Who am I to shine?

Who am I to shine?

by Deb Graham
 
I’ve cherished books since I was a little girl, wandering in the public library, longing to be old enough to venture unto the mysterious realm of the Middle Grades room, certain the thick books held untold mysteries, away from my beloved picture books.

Books are to be cherished. For every holiday since our first son was born, gifts have included a book. I want my kids to associate reading with happiness.  I taught them each to read when they were not much older than toddlers. As a character in my novel asserts, “The world can’t put anything over on a body who can read.” She’s a pioneer; they talk like that. 

I guess my love of books passed down. When the kids were young, I sometimes found myself scolding, “It’s one o’clock in the morning! Put down your book and be asleep!” I’d step into the hall, wondering if I was wrong to fuss. Perhaps I should have encouraged another chapter. I delight in hearing my grown children complain about their little ones reading far into the night, or, at least, sleeping with a pile of picture books.  

Reading is a gift.  But writing is a whole nuther thing.

Who am I to think I can write anything worth reading? A song, a poem, an article, a full-length book? We’re warned against pride and arrogance, cautioned about the virtues of humility, and to present before the world something out of our own creative minds is ...well, daunting.

We may admit, with lowered eyes, “Oh, I write a little.” Somehow saying, “I just published my eleventh non-fiction, one of them has almost  300 reviews on Amazon, my debut novel is selling well, I’m working on two more and I’ve collaborated on three others and I'm thinking about writing a peanut butter cookbook,” sounds like go-stand-in-the-corner boasting. Not to mention, it's anxiety-inducing. Wrapping words around actions can do that, you know.

Let’s look at some wisdom from reputable sources:

Matthew 5:16 (KJV) says “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

The Lord of all tells us to shine. By writing good quality books, articles, stories, poetry, blogs, music, etc, we push back the darkness.

Nelson Mandela quoted Marianne Williamson in an inaugural address:

 “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” (1)

In October 2008, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said:

“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.” (2)

To deny our probably-inspired creativity doesn’t benefit anyone. The World is great at cutting us down, making us feel inadequate; we need no help in that regard. What we need is  a source of uplift, a reminder that we’re on the right track. I hope we each can find that.

As you read this, I’ll be at the ANWA Northwest Retreat. It’s a coming together of like-minded women, all sharing ideas, strengthening one another, teaching, sharing, building relationships, mixed with time to write in complete, uninterrupted sentences in a beautiful setting.  Last year was my first retreat, and I came home feeling so energized, so accepted, so inspired, I was among the first to sign up this year.

 Last year’s retreat triggered three new books and two bathroom remodels (3), along with tangibly increased self-confidence. Who knows what will happen this time? 

