ANWA Founder & Friends

Muse Negotiations

2012-02-02T12:23:00.004-07:00

By Susan G. Haws

Do you ever wish you were in a culture where as a child you were formally introduced to your muse Areelia or Ben and you could sit down and discuss things with her/ him, argue and bribe with cookies then new clothes or a vacation as you both aged? You would know right off if they were whimsical or practical; and if, after a few years the two of you didn’t get along you could both go find other partners at the Muse Match and Trade the first Friday of the month at the local Starbucks.

I often catch myself thinking I wish I wrote like her or him. That is how I want to write. But the ideas provided by my muse often are down the opposite fork in the road from the route I have plotted on my personal map.

My muse is mercurial. She won’t give me her name and hides in the back corner of my mind playing World of War Craft or watching Avatar and demanding Belgian chocolates. She only slides out hints for my work in progress, or should I say work in stall, and frequently sends out pages on characters or plots in different genres from my planned focus, most with questionable market potential. Yet, I come to love these ideas. Hey, they must be a part of me. Right? Obviously not the part I was planning for but, oh well.

So then I message my muse, she is terribly unsocial and won’t come over for tea, or even a quick stop and a glass of water.

“OK, I did what you want. Can I have another installment on what I wanted to write?”

With a smirk and a snarky comment she sends me on a scavenger hunt. Very moody too when I mention how I envy someone else’s muse.

Since I can’t see my muse and drive to her house with a pan of brownies, a veggie tray or tickets to a play. She always wins any arguments. Like a cat sitting on a curio shelf amongst porcelain figurines flicking her tail near my favorite knick knack; she doles out cryptic messages then threatens to never communicate again when I protest that her clues don’t lead to the kind of story I want to write. So I write the ideas she gives.

Does anyone know how to conquer or at least negotiate a treaty with a muse?

Get up and finish the race!

2012-02-01T10:20:00.004-07:00

by Kami Cornwall

As I was sitting at McDonald's with my nine-year-old for a mother-son lunch date the other day a friend came in and asked, "How's the book coming?" My heart sank as I admitted I hadn't written in three weeks or so. I write in spurts. I'm currently in the common "This-whole-thing-is-stupid-nobody-is-going-to-want-to-read-it" dry-spell.

My friend chuckled and reminded me that he'd like to read it and encouraged me to finish the book. I had this fleeting thought of the "just finish the race" pep-talk that a youth leader gave me once. The moral of the story was that it didn't matter whether you won or lost, but that you finished the race. I assured my friend that I would finish and let him read it.

So here I am at grandma's house in Olympia taking the kids out of school and enjoying some family time away from home...and new resolve to pick it back up. The weird head-cold fog that hit me full force this morning doesn't help. Or does it? One of my characters could go through some foggy confusion at some point, and I can draw on this feeling for that. Right? Sure!

So my apologies for not blogging sooner.

That is all.

The Devil Colony by James Rollins

2012-01-31T08:52:00.003-07:00

by Terri Wagner

Let's call this a book review. I have been reading the Rollins' Sigma series for some time with my dad. We often get into adventure series and read until our eyes are red and our brain is saying no, please, no more of that!

Rollins is probably best known for writing the novel Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. That was not my favorite Jones' movie (book is better), but now that I have read quite a bit of the Sigma series, I get the why of the crystal skulls.

This particular book is about gasp Mormons! The author has sparked my interest in what I consider off doctrinal gospel mysteries. I like off beat ideas even if the author gets a few things wrong. It may have been the copyeditor but the title of the church is wrong; and we of course would never say Joseph Smith "wrote" the BOM. No spoiler alert here, I'm only half way through the wild, nailbiting tale that involves Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Meriweather Lewis, Mormons and Iceland. Have I whetted your appetite? If so, start with the first Sigma book Sandstorm and enjoy the roller coaster style of James Rollins.

While I have no idea if the "Mormon" community dissects the BOM quite this way, I can believe that Mormon scholars, scientists and Native Americans might delve into these so called troubling issues.

For example and from the book, a Native American/Mormon professor at BYU has concluded that the genealogy of the BOM could be (emphasis on could) interpreted in a different way. That the Nephities were not so much Jews as a group of people who believed a certain way and traveled to the US via the Atlantic and eventually met up with the current inhabitants who were Lamanite. Of course the other characters in the Devil Colony believe the BOM is off its proverbial rocker and all Native Americans are Asiatic in descent and came across the Bering Strait. In point of fact, I believe we classify the Nephities as descendants of Manasseh, whose father was Joseph who was a brother to Judah. So we would not classify Lehi as a Jew but of the House of Israel. But I digress.

As to the Asiatic vs the Atlantic vs Pacific vs Bering Strait...it does spark an interest. I like books that challenge my traditional way of thinking, and I really enjoy speculating about off doctrinal mysteries. Do you?

My Favorite Historic Place

2012-01-30T03:43:00.000-07:00

by Kristin Baker Przybyla

There's a little place just over the hill from my town that's one of my favorite places ever: Virginia City, an old boomtown from the silver rush of the 1800's. It's famous as the literary birthplace of Mark Twain, and also the fictitious locale of the Ponderosa Ranch from the television show Bonanza. It also has quite a few famous restaurants and saloons, such the Bucket of Blood and the Silver Queen. But mainly, being a huge fan of the Victorian era, the Wild West, and everything vintage, I just go crazy over the historic architecture. Especially now, since my WIP is heavily Victorian-influenced, I love poring over pictures of Virginia City and visiting the place (when it's not too bitterly cold) for inspiration.

It's not Victorian England, but it's the closest you can get to it in this area!

St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church

SCBWI had a conference there a couple years ago, which was held both at the old 4th Ward School, now a museum, and the Mackay Mansion. I was in hog heaven.

The 4th Ward School

Most of these buildings are said to be haunted, including the Mackay Mansion. (TAPS and other television ghost hunters have done investigations around the town.) I couldn't find a nighttime picture of the Mackay Mansion, and really wish I'd taken one. The silence in the Virginia Foothills is eerie after dark, and driving down that long, spooky path toward the only lit building in the area was super creepy. I was glad to get inside where it was brightly lit and cheerful! Even with people around, the place had a creepy feeling to it--but by then I was having a blast and didn't care.

The Mackay Mansion

The historic cemetery is very old and fascinating to walk through. Some of the headstones are so worn you can barely make out the names and dates. Other grave markers are only made of wood. Forget reading the names on those!

Among all the antique stores, quirky museum tours, and other fun shops to visit, there's one place we always make a stop: Grandma's Fudge (the shop just to the left of the Silver Queen).

And I love walking past these cool buildings teetering at the edge of a steep hill. (Like many tourist attractions, the back streets can be even more interesting to explore than the main streets.) They look almost ready to fall, but have withstood time and weather for a hundred years or more. This picture doesn't even do the view justice.

This vintage photograph shows that not much has changed about the old boomtown in a long time, except for the dramatic decrease in population and the shift from mining city to tourist attraction.

If you have about 11 minutes to spare, check out the silly video we made in Virginia City for Lia's senior project last year! (And stick around for the bloopers at the end.) See if you recognize some of the city's famous landmarks. Unfortunately, since it was a less-cold-than-usual early spring day, there were a lot of tourists, so we couldn't do too much filming along the main street.

Do you guys have any favorite places in your area that you'd love to share?

Specialty Writing

2012-01-29T01:00:00.003-07:00

by Margaret L. Turley

Time Out for Writers Faculty includes a journalist, free-lance writer, a copywriter, a blog and social media writer, a family history writer, and a magazine article writing expert.

Brent Whiting is a journalist and English professor. He will teach: Great Opening Lines -- Grabbing the Reader's Attention. Writers sometimes get only one chance to grab a reader's attention. Ways to write a catchy introduction and clear thesis.

Sara Fujimura is a Freelance Writer, Creative Writing Teacher and Author. She will teach: Contracts, Kill Fees, and Serial Rights, Oh My! (A crash course in magazine writing) and Cooking Up Some Chicken Soup (Write Fun, Inspirational Personal Essays)

Joshua Perkey is Senior Editor of the Ensign and writes fantasy novels on the side. His two-hour workshop will teach you how to craft articles for human interest magazines, including Church magazines such as the Ensign, New Era, and Friend.

Peggy Shumway is an author and former Family History Consultant. Her class is: Your Grandfather did What? -- Crafting a Family History that Reads Like fiction. Who says a family history has to be boring? Learn how to create compelling family chronicles.

Matt Peterson is a Copywriter specializing in blogging, social media marketing, website content, by-lined articles, email marketing, and more. He will teach: Freelance Copywriting -- The Perfect “Day Job” for Writers. How you can use your writing skills to pay the bills.

Serena Freewomyn is a Web/Blog & Social Network Expert. Social Media for Authors includes: What is social media, the number one tool for building an online presence? What is a blog, how to start one? Focus on Facebook & Twitter to reach your target audience & Time management tips.

Full Schedule: Classes, Activities, Pitches & Fees

Questions about the Conference, contact ANWA Event Co-Chairs,

Cindy or Patti at anwa-events@anwa-lds.com .

Hilton Hotel Discounts: 1-800-544-5866 or ONLINE

To register go to: http://anwa-lds.com/2012conference.html

More information about ANWA: http://anwa-lds.com

The 7 Deadly Sins of Writing-According to Writer's Digest

2012-01-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

By Bonnie Harris

It's been one of those weeks this week. You know when it feels like a month's gone by and it's only been a day. I'm lucky I remembered to get this post done. :) So in a way I'm going to cheat for today. Someone emailed me this awesome link from Writer's Digest. It contained the 18 most popular writing articles of 2011. You should check it out. Here's one that caught my attention pretty quickly. It's short, simple, and too the point.

THE 7 DEADLY SINS OF WRITING

Categories: Improve My Writing, Mystery and Thriller Writing, What's New, Write 1st Chapter/Get Started, Writing for Beginners, Writing Your First Draft Tags: author interviews, getting started, thriller, writing basics.

July 19, 2011 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 3
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In a thought-provoking ThrillerFest panel, four popular authors shared what they believe to be the deadly sins of the writing craft. Here are seven of their offerings. Have you committed any of them?

1. Laziness
(David Hewson, author of the Nic Costa series)
Intellectual laziness is something all writers are prone to: as in writing the same type of book, and doing it annually. “I think you really have to fight against laziness and constantly keep challenging yourself.” Like great art, books aren’t ever finished—they’re abandoned. (In other words, don’t just finish writing your first draft and call it a day.)

2. Trying to be a good student
(Lisa Gardner, author of The Killing Hour)
Gardner said it’s a thrill to rope a lot of cool forensic facts in the research process. But the danger is in going home and regurgitating all of them in your novel—“When really thrillers are all about entertaining. …” Keep that story moving forward.

3. Marching down the outline
(John Sandford, author of Buried Prey)
This occurs when you sit down to write and follow your outline exactly. Sandford said some people use an outline like a frame, and merely embroider within it. Outlining is fine, but sticking too closely to it can stifle your story. “If you do outline, you have to be aware of the problems that that kind of thing can cause.”

4. Denying jealousy
(M.J. Rose, author of The Hypnotist)
“I try to not allow myself to be jealous of other writers and the books they’ve written,” Rose said—but in fact, she believes it’s a good thing to let some of that jealousy seep through. So don’t bottle it up. “I think it’s really healthy to let yourself have the full range of emotions.”

5. Focusing too heavily on the business
(Sandford)
One of Sandford’s friends obsesses over the business end of writing—his friend writes a book, and then gets lost in all of the trappings of business and promotion … “to the exclusion of actually writing novels.”

6. Not reading books
(Rose)
Reading is essential for writers. Rose cited a study that said that 23 percent of people in the United States want to be writers. If all of them read 10 books a year, Rose said, “We’d all be doing a lot better.”

7. Imitation
(Hewson)
There is a difference between imitating a book, and being influenced by a book. Hewson added that it’s valuable to figure out why you think certain things work in the books you read, and why others don’t.

Lucky to be a Reader and a Writer

2012-01-27T08:51:00.005-07:00

When a book has the following as the first sentence:

"My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie."

It sure does get your attention, it did mine anyway.

Because from the very first line author Alice Sebold makes it clear the main character, Susi Salmon, is no longer living. In the book, The Lovely Bones, I instantly bonded with 14-year old Susie Salmon because of her innocence and sweetness. I just loved her and as the narrator of the book she was vibrant and descriptive and funny, but she was dead. Early on in the book I knew how she died, a horrible death that still leaves me cold inside, but I found myself wishing I didn’t know she was dead. My reasoning behind this is I wanted the chance to think she could not be dead, so I could have some relief; so I could hope. Maybe they’ll find her, maybe she’ll escape – Nope! I knew she was dead and as the reader, it was heartbreaking to deal with her parents search efforts and belief that maybe they would find her alive.

I was very taken by the book, The Lovely Bones, but truth be told, this is the only book I’ve every thrown away. Once I finished it, I didn’t leave it on my bookshelf like a trophy, I didn’t offer it to family and friends like I do other books I read, I threw it in my outdoor black city garbage can because I never wanted to think about such horrible things again. The book itself was a visual of something I never wanted to remember again.

Although . . .

I will say I was very intrigued by the author, Alice Sebold. Who was she? As a writer, how did she get to such a dark place? Was she herself Susie Salmon; young innocent rape victim?

As a writer myself, I had I to do some research and I found a book I had to read: Lucky, Alice Sebold’s experiences of being raped and how the experience shaped the rest of her life. Why the title Lucky? Because when she reported the crime to the police, they remarked that a young woman had once been murdered in the same location. Thus, they told her, she was "lucky." Lucky had me hooked from the start. Ms. Sebold so graciously allows the reader into her mind. She doesn’t hide what happened to her, she doesn’t sugar-coat it and she never apologizes for the vulgarity of it. So, I have to ask myself; is this how she was able to write as rape/murder victim Susie Salmon? In other words, do we as authors need to have some sort of personal experience to be able to write the stories we want to share?

