It's O-Kay To #ReachOutToConnect

***I was inspired by Cheryl Rainfield, one of the sweetest and kindest authors I know, to share my thoughts and feelings about how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting so many. Find Cheryl's post HERE. ***
Fear. Isolation. Loneliness. Anxiety. Apprehension. Lack of motivation. Sadness. Confusion. Depression.
You may have felt some or all of these emotions during your lifetime. You may be feeling then now since #socialdistancting and #selfconfinement began. Since your daily routine stopped abruptly, leaving you reeling with unknowns and what-ifs.
It feels like yesterday.  And then like forever-ago.
That's normal. Understandable. It's O-kay.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 

It's hard. I totally get it. There is plenty to fear, plenty to feel isolated over, and plenty to box each one of us into the confinement of any of those emotions. But we can battle our way through this.
TOGETHER.

• Give yourself permission to feel. Yes, feel whatever it is you're feeling. #NoShameInCoping
• Take comfort in knowing there are many out there feeling as you do. Revisit old photos, journals, or newspaper clippings. Remember the good, and know more good will come your way. #ShieldYourMentalHealth
• Reach out to others through email, a phone call, or even set up an online virtual meeting. #ReachOutToConnect 

Loneliness and the feeling of isolation (or even of claustrophobia) can hit anyone, even someone in a busy household. I'm married, a mother to four, owner of three cats and a GSD puppy, and a business owner with my husband - plus I write. We're still coming in virtual contact with customers and with each other, yet at times I feel alone. 
Solution: A few of my good friends and I have been setting up a virtual call at least once a week since the pandemic began. I can't tell you how therapeutic these cyber chat sessions have been. We even share a drink together. Our kids, husbands, and even our dogs and cats steal the screen to make their own virtual appearance during our meetings.
SELF CARE

For most of us, life is one big ball of hurry up. We are running here and there, whether during work hours, family time, or adult time. So much so that we find it hard to slow down, let alone come to an almost complete standstill like during our current world pandemic. Here are some suggested activities to help with self care during this time. 

• read a book
• jot down your thoughts in a journal
• take a walk with the dog
• make yourself a special sweet treat
• clean or rearrange rooms in your house
• do a craft you've always wanted to do
• knitting or sewing
• learn calligraphy
• exercise
• play an instrument
• virtually taking up yoga
• watch an old movie you used to love
• flip through old photographs
• do a treasure hunt in your basement or attic
• light candles
• drink plenty of water
• pray

Helpful Self-Care sites.

1. OCD
2. Stress
3. Mayo Clinic
4. Stay-At_Home
5. Ways To Stay Healthy

*Some information previously share in my newsletter.*

1. I also have a Young Adult Health (Mental & Physical) Page on my website with helpful links to mental health & illness, eating disorders, drug addition, healthy teen project, and more. Please feel free to utilize that page. FOUND HERE.

I'm hoping you connect with some of this and that you find it helpful. If you do, please share it with others you think could benefit from it. Want to share this information or have some helpful thoughts or links to share? Please use hashtags #NoShameInCoping, #ShieldYourMentalHealth, & #ReachOutToConnect.
My hope is that you believe you are not alone. We are much stronger when we stand together. 
Wishing you health, happiness, and peace . . . 

IWSG ~ Focus On The Brilliance

Fear. Isolation. Loneliness. 

That's mostly what I've been hearing or reading since #socialdistancing and #selfconfinement began a few weeks ago. I get it. It's hard. It totally stinks. There is plenty to fear, plenty to feel isolated over, and plenty to box each one of us into the confinement of loneliness. Well, I mean we writers kind of exist in a self-confined world for the most part, but you get what I mean.

Here's a different way to look at all this. Someone I consider one of my life mentors once said to me, "It's all about priorities."

Photo Credit

If we focus on the worry, the unknown, and the pictures in our heads of what might be, we will spend the rest of our days for however long this goes on sad and depressed. We need to find the good within the devastation. 