One of the most valuable things I learned was to own it, to boldly say, “I’m an author!”

 ~~~                                ~~~

(1) “Our Deepest Fear” by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

(2)  Happiness, Your Heritage, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

(3) I designed the backsplashes in our bathrooms and made them of beach rocks from the retreat’s beach, which I gathered a month later. Benefit to living nearby!

How Writing Affects Me

Rosario Beach: A popular spot for pondering
 during the NW Writers Retreat 

by Susan Allred

In the world of writing, I'm a newbie.  I've only been at it about three years.  I don't have a degree in English, and I've never been published.  I'm working on my sixteenth (and FINAL) draft of my Young Adult novel. Every single draft was absolutely necessary. Believe me.

Before writing, I was pretty self-contained.  I worked hard, kept my head down, and got things done. But, aside from a job well done, I had nothing to show for all my hard work. When I talk to my older children, they have few memories growing up.  There are even fewer pictures, and no journal entries.

Somewhere along the line, I got bit by the writing bug.  In addition to my first story, I have completed first drafts for three other books in this series, and am 1/3 of the way through a first draft  in another, paralleling series. All of my books are based off my children, their personalities, mannerisms, and even funny things they've said. Then I turn them into action stars!

What I'm most surprised by, though, is how writing affects so many other parts of my life.  All of the sudden, I'm writing a spiritual journal, updating three blogs, planning a book of family memories with my sisters, and a short story detailing how my husband and I met and got engaged (in three days).  Plus, I have dozens of other story ideas popping into my head at any given time.  I'll be busy for the next 30 years, and then some.

Seemingly incidental moments in life take on a whole new light.  Thoughts that would have flitted in and out of my mind turn into ideas to be examined, considered, written down, and remembered.

Moments with my children turn into vignettes and short stories.  Random events morph into writing prompts or scenes within books.  My life seems to have become one giant story, waiting to be filled with words by articulating thoughts, emotions,and moments onto paper.

Being a writer helps me to pause and take stock of my life.  Moments no longer speed by in an endless feed. Experiences that would have otherwise been skipped over are recognized as what they are: a blessing from our Father in Heaven. They're recognized as milestones and opportunities to connect with my family; memories to be told and re-told.

If I never publish my stories, that's okay.  Because by taking this journey, I have gained so much more than I could ever have imagined. I have re-gained my life, my family, and my testimony. I  have gained perspective.

Thank You, Lisa Mangum, For Scaring Me

A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of being a part of the Northwest ANWA Retreat in Rosario Beach, Washington. I arrived on Wednesday for the write-in so I could concentrate on the work-in-progress I'd been struggling with for eighteen months. It was also the first time I went to a conference intending to talk to an editor about my manuscript.

The ladies at the retreat.  10 Points if you can find Lisa!

But we didn't have just any editor. No. We had Lisa Mangum, the Acquisitions Editor for Shadow Mountain Publishing. This may not be a big deal for some writers, but in Mormon world, having the Acquisitions Editor for Shadow Mountain, the imprint for Deseret Books, on your doorstep is a big deal.

I'd spent weeks psyching myself up for a possible encounter with Lisa. I'd rehearsed at least a dozen scenarios in my head on how to present my book as the best thing ever and convince her that I had the next Fablehaven series. My first book, Unleashed, was nearly through the editing process and I was planning on finishing the first draft of the third book at the retreat.

The first time I saw Lisa, I swear angels sang from Heaven. I was expecting some lady in a black pantsuit, high heals, perfectly coiffed hair, and flawless makeup. But Lisa addressed our crowd of forty writers in a Rush t-shirt, jeans, tennis shoes, and absolutely no make-up. It was glorious! She's a real person!

The view from the beach

The next day, the writing gods smiled down upon me, and I walked into the conference building to find Lisa, all alone, staring out a window at the ocean. It couldn't possibly be that easy, could it?

I took a deep breath, smoothed down my shirt, and marched right up to her, thinking up some stupid excuse to interrupt her reverie.

