Category Archives: Personal

Tending to Your “Flowers”

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I was working in my yard, tending my planting beds and garden recently, when a metaphor came to mind. Just like gardens, writing needs tending. Irises

My planting beds of flowers and plants, are like my writing craft. It requires a lot of work to establish the beds, giving them a strong beginning. I place landscape fabric down to decrease the amount of weeds that creep in. To make sure my plants are healthy, I refresh their mulch, prune the dead branches, and weed them occasionally. My writing craft needs refreshing too. I take a few courses and workshops each year to learn new skills.  I read writing blogs, and I check in frequently with my critique partner. Chatting with Joanna really helps me identify the good “plants” to keep, and what parts are the “weeds.”

My vegetable garden is like my writing work. Based on past successes with raised-bed gardening, I decided to significantly expand my vegetable garden with a new 12 x 12 foot fenced-in area at a sunny spot at the back of my property. I also wrote two more novel manuscripts this year to add to my works in process. Both need my ongoing care and nurturing if I want to see them bear fruit this year. I’m crossing my fingers for tasty sweet corn and huge tomatoes for making sauce (and an agent, if I’m lucky!)

What this all reminds me is that both plants and writing require regular maintenance and nurturing. Just as I find time each night to water my plants, I need to ensure I making time to continue working on my manuscripts. Perhaps then both will bloom!

Keep on Running, Keep on Running…

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Almost 2 weeks ago I ran in my first 5K race on Mother’s Day. It was a great experience, running with almost 1300 other women. There were families all along the race route with signs, cow bells, and lots of cheers. All of the smiling faces spurred me on. On one particular hill, a child held up a sign that said, “This hill is no match for my mom.” Even though the sign was not made specifically for me, it still motivated me not to chicken out as I strained up the hill. If their mom could do it, so could I!

I started running as an attempt to find an exercise that I liked. I really don’t like going to the gym – I find it boring and I don’t see any physical results after going repeatedly. I’m more of a sports gal – swimming, skiing, softball. However, since I have two young children, it’s hard to commit to a league or any regular schedule. So running has provided me with flexibility (if the kids were up too much during the night, I’ll try again to run the next morning), an exercise where I see the physical results, and many other unexpected benefits.

I’ve posted on my experiences with running before. I feel amazing mental clarity during and after running. Whatever chemicals are released in your system when running (adrenaline?) give me a real rush. And once I saw the finish line at my first race, I did what I never thought I would do. I sprinted. I passed four women in my mad dash for the finish line. I made sure my stride came down right on that timing mat (just in case, you know?). And I felt GREAT.

Going across that finish line gave me such a rush, I was replaying the last minute of the race over and over in my mind for days.

So what did I learn from this experience?

  1. Give yourself an aggressive goal and stick with it. Signing up for the 5K made me challenge myself in my weekly running. I didn’t want to make a fool of myself!
  2. Be reasonable and forgiving with yourself. Did I run the whole 5K? No. I walked about 3/10ths of a mile on some tough hills and to catch my breath. But that was okay. I finished my first race at 2-1/2 minutes under my best time. Yahoo!
  3. Take the high of each achievement (big or small), and use to to push on to the next goal. Now I’m pushing myself to see if I can run the whole 3.1 miles without stopping by the end of June. If I can, I’m going to sign up for a local 8K at the beginning of July.
  4. If you don’t meet your goal, try again. I wanted to be done writing the first draft of a new novel by Christmas. Life intervened. But I kept pushing at it, and I’m thrilled that I finished it a few weeks ago. Now I’m revising my first novel, which I’m sure will take a lot longer than I want it to.

So best wishes to each of you as you seek clarity, decide what’s important to you, and determine where you want to be.

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The Senses of Spring

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BaseballSpring is a time of reawakening. New animal babies are born and buds pop out on the trees. I found that it is the time for my senses to reawaken, too.

At my son’s first baseball game of the season last night, I was acutely aware of the smell of the freshly cut grass while I watched the boys hold their caps over their hearts for the National Anthem. I could hear the boys laughing from the dugout, and the crack of the wooden bat successfully hitting the ball. My daughter was not watching the game, but was busily digging in the dirt next to the bleachers, bringing me handfuls of craggy, bumpy rocks. And we finished the evening off with a tasty celebratory frozen yogurt.

This inspired my idea for a writer’s exercise, or game to play with your kids (when you can’t possibly play another game of iSpy).

Family Version: At the park, on a car ride, at a sporting event, waiting for the doctor/dentist, taking a nature hike, or anywhere else you might be, challenge your family to describe where they are with all five senses. It may inspire some interesting conversations about WHY the doctor’s waiting room smells like bubble gum.

Writer’s Version: During similar situations as above, or sitting on the porch having a cup of coffee, or people watching at the mall (or wherever else you are), take out your journal and see if you can describe the environment with all five senses. Extra bonus points for the more descriptive and creative you are with your answers. This exercise also works as a “jump starter” for your writing day, or a break exercise when you are stuck while writing. Reflect back on a situation, and see what sensory descriptors you can conjure up. Don’t worry… even if “the smooth stickiness of peanut butter on the roof of my mouth” never makes it into any of your manuscripts, it WILL open your mind to the things that might pass by unnoticed.