Do not take my words for meaning that this virus isn't a big deal. It definitely is. I'm beyond saddened by the lives that have been lost, for the jobs that have and will be no more, for the lack of security we all feel right now. But I'm thankful for the precautions that are being taken, for the people that are working ungodly hours to beat this thing, and for the kindness within neighborhoods that we've all been seeing. 

Seriously, the writing community totally RAWKS! So many have offered free material and readings to parents who are now in the position they must home-school their kids. Everyone has been amazing.

OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Before I get to this month's IWSG question, I'd like to thank Diane Burton, JH Moncrieff, Anna @ Emaginette, Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard for co-hosting this 

month!

This month's IWSG optional question to answer: How are things in your world?

As for me, my children are older - two work with my husband at our family business and the younger two still live at home (a junior in college and a sophomore in high school), so we're pretty much the only people we all see. A few for the business, but we are super careful. The real downer is my mom in the nursing home. We haven't physically seen her for three weeks now and it looks like it's going to be a long haul before they'll let any visitors in again. It's very hard on the residents, especially those who are confused by all this - like my mom. She's doing okay. We've been able to FaceTime with her a few times, so that's helped. I worry about my dad, being home alone and worrying about her. But it is what it is, so we'll deal.

Wishing you all the best of continued health! Be careful, take care of yourself and those you are self-confined with, and stay positive. I'll see you on the other side of this thing. 💜

IWSG ~ Losing Yourself

Is it truly June already?

Looks like it, so it's time for my next Insecure Writer Support Group post. But before I begin, let me send out a huge Thank You to this month's co-host: Diane Burton, Kim Lajevardi, Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster, Jennifer Hawes, and Madeline Mora-Summonte! You all rock! In the literary sense, of course. 😉

Those who've followed Writer's Alley for a long time know that I'm not one to talk about my personal life, my emotions, or anything related. On occasion, I might have shared a success or funny story from my family, which can be pretty crazy with four kids. I say this in hopes that you can understand the need I feel to bare my soul to you here. Most of you have become wonderful cyber friends. I cherish you. 

It's been three months since my brother-in-law (age 49) passed away, six weeks since we lost our beloved 14-yr-old pooch, five weeks since my middle grade publisher announced they were closing and leaving my award-winning book homeless and the second book unpubbed, and one month since my father-in-law died.

After the first two losses I mentioned above, I kept writing, editing book two of Motley Education. Life happens, even to writers, and we have to keep forging ahead, using those experiences to enhance our work. 

*I'm kind of a stickler with my self-imposed life principals, not all that willing to bend or find exceptions. Some call that being stubborn. To-may-to . . . To-mah-to.* 

However, through all that's happened, I think life is trying to teach me a new lesson, force me to grow, to make me realize that even the foundation of these principals can be penetrated by changes and challenges in life - made to evolve into something more, something even stronger. Despite finding this wisdom, I feel lost, like I'm losing myself. And I've never been good at facing my own emotions.

So what has been my solution? = To avoid writing. I know to write my next novel I must dig deep and use my emotions. Those are just too bruised, right now, and I've decided - that's okay. A hard lesson for me to swallow because no matter how I look at it, it feels like a failure.

But I did just write this post. And I'm going to start today to work on a short, spooky middle grade story for a group author anthology. Please, please, please send me whatever positivity you can muster up because I need to start defrosting and get back to writing. With my kids, other ailing parents, and our family business, I have plenty to keep me busy and  I could simply give up writing. But I have too much left to write, too many writing goals left to accomplish, and too many kids and young adults to help with the stories I want to share. So that is not an option.

      *For those of you who are or have been where I am, I'll leave you with this: 

             "It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela

OTHER PARTICIPANTS

As for this month's optional IWSG question: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?

Ooh, this is a good one! My answer would be fantasy and romance. Why? Because I love to dream up the unlikely or the impossible and I'm a hopeless romantic. 

What about you?

