Weekend Blogger

I am always amazed and impressed by the number of blogs any one person can post in a week. Where do you come up with ideas for such great articles so often? I do not fit into this category, unfortnately, and have made a decision for myself. I am going to become a weekend blogger. This simply means that I will only post something on the weekend. However, I will still visit blogs daily. It is almost an addiction and I find I must keep up with the blogs I am following or I will miss something really important, though I can't always keep up.

With a wonderful husband, three kids, a full-time job outside the home, Church activities, writing and a current theater committment, I find I am doing little bits of things and not accomplishing a great deal. This week I was really into the groove of writing my current WIP, but at the back of my mind I kept thinking that I needed to blog. I don't like being pulled in two separate directions. My characters do that enough - lol. Where it is okay for them, it is not okay in everything else in my life. So, I made a list of all the things I needed to do on a weekly basis and set a schedule of what I hope will work. One of my decisions is to post a blog only on the weekend.

Have you had to reduce the amount of time you spend on one activity so you can devote more time to others? Do you have a specific blog schedule you go by, or do you post when an interesting thought comes to mind? I would really like to know how everyone else manages to organize their time to be with family, participate in outside activites, write and blog. Do you have a weekly schedule you go by and stick to? I am sure your blog isn't the only place you visit either. I also like to visit Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Shelfari, Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers, and Romance Book Junction, none of which I think I visited this week. I would love to hear from you and any tips you can offer.

WIP Jumping

Do you ever have two separate WIPs demanding your attention? This is happening to me. The first one that I am writing is intended to be a sequel to a manuscript I recently finished. That manuscript is sitting, waiting for edits. It is a rule of mine that after a story is written and the critiques received, I don't look at it for two to five months. This used to be hard because I wanted to keep working and get the story submitted. But, in time I have learned that I need to be away from it so it is no longer fresh in my mind when I edit. I find a lot of mistakes that way.

So, while one WIP is resting, I move onto another. However, right now I have two others. I have two sets of characters, in two totally different settings, clamoring for my attention like two jealous children with a parent. When I pause in one, to think about which direction I want the story to take (I don't outline), the other child (set of characters) steps into the temporary vacant spot as if to say "my turn now". So, I let the first one stew in the back of my mind while I play with the second story. I know the best thing would be to permanently put one away until the other is complete. But that would be like locking one beloved child in a room so you can lavish attention on the other. It seems so unfair.

I am sure by now I am also driving my critique partners crazy. I am about to post chapters from my second story when they have been critiquing the first. Thank goodness they are an understanding group. Though I believe a former critique partner did mention ADD and my name in the same sentence. I am sure I don't know what they mean - lol.

Has this ever happened to you, or is it happening now? Do you have two or more sets of characters insisting you pay attention to them and ignore the others? Do you work on only one story and ignore the second?

Away from My Blog

Today I am blogging at http://secondwindpub.wordpress.com/. Stop by and let me know if you have ever written a book with a partner.

Birthday Celebration

My publisher is celebrating a birthday. I hope you will join us in celebrating one year in business and thirty published books:

Ten Lessons I Learned (The Hard Way): A Publisher’s Reflections on the First Year http://wp.me/pljtd-wX

Win free ebooks! Receive epresents.
What Second Wind Book Do You Wish to Read? You Might Get Your Wish! http://wp.me/pljtd-vI

In the event my shortcuts don't transfer, because they haven't so far, both blog posts can be found at http://secondwindpub.wordpress.com.

Good luck if you plan to enter to win an ebook.

Movies as Inspiration

One of my critique partners recently referenced an author she loves and compared her writing style and comedy to one of her favorite movies – It Happened One Night. I love this movie and I find that I am drawn to the movies made prior to my birth, or shortly thereafter, as opposed to some more recent offerings. Our discussion took a new path to favorite actors and movies. Personally, I don’t think Cary Grant has ever made a movie I did not like.

