Sep 26, 2014 |
Five Things Friday at Frankly, My Dear…
Welcome back to Five Things Friday. My theme for this week is #DoingTheWriteThing. I can’t get tired of it. The more I promote writing, the more addicted to writing I become.
Every conversation I hear, every sight I see, every sense I experience is placed in my mental filing cabinet (and sometimes on paper) for probable later use.
Reading about writing excites me. I’m currently studying Flannery O’Connor’s “Mystery and Manners” and came across this gem, Number One on today’s Five Things Friday.
Flannery O’Connor’s “Mystery and Manners”
1. My writing mentor assigned me to read two books. Flannery O’Connor’s “Mystery and Manners” is the first. I’ve been struggling with how to write a gripping murder mystery while retaining my Christianity. He has been telling me for several months that this book would clear that up for me. Three chapters in, and I see he’s right. The book begins with an essay or two on peacocks, which has rekindled my love for these beautiful creatures. That’s another blog post. The next sections express the importance of Christians writing the grotesque with redemption. For if we write only “rainbow and unicorns” (my words) where is the challenge for others to change their world? Authenticity, not loftiness, is the better writing.
2. I finally released The Unemployment Cookbook for Kindle on Amazon. I spent quite a bit of last week rekeying the text into the proper format, then creating the hyperlinks in the Table of Contents. It’s satisfying to have another title in the stable, as well as a completed project. Novel writing takes years, so to have something to show for all my writing efforts makes me feel productive, but more than that, it gives me the chance to show you, my faithful readers, that your support isn’t in vain or cast aside.
The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition
3. All the profits from the Kindle cookbook are going into my #DoingTheWriteThing fundraiser. So even though I have a fundraiser page set up, I’m doing as much as I can to contribute my fair share. Each morning brings me one day closer to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and other networking and learning opportunities, and one step closer to being the better writer I know I can be.
Go Fund Me: #DoingTheWriteThing
4. I reconnected with old friends last week. My missionary friend, Cynthia, returned home from Germany for a short visit. It’s been quite a few years since we were able to see each other, and I am grateful for the time we had. I was reminded that she, too, is a creative writer. She shared how she’s using her gift to minister to children, teens, and young women near Dresden, Germany.
Three Amigas: Corrie, Cynthia, Molly Jo
5. I’m promoting the High Desert Chapter of the California Writers Club. I’ve mentioned it before. It’s a wonderful, state-recognized organization for writers to get together. With over one hundred active members, we have formal critique groups, informal salons, monthly meetings with guest speakers, book fairs, networking and sales opportunities. For the last several months I’ve been the official Social Media Marketer. That’s just a fancy way of saying I get to be on social media for the club. I sit up front at the meetings, attend local author book signings, take photos, and share content. There’s something magical about being in a room of like-minded people, those who don’t just see the words on paper, but know how to put them there. I’m very honored to be an active member of this group.
Wordsmith Salon: Dwight, Tess, Richard, Lorelei, Molly Jo
Today’s bonus is for those of you who think I can’t stop writing.
My Favorite Quote From Isaac Asimov
You’re right.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
Five Years and a Party
FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: The Big Easy
“What’s the Word?” Wednesday: Aaron Gansky on Magic and Writing
New Meaning to Ghost Writing
I’ll Fly Away
Jun 15, 2014 |
It seems like just yesterday that I slightly bared my soul and asked for pray and partnership toward Doing the Write Thing . . . oh, wait. It was!
I do my best writings on Sunday afternoons when the chores are done, the errands have been run, and it’s nothing but me, Pandora, a nice breeze, and a cool beverage.
I always have at least two drinks available at all times. Today I’m drinking ice water or Ginger Ale, depending on which I grab first.
I was invited to post directly at LinkedIn so today I created my first article, 10 Things Your Insurance Agents Wish You Knew.
All that to say, every Sunday in my quiet moments, I’ll post updates on my fundraising campaign as well as my weekly writing production in general.
As of this moment, I have one sponsor for $20.00. This contribution isn’t a surprise to me, since it’s my friend Mary and she told me before I even started the campaign that she’d help out. So thanks, Mary. She’s a fellow member of the California Writer’s Club, High Desert Branch, the leader of the critique group I’m in, and a great friend.
I also have three Social Supporters: those who can’t contribute monetarily at this time, but are sharing my links and dreams through their social media circles to help gain visibility. Thank you, William, Ann and Melanie.