IWSG~The Road To Wisdom & A Favor

I was going through old posts the other day and found this one. I've pasted it below for your convenience. It was a perfect find for me with what's been going on with my writing, lately. In short, I've been working on this manuscript for just over ten months. I'm at the end. I can see the homestretch - the last four chapters. But then, out of nowhere, I realize that I've veered so far off from my original main plot that I must go back to the beginning to restate and reinforce the main plot. 
#GRRR!!!
My brain was already done with this manuscript and had already mentally sent it to my editor. 
After sound advice from some amazing author peeps I know what I must do - rewrite the synopsis alongside the manuscript to see where the holes are and to alter the main plot. Then I can finish the last four chapters and send it off. 
Here's that post I found from 2015.  (💙And please scroll to the end of this post. I have a favor of support to ask of you.)
***⏯ 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. 

image credit

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.
💙Quick plea before I ask my IWSG post question💙

Marked Beauty is a finalist in the 2018 Maine Romance Writers 'Strut Your Stuff' Awards!!! I'm super excited because this is the first local award my work has been considered for. 

Could you take a moment to give my debut YA novel blurb & then cover a 5 Star vote each? Voting is open until May 4th.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YRQSRNW  ***Being a finalist puts me in the Reader's Choice round. The three finalist books are not being judged in comparison to each other. They are being judged individually by their own merit, presentation, & book blurb. I can't thank you enough for your support!
So tell me IWSG readers: what's the wisest writing or life advice you've been given? 

IWSG~Writing Heroes

Well, it's the beginning of another month, which brings about reflections on writing, life, insecurities, and encouragement. And like always, a large group in the writing community comes together through the Insecure Writer's Support Group to share. Go HERE for more participants or to participate.

Can you believe it's another month? March, already. Geesh... And I still have some Christmas garland framing the front door of my house. No, I'm not one of those people who leaves half their decorations up until next year's season. It's just that we have so much snow out front we can't get to it, and my husband rigs the front door with a nail to seal it better for the winter; thus, I can't open the door either. Can you say fire hazard? Good thing we have a mudroom. But it's what you get for living up here in snow country. 

I don't want to concentrate on insecurities this month. I'd rather celebrate. Celebrate what, you ask? A very influential writing force who had enough persistence that he persevered even when a writing career looked bleak. Oh, and he's one of my all-time favorite author inspirations.

                    HAPPY (early) BIRTHDAY, DR. SEUSS!                         MARCH 2, 1904

Too many of his books are amazing for me to pick just one. But I will say that I can probably recite at least eight of them; maybe nine. THE FOOT BOOK was a fav with my kiddos. 

Let me leave you with a bit of the imagination master's wisdom. Enjoy your month!

What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

IWSG~Living The Honor

Everyone likes to win. We've all had someone in our lives cheer us on, whether it be in the Arts, Athletics, Academics, or Another Personal Skill. And I'm sure most of you have heard that it's not about winning, but about doing your personal best. Wisdom like this is character building and matures a soul in their journey of life. BUT...