This in turn reminded me of a book I had read. It was maybe three years ago, or longer, and for the life of me I cannot remember the name of the author or the title. I loaned the book and never got it back. This was a historical romance, medieval period, but as I was reading it, all I could think of was that the story was Arsenic and Old Lace, though the book wasn’t called that. It was a wonderful read and I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed watching one my favorite Cary Grant movies. And, at the back of the book, this author gave complete credit to Arsenic and Old Lace.

What about you? Has a movie, or perhaps series of movies, ever influenced your story? Do you find yourself using a tone or a style from a beloved movie?

Also, if anyone knows the book I referenced or the author, please let me know. It is driving me nuts that I can’t remember.

Blogs and Interviews

I've had computer issues at home, which is why I have not been able to post blogs or follow blogs. This message is being sent from my work computer because I wanted to let you know that today I am interviewed on http://romancewritersonthejourney.wordpress.com/. Please stop by when you get a chance.

Hopefully my home computer issues will be resolved today (cross your fingers).

Have a great day all.

Characters

If you write any type of fiction you know there are specfic characters you need. For romance (my favorite) you need the Hero and Heroine. Then there are the secondary characters, or the supporting cast, with whom our main characters interact with as the story unfolds. Sometimes, and more often than not, there is a villian. This could be a truely bad person set out to do harm - such as a murderer in a mystery. Or, it could simply be a person who is so selfish that they don't care who they trample on in reaching their goal. We know there are several types of characters and ways to use those characters in a story, but this is more about the good guy/gal, even if they aren't in the lead role in your novel.

The Sunday School lesson this past weekend was The Good Samaritan and thankfully none of the students asked me an impossible question. As I was driving home from church I started to think about the lesson and wondered if I have written a Good Samaritan into my novels. It turns out I have, but I never consciously thought of them with that specfic title.

As a Christian or Inspirational author, do you have a character who is your Good Samaritan? And, if you do, was this something you consciously did, or did the character simply evolve into someone who stops to help those in need, loves their neighbor and is without prejudice?

It is All in the Name

So many of you have such cool names for your blog. They define you as a person, a writer, mother, father or interest. When I set up my blog I simply used my pen name, which is actually my maiden name so there was no imagination used there. The reason I decided to write using my maiden name was simply because it is less common. I married a Williams. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with my husband's last name, I preferred to have a more unique name on the cover of my books. Besides, when I actually make it to a bookshelf (notice I didn't say "if"), "D" is a lot closer to the beginning of the alphabet than "W". When looking for a book and not sure what I want, I tend to start at the beginning and a lot of stores stock by authors last name. Therein lies my logic.

While I like my name, I think it is too boring for the title of my blog. But, I am not sure what I should use. What defines me?

Well, I am: A Christian, Wife to a wonderful man for the past 23 years, Mother of three fantastic and talented children, Daughter, Sister, Author - historical fiction (inspirational and sweet), Paralegal (during the day), Teacher (Sunday School), Lead a Christ Care Group, Chair either makeup or costumes on various community theater shows, Love romance novels.

So, how do I come up with a title for my blog out of all of that?

As I began this blog to connect with other writers and readers, I decided to focus on the romance. When I hit a deadend I asked my critique group and Michelle came up with the prefect title (hope it isn't used). My favorite eras span from the American Revolution through the Regency Period. I do read outside of those times, but I write within them. And, since I believe love is timeless, I've decided to rename my blog to "Timeless Romance".

What do you think? Have you ever wanted to go back and change a beginning months after you started something?

Teaching Sunday School is Hard

I've taught most ages over the past twenty years, taking breaks occassionally to be with "adults" during the Sunday School hour. To me, the younger ones are the easiest. They accept everything with an open heart and an open mind. And no matter what question you ask, they always answer. "Because Jesus loves me." At least that seemed to be the answer to everything for a three and four-year-old.

For several years I taught sixth graders. For some reason most teachers shied away from this age but I loved it. We had great conversations and they were starting to understand the Bible and God's Word in more depth, and could see how it actually did apply to their life beyond church and in the home.

