Late last evening, feeling angst and sporting a headache that throbbed against my skull, I took a walk in the dark. My only companion, the moon. With his hair over one eye, he watched over me—saved me from the dark shadows. I gazed up into his face and wondered about the billions of people who’ve gone on to the next world before me, the ones who had dumped their troubles on him. The ones who had shared with him their dreams. The ones who had laughed and loved under his twilight.
I wondered about their stories. Some are known by all of us. Some by a few.
As I walked, I gaze over the valley that was my great grandparent’s farm, now divided among their children’s children. I know my great grandparent’s names. I can tell you they lay in the cemetery on the rise to the east. I can tell you their birth and death dates. However, I don’t know what they were like as people. Did they enjoy music or reading? Were reserve or outgoing? What was their favorite time of the year? Or their favorite foods? Did they believe and trust in the Almighty? What were their dreams?
We have pictures of course with names scribbled on the back, but by who? We have ledgers and invoices of transactions stored in the old farm house attic, but no personal memoirs. Knowing this, sadness crept in my heart as I crossed an open field. I wished someone had left behind their words for me. Told me who they were. Left a clue as to who I called my pass.
At that moment, the moon winked at me and from within I heard, “You were given the gift of the written word. Why haven’t you left behind words for your children or grandchildren or great grandchildren? Not all will seek them, but there will be one who will. Like you, they will cherish the memories you share and pass them on to another who well cherish their heritage. And so on.”
Stunned, I gaped into his one eye. The ancient man was right. He winked again and turned into a cloud, probably to advise someone else. I finished one swallow of crisp night and with a light step headed for home. I pulled from a drawer a diary given to me one Christmas years ago and wrote; November 8, 2009. Within these pages you will come to know who I was, what I felt passionate about, and what were my dreams. My hope is I will teach something of the pass, something that will make you a stronger person and that I’ll touch you in some way. With love, your heritage.
Note: Everyone leaving a comment will entered into a drawing on November 14 at 8pm est for a 2010 pocket calendar.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Preparing To Meet Your Destiny
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You're excited. You're going to a conference. Yeah! I love networking.
Are you prepared? I’m not talking about what do I pack or what type of clothing should I wear? That is a no-brainer. Business casual. I’m talking about how do you prepare to make the most of the experience?
Well, first, relax. There is no reason to become stressed. Everyone going to the conference is riding the same wave you are. The ones who prepare will land on the beach more gracefully, that’s all.
Second. Determine what is your goal in attending the conference? Is it to learn about the craft of writing? Are you interested in learning more about the publishing world? Do you have an agent and editor appointment in hopes of gaining interest in your work? Are you looking to network, and make connections with other writers or industry professionals? Whatever your reason, you do need to prepare.
Third, HOW?
1) This item is important for all the reasons listed above. Business cards. You must have plenty of business cards. Atleast thirty. You don’t have to special order cards. You can buy printable business cards at Walmart. The cards should have basic information; your name, pseudonym, address, email address and phone number. That’s it. If you want artwork, fine. Just don’t let the artwork over shadow your name and make your contact information so small it will take a magnifying glass to see the information. Remember you want people to remember your name not oh, how cute the kittens were.
2)You’ve identified your purpose of attending and that is...
a)To learn about the craft. Conferences schedules are filled with valuable workshops. It’s like going to a smorgasbord of knowledge and we tend to say oh, I want to see this and hear her, and my chapter mate is speaking. The thing is, we can’t be everywhere and hear all. So you need to decide ahead of time, what are your writing weaknesses and attend specific workshops that will help you. Don’t worry what workshop your friend is going to. She might need help with POV. You’ve got that down pat.
Or if you’re craft savvy, attend the workshops which lay the industry out. Don’t burn yourself out running from class to class, because there is one. Which leads to the next reason. Networking.
b)Networking. Most writers are introverts. We spend long hours by ourselves. We like being by ourselves. Suddenly we’re surrounded by people. Remember they’re introverts just like yourself. Be yourself. Smile. Say hi. Start a conversation. Exchange cards. It’s that simple.
Note of common sense: When approaching people who are having a conversation, study their body language. If they open the circle to you, then they too are looking to network, but if they turn away, however slight, move on. Their most likely having a personal conversation that at that moment is not open to newcomers.
