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It's finally summer! Besides driving my kids all over southern California, with two side trips to Turlock and Reno Nevada, here's a highlight of my job as SCBWI LitMingle Coordinator...
Agents and bookstores, and promotion, oh my! Marketing our work just feels overwhelming, and kind of scary. After all, we are writers, not promoters. But in today's market, we need to know how to sell, even if we haven't finished that manuscript.
At the June San Fernando Valley LitMingle, Santa Clarita Valley LitMingler, Cindy Marcus, author of three nonfiction books and dozens of published plays and musicals, shared her doable approach to marketing in her insightful presentation, Marketing 101, or as she refers to it, Marketing .5. Cindy's technique can be summed up in one three-letter word— FUN! Of course,FUN is to be expected from someone with her theatrical background.
Cindy believes that if you build your marketing platform, they will come. Even if you're pre-published, Cindy believes marketing yourself, your hobbies, your interests, etc., can develop a place holder for your success.
How do you do that? Well, I can't possibly do Cindy's presentation justice in this blog post, but I will share a few highlights:- Find a platform that's FUN to you, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., and spend ten minutes a day having FUN.
- Use the 70-20-10 rule when posting:
- 70% content your market cares about.
- 20% about you and/or other personal things
- 10% about what you're selling.
- Find your online audience, i.e. Augmented Reality, Graffiti Art, Origami, etc., and market yourself to it. (This is especially beneficial if your book just happens to be about this very topic.) Find where they meet and join in the conversation.
- Ask yourself the following:
- What does my market want to know about this topic?
- What could I share something that would make their life better?
- How can I share it in a way that would be fun? Recipes? Tips?
- Approach your audience like you would research for a book character.
- Who are they? What do they need? Want? What matters to them? When you find the answers, share them with your online audience.
- Build a community within your community.
- Cindy recommends starting with six people who support each other by retweeting, regramming, and sharing online information.
Cindy acknowledged the apprehension most writers feel about marketing, but to quote author Joanne Kraft, Not all marketing people are writers, but all writers must learn to be marketers.
Thank you, Cindy, for sharing your marketing insight and helping the San Fernando Valley LitMinglers learn how to have FUNwhile marketing their craft.
Note: The San Fernando Valley LitMingle will be on summer break in July and August. San Fernando Valley Monthly LitMingles will resume
Monday, September 26. For more details about this, and other SCBWI LitMingles, check out the
SCBWI LitMingle Calendar.
Have you ever wanted to take a peek inside award winning author, Neil Gaiman's library? I have, too. Here a are a couple of pictures, but for more, check out this link. To actually see the books in his library, take a look at the over 600 shelves on Neil Gaiman's Shelfari's virtual bookshelf.
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| Now THIS is my idea of a home library! |
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| Even with all this, he still has books stacked on top of each other. |
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| Love the library cat! |
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| I wonder if he has a librarian on staff to manage his library. |
Have you ever seen a home library like this one? Would you want to own one?
You may have noticed that I've been M.I.A. the past two weeks. Fortunately, I'm okay, but my blogging schedule isn't. I've been so busy reading, revising, coordinating a Mingle, and managing the tyranny of the urgency of life, I haven't had (or made) the time to shoot out a blog post or two. Not that it's not always in the back of my mind, it is. I just can't seem to make/find the time to commit to it as I have in the past. I think it might have to do with having two non-driving, but heavily committed to extracurricular activities teens in the house. With that said, I've come to a conclusion... I can't be here every week.
Unlike so many who have gone before me, I am not giving up blogging completely, but I won't be here weekly as I have in the past. I will be here as often as I can and especially when I see something that strikes my fancy as a must share, but other than that, I'll just have to see you around the blogosphere. I hope you understand and continue to stop by when I'm here, but if you don't or can't, Thank You for sticking with me all this time. I look forward to keeping in touch and hope we can still be friends since...
Until next time because...
Are you still blogging with the same speed, passion, and ferocity as you always have? What's your secret?