Now, I am teaching 4th graders. They are a great group of kids, but you can tell they are starting to think a little deeper. Our lesson today was how our earthly father protect us just as Joseph protected Jesus when he took him to Egypt, which moved on to how God protects us all and that by sending his Son we can all be assured of forgiveness.

Then came the question: "Where did God come from?"

I wasn't prepared and certainly not qualified to get into a deep discussion with the children, but I make an attempt. I am supposed to be the teacher, right? "God is God. He has always been and always will be." I know, it was probably a bad answer. Another child pipes up. "But he had to come from somewhere, didn't he?" The questions continued until we all decided that God is so wonderful, so powerful, so amazing that our brains cannot begin to really comprehend all that God is and all that he does for us, but because of faith we are assured of His protection and love. I also encouraged them to talk to the pastor for surely he could answer this question far better than I.

How would you answer the question?

After today I think I am ready to return to the three-year-old classroom where most questions can be answered with my favorite answer - Because Jesus Loves Me.

My Conference Experience - the Begnning

It is hard to beleive that a week ago today I was in Washington, DC at the Romance Writer's of America Conference. I think my mind is still sorting through the information and experience. I would have posted sooner, but I had some issues with my laptop and didn't get it back to full running capacity until a day or so ago. Not sure what the cause was, but I am certain dropping it on the hard floor at the airport didn't help. I now have to fight to open the DVD drive. Oh well, it could be worse.


I arrived on Tuesday afternoon and after checking into my gorgeous room at the Omni Shoreham, I left to meet up with my critique partners. Until that day, I had only met two of them face to face. It was wonderful to get to know Jerrica, Kelli, Michelle, Heather and Julie in person and see Jodie and Tammy once again. We enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner and I swear I pulled stomach muscles from laughing so hard. This evening set the tone for the entire conference. I am really not sure I have laughed so much in my life, or at least not in recent memory.


Wednesday night we attended the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing. There were more than 500 authors waiting to sign books. The room was loud and invigorating. The proceeds from this event went to ProLiteracy Worldwide and local literacy charities. I forget the amount of money raised, but it was in the tens of thousands of dollars. Our next stop was the Beau Monde Soiree, where an array of delicious desserts were offered (this is not the time or place to even be thinking about a diet). Several attendees were dressed in period clothing and it was fun to watch the dance master teach the steps to a Regency Era country dance.


Thursday morning was the official opening with Janet Evanovich as the speaker. I was unable to attend the General Meeting but did attend the luncheon where Linda Howard was the keynote speaker. Both of these authors were enjoyable and inspirational to listen to. I am embarassed to admit that I have not read the books by either of them. However, after listening to them speak, they have been added to my ever growing of list of books and authors to read.


Following lunch, the workshops began. As this is already long, I will write about what I learned in a separate post.

Counting Down

In just 4 days the RWA Conference begins. I've been looking forward to this since I left the conference last year. However, I am still undecided on which workshops to attend. It seems I change my mind almost daily. Do I attend the craft workshops so I can improve my writing. Or, do I attend the carrier workshops since my book first book is now published? Oh, decisions, decisions. So far, the only one that has remained consistent as one of my choices is "Merging Inspiration, Romance and More: Writing for the Inspirational Market".

Have you been to the conference? Is there a workshop that is a "must attend"? I would love to hear feeback on conferences you have attended. It doesn't have to be the RWA Conference. What were your favorite parts or what workshops did you learn the most from?

Celebrating

It is a rainy 4th of July here. I hope it clears before darkness falls, but I am beginning to doubt it will happen. Whether it rains or shines, small and large events will still continue around the country to celebrate. I thank God that I am blessed to live in this wonderful country. And, I thank the men and women who fought and continue to fight to keep our country free.

I've been gone from my blog longer than planned. The days have been spent with the kids, working, getting ready for my trip to attend the Romance Writers of America Conference, and preparing for the opening of Suessical.

And, on top of my wonderfullly, crazy scheduled Loving Lydia was released. It was so exciting to see my book on both Amazon and my publishers website - secondwindpublishing.com.

It is a glorious day, despite the rain, and I plan to celebrate. I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July.