She was nice, smiling politely and even remembering me from the 'getting to know you' session the night before. “You're the lady double majoring in Social Work and Addictions, aren't you?”

I grinned like an idiot and nodded my head.

“So, what are you writing?”

I have spoken in front of crowds of nearly 2,000 people, once ad-libbing for twenty minutes when they had an equipment malfunction. I've watched my three-month-old son be wheeled out of his hospital room to have open-heart surgery, had a child nearly die in my arms, and have made business presentations to international corporations. And yet, talking to Lisa Mangum scared me most.

One of our breathtaking sunsets! Aren't you jealous?

My heart skipped a beat, my mouth went dry, and I drew a blank. “It's not ready! I don't want to talk about it.”

She gave me a funny look. “Okay, then what have you been reading lately?”

Blank again! I swear I've read twenty books in the last six months, and I couldn't think of anything except the Twilight series I'd teased my sixteen year old son about reading...for the fourth time...and some e-book series I'd read nearly a year ago. “The Scarab Beetle Series? Text books?” I stare at her hoping she can answer my question for me.

Instead, she just smiled. We chatted for a few more minutes about nothing in particular, and then lunch was called. I missed my opportunity, and I spent the rest of the afternoon kicking myself for not having faith in myself or my book. Somewhere during that split second when Lisa asked me what I was writing and giving my answer, a little voice in my head screamed, “It's not good enough! She's not going to like it!” And I listened.

Saturday morning, I almost ducked out early because it was my daughter's birthday. But Lisa was talking one more time and I wanted to hear her words of wisdom.

She talked about how she once listened to that horrible little voice in the back of her head that said, “You're not good enough.” She listened to it for ten years. But something changed in her, and she realized that, not only was she good enough, but she had a book in her that was “like the best thing ever.”

She discussed how she began to write again, how scared she was to show her story to others, and how, after it was published, she realized that we all have a story inside us. We need to get that story out. We need to ignore that negative voice in the back of our heads, and write!

I left the ANWA retreat energized, motivated, and a true-blue Lisa Mangum fan-girl.

Since then, I've finished my third story, am 14,500 words into my fourth manuscript, and have decided to split my series into two trilogies. My goal is to have my book, Unleashed, ready to submit to publishers on January 1^st. And you know what? I think I may just make it.

Thank you, Lisa Mangum, for scaring me and kicking me into motion. I would never have made that leap of faith with out you!

Living it up at the Northwest Retreat

Credit: WallaWalla.edu

I'm here! I'm finally here! It's been a solid year of planning, one month of organizing all my family's schedules, seven and a half hours of driving, and one all-nighter filled with preparations to make it happen, but I'm here!

I'm at Rosario Beach in Anacortes, Washington with sixteen amazingly wonderful women who share my love of writing and are equally driven to tell the story that's inside them. And you know what's even better? Tomorrow our numbers will more than double.

We're surrounded by lush greenery, a fog-covered eddie lapping onto a river rock shore, and just enough mist to make the retreat feel magical. Oh, wait. That's because it is!

Tomorrow we will listen to Lisa Mangum, Managing editor of Shadow Mountain followed by a variety of breakout sessions put on by some incredibly talented women who are kind enough to inspire and enlighten us on how to improve our craft, and to make it in the publishing world.

Oh how blessed we are to live in this day and age where we can come together, share our talents, and become better together. How blessed we are to have such a wonderful group of ladies to learn and grow with, while encouraging and celebrating their individual goals and accomplishments.

This is my second retreat at Rosario Beach. Last year I was a tag-along with almost no writing experience. I came, I observed, I cowered in the corner, and in spite of it all, I made friends, memories, and came home inspired to do and be more. This year, I come alone, determined to overcome my fear of not being good enough, and prepared to absorb everything I can from this experience.

