Inspiration: PS22 and Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Down in the dumps? Let these incredible 5th grade students from PS22 and their extraordinary teacher, Mr. B (aka Gregg Breinberg), get you inspired.

A Valentine’s Wish for You

I know I’m going to sound like a curmudgeon, but at the risk of it, I’ll tell you what’s on my mind. I’m not sure why we need to have a Valentine’s Day.  Say, what?  Yes, you read this correctly.

While it’s sweet and all that we have one day dedicated to acknowledge the love we have for the special person in our life, and vice versa, for some reason, it just seems so lame to me.  The fact we need a day that nudges someone to say “I Love You.”  Puleeze.  If the person doesn’t show you in so many ways on a daily basis already, why should a day advertised to be the most romantic day of the year, make it different?  Because commercials tell us so?

What about all the people who are single, who don’t have a special person to share this day with? Does it make them less important? This is where I find this whole Valentine’s Day to be so flawed. There’s the power of suggestion that if you’re loved, you should expect flowers, candy, jewelry, a romantic dinner.  And if you don’t….well, you decide.

There’s not a whole lot of empowerment there for people who have to sweat this day out…and yes, especially in middle school and high school. Remember those carnations they’d give out in class? But, that’s another story. And for this to happen because of a psuedo-holiday, that just plain bites.

So, this is my Valentine’s Day wish for you.  Take this day to respect and honor yourself.  Make this about you first, then focus on your loved ones.  But get that extra fifteen minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee.  Take the time to pamper yourself or go for that jog you’re always talking about.

If my words don’t encourage you, then take a few minutes to listen to this powerful song, “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera. Yes, I think she’s awesome.

You are Beautiful. Honor and respect yourself. Show yourself the love.

Go and have a great Valentine’s Day.  On YOUR terms. That is all.

Perfecting My Rebel Yell

It’s been awhile since I last posted. I’ve had a few challenges with PB, enough to almost make me decide I’ve had enough, that this dream of writing is simply not meant to be. But, as we all know from movies, books, and yes, especially in real life, there’s always a defining moment, a challenge if you will, that separates the wimps from the doers, the followers from the leaders, the heroes from the villains, the rebels from the status quo.

AARGH!!!

My challenge? A month ago, I lost PB. Not all of it, but a huge portion of my manuscript. Don’t really want to relive my stupidity, but guys, before you transfer files to a new laptop and erase everything off the old laptop so the kids can have it, be sure you actually back up your files to an external hard drive, rather than think you did so because you’re pressed for time. Yup. MAJOR, MAJOR FAIL. I can’t blame anyone for this, especially not my husband, who continually asked me if I was backing up my work. Just don’t tell him, ‘kay? Sheesh. You’d think I’d be allowed one fail-safe moment…

So, I’m back to picking up the pieces. The good news is I’m not giving up. It’s not in my nature, my rebellious streak is all up in arms. The time for moping and cursing is over. It’s time to perfect my rebel yell and move forward. PB is a part of me, her story has evolved over 2 1/2 years. Her story needs to be told. Thankfully, I have a detailed synopsis, so there’s much hope.

I’m going to be okay…PB is fighting to live on…

Well, my friends, I wish you a wonderful writing day. And a word to the wise…BACK UP YOUR FILES to an external hard drive!

What’s been your defining writing moment?

TEDtalk with Derek Sivers: Keep Your Goals to Yourself

Seems like I’ve been doing this all wrong…check out this Tedtalk by Derek Sivers. What say you?

Writing Tip: Hold Fast to Your Imagination

These past couple of months have been upside down for me in terms of my writing. It’s been quite like dancing…you know the drill…glide one step forward, leap two steps back. Frankly, it’s exhausting, but I keep writing through the challenges because I love writing and my manuscript.

This weather, however, is enough to drive me crazy. There’s been far too much snow…snow days for the kids, sick days, shoveling and cooking…Aargh! My creativity festered. *so much for my NO EXCUSES resolution *

But then, this morning, I went to my library to borrow some books and movies. I saw this…

Lo! The Ice Owl guarding the Library

Lo! The Ice Owl guarding the Library (click on photo for a better view).

Plenty of people walked by this clump of ice on the tree, quite unimpressed. Me? I had to take a photo of this with my phone and check out every angle of this Ice Owl. And even better? I’mmmmm baaack!

Hold fast to your imagination. You’re going to build amazing worlds.

Summoning the Plot Ninjas…Want One?

Summoning the Plot Ninjas...WANT ONE???

Want one?

Even better, how about a team of four Plot Ninjas, headed up by the PLOT NINJA, and accompanied by CONFLICT, GOALS, THEME and the ever important TWIST? (turn the PLOT NINJA around and lo! The TWIST!)

Let these ninjas guard your computer and act as a silent reminder of what you need to whip your manuscript into shape. Yeah, they’re kinda cute. Non-threatening, even. And therein lies their trickery. Their stealth will surprise you when you least expect it. You NEED these Plot Ninjas on your team. You WANT these Plot Ninjas on your team.

All you need to do for a chance to win is make a comment about plot. Stuck on what to write? How about… Challenges? Likes? Dislikes? Haiku? Books you loved with an incredible plot twist? A song? Joking. Really.

Contest ends Monday, January 31st. Go!

NOTE: The contest in now closed. LISHA CAUTHEN! You’re the winner! Send me your snail mail addy right here… I expect great things from you! Now, go write!