Ahead of time, practice reciting the blurb of your book. This is not just for the agent and/or editors. Practice conversations. What questions would you ask of an editor or agent or an author you adore? It’s easier to have a conversation with someone if you think about it ahead of time. If you don’t believe me, try it. Think of three topics to discuss with your spouse or a friend. Practice and then have it. You’ll see. The conversation will flow.
Over the years, I’ve made tons of friends. Each has brought joy to my life. So go get them.
c)Finally, the dreaded editor and agent appointments. Don’t sweat it. Practice your pitch. Know your book. Know your characters and relax. Editors and agents are just people. They’re there hoping someone will wow them. So do it.
Last bit of advice. Have fun.
Anyone leaving a comment will entered into a drawing for a 2010 Autumn Jordon Pocket Calendar, so please share.
You're excited. You're going to a conference. Yeah! I love networking.
Are you prepared? I’m not talking about what do I pack or what type of clothing should I wear? That is a no-brainer. Business casual. I’m talking about how do you prepare to make the most of the experience?
Well, first, relax. There is no reason to become stressed. Everyone going to the conference is riding the same wave you are. The ones who prepare will land on the beach more gracefully, that’s all.
Second. Determine what is your goal in attending the conference? Is it to learn about the craft of writing? Are you interested in learning more about the publishing world? Do you have an agent and editor appointment in hopes of gaining interest in your work? Are you looking to network, and make connections with other writers or industry professionals? Whatever your reason, you do need to prepare.
Third, HOW?
1) This item is important for all the reasons listed above. Business cards. You must have plenty of business cards. Atleast thirty. You don’t have to special order cards. You can buy printable business cards at Walmart. The cards should have basic information; your name, pseudonym, address, email address and phone number. That’s it. If you want artwork, fine. Just don’t let the artwork over shadow your name and make your contact information so small it will take a magnifying glass to see the information. Remember you want people to remember your name not oh, how cute the kittens were.
2)You’ve identified your purpose of attending and that is...
a)To learn about the craft. Conferences schedules are filled with valuable workshops. It’s like going to a smorgasbord of knowledge and we tend to say oh, I want to see this and hear her, and my chapter mate is speaking. The thing is, we can’t be everywhere and hear all. So you need to decide ahead of time, what are your writing weaknesses and attend specific workshops that will help you. Don’t worry what workshop your friend is going to. She might need help with POV. You’ve got that down pat.
Or if you’re craft savvy, attend the workshops which lay the industry out. Don’t burn yourself out running from class to class, because there is one. Which leads to the next reason. Networking.
b)Networking. Most writers are introverts. We spend long hours by ourselves. We like being by ourselves. Suddenly we’re surrounded by people. Remember they’re introverts just like yourself. Be yourself. Smile. Say hi. Start a conversation. Exchange cards. It’s that simple.
Note of common sense: When approaching people who are having a conversation, study their body language. If they open the circle to you, then they too are looking to network, but if they turn away, however slight, move on. Their most likely having a personal conversation that at that moment is not open to newcomers.
Ahead of time, practice reciting the blurb of your book. This is not just for the agent and/or editors. Practice conversations. What questions would you ask of an editor or agent or an author you adore? It’s easier to have a conversation with someone if you think about it ahead of time. If you don’t believe me, try it. Think of three topics to discuss with your spouse or a friend. Practice and then have it. You’ll see. The conversation will flow.
Over the years, I’ve made tons of friends. Each has brought joy to my life. So go get them.
c)Finally, the dreaded editor and agent appointments. Don’t sweat it. Practice your pitch. Know your book. Know your characters and relax. Editors and agents are just people. They’re there hoping someone will wow them. So do it.
Last bit of advice. Have fun.
Anyone leaving a comment will entered into a drawing for a 2010 Autumn Jordon Pocket Calendar, so please share.
Friday, September 25, 2009
An S Curve AT 100 MPH
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Have you ever gone on a ride through an S curve at one-hundred MPH?
Life can seem like that dangerous feat sometimes. You’re going along at a nice steady pace, the sun is shining on you, the temperature is perfect and, well, life is just grand. Then out of no where, others surround you. They’re passing you as if you’re standing still. They’re behind you, urging you to get out of their way. Naturally your instinct for self-preservation kicks in and like the blood rushing through your veins you pick up speed, ignoring the possibility you might make mistakes and put yourself in danger.