It's the first Wednesday of the month time for another IWSG post where we writers help each other deal with our insecurities. A warm thank you to Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and his team of Ninjas for January for providing writer's a safe and supportive format to speak openly, and without fear, about the insecurities that come with the craft of writing. Be sure to check out the IWSG Facebook page where writers can garner support more than once a month. You can learn more about IWSG, or join in the IWSG fun, here.
Mark Twain is credited with saying, “We write frankly and fearlessly but then we "modify" before we print.” I don't have a problem with the writing frankly and fearlessly part, it's the modifying that's seems to be holding me back.
I'm pretty sure I've asked this question before, as it's always on my mind, but how do you know when your story is really done? I mean reeaaally know. When is it the final, final draft? I keep writing that final draft, only to have to revise, which then makes it another first draft, right? So does one ever get a final draft that's not a first draft because it's been revised from it's original final draft?
Take me for example, (since I am the one writing this post) I've finished my WIP several times. Yet each time I pass it on to a Beta reader, I get it back with notes, suggestions, and things that need to be fixed. So, I work on those things and repeat the process. Only to have the same thing happen. It's like I'm stuck in some sort of temporal loop where the modifying never ends. I've heard the "You just know," speech many times, but truth be told... I don't know. I think I do, but based on the feedback I get, I don't. I've also heard the, "You just need to put it out there," speech, too. Isn't that what giving it to the Beta readers is? It's like I don't have a story, I have a boomerang!
Okay, that's my honest writing insecurity for the first month of 2016-- that I will always be modifying. I am hopeful that is not the case, but I'm fearful that it may be. Either way, as my WIP is out with a few Beta readers right now, I'm pretty sure the next few months will be spent modifying.
What are your writing insecurities? Are you revising your WIP? Is it a boomerang, too?
Each year I read a lot of books that touch my life. This year I've decided to allow some of those books help me make my resolutions for 2016.
- Start a small garden - My mom gave me some seeds so I think I'll toss them in the ground and see if I can have the same success as Jack and the Beanstalk.
- Continue The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up - My progress has been slow due to a summer filled with home improvement projects, but I'm in love with the few areas I have managed to tidy up.
- Plan more outings for my kids with their nana - Even though she doesn't live in the city, like the nana in Nana in the City, she was very successful in teaching her four kids how to be brave and I want my kids to have share in more of her Nana magic this year
- Make more time for my friends - Although as far as I know none of my friends are having the life force sucked out of them by an Evil Librarian, I want to make more time for them just in case.
- Give myself permission to quit - Sometimes there are days when I'm overwhelmed and can't take it anymore. This year I won't keep pushing myself to frustration, I'll just leave a note, like the crayons in The Day the Crayons Quit, and take the day off.
- Focus on my strengths - Like Rose in Rain Reign, I want to discover my hidden strengths and let them move me forward throughout 2016.
Have you thought about your resolutions for 2016? Do any of them have to do with the books you've read? Are there any books you would like to add to this list?
It's the first Wednesday of the month time for another IWSG post where we writers help each other deal with our insecurities. A warm thank you to Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and his team of Ninjas for November, Sandra Hoover, Mark Koopmans, Doreen McGettigan, Megan Morgan, and Melodie Campbell, for providing writer's a safe and supportive format to speak openly, and without fear, about the insecurities that come with the craft of writing. Be sure to check out the IWSG Facebook page where writers can garner support more than once a month. You can learn more about IWSG, or join in the IWSG fun, here.
After having a month off my biggest insecurity is wondering if I'll be able to jump back in the blogging saddle again. I'm already off to a slow start posting my IWSG blog post this late. However, late is better than never, and since I'm here, I might as well jump. I have a lot of catching up to do, so I better get started. See you around the blogosphere!
What are your insecurities this month? Are you having trouble staying in your blogging saddle?
I've been trying to avoid this post for the last few weeks, but alas, the time has come to take a sabbatical so I can focus on finishing this revision. It's not that I don't love all of you, I do, it's just that
John Burroughs is right...
