IWSG~Snail Writing

Everything about my next words is personal. I guess that's what this monthly posting thing is all about anyway, right? So to say I'm a little nervous is an understatement. via GIPHY
It's not really anything dramatic, but I'm not in the habit of ripping the seam of my heart open and exposing it to the oxygen of others' eyes. Despite the initial burn, here goes:  I've been sick. I might have mentioned it in a brief, passing sentence here before, but never really explained. AND, as you might expect from me, I won't go into details now, either. I will say that the few ailments I've been diagnosed with cause extreme fatigue, joint swelling, and pain. To be honest, I can deal with the swelling and pain. But when I can't keep my eyes open to drive a car let alone stare at my computer screen to write because of the fatigue I want to scream. But I'm too tired to do that. Go figure. 
Yes, I'm sure some of you are thinking this is an understandable excuse for not being able to write or get my next draft finished. From a moral and compassionate standpoint, you're correct. Absolutely. But the publishing world isn't always moral and we all know that compassion isn't its strongest characteristic. I'm terrified that if I don't get book II of this series written, edited, perfected, and submitted by summer's end that I'll be left out in the cold. I know my publisher can only accept so many books a year. 
Somehow I must rise above this and write this book. Plus, my YA publisher should be knocking on my email soon to start work on that manuscript. I honestly don't know how I'm going to do this. I feel like I've lost connection with some of  my closest cyber peeps. That's logical with me going through edits for my debut MG novel. Normally, I could jump right back into cyberspace and reconnect. But with this health thing reconnecting has been hard. I guess I'm asking 'Are you still there? Will my CPs and betas forgive such egregious distance?  
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.

IWSG~Prepping For The Next Step

The first next step I took after selling my first two books was the necessary paperwork with my publishers. Then there was researching author collectives within my genres and applying. (This is a subject I'll touch upon in a later post.) 

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For this post, I'll jump to my first real next step - working with my editor (who's amazing!). When I received my first round of edits a few days ago, I honestly thought I was going to puke. The idea of opening them and seeing the mountain of work I had ahead of me made me want to run for the hills. But when I opened them yesterday I discovered they weren't as bad as I'd imaged. There's work to be done - yes - but it's totally doable. 
IWSG pondering #1: How do you see yourself as an author? Are you harder on yourself then need be? Do you avoid giving yourself a pat on the back when deserved?
My other next step in authorship is designing my own author website. I currently have one, but it's mainly an off-shoot of this blog. Now that I actually have books coming out I need to highlight them, my publishers, and myself as an author. Phew...It's been a ton of work. The biggest challenge has been deciding what to include on the website and where to put it. I ended up spending a few days surfing cyberspace for author websites - I'm sure I checked out a few of yours. *Thanks for being such great examples, btw.* And as you can see, designing that site led me to revamping this one. I wanted to simplify Writer's Alley.
IWSG pondering #2: No matter which step you were just at, how did you manage the next one? 
Splat: Due to those edits, I won't be around for the rest of the month, excluding for a fabulous middle grade book I'm highlighting on the 7th. I want to wish each of you a wonderful, happy, & safe holiday! And please come back in the new year for my new website and special newsletter reveal with all sorts of goodies and exclusives!!! I'm nervous....
The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.
Hugs: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, & Happy Ramadan! 

IWSG ~ A Writing Truth

The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.

Steampunk Tomahawk

When writing is no longer fun I'll stop. - Mega, outlandish, totally-saying-it-because-we-think-we're supposed-to LIE. I have no idea who said that first, but it's a total fib. No one on this planet can like what they do ALL THE TIME. It's not possible. Well, maybe on some infinitesimal level when all variables line up and the planets take on some never-before-seen alignment. But that answer is for some mathematical genus. Not me. A writer. We ALL feel that writer's angst from time to time--the black rabbit hole of doubt, denial, and self-degradation. Don't tell me you never have wanted to smash your laptop or tomahawk every stinking social media site that waves everyone else's writing successes in your face. And don't tell me you haven't ever said to yourself, "I suck."
You have. We all have. 
The trick is to embrace it. Don't try to distract yourself or put the writing away. Examine your obstacles. This is life. It's why we're here. You're not going to escape barriers to your dreams. And even those of you who've reached some dreams - the potholes of life are still going to come. They will never stop. We are here to learn and become more than we were when we first arrived. 
Welcome a challenge. You'll be better for it.