I’ve thought about his more then once. When I read the“Twilight” series, I remember thinking Stephenie Meyer must of have had a pretty healthy childhood. No mention of abuse or trauma. Bella is never looking back at a difficult life. Other then Bella’s parents divorce, we don’t know much about Bella “pre-Edward”. I’m convinced Ms. Meyer is a hopeless romantic who wanted to write a powerful love story and that’s most certainly what she did. Ms. Meyer needed to write, but not for the same reason Ms. Sebold needed to write or maybe the reason doesn't matter because both authors found what they were looking for: an escape.

Still, I think writing is so therapeutic for the author. We get to explore shady places, reveal deep inner-thoughts and travel places we’ve never been. In fiction, we don’t have to reveal our sources unless we want to. I commend Alice Sebold for her accomplishments in The Lovely Bones and Lucky. Both stories needed be told. Ms. Sebold took a risk, she put her heart on the line in hopes to help other rape victims, and for this, I thank her. She shared a difficult story that took hold of the reader’s heart. So now I know. When I was reading The Lovely Bones, I wasn’t just rooting for fictional character Susie Salmon, I was rooting for the very real Ms. Sebold’s justice as well.

What Makes Me...Me!

2012-01-26T13:46:00.001-07:00

All through Thanksgiving and Christmas I consistently tell myself, "Hang in there. After the holidays everything will slow down." And it never does. Ever. And yet, that's a good thing. Right?

My new favorite show is "Once Upon A Time." It's about a wicked witch who curses every fairy tale character ever created to spend eternity in the modern world - nothing changing. Ever. Even the clock tower reads the same time. Never moving. Oh...and the only one who remembers who they are is the wicked witch (She's the mayor of Storybrook, Maine). Until the one person who can save them from the curse shows up in town. Then everything starts to change...even the plots of the fairy tales themselves change as the clock begins to tick. It is a fascinating concept and the show is filled with all kinds of social, political, and philosophical nuances.

Of course, timing is everything...One line hit me right between the eyes when I watched the latest episode -- the day after Doug lost his job. Snow White knows she is in love with the prince, but has told him goodbye and that she never loved him (in order to save his life). She is in emotional pain. She has a potion in her possession that will erase that pain. She starts to open the bottle and Grumpy stops her. Snow White asks him to consider if he would use the potion to take away his own pain. Grumpy says,

"No, I would never use it. My pain makes me who I am. Grumpy."

At first I giggled. Yeah, my "pain" makes me grumpy too! I love the play on words, as corny as they might be. Then I thought about the deeper meaning of what Grumpy said. Every event, every thought, every action/reaction, every person that comes into my life, makes me who I am today. Would I take away any of my experiences in order to lessen the pain? If so, which ones?

The past couple of weeks have been particularly challenging as my teenage daughter demolished the garage door with the Durango, my husband lost his job and the kitchen sink clogged up...again. Of course, amazingly wonderful things have happened too! A new granddaughter, a fun trip to Idaho, children and grandchildren visiting and our new kitty caught her first mouse! I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from friends and family throughout the world.

My prayers this morning included a plea to help me feel the strength and courage that I know is there to help me, not just survive, but flourish in these circumstances. I opened my scriptures and an index card fell out and landed on the table in front of me. A reference to 2 Kings 6: 14 - 17 was written on the bottom of the card.

"Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Wow. I am surrounded by angels who love and protect me!

The quote above the scripture said, " Have the courage to be "ruthless" with my discards."

I remember now how to focus on what is needful. I will be ruthless in discarding my fears and insecurities. I choose to let them go. In the storyline, things change more and more as the characters start to remember who they are. I will remember who I am and what the Savior did for me. I choose to be strong and listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Then I will act on that guidance and look forward to the blessings that await me!

hugs~

Of France and Green Scarves

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

By Nikki McBride Spencer

- "C'est la vie", she said, as she slowly walked away, taking the green scarf with her. All he could think about was the fury he felt and how she wasn't even French.

The above two sentences were found on my cousin’s Facebook post. This is the first question that I asked him.

“Was the green scarf his?”

His answer?

“I did this to spark curiosity and create images in people’s minds that cause wonder. :) It worked!”

Yes indeedy, oh dear cousin, it most certainly did work. It worked so well, in fact that I have several more questions about this ill-fated couple. Why is she taking the scarf? Does the scarf have a history and what is it? Is the scarf valuable? Why is she speaking French if that isn’t her nationality? What is her nationality? Why is she walking slowly if she is breaking up with him? Is she mad, or just smug? Maybe they’re not breaking up, maybe she is a spy! Why is he furious and how well will he control it? What will the fallout of his emotions be? Will he try and retrieve the scarf someday? Will he call out scathing remarks? Will he get revenge? Will he go stuff his face with a delicious Subway meatball sandwich with extra meatballs and not even taste it because of his anger?

What did this scarf look like, anyway? Was it spring green, embroidered, tassels on both ends, perhaps a few jewels woven into the fibers? That’s how I imagine it.

Ahhh, the curiosity, the images, the wonder! I’d say these two sentences did their job, and did them well. They certainly hooked me.

Sometimes we write to meet our goals, or because we think we should. Today, just for fun, I challenge you to write for play. Here is your Fun Assignment: Take three minutes and write one or two sentences that spark curiosity, create mind images, and invoke a sense of wonder. It doesn’t have to make sense. The only backstory is no backstory. You are simply writing for the fun of it.

When you’re done, post your sentences in the comments. I would love to hear what you come up with!

Let’s play!

Effective Time to Write

2012-01-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

By Leesa Ostrander

I am in the middle of re-prioritizing my time set for writing, family, profession, training for marathon and the small business I own. With all the pots boiling on my stove I thought the article on Jan. 18, 2012, on writersdigest.com (http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/8-tips-for-making-the-most-of-your-writing-time) 8 Tips for Making the Most of Your Writing Time, was meant for me.

Aine Greaney suggests 8 tips to help:

1. Make a date with yourself. Set a regular date for writing, and show up on time.

2. Right brain. Right time. Figure out when you’re most energized and creative, and make the most of it.
3. Find a clean, well-lit place. You don’t need an artist studio with an ocean view, but make your writing space comfortable and inspiring.
4. Tell your family and friends. Enlist their support and cooperation in achieving your writing goals.
5. Same time, same place. Establish a routine, and stick with it.
6. Switch off all electronic communication. Enough said.
7. Set a daily word quota. This makes it easier to quantify your success.
8. Allow yourself to write badly. Give yourself a break—you can always revise later.

I hear, been told and in the back of my mind know all these tips are important and keep writing focused on writing. Some are easier for me than others.

Turning off electronics, allowing myself to write badly, and writing at the correct time are not so difficult for me. The difficult number is enlisting support and making a date specific for writing. I tend to fill the writing slot with other to-do items, and not always essential.

I decided to use this list as I do with my running training. When I train I have a log for miles run, food eaten, water and protein intake. I adjusted the log to fit words written, specific time set for writing, door closed in office and desk clear. When I log these steps it allows my brain to know, “this is training time.”

Do you agree? What would you add to making the most of your time and being the most effective?

Why Do It?

2012-01-23T04:00:00.001-07:00

By Tracy Astle

You may have read these words before, but repetition of good things is a good thing. The first version posted is attributed to Mother Theresa (great woman!) and reportedly hung on the walls of her home for children in Calcutta, India. Some say they were even hung in her own room.

There's another version, by Kent Keith, that is said to be where she got her inspiration. How would you like to be known as an inspiration to Mother Theresa? I've included both versions.

___________________________________________

Mother Teresa's version:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.

Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

____________________________

(I found pictures of Dr. Kent, but couldn't get them to paste here.)

Dr. Keith M. Kent's version:
He was only 19 when he wrote this!

The Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.

"The Paradoxical Commandments" were written by Kent M. Keith in 1968 as part of a booklet for student leaders.

____________________________________________

Happy side note: I have a partial request from a publisher for my manuscript! As my son put it, it's like getting a callback. If they like my first 100 pages, they'll request the full. If they like that, they'll make an offer on it. If they don't like it enough to offer on it, then at least I know it was good enough to generate some interest. I'll keep you posted.

P.S. - Thanks to Lauri Egan for posting Mother Theresa's quote on the ANWA Social loop recently and reminding me of them.

EEK! I got Nuthin'!

2012-01-22T00:03:00.001-07:00

by Marsha Ward

For some reason, I thought my turn to blog was last week, but then I checked, and Nope, it's today. This is what happens when I'm crazy busy and lose track of not only time, but entire days of the week.

So, I've scurried around in the recesses of my brain, and remembered one cogent fact. This:

"The US Postal Service has announced that as of January 22, 2012, the cost to mail first class letters, postcards and packages within the US will go up. The cost to mail a first class letter will be 45 cents, an increase of 1 cent. According to the USPS, this is the first increase since May 2009. The cost of mailing a postcard will be 32 cents, an increase of 3 cents. This is the second increase for postcard postage in less than a year; in April 2011, the USPS boosted the postcard stamp price from 28 cents to 29 cents. You will also pay more to send letters to Canada, Mexico and other international destinations. Click here for more information on all the postal increases."

Thanks to ARRL.org for the graphic and the news release. Happy emailing, everyone!

Story Ideas

2012-01-21T06:01:00.003-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

I am staring at my computer screen in shock.

I have worked on my blog for a week. I had quotes. I had analogies. I had researched one of my favorite writing coaches for information. I felt inspired and wrote what I thought was a pretty good post.

I opened it today to review, and polish it. I spent another 20 minutes making sure it wouldn't embarrass me, then as I moved my cursor down through it for one final check . . . it did some wacky flinger-doodle and the entire post deleted itself, all except part of my name, and this next line in red.

"Where is your passion? What story would you love to sink your teeth into? Cind"

Oh fickle blogspot. How evil are your sneaky cyberspace ways.

Much like life, yes?

I'm just going to sit here for awhile and be thankful my computer didn't get the dreaded black screen of death, and that I didn't lose all my zillionas of WIP's.

When Does a Story Become Like a Clock?

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

"Whendoes a story become like a clock?"

Batguypaced the length of Chief Simpleton's small office with the note he found underhis batguy-mobile windshield wiper in his gloved hand, irritated as Batchicksat smugly on the desk staring at him. He read the smudged note again. The rainhad made some of the ink run, like blue blood, down the wrinkled paper.

"Whendoes a story become like a clock?"

"Don'tyou know the answer?" Batchick asked, her voice cool, too cool for theheated question the one and only Quizzler left for Batguy to figure out. Andfigure it out, he must. The Quizzler was known for his proclivity of leavingclues to his next crime before he committed them, like he wanted to getcaught--by him in particular.

Batguyspun around, his black almost-leather cape knocking over the lamp sittinghelplessly on the table. The bulb exploded onto the faux-wooden top. "Doyou know what this dastardly cleaver fellow means?"

Batchicklifted her chin. "How do you know it's a fellow?"

Hecrossed over to her in three long steps. "Do you know who the Quizzler is?Have you information--"

"No--"Batchick swept her hand slowly down her shiny nylon boot. "I wanted topoint out you were assuming the Quizzler was a fellow. And you know whathappens when you assume? You make an-"

"Batchick!"Batguy grabbed her shoulder, cutting her off. "You're confusingme!"

Shegrinned.

"Doyou know the answer to the Quizzler's riddle?" he asked, still clutchingher shoulder.

"Doesn'teverybody?"

Batguydropped his hand, stabbing the tips of his finned glove into his thigh. Helowered his voice to a whimper, and said, "Holy tights, Batchick, justtell me."

Batchickwrapped her hands around her knee, her grin sliding into a smile. "Whendoes a story become like a clock? When all the parts turn in sync and cometogether at the end in perfect timing."

"Holyplot line," Batguy shouted. "She's going to blow up the Gotham PublicLibrary tonight! There's a reading of A TIME TO DIE by the author Jeffery Savage in person at dusk inthe excessively late sequel fiction section." He ran for the doorway.

"She?"Batchick ran after him.

Batguystopped and smiled. "Only a woman could see the irony of limiting herselfin time by writing that note."

Batchicklaughed.

"To the Batguymobile!"

(The lights fade to black)

For more on this subject, don't delay, after reading this post, click over here to my blog and read how you can write like clockwork.

So, readers, timing is everything when writing a book, from the storyline, (Can you imagine writing a vampire romance story a month after Stephanie Meyer's TWILIGHT hit the best seller list?) to something as simple as the character's name. Yesterday I needed to change my favorite main character's name. It was hard. I've know Grace for over a year now, so this wasn't done lightly, but I want to make my book as marketable as possible, and if a name change might get my query letter read, then, you bet, I'll change it.

Excuse me now, I need to go find a tissue. *sniff*sob*

Protection VS Freedom

2012-01-19T15:57:00.001-07:00

By Susan G. Haws

Yesterday I mostly stayed off the internet. I tried to answer a few e-mails in the early AM and late (11:00 PM) and a couple of stray clicks before I remembered I was staying off my beloved internet for a purpose.

This was to show my opposition to the House’s Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261) and the Senate’s related Protect Intellectual Property Act (S.968) (SOPA and PIPA). As an aspiring writer I understand the need to protect intellectual property rights. I don't support piracy except of course for Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and his cohorts.

Up front, I will share that I am not well versed in lawyer speak. I sort through it as best as I can on contracts and when I am deciding how to vote. But, what I read about the SOPA and the PIPA bills make me think of one of the dystopian novels I enjoy such as Possession by Elana Johnson and The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. But not in a good way.