I have a deadline that I
will meet, so I look forward to catching up with all of you for the December
ISWG. Until then I'll just...
The technique of making things worse for your character is a running theme in the writing process. It is what we need to make the reader worry and care about the character, but when we love our characters, hurting them is hard to do. Yet, when we read a true story of struggle and victory it inspires us.
As you look for more meaningful ways to
Throw rocks at your character, I thought you might find inspiration in the story of
Michaela DePrince, Orphan Number 27. Her saga reminds us that even in real life when
rocks are thrown, victory can come and make way for one to be Mighty.
It's the first Wednesday of the month time for another IWSG post where we writers help each other deal with our insecurities. A warm thank you to Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and his team of Ninjas for October... ...for providing writer's a safe and supportive format to speak openly, and without fear, about the insecurities that come with the craft of writing. Be sure to check out the IWSG Facebook page where writers can garner support more than once a month. You can learn more about IWSG, or join in the IWSG fun, here.
In months like these, when Murphy's Law seems to be in FULL effect,mI like to post quotes that inspire me to go on despite all the voices that tell me not too. If you're having a Murphy Month, too, read on to refill your motivation motor.
I'm sure it will all blow over in a day, week, month or so, but until then, I'll have to remind to do this...
How are you doing this month? Are you wrestling with the effects of Murphy's law? What quote, person, experience, keeps you putting one foot in front of the other?
As a writer, I am a firm believer that books have the power to change lives. Right now I'm reading one that I hope will do just that for me. It's a book I stumbled upon in the cruise ship library. After reading a few chapters I became intrigued by the idea of tidying up for once and for all. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo has a unique approach on how we view our possessions. She believes that the reason we are in a constant state of tidying and re-tidying is because we never really learned the true magic of tidying up. Check out a few of her thoughts on the process:
When you put your house in order, you put your affairs and your past in order, too.
Most people associate the word “rebound” with dieting, but when they hear it used in the context of tidying, it still makes sense.
The ultimate secret of success is this: If you tidy up in one shot, rather than little by little, you can dramatically change your mind-set.
When people revert to clutter no matter how much they tidy, it is not their room or their belongings but their way of thinking that is at fault.
If you use the right method and concentrate your efforts on eliminating clutter thoroughly and completely within a short span of time, you’ll see instant results that will empower you to keep your space in order ever after.
Have you ever had a great idea for a post based on a scene from a movie or TV show, but couldn't find the clip to support it? Me, too! In fact, It happened for this post. Hopefully, I'll find the clip and post my thoughts next week, but until then, I'll just have to celebrate
National Teddy Bear Day.
This is one of two days we Americans celebrate the teddy bear, the other one is on November 14th when we celebrate National American Teddy Bear Day. I guess here in the USA we really love our teddy bears.
Most people know that Teddy bears are named after US President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt. Reports differ as to the exact details of the inspiration behind the teddy bear, but it is believed that the concept came about after a 1902 hunting expedition. At the end of a gameless hunt someone brought out a baby bear and suggested that Roosevelt might like to shoot it instead. Roosevelt felt this wasn't exactly sporting and refused. The incident was illustrated in a newspaper cartoon entitled
Drawing the Line - which also referred to the political situation at the time. Morris Michtom, an enterprising New York toymaker, saw an opportunity and petitioned President Theodore Roosevelt for permission to use his nickname, Teddy. The president agreed so Mr. Michtom placed a cute stuffed bear labeled
Teddy's Bear in his store window. The rest, as the say, is history.
Did you know the history of the teddy bear? Do you have a favorite stuffed animal? Is it a teddy bear? Have you ever struggled to find the clips/videos/links for a blog post?
