0 I'm back and writing

It's easy to see that my last post was in July. Since that time things in my life have been turned upside down. In a nutshell, my writing has taken a definite backseat to helping care for my cousin who is terminally ill, his mother who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, spending time with an out-of-town friend who had major surgery, and spending six weeks in Virginia when my second grandbaby was born on September 17.

For quite some time I felt as if my brain cells had lost all creative juices. I did do some dabbling and my mind did some wandering. I have written snippets, thoughts, lists, and other ideas here and there. Mostly in a journal. I found one thought that came to me in sleep on the back of a catalog. I don't recall writing it.

However, I did find time to submit a memoir to Patchwork Path: Wedding Bouquet in August. I received notification on December 14 that the memoir had been accepted for the anthology. Amazing, that simple e-mail infused me with energy, the desire to write, and a self-commitment to make the time to write.

I have been taking my laptop and scribblings to my cousin's house. Perhaps, for now, I should concentrate on short stories, memoirs, and short articles rather than my novel. I will finish my last assignment for Long Ridge Writer's Group this week. I had to take a leave from that course.

Bottom line--I am back. I am energized. I am writing each day.

Detail: I'm back and writing

0 I AM BACK!!!

Greetings--There is a scene in the movie "Independence Day" where actor Randy Quaid acting as a former jet fighter pilot, alien abductee, and current drunken crop duster takes an opportunity to fly a jet into the body of an alien space ship to save the U.S.A. I love it. In one fell swoop he faces death and screams to the aliens, "I'm baccccccck . . ."

I'm not facing death in an alien spaceship, but I am back from a writing hiatus that felt alien. For months my life has focused on the move to Oklahoma. Going back and forth to M.D. Anderson with cousin Ron. Looking at so many houses I just got frustrated. Finally, finding one and initiating the purchase process. Selling our house in Louisiana. Unpacking box after box after box. I think they multiplied like rabbits in the back of that truck. I'm still searching for some things.

I thought my writing would easily resume when I finally got the house together. It didn't.

But, I am proud to tell everyone that two things recently happened that caused my soul to soar and my mind to want to write again.

First, I visited a dear friend in nearby Wichita Falls. She has recently moved into a 1920's mansion. The architectural details, attention to detail, size, and grounds immediately had me grabbing paper and pen as I explored the large spaces. Over the years the house has been a personal home, an office, a restaurant, an event center, and a bar. Everywhere the eye is drawn there is imported marble. Walnut walls, ceilings, stained glass and staircases offer warm welcomes. The basement could easily have been the place of romance, murder, hauntings, and espionage. Hidden and trick spaces surprised me.

I have to write a book using this historic house as a setting. I HAVE to. But, first I have to finish "Rebecca's Journey," submit those stories waiting in folders, write up an interview, and look through the pages of one word or one sentence notes I've taken over the months.

The second thing that really, really inspired me was a gift in the mail. My dear friend, Mindy, from the Bayou Writer's Group (BWG) sent me a unique and embellished journal. Several friends of mine from BWG sent notes and words of encouragement in the journal. Amazing what a journal can do, isn't it?

I can't tell you how much I miss my BWG friends and the writing support they so freely give. I continue to look for a writer's group in this area. Think I found one in Wichita Falls and, maybe, one here in Durant. A web search turned up a group near Dallas, I may visit them occasionally.

Having a group to support and understand the mind and imaginings of a writer is important to our survival and success.

So, I am back and ready to post regularly. And, ready to write again.

Blessings to all.

Detail: I AM BACK!!!

0 On Rejections

Well, dear readers, I received another rejection. It arrived on an all ready horrific day. I've received other rejections, of course. This one had a particular impact and double whammy because just days before I had met and introduced the editor of the magazine , "The First Line," at our local Bayou Writer's Group writer's conference.

I had submitted weeks before the conference and was very excited about meeting Mr. LaBounty. As a daydreamer extraordinare I had fantasized about being told at the conference that my little story had been chosen.

I did my homework regarding reading some of the stories that had been published in the magazine. What didn't click is that my type of story--one of intense human emotion wasn't the generally accepted style. I understand that, especially after re-reading some stories from "The First Line," which is a literary journal.

I want to make it clear that I enjoy "The First Line" immensely. David LaBounty and his wife, Robin are enjoyable and interesting people. And, their children are just adorable.