NOLA is coming along quite nicely. I’ve nearly 21,000 words which, considering the average adult novel is 70,000 words, means I’m about 30% finished. Last week I realized the rest of the plot which meant going back through what I’d previously written and making sure I dropped the right hints and dialogue.
My other writing projects are on the back burner until I finish NOLA, which I plan for the end of August. I guess that means I’d better get back to it. These words don’t write themselves, and I’ve a character or two to add.
Side shout to Toronto Mary and the Strumbellas. I hear-tell my CD is finally crossing the border and should be here in a week or two. Can’t wait!
Until then, thanks for keeping me on the path to Doing the Write Thing!
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
Doing the Write Thing: Writing Conferences Fundraiser
I am Defined. And I am a Mystery.
FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: POETRY
The Strumbellas
2014:BETTER.
FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: THE BIG EASY
Jun 14, 2014 |
Doing the Write Thing
Last month I was offered a scholarship to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference for 2015. This morning, I was asked to participate and present at a still-in-development women’s conference later this year, organized by one of my fellow Writer’s Club and critique group members.
Needless to say, both of these opportunities are attractive to me. Even necessary if I’m to be a more professional writer. Conferences offer the opportunity to share what we know, to learn more, to meet fellow writers. We nourish each other with different writing styles. We treat each other to new paper palates. Conferences give attendees and presenters a means to reach each other on a more personal, involved level. Sharing the knowledge of what we do and why we do it is fundamental to growing in the writing industry. Not just as a writer, but in all capacities: publishing, public relations, marketing, editors, and yes, readers.
I’ve dreamt about attending and making great connections as well as being able to learn how to better craft my writings. No, really. I’ve actually dreamt about it!
My particular dilemma is I’m not out of the financial hole that unemployment dug for me two and three years ago. I’m very happy to say that I’ve eighteen months at my “new” job and continue to grow in job security. The home finances are still underwater, but it’s not as murky as it was and I do see rays of light beaming into the rough seas. Okay, so that’s just a poetic way of saying, I can’t afford to go to the conferences.
This brings me to my knees for prayer and to my keyboard for typing. Two weeks ago I started thinking up ways to earn extra money. The truth is, I can’t do it alone. I could sell my cookbooks for higher profit, but it’s called The Unemployment Cookbook for a reason: I can’t justify raising the price on something I wrote to help get others through their own hard times.
So I’m taking a huge, humbling risk by writing this:
Will you help me?
Would consider donating funds to help me in these endeavors? Each conference requires tuition, transportation, food, and other sundry costs including but not limited to resource materials, snacks, personal items, and of course books!
In anticipation of some Frequently Asked Questions:
*WHAT IF I HAVE EXTRA FUNDS? Any extra funds will be invested in support of my writing career. This means attending other conferences, paying all related taxes and fees associated with your donations, and minor resource/networking costs (printing of business cards, purchase of a small calendar, etc). Now that’s exciting!
*CAN YOU SUPPORT MY FUNDRAISER WITH ANY DONATION? Yes, of course any little amount helps! Thank you! There is a “donate” button on my blog. You can just head over to the coffee cup icon at the end of this post or in the right side column of the blog page and it will take you to my PayPal site. In the message line, be sure to specify “Do The Write Thing”.
*HOW WILL YOU KNOW HOW I’M ACTUALLY USING THE FUNDS? I want to be very transparent with all donations. I’ll post my totals weekly (and if you want your name mentioned in big neon lights, I can do that, too!). I’ll let you know what I’m spending, when, how, and why. And I’ll let you know how much is saved and how much I still need. As soon as I get any donation, it will be earmarked and banked specifically for these conferences and, as previously stated, all associated costs. Every step of the way, you’ll be with me. If not in person, then definitely with my blog!
*WHAT IF I DON’T GET ENOUGH DONATIONS TO MAKE IT TO ANY OF THE CONFERENCES? Okay, that’s a really legitimate concern. Let’s be real: these things can be expensive. So if I get some money, but not enough to attend the two big conferences, I have a Plan B: There are plenty of local promotional events that require fees. Things like renting space at book faires or crafts/creative shows. Networking opportunities like mixers and drop-ins. And of course, the aforementioned marketing tools.
I hope this explains the who, what, when, where, why and how of this post. If you have any questions, just let me know.
Thanks to so many for your incredible support of my writing. The responsibility is not lost on me, and I strive to do justice to your faith in the talents God has given me.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
I am Defined. And I am a Mystery.
Life is Rough. I’m still a diamond.
Why I Write. Every Day.