It's the first Wednesday of the month time for another IWSG post where we writers help each other deal with our insecurities. A warm thank you to Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and his team of Ninjas, Christine Rains, Heather M. Gardner, Dolorah at Book Lover, Julie Flanders, Murees Dupé,
for providing writer's a safe and supportive format to speak openly, and without fear, about the insecurities that come with the craft of writing. Be sure to check out the IWSG Facebook page where writers can garner support more than once a month. You can learn more about IWSG, or join in the IWSG fun, here.
an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
After a summer off from our normal routine, getting the balancing act of wife, mom, writer, teacher, chauffeur, chef, etc., etc., etc., is proving to be more challenging than I remember in past years. With all the things that are going on, I'm beginning to feel a bit like this guy:
Hopefully, if I keep moving I'll learn to balance it all, like in years past. However, I think I'm going to have to start moving a lot faster.
How about you? How are your writing (or life) insecurities? Are you having trouble keeping all your plates and bowls spinning?
Don't forget to check out the other IWSG posts to see how they're coping this month. You can find the list here.
Happy National Dog Day (Don't worry cat people, your day is coming up in October). I picked this image because the dogs look just like my Best Furry Friend (BFF) Max. If you have a dog for your BFF why not celebrate with him/her? Here are a few suggestions from National Dog Day.com―
- Take your dog to the beach.
- Assist an ill or elderly neighbor by walking their dog.
- Buy your dog a fun new dog toy....or two...or five.
- Buy your dog a fashionable collar and leash.
- Spend the day taking photos of your dog and then enter our photo contest!
You can find more ways to celebrate at
National Dog Day's website. If you don't have a dog, but want one, check out your local shelter. That's how we found our wonderful, Max. In fact,
National Dog Day was created just for that purpose.
It desires to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort.
Because I love quotes, and your dog loves to hear the sound of your voice, here are a few sweet sayings your can share with your BFF―
- "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." ―Groucho Marx
- “Happiness is a warm puppy.” ― Charles M. Schulz
- “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” ― Josh Billings
- “A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life, things won't be too bad.” ― Robert Wagner
- “Dogs don't rationalize. They don't hold anything against a person. They don't see the outside of a human but the inside of a human.” — Cesar Millan
If you need any more inspiration that dogs from shelters make wonderful pets, check out these photos of our magnificent Max at the beach, trying to put highlights in his beard, and savoring his treats.
Do you have a dog to help you celebrate National Dog Day? Is he a rescue like Max? What breed is your BFF? Or, are you looking forward to National Cat Day?
If my kids were reading this quote, they would definitely say the broccoli is telling them NOT to eat it. Of course, Ms. Lamott is using broccoli as a writing metaphor. What she actually means is when you are at a crossroads trying to figure out what your character is going to do next, listen to them. Try to hear that still small intuitive voice we heard as kids that used to help us know things before we knew we knew them. She believes this voice can lead you to the right decision. She also believes that the loss of that childhood intuitiveness happened over time as grown-ups, who were the ultimate authority, dismissed our uncanny knowing of the right thing to do. For us to write well, we need to learn to hear that voice again. Shut down the doubting voice and listen to your broccoli instead of the rational mind for, as we know, it often leaves little room for creativity.
Ms. Lamott does a much better job of explaining how to go about listening to your broccoli. If you would like to learn more grab a copy of her bestselling book Bird by Bird. Find the chapter on Broccoli (about halfway through the book) and learn how to listen to your broccoli.
"Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he'd had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother's shoulder, and said, 'Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.'"Ms. Lamott does a much better job of explaining how to go about listening to your broccoli. If you would like to learn more grab a copy of her bestselling book
Bird by Bird. Find the chapter on Broccoli (about halfway through the book) and learn how to listen to your broccoli.
Since I don't just love listening to broccoli, I love eating it, too. So here's a
link to favorite recipe that will hopefully have you improving your writing and your fiber intake.
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| http://www.thecookierookie.com/parmesan-broccoli/ |
This cartoon made me laugh which to me, is always a good thing. However, I am late with this post and it was due to headlights... sort of. As you may know I was at the SCBWI conference for three days last week and my head was spinning from all the information I heard. Which, of course I immediately wanted to incorporate into my work. What, you ask, was so impressive to make my head spin? Scroll down and I'll share a few tips with you.
