. Still not capturing the right mood.

Today has been a disastrous computer day.

Yep. That pretty well sums it up.

Now, let me tell you why. I recently joined the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) which is an awesome group. They are timely. Their informatin is relevant beyond belief. And their grasp of EVERYTHING in the publishing world is spot on. The minute you join, you are invited to subscribe to their listserve -- which is amazing. Talk about the inside scoop. They answer questions and broach subjects in an open, honest, gracious way. Quite refreshing from some of their secular counterparts.

Anyway, once I subscribed, all was well. I began receiving a lot of e-mail but that was fine. I received lots of contacts. That was wonderful. And then ... poof ... all that lovely, helpful information went up in cyber smoke. Something happened to the "innerds" (as my aunt would have called it) of my computer and my happy world went away. I have spent the last -- oh -- three hours pouting, fretting and swiping sweat. I finally broke down and contacted the webmaster to see if they will take pity on me and resend all that information to me. Now, my contacts they can't help with. I have no idea how to get those back. And of course all the e-mails I'd saved are irreplaceable too. But, tomorrow's another day. And I truly believe everything happens for a reason. So, I'm going to stop my moping, go and find a brownie and a tall glass of milk and finish reading Susan May Warren's book Happily Ever After. It's bound to inspire!

Shame on Me!

I am a procrastinator. If a support group existed for procrastinators, I could easily lead the group. I would probably put off attending, but once I got there, I could take the reigns. On March 2nd, I proudly began my blogging life. Then what did I do? I put off entering my next blog, hence the title of this post -- Shame On Me! Having recently visited one of my favorite blogs, I hung my head after reading how many things she's been juggling. Evidently she not only accomplished all of them, but she managed to post to her blogs every weekday ... EVERY week day ... and sometimes on the weekend. I am in serious need of some anti procrastinating cream. Forget Botox and Oil of Olay. Oh, wait. I know what I need! I need chocolate. Which reminds me ...



This weekend I attended a one day question and answer session with some mighty impressive authors. I wasn't one of them. I was just in the audience. But, the gals that took center stage were not only amazing, they were incredibly knowledgeable. Now, here's where the chocolate comes in. See, I'm telling you, chocolate really does play a huge part in my daily writing life. Of course, this has led me to make a decision about a diet plan, but that's another blog story.



When I arrived at the bookstore/coffeeshop called "Words and Afterwords" in Hardy, Arkansas, I was met by four members of my writers' group. I even met another lady named Dana (sweetest person) who wants to join our group. Sorry. I digress. After settling down with the MOST superb white chocolate mocha I've ever sipped, I opened up my notebook, settled in and drank up every drop of wisdom and encouragement those writers had to offer. I also polished off my mocha and wanted to go back for seconds but couldn't bring myself to leave the group.



The writers that were featured were: Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, Susan K. Downs, Christine Lynxwiler and Tracey Bateman. From the moment the first one began her intro until the last one thanked us for coming, I was spellbound and humbled by what these ladies had to offer about the writing industry. I learned more in that hour than during many all day writing sessions that charged huge registration fees. And this was free! AND, they are coming back. I can't wait. I have my eye on a brand new purple pen, a spiffy new notebook (my old one is almost full) and a new pad of sticky notes. I'm also trying to figure out how I can work another white chocolate mocha into my new diet. I'll get right on that ... tomorrow.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

It's nearly evening. The largest part of daylight has made its appearance and I've had a smile on my face for most of it. Now, that's a good day. As it happened, this was a snow day. I teach. Days like this are pure Godiva Days. I've spent the day reading, romping in the snow and creating this blog. As I said, it's been a good day.


While creating this blog, I researched others. There are so many wonderful sites at our fingertips. I've listed some on this page. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. I'll be adding more as I go along. But, since I'm new at this, I'm starting slowly.


I've been writing for several years. I love it. But I haven't pursued it correctly. I'd get a piece ready, send it out, wait and wait and wait ... and wait. Then, after several months I'd receive a rejection. The waiting time ranges from six weeks to eight months as most of you who write already know. In years past, I'd receive a rejection, pout, get discouraged and shelve the project. After several months, my brain would give me a gentle nudge --Yoo hoo. It's time to write. Your pouting time is over now. So, I'd begin the entire process again. Talk about plodding along. Ever feel like that's all you're doing? You're not alone.

Along the way, I founded a writers' group. They are an amazing group of people. I'm humbled every time I step into the room with them. They are kind yet tenacious. Intelligent and sensitive. Tough but not tacky. I'm so utterly, totally, completely blessed. (Forgive all these adverbs, Altha). These individuals are critiquing queens. It took me a long while to realize that what I had assembled was a blessing. I believe God blesses us. I also believe he gives us the opportunity to create blessings --for ourselves and for others.

Which leads me to my next point -- a rather odd occurance that began last Thursday and seemed to complete itself on Saturday. On the way to school I had the radio station set to KLOVE. Great way to start the day. The morning announcer, can't remember his name, was reading a scripture that I (no pun intended) loved! I was wishing I had a pencil to jot down it down but of course, when you're driving it isn't a good idea to hunt, write and drive at the same time. So, I heaved a sigh, turned into the school parking lot and went about my business.

Saturday rolled around and my husband and I decided to take a mini road trip. He wanted to visit Gander Mountain and I went next door to Mardel's Book Store. I headed for the clearance case. Love a good bargain. As I browsed, my eyes lit on a small book (purse size). It had been marked down to $1.99. When I picked it up, I realized that the book's spine had been broken. The book fell open to ... you guessed it, the exact passage I'd heard on KLOVE Thursday. Hmmm. I reread the scripture, bought the book and when today turned into a snow day, decided this was the perfect day to create a blog.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things.

I'm pretty sure that means, look on the bright side. So, fellow writers. I may still pout and get discouraged, but I'm gonna meditate on all my good things -- a wonderful husband, an amazing writers' group, wonderful friends ... and chocolate.