IWSG~#GetYourOwnIdentity

The purpose of the IWSG is to share and encourage, posting on the first Wednesday of each month. You'll find writer doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Support and a common understanding spread throughout the group as many fellow writers can relate. Feel free to JOIN in anytime.

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An online presence has become a way of life. I honestly don't know of anyone who isn't online in some way, either by paying bills, communication via email, or through the ever-expanding highway of social media. There are a bazillion advantages to being online. But there are dangers, too. Keeping our identities our own is one of them.
As writers, our identities are part of our marketing platform, part of what will attract readers. It shows who we are and what we care about. But when you peel those writing layers away, we are people living in the world like everyone else. We are individuals. The fear of having that violated, for whatever reasons, scares the daylights out of me. It's happened to me once, and my identity has been threatened a few other times. Thank the cyber powers that the safeguards set in place worked. I may not have a lot. I might not be much in this world, but what I have and am are mine. 
Have any of you had your identities compromised? Do you fear being taken advantage of through your writing identity? 

The Road To Wisdom

Writerly Wisdom Wednesdays, posted on the third Wednesday of the month, is a regular meme for writers to share lessons they've learned along their path to publication and beyond. I haven't used it in forever. But I noticed that last year was tough on a lot of us, so I decided to bring it back to the forefront. Feel free to join me! The only requirement is that the post be brief. 

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There are days when all seems bright and airy. Then again, some are filled with doom and gloom. And with the fast-pace of life today, the two can sometimes blur. The one certain we have is the current moment we're living in. Right now. Yeah, that one. Other than that nothing is assured. 
A multitude of variables bombard us each day that influence, affect, and change our activities, goals, attitudes, and motivations. I don't know about you, but every time I think my day is going smoothly WHAM! the unexpected happens. Wisdom: The unexpected really should be expected. 
Although this quote could be relative to many people in numerous different walks of life, it is a hard-fast truth for writers. I could spend a dozen posts on methods of deciding whether to remain steadfast with a manuscript or shelf it; that will be for another day. The most valuable lesson I've learned about writing is that loving the craft will not always feel good. It's sacrifice. 
So tell me: what's the wisest writing advice you've been given? 

I Read YA ~ Say You?

I've created stories my entire life. It started as a youngster, creating alternative endings to movies I watched. The venue then morphed to assigned papers during my schooling years, which extended to collecting personal thoughts in journals. Some of those personal ponderings became part of assigned fiction papers in English class. Other tales I jotted down served as ways to explore my world. And, of course, there are those I've kept in my head my entire life for my own amusement. 
One way I've fueled my creative juices has been to read. Read everything and anything I can get my hands on - or, in our new digital world, my eyes on. I'm sure those of you reading this who are writers will concur that the number one advice wannabe writers are given is to read. 
But the time comes when reading from the cornucopia of possibilities narrows itself down to reading what the writer desires to write about, wants to share his/her thoughts with the world. Write what you know, we've all heard. For me, writing what I know and exploring the world we live in has always steered me to children's literature.
Why?
There are many reasons, and these reasons are personal to me as a writer. I'm sure those of you who write for children have your own motives for choosing to create in the children's market. I could spend a series of posts exploring my 'whys'. Those would differ from the world of picture books to middle grade through young adult. I could say its because I have four children of my own, which would be true. I could also say it's because I enjoy juggling the angst and joys, the adventures and discoveries of all that makes growing up so important. 
So why would anyone tell me because I'm no longer a child it's wrong for me to read children's literature?
Most of you have heard about the recent article bashing those of us who read young adult books. And when I say those of us, I'm referring to adults in general, not just writers. I won't give the article anymore credence than to provide you with its title ~ Yes, Adults Should Be Embarrassed To Read Young Adult Books. Feel free to Google it.
Except for the publishing world and its need to thrive, what I read should matter to no one but me. 

The author of said article argues one point using the ever and currently popular book The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, stating that it was "... a nicely written book for a 13-year-old...", but "Oh brother..." Which lead the author to ask the audience if this made her heartless or grown up. 
Must an adult be heartless when reading a young adult tale? Should adults downplay the true emotions of a book simply because the main characters are earlier on in their life's journey of learning? Because as adults we've lived and seen more, felt tragedy, and been tarnished by the harsh realities of the real world? Or should an adult reader of YA take the wisdom he/she has learned and let it fuel the story for their own personal read? Does being a grown-up mean tossing all youthful feelings to the wind? 
I dare say NOT. I will continue to read young adult literature, as I will continue to write it.
Gosh, what would the author of said article say to those Picture Book authors who read picture books? Or to the bazillion, responsible parents (ADULTS) out there who read middle grade books before their kids read them?
Here's a little badge I created for you. Feel free to use it on your site, as an avatar, or even a profile pic. 
HEARTS,

I Have An Agent!!

