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.
Jan 4, 2012
Jan 3, 2012
To New Year Resolutions
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 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.
Jan 2, 2012
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
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.
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.
Jan 1, 2012
Super ANWA Conference 2012 Faculty
by Margaret L. Turley
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
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