Inspiring & Informative Quotes:- Don't just write what you know. Write what obsesses you. - Meg Worlitzer
- Picture books are art that make you feel more than you understand. - Adam Rex
- Shout your good news and allow others to celebrate with you. - Agents' Panel
- Remember who you are. This business has many opportunities for rejection. - Stacey Lee
- Success can be other things than just writing. - Lori Nichols
- Do what you love and the work will find you. - Dan Santat.
- Don't talk about it. Be about it. - Varian Johnson
- Supporting characters are like our life-- we can't get through it (or the ms) without them. - Brandy Colbert
- It might look like a long shot but you'll never know unless you keep shooting. - Kwame Alexander
- Joy is the soil in which books are grown. - Stephen Fraser
- Telling an agent you have six manuscripts tells her you haven't been able to sell six manuscripts. - Julie Strauss-Gabel
- Read, Write, and be Nice! - Agents' Panel
What I Learned:- The most important thing I learned is that if you haven't been to an event in seven years, what you need now is very different from what you needed then. I wish I had learned that on the first day instead of at the end of the second, but I'm glad I learned it before it was over. After ten years with SCBWI I realized I no longer need tips on how to write a query or polish those first ten pages, I got that. What I need is how to improve my technique and skill as a writer, which I finally understood and picked more fitting sessions for the writer I am now. Sessions like the standing room only talk by Brandy Colbert, How to Write Compelling Supporting Characters and Narrative Tension: How to Keep Them Up All Night by author pals Stacey Lee and Anna Shinoda.
- I also learned you should always find out if the validate parking so you don't pay $30.00 instead of $12.00. I missed that on the first day, too. :(
- I learned that even successful authors like Meg Wolizter have people walk up to her and ask, "Have I heard of you?" Her perfect come back is, "In a perfect world, you would have." Love it!!!
- I learned that you should definitely attend all the keynote speeches and agents, editors, and authors panels. It's like an entire semester of writing tips and tricks in only ninety minutes!
- One final thing, have fun! If there's a party, attend it. If you're sitting next to someone you don't know, say hi. Children's writers are very friendly.
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| Even my phone case sparkled. |
I could go on and on about the conference, but, as they say, a picture is worth one thousand words, so here are a few pictures. Some from me and some from my writing partner
Mara Bushansky.
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| Kite Tales lunch. DELICIOUS!!! |
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| Party partners. |
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| Ready to Sparkle at the party. |
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| They kept us hydrated. |
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| Brandy and me. |
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| Sparkling with new & old friend |
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| Andrea showing off her sparkle |
How do you keep growing as a writer? Reading? Workshops? Graduate courses? Do you like partying with writers? Have you ever paid too much for parking?
This Friday I'll be attending SCBWI'S 44th Annual Summer Conference. The last time I went to this event was in 2008, oddly enough, I still have my badge.
In 2008 I had only been a member of SCBWI for three years, but I thought I had this writing thing in the bag, boy was I wrong! It's been ten years now and although I still don't have this writing thing mastered, I have learned a few things along the way like,
Never Pitch an Agent in the Bathroom.When I first heard this tale, I thought it was a joke. But it wasn't. Some desperate writer actually slid her manuscript under a bathroom stall to an agent. I've heard of doing that to get an autograph, but an agent? Needless to say that action did not result in a contract.
Enough about what not to do. If you're planning on attending a conference this weekend or sometime in the future, here are a few things you can do:
Before you go
- Be prepared - Before you go read other writers’ blog posts (like this one) describing their experiences so you can get a better sense of how to use your time wisely.
- Buy yourself a new journal/notebook dedicated for this event. You will hear a lot of tips and tricks, but you won't remember them unless you write them down. Or better yet, master Evernote and keep all your notes in the cloud.
- Bring your business cards. You want to have one if an agent or editor asks for it.
- Dress the part. It's not the office, but it's not your bedroom either. Agents and editors are professionals and they are looking to work with one.
- Bring some extra cash for books and social events.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sweater. I think whoever sets the thermostats for these events must be from the North Pole.