With fists clenched, you hang on as you sped forward, trying to keep up-get ahead. Realizing you’re headed in the wrong direction, your whole being quakes and you swerve to keep on track. You bump against others and the walls of kismet. You get knocked around and within a short time your ego is bruised. You’re battered. And the destination you were headed toward no longer has the sparkle it had when you started out on your journey. Slowly you make it to the sidewalk of life and stop. What to do?
First, realize getting off the fast track was the smart thing to do. Second, zooming is not meant for everyone. Third, taking your time doesn’t mean you will never make your destination. You will, and you’ll enjoy the journey much more if you strive toward it on your own terms. So relax, set your goal, work at it at your own pace, believe in yourself and enjoy the ride!
As a side note: My Ruby Slippered Sisters are blogging at http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com
They're offering great words of wisdom. Please stop by.
Have you ever gone on a ride through an S curve at one-hundred MPH?
Life can seem like that dangerous feat sometimes. You’re going along at a nice steady pace, the sun is shining on you, the temperature is perfect and, well, life is just grand. Then out of no where, others surround you. They’re passing you as if you’re standing still. They’re behind you, urging you to get out of their way. Naturally your instinct for self-preservation kicks in and like the blood rushing through your veins you pick up speed, ignoring the possibility you might make mistakes and put yourself in danger.
With fists clenched, you hang on as you sped forward, trying to keep up-get ahead. Realizing you’re headed in the wrong direction, your whole being quakes and you swerve to keep on track. You bump against others and the walls of kismet. You get knocked around and within a short time your ego is bruised. You’re battered. And the destination you were headed toward no longer has the sparkle it had when you started out on your journey. Slowly you make it to the sidewalk of life and stop. What to do?
First, realize getting off the fast track was the smart thing to do. Second, zooming is not meant for everyone. Third, taking your time doesn’t mean you will never make your destination. You will, and you’ll enjoy the journey much more if you strive toward it on your own terms. So relax, set your goal, work at it at your own pace, believe in yourself and enjoy the ride!
As a side note: My Ruby Slippered Sisters are blogging at http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com
They're offering great words of wisdom. Please stop by.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Last Summer Fling
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Okay we all know summer is nearly over. The BIG YELLOW school bus wheels are going around and around. The sun is setting before the dinner dishes are dried. The air, at least in my part of the country, has that cool it-will-be-good-sleeping feel. And we have a twinge of angst coursing through our veins. Why? Because we know there is one more great summer adventure to be had before the sweatshirts and sweaters take up the hangers in the closet.
I feel the angst and I’m so ready for my escape. I’m thinking Arizona this year. I want to feel the sun on my body, lounge in warm water, read for endless hours and enjoy the excitement of a summer night watching a ball game, after my DH takes me out for dinner of course. No dishes, no laundry, no alarm clock unless it’s for an early golf tee time.
Vacations from everyday chores and responsibilities are so freeing. Your mind and thus your body recharges itself with renewed energy. Escaping the everyday routine is important to your health. Seeing new things, sparks creativity. Smiling and greeting a stranger feels so good. Laughter is healing. Give yourself permission to get out there and act like a kid for a day or two.
So, will it be the shore or a camping trip up into the mountains? Or the amusement and water park? Or tailgating at your team’s game? What are your thoughts and/or plans? I’d love to hear them.
AJ
Okay we all know summer is nearly over. The BIG YELLOW school bus wheels are going around and around. The sun is setting before the dinner dishes are dried. The air, at least in my part of the country, has that cool it-will-be-good-sleeping feel. And we have a twinge of angst coursing through our veins. Why? Because we know there is one more great summer adventure to be had before the sweatshirts and sweaters take up the hangers in the closet.
I feel the angst and I’m so ready for my escape. I’m thinking Arizona this year. I want to feel the sun on my body, lounge in warm water, read for endless hours and enjoy the excitement of a summer night watching a ball game, after my DH takes me out for dinner of course. No dishes, no laundry, no alarm clock unless it’s for an early golf tee time.
Vacations from everyday chores and responsibilities are so freeing. Your mind and thus your body recharges itself with renewed energy. Escaping the everyday routine is important to your health. Seeing new things, sparks creativity. Smiling and greeting a stranger feels so good. Laughter is healing. Give yourself permission to get out there and act like a kid for a day or two.
So, will it be the shore or a camping trip up into the mountains? Or the amusement and water park? Or tailgating at your team’s game? What are your thoughts and/or plans? I’d love to hear them.
AJ
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