For me, ANWA has been Heaven sent. I cannot imagine any other organization who is more focused on helping each other succeed. I look forward to a weekend without my children, gleaning from those who are further in the process than I am, and making a whole other group of life-long friends! Thank you, ladies, for welcoming me with open arms. I am truly blessed to be a part of this group.  

ANWA Retreat, Facts Only -- No Fluff, Really!

By Cindy R. Williams

No hype, no fuss, no exaggeration, nothing but the facts. ANWA Retreats are one of the Heavenly events available to us here in this busy and often troubled world.

I recently attending my 10th ANWA Retreat. Each one is unique. Each one is supurb.

Facts:

• Un-interrupted writing time.
• There is chocolate.
• Surrounded by other writers.
• Writers all around you mean you are accepted by all, not considered weird like in the general world of non-writers.
• These writers share your same standards.
• There is lovely chocolate.
• Catching up time with old friends.
• Meeting new friends.
• Plenty of delicious chocolate.
• You may take a nap without putting anyone out.
• Giggles
• Much writing accomplished.
• Goals reached.
• Enough chocolate to fill your wildest dreams.

ANWA Retreats . . . maybe we should consider calling them "Time Out For Chocolate!"

The Musings of an Overgrown Teenager

by Andilyn Jenkins

This past week, I went to the annual ANWA Writer’s Conference, which brought me to self-evaluate not just my writing, but all my goals and aspirations. Where do I want to be? And what am I doing to get there?

I am twenty-five. Which means I am old enough to have children but young enough to still act like one. I am old enough to balance a checkbook but young enough to still blow spending cash on new clothes. I am old enough to admit my naivety but young enough to be bold regardless. I am old enough to go to bed at 9:00 p.m. but young enough to stay out until 2:00 a.m. with the right group of girls. I am old enough that I see my future in long-term but young enough that I still believe anything is possible. Young enough to dream. Old enough to fight against dreams in the name of comfort and familiarity.

I see that to the world I’m just a baby. But I don’t feel like a baby. I feel like the clock is ticking and the historians are waiting for me to make my mark, and I’ve already waited too long. But I suppose the feeling that mankind is waiting, pen poised for my first step is the epitome of that self-absorbed time we call youth. So, I am a baby? After all, I’m only twenty-five. Right?

Time to go pick out a mountain. #ANWAcon15

ANWA South West Retreat

by Cindy R. Williams

This is scheduled to post on July 5th, a week after the ANWA South West Writers Conference. So the Retreat will be over by the time you read this. I want to share with you a few things from the Retreat.

#1  ANWA Retreats are a piece of Heaven on Earth
#2  ANWA Retreats create a tight knit writing community
#3  ANWA Retreats bring delightful new friends into your circle.
#4  ANWA Retreats show you the true colors of those you thought you knew, and thankfully their true colors are even more brilliant than you thought!
#  5 ANWA Retreats highlight incredible talents - Melinda Lamoreaux, Dena Haynes and Harriet Dodge and their incredible artistic talents and clever minds.

The Writers' Retreat: a Valued Tool

by Marsha Ward

I am a firm proponent of getting away from home to write. It doesn't matter how that is structured. The benefit of getting away from the regular writing venue, whether that is your bed, your couch, or your own home office, is that you're mixing it up by being in a new spot, and your brain somehow responds with ideas galore.

I'll talk about non-organized retreats a bit later. But first, I want to put in a good word for ANWA's retreats.

I've attended all but three of the ANWA Writers' Retreats that have been held in the southwest since 1997. The first time, I was going on a huge road trip with my family; the second time, I had unexpected surgery and was recovering; and the third time, I was obliged to be elsewhere to participate on a panel. However, I am attending this year's ANWA Southwest Region Retreat on the day this is posted. I expect that I am having a productive day, cranking out lots of words to wrap up my novel, Gone for a Soldier.

At the last ANWA retreat I attended, in 2012, I was able to make a lot of progress on Spinster's Folly, which was published later that year.

Yes, that's me huddling in a corner, working on Spinster's Folly.

I jealously guard my writing time at retreats, because I want to crank out the most words per hour that I can. Revise? No, that's for later, in most cases. "Write" is the watch word.

At a writers' retreat, usually the planners allow you lots of time for free writing, that is, writing on your work-in-progress, crafting something brand new, or writing a poem about the setting around you. You choose how you spend that time. You may also congregate with other writers who are willing to talk. Alternately, short classes may be planned for your edification.