- Most importantly, do the work--WRITE. If you're going to share your work, make sure it's your best.
- Do your research - Time spent researching the guest speakers, agents, and editors is worthwhile. Since there are usually multiple sessions going on at one time, knowing the speaker allows you to streamline which sessions you will attend.
- Practice your pitch - Agents and Editors hear hundreds, if not thousands, of pitches. If yours is rambling and unclear chances are they will forget it as soon as you walk away. So, make it interesting, but try and keep it under 90 seconds.
When you get there
- Smile and be friendly-A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. ~ William Arthur Ward
- Attend as many events as you can - I've found these events to be exhilarating and exhausting. However, since I've made the financial commitment to attend, I take advantage of as many sessions as I can. I also take prolific notes. So much is happening that it's impossible to take it all in. After the event is over, you'll be happy to have your notes.
- Be realistic - While we would all love to leave the conference with a contract in hand, it's highly unlikely this will happen, but if you play your cards right, you can leave armed with the knowledge and experience that may one day result in that coveted contract.
What is your best tip for attending a conference? Are you going to the 44th Annual SCBWI Event? If so, tweet me and let me know you're there. If not you can attend virtually by following me on Twitter
@JennsScribbles,
Facebook, and Instagram @
jennsscribbles
What do you do when the summer blues make you want to spend your days lounging around the pool? Go to summer school! As a writer I'm always looking for ways to improve my craft and Kidit's Summer School is just the thing I needed to drag me back to my keyboard.
Kidit Summer School is run by Co-Founders
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen &
Kami Kinard along with a crew of authors, illustrators, agents, and editors, who you can read more about
HERE. It all begin when authors
Kami Kinard and
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen started blogging together at
nerdychicksrule.com and decided they wanted to create a blog-centric event that focused on craft. They spent a long time brainstorming (a favorite activity of both) before coming up with #KidlitSummerSchool. Kami and Sudipta both enjoy writing, and teaching writing, so their idea was to create a program that offers in-depth writing advice on a particular topic each summer. The 2014 focus was on character development. The 2015 focus is on plotting in children’s literature.
Daily blog posts by authors and writing professionals offer inspiration and help you hone your craft. The
faculty includes award-winning PB, MG and YA authors.
Kidlit Summer School is for anyone one who loves to write children’s literature, from accomplished writers, to those just starting out.
The best part about
Kidlit's Summer School is it's virtual! This means I can lounge around the pool as I work, but instead of working on my backstroke, I'm working on
30 minute dares, plots, pitches, and more. Best of all this summer school is free! The first day of school was Monday, but registration is still open if you want to join the fun. Yes, there is homework, but no worries, everything is on the honor system so if your backstroke needs more work than your plot, you can always skip a day.
How is your summer going? Are you working on your plot or backstroke? Thinking about going to summer school with me? You're only a
CLICK away from some literary summer fun!
Often I've asked published authors,
How do you know when you're done? I usually get answers like,
You just know or
Trust your gut. They are well-intentioned answers, but not very helpful as my
knowing gut told me I was done after about two drafts. However, my critique group and beta readers said I wasn't.
As I
procrastinate plot out my next novel, I have taken to rereading a few of my favorite books on writing. Currently, I'm reading
Anne Lamott's
Bird by Bird which is helping me overcome my
Summer Break Blues. If you've read Anne's book, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't read her book, and you are an aspiring writer, do yourself a favor and read it.
Bird by Bird is not your typical book about writing, it's a book filled with instructions on writing and life. In fact there's even a chapter tilted,
How Do You Know When You're Done. (Somehow I missed that chapter the first time I read the book. Probably because back then, I was far from being done.) In this chapter Anne equates the process of solving final draft problems to putting an octopus to bed. An image used by addicts when referring to controlling their addictions. As I read Anne's description explaining how as soon as you finally get all those arms, plot, character, voice, etc., tucked under the sheets and head to turn off the light, another long sucking arm breaks free. The analogy made me laugh as I thought about my own journey of putting my octopus to bed. It also reminded me that all writers struggle with finalizing that final draft, however, according to Anne, in
The End,
...you know you're done when you've run out of steam..., and that it's the very best you can do for now--well? I think this means you are done.Have you finished a novel before? Was it like putting an octopus to bed? Did you know octopus have arms not tentacles?
