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the musings of a hopeful writer
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Happy New Year everybody!
I know it's been a while since I've posted, but things have been hectic in my world. I've taken on some new commitments and haven't been able to do much blogging lately. I hope to get back to a more regular schedule in the next couple of months. While I'm here, though, I'll share a couple pieces of good news:
1) I've picked up a few more followers. YAAAAY (although blogger still won't let me see who you are).
2) Things are on track for the publication of AROUND MY WAY--still Fall of 2010. That's THIS year!!!
3) I have some potential good news looming on the writing front. Not set in stone yet, so I can't say more. But needless to say, I'm sending up lots of prayers for a positive (and speedy) result.
How about you, my treasured friend. Have you entered 2010 with a renewed focus on making your dreams come true? If so, that's what I'm talking about! :)
If not, why not?
Go on. Get to it. Now!
Agape!
This morning, I posted my very first entry at The Brown Bookshelf! It's an in-depth interview with a literary specialist about the role of PBs in today's classrooms.
Here it is. Agape!
I know that it's a nice, good-traffic-manners thing to let a car cut in front of you, especially when they're trying to turn or merge into a long line of traffic. Yes, good thing to do. Definitely.
But when you let 3...4...5 cars cut in front of you during rush hour, that is NOT cool.
Have you considered how inconsiderate that is to the people BEHIND you? How about having equal respect for those drivers, too?
"Each one, let ONE" in. How about that? I'm just saying...
My hair stylist used to marvel at me. She said I was the only person she ever knew who was happy about getting gray hair. And I truly was.
When I saw the first two or three white strands popping up (not clustered, but randomly distributed throughout) I got visions of the silver crowns I'd seen on many mature, elegant women--much like the legendary singer, Nancy Wilson. I knew I wanted to look like them when I got to be their age, so I had no desire to hide or "yellow" my strands by covering them chemically. How enlightened am I, right?
Ummm...maybe not so much.
A few weeks ago, out of the blue, I noticed I had wrinkles. Quite a bit, too, especially around my eyes and on my cheeks when I smiled.
What in the world? How long had they been there? Why did I not notice them coming on before?
I promise you, I stared at my face in the mirror several times a day, for at least a week. I went up to my husband at least three separate times ordering, "Smile!" so I could compare my eyes and cheeks to his. I was starting to feel devastated. Violated, too. After all, everybody knows the saying "black don't crack". I began to examine the faces of all the older, African-American women around me. I knew it. I had more creases on my cheeks than any of them did!
I was on the verge of losing my centered, grounded, earth-mother status, when I stopped and took a moment to reflect on something important:
It was not photographs of Nancy Wilson that had made me excited about my grays. It was my Uncle Walter.
When I was little, my Uncle Walter was the ideal model of father and husband. He was generous to all, attentive to his children, and extremely funny. Always quick with the comeback. I remember whenever people teased him about his graying hair, he'd just stroke his mustache and say, "Silk strands of wisdom, baby. Silk strands of wisdom."
Deep down in my heart, that's how I always viewed my future grays. They would literally be my silk strands of wisdom: a sign that God had blessed me to age, learn and endure all of life's lessons and challenges; and that I had done so admirably and gracefully. That little phrase made me believe, subconsiously, that getting white hairs was exciting, something to be anticipated. It's the power of words that--
Duh!!! The power of words!
As of two days ago, I no longer have any wrinkles. I have "Etchings of Experience".
Silk Strands of Wisdom and Etchings of Experience. I am hot stuff!
Agape!
*Just consider this FEMnomenal Monday.
Despite the dreary weather, today has been a great day!
First: My husband had surgery today, and everything went smoothly. We expect he'll be good as new in no time. YAAAAAY!
Second: It is my extreme honor to announce that I'm now a member of The Brown Bookshelf!
I (along with Olugbemiosola Rhuday-Perkovich) will now be working alongside Paula Chase-Hyman, Varian Johnson, Kelly Starling-Lyons and Don Tate, to increase the visibility of African American voices who write for today's young readers.
It's been a day full of excitement...and blessings. Thanks for letting me share!
This past summer, it really did throw me for a loop. Okay no, he didn’t know me from Eve, but I knew him. Very well and for a very long time. Then like a vapor—poof! He disappeared.
While I acknowledged his passing made me unbelievably sad, what I couldn’t figure out was why. I mean, MJ was inimitable and all...but to tell the truth, I hadn’t really been into him for over a decade. What was this grief truly all about? In searching my heart, I found the answer amid the very vapor that is my own life—and the lives of all the neglected souls for which I’ve ever cared.
