The Pioneer Spirit

I've been reading a lot of books with a pioneering theme over the past few months. Those adventurous souls set off with high hopes and optimism to carve out a better life for themselves and their families. While they heard stories of Indian attacks, disease, and treacherous travel, the realities of the trip did not hit them until they experienced them firsthand.

As writers, we dream of our words bound together in a book. We imagine them impacting both individuals and the culture. The journey begins with words put on paper. Then we get smacked in the face by a nasty little thing called, "a reality check."

Somewhere along the line, we find out it's a good idea to attend a writers' conference. After a couple of workshops and hope-filled appointments with editors, we come away to lick our wounds and start applying ourselves to learning the craft.

We inhale books by the now famous on how to write The Great American Novel. Reading the blogs and websites of those who've achieved success becomes a daily habit. We go back to our WIP's and slave over each word, revising and editing until we want to scream.

The doubts crowd in, and torment us. Do we have what it takes to make this trip? Maybe we should cut our losses and move on to other endeavors. We might even try to quit, but the writing woos us like a persistent suitor.

And so, we write. We're committed for the long haul. No matter how many rejections clog our mailbox. No matter how many agents or editors paint a dismal picture of our genre. No matter how many times we re-write our manuscripts. We continue. Why? Because writing is a fire in our bones.

Like the early pioneers, we embark on this journey with stars in our eyes. The road toughens us, teaches us, and prepares us for new territory. Many of them reached their destination and built new lives. We may arrive with a few scars and bandages, but our words will impact our generation.

How about you? What misconceptions did you have about the writing life when you first began on this path?

Christmas Story - Part 1

Luke 2:1-3 (KJV): "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

Mary and Joseph lived and met in Nazareth. When the angel appeared to Mary, he told her she would give birth to Jesus.

Hmm, the scripture said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the City of David. Mary and Joseph both walked in obedience to God. They didn't try to make the prophetic scriptures come true, but lived each day following Him.

Lo and behold, Caesar Augustus decides to tax the people. As part of the decree, they had to go to Bethlehem, the City of David, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David. God protected them from gossip, prying eyes, and brought them exactly where they needed to be at a specific point in history.

As we follow the Lord on a day-to-day basis, we'll find ourselves in the right place at the right time. He knows the path, and we can trust Him to bring us into our destiny.

Friday Round-Up - #80

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." - William Wordsworth

Need a gift for a special writer? Find it here.

As a big Snoopy fan, I discovered a site that sells products with his picture. My favorite is Snoopy, Literary Ace at Work. Maybe you'll find a present for a writer friend or something to put under the tree for yourself (from your dog or cat, of course).

Beginning Sunday, 12/20/09, I'll be on a daily blogging schedule through 12/28/09. I've written some special Christmas posts to fill in the week. I hope you enjoy them.

Have a great weekend!

Guest Posting at Eternity Cafe

I'm guest posting today at Susan Panzica's Eternity Cafe blog. Hope you'll pop over there and check it out.

On My Nightstand - Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake

Ruth Caldwell is an unusual woman. Spirited, outspoken, and definitely a square peg in a round hole, she tries to fit in without success. A series of life events lands her in Folsom, California.

Although taken with her great beauty, Josh finds himself in an uncomfortable position. As part owner of the Broken P Ranch, his livelihood is threatened by Ruth's legitimate claim of inheritance. At first, Ruth's accidents are attributed to her natural clumsiness. When they become increasingly dangerous, Josh must face some unpleasant truths.

This historical romance set in the mid-1800's delighted and intrigued me with its feisty heroine and honorable hero. I loved Ruth's warmth, her caring heart, and her refusal to be deterred from her goals.

In my opinion, this book is a winner with a capital "W" and a great read for a cold winter night.

Blogger Awards

My friend, Jean Fischer, honored me with the Kreative Blogger Award. Thanks, Jean!

I'm giving the award to seven other bloggers, but please don't feel you must do the same. I understand the time constraints with Christmas so close.

1. Audience of One - Jeanette Levellie shares her joys, struggles, and wonderful sense of humor. She's not only a wonderful writer, but also a dear friend.

2. Krista's Reflections - Krista and I have a lot in common. We're both SOTP writers! If you need cheering up, this is the place to head.

3. This Ain't No Glamour Detail - Crystal Laine Miller interviews authors, writes books reviews, and gives us delicious slices of her life. She also finds the neatest quizzes.

4. Write Now - A former homeschool Mom, online writing teacher, and writer, Karen brings us book reviews, links, and writing prompts. She has also dedicated herself to keeping a certain writer friend from getting a big head with her delightful humor.

5. Write In The Way -Kristin Torres-Torro gives us a unique view of writing through a missionary's eyes.

6. On The Path - A newly-contracted author, Jody gives us the inside scoop on what it's like after you sign on the dotted line.

7. BookingIt - Jessica Nelson brings a wonderful curiosity, thought-provoking questions, and sometimes intense writing advice. Her blog is a regular stop for me.

Here's where I'm supposed to give seven interesting facts about me. Unfortunately, I'm fresh out of those today, so I'll sign off. I hope you'll visit some or all of these nice folks, and tell them I said, "Hi."

Friday Round-Up - #79

Office Max has it's fun site, "Elf Yourself," up again this year. You can upload up to five pictures, which they paste onto an elf's body. They do some pretty cool dance moves to music. The kiddies would have a blast! Kathryn Lang, at Successful Freelance Writer, talks about writing with passion.

Have a great weekend!