People well meaning, or not, offering protection while taking freedom. But what our founding fathers knew is that the continual nibbling away at freedom makes freedom disappear just as surely as quicker methods but with the added benefit of lulling the victims into acceptance of submission. Soon what the citizens are told are freedoms and benefits are in reality restrictions and true loss of freedom.

It is a simplistic analogy, but, as a person working hard to eradicate fat from my body I know every little pound of excess fat I eliminate brings me more energy and freedom of movement to my body. On the other hand every dieter knows that the temptation of just one more chip, or spoonful of ice cream soon leads to an empty bag or bowl, and more pounds bringing misery to life. Thus we never notice how much we ate until the container is empty.

Our legislation needs to protect our rights; to free us, not weigh us down and bind us. It is tempting for legislators slap together bill after bill that look good on the surface but are not well thought out and may have dangerous ramifications. This brings to mind the movie Evan Almighty. It is a lot harder to get rid of bad legislation than it is to never enact it.

What I want is for our congressional representatives and senators to remember every time they vote that their primary responsibly is to protect the freedoms of their constituents for today and the future. I believe as long as we keep our foundation of freedom the highest priority, we have people of great intelligence and creativity that can find better ways to solve our problems such as counteracting online piracy in ways that will maintain our rights.

On the plus side...

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Kami Cornwall

Is it bad that I actually wrote a list of all of the "bad things" that happened to me today? I mean, I usually only list groceries or errands I need to run. As I told my husband about my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, I had to laugh because there was a positive to each negative. It's nice when I can keep that perspective. So here's my list:

*Woke up to 1 foot of snow BUT it was an answer to my 6-year-old's repeated prayers.

*9-year-old slid knee first into fresh carpet glue BUT replacement pants were only $8.00.

*A wire hooked to 9-year-old's teeth broke BUT the orthodontist was miraculously open even on MLKjr day.

*Hit a huge traffic jam on the way to orthodontist BUT it gave our beagles time to prove they were trustworthy inside the house alone. (They DID sneak two stuffed animals out of the boys' room and had their way with them. I'm sure the stuffed animals feel violated and used.)

*I had to help both boys get into and out of their snow gear repeatedly throughout the day BUT they had a great time playing in the snow and I had time to tidy up the house.

As you can see, my big BUT in each sentence leads to something positive. Are you paying attention to your big BUTs today?

Online Class Scary

2012-01-17T20:09:00.002-07:00

by Terri Wagner

After getting registered and buying a new computer and dowloading word on the old one, and getting a dozen new passwords to remember, I checked my class schedule. Heavens, the one that's totally online already had homework. And as I read the class expectation, I began to think what am I doing and who am I kidding?! She wants us to have webcam ability because we need at some point to get to know one another. What?! I took this course because I really don't want all that social interaction.

After I managed to navigate my way through the intro and upload a photo homework, I slid over to the other class. Both of which are on Mondays/Wednesdays at the college. One contained no info. Fine, I'll find out tomorrow right? Second one had the syllabus. Oh no, I can tell already I haven't a clue what she's talking about. Now I'm worried.

After I did all that and mentally prepared myself for tomorrow my nephew calls and says we still can't take the baby to the daycare can you watch her? I'm like maybe half a morning. I have class.

After that, I thought I have class. I'm scared.

Brain, You Fail Me Today

2012-01-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

by Kristin Baker Przybyla

I sat at my computer all week thinking about what I should blog about when it was my turn, and nothing struck me. Usually I get hit with an idea just at the right time, sometimes only a few minutes before I decide to sit down and blog. I also have a few ideas saved in my drafts folder over at my personal blog--ideas for both that blog and this one--but inspiration still isn't cooperating.

Do you ever have that problem when you blog? Or do you fear that one day you'll run out of topics, or that you'll start blogging about topics other people have already discussed to death? For someone with a writer's blog, I worry about that a lot. How to keep my blog original and fun.

And so, while worrying that my post today isn't very meaningful or interesting, I'd like to share a picture I've had saved on my computer for a couple months, just waiting for the right moment to stick it in a post. I can't remember where I found it, but I love it. It's so true!

2012 Conference Pitch Sessions & Panel Members

2012-01-15T01:00:00.003-07:00

by Margaret L. Turley

Hone your query at Thursday night's workshops and come prepared to pitch to an agent, editor or publisher. A pitch session is ten minutes . It's an opportunity for you to sit across the table from an agent or editor and pitch your manuscript. Basically, it's a one-on-one query letter, live and in person! Your manuscript should be complete. DO NOT bring it to the appointment. If interested, the agent or editor will request your manuscript via email. Cost for pitch session is $20.00. You may reserve a pitch session by going to the Registration page, fill in required fields, under Add-ons you may click your selection. In order to ensure that as many attendees as possible have an opportunity to pitch, the current limit is one per attendee, assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Jane Dystel Dystel & Goderich Literary Management (Friday and Saturday)
Lisa Mangum Assistant Editor of Deseret Book/ Shadow Mountain (Friday and Saturday)
Linda Mulleneaux Managing Editor at Walnut Springs Press (Friday and Saturday)
Anita Mumm Nelson Literary Agency (Friday and Saturday)
Linda Radke President of Five Star Publications:Partnership, Self & Traditional Publishing (Friday)

Friday Evening 2/24/12 Panel Discussion will be from 7:30 pm until 8:45 pm. Panel members Include: Anita Mumm, Jane Dystel, Josh Perky, Linda Mulleneaux and Lisa Mangum.

All Conference attendees, Faculty and staff are invited to stay after the panel discussion for the Meet & Greet from 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm. Agents, Editors, Publishers, Published Authors and will be available to visit and "pick their brains." Bookstore Managers and Event Coordinators will have sign up lists for events at their stores. Don't miss this great opportunity!

Full Schedule: Classes, Activities, Pitches & Fees

Questions about the Conference, contact ANWA Event Co-Chairs,

Cindy or Patti at anwa-events@anwa-lds.com .

Hilton Hotel Discounts: 1-800-544-5866 or ONLINE

To register go to: http://anwa-lds.com/2012conference.html

More information about ANWA: http://anwa-lds.com

A New Year with new insights

2012-01-14T05:00:00.006-07:00

By Bonnie Harris

I've often used the phrases, "You have all the time in the world." or "If you really wanted to, you could." or "You can make time for anything." When I've used them, people have been polite, but I got the sense they were trying to stop an eye roll. In the past little while I've come to understand the hesitation in people and the temptation to eye roll when a phrase like that is used.

Time has a way of leaving me/us behind. I can never seem to get everything done and I wonder what I'm doing wrong. Recently, a friend said she feels like no she's having to make choices of what needs aren't going to be met. That just shows me how thin we spread ourselves and why some people don't like to hear that, "If you really wanted to, you could."

These phrases have been running through my head as I'm trying to figure out how and why my writing seems to have come to a halt at the moment. I ask myself where the time goes and wonder why I can't get everything done. Do I really have all the time in the world? Can I really make time for anything? I've doubted what my usual answer would be, but now I can answer confidently with a yes. I do have all the time in the world and yes, I can make time for anything.

It's lifted a burden from my shoulders as I've realized the answer to those questions. And as I analyze how I'm using my time, I'm chosing to be doing other things at the moment. Other things that are currently more important than my writing for now. I could chose to use my time differently and get that final edit done. I could chose to get those two new stories, that are driving me nuts in my head, down on paper. I could chose to do a lot of things, but at what sacrifice?

Right now, as much as I want to be writing, it's not worth the sacrifice. There are other things that are taking presidence. Sarah M Eden said essentially the same thing. She planned on doing a ton of writing one summer and ended up not getting anything done, because her kids needed her. She didn't kick herself or regret not getting it done, she just did the more important thing at the moment and made up the difference later. The other profound statement she made was to remember that even writing in a journal (or a blog post) is considered writing.

So even though my WIP is not where I'd like it to be, I'm comforted in the fact that it really is my choice. I'm still writing on a daily basis even though it may not be exactly what I had in mind. With the new year well under way, don't forget that we can truly choose how we use our precious time. It may not be exactly how we'd like to spend that time, but it is probably what is needed at the moment. Take comfort in the fact that I/you/we are doing exactly what we should be doing. At least it's making me feel better about things. :)

Happy New Year!

Every Experience Can Be A Writing Experience

2012-01-13T08:52:00.002-07:00

Even a scorpion sting?

The night was pitch black, a bit cold, and I tip-toed across the room to my side of the bed, hoping not to trip on a toy. Derek was fast falling asleep as I pulled the covers up over my body.

“Good night, honey,” he said and leaned over to kiss me.

I shifted my weight towards him and felt a prick in my leg, like I rolled over on a piece of dry grass.

I didn’t think much of it, especially when considering the things my boys bring into my bed, but as I rolled back I felt it again. It was now a tingle, like my leg was falling asleep and I shifted it around again. Suddenly, I felt a pain in my arm and I jumped out of bed.

“Going to write,” Derek said with sleep running through his voice, but of course, the sarcasm was still there. He loves to remind me I can’t sleep unless I write for several hours before hand.

“I think I just got bit by something, maybe a scorpion.”

The bed was a firecracker of blankets and sheets as Derek exploded out of bed.

“Where is it,” he shouted with my hair brush suddenly in his hand, ready to pound it.

“I don’t’ know, but it got me five or six times,” and I rubbed my arms around my body. My own touch freaked me out and in less then a second I was in the buck, but not completely naked if you count the scorpion I was wearing on my arm.

I correct myself, as it momentarily was on my arm and then crawling out of my shirt as I threw it on the floor.

The weapon of choice that Derek courageously picked (a natural wood therapeutic brush, if you must know) was then used to smash that creature. In moments of Cheverly, my husband will use profanity and I thank you for that, honey.

So, the scorpion was dead and I began the search of puncture wounds on my thigh and arm. How many would I find? Seven, eight? Does a person survive that many scorpion stings? And just as I started to feel helpless, I realized I didn’t feel too bad. They say the larger the scorpion, the less toxic and this was the largest scorpion I'd eve seen. I was even grateful (talk about stretching the whole look-at-the-bright-side-of-things) that it stung me instead of one of my babies, so we said a prayer and I calmed Derek down so we could go back to bed.

The next morning was a bit like a hangover (I hate to use this specific cliché’ especially since I’ve never actually had a hangover), I was numb, tingly, a little unsteady, but don’t feel sorry for me. I’m a writer and I beg for things like this to happen so I can write about it later. I can use the fear, the anticipation, the uncertainty; all those feelings and emotions will help bring to life a scene where my character jumps through the page because of her intensity. Finding the miracle, the humor and my husband's reaction grant me depth as I look at experiences from a different perspective. Knowing my next story/adventure is just around the corner keeps my senses alert and aware that every life experience is one step closer to a great manuscript. What's even better is if my experience is too personal, I can share it in 3rd person, thus providing therapy through life's challenges. Writing has so many perks!

What crazy life experience have you had, then later been intrigued to write about?

Writing and Beyond...

2012-01-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

I felt super excited about attending my writing class last night because 1) it was a workshop with several guest speakers and I didn't have to take any writing with me and get chewed up and spit out by the instructor, and 2)...well, because there would be a lot more people there and I didn't have to say anything and risk getting chewed up and spit out. (Can you guess what my experience was the week before?) In all honesty, I totally deserved it and learned tons...but now I am scared out of my mind!

The presentations exceeded my expectations! Since I took 8 pages of notes, I'll fill you in on just a few nuggets of wisdom that grabbed my attention.

Eric James Stone: Write what you know. Know what you write. Write what you believe. Put yourself into the story. There are a million different stories and a million formulas for getting them written. Just keep writing until you find the one that works for you.

Panel Discussion (Caleb Warnock, Eric James, Lorraine Scott, Chrisy Ross, Tristi Pinkston): How to have a successful book signing - When you are marketing your book, you're not marketing your book. You are marketing yourself. Make eye-to-eye contact, show your personality -- without being overbearing -- be friendly and approachable, and polish your elevator pitch. Take your own table cloth and displays and take care of yourself. Be rested, well-fed and drink plenty of water. Passing out is not professional. Oh...and take a seat cushion. Call ahead to make sure the bookstore has copies of your book and take a few of your own, just in case. Take pens with you.Talk to everyone! Show your sense of humor. Be smart. Be bright. Be funny. Remember: You cannot "freebie" yourself into success. Brand your treats or swag or whatever you hand out and don't be afraid to ask the customer if you can supply them with copies for gifts or ask the store if they would like you to leave signed copies, etc.

Loraine Scott on dialogue: to create shared understanding. Listen. Evaluate. Observe surroundings. Question what is going on. Move the story forward and understand the difference between "real" dialogue and "believable" dialogue. Practice, practice, practice...pacing.

Chrisy Ross - Give yourself permission to know that you are better than you think you are. Let go of self doubt. Create a healthy and positive self-fulfilling prophecy. Be a friend to yourself. Learn to trust your instincts. Everyone's process is different and that's okay.

Caleb Warnock on publishing trends of 2012: Humor, Humor, Humor. Fractured fairy tales, and unusual mythological creatures. The world of publishing is changing rapidly with stuff like agents going into the e-publishing business and leaving the publishers behind, and Amazon allowing libraries to lend ebooks. Be aware of SOLOMO (social, local, mobile) media. All promotions will either be all digital or at least part digital. Watch for 3D readers...instead of pop-up books.

There was sooo much more...(isn't there always?). One of my classmates posted on FB that last night she came to the realization that writing the book seems to be the easy part now. I have to agree. Real writers work hard!