What if you can't afford to attend an organized writers' retreat? What if there's nothing available at the time you need to get away?

Well, nothing is written down that says the only way you can have a retreat is to attend a big event. Do your own!

A couple of years ago, several friends of mine rented a cabin and had their own two-day retreat. Another friend traveled to a small, quiet town in a rural area, rented a room in a small motel, and spent the week writing. I know of many writers who just go to a bookstore or quiet cafe, plug in their laptops, and write for several hours, with friends, or alone.

Anywhere there's a table and an electrical outlet (unless you have good battery life) can work as a retreat. You don't really need company; it may be too much of a distraction, in fact. Try to choose a venue without music (restaurants), because that can be annoying. One of my favorite write-away-from-home spots is the local library. I can hide away in a corner and write for as long as they remain open.

Wherever you choose as your writing retreat, be sure you take plenty of water; food, if you're staying longer than four or five hours; and music, if that fits your writing style.

Now, retreat and write!

Breaking News - Announcing the ANWA Southwest Writers Retreat - June 25-28, 2014

by Cindy R. Williams

 ANWA Southwest Retreat Chair

Theme:  Follow Your Yellow Brick Road!

This is the incredible ANWA Retreat Cabin in 

Show Low/Lakeside/Pinetop, Arizona

Take a look at the back!

The inside fire pit seating/writing area.

The back yard writing gazebo with electricity.

A closer look at the back yard writing gazebo.

ANWA Members, sign up now!

Click on this link: ANWA RETREAT Registration

If you have never been to an ANWA Retreat, you are in for a super treat. 

The first day is a quiet/write day with NO distractions!

The 2nd day is another write day with a great writing class!

The 3rd day is a write day with another super writing class!

The 4th day we eat, pack and tidy up then sadly return to the outside world.

Evening critique groups and games - (only cool games, no lame games allowed.) 

Food and housing is included. Tons of water bottles on ice. Everyone is invited to bring a favorite treat to share . . .  and these treats are to die for each year!  Meet other writers, create new friends.

~ A special surprise this year ~

We will be visiting author James Owen's writing studio in Taylor one evening with all the fairy lights shining.  

All this for only $95

June 25-28, 2014  

Wednesday - Saturday

If you have any questions, message me on FaceBook at Cindy R Williams. 

(Please note; there are only 35 spaces available and registration has opened at 

ANWA Southwest Retreat 2014

ANWA Southwest Retreat 2014

Several empty chairs waiting for you!

by Cindy R. Williams

Pencil in June 25 - 28 for the ANWA Writers Retreat 

in the wonderful, cool mountains of Show Low, Pine Top Lakewood area. 

This is for ANWA members only. 

Watch for ANWA Bulletin email coming out soon for how and where to register.

The Electricity is Fabulous!

by Marsha Ward

The ANWA Writers Conference, "Time Out for Writers," is off to a good start. The electricity around here is almost palpable as we go into Day Two surrounded by friends, acquaintances, fellow chapter members, outstanding faculty, an awesome keynote speaker, and wall-to-wall writers.

I know I will go home Saturday night wrung out from so much noise, babble, and social interaction, but at the same time, I hope to go home with my writing well full of inspiration and new insights for marketing, time-management, and knowing what I have to offer to my fellow-beings. Those are the best kinds of things for me to bring home from a writing conference.

What are your most valued take-homes?

Procrastination Princess

by H. Linn Murphy

I'm so annoyed. I wrote my post for this day way early and scheduled it for today. Somehow it apparently aired instead on the day I wrote it.

So instead I'm going to enumerate all the reasons I why I'm going to put this off:

1. I already wrote something.
2. It's 3:45 in the afternoon.
3. The kids are home and doing various distracting things. Or not doing things I want them to do.
4. The TV is on and the program is pulling me away. I must admit to possessing the attention span of a sea anemone?
5. The Olympics are on. Who in their right mind can write while people are wiping out?
6. I haven't even gotten out of my jammies.
7. The stench is overpowering me. Must shower sometime this week.
8. I'm supposed to call three Cub Scout packs and one Scout troop about why they haven't rechartered yet. There are old guys nipping at me over the phone about it.