I've been holding out on you.

Back in THIS POST & THIS ONE, I claimed to have a gargantuan announcement to share with you, which would conclude with a bigger-than-a-shopping-mall giveaway. Some of you were even gracious enough to offer to help me with my giveaway. #pompomcheers

Yet I haven't shared...AND it's been killing me!!

As most of you know, the publishing world slows down during the summer months - creepy, crawly, snail slow. So what I decided to do is fire up my Facebook Author Page and share half of my news with you.

I HAVE AN AGENT! 

I've signed with the fabulous Paula Munier of Talcott Notch Literary. 

But like I said. That's only half of my story. Trust me; the full adventure is a humdinger and totally me. So stay tuned, because when I return to my regular blogging schedule in September I'll be spilling the rest of my news, the whole story, and announcing my massive giveaway!!

Until then, would you be so kind as to 'Like' my Facebook Author Page and share it with your friends? I'd be so thankful!!

Miss you all!!

Slow and Easy; Fast and Hard

We are individuals. Some of us have light skin, while others have darker skin. We speak different languages, some even using sign language to communicate. There are blue and green eyes, athletics and artists, teachers and students. Each person is made up of personal traits, family histories, environmental influences, likes, dislikes, and preferences that define us.

I'm sure you know someone who follows every traffic law. Just as you know someone who's not as sensitive to following the speed limit. :) Or someone who despises the subject of Math, but loves History.

It took me a while to realize this same mentality and appreciation for life's differences applies to the writing world. For those of you who are just starting out with writing, I'm hoping what comes next will comfort you. And for you vintage writers, I know you'll relate.

When I decided to become a serious writer, I had a set picture in my head of how it was going to work, the elements I'd need to concentrate on, and the time I had to do it. I've always been a go-getter, passionate, and devoted to anything project I decided is for me. So I grabbed the publishing world and writing by the horns and jumped in both feet.

But at times, I felt like this...

...like I needed so much help that I'd never 

accomplish anything.

And man, did I receive fantastic help. There's nothing like the writing community. 

Other times, the publishing world looked

like this to me...

...big, sophisticated, and hungry.

Hungry for what? I wasn't sure that first year. I was nervous about everything from reading others work and giving a critique to putting myself out there, letting others read my work. So I set goals, promising that I'd get this done by this date and that completed by that date and so on.

Yeah, the problem was I'd left LIFE out of the equation.

I ended up seeing my writing like this...

...one measly letter at a time, while it

seemed the rest of the writing world

was on fire with accomplishments.

And if you know anything about me,

it's that I'm not fond of laziness

or underachieving. Major

pet-peeve.

But overall, I've learned to reevaluate my writing on a daily and weekly basis, giving myself permission for LIFE to happen. I have a new awareness about myself, the people around me--including all you fangtastical blogging friends--and the world. I've learned that I can grow at a slow and easy pace that is suitable for me today, but tomorrow might allow me to speed up, forging fast and hard into whatever I'm working on.

Either way, I'll accomplish all I set out to do and so will each of you.

So, what gives? Any of you ever feel like a snail stuck in glue?

Origins to Ignite the Writing Spark

Writing begins with an idea. Playful. Creative. Adventurous. But calling ourselves writers travels beyond the labyrinth of story roads each writer possesses to find that special place inside. It's a place where humble, yet steadfast confidence rests, waiting to grow and spark new inspiration.

I'm proud to be a part of the Origins Blogfest - the brain child of DL Hammons of Cruising Altitude, which is co-sponsored by three of my awesome blogging buds, Alex Cavanaugh, Katie Mills aka Creepy Query Girl, and Matthew MacNish of The QQQE.

My writing origins, or should I say interest in storytelling, began early in my life. As a child, I loved to retell stories that were read to me, old family tales, nursery rhymes, or even the Bible stories told to me at Catholic school. I used to dream in pictures and then wake up, having to act the story out. My best peeps were my stuffed animals, hence one reason I LOVE writing picture books!

Later on, in middle grade and high school, reworking movies I watched was a favorite pastime of mine. I could never resist dissecting a film, scene, or even a character's persona, and try to find my own little movie within that story. I'd ask questions like Why did the writer do that? Would I want that character to act that way? How come that scene came before this one? The questions were basically endless, and I drove my friends crazy with them. I can't tell you how many times I heard Would you just shut-up and watch!