My goal this year is to finish my manuscript so that I can use this great information for my own book signing! My biggest challenge: self-doubt and sabotage. What is the biggest challenge in your writing career?

btw....at 2:50 this morning, I got a new granddaughter! 9 lbs. 1 ounce...no name yet...mom and baby doing great!
hugs~

Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

by Nikki McBride Spencer

Today is Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day.

What glutton for punishment thought this up? Is this supposed to be fun? Hmmm, the boring, staid adult in me can't think of anything more annoying then being splashed...but...the mischievous childlike imp in me can't think of anything more fun then to splash someone!

If you live in a cold weather place (assuming your puddles aren't frozen) your puddles may be ice cold slushies mixed with road grime. Imagine that running down the back of your collar!

If you live in a warmer climate (unless it happens to be the monsoon season) you most likely will not have puddles. You will probably have friends, though, unless you decide to splash them with dirty gutter-water. Then you most likely will not have friends, either. This does not apply if you are a 10-year-old boy.

If, like me, you are averse to being the splashee you might think this is a useless celebration (unless you want to be the splasher). However, all is not lost. You could use this day to imagine a scene in your latest WIP. Imagine:

Is your character standing on a street corner getting thoroughly soaked by a double decker bus full of screaming, elderly ladies driven by his madcap friend who stole the bus and thought it would be great fun to splash your character while fleeing from the law?

Is your character running through a field of corn, trying to escape the mutant creature throwing glass bombs at her that narrowly miss her and "splash" on the ground, exploding with glass shards cutting her legs?

Is your character walking alone on a lonely road, shoulders hunched, hands shoved deep into pockets of his gray overcoat, splashing barefoot through mud puddles and not caring because he just received a letter from the army informing him his son was killed?

What about another world where the main element is fire instead of water? Imagine splashing through fire puddles that burn instead of moisten.

It's the little things that count in your writing. Happy Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day! Now go forth and write!

Practice to Finish

2012-01-10T12:30:00.002-07:00

By Leesa Ostrander

This is a new year and I am not going to list my resolutions. I am resisting the urge and want to share only one word.

Practice.

It is difficult to wake up in the morning and run a full marathon from not even walking around the block. It takes practice.

To run a marathon, there needs to be a training plan, a diet plan, new shoes, new inserts, and the gear needed to be successful based on personal preference. With these in place it then takes the individual to make it happen.

There can be the best training plan and motivation to succeed and will not happen if the person is not there to put in the miles.

An emotional preparation is also needed to train for 26.2 miles at one time.

The emotional preparation is individual to each person. My plan will not work for my sister, neighbor or mentor. It is mine. I own my emotional connection to my plan.

This talk about a marathon is relevant to writing by way to needed a plan, needed the gear and the emotional connection.

I do not know of a single novel, poem, short story, essay or any prose that was written perfect, edit free the first attempt. The process begins with a plan. What will you write about? How will you connect with the reader? Do you want to connect with the reader?

Next, you need the gear. The choice of gear is individual to the talent behind the words. I, personally like yellow lined paper and a pencil to begin the creative juices. I also feel that physical health is part of my creative process. If my hands are flexed, body nourished, and well rested I am much more successful.

Now, if have the gear you want to be creative. To connect to a creative process can be discussed in more detail than I want to go here. I do want to say that the creative process draws from my first word – practice.

By consistent practice the creative thoughts come more readily.

Now, in terms of the book “If You Give a Mouse a Muffin” we come back to it need creativity to practice and through practice we finish the goal. It does not matter on the time of completion, it is a personal best that counts (in terms of running).

To my happy marathon fingers, carry me through this year and have my personal best on paper. J

How Do You Spell Success?

2012-01-09T04:00:00.002-07:00

By Tracy Astle

In my cheerleader days we had a simple cheer that went, "S-U-C-C-E-S-S, That's the way we spell success." With cheers like that, you can see why I did so well in english classes. My spelling was impeccable.

While we all know there's only one way to correctly spell success, there are many ways to define it. Over in the ANWA critique and social groups there are always several success stories going around: articles published, sales milestones, publishing deals signed, award nominations, etc.. This is one gifted group to which we belong.

Sometimes when we hear of the success of others it can cause us to think maybe we should have the same goal as someone else. I mean, we're writers. Shouldn't we all want to have a book on a big time best-seller list somewhere? If we did, that's when we'd know we are successful writers, right?

Well, no.

In ANWA we probably have almost as many different definitions of what it means to be a successful writer as we have members and it's very important that we know for sure what success means to us personally. That way we can easily celebrate each others successes without becoming discouraged or feeling like we're less of a writer if we didn't participate in NaNoWriMo or if we couldn't care less if we're ever published or whatever. We all need to have our own measuring stick for success.

Personally, I wouldn't mind hitting a best-seller list, but at this point that's not my definition of success. I'm aiming for publication of a novel, even on a small scale.

So, I'm curious. What's your definition and has it changed through the years?

Control

2012-01-08T00:00:00.003-07:00

by Marsha Ward

Control may seem to be an odd topic to address, but bear with me. This is the perfect season to talk about it.

You see, a lot of us have a habit of making New Year's Resolutions. (I can still talk about New Year's, right?) Sometimes we actually get a bit of mileage out of the effort by setting goals, instead.

Now there's this thing about goals. They have to be alcanzable. Sorry, in my youth I served a mission in South America for the LDS Church, and we were always striving to make attainable goals, you know, alcanzable, from the verb alcanzar: to reach, to overtake, to obtain. . .

Anyway, I like to achieve my goals. That's why you all get to laugh when I set a goal to write 25 words a day. Sometimes it's only 10. It depends on how I'm doing that day.

In order to achieve my goals, I have to make goals that are within my control. (See how I snuck that in?) It's so sad to see writers making goals like "Write a novel this year, submit it, and have it published."

I know. Maybe they're practicing visualization. Sorry, I don't go in for that theory at this time. I like to say I'm going to do things I have control of. As an independent author, I can make a goal to publish a book this year (and I'm planning on that, dear readers). However, a writer intent on being published through traditional means doesn't have any control over becoming a published author in any given time frame.

Therefore, a better goal for a writer is to stick to the first 2/3rds of the goal above, that is, to write a novel and to submit it. In the meantime, other goals well worth the time to make them are to study the craft of writing, to get better at writing by DOING IT, to find a good support group or a good critique group (depending on what stage the writer is in), and to start building a circle of writing friends and others in the industry, as well as potential readers. These goals are reachable, because they are things well within your control to do them.

If you haven't set any goals for the year yet, take some time and do that. If you have made goals, take a look at them and determine if you have control over their accomplishment. If not, tweak them until you do.

What goals have you set for 2012?

Magical Books of Youth

2012-01-07T02:00:00.003-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

A new year begins and we tend to reminisce right? My reminiscing this year went clear back to my childhood and the magical times when my mother would lay a blanket down on the lush green grass in the backyard in the middle of the day and read to my sister and I. She read most of the Dr. Seuss books which we soon had memorized then went on to Wizard of Oz, Shadow Castle, Mary Poppins, Pippi Longstockings and many more. When summers ended, she spread the blanket out on the front room carpet and continued the magical "quiet reading" time.

Thanks to Mom, I learned to love books and stories. Whenever time permitted in Jr. and Sr. High, I snuggled in the stuffed rocking chair reading the entire Wizard of Oz series, all the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys and all the Grimm's Fairy Tales and Hans Christian Andersen Tales I could get my hands on.

To this day, I love to curl up on a rocking chair or on a cuddly feather bed and read fairy tales and fantasies.

Thank you Mom for my love of magical stories. The magical world is just a book away.

What are your childhood stories and books and memories?

A Silly Kind of Motive

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

By Debra Erfert

I’m new to the ANWA blog team, and in a way to introduce me,I thought I’d tell you how I began to write—where that first moment ofinspiration came from. Quick, it’s not to late to turn on Live with Regis and ~~Kathy~~Kelly sans Regis. No? Still here?

Okay.

It’s been 8 years since the first Pirates of the Caribbeanmovie finally was pulled from the theaters. I’d anticipated that film monthsbefore it arrived, loving every brief scene splashed across my televisionscreen. When it finally showed, I dragged my husband—my sons—my friends—and,out of desperation, I went alone to watch when nobody else could stand seeingit again. And then the powers-at-be took my precious, precocious pirate awayfrom me, and I was lost. I needed my Captain Jack fix, but what could I do? Itwould be months before the DVD appeared on the shelves at Wal-Mart. I’d surelydie of withdrawals long before then. I could feel the stomach cramps start as Iwalked out of the theater on that last night. My mood fell into a darkened,despondent state.

Then this not-so crazy idea flittered into my brain. Why notwrite a sequel to the movie? Not only would I be plunged into the middle ofCaptain Jack’s life, I might even be able to sell the manuscript to Disney, orJerry Bruckheimer! Oh, boy, I was really onto something. Okay, no, I’d neverwritten anything more than comparative arguments in my college English classes,but, really, how different could writing a book be?

Stop rolling your eyes!

I’d just graduated from college with a degree in drafting,so I was thinking from the left side of my brain. My surveying class worked usup from basic math through trigonometry—totally a left-brain function, veryorganized. When working on blueprints you need to start from the very bottom ofthe building first—the foundation. This is what I did with building my piratestory. Of course then I had no idea of the basic, simplest things, like dialogpunctuation for example. I never really paid attention to those things when Iwas just a reader. I doubt if anybody does—unless they’re an aspiring writer,then every little mistake sticks out like glowing green neon.

Oops, got off on a tangent.

Let me back up . . . the foundation of my pirate book—that’sright. I visualized the parts I wanted: the opening, the characters, theperils, the adventures, and the conclusion. I could “see” it all in my head. Ijust needed to get it down in my computer. I remember . . . it took threeweeks, and the manuscript was a total of 109 pages long. It truly was my firstnovella. I felt like I could doanything—except sell something that was copywrited. What? Nooooooo! I spent allthat time working on something that Disney couldn’t even legally read andneither could Bruckheimer? It would never be anything more than my own personalstory when I needed a Sparrow fix. Ah, well!

Now what, I thought. Writing that short story was a totalblast. Could I write a longer manuscript—one that was completely my own idea,with my own characters? “Yes—yes, I know I could!” I told me.

If you’re a writer and not just a lover of books, whatinspired that first draft? Another book? Maybe a weird looking pirate in asilly movie? A story or character you couldn’t get out of your head while youlay in your bed at night when you were young? Did you make up stories for youchildren, or were you the storyteller when you were a child? There are thirteenother bloggers on this site, and more ANWA members who click over and read theposts. I want to know you better.

Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

Writing and Challenges

2012-01-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

By Susan G. Haws

More than half the time I think I should give up writing. Just set back and read. I love to read and there are more excellent books available than I can get to in a lifetime. I would if it weren't for all these ideas that keep popping in my head.

After expressing these insecurities I received an email from the author Jeff Ambrose. (Click here to go to his web site.) I asked permission to share it as I think other people out there might also need this reminder.

One thing I learned is that every writer is challenged by the same problems. No exceptions. You and Stephen King are playing the same game! Just listen to the way writers talk about the job. They may not use the same words or phrases, but essentially they're all talking about the same problems.

What separates writers isn't the problems, which never go away, but how they deal with the problems. The successful writers -- the ones who write, finish, and put their work on the market -- have learned how to deal with the job hazards. Those who don't write, finish, and put their work on the market haven't learned these skills.

How to learn those skills?

Simple: By writing.

Thank you Jeff.

Same Stuff, Different Year

2012-01-04T10:14:00.005-07:00

by Kami Cornwall

I resolve to get older this year.

There.

A resolution I can't fail! For those of you who want to know, Disneyland was "way cool" despite a few frightened kids. If you want to see a hysterical photo of my family flying down splash mountain click on this link to go to my own personal blog and take a gander.

Wal-Mart has a fresh batch of treadmills and as I passed the line-up I wanted to shout, "AMEN!" I haven been away from mine for far too long; off and on between Halloween and New Year's. I should be arrested for neglect. Still, my warm bed in the wee hours of the morning begs me not to go running off to the treadmill as if I'm cheating. But my fling with the kitchen these last few months has left me with no choice.

I have broken up with most of the food in the kitchen (including the sweets my friend from Germany sent me) and have begun a pleasant relationship with a new cookbook called "Fresh Food Superfast" from CookingLight. I love it. I just hope it lasts! You know how tempting all things chocolate can be. First it's just one innocent taste of 60% cocoa and before you know it you're sitting in front of the T.V. stuffing your face with an entire box of chocolate covered doughnuts threatening to give you a heart-attack right then and there.

Moderation in all things, my friends. That's what it all comes down to. And that's what I intend to continue. So I'm glad to be able to continue to contribute to the ANWA blog and greet each day with the newness it deserves.

To New Year Resolutions

2012-01-03T09:00:00.002-07:00

by Terri Wagner

I say Bah Humbug. I've never kept a new year's resolution I made, and frankly for the past 20 years, it's been the same one anyway. Didn't someone much smarter than me say doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is stupid or something like that. I concur. So this year, no resolutions. In fact, I may just party this year since it might all be over by December 21st according to the Mayans.

If the Mayans are wrong (and they seem to be bewildered by this whole-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it discussion), then at least I enjoyed what might have been the last year of earth's current state of affairs. Now don't get me wrong, partying for Mormons can be a bit different than most people might think.

I am just going to let go of the guilt of trying to be the perfect Mormon. Ah come on, we all do that. Devise this measuring stick and hold ourselves up to it only setting ourselves up for failure. Because we fail to just find one thing to become perfect at. We tend to think I need to do genealogy, temple work, missionary work, be better in my calling(s), read the scriptures daily, pray twice a day at least, hold FHE, date night, take care of the spouse (if you are so lucky), guide my children (again if you are so blessed), write a bestselling novel (or at least just a novel), get it published, write a second one, not to mention all the other responsibilities involved in being LDS.