Feel free to share your examples and what your senses revealed to you. Happy Spring!

Through the Eyes of Children

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I spent this week on the dream vacation of most American children. My family and I travelled to Florida, went to the beach, spent 2 days at Disneyworld, and stayed at a fun hotel with waterslides and a pool. Between the hotel and Disneyworld, a parent could have felt overwhelmed with all the characters, from princesses to Mickey Mouse to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It could really feel over-commercialized.

While my children loved meeting their favorite characters, what we really enjoyed was being surrounded by stories. There were stories everywhere, behind each of the rides and experiences. We immersed ourselves in Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood. We flew on a Rebel Spy mission past the Death Star and back to base. My son was chosen to play the Beast in a special story with Belle. We even made some of our own memories and stories to share for years to come.

This trip has reminded me of the stories behind the places we experience everyday- both fantastical and ordinary. And it reminded me why I (and many of you) write for children: for the chance to give a child joy and laughter, and to help them dream.

Lost (and Found) in MFA-land

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Here’s a shout-out to Katie for giving so much love to the blog!

I’ve been a bit absent lately. And will be for the next few months.

Remember when I applied for an MFA? Writing submissions, check. References, check. Acceptance, check! I was accepted into three of the four programs I applied for and am now happily enrolled  in Lesley University in Boston. In fact, my first semester is almost half over. That’s like 1/8th done with the whole MFA!

Okay. I’m counting pennies, but I’m so excited to be doing it. Critically reading young adult literature (and having to write essays about what I discover–still painful at this point). Ripping apart and rebuilding one of my manuscripts. Researching 17th century Holland for a different one.

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It’s all so interesting, stimulating. And how can my writing do anything but improve?

One highlight so far has been working with my faculty advisor, Jackie Davies. She’s written a number of successful books for young people. My recent favorite is The Candy Smash, the fourth in a middle grade series about a brother and sister. I’ve learned so much from her guidance, and this kind of close mentorship was precisely what I was looking for in getting an MFA.

Here’s a sampling of the books I’m reading for my various independent studies:

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It’s a great variety, and that helps keep me engaged, for sure. I’ve only just begun, but I am so excited for wherever I am going with this! From time to time, I’ll chime in to the blog, to share what I’m learning. And thanks again to Katie for keeping our blog’s momentum!

Peace and Clarity

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Last fall, I took up running. I need to exercise regularly (and I hate the gym), and I was inspired by all of the amazing athletes at the Olympics.

I was considering swimming or running, but running seemed like it would be easier to stick with, since I would just have to go out my front door instead of dragging myself across town to a pool. On my brother’s advice, I had my feet tested and purchased some specific sneakers to address some earlier problems with my knees and shins. And began running.

The inspiring view when I run

The inspiring view when I run

Then winter came. I didn’t want to run for a variety of reasons:

A. It was too cold here in the Northeast where I live.

B. I run early in the morning, and in the winter it is completely dark.

C. The other neighborhood runners advised me to carry pepper spray, a stick, or a billy club in case I came across a coyote, who are out in my area early in the morning (seriously?).

D. I would rather stay under my cozy duvet for an extra half hour (even with two kids and one husband sharing it) than brave all of the above.

So instead, I exercised with our Wii Fit, which at least helped me burn some calories. But I wasn’t getting my heart rate up as high, and I missed the time to myself in the morning (my kids like to “exercise” with me when I use the Wii).

I missed it so much, that this morning, with the winter waning, the sun rising earlier, and the temperature about 10 degrees warmer, I braved the elements. And it was wonderful.

My mind easily focused on one element at a time. Fresh snow on the ground and clinging to the trees. The absence of cars or chainsaws or snowblowers. The crunch of my sneakers. The wind blowing past my ears. My heart beating. And my mind was completely, utterly, and amazingly clear.

I took a deep breath and smiled. My husband didn’t even have to ask if it was a good run when I got home – he could see it on my face.

Do you think they could see me coming?

Do you think they could see me coming?

What do you do to step back and gain clarity in the craziness of daily life? Please share in the comments!

Can I Give Myself a Gift This Christmas?

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I always thought it was weird when someone would tell me that they bought their own Christmas gift. “It’s easier that way,” they’d say. “That way, I get what I want.”

Maybe it’s just me, but doesn’t that defeat the point? Can’t you buy yourself a present any day of the year? Perhaps it makes a person feel better to have an excuse to purchase that big screen TV they’ve been eyeing, or those designer shoes.

Bryant Park Christmas TreeI was taught as a child that Christmas is about showing those you love how much you care about them. Not by how big or expensive the presents were, but by how much thought you put into them. And by the immense value of just being together, enjoying in the traditions we have built.

This year, I am making every effort to follow those guidelines. I eagerly anticipate having my whole family together to enjoy our Christmas rituals, including the magic of Santa’s visit, stockings overflowing, and Dad’s scrumptious Christmas morning french toast.