I encourage readers of my blog to check out "The First Line," and submit. Of course, you can reach it at www.thefirstline.com

Now, I'm off to take care of errands demanding to be run. Then, back home to find a home for my story. I still think it's a good story despite the rejection. I wish you inspired writing and no more rejections . . .

Winona

Detail: On Rejections

0 Accomplishments and Goals

It's November, we're nearing the close of 2008. That just seems impossible to me. There is some truth in the old adage that as one gets older time either flies by or crawls by. Mindy, the newsletter editor for Gator Talk has asked us to send something reflecting our accomplishments and goals. The Bayou Writer's Group has so much potential. I feel a bit small offering my little list.

My first thought--what accomplishments? I tend to compare myself to others. Pam, whose career is taking off like a rocket ship. And, not a moment too soon. She is deserving. She has finally got an agent. Judy, whose writing is becoming more and more available. Both of these ladies will become common household names in the near future. Angie who is an expert in freelance marketing to magazines. Harvey, whose western stories and novels transport the reader back in time. I shouldn't have mentioned names, there are just too many more. So, I just say--Cheers to BWG.

I thought of others who are just beginning on this writing journey. The young authors who presented their stories to our group. Each of the winners is in high school. Their creativity was amazing. And, inspiring. I pray their enthusiasm continues. I pray they are in touch with other writers who offer unconditonal support.

What were Nona's accomplishments?

I am steadily working on my novel, "Rebecca's Journey." I thank my Long Ridge Writer's Group instructor, Mary Rosenblum for that. I had a short story accepted by Mouth Full of Bullets, however MFOB had to close for a while. Thanks to Hurricane IKE. I have several works in progress to be fine-tuned and submitted. Including an article for the BWG newsletter.

The most interesting accomplishment for me this year is a new niche. About a year ago my husband suggested Iinterview a local man for the newspaper. His name is Johnny Harper. His trade is sharpening lawn mower blades, chain saws, knives and anything that can be sharpened. The tools he uses were handed down by his grandfather. His shop is like stepping back in time. The article turned out be a love story about a boy and his grandfather. I was thrilled when it was accepted and published.

I enjoyed so very much doing the interview and putting the article together. I loved seeing my by-line on page one. I loved the feedback. Because of this feeling of success, I have since interviewed a fellow member of BWG who is the father of seven sons. Rodney has raised his sons alongside his wife to believe in God, to appreciate nature and to use hunting and fishing responsibly. This article will also be a lesson in love.

When the first article was published a very knowledgable friend of mine, Jessica Ferguson, told me I could re-work the articles and submit them to magazines. I didn't know I could do that. But, I will.

I have become more active in writing groups that reflect my interests--ACFW, Short Fiction Mystery Society, 19th Century Writers, and NaNoWriMo. And, I started this blog.

An accomplishment I'm most proud of is taking part in the conference committe for the BWG annual conference. I worked with a superb group--Beverly Marin, chair, Jessica Ferguson, Angie Dilmore, and Walt Dutton. It's been a great deal of work, but the final product will be fantastic.

So, my accomplishments are not many. None of them are earth shattering or worthy of breaking out a bottle of champagne. These baby steps have given me a few more grains of self-confidence.

My goals for 2009 are much like New Year's Resolutions. I have great plans, but we'll see how many of them are met.

Because of the interviews I did for the newspaper I have discovered I like memoirs. I will simply list my goals:

1. Finish the first draft of "Rebecca's Journey."

2. Edit, find a market for and, hopefully, an agent for "Rebecca's Journey."

3. Write at least three articles for Chicken Soup and/or Cup of Comfort. Perhaps using the interviews I did for the newspaper.

4. Find homes for the three short stories I have completed, including "Lad with a Lyre" and "False Sanctuary," which has been rejected by AHMM and EQMM.

5. Submit an article to the BWG newsletter.

6. Write and submit at least two devotionals.

7. Begin my second novel, "Gifts from a P.O.W."

8. Encourage other writers to join a write 's group in their area. BWG has been a great influence for me. There is so much talent and support in our group. Serve on the 2009 conference committee.