Let's be honest. No one really likes to lose. Coming up short of winning whatever prize you're after can conjure doubt that you have any skill at all, that you should have tried harder, or that - gosh forbid - you shouldn't have tried at all. It can make you question the road you've chosen to even get to this point. The winner's circle possesses a euphoria all its own. And no matter what goal you're chasing after, when you finally catch it and make it heed to your talents you feel like you could fly. 
But what do you do with that winning sense, that high that comes with learning you're on top? 
Recently, I've been blessed with a bit of winning of my own. As some of you already know, my middle grade novel Motley Education has been named 1st Place Winner 2016 New England Book Festival, Children's Category. (What you don't know yet is that I received an email two days ago informing me that Motley has won another award! I am beyond humbled, but that will be for another post.)
When I learned that Motley had won an award my first reaction was "No way. It must be a typo." I felt incredibly unworthy and, frankly, even embarrassed. Who the heck am I that my work just got recognized? And before you pat me on the back to encourage me, look at yourself. Look how talented you are and all you've accomplished with your writing. How could I compare to that?
This past weekend, my husband and I attended the 2016 New England Book Festival literary awards ceremony held in Boston, MA. Top literature in an array of categories from science and general fiction to young adult and children's books were honored. Winners, runner-ups, and honorable mentions were in attendance as well as publicists and publishers accepting awards on behalf of their authors. Upon accepting their award, authors were inviting to share a bit about their award-winning book and its journey to publication. 
I won't tell you about my little acceptance speech. What I want to share with you is something I learned from another author there. She began her speech not about herself or her award-winning book, but about how important it is to embrace and honor the accomplishment. She, too, had felt unworthy like I did and would much rather have swept it under the rug so no one could see it. But she had a wise writing mentor who changed her mind. He told her taking ownership that her work has been recognized above other works in her field will only fuel her confidence to work harder exploring human existence through tales that move the heart, mind, and soul. But to do this, she must give herself permission to embrace the achievement. Let it be the frosting on the literary cake she's already baked and enjoy the dessert. Sure, she'll bake more literary cakes, and sure someone else's work might get recognized over hers. But this one belongs to her. And along with her humbled appreciation and gratitude of the award, she must honor the honor by believing that she is worthy of it. 💖
(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.)

A Special Message From Me

When life gets away from you ... Be Thankful.
I've been a horrible blogger lately, and for that I'm terribly sorry. Personal confessions such as this are not ones I often use this platform for, but I wanted you to know that out of sight is not out of mind. 
I think about you often. I do. Each and everyone of you. I wonder where you are, how you're doing, and how your writing is going. For friends and readers, I wonder how life is treating you, what you're reading, and how you're getting along with both. And for the younger crowd, I wonder how you're doing in school or your studies. And if things are kind of blah for you, I hope and pray it turns around.

We all wait for that point, the one where things finally go our way. At the onset of this year, I'd stopped writing. The break up with my agent had left me frigid and without much writing motivation. But, as it usually does for those who write, the creative gene within me stirred for attention again. Long story short, soon after this things took a 360 degree turn.
I sold my YA story and a few short months later I sold my MG. As you probably have already guessed, that's why I'm so busy right now. I haven't even begun working with my editors yet, but I've been learning about marketing and promotion, been joining author co-opts and groups for debuts releasing in 2016, and reading nonstop about sequels and series because that's what I'm working on now - book II in my MG series' story. I've also been designing a professional website - which I can't wait to show you - plus creating a newsletter and offering up free material as a gift for all of you. I would never have stuck with writing if it wasn't for you.
Thus I want to thank you for being my cyber friends, beta readers & CPs (for those it applies), loyal supporters, encourage mongers, writing group buddies, snark buddies (for those of us who joke a bit too often - you know how you are), and truth tellers, who say it like it is when I need it. 
Whether you celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving or not, I am immensely grateful for you. Each one of you have helped me get to this place. Right here, right now. Thank you.
Warmest wishes today and always,





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You Want To See Parent Trauma?

It's been a while since I shared a Sherism with you. So here's to one from my mommy files.

Now, as you read this please keep in mind that I am 1. no expert and 2. the mother of four children - both male and female, currently ranging in ages from 11 years old to 21 years old. I've experienced ... well ... as much parent trauma as the next guy. ;)

Some of you may recognize this image. It's of a restaurant owner from Portland, Maine - my home state and city I lived in while in college. You may have already heard about the incident linked with this image - this woman (said restaurant owner) yelled at a screaming child after the child's parents allegedly did nothing to control (or console, depending on how you look at it), her.
It's been on CBS & NBC News, all our state's larger newspapers and news programs, all social media, and even a subject of debate within Consumerist.com. But unbelievably, it's not on YouTube (or at least I couldn't find it). Thus I can't share the video feed with you. You can click on the links above to get that, though.
Communities at-large have numerous opinions about how this woman - running a business - chose to handle the situation. Some praises for her actions could be heard from the top of the Appalachian Trail. These voices claim it's about time someone took a stand against young children acting out in public - which is really a cry for their parents to set boundaries for their kids - aka Sherism #1. Other voices firmly condemn her for verbal abuse of a young child and crossing the line.
Now I'm not saying she was fully just in the manor with which she yelled at the young toddler. Nor am I here to judge the child's parents in any way, shape, or form. I do not know anything about these young people. But in general, there must be exercised decency and delicacy when bringing young children in public. 
Is there an invisible parental line in public in today's society?