You see, one of my greatest personal flaws is my proclivity towards “out of sight, out of mind”. There have been many, many wonderful relationships in my past that I’ve just let wither away, making absolutely no effort to maintain them—even with folks who tried their best to keep them alive. I’ve noted this flaw about myself in previous posts. But after this past summer, I once again renewed my commitment to do better.
And I am!
I joined Facebook, which has been an absolute blessing in helping me to connect with dear friends from my past. I also joined an online network for members of the church, and have reconnected with many loved ones that way. I even googled a few people, then reached out by telephone (a big deal for me, since I don’t much do phones)!
Most individuals have been warm and welcoming. Some have been a little cold. Some, I suppose, have been trying to figure out why I was even calling. I mean, after all this time!
This (I am repeatedly telling myself) is to be expected. Therefore, I will NOT let my fear of rejection stifle my progress!*
Back at age 14, I felt I was so different from all the other girls because I’d think to myself, “I don’t want to marry him. I just want to be his friend. He needs someone who’ll be a real and true friend, and I could be that for him.” Of course, I never did get to be his friend...and I’m not sure if he left this Earth having any true ones at all.
But today, I can be SOMEBODY’S friend! And it might be someone who doesn’t feel they have one at the present time. Perhaps my call...or my email...or my Facebook message, may be that pinpoint of light, reviving the hope in one quietly dying soul.
Or it might just bring a smile to an old friend’s face...like the many that have been gracing mine lately. Either way, I don't want another soul I've ever cared about, to leave this life without knowing that I still do.
So watch out, you blasts from my past...and my present...even my near future. You're probably next!
Agape!
*Umm...Please don’t hang up on me.
Deep in the dark a
pinpoint of light emerges...
HOPE. Revives, sustains.
*
See a loving heart
That's lonely and neglected
Die. One dying soul.
*Poetic Quickies: Poems drafted in 10 minutes or less.
PEACHES by Jodi Lynn Anderson is a Rock Star I just happened across in the library.
YA novel writers, put this one on your required reading list.
At the Darlington Peach Orchard, three teenaged girls find themselves thrown together by happenstance: Murphy, the genius and sarcastic and "worldly" one, is there to complete her community service sentence. Leeda is the polished, popular, perfect princess...a perpetual disappointment to her mother. Birdie, the most self-conscious and by far the most self-confident of the three, is there to save her entire future. And--of course--what would a story called "Peaches" be, without something juicy. Like cute boys.
If you think these characters might be cliche, trust me. They aren't. What Anderson does so skillfully, is to create characters that are completely and brilliantly authentic. As a writer, I found her ability to do that breathtaking.
I am not a gusher by nature, so when I say I was sad and disappointed when this wonderful story ended, it's no hyperbole. Anderson literally had me captivated on page one, and I never once lost my excitement about turning the page. These girls are real. The situations they find themselves in are real. Their decisions and reactions--while not always wise--are real.
I can't tell you how much stuff got neglected until I finished reading this book. The fantastic thing is (imagine drumroll here)...
I found out there are two sequels! They are THE SECRETS OF PEACHES and LOVE AND PEACHES. I do hope that Anderson was able to sustain the authentic voice and skillful writing in these as well. Once I get my hands on them, I'll be sure to let you know.
In my opinion, PEACHES is best suited for grades 9 and above, as there are some (again--my opinion) mature themes for teens who are not yet enmeshed in the world of boys and stuff. (BTW, this is probably chick lit, but SOOOOOO skillfully done!). No sex occurs, but some physical encounters are alluded to. I also recommend discussing this book with your teen afterward. Books like these can be a great catalyst for deeper conversations, a natural way to share your life lessons and wisdom, and to reinforce your family's values.
In the meantime, you who are fully adult, get thee to a bookstore or library and read PEACHES! Like, today.
Agape!
One day...
So last night, while viewing the post-tornado-like condition of my home, I decided I'd been too hasty in reporting the details of my new work schedule.
With that in mind, my new weekly writing schedule beginning August 31 (or earlier if I get this mess under control) will be Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9:30am--2:30pm. That leaves Mondays and Fridays open for school field trips and volunteering, as well as any pre-weekend gathering/post-weekend clean up tasks that may be necessary.
I'm sure you will rest better, knowing all of this. Won't you?
'Kay. Blog-break over. Back to the laundry...