I'd love to tell you that I was an avid reader as a child/tween/teen. Yeah, I wasn't. But I did write. In journals. It was personal therapy for me, a tween/teen growing up in a small mill town filled with way too many French relatives.

For me, that humble yet confident place inside peeked its head above the waves of marriage and motherhood approximately four years ago. My children were still young and needed me, but not as hands-on as in the past. I decided to revive the art of journaling. Then I began to read, everything I could get my hands on. I was addicted.

A year later, I wrote a short story that took 2nd place in a local writing contest. OMGosh....someone liked what I'd written. I had never felt such a surprising jolt of confidence, before. I then wrote my first YA novel--thankfully that work will never see the light of day - met a local writer (Hi Marcy!) who totally inspired me, and then started Writers' Ally. From there, all she wrote!! (And I mean that in the best pun possible.)

My confidence as both a person and writer has taken a personality of its own and I'm proud of that. I'll continue to quietly work on my projects, seeing each to their ends of flourishing.

Just keep swimming....
Just keep swimming....
Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming....

For more origin stories, check out the other participants HERE!! There are at least 188!! Inspiration is all around us, today! And don't forget about Oasis for YA's That's YAmore Blogfest, which began Feb. 11th and runs until tomorrow. You can still join us!! I'll post my ooey-gooey story tomorrow!!

J ~ JUGGLING the Writer's Life

There's this wonderful new opportunity to help you get a leg up on your current WIP or start a new one, all while learning the balance of writing and living. Because you do know that living is one of the most important parts of becoming a multi-leveled, juggling writer.

Whether we're aware of it our not, we write what we know. Everyone's heard that, but most of us do it subconsciously. We hear about doing research for a novel. I've done research. Adding spices of what I'm unfamiliar with does add to the overall scope within my stories. But mostly, I find what sparks a story somewhere within me. Then I go looking elsewhere.

My amazing author friend (and one of my first official reviews and interviews on the Graffiti Wall), Susan Kay Quinn, gave me the heads up about A Round of Words in 80 Days. This is a challenge about setting attainable goals that will encourage and inspire us, moving us forward on our writing journey.


I missed the first of two weekly check-ins, so I'm starting today. Here are my attainable goals for the next 80 days, minus the 8ish days I've missed.

#1 ~ to completely rewrite my YA novel, adding a new plot line and axing my cast of characters. (I've started on this and basically have to feed the new info throughout.)


#2 ~ complete 3rd draft of my picture book SWITCHING DAYZZZ... (which is almost finished, anyway.)


#3 ~ simply keep my mind open to thoughts for continuing to outline GYPSY DOLLS: Carnival of Souls as well as my MG Fantasy, MOTLEY EDUCATION.


The deadline is JUNE 14TH. Susan and I have decided to track each other's progress, sharing and brainstorming together. I'm pretty excited about it. I think we can do it, and with Susan and I cheering each other on, I'm sure it will be a great success.

So stay tuned and come back to see our progress every other Tuesday. Feel free to join us in the CHALLENGE. You're writing anyway, right??


Let me ask you: how do you JUGGLE your writing life? 

The A-Z Challenge is ICY

I'm going for simply today. When thinking about the letter I, Ideas and Inspirations first came to mind. I've written many posts about what inspires our writing. I'm kind of a sap like that. I've also explored where ideas come from and how to formulate them. (Gosh, love it when I sound smart. Trust me; it's all a facade.)


But there's one 'I' word that melts my heart above all others. Ice. I.C.E.

Son #2, Jake, helping out our youngest, CJ.

I am an Ice hockey mom. It's one of those labels that describes who I am as a person. Other moms out there know we wear many hats. We are tagged with many titles. This is one I am proud to wear.

My dad was a youth hockey coach back in the days when most rinks were outside. When a local rink was built, hockey practices were usually before the crack of dawn and games where at the same ungodly hours. My younger brother played. So basically I was a rink rat.

Nothing changed as I moved into Motherhood.

It was only natural for me to introduce my children to the game of ice hockey. And yes, they all love it. Devotion to my kids and ultimately the game has helped mold the person I am today. I've sacrificed much--and yes, have been frozen on many occasions. For me, it's all been a part of growing-up-Sheri.

And if you take a gander over to Adventures That Score, you'll find Kris Yankee--another hockey mom!