I grew up in a small town within the confines of close-knit, nearby communities. No one would bat an eye if a child was scolded by an adult other than the child's parents. I'm not talking about yelling at a child to degrade him. But those times when mom and dad were either absent or distracted and didn't notice Little Jimmy stuffing a piece of candy in his pocket. In my youth, the adult would tell the child to put it back or even give a simple evil eye. And guess what? The child would comply. More importantly, the child learned that society is a whole and we are all in it together. Thus, if we all want to enjoy it, we must respect it. And the real kicker here is that the parents would thank the other adult for helping them out. 
It takes a village to raise a child. Yeah, that's where that probably came from. A village. Not an overly, abusive, condescending, belittling, or accusatory village. But a village that guides for the betterment of all.
I will not lie. In today's world, this social ideology is much harder to achieve. There is deceit and crime all around us. The news is the most depressing and negative entity out there, spreading the hate and discontent of the few instead of nurturing the connected concern for humanity among most. Stranger danger is a norm in our children's vocabulary. You can't ride your bike to the playground with your buddies anymore and make a pit-stop at the corner store. Not everyone is out for the betterment of another; sadly, most are not. And honestly, if tomorrow another adult bellowed at my child, my gut reaction would be to swipe at the person with my momma bear claws.
The key: don't allow yourself or your child to be in that situation - if you can help it. Give them the tools right from their beginnings and be there to exercise those tools for them when they can't. 
Parenting nightmares are well within my personal mothering lineage. Please, I have an ADHD kid with the high achiever let's-drive-myself-crazy gene, the Evil-Knievel kid with more broken bones and medical expenses then you want to know, the tomboy girl with a gift for athletics yet has suffered setbacks because of major foot-reconstructive surgeries on both feet, and the generation internet kid with no idea how to hold a conversation without a controller in his hand.  
Let me use my ADHD kid as an example. (BTW - he's a senior in college with a 4.0. Keep your chins up, ADHD parents.)
Child #1 was label ADHD, when the label was only two years old and most people knew nothing about it. I had people telling me that if I spanked my son often he'd eventually learn to listen. People just didn't get it. We could have beat him with a bat and it wouldn't have helped. His brain didn't work that way. 
Now let's gear this conversation to the incident above. Going in public with this kid for the first eleven years of his life was like going grocery shopping and bringing a pack of lions along. My head was on a constant swivel. My arms were windmills tugging, pressing, and keeping items on the shelves. He was always getting hurt or touching things.  
One day when he was two years old and still our only child, he and I went to Church alone. After struggling to keep him in the pew for over half an hour, feeding him Cheerios and reading him books, I was exhausted. The straw that ripped the coat off the camel's back was when he pulled a shoe off the lady in front of us and threw it. I knew Church was not for him. At least, not for some time. Why? Because it wasn't fair to the other people trying to spend time with God. I was a pretty faithful Catholic, so it pained me to stop going. But I had to adjust. So, I set a boundary.
Going out to a restaurant was unheard of in my family until he was nine years old. Before that, he couldn't sit in a seat at a table, on a stool at a bar, or in a booth. He'd go limp at a table and then slide beneath until my poor husband would have to crawl under there to pull him out. It was way too much work for us and it was too disturbing to other patrons. So, I set a boundary.
I could go on and on with these experiences as well as others from my motherhood arsenal. That would just be redundant, because, in the end, they all revolve around the main theme of this post - setting boundaries - Sherism #1. 
Setting boundaries for our children is not always pleasant, and it sure as heck is rarely convenient. Nonetheless, it MUST be done. Boundaries are teaching tools. There's nothing wrong with using them.  