I'm tired of trying to do all that. So for this year I'm just going to take a vacation and work on just one thing...one realistically achievable goal. I don't know what that is yet, but something I know I can do so next year I can say I perfected that, moving on to the next thing, if indeed there is a next year.

And at this point I can honestly say with considerable surprise I don't mind if the Second Coming comes. I'm kinda ready for it, which is another whole post.

So NO New Year's resolutions for me...or is that a resolution? Nope, I declare it is not. If I try something new, maybe I'll get better results. It's a hypothesis, followed by experiment, and I'll let you know the results.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

2012-01-02T15:48:00.005-07:00

by Kristin Baker Przybyla

When I was little, my overactive imagination often meant a lot of sleepless nights for me. I'd lie awake in bed long after midnight, with my head under the covers, terrified of whatever might be lurking under my mattress or in the closet. When I was 10 or so, I learned that reciting the words of a certain hymn comforted me and allowed me to fall asleep without fear.

I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives who once was dead.
He lives, my ever living Head.

Now, when worries and fears of a different sort keep me awake at night, I've rediscovered the words to this wonderful song. Thank you, Samuel Medley, for writing such a sweet hymn to remind us that no matter what our struggles are, our Savior is there to comfort and guide us.

He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.

Super ANWA Conference 2012 Faculty

2012-01-01T01:00:00.002-07:00

by Margaret L. Turley

Class, Pitch & Activity Schedule With Fees

The Faculty for the 20th Annual ANWA Conference to be held February 23 - 25th is very exciting. Pictures are in alphabetical order with matching descriptions below going left to right, top to bottom.

Anita Mumm is a Literary Assistant at Nelson Literary Agency. She is thrilled to bring her love of language, writing, and other cultures to her position at the Nelson Agency. Anita Mumm will accept queries. Her class is on Thursday evening. Tell Me More: Whetting an Agent's Appetite with your Query or Pitch, followed by a critique session.

Brent Whiting has worked as a crime reporter for newspapers in Las Vegas, Phoenix, & Avondale. He teaches English at Glendale Community College and online at the University of Phoenix. Brent Whiting will share his expertise for: Great Opening Lines - Grabbing the Reader's Attention. Writers get only one chance to grab a reader's attention. How to write a catchy introduction and clear thesis.

Conrad Storad is the multi-award-winning author of more than 40 nonfiction science and nature books for young readers. His newest title is: Arizona Way Out West & Wacky. Conrad Storad will present two classes: 1. Read Me A Story! Reading aloud to cultivate the art of listening; and 2. Making Non-Fiction Fun! a Writing Workshop.

Deirdra Eden Coppel is an award winning artist who started her career in 2001 as an art director for a private publisher. She is an also an author and mother. Deirdra Coppel will teach two classes: 1. Writing Business Sense: Designers, Illustrators, Pricing & Legal Aspects; and 2. The Amazing Future of Illustrations: EMC- Multi-media Content.

Donna Hatch is an author of Historical Romance and Fantasy Romance. She began writing at the tender age of eight. Her writing awards include the Golden Quill and Golden Rose. Donna will share: 7 Secrets for Writing Romance: Romance is more than a meeting, a kiss, and a marriage proposal. Discover 7 secrets to writing a romance, what clichés to avoid, and what today's market craves.

Jane Dystel, President of Dystel & Goderich Literary Management, whose goal is to offer financial and contractual advice to its clients, as well as editorial guidance and support. Jane Dystel will be accepting queries at the conference and will teach: "Soup to Nuts: going from idea to book." She will also discuss the importance of a social media platform and provide time for questions and answers.

Janette Rallison is the award winning author of 18 novels and has sold over 1,000,000 copies, including her latest books: My Unfair Godmother and Slayers, under the pseudonym C. J. Hill. Janette Rallison's class is Using Internal Thought to Create Characterization: When writing a book, voice is all important. How to strengthen your characterization and voice through your characters' internal thoughts.

Joshua J. Perkey is a Senior Editor for the Ensign and Liahona magazines. On the side he writes fantasy novels and closely follows publishing trends. Joshua Perkey's class is Writing for Magazines. Ever wondered how to get published in the Ensign? Ever wanted what it takes to publish in a national magazine? This two-hour workshop will teach you how to craft articles for human interest magazines including Church magazines such as the Ensign, New Era, and Friend.

Joyce DiPastena is the author of two medieval romances and is a two-time Whitney Award finalist. Her third romance will be released in early 2012. Joyce DiPastena is an expert at: -Breathing Life into Historical Research. Whether you write romance, mystery, or straight fiction, this workshop will teach you how to turn historical facts into a living, breathing world for your readers.

Larry Brooks is the author of "Story Engineering," and the creator of Storyfix.com, a leading website for novelists and screenwriters. He is also the author of five published thrillers. Larry Brooks will teach: Why Your Writing Process Counts: Working Smart vs. Simply Working. A look at the many ways writers complete a successful "search for story" through fundamentals and principles.

Linda Mulleneaux, Managing Editor at Walnut Springs Press has worked for almost 20 years as a writer and editor in the fields of marketing research, technical training, and LDS publishing. Linda Mulleneaux is Accepting Queries. Her class will be The Critical Skill of Self-Editing: Focusing on What Agents & Editors Really Care About. You can get published-you'll just have to operate on your "baby." Perfect your prose and streamline your story.

Linda F. Radke President of Five Star Publications, Inc. has 25 years of publishing experience and countless international, national and state awards in publishing, marketing and writing. Linda Radke will accept queries and is teaching two classes. 1. Publishing:Traditional Publishing, Partnership Publishing & Self-Publishing: Finding a Home for your Bookand 2. It's All in the Pitch - Marketing and Publicity: The difference between marketing and publicity.

Lisa Mangum, Assistant Editor at Deseret Book/Shadow Mountain graduated from the University of Utah in 1997 and immediately began working for Deseret Book. She is the author of the Hourglass Trilogy. Lisa Mangum is accepting queries and will teach two classes. 1. "Kaboom,"Went the Coastal Monkey Factory: Starting Your Story with a Bang. 2. Making the Leap: How to I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Slush Pile.

Marsha Ward, is the founder of ANWA, and member of the ANWA executive board. She writes Westerns with heart and grit, plenty of humor, great adventure and tender moments.

Matt Peterson has operated a freelance copywriting business for the past four years. He specializes in blogging, social media website content, by-lined articles, email marketing, and more. Matt Peterson will present: Freelance Copywriting: The Perfect "Day Job" for Writers How you can use your writing skills to pay the bills (while you continue to work on the next great American novel.)

Peggy Shumway has twice served as a family history consultant for the LDS Church and has written several sagas about her ancestors. "Your Grandfather Did What?" Crafting a Family History That Reads Like Fiction. Who says family history has to be boring? Create family chronicles using the same techniques as fiction writers.

Sandra Hendrickson is a music educator, songwriter and author. She studied music in college and attended many songwriting workshops to develop her music skills. Sandra Hendrickson will instruct: "It Just Takes Time." A class on creative songwriting that will motivate you to dig a little deeper, learn more skills, and challenge you to be a better songwriter.

Sara Fujimura is a world-traveler, Girl Scout leader, an anime con mom, musician, and is infinitely fascinated by deadly diseases. She weaves all these together to create non-fiction articles and essays. Sara Fujumura will present two workshops: 1. Contracts, Kill Fees, and Serial Rights, Oh My! A crash course in magazine writing; and 2. Cooking Up Some Chicken Soup - How to Write Fun, Inspirational Personal Essays.

Serena Freewomyn provides freelance copy writing and web content development, with an emphasis in search engine optimization and provides social media management services. Serena will teach two session of: Social Media for Authors Twitter, Facebook, and blogs, provide authors valuable ways to expand their readership base. How you can know that you're utilizing the right tool for your target audience.

Wendy Peterson hails from a long line of teachers. Imparting her love of language and literature to her students ignites her passion. Wendy Peterson's workshop will be: Poetry: A Spicy Slice of Life. Like spices in food, poetry makes life interesting, more flavorful, richer. Write poetry using easy-to-get-started and simple-to-understand ideas.

Questions about the Conference, contact ANWA Event Co-Chairs,

Cindy or Patti at anwa-events@anwa-lds.com

Hilton Hotel Discounts: 1-800-544-5866 or ONLINE

To register go to: http://anwa-lds.com/2012conference.html

More information about ANWA: http://anwa-lds.com

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T05:00:00.001-07:00

By Bonnie Harris

I've debated on posting something about goals this time around, but how can I not with it been New Year's Eve Day? My own personal reflection of the past year has really made me reevaluated my goal setting process. For the longest time, I only set goals (or at least wrote them down) when I knew for sure it was something I could accomplish. And "come hell or high water," as the saying goes, I would accomplish that goal.

This year has taught me that may not be the best approach to things. Goals should be set with the mindset that somethings can't be controlled, and if something comes along that's out of our control, it's okay to change a goal midstream. That doesn't make one any less of a person or mean that the goal wasn't accomplished, that just means that life happens and adjustments have to be made.

I recently reviewed a book by Connie Sokol called Faithful, Fit and Fabulous. Connie talked about setting one goal at a time so we don't feel to overwhelmed with things. After a couple of weeks, add another to the mix, but if we do to much at once we can burn ourselves out. I really enjoyed her perspective on things even though it was nothing new to me. She gave me "permission," so to speak, to allow myself to make changes mid-stream. Or maybe she helped me see what I was already doing with my goals from 2011.

Anyway, as we approach a new year, I've been thinking of the baby steps that I'd like to take in all aspects of my life—with the mindset that I can adjust as needed based on what life throws my way. Here are some of my possible goals (which will probably become goals sometime throughout the year).

be less judgemental
cook dinner at least twice a week
finish another edit through my WIP
finish a draft on another WIP
don't complain about housework
keep up with my book reviews
do two blog giveaways a month
attend writing conferences
critic someone else's novel
clean one room a week

The list could go on forever, but I feel like I can be successful at these, and they can be adjusted—if needed—without too much effort. So as you look ahead to the New Year, don't be afraid to set goals because you don't think you'll make it through the year. As you get into it remember they can be adjusted. They are set in stone. Happy New Year 2012!

My Favorite Christmas Gift?

2011-12-30T00:50:00.000-07:00

The morning before Christmas, my husband wakes up and tells me he has one more gift to purchase.

Really!

With all the traffic and congestion and crowding.

“We’ve done it all,” I tell him, not wanting him gone with so much left at home to do. “The toys, bikes, stocking stuffers, all the goodies we need for Christmas we have. Everything’s done.”

“I need to get one more thing,” he insists. He laces up his shoes and runs out the door.

“Alright,” I say to myself and start the morning routine of baby bottles, diaper changes and breakfast.

Over an hour later, my husband returns home with a bag hidden under his shirt and a smirk on his face.

“Is the wrapping paper in the bedroom still?” he asks, but he’s already shut and locked our bedroom door.

Christmas morning was perfect with happy faces and lots of surprises. After the kids opened their gifts, my oldest son Chandler hands me a package from underneath the tree.

“Here, Mom,” he says. “From Santa.”

My other children wanted to go outside to ride their new bike/scooter/skateboard (with 5 kids, take your pick), but I sat back to open this mysterious gift from Santa.

I tore the paper open and gasped.

I looked up at my husband with tear-filled eyes, amazed at how well he knows me.

A book.

He’d given me a book.

The 3^rd in Nancy Turner’s series from These Is My Words.

“I know you just finished Sarah’s Quilt, so I wanted to get you Star Garden.”

“This is what you ran out to get yesterday?” I asked, touched that he’s aware of what I’m reading and anxious to find me what I want to read next.

What a wonderful gift and I’m not just talking about the book Star Garden, although I can’t wait to start it.

Did you get a book for Christmas? If not, which book would you most want as a gift today?

Coping With Change

2011-12-29T12:39:00.001-07:00

It wasn't bad enough that I had wrapped myself in a blanket of self pity because Christmas was over and all the grandchildren had returned home -- and I had no one else to blame for the five pounds I gained from indulging in all that fudge and truffles and other delectable chocolate delights. No. I just had to open an email from Marsha Ward. Because I love Marsha Ward!

It began with the usual holiday salutations:
"Hello Kari
I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with your family. My daughter was
able to come up and spend Christmas with me in my new home. It was lovely!"

But Marsha gets to the point in the very next sentence:
"The ANWA Board of Directors has asked me to pass along to you the
authorization to split Wasatch Writers into two chapters at your next
meeting."

NO! (dramatic fist shaking)
You can't do this to me! (heavy sigh, slumped shoulders, and hanging of my head) Yes, you can. But I don't have to like it.

Can you tell I have a difficult time with change?

Of course, I am thrilled that ANWA continues to change. (Have you read the new by-laws yet?) Because with change comes growth. Growth is a good thing! It's just that I get so attached to all of you phenomenal women. I learn from each and every one of you and I feel like I am just now getting to know you.

I laughed out loud when I opened my textbook (Families and Change: Coping With Stressful Events and Transitions) the very next day and read this:
"A stressor event is an occurrence that provokes a variable amount of change in the family system [ANWA]. Anything that changes some aspect of the system [ANWA], such as boundaries, structures, goals, processes, roles, or values, can produce stress. ...stress becomes problematic only when family members [me]experience dissatisfaction (or distress) as they [I] perceive change as being disruptive to the family system[ANWA]...Stress or crisis is not simply the direct result of the event itself but also a product of how a family defines demanding circumstances and the extent to which the family has resources available for coping."