As I said last week, I'm struggling with the Summer Break Blues. So, I thought I'd share a little something that inspires me to press on when the going gets tough. I hope it inspires you, too.
Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.
Did anyone tell you how hard it is for beginners? How do you press on with the going gets tough? Do you just get going?
By:
Scribbles From Jenn,
on 7/1/2015
Blog:
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Who knew there was so much to celebrate in the first week of July!?! With all this excitement I shouldn't be insecure about anything, right? Wrong. I'm an artist and no matter what's going on around us, we can always find something to feel insecure about.
Fortunately, it's the first Wednesday of the month, time for a post in Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer’s Support Group. IWSG is a place where writers release their fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the link above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. We encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might just be the encouragement a lonely, and somewhat insecure, writer needs.
The tireless July co-hosts are Charity Bradford, S.A. Larsen, AJ, Tamara Narayan, Allison Gammons, and Tanya Miranda.
If you want to wear your support and commitment for IWSG members, The Insecure Writer’s Support Group t-shirt is available. You can purchase your IWSG shirt, designed by the very talented Jeremy Hawkins, at the NeatOShop.
Now that you know what IWSG is all about, are you still curious about my insecurity for the month? I have the Summer Break Blues. I just finished a vacation, my kids are home, friends are coming to town, my schmooze is on summer break, it's sunny in So. Cal., the beaches are calling, as is everything else but my laptop, and I just want to be lazy. I want to take three months off the way I did when I was a teacher, well you never really take those three months off, but you get my meaning. I want to be on break. I want to sleep in late, go to the beach, make ice-cream, lounge around the pool with a good book, just relax for the next three months.
But, I know I can't. My head knows that I need to write every day so I keep my writing muscle strong... now, if I can only convince my heart of that, too.
Have you checked out the IWSG store or website? Do you have a case of the summer break blues? Do you have a cure for it?
After my last post, which was a bit heavier than my usual fare, I thought I'd lighten it up a bit this week with an image I saw on socail media. I have to admit that when I saw this I had to scroll through the comments to find the answer. However, I'm going to make it easy for you and give you then answer. The poetic name for a flock of crows is called a murder. Since two is not quite a flock, it's only attempted murder.
Here are a few more unusual names for your entertainment:
A parliament of owls.
A stand of flamingos.
A shiver of sharks.
A nest of turtles.
A hood of snails.
A bloom of jellyfish.
A tower of giraffes.
A prickle of porcupines.
Were any of these names familar to you? Did you find a favorite? Do you know any other unusual names?
Recently my family and I watched the movie Unbroken. Saying it was tough to watch is an understatement, but watching it reminded us all of the high price that was paid so we could sit comfortably in our living room watching this movie. Although this isn't Memorial Day or Veteran's Day, I think it's an appropriate day, as is every day, to remember the greatness of America. As we watched the torture the P.O.W.'s suffered, my thoughts turned to the 86 Eritrean refugees being held by ISIS. It is disheartening to think that over 70 years later evil still rises up in the hearts of men toward their fellow man. I am not naive enough to believe that it will stop on it's own, however, I am encouraged by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always. It may seem that evil will go on forever, but just as it ended for Louis Zamperini and his fellow prisoners, I hold on to the hope that soon, this evil will end, too.
Have you seen Unbroken? Do you agree with Gandhi? How do you show your gratitude to your veterans?
Hi, sorry I missed you. I'm not here because I'm here...
...celebrating my wedding anniversary. Our honeymoon was on a Carnival Cruise, so it's fitting that we should repeat the experience for our silver anniversary.
Yes, I know it's the first Wednesday of the month and everyone is sharing their insecurities, but right now, I'm good.
See you next week!
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