Agape
August 24th is my kids' first full day back at school. It will also be the beginning of my self-declared, new full-time job: Writer.
(Heads up to all my friends: I'm sticking to a Mon-Fri writing schedule of 9:30am - 2pm. I will not be available for fun, frolic, or fellowship during that time. Mostly.)
Although I'm sure I'll spend a significant amount of time developing a marketing plan for my debut PB--as well as writing some new ones--I'll be mainly focused on crafting a magical realism, middle grade novel. I've done my research, created an outline, and conceptualized many of the pivotal scenes. Now I just have to establish my writing groove, get it all down on paper. And well.
My greatest desire is to create a poignant and memorable work of art...memorable in the minds of kids and critics alike. Wish me luck!
Agape!
Last year, I picked out and mailed a birthday gift to my teenaged neice. She REALLY liked it, and called me a rock star!
In her honor, whenever I run across books that I find to be exceptional (not just very good, but exceptional), I'm going to let you know about these Rock Stars!
I've been reading a lot lately. For craft and inspiration. This week, I have come across two Rock Stars:
Two of a Kind, by Jacqui Robbins and Matt Phelan. For any of you studying the genre, this is picture book perfection! Parents, make sure to check this one out. It's a great book for kids 4-8.
Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of A Tree, by Lauren Tarshis. This is an MG (middle grade novel) whose main characters are interesting and quirky, unique without being overdone. The plot elements are both unpredictable and inevitable. A wonderful study for MG writers, and a great read for tweens and early teens.
Agape! Happy Writing and Reading!
Today I noticed that I have 20 followers. YAAAY!
Unfortunately, Blogger is acting crazy and I can't see who you are. BOOOO!
Is anybody else having this problem? Did you figure out how to fix it? Help a blog-sis out if you can.
And if you're following me, let me know who you are. And thanks!
Agape
Despite my somber appearance, and subconscious efforts to keep my emotions in check, I can't help myself...
The faintest excitement is brewing inside me.
In the past few weeks:
--I received advice from a very generous writer friend and mentor on marketing strategies;
--and (perhaps the biggest spark in my excitement flame) I received preliminary sketches for AROUND MY WAY! I don't know what I expected, but I was ecstatically surprised.
Charlotte Riley-Webb, your talent is phenomenal!
Blessed. I'm just blessed beyond measure. Thank you, friends, for letting me share.
Agape!
Good luck to all who enter!
Agape
In conjunction with my last
post, I found this
article on the web. It's a balanced and (in my opinion) accurate reflection of a life that was both extraordinary and tragic.
Read
it. What do you think?
Wow. I'm still so sad. And missing him.
He meant more to me than I knew.
This morning, it is finally hitting me.
From my earliest memory, he was there. I sentimentally remember riding in my mother's (embarrassingly old) car when I was 4 or 5 years old, listening to songs like "Blame It on the Boogie" and "Shake Your Body Down to the Ground". And hearing his soulful lead vocals on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" always heralded the arrival of the Christmas season.
He became *mine* in the late 70s/early 80s. Off the Wall was the first album I ever owned. (Working Day and Night is still my song!) During the Thriller years, I had his "wallpaper" (as my mother called it): posters torn from all the magazines I could find with his image, taped to every inch of my bedroom walls.
In more recent years, I fell out with him. For numerous reasons. Today, the emotion behind those reasons just pale in comparison to all the joyful memories that have been flooding back to me. There have been many imitators, but never any duplicators. He was one of a kind.
Thank you for the happy memories, Michael Jackson. I pray that you finally have found some peace.
Today, I also remember how short our time on this earth is. How some things, in life's total scheme, just really don't matter as much as we work ourselves up to believe that they do.
Today, I will focus on love and peace, because if nothing else, I am confronted with the unavoidable fact that tomorrow is not promised to me. And what I'm focused on when I leave here really does matter.
"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away..." (James 4:13-14)Agape, everybody. AGAPE!
If you're a Charlottean...or an almost-Charlottean...or plan on visiting the city of Charlotte in your lifetime, check out this fantastic new website called "Charlotte on the Cheap".
http://www.charlotteonthecheap.com/It has a ridiculous amount of info on getting the most bang for your buck in the Queen City--including discounts, special offers, and places where KIDS EAT FREE!!!
Agape (and enjoy)!
...at a bookstore near you. Check out this new MG series by Rachel Renee Russell
here.
I'll be getting my copy post haste!
(That sounded kinda dorky, huh?)
