Monday, March 18, 2013

It's Not As Hard as You Think






Their exotic beauty and stunning colors always captured my attention. Yet, the thought of growing orchids sent a little shiver down my spine. Perhaps the old Nero Wolfe mysteries created a mystique around their care and propagation. It seemed so complicated.

Last month, a friend came to my mother's door and presented me with a gorgeous orchid plant. When I thanked her and said, "I don't know how to grow these," she reassured me. "It's not as hard as you think." Those simple words opened my mind to the possibility I could keep this specimen alive.

In some ways I've fallen victim to this thinking with writing. How many times have I listened to a multi-published author teach and been intimidated by their expertise? I love the teachers, who come along and say, "you can do it." They don't try to give you every detail they've ever learned, but a few simple steps to get you on the path.

My knowledge of orchids is basic, but I'm learning. I know they like 2 ice cubes a day for water and some mist. As I read and put into practice the advice in gardening books, I know my efforts will be rewarded. The same holds true with writing. I may not be a super expert, but I've grown and will continue to grow in my craft.

NEWSFLASH! My writing/blogging buddy and dear friend, Karen Lange, is posting about my book, The Moses Conspiracy, on her blog. She's also arranged a fabulous giveaway to celebrate her 4th blogoversary! 


Writers:  What overwhelms you about writing?

Readers:  Have you ever tried to write a book? Please share your experience.

Photo credit:  Ayla87


17 comments:

Karen Lange said...

Congratulations Susan! I'm so excited for you! :)

The writing process seems daunting sometimes - all the things I don't know and whatnot. But like you said, we can do it, with time and practice.

Blessings,
Karen

DenaNetherton said...

Excellent analogy, Susan. Plants intimidate me, too. But just like writing, a little research and practice yields great results.

Loree Huebner said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Loree Huebner said...

Congrats Susan.

I might have to get myself an orchid.

Nancy said...

Yes, I have written five books for children. They didn't overwhelm me because I just wrote, did a simple outline after awhile, and followed it. Now, if I were to try a novel, I would be way intimidated because of all the things you have to think about just to put words on paper. I'm sure it would be as hard as I think.

At least I can say that I have written a book.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Susan... i have read about your recent publication on Karen's blog. Her post really made me to read your book. And yet this is an amazing post. Thank you for your insightful writings...

Melanie N. Brasher said...

Great analogy, Susan. I'm not so good at keeping plants alive, but I dream of a beautiful garden one day. ;) Baby steps.

Rhonda Schrock said...

Great perspective, Susan. Much of life really is decided in our minds, isn't it?

Congratulations on the book!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen - Thanks! When I first started The Moses Conspiracy, I was clueless. I found out soon enough what was involved. Eight years later...

Hi Dena - I'd rather try and fail than just dream.

Hi Loree - Thanks! I love my orchid. It's very similar to the picture in my post.

Hi Nancy - A friend of mine wrote a couple of books for her grandchildren. What a treasure for them to pass down to future generations!

Hi Dorji - Welcome to my blog! I post here on Monday and Friday. I hope you'll visit often. :)

Hi Melanie - Ah, but you do so well with children!

Hi Rhonda - Yes, we can talk ourselves into failure or success.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Carol J. Garvin said...

It's a beautiful orchid! I don't have much of a green thumb when it comes to houseplants. About the only things that don't die are the Pothos and I have three of them. I do enjoy gardening outdoors, especially the landscaping aspect. Much of our plants are hardy perennials, though... I don't experiment very much.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carol -

I don't have a lot of plants because of the lighting in my house. I also enjoy outdoor gardening, but I've had limited success.

Spring is hear, and the veggie garden is calling my name. :)

Blessings,
Susan

JD said...

Susan, I received an orchid years ago from my husband and proceeded to care for it and kill it. Lol. Maybe I'll venture into the world of orchid-care again some day. ;-)

Hopping over to Karen's now to read her post about your book. I'm thrilled for you!

Ruth Schiffmann said...

Congratulations on The Moses Conspiracy, Susan!!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janette - Ooo, sorry about your orchid. Mine is still hanging in there. LOL!

Hi Ruth - Thanks so much. If we haven't already connected on Facebook, give me a shout. There's more information on the book there.

Everyone - I'm at Jeanette Levellie's blog today for an author interview. Want to know what was the best and worst advice I received during my journey to publication? It's there. http://jeanettelevellie.blogspot.com

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susanne Dietze said...

Congratulations on the Moses Conspiracy!

Great analogy. I agree: the writing process can be intimidating. Sometimes, it's effortless. But other times, I'm stuck or unsure how to change something. Writing definitely isn't for wimps!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Susanne -

Thanks for the Follow and your congrats!

I post here Monday and Friday in normal times. Starting next week, I'll be here every day for the Blog Tour and giveaways. I hope you'll enter.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Nancy said...

Writing for my grandkids is a very good idea. I just might try that some time.