9. I'm supposed to go do a Friends of Scouting presentation. See #8.
10. I need to figure out something edible to cook for dinner.
11. I need to cook that dinner.
12. I need to finish packing for the ANWA conference and make another part of my costume.
13. I have to find someplace to run off my conference notes and my copies for the critique camp at conference since the printer is hosed.
14. I need to call several people and see if they'll take food to two sick people.
15. I have a leadership meeting in three hours.
16. I need to call the secretary and tell her not to wish Sister X happy birthday since she thinks that's not what Relief Society phone lists are for.
17. Some of my ANWA friends have asked me questions on Facebook about the conference and I need to answer them.
18. Laundry.
19. Hanging laundry.
20. Folding laundry.
21. Taking kids to YM/YW.
22. I only did one load of dishes. Another one waits in all its smelly non-glory.
23. Emptying the dishwasher.
24. I haven't read my scriptures yet.
25. I need to send in my book review.
26. Did I mention that I have yet to make my bed? It's nearly time to get back into it!
27. I'm looking at the front door and it's corroded with finger smudges.
28. So are the kitchen cabinets. My kids must wash their hands about as often as they voluntarily wash dishes--once per solar eclipse.
29. The fridge needs to be shoveled out and disinfected with a fire hose. The goo in there could be sentient enough to climb out and make war on the casserole from yesterday.
30. Dust. Everywhere. On every surface. Clogging up my keyboard and monitor, even. Dust bunnies are propagating on every flat or semi-flat surface. I can write my name in twenty-six different places.
31. I need a drink of cold water. While I'm in there, there might be something to eat.
32. I need to exercise away all the calories I just consumed. That'll take probably two hours.
33. I need to dig into a few more emails.
34. I forgot to put the latest version of my three books on my thumb drive. Don't forget to put that drive in my purse.
35. ..............................Wait a minute. These are the same excuses I use when I need to sit down and write pitches to agents.

Awestruck and the ANWA Conference

By Stacy Johnson

I wanted to give an "after" look of my office but illness struck our home and I was literally in bed for almost a week. Once I got feeling better the others got sick, then husband went out of town for work and I was in survival mode. That means nothing much got done with the office, I'm sorry to disappoint anyone who was on the blog early this morning to see my reveal, ha ha. Instead, I offer this...

I'm on the committee for the conference this year and can I just say, "It's gonna be UH-MA-ZING!" I have had a small part and I can tell you that these ladies have gone all out with their planning. I'll admit I'm a little excited to be in such near proximity to this kind of talent. I know the energy there will be high long before everyone arrives because I felt it at our very first meeting back in the fall when I met one of my ANWA sister-heroes in real life. As I've gotten to know everyone on the committee and a few on the general board, my anticipation has skyrocketed.

I've tried to act all cool beans about it like I'm not bursting to see everyone there but I know I'm going to be awestruck to meet some of you. I can't wait to hob nob and act as if I am anywhere near your level of author-ness. "Oh yes, I've written a novel, it's in editing right now." (Even if it is just my editing, ha ha.)

I have some last minute things I need to finish for the conference today so I'm keeping this short. If you haven't registered, do it! If you are registered, come say hello to me, I'll be the one trying to act cool and calm while my knees knock together. Hopefully I won't drool too much while you are talking to me and I can appear somewhat professional, which I'm totally not in real life.

ANWA Writers Conference 2014

by Cindy R. Williams

Remember "Superman" at the ANWA Writers Conference 2013?  

Aka James Artimus Owen. Attendees were in for a real inspirational treat that day!

This is a straw poll here. Are you going to the "Time Out For Writers" ANWA Conference this February 20 - 23?  If so why, and if not, why not?  PLEASE leave a few thoughts here.

I have just been given the wonderful opportunity to serve ANWA as President Elect. I will use my three years on the ANWA Executive Board to dedicate my efforts to help ANWA members reach our full potentials. The yearly conference is a great place to hone our skills. I hope to see it grow to bless everyone.