"Various life transitions and events provide essential ingredients for normal psychosocial development...by evoking disturbances and pressures for change."

In other words, change is what you make of it. I can either curl up in a fetal position and pout and get left behind, or I can rejoice in the opportunity for growth, and jump in and enjoy the ride. The women of ANWA are like sisters to me. We share more than just how and what we are writing. We rejoice, whine, commiserate, console, eat chocolate, and work together.

I thought about how the world looks at the start of a new year as an opportunity for introspection and change. I'm grateful to know that I can do that every minute of the day -- thanks to the Savior and his redeeming sacrifice. I am grateful to know that God never changes. He is constant and perfect. I live in a world of change. The knowledge of men changes every day, shifting back and forth between what is popular and accepted at the time. By building my foundation on the unchanging truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I can weather the changing world.

A stressful event brings about change -- for the good or for the bad, depending on how I look at the situation, and what my resources are and how I use those resources. A testimony of who I am, why I am here, and where I am going -- based on a testimony of Jesus Christ and His redeeming love -- is the greatest resource I know of. It brings me hope, clarity of thought and peace of mind. I can view challenges for the opportunity for growth that they are. I can find hidden resources -- strengths I never knew I had -- and come to know that, through Christ, I can do hard things.

Splitting Wasatch Writers is going to be a tough change for me. It may be a little stressful, but it won't be a crisis. I love being a part of a growing group of women who believe in seeking out anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy and writing about it! We will always be connected by our love of Christ and our desire to make the world a better place -- one change at a time.

If you want more information on this exciting change, you'll have to attend our chapter meeting January 12th , 7:30 pm at my house in Highland, UT. I promise chocolate, tissues, and loads of fun!
May you have a happy and blessed New Year!!
hugs~

Goodbye

2011-12-28T06:00:00.002-07:00

By Melinda Carroll

Well, this is my last post on the ANWA blog. It's been great to get to know you through your posts and comments, and I've really grown to appreciate the support that comes from this group.

I've always enjoyed writing, but my venture into fiction is relatively new. A few years ago I got an idea in my head and started writing. Once my first manuscript was done, I was stumped. I didn't know what to do next, so I contacted a childhood friend who'd just published a book. She told me to get to a writing conference and to join a critique group. I really didn't know how to do either.

I remembered she'd mentioned something about SCBWI and so I looked it up on the computer and discovered that the local chapter was hosting a writing conference in Phoenix. I signed up, and a few weeks later, drove into town with no idea what to expect.

I sat alone as groups of people entered the room, chatting and laughing. At lunch, since I didn't know anyone, I decided to go sit next to a couple of the visiting editors (a logical choice, right? I reasoned that they likely didn't know too many people either). Of course, I wasn't the only one who'd decided to do that, and our table filled up quickly.

As we chatted over lunch I learned that the woman next to me lived only a few streets away from me in Gilbert. We quickly discovered that we were both LDS (not by asking directly, but by throwing out words like "home teacher" and "ward"). That's when she invited me to an ANWA meeting.

I attended my first meeting November of 2009, in December I volunteered to be vice-president of our chapter for 2010, and at the beginning of 2011 I began hosting our ANWA meetings at my house and joined the ANWA blog. In 2012, I'll be our chapter president. Clearly, I have enjoyed being involved with ANWA.

So I want to say thank you to all of you for letting me join this blog. I love being part of ANWA, and I especially love the friendships I've developed-- some of whom I now count among my closest friends.

Merry Simple Christmas

2011-12-26T04:00:00.001-07:00

By Tracy Astle

After lots of this -

and this -

and hopefully some of this -

it's easy to become stressed and overwhelmed (even if it is for wonderful reasons) and lose sight of the fact that Christmas is really this simple.

Hope you had a Spirit-filled Christmas and that you feel His love surrounding you and those you love all throughout the coming year.

A Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy Blogging New Year

2011-12-25T00:00:00.005-07:00

by Marsha Ward

I'm wishing all our readers a glorious holiday season and an awesome Year 2012.

Christmas kind of snuck up on me this year, what with my continuing moving adventures (ever tried it in the snow?), so I won't say any more about that holiday, except to mention that I've had a lovely time.

I always check with our Blog Team each six months to see if their lives allow them to continue with us. Three have had enough changes come along that they are bowing out, so on January 1st, we'll say goodbye to Wendy Jones, Tanya Mills, and Melinda Carroll. Taking their spots will be Margaret Turley, Debra Erfert, and Nikki Spencer.

I'm always torn when the six month mark comes around, because I'm sad when we're obliged to lose our past bloggers, but I always welcome new faces and voices to our team. Is there a term for this ambivalent feeling of sadness mixed with joy? If so, I have it.

Thanks to all our retiring bloggers, and welcome, newbies!

Christmas

2011-12-24T05:00:00.004-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

Terri's post a few days ago got me thinking. We celebrate the birth of Christ every year. December 25th always comes whether we have plenty of money to try to shower our loved ones with gifts or very little money so we do the best we can and make do with gifts we create.

I have had both. My children --all five -- often mention the most memorable was the one we took most of the money we allotted for Christmas that year and played Secret Santa for some families we knew had struggles. Filling boxes with groceries and presents, then sneaking them onto porches, ringing the doorbells and then running and hiding was a blast. It was like we were world class secret agents. We were partners in fun adventure. My kids loved it.

We also chose to give each other only gifts we had made. I remember worrying about how Christmas morning would be when our children didn't have the gifts they had fantasized about.

But, do you know what? My worries were for nothing. I was humbled by what happened that Christmas morning. Each child was excited to see the reactions to their gifts they had created. They also absolutely loved what was made for them. I pondered this and realized each of us was emotionally and physically invested in the fits we had worked so hard on. It is one thing to give some thought to what you will buy someone, but a whole other thing to take the time to create something. It really does become a labor of love.

My high school son's gifts for his dad and me were stunning. He borrowed a friends snuggy and created his own pattern adding his own improvements like making them longer and with deeper pockets. He also added more material around the top so you could really snuggle in if you wanted. I love it. I wear it often, especially when I'm writing. While he was on his mission, it not only warmed me, but brought me much comfort. I felt him near me. It really was the best Christmas ever.

This year is a . . . well . . . not so lucrative venture. And that is just fine. I finally wrote the Christmas story about a little girl learning the true meaning of Christmas that I 've wanted to write for years. It has become part of my Christmas gifts to some. We are making gifts to share with extended families, visiting teachers, home teachers, neighbors and friends. You really can do a ton of baking using your food storage and some imagination. Christmas cards are being sent on-line.

We are more focused on each other and our Lord rather than the trappings. We will sing praises to the Christ child in our Ward Choir on Christmas Day. I know I will have tears as we sing Mary's Lullaby. I have not been able to get through the phrase, "You are a King, but tonight you are mine," without crying. My youngest son will sing a lovely song with the Primary children too. I have the opportunity to share my heart by playing my harp for the prelude music. It will be part of my gift to Jesus this Christmas. Then we will come home and continue to celebrate the birth of Christ together around the Christmas Tree that was decorated with much laughter, and . . . tossing of ornaments. (I was lucky this year, only one broke.)

I am grateful for Christmas this and every year. Hearts are softened. Families are together.

I wish each of you the Merriest Christmas and may you feel the Saviors love in your heart.

A Farewell Christmas Wish

2011-12-23T11:36:00.003-07:00

by Tanya Parker Mills

First, I want to express my gratitude to Marsha, et al for allowing me the privilege to post here every other week. I've learned and grown a lot in the give and take of comments, as well as in the postings of my fellow ANWA sisters. I will have absolutely no excuse in the new year not to keep up with my own personal blogging (First New Year's Resolution).

Second, I look forward with excitement to the opportunity to meet many of you for the first time at the conference in February. I'm escaping the cold of the Northwest to fly south at the end of February for a welcome and warm respite among fellow writers.

Finally, my true Christmas wish for all of us this year developed as I studied the early chapters of Alma these past few days. By chapter 5, the people of Zarahemla, having been greatly blessed with prosperity, were now turning on each other. There was contention both within and without the church, so much so that Alma appointed another to act as chief judge and went about to preach among the people full time as their high priest. He began by putting a series of questions to them designed to prick their conscience. Perhaps the most important are listed in Alma 5:14--"And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?"

These are questions we need to ask ourselves over and over, at least weekly when we take the Sacrament, if not daily. At this Christmas time, when we celebrate the condescension of God in taking on mortality in the vulnerable form of a helpless baby, may we all strive through His atonement to aspire to be reborn of God--to change our lives to the point where we, indeed, have his image in our countenances. That's my Christmas wish.

Inspiration

2011-12-22T11:40:00.002-07:00

By Susan G. Haws

Recently my computer got sick and slow and then it collapsed. I took it to Community General Hospital (sister’s house) where it was resuscitated and it went into intensive care for a few days. The doctor (brother-in-law) told me it didn’t have a virus but he had never before seen a computer with that many problems survive. So my little miracle machine is back home and we are re-bonding.

I did a bit of moping and whining. I complained to some friends who sympathized and each shared some of their recent difficulties. After hearing their challenges I decided mine weren’t so bad. (Can I blame part of my half empty glass on dieting during the holidays? No? Oh, well.)

My friend talked me into putting up my Christmas tree and I listened to an inspirational audio file and watched an inspirational movie. (Neither are directly related to Christmas.) Both brought perspective and tears to my eyes. In a good way.I just had to share them. (Get out the box of tissues.)

Maybe everyone reading this already saw Soul Surfer (click to connect to an official movie trailer on YouTube.) or read Bethany Hamilton’s book telling how as a teenager she lost her arm in a shark attack and went on to fulfill her dream of becoming a pro surfer and has inspired countless others through her faith, courage and determination. If you are familiar with them I hope the reminder perks up your day.

Author Tracy Hickman tells a story at Superstars Writing Seminar of a reader at a book signing sharing how Hickman’s book had changed the reader’s life. This in turn inspired Tracy Hickman in his writing.. It is not long and extremely worth hearing.

Both show how people inspire each other. The audio file shows how fiction inspired a reader and how that reader then inspired the author. The movie based on a autobiography shows the how a person inspired fans with her courage and determination. There are scenes where fan letters in turn inspire the girl. This is an over simplification of both. But I wanted to draw these parallels for writers and readers.

I have wondered, laughed, cried, and been inspired by both fiction and nonfiction. Even though writers and readers may never meet and may even communicate over decades or centuries, words influence and have power.

Wishing you peace and joy. Merry Christmas to readers and writers.

...of DOOM!

2011-12-21T17:05:00.004-07:00

by Kami Cornwall

Okay, I know my post is a little late in the day but I have a perfectly good explanation! I was held hostage! It's true! Our family decided on the riverboat ride at Disneyland (our Christmas gift to ourselves this year) and though it seemed benign initially, we've now re-named it...the Riverboat of DOOM.

It was all going smoothly at first. The river was peaceful, the animatronics were minding their own business, and then right when we got past the eagle's nest the riverboat stopped. Since I had never been on the riverboat before I didn't suspect anything was wrong.

After 5 peaceful minutes the riverboat captain announced that we were experiencing "MINOR" technical difficulties and that we would need to evacuate the boat. A raft from Tom Sawyer's Island pulled up but instead of the mad rush from the rich to get on the one life-boat that wouldn't possibly hold us all, knowing the rest of us were sure to sink like the Titanic, a group of men boarded the boat, pulled open an important looking hatch, talked while rubbing their chins, then started her up again at half-speed and we managed to crawl back to the dock.

We got fast passes to any attraction for our troubles, which were quickly used at the Haunted Mansion. The Mansion is decorated for Christmas in full Tim Burton style. Fans of Nightmare before Christmas have been squealing with glee! And that's why I couldn't post earlier. But try not to feel TOO sorry for me.

Santa & Crying

2011-12-20T23:28:00.003-07:00

by Terri Wagner

Why do we insist in dragging young children all decked out to meet Santa? We had my little grand niece (great niece not sure here) all dressed up in a frilly black-n-red dress, ribbons in her blond hair, black patent shoes and a black bolero jacket (which surprisingly dad bought). She looked adorable. Everyone in the mall oohhed and ahhhed over her.

Now this young lady is quite fearless. She fussed a bit in line but fortunately it wasn't a long wait. Waved to Santa while in line. Watched the older girl before no problem. Got situated on Santa's knee just fine. Looked in the camera and howled. We laughed. The crew asked if we wanted the photos and of course we said yes. Something to embarrass her with in years to come.

While I was plotting my father's gift (which btw when you're broke, you seem to have clever ideas for gifts since you can't really afford much), I found a photo of her big sister with Santa same age same howling giggle. Wonder why kids howl so and why we think it's hysterical?

Sometimes I think the British royal family has it right. Since they can obviously afford what they want when they want, they buy gag gifts for each other at Christmas. And I knew one family that had this dreadful tie that got passed around year after year. I think I'll start a new tradition just for my gift giving. From now on, I'll just find clever, inexpensive gifts for friends and family. Most of all whom (who? I can never keep that straight) can buy what they want when they want or it's something I couldn't afford to give them anyway. Like my mom would love a condo on the beach (so would I), my sister a sports car (not my style), my brother got his new motorcycle (terrified of them) and the rest of the gang just seriously needs mola to get through some rotten times. Dear old dad footing the bills for us all is upset I'm driving my aging car to mom's for Christmas.

Yea IF I can't be rich, I'll just settle for fun. Here's hoping the gang agrees.

A Busy Christmas!

2011-12-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

by Kristin Baker Przybyla

I think by now just about everyone has seen the Christmas trees made out of books. This one is my favorite. I'm totally making one next year!