9. Find a regular critique group and/or partner.

10. Continue reading often in different genres.

11. Try NaNoWriMo again.

12. Learn to do art journal like Mindy. And, be more consistent in keeping my journal up to date.

That's enough, isn't it? I tend to overdo. One thing I didn't include as a goal is a lifestyle change. I don't work outside the home, so I have no excuse not to make writng my job. I plan to write at least 4 hours a day. It will take discipline and learning not to proscratinate. Wish me well. If I don't or can't make this change my goals won't all be completed. If I do make the change, I believe I can succeed. Maybe even do more.

Thinking about accomplishments and goals puts things into perspective when one is honest. By the same token, it offers opportunites for the self to accomplish more, to improve in the mechanics of writng, and to lure others to the writing process.

Well, I'm off to write. Put your accomplishments and goals in writing. Print it out, put it on your notebooks and mirrors and refrigerator. Reminders are not so gentle nudges.

winona

Detail: Accomplishments and Goals

0 Getting into the flow

I finally got into the flow . . .

For weeks I have been struggling with one chapter for my novel, "Rebecca's Journey." The characters, dialogue and scenes were in my head and heart. They just wouldn't come through onto the written page or the computer screen.

My scribblings made little sense. Tidbits of ideas marked margins. Arrows followed sentences from one part of a paragraph to another. I just couldn't figure out what to do, or what was going on. Finally I turned to help from a writer's group I belong to, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). I received many replies with many suggestions. The most common suggestion was to just write through it. I couldn't even make complete sentences. I was told outlining would help. I did that. It helped a bit.

How did I manage to get into the flow? Well, it seems silly, but this is it.

I tend to write in a small three ring binder with notebook paper. This binder contains a list of contests and markets I'm interested in along with their deadlines. It has several pockets in it and holds a pencil bag. It includes the untyped interview I did with a man for the newspaper. It contains ideas, dreams, and information about the upcoming conference for my local writer's group. A few articles. In other words, my notebook is full. I would be lost without it.

I was being distracted by the other things in it.

So, I went into the "back room," got a brand spanking new five subject notebook with pockets. I put my character sketches, list of the order the wagons would begin in on this wagon train, the names of the characters I will use, and the first chapters. I tucked those things into the pockets.

Then, I started writing. And, the words flowed. The chapter isn't finished. I usually catch most of the basic problems when I type it. Then more with critiques from my instructor at Long Ridge and friends.

The lesson learned--remove distractions, even if you don't believe they are distractions. The only things that will be allowed in the notebook are things to help me finish my first novel, market it and get it published.

This is the day the Lord has made--and, it's a good one.

Winona

Detail: Getting into the flow

0 It Feels Good!

October 10, 2008

I'm so excited! Wednesday, October 8, I had an article/interview published in the Southwest Daily News Moss Bluff editon. My husband gave me the idea of interviewing Johnny Harper several months ago. I thought it was a good idea since Mr. Harper is such a unique man.

I called him and asked if he would be interested in being interviewed about his business. Sharpening tools of every kind using old-fashioned tools and doing the work his grandfather taught him.

Life kept getting in the way of the interview. I became ill and was hospitalized. It took months to regain my health. I finally got the interview and it turned out to be more than an interview but a story of a boy and his love for his grandfather. It is a love story.

Two months passed before the article could be published due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

The day finally arrived. I was thrilled! I'm sure people coming out of Market Basket thought I was nuts holding several copies of the small paper to my chest. I was jumping up and down, or trying to at least as much as one with Fibormyalgia can jump. My name was a by-line on the front page!

A small bit of disappointment tinged my happiness. The photo I sent wasn't there. I learned the photos didn't arrive until the day after the publication deadline. I still haven't figured that one out since I sent the photos in plenty of time.

I think I have found a new niche. One I've never considered. I have another interview scheduled all ready. It's with a friend from my local writer's group, Rodney Hennigan, who has a great story to tell about raising seven sons in southwest Louisiana. The Southwest Daily News is interested in more stories as long as they are about people living in southwest Louisiana.

Friends have been sending me possible market sources for stories like the one about Mr. Harper and coming story about Mr. Hennigan. I have discovered I love human interest and memoir style stories.

I'm still excited about this new energy of mine to write. I'm meeting some deadlines. I'm working on more than one project at a time. I feel confident. Oh, no, a bit of fear is trying to sneak into my bubble of excitement. I just don't think I'll let it.

It feels good!

Detail: It Feels Good!