So . . . please let your voice be heard and leave a comment whether you attend or not. What do you like about conference? What would you like to see added? What writing related topics are you interested in? Give me your best brainstorming ideas. The world is at our feet all you wonderful writers!

ANWA Writers Retreat 2013

by Cindy R. Williams

I was blessed to attend the ANWA Writers Retreat 2013 - Southwest Area. And I really do mean blessed. These Retreats are always wonderful and this one was wonderful, no doubt about it. Hugs and warm fuzzies abound the first day as you meet dear friends once again, and by the time you leave everyone there pretty much becomes a family.

It is incredibly restorative to rub shoulders with incredibly talented, patient, supportive and kind women for three days and nights. There is nothing else like it on the planet.

Melinda Sanchez, our Southwest Region Representative, chaired the Retreat. She spent oodles of time collecting Hogwort's items including the sorting hat, costumes for all the main Harry Potter characters and life size posters and cut outs. Girls camp . . . move over! The food committee, consisting of Nikki Wilson and Heather Ramito, kept us all eating like Queens. The traditional Retreat sharing of all things chocolate and such was there with a poster above it that said, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good". It didn't disappoint with Mischa's and Becky's homemade Honeydukes chocolates and the Hagrid's Hash was delectable. The counter where it all sat nearly groaned at the weight of the goodies.  Now we Retreaters groan as we exercise it all off. Was it worth it, "Yes." Do it again? "Yes!"

The two classes taught by our very own ANWA President, Janette Rallison, and past ANWA President, Kari Pike, were great. Amazing ladies doesn't even begin to cover their gifts and talents. Thank you for preparing and sharing with us.

A very unusual field trip occurred on Wednesday. We car pooled to Tayler, AZ to Coppervale Studios owned by James A. Owen. The building's first life was as an LDS Church, now transformed into a whimsical studio for artists. James took us on a tour and spent several hours inspiring us. His brother, Jeremy Owen, also stepped in. James invited us back in 2014 in the evening to enjoy a starlight tour when the magic abounds and the trees are light up like a fairyland. Plan on it ladies!

By the way, we did write and write and write. We wore name tags with our names on one side and the other side was bright pink and said, "I'm in my writing zone. Leave me alone." If your bright pink sign faced out, obviously no one was to talk to you. It worked . . . most of the time anyway.

In fact, I personally finished an edit I had been working on since February's conference and pushed the "send" button at 11:35 PM Thursday evening. Retreat gives you that much needed time and space to write and lets your muse roam in the pine trees.

The theme for June 2014 is "Wizard of Oz" from the original Frank Baum called "The Wonderful Wizard of OZ"  and the Judy Garland movie made in 1930. Talk about possibilities. Retreat goers will be welcomed to the land of ANWA.

Back view of the cabin on FIVE ACRES

Dining room/Sun room

Hagrid's Hut

Welcome to Hogword's by Harriot Plotter

The ever wonderful Faith St. Clair - Photo Bombing my picture

The spiral staircase

ANWA Conference Top 10

by Beckie Carlson

I attended the ANWA conference last week and came away with ten things I learned. I would like to share them with you all here. These are in no particular order, just how they happened upon my mind.

1. Everyone has a 'personal mythology' as James Owen says, we all just need to find ours. I have been discovering the truth of this over the past week. My past is kind of interesting...stay tuned!
2. Just because a person is a writer, doesn't mean they know anything, or everything. I was one of those that had to look up what a "protagonist" was before I could find a costume for our Protagonist Ball.
3. There are people in the world that haven't read The Tale of Despareaux. I am not sure why this is true, it is a most spectacular book. You will fall in love with it.
4. Some people don't want help. We had some sessions where we shared what he had written and gotten feedback. I love hearing good things about my stories, but it is hard to hear criticism. I think I did okay though. Some people don't do okay with that.....it's not personal!
5. The Hilton in Mesa has not changed since 1986 when I went to prom there. I think they carpet is the exact same carpet I danced those two dances on. I could be wrong...but why duplicate those colors?
6. Just because I am 'away at a conference' does not mean I got any sleep. It wasn't like a Stampin' Up! convention where I stayed up all night playing, I stayed up all night doing homework. I came home more tired than when I left. SO not fair.