On My Nightstand - No Eye Can See by Jane Kirkpatrick

"No Eye Can See" by Jane Kirkpatrick is the second book in her Kinship and Courage Series. While the women from, "All Together In One Place," are in this book, it focuses on Suzanne Culver, the blind widow, with two children.

Suzanne struggles for her independence and takes foolish risks with her life and those of her boys. Finally, she learns to see with her heart, trust her instincts, and accept the loving help of her friends.

Jane Kirkpatrick's homespun wisdom weaves through this book. At one point, Elizabeth gives Mazy advice on giving folks the right amount of help. It's a lesson we can all use. All the characters worked their way through challenges, making mistakes, but learning from them.

I don't generally read books more than once, but I'd pick up this title again. I'm sure I'd find more interesting details I missed the first time around.

This is not a book you'll want to rush through, but savor like quality chocolate. Enjoy!

Getting Attention

A popular game show selects contestants from the audience. People try to increase their chances of being picked by wearing all kinds of costumes, ranging from graduation gowns to aliens. Their outfit might get them attention, but they still have to play the game.

As writers, we hear much about branding, standing out from the crowd, and offering something unique. Yet, everything comes down to our writing craft. Several agents noted they're seeing great query letters and proposals, but the writing doesn't live up to the promises.

I'm doing several things to improve my writing craft: reading quality blogs, craft books, and books by other authors, as well as attending conferences and a writers' group. Most importantly, I'm writing and practicing what I've learned.

What steps are you taking to improve your writing? Are your books character driven or plot driven?

The Winner of A Star Curiously Singing By Kerry Nietz

Congratulations to TERRI TIFFANY! You've won A Star Curiously Singing by Kerry Nietz.

Thanks to everyone, who entered the drawing. Watch for more fun giveaways in the future.

Friday Round-Up - #78

Tiffany Colter, at Writing Career Coach, encourages us to use the contradictory parts of our personality to enrich our characters.

Kathryn Lang, over at Successful Freelance Writer, explores ways to beat back procrastination.

Eileen Astels Watson did a great post over at Writers Rest about Writer Collectives. This type of writers group is strictly business, no relationships to get in the way of critiquing.

On My Nightstand - A Star Curiously Singing by Kerry Nietz

No, you're not seeing things. And, yes, I'm recommending a Sci-Fi title. The author, Kerry Nietz, did an interview on Sharon Ball's blog a couple of months ago. His concept hooked me and reeled me in enough to comment. Well, Mr. Nietz contacted me and asked me to read his book since, according to him, I'd "thrown down the gauntlet." After some email reassurances that the book contained no aliens or space creatures, I agreed.

Kerry sent me his book, and I resigned myself to reading about bizarre worlds. By the end of Chapter 1, I found myself rooting for the main character, Sandfly, a human with a special brain implant. He's a mid-level debugger, fixing all manner of robots and machinery. The implant allows him access to the stream, a database for information related to his job.

The downside of this futuristic world involves total loss of freedom. If Sandfly's thoughts wander into forbidden territory, he gets a nasty zap from his master. One day, he is summoned to the master's office and sent to space for a debugger job. Poor guy, he's not thrilled with heights.

There he uncovers a plot that threatens his existence, as well as a mysterious star song that nearly fries his brain. The book even has a futuristic budding romance for all you gals.

Okay, Kerry, you win. I enjoyed your book and look forward to the next one. How can I resist finding out what a futuristic romance looks like?

Now for the fun part. One of you will win, "A Star Curiously Singing," in a drawing. Please note that due to regulations the contest is open to U.S. Residents only and no fee has been paid to enter this drawing. The author has provided the book, and I'm passing it along to the winner.

Leave a comment with the spam-busting format of your email address. Example: susanjreinhardt (at) ____ (dot) com. The contest ends Saturday, December 5, 2009, at midnight. The winner will be notified via email and an announcement on the blog on Sunday, December 6th.

The Hope Chest

As a young woman, I saved my allowance, birthday, and Christmas money and eventually scraped enough together to purchase a hope chest. It didn't look like this picture, but you get the idea. Walnut wood, a sleek Danish modern design, and a cedar interior made it the latest and greatest in dream keepers. I call it a "dream keeper" because I stored all the things I wanted to use when Mr. Right swept me off my feet and carried me off to his castle.

In some cultures, the hope chest might be considered part of a woman's dowry. In the U.S., a young woman made beautiful needlework creations and gathered household goods in anticipation of her wedding day. With the advent of Bridal Showers and elaborate wedding receptions, the practice has almost died out in this country.

Our websites, blogging, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media serve as writers' hope chests. They record our wish lists, our desires for publication, and our preparation for the role of, "Author." Friends cheer us on as we struggle through writer's block, rejections, and painful critiques. They celebrate small successes, a contest win, the agent signing, and "the call." We store our memories in cyberspace, in file cabinets, and on our computers that become a scrapbook to look back on and thank God for how far He's brought us.

What are some things stored away in your writer's hope chest?

And the Winner Is...

Congratulations to JESSICA! You've won the drawing for Kristen Heitzmann's book, "The Edge of Recall." Please send me your snail mail address via email (susanjreinhardt (at) gmail (dot) com).

Thanks to everyone who participated. We'll be having another drawing soon.

Blessed or Stressed?

Susan Panzica, over at Eternity Cafe, asked me to announce a series she's doing on her blog called, "40-Day Focus." During this Christmas season, it's easy to get wrapped up in the preparations and forget the essential truth of Jesus' birth.

Susan asks, "How will your next 40 days be spent? Blessed...or stressed?"

Take a break from the holiday craziness, and read her inspiring posts.