Inspirational TEDtalk with Charity Tillemann-Dick

Guys, guys! This TEDtalk by Charity Tillemann-Dick, is incredible. Talk about inspiration, resilience, and passion. She’s rather emotional throughout her talk, but once you watch it, you’ll understand.

Feel down in the dumps about your work? This is a MUCH WATCH, a catharsis if you will, to get you moving towards AND reaching your dream. Do not give up!

Writing: Baby Steps Gone Wild

It’s been a long time since I had a good writing day. It makes me sad. And a little bit anxious. This isn’t a healthy state for any writer.

So, today is the day I shake things up. Thank you, Shaun Meeks, for stirring the pot. I’m writing 5,000 words today. It will probably take me until midnight since the kids are home for the second snow day. The words will probably rot. Scenes will probably jump all over the place.

No matter.

I’m armed with Scrivener, coffee, the background music of my children and characters I love.

5,000 words. Today.

Anyone else in? Come on. Let’s do this together. You can do it!

Inspiration Monday: A New Year, A New Slate

A repost from my  HipWriterMama blog:

I’ve often wondered what kept people moving toward their dreams when obstacles fell in their way. Sometimes, these rocks are just too massive and downright overwhelming, sucking up every bit of energy from one’s soul. It’s enough to make one want to give up and decide it obviously wasn’t meant to be.

It’s rather sad.

Think about this. If everyone gave up, we wouldn’t have most of the things we use on a daily basis, that we take so much for granted. Almost everything our hands have touched, the knowledge we’ve soaked in, the history we have inherited, have come from someone else’s blood, sweat and tears. There’s always someone, somewhere, who had that boulder thrown in their path, and decided to find ways around it, rather than to stop and retreat.

Have you ever had that mountain grow in your path towards your dream?

Maybe your family needs you. Or you’ve been getting too distracted from your day job but need to work more hours to pay those bills. Maybe your house looks like it will take an army to clean it. Or you’ve been sick. Or your children have been sick. Or you take care of an elderly parent.  Have you overcommitted yourself for volunteer projects? Are you working around the clock to prove to your boss you’re perfectly capable?

Are you feeling overwhelmed, right about now? Unsure of what to do? Wonder how you’re going to reach your dream when life just won’t cooperate? After all, how can things work out? You’ve got responsibilities and commitments and there isn’t any room for fairy dust sprinkles and light-up-the-sky type of dreams.  Maybe you’re relieved or resentful because whenever you work on making your dream a reality, you don’t feel the enthusiasm you used to have.

Because nobody believes in you. Or maybe your family and friends are your biggest supporters and you worry about disappointing them.

Maybe you’re afraid. Of what will happen if you fail. Or if you succeed.

Do you see how this list of stones can grow and grow into an impenetrable mountain?

Whew!  I’m exhausted just thinking of these situations and I know I’ve only written a small portion of what people are going through.

I’ll be the first one to admit that I’ve had days, even weeks where I’ve been frozen in place. Worried about every little detail. Overwhelmed by lack of time. Spending time fulfilling my commitments. Afraid to make a move.

But it’s always the wondering and the thrill of my dream that gets me back into action. The What If’s. What if I can prove to all the naysayers that I can do it? What if someone likes my work? What if this makes it all the worthwhile? Then, I think of the people who have truly fought for their dreams–true heroics and courage needed to stand up and fight for their visions. This is what helps me find creative ways around my obstacles. It makes my dream feel more achievable, when I know others before me have suffered and accomplished so much, for beliefs and dreams far greater than mine.

The way I see it (because I’ve justified it to myself), the 2010 slate is erased and we have a chance for a new beginning in 2011.  There is so much I wanted to get done last year, and while I’m a little disappointed I didn’t reach my goal, I’m off to start my quest once more in 2011. One step at a time. One step at a time.

How about you? You can do it!  I know you can.

[NOTE: This post was adapted from one of my New Year's 30 Day Challenge musings.]

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Visualize and BE

“First say to yourself what you would be;
and then do what you have to do.”
-Epictetus

I love this quote. Isn’t it the perfect mantra to remember when working on all those New Year’s Resolutions? Okay. Maybe you’re not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. What if we keep the peace and call them Goals, Dreams, or Wishes. Or maybe it’s your To-Do List or the Things You’d Like to Do Before You’re 100.

No matter what you decide to call your resolutions, focus on YOUR goals. Take charge of your life and work toward your dreams. If you have time Make the time to tell yourself what you would like to be and map out what you need to do to get there. Sounds like hard work…maybe something that can wait for another time?

Ahhh. Do not be afraid. We’ll cheer you on. There’s a lot of work to be done, but if you break it down into teeny, tiny steps, you’ll be surprised how much easier it becomes. All you have to do is start with one baby step. Now, take another. You CAN do it. Let the real fun begin!

Go DO it. Make a commitment to yourself and make things happen in your life. You deserve an incredible life, surrounded by people you love and something you love to do. Here’s to a wonderful year of beautiful dreams, great adventures, and the courage to believe and plan in the “I can.” Happy New Year!

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Everyone dreams to BE something. Write a scene where your MC comes to terms with what he/she wants to be. Will this be easy to accomplish? What sacrifices need to be made? Who or what stands in the way? Who will cheer your protagonist on to the end? Bring on the conflict and emotion. Have fun!