I'm counting down the days until we drive to Boise to spend Christmas at my mom's. It's a very special holiday for our family this year. She started dating the most wonderful guy over the summer. She'd known him for about 3 years, since she moved to Idaho. On Thanksgiving he gave her a beautiful wooden box he'd made, and in it was his mother's wedding ring.

My mom has waited all her life to be sealed in the temple with someone. A couple of things went wrong, as I'm sure many of us can understand. She'd finally given up hope of ever being sealed to anyone, and then Mac came along. Everyone loved him from the start (I did even before she started dating him, I just knew they'd end up together!), and his family treats her like one of theirs. It's so nice to see my mom this happy and treated like the amazing woman she is.

The Boise Temple is undergoing renovations and won't be open again until summer, so their original plan was to get sealed in Twin Falls in the spring. But then his landlady surprised him by telling him she wanted to move into her house by January 1st, so he found himself needing another place to live and quick. They talked to their bishop, who suggested they get married for time at the chapel, then get sealed in the temple when it's open.

So we have a very special, but busy, holiday week planned! The big day is December 27th. My mom is nervous, understandably, but holding up pretty well. They both got their answers when they prayed about it before Thanksgiving. And I'm just so excited I can hardly hold it all in!

I hope every one of you has a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Does anyone have any special plans or traditions? Are you traveling or enjoying the holiday at home? Stay safe everyone, and I'll see you next year!

Honesty in Fiction

2011-12-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

By Wendy A. Jones

I was going through the information on an old flash drive the other day, and I came across a few pieces in a writing folder. They were written just before and for several months after a traumatic experience in my life.

They were very difficult to read.

Not because they were written with excess adverbs or point of view problems or any other type of writing construction issues. It was because they were so honest.

They were honest enough that I could see my own soul at the time I wrote them, stripped bare of any pretense or subterfuge or agenda. Throbbing with pain and bleeding out an open heart wound.

Yet, while I could still feel the emotions that prompted the writings in the first place, I could now look at them through the prism of time, experience, and healing.

I had compassion on that wounded soul. But I am her no longer.

They are moving and heart-breaking and some of the finest pieces I've ever written, yet I will never share them. They show too much; they are too honest. They make me vulnerable.

Perhaps that's why I like writing fiction: I'm able to use the characters as a buffer, so I can still be honest without exposing my own quivering flesh.

As the sun sets on this year, I've been thinking back on changes I see in myself. I've also been looking forward to the person I want to become. Part of that involves writing truth in a way that resonates.

Wishing you all a joy-filled Christmas and a hopeful New Year.

"Tips from the Slush Pile"

2011-12-17T05:00:00.002-07:00

By Bonnie Harris

Awhile ago, I subscribed to the Nelson Literary Agency's Newsletter. (I would highly recommend hoping over to their website and signing up for their newsletter.) They've consisted of advice from Kristin Nelson about writing trends and such, along with thought from agents on her staff. I've found it very helpful information and it helps me to stay "in the know" as I navigate the publishing world.

In December's newsletter, Anita Mumm (who is coming to our ANWA Conference in February in Phoenix, AZ) wrote a fantastic note on "Smart Persistence." It gave me good insight on whether or not it is proper to re-query an agent and if so, when it's appropriate. Here's what she had to say . . . Enjoy!

TIPS FROM THE SLUSHPILE by Anita Mumm

Writer's Toolbox: Smart Persistence

One of the most common pieces of advice aspiring writers receive is “don’t take no for an answer.”

We all know that rejection is part of life as a writer, and that tenacity is perhaps the most important quality you can possess. But when doors close in your face, is it okay to knock again? And what steps should you take before doing so?

Unless agents specify that they do not take resubmissions, it is perfectly okay try again. In fact, NLA has signed several clients that at first were not the right fit.

One was Gail Carriger, author of the sexy steampunk PARASOL PROTECTORATEseries, which now includes three NYT bestsellers. Gail first queried Kristin with a young adult novel that she turned. Four years later, remembering the great editorial notes Kristin gave, Gail requeried, Kristin fell in love with the project, and the rest is history.

Then there’s Marie Lu, whose phenomenal YA dystopian novel LEGEND hit shelves November 29. Marie approached Kristin at Pikes Peak Writers Conference several years ago, but didn't quite win her over. When Marie came back with a whole new project, Kristin offered representation, but ultimately couldn't sell it. So what did Marie do? She dusted herself off, wrote another book. . . and watched the series sell in a major auction. A film deal with CBS films and the producers of Twilight was not far behind. That's the power of persistence!

Things to consider before resubmitting:

1. Have you done a SERIOUS rewrite? This is tough to hear, but if your query is getting no attention, or if agents are requesting, then rejecting, your sample or full, there’s probably more to fix than commas and typos. Take it back to your critique group or editor and ask them to take no prisoners! If you see patterns in their advice and you can live with the changes, make them. Regardless, spend months—not days or weeks—working as hard on this new draft as you did on the first. Agents are skeptical when they see rewrite queries almost immediately—how different could this new draft be?

2. Did agents give positive feedback? If an agent says she’d love to see future work from you, she means it—there’s way too much coming through the slushpile for agents to say that lightly. Any advice about things to work on should also be seen as encouragement. Just be sure that if you resubmit to that agency, that particular advice figures into your revision. You don’t need to agree with every agent, but you do want to have the same vision as the one who signs you.

3. Don't be a spammer! There’s a big difference between asking an agent to take another look—and becoming “that writer.” The one who sends the same infernal query letter every day/week/month, wondering how agents just keep missing it. See number 1—time to go back to the drawing board! Then resubmit your query (once) and wait for a response. If you get another rejection, third time is probably not a charm—cut your losses and look for agents who might be a better fit.

Resources for obtaining feedback before resubmitting your work:

www.WEbook.com Allows writers to submit (for a nominal fee) samples for readers to rate.

http://pred-ed.com/peesla.htm Lists quality freelance editors and editing companies; also notes those that are NOT recommended.

Am I Funny?

2011-12-16T07:00:00.005-07:00

by Laura Lofgreen

When I first started blogging, I found the honesty of the entire experience interesting. I’m not normally out spoken. I’m a good listener and like to hear how others feel yet here I was, day after day, writing about how I felt about things and how I see the world. I realize my perspective belongs to me, but the honesty sometimes was a bit much. I didn’t want to force myself or my ideas down people’s throats. Was there a way to be gracious in the blogging process? Would my readers know when I was being a bit sarcastic? Light-hearted? Emotional? In other words, would my readers read between the lines of what I was writing vs. what I was trying to say? Would they know who I was by what I wrote?

One day, I received a comment from someone who reads my blog My Dear Trash. She said “I love reading your blog. You’re one of the funniest people I know.”

Funny?

Me, really?

I knew I played around with ideas, joked about my own inadequacies, but a funny writer?

I had no idea.

I read through some of my previous blog posts and chuckled. I really was funny, I just didn’t realize it. Someone had to point it out to me which makes me somewhat dense, but that's an entirely different discussion.

Now, I see humor in my experiences I didn’t before and it makes writing so much more fun. When I get really serious, it’s easy to lighten up a bit. I also search out humor more in everyday experiences, hoping to write about it later. When my kids do something funny, like leave the ketchup on top of the fire place mantel or accidentally get the broom struck in the top of the tree (I have know idea how that happened), I take a picture because I know I can later post it to something I’m writing about on my blog.

When things make me laugh out loud, I write them down for later use. Like when I ran into my husband in the laundry room and we hadn’t see each other all day and I said “Come here often?” Now that was funny.

I’m glad someone pointed out to me a part of my writing style I hadn’t seen before. Has your writing improved/ changed because of feedback you’ve received?

Priceless Gifts

2011-12-15T11:53:00.001-07:00

by Kari Pike

I have been struggling to figure out why I should continue trying to write. What is my goal? I want to write things that will bring myself and others closer to Christ - to bear testimony of Him and help others feel His love - to help others see and feel and come to know who they are in His eyes (the only true mirror- He sees us exactly as we are and as we can be) and to recognize the gifts that he gives us each and every day - to recognize that He has much more waiting for us, just for the asking. If we seek, we will find. If we ask, He will answer. If we knock, He will open the door for us.

What gifts are waiting for me? Am I assigned just certain ones or do I get to choose? How do I choose? How do I come to know the purpose for which I was created? I know I was sent here to love and to learn. How do I show and share that love? What does love mean? I do believe that by exercising faith, I can come to know the Savior better and He will guide me along the path that will help me become who I am meant to be.

How can I help others feel and see that marvelous light of God? I love the feeling that comes with recognizing the light in each person I meet and rejoicing in who they are and being grateful for them in my life. My life is blessed through their gifts. Yet, all too often, I struggle to recognize these daily gifts. I only see the lack, the hardship, the struggle.

How can I write something that will help myself and others recognize our spiritual gifts? It's one thing to see people face to face and tell them how much I appreciate them and their gifts. What can I write that will touch the hearts of complete strangers?

I received the most precious gift this year for Christmas. My husband and I made a quick trip to Phoenix last week to return the car my parents crashed up here in November. I had planned on spending Friday with my parents. My mom has been ill for a number of years. I packed my computer and some writing projects and intended to just hang out with her and get some writing done while we watched movies. When I walked into the house, my mom was up and dressed and smiling.

"Do you want to go out somewhere? Let's go do something! I'm having a good day today!"

You have to know, that my mom and I used to shop til we dropped. That was our "thing." We loved going home and showing Dad all the deals we found and how much money we saved him by spending his hard earned cash! We hadn't been able to enjoy that activity together for several years. Of course, we hightailed it to the mall! For four hours we wandered up and down, trying on jewelry and clothes, sharing a sandwich in the food court, and indulging in a piece of chocolate.

Did you know gloves can talk? The purple leather, cashmere lined ones, with the buckles on the wrist...you know...the ones in the Coach store? They said,

"Do these make my fingers look fat?"

They tried to entice me to buy them...but one look at the price tag was all I needed to gently place them back across their matching bag.

And that necklace in Macey's...stunning. We didn't dare touch it.

Like those ads we see on TV - purple gloves - $128.00, diamond/sapphire necklace - $10,000 - enjoying the day laughing with my mom and not spending any money- absolutely priceless.

Now my questions are different. What gifts can I give my Savior? He has given me more than I could ever hope for. What am I willing to give up so that I can be closer to my Savior? What am I going to do to show my gratitude? I will acknowledge His gifts not only through my actions but through the written word. I may not write them very well, but they will be sincere and they will be true. And they will be filled with love.

Thank you for being my friends. I wish all of you a joyful Christmas and New Year.

Post Troubles And More About Self-Publishing

2011-12-14T21:28:00.001-07:00

By Melinda Carroll

My computer won't let me sign on, but for some reason my iPad will. So what does that mean? This is going to be a short post. I had a friend pass along an article from the Wall Street Journal (from Dec. 9) about self publishing. It was about an author named Darcie Chan who wrote a manuscript a number of years ago. She submitted it to over 100 agents before finding one that would represent her. Then none of the major publishing companies would pick it up. After shelving it for years she finally decided to go the self publishing route and published it earlier this year through Amazon's Kindle self-publishing program, selling her books for 99 cents (Chan makes about 35 cents per book).

She did some research and purchased some ads and reviews, and after some fortunate mentions on websites, etc. she has now sold over 400,000 copies. Her book has been on the NY Times best selling list, yet astoundingly, she still can't find a publisher. She's had six film studios request the rights to her book, along with audio-book publishers and foreign publishers. She hasnt accepted any offers because she's afraid it will make it more difficult to get a publishing deal here in the US. But the traditional publishers are still hesitant to take her book on because they now fear it's "run it's course" and won't be successful for them. Any offers she's received have been worse than the money she makes on her own. So frustrating!!!

It's an interesting article. It reminds us that we need to be informed when it comes to self-publishing or traditional publishing. We need to know what our ultimate goals are, and what roads we need to take to get there. And we have to be prepared if those roads lead us somewhere we didn't expect.

Applying Work to Passion

2011-12-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

By Leesa Ostrander

I mentioned previously that I teach CPR and safety classes. These classes are taught with a standard curriculum and have to cover the federally necessary information.

With this said, I have been certified CPR trained since I was 15, now deep in my thirties. I have been in dental and healthcare and have gone through OSHA training every year and CPR/AED training every two years. This is a lot of time in lecture about how to save a life until EMS arrives.

A few years ago an opportunity came to teach these classes. I was excited, scare and nervous. I had weeks of heartburn over standing in front of the community, doctors, nurses and everyone and teach the about saving a life. How could I teach them to save a life when I had never done it?

I am lucky to not have used the skills, yet do not feel qualified to teach it. I began teaching the class. I felt even more inadequate. I enrolled in EMT training. Loved the training and the knowledge that came with understanding how to keep a heart beating. I did learn other skills to help in my current path as a CPR instructor.

I then kept my path and opened my own business. Again, I was excited, nervous and scared. Now, I have other instructors working for me. I look at the training and still see it as hours of lecture with little new information and updates. This system to me was less effective. After sitting through courses, continuing education and many recertification classes, lecture is not the way to retrain new information on skills known for many years.

I spent sleepless nights thinking up ways to train and have the information swell into a need to gain the knowledge and share the passion I have. I found a plan.

I was excited, nervous and scared.

Turns out the plan works. We learn the training all hands-on in scenario based situations. Very exciting, lets me get to discuss in deeper detail and lets the person choose how much more they want. The participants like it.

So why does this relate to my pursuit of writing?

Sometimes I have to search deeper into why I write. Push past the excited emotions, calm the nervous emotions and conquer the scared to get to the passion to share.