IWSG~Loud Insecurities

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. 
AND today I'm glad to say that I'm one of IWSG's co-hosts! So very cool! I'm really excited to explore the IWSG cyberspace and welcome new visitors to Writer's Alley. But first, let me leave you with a thought about insecurities.
The world is not always a pretty place. We've seen it all, in programs, documentaries, on the evening news. (I haven't watched the news in years.) As authors, we write about it through jaded or damaged characters, settings, and worlds. We take diseases of the heart, mind, and soul, and smear them across the pages of our stories. Why?
Because what's wrong in the world links people of all sorts, rhymes, and reasons. It moves us, motivates us to stretch beyond our fickle, fragile, and finite humanity - all that makes us insecure.
So what would we be without insecurities?
If we were so positively sure of ourselves, in all things, we'd miss out on valuable opportunities to expand who we are as individuals and as the human race. BEcome more than we thought we could ever BE. 
Maybe there's a reason what we lack inside is much louder than what we're sure of. 

Some Alleyway Splatter: We have a new ISWG T-shirt! It was created by Jeremy Hawkins. Thanks so much Jeremy! Feel free to pay him a visit. I'm sure he'd love it. Just click on his name. If you'd like to purchase a shirt, simply go HERE! 

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.

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. 

image credit

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? 

IWSG~Fleeting Time

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.

Amazing image, right? Check out the artist HERE.

Time is fleeting.
I'm on a constant crash course with time. When I chase it, it flees from me. When I give up, it dangles itself in my face, smirking and whispering, "Whatchya' gonna do with me?"  Bet you can picture what happens in those moments - I reach for it and it says, "Psyche!" 
Matters not whether I write up an elaborate digital schedule that chimes each time I'm needed, or whether I post sticky notes all over my house, office, and car. I never can accomplish all I set out to do and the culprit is time.
Bad time. Bad time.
But is it? Could it be that I really don't understand how to live successfully? Take time to focus on the little things in life and let those replenish me. Prioritizing has always been a big deal to me. I'm a list maker. Yeah, one of those people. But the older I get the less my lists help me. Frankly, they stress me out. 
Maybe the real lesson here is in recognizing new pathways to accomplish our goals whether how big or small they are and bask in the fact that we're still here to do so. 
What are your thoughts on time? Are you better then I am in managing it?

IWSG~Getting Back On The Horse

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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. So, here's my monthly post.

Life is the measure with which most of us write our stories. Whether sci-fi, paranormal, or contemporary, the worlds we create are ever-changing, challenging, and active. At least we hope we accomplish those elements. 
So what do we do with a character who falls off the horse and begins to sink in his/her struggle within the plot or subplot we've created? We might add a scene of lowered tension, a breath of fresh air for the character to reevaluate the situation. But WE decide what's going to happen. Ultimately, it's in our control. Real life is not that defined.

Other Participants

2014 was a year of total and absolute GRRR.... for me, for many reasons. There was health issues, ailing parents with growing needs, and regular stuff like raising my four kids. I won't get into any of those right now. The one I'll briefly mention for this post is a writing related struggle. It's very hard for me to come clean about this, but here goes: I broke up with my agent right before Christmas. It had been coming for a while, for reasons I won't say here. 
Point being: I now feel like the rider who's been kicked off a her horse and is terrified to get back in the saddle. There's mud in my mouth, and I'm full of dirt and muck. My palms are blistered, and frankly, my attitude is a bit ornery. The luster that once drove my writing passion has evaporated somewhat. Now, I didn't say totally. It's taken me a little bit, but over the last two weeks I've been going over manuscripts that, unbeknownst to me, had been neglected. I've even been in touch with some amazing writer friends (you know who you are), and thrown myself back into the critiquing pool. I'm writing up possible submission logs for my various manuscripts. But the fear of going it alone again has me almost paralyzed. 
Has this ever happened to you?