:)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Have you ever heard words so truly profound, they ricocheted through your heart and settled inside the core of your spirit...changing both forever?
This quote--perhaps most famously spoken by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 Inaugural speech--is from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson. The first time I heard it, I was in a Sunday morning bible study class. I remember my reaction to it well:
(...our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure...)
Yeah--I like that. That's deep.
(It is our light...that most frightens us...)
(...who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous...fabulous...who are you NOT to be.)
POW! PING!
That's when I got shot. I was no longer listening to the words with my ears, or even my mind. They were now permeating directly inside my most insecure and vulnerable me.
And as they continued, the words told me I had been gifted with talents and abilities not visible by the naked eye, that I would have to use and reveal to others in order to achieve the purpose for which I was created.
They told me that my "playing small" was really just playing God short; that "shrinking" so others wouldn't feel insecure, was actually stealing glory away from Him.
And the biggest revelation of all, they told me that if I would just let myself shine--brightly, boldly, and unabashedly--my example would convince everyone around me that it was okay for them to do the same.
Wow.
The clarity was instantaneous. I could teach complete strangers, close friends, and my beloved daughters, to habitually test the limits of their imaginations; to passionately and persistently pursue their so-called improbable dreams--if I focused on always being the highest version of me I could be.
Sisters and brothers, each of us is powerful beyond measure. The words that we write, that we speak are powerful. Today, I commit to using my words to convince somebody somewhere, that they have both a moral duty and divine permission to shine. Will you commit to the same?
Agape!
Another procrastination tool. Thanks, girl. :/
Here's my wordle. Double click on it to see what I'm really all about. And what I'd like to be all about. I call it, "Things That Matter..."
What's yours?
Agape
Okay. I did pretty good on Monday.
I did go help clean up the white house.
I did go to the grocery store and bought a lot of food. I might have to go back before the end of the week though. We (there are 5 of us) eat a lot around my house.
But I did not write those 200 words on my WIP. :( I tinkered with the first 500 yesterday, though. I can't seem to turn off my inner editor. I think it's because I'm not in a groove yet. Oh well, at least I'm still mulling. That's "working on it" too.
So how did you do? Please share...
Agape!
It's been a while since we've had a Make It Happen Monday on this blog. Since I'm trying to be accountable (btw, I wrote 500 words on my MG WIP on Friday), I thought it a perfect time to revive it.
Here's what I want to make happen today:
Go help clean the "white house" at church
Grocery shop for the entire week (trying to avoid all the impulse buying that happens with multiple trips)
Write at least 200 new words on WIP
If you have some things you want to accomplish today--or this week--and you need accountability/motivation, feel free to add your to dos in the comment section of this post. I could use some Partners in Progress.
Agape!
It's time to stop tinkering and start writing. I have outlined my idea for a new MG, and have been meddling with it for the past week. Enough is enough, it's time for me to get to typing page one.
So I'm using this blog to hold myself accountable for working on this manuscript at least three days a week. Feel free to prod me with a virtual stick.
On a different note, I have more information to share regarding my recent PB sale:
My forthcoming book from Abrams, AROUND MY WAY, is scheduled for a Fall 2010 release. My editor is Tamar Brazis, who seems super sharp. And nice. I know my baby is in good hands.
I am so blessed! Agape!
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Happy new year to you too! Can't wait to hear your news...
oooooh!~ new news? YAYAY!! I wanna hear! :)
I'm so excited about Around My Way. Can I interview you soon?
I don't know that my "following" shows up on your page, but I have you listed on my blogroll on wordpress.
I'm pushing forward in my own writing, as well. I am subbing to agents. I received a good email requesting to see my chapter book...which wasn't even the story I was subbing. So yayay! :)
hugs,
Donna
Hi Tee! Happy New Year to you, too! I was a bit late with my New Year's post also. I'm looking at 2010 as a year of exciting possibilities & writing accomplishments! My goals are to enter a contest or two, hopefully attend at least one writer's conference, finish revisions on my MG w-i-p & send out queries to agents. And of course, read, read, read . . . ! :)
Jacqui: H. N. Y!!!!
Donna: Of course you can interview me. Don't know if anyone would want to read it, though. :) Keeping all your endeavors in my prayers, friend.
Crystal: Love your to do list for 2010!. Lifting you up, too.
2010 the year we all succeed!
Congrats on all of your good news, Tee.
See you Friday.
Jean
See you Friday, Jean. 2010 is our year.