My role in teaching CPR training has led to an opportunity to write for an online site in safety training. I think today I will continue to strive to gain knowledge and the joy of the journey.

Words, Deeds, Thoughts

2011-12-12T04:00:00.003-07:00

By Tracy Astle

Two recent, seemingly unrelated happenings brought something together for me.

First thing - I read a book and saw a movie (not a movie of the book, but of a different story) that I expected to really like. I had heard good things about both of them and they are genres I usually like a lot. Only this time I didnt. It's not that I hated them or even disliked them, really. They just weren't very satisfying. They didn't draw me in emotionally. I seriously doubt if I'll even remember reading/seeing them a few months from now. I couldn't quite figure out why I felt so meh about them until the second thing happened.

This weekend I enjoyed the feast that is stake conference. So sorry you all weren't there with me. It was Ah-maz-ing. Anyway, at the Saturday evening adult session three of the speakers, who aren't assigned topics by the way, touched on the importance of doing. Let's go on a slight field trip to hear a story one of the the temple presidency told to illustrate this.

"If I told you three frogs sat on a log then one decided to jump off, how many frogs would remain on the log?

Most of you are probably thinking two. Some of you may even be thinking one, although I don't know why. But the answer is three.

Why? Because I said one frog decided to jump off. He didn't actually do it, he just decided to."

End of field trip. We're back now to the other speakers at conference. The fourth speaker, a member of our stake Relief Society presidency, spoke about the importance of our words, more specifically, about the importance of using postive speech. Our stake president then finished up the meeting by telling three stories: one showing the power of our words, the next showing the power our our actions, and the third emphasizing the power of our thoughts. Trust me when I tell you what an impactful speaker my stake president is. His gift of presentation makes me want to stand up and follow him wherever he leads, much like I imagine I would have felt had I been blessed to hear King Benjamin or Captain Moroni speak.

For whatever reason, after attending that meeting I realized the reason I didn't connect with that recent book or movie the way I had expected to. It was that I didn't feel the thread running flawlessly from the characters' words which they chose to speak, to their actions which should speak more loudly than their words to clue me into who they really are and what they really want, to their thoughts which I should be able to discern from their words and deeds.

Too many times when a book or movie feels kind of flat it's because the motivation for the characters' dialog and actions seem to be simply to move the story ahead rather than the story evolving because of the characters' thoughts creating the words and deeds which then create the movement of the story.

I suppose you all may already know this, and so did I to a degree, but it made me really get how important it is to know each and every one of our characters intimately enough to have every scene we write blossom organically from the actions and dialog that spring from the deep seeded thoughts and thought patterns they hold.

Suzanne Collins does this masterfully. I hope will, too, one day.

Anyone have any tips for how to accomplish this?

Amazon's KDP Select program

2011-12-11T00:00:00.002-07:00

by Marsha Ward

I got an email from Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) last Thursday. It invited me to join a new program that is being offered by Amazon.com to independent (indie) authors and publishers. The gist of the program is that you can make your ebooks available to the Kindle Lending Library used by Amazon Prime members, and get your share of a $500,000 pot that Amazon is establishing for those whose ebooks are borrowed.

Here's the first paragraph: "We're excited to introduce KDP Select - a new option dedicated to KDP authors and publishers worldwide, featuring a fund of $500,000 in December 2011 and at least $6 million in total for 2012! KDP Select gives you a new way to earn royalties, reach a broader audience, and use a new set of promotional tools."

Prime customers get one free rental per month. You get paid on a pro rate basis, depending on how many of your books are actually rented in comparison to the total rentals that month.

"Wow!" you say. "I can get a whole lot more money if I op-in to this program!"

Well, as with anything, there are conditions. One is really big, to my mind. You have to guarantee Amazon total exclusivity for 90 days to the title(s) that you put into the 90-day-with-automatic-re-enrollment program. Every 90 days, you re-enroll or get re-enrolled by default. When re-enrolled, every 90 days Amazon gets the exclusive right to sell/distribute your titles. (As I understand it, if you change your mind several days after enrolling, and pull out, there are parts to the contract giving Amazon certain rights for that 90 day period. Please correct me if I'm wrong.).

This exclusivity provision means you have to go take down your titles from any other distributors--RIGHT NOW--plus you have to take your own offers off your blog and/or website. That's time-consuming and work-intensive (not to mention counter-productive if you're an indie author because you want to be independent!). Never mind contacting anyone anywhere in the world who offers your work for sale or distribution. Do you even remember them all if they aren't selling well from an obscure site and you don't see a royalty?

If Amazon finds that you have forgotten (or don't know about) even one of those links, they can refuse to pay royalties, and go so far as to kick you out of the entire KDP program!

There are many more caveats along with benefits, but I've decided to say "no way, Jose'." Even though Kindle pays me more than any other ebook distributor just now, that may not remain the status quo in a year or two. Besides, although Amazon is opening Kindle Stores in more countries, I have made sales through other distributors in countries where the Kindle and Amazon have not yet arrived. I don't like to put my eggs all in one basket, or limit my ebooks to only one format. Enrolling in this program would put all my eggs in one fragile place. And what if, as one commenter asked, the handle broke?

Here are links to several other blogs and articles about the KDP Select program. Don't forget to read the comments for more perspectives. You can make up your own mind about the issue, but for me, it's a pass!

Writer Beware blog post (author-centric)

Mark Coker's article on the Huffington Post (aimed at the public)

Mark Coker's post on the Smashword's blog (author-centric)

One writer pulls all product from Amazon

Another writer's assessment

More thoughts from an author

Another author checks in with her opinion

Note to readers by yet another author (with plenty of links to others)

Thanks for reading!

Edited to clarify some confusing parts I wrote very early one morning.

Great Quotes and a Great Christmas Gift for Writers

2011-12-10T05:00:00.003-07:00

by Cindy R. Williams

I am a collector of good quotes. Here is one of the best.

"I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go." - Abraham Lincoln.

Love the quote, and feel like I live the quote. Another thing I know is that the plan is not for me to fail.

So, I won't. Simple right? Yes, but why not? I am too tired to keep things so crazy and complicated anymore.

Boils down to another good quote, "Do it!" President Spencer W. Kimball.

Here is another timely quote: "All I want for Christmas is "Time Out for Writers" ANWA Writer's Conference!" Think about it. Money is T-I-G-H-T -!-!-! for sure. What a great gift to yourself -developing your writing talent. Even better if loved ones have a hand in it. To learn more about it, go to www.ANWA-lds.com You could even give the gift of the ANWA Writers Conference to a friend. Remember it is for the general public also, not just members of ANWA.

Freezing Fog and Shopping

2011-12-09T10:32:00.004-07:00

by Tanya Parker Mills

If you're an anti-shopper like me (and I realize that, among women, I'm a rare breed), you look for just the right opportunities to get into stores and get out fast. Those opportunities are hard to come by during the month of December, but we've been "blessed" with a lovely freezing fog the past two days--one that promises to continue into tomorrow and maybe even next week.

Perfect!

Who would want to go out in this weather? Answer: Me.

I am assuming, of course, that most others will choose to stay in and wait for it to clear to resume their frantic, frenzied buying routines. The mall will be not quite so crowded, the streets less populated, and there may even be a decent parking space waiting just for me near my preferred mall entrance--the one that allows me to get in and get out fastest.

And one more thing: Store employees might be more attentive because they're not as busy.

On second thought, their increased attentiveness will likely be negated by the sour attitude brought on by having to travel to work on slippery roads in freezing fog.

Oh, well. I can't have it all.

Food, Gifts, and the Holidays

2011-12-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

Susan G. Haws

At my house the two humans have two diets. We have the Cream, Gravy, Carbs, and Chocolate diet and we have the lettuce, meat, and almonds diet. You can guess which one I am on (Team Rabbit), but I prepare and serve team Cream/Chocolate as well.

Last night some nice young men and their leader delivered a lovely plate of holiday goodies. The cookies were packed with chocolate chips the icing and sprinkles were thick on the sugar cookies, there were mini muffins and even reindeer cookies and all were at that perfect softness. (Some neighborhood mothers must have been baking up a storm. You can't tell me any of those shiny faced boys did more than run out the door with their containers of yummies. I also suspect some female guidance in the lovely arrangement of the items on the holiday platter.)

I was on an important phone call when they arrived and not so pleased to see more inedibles. I already had whole milk, half and half, egg nog, premium ice cream and several kinds of chocolate truffles in my kitchen. None of which I eat.) So I may have sounded a bit Grinchish when I asked who the gift was from and and grudgingly wished the boys "Merry Christmas."

(No, I didn't trash the goodies. Tempting but no.) I encouraged consumption until not another morsel would fit.

This morning a little spark ignited in my coal heart by a different gift. There were some treats but the giver knew I was on a diet and was able to tell me just how much of a cheat it would be. So I splurged and enjoyed it. There was also a non food item (a DVD) and it was one we had already discussed so I knew she valued it and she knew I wanted it. Also both parts of the gift could be shared by both the cream team and the green team.

Both teams have been blessed with thoughtful gifts already this year. I hope I can be as thoughtful a giver. What are some gifts that have helped or touched you?

Word Peeves

2011-12-07T11:12:00.004-07:00

by Kami Cornwall

This week I have heard on at least three different occasions the mis-pronunciation of a few words as well as a phrase that is misused time and again. I have to get this off my chest and what better way than venting in a blog read by fellow writers. Hunh? Hunh? Humor me, people.

Okay, say it with me: Button. Not buddun. If you say it quickly it may sound like "bu 'n" but said like "buddun" and you sound like you have a head-cold...but only when saying one or two words. Same goes for "certain." Cerdain drives me crazy! Prounounce the "T" people and I won't threaten to punch the air in inconsequential rage.

My annoying phrase of the week is "I couldn't care less." That would be right. "I could care less" is what I keep hearing, but that implies that I actually care a little and so there is room for me to in fact care less than I currently do. Make sense? So "I could care less" means I actually care somewhat. If you want to really sock it to 'em you should say "I couldn't care less," as in, "I couldn't care less what Kami is blogging about today. She's really on one!"

Deep, cleansing breath.

That is all.

Random Thoughts

2011-12-06T19:03:00.003-07:00

by Terri Wagner

Walter Williams, a very interesting economic professor, often has a column he calls random thoughts. Just things that have occurred to him over a select period of time. I thought it might be fun to do the same.

Why is it when I was busy commuting and working I never missed a cyber meeting or a blog entry? Is it really true that the busier we are, the more time we make for doing things?

Why is the media still focused on "fair and balanced" when we are all way past that point? I don't want to know what the "other" side thinks...I get the feeling no one is really telling the truth anyway. And isn't that a scary place to be?

Just when you figure life out and have a direction you feel good about going in, someone comes in and changes it. Sometimes I suppose this could be a good thing, but most of the time, it's a really difficult thing.

Is it really comforting to know you aren't the only one and in point of fact not nearly as bad off as others?

Why is it that when you finally decide you want to watch the BYU channel, you keep forgetting it's on?

Why did HGTV go to real estate shows and cancel (they don't cancel they just go away) all the decorating shows?

Why do I love Christmas so much? I mean the secular side of Christmas like the lights, the food, the music, the sappy movies, etc.?

Anyone else have any random thoughts?

Getting to Know You: Via Google

2011-12-05T13:55:00.003-07:00

by Kristin Baker Przybyla

The other day one of my friends posted this on my Facebook wall: "typing your name into google reveals lots about you haha you have a very large internet presence.."

My first reaction was to laugh and say, "Oh my gosh, Sam, you're such a stalker!" Then, of course, I ran over to Google and typed my name in. I've done this a few times before, because it's always fun to see if there are other people out there with my name (there's just one other as far as I could find). With 'Kristin Baker,' a lot of stuff pops up for this artist in New York. Okay, that's the reason I decided I might use my crazy Polish last name in my writing. 'Kristin Przybyla' reveals a bit more, mostly that I use Facebook and Twitter--and still haven't canceled my Myspace account. It's when I use both my maiden and married names that I hit the mother lode. This is what Sam did. Whoa Nellie. All kinds of fun tidbits popped up, mostly blog posts I've either done or have been involved in with other people's blogs.

Having a "large internet presence" isn't a bad thing when you're trying to get recognized as a writer, but I'm sure all of you can realize it can have quite the opposite effect of what you want, if you're not careful what you put up for the world to see. I've been to conferences where the attending agents and editors have warned us that yes, they DO search for writers' blogs and even Facebook and Twitter accounts. And if they don't like what they see, you might just miss out on a great opportunity to have that person ask for your manuscript. (This means I can't publicly complain with free abandon about the woes of rejection letters!)

What you wouldn't want your parents to see, should be something you wouldn't want a potential agent to see either. I'm not just limiting this to stuff we know we shouldn't be posting anyway; but unprofessional writing habits such as using too many emoticons and "internet speak." (I hate internet speak anyway!) There's nothing wrong with the occasional "lol," but like with adverbs, if you always pepper your conversational online speech with these and other "naughties" such as wat r u doing 2day?, that potential agent is going to close the window and move on to the next writer.

I was pretty happy with the stuff that popped up in my Google search. Sometimes I was amused. It's okay to let your personality show--in fact I would encourage it because agents are people too. And they want to know if they're going to click with the author they're considering.

If you don't see much about you in your Google search, that just means ~~you don't have a big enough Internet addiction~~ you should market yourself a little more. Post more often in your blog, or start a blog if you don't have one. Post often on other people's blogs! That's a great way to get your name out there, and to gain followers and contacts. If you prefer keeping your personal information private, consider opening a public Facebook page for your writing pursuits.

For more fun, click on "images" after your Google search. You might be surprised at what pops up. The following picture of me was on the top row. Oh dear!

The kissy face! Another internet no-no!