Links to other participants

Do you have an activity or family tradition so ingrained within your psyche that it's influenced who you are as a person? How can we as writers achieve this kind of depth with our characters?

The FOLLIES of Writerhood

Link 2 Other participants

Over on Oasis for YA--the other place where I chew on words--Thursday is the day we celebrate our Thankful Meme. I'm posting today, instead of tomorrow so that I can participate. Feel free to snatch our badge, link to us, and play along, too. We'd love to have you.
So what to be thankful for? I'm grateful for what sets us writers apart--from relatives, closest friends, the butcher at the meat market... (Visuals are  great thing, eh?)


While sometimes misunderstood, we are a special group that holds strong convictions about who we are and our writing skills. Or when all else fails, we poke fun at ourselves.
For the sake of being thankful and the letter F, I'm creating a Folly-ship of Writerhood--become a member whenever in need of a laugh. Membership is easy. Think of some of the silly things you do as a writer.  


Folly: craziness, madness, vice, irrationality, lunacy. (Must I go on, really?) Every feel any of these while writing?

A few FOLLIES of Writerhood

1. You play Zumba music to give your fingers a workout.

2. You heat the same cup of coffee five times.

3. You still drink that cup of coffee despite the thin film that has formed on top. 

(yeah, just spoon it off.)

4. You chew on more words than food, forgetting to eat...often.......or feed the kids.

5. You begin speaking in hashtags. (...and your family looks at you like you need a straight jacket.)

6. Your kids aren't bothered that you're having a private conversation with your make believe friends.

7. Notebooks are strategically stashed all over your house, car, and office.

8. You're at a wedding ceremony and some lady with the ugliest hat sitting in front of you inspires a new character; you rush off to the bathroom with said secret notebook on your person.

9. You return from your bathroom tete-tete, and your spouse doesn't have to ask; just knows.

10. You tell your laptop that your sorry and beg forgiveness...and a bit of mercy.

BONUS: You find a story in this: 

Any follies you can think of?


Heck, we all could use a good laugh or cry after the submission process. It's as nerve-racking as dating--not that I really remember. (That process ended ages ago for me.)


SPLATTAGE: Don't forget to ENTER my giveaway to win the YA novel PRINCESS of Las PULGAS and/or a 1st Five Page Critique both offered by the fabulous C.Lee McKenzie!!


Happy Weekend, A-Z Challengers!! 

An Ode to the Letter D

Link 2 other participants

Those who've been Alleywalkers for some time probably expected me to write about my past life with Dance or my love of Dogs. Maybe even Dodging snowballs or the Deer population in Maine. Instead, I decided to go out on a limb and write about a subject that will surprise you but really shouldn't. I'm a writer of all that is otherworldly, ominous, and frightful. Like the chainsaw splattering raw in a hallway...(I'm joking. I don't write gore, although I do enjoy a good horror flick.) 

The titter of music streams the air,

ribboning with sweet and familiar flare.

Hearts stop. Smiles widen. Elation roars.

Feet patter the earth in eager’s galore.

Baseball mitts drop, puffing clouds of nature’s dust.

Tree limbs bounce and bleachers empty, too.

Swing sets are ghost towns, silent and eerie.

All except for the last kid yelling, “Wait up! What’s the Hoo?”

An icon for decades, the ice cream truck nears,

Sending hands into pockets, finding change bringing cheers.

Different flavors are discussed, and if they’ll be enough.

Each pallet is quenched, hydrating a definite must.

But the picture I’ve painted is yet a façade,

As tires screech round a corner, turning every chin up hard.

See, I knew it was coming; it’s what I do best,

So the meek may want to turn as I finish the rest.

Most see the obvious, entangled with the false miasma,

To examine life closely does take more charisma.

I’ve been there the whole time, watching and waiting,

For the moment of truth, never takes too much baiting.

Eyes widen. Shrills lurk. Tension encapsulates the crowd.

Pleas nip at the heels of the one who’s now found.

Awe-filled reactions expose the find and

reel in motion as I swoop down, taking what’s mine.   

I am not what most expect.

Dingy and dirty, selfish I could not be.

No price is ever set, or collection fee.

Pure in thoughts and, yes, in deeds.

The nurturer of the teeniest of weeds.

I am the cleanest among mankind.

Not fake nor a gossip feign.

I am the end and the beginning, in all their wealth,

in every dream and laugh and sweet-smelling breath.

I am DEATH…

…and I am pleased…

…to take you away with me.