My son and I have completed several service projects for needy children. I am trying to make the gifts I give as meaningful as possible. So what is there left to do for a special Christmas?

Give myself a gift.

Wait a minute, you say. Didn’t you just say not to give yourself gifts? I’m not talking about  a new perfume or a spa day. I’m talking about a gift that I really need. A much more personal one.

I’m going to give myself the gift of persistence.

I’ve worked really hard this year- on my writing, on my home, on raising two balanced children, and on some personal issues. And as December ticks by, I look back and wish I had gotten further. Wrote more, hugged my children more, looked out for myself more. But alas, I can’t change any of those things. They are done.

What I can do is give myself some help- a little boost if you will. A little push to keep going- keep working on those novels, keep trying to be patient with the unplanned challenges of life.

After all, before you know it, it will be a new year. A time to plan for new goals and dreams.

What gift would you give yourself this holiday season?

I Give Thanks

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I am trying to pause today, as one holiday swiftly passes onto the next. In the midst of family visiting, Thanksgiving cleanup, Black Friday shopping, Christmas decorating, and children racing around at a fever pitch, I reflect on all I have to be grateful for.

I am immensely blessed, during this holiday season and everyday:

  • My family is healthy (knock on wood!)
  • My children are bright, happy, and growing like weeds
  • My writing is improving every day and I am working on my third middle grade novel for this year
  • I enjoy writing a blog with my generous and insightful critique partner
  • I have a small group of friends that I very much enjoy reconnecting with each time we can sneak away from our families for a dinner out

On Thursday, we welcomed 23 people into our home for Thanksgiving.  You may be saying, Are you crazy? Pulling off a meal this large did mean a lot of work (deep cleaning, shopping, food preparation, etc.), but it was worth every effort. Thanksgiving in our home means both my husband’s and my families all around us, for the only time all year. It means cousins playing underfoot. It means lots of good food, from our kitchen and the kitchens of our families. It means smiles, laughter, catching up, and bittersweet goodbyes.

This year, my son and I created a paper chain of Thanksgiving. We wrote what we were thankful for on a slip of paper, and asked our guest to do the same. We joined them all in a long chain, reminding us of all we are grateful for. Here’s a sampling:

  • I am thankful for my mom and dad and house
  • Health, family, and love
  • My sister, baseball, books, mommy
  • Penguins, bears, goats, cats, butterflies, hummingbirds… (my brother’s girlfriend REALLY loves animals)
  • My family, monkeys, my friends (did she mean that her family are monkeys, or that her friends are monkeys?)
  • Food and shelter
  • I’m thankful to Aunt Katie for making all this yummy food

I think they covered the spectrum pretty well, don’t you think? However, it doesn’t matter whether we agree with what each person is thankful for. The most important part is the act of being thankful itself.

Given all of the suffering, poverty, natural disasters, and other impediments to just getting through the day, I feel even more blessed to be free to live my life. My only wish is to find time during this crazy holiday season to enjoy all of these blessings. Especially those cuddled up next to me reading books in footy pajamas.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving on Thursday, and are preparing for an equally blessed holiday season.  What do you do to express your gratitude for your blessings? Please share!

NaNoWriMo 2012

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NaNoWriMo is here again. For those of the uninitiated, NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month, where November is designated as the month to finally write that novel! There are local community get-togethers, helpful posts, trackers, and other online resources. The goal is to write 50,000 words before the last day of November, which means about 1,667 words per day.

Last year, Joanna took on the challenge, and wrote a lovely historical YA novel during NaNoWriMo. She inspired me to try this year.

I’ve adapted the challenge slightly to suit my situation. I generally write picture books and middle grade novels. Middle grade novels are typically 20,000-25,000 words. So to meet the 50,000 word goal this month, I will attempt to write two middle grade novels. Yes, two. Piece of cake, right?

Not quite. Joanna makes it look too easy. If you write your tail off for 30 days, out pops a solid, well thought through draft, right? It’s a little more complicated than that (for me at least).

I have planned the two novels. One is the story of a brother and sister who discover a portal in their hall closet that takes them to 1983. The other novel will be a sequel of sorts to a novel I already have in revision.

So I’ve currently written just over 11,000 words of the first novel. As I expected, the writing ebbs and flows. I participated in PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) last year with a similar experience. Some days the words flow and some days they don’t. What I didn’t expect was a somewhat non-linear process.

I wrote from the beginning of my story to the end. I checked my word count- around 10,000 words. Hmmm. So I am now going back and filling out the characters, writing in more conflicts, and ramping up the stakes. But I have this nagging concern in the back of my mind: what if I fill out the story, add in everything I can think of, and I am still short of 25,000 words?

I guess I can only write until there is no more to write, and then put it aside until I finish the second novel.  Amidst family visiting (twice), my son’s sixth birthday, my husband’s <ahem> birthday, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday this month, I have my work cut out for me. I’m sure I will appreciate this in January when I have two novels to work with and revise!

Is anyone else participating in NaNoWriMo this year? Any encouragement or general cheering on would be much appreciated! You can follow my progress at the counter on the right side bar.