7. Arizona has freaky weather. As I drove into the hotel, the sky started spewing out these balls of what can only be described as semi-solid-slush. It was pretty amazing, but made the blinding sun even brighter. I'm lucky I made it alive.
8. Writers are their best customers. Yes, we had a bookstore at the conference and yes, I bought a truck load of books. You are welcome fellow authors, be prepared to pay me back next year!
9. Naps can happen anywhere. After reading the feedback on a few of my "beginning of book" entries, I instantly fell asleep on a chair in the lobby. Maybe this was to avoid the feelings of failure, rejection, euphoria, and concern that the comments brought on...or maybe due to all that late night homework. You judge.
and last but not least.....
10. Agents are people too. I had the opportunity to talk to, eat with, and generally hob-nob with some agents that were super nice. I truly enjoyed them and their feedback. Especially the ones that requested my books!
All in all, it was a fabulous week. I suggest you become a writer, if you aren't already one, so you can join us next year! I didn't even mention all the good food and chocolate.....totally worth it! Cause I said so!

The ANWA Writers Conference has begun!

by Marsha Ward

It's only just begun, with a lot of hoop-la, educational and informative classes, and merriment in profusion, but today, at the remove of one year, I want to mention something that happened at the end of last year's Conference. During the closing, I heard something like this:

The American Night Writers Association would like to announce a new award to be presented annually at our Conference. It will be called the American Night Writers Association Service Award. We want to recognize those who go above and beyond the call of duty and show their faith and vision to serve.

The person wrapping up the Conference went on to say something to the effect that a selection process would be announced on the website at some point.

To give you an idea of what we are looking for, we looked to the example of our founder, Marsha Ward, whose long-term service has been not only to ANWA, but to the writing community at large.  She has truly knocked herself out!

Today we commence this prestigious award by giving this knock-out plaque to our Founder, Friend, Leader and Exemplar, Marsha Ward.

And then they called me up to the front and put this in my hands:

You cannot imagine how difficult it is to find a background that will make the inscription pop, but my bedspread finally did the trick.

I felt as though I had truly been knocked out. Flabbergasted. That was me.

It tickles me a great deal to know that someone else will experience that same feeling tomorrow night. Huzzah!

ANWA Writers Conference is COMING!!

Cindy R. Williams 


If you are already signed up for the greatest writing confernce in the world, ANWA's of course, then I am preaching to the choir here. If not, take a quick gander.

Do you want to be a better writer of family history, novels, children's books, mysteries, a fantasy, non-fiction, journal writing? Is there a good clean romance circling around your head or heart?

If you answered yes to any of the above then ANWA's Time Out for Writers is EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED!

Not exaggerating. You get the most bang for your buck and it's all here in your own backyard. There is something for every level and genre.

Take a few minutes and check out the American Night Writers website.

Decide if you are a dreamer or a doer.  Dreamers keep meaning for things to happen, doers make them happen.

This year, take your writing seriously and invest in yourself. Give yourself a great gift.

Time Out for Writers!

Click here for more information:   ANWA Conference 

First Annual BOB Contest Winners!

The 20th Annual Writers Conference hosted by American Night Writers Association, Inc. (ANWA) had a number of wonderful innovations, but one of them impacted the lives of the writers listed below in a different way. They were all winners in the First Annual BOB Contest.

What does BOB stand for? That's Beginning of Book, or the first 500 words of a book-length work in the seven categories below. Entries were each evaluated for quality against a list of fiction techniques by three judges, and the results were derived according to points received. Each contestant received scoring sheets from the judges. The entry with the highest point total received the Grand Prize, a Kindle e-reader.

Over sixty entries were turned in for the contest, and the results were announced at the Luncheon on Saturday, February 25th. Congratulations!

ROMANCE
1st Prize: (TIE)
Tina Scott, FAREWELL, MY DENMARK
Tiffany Brown, APRIL JUNE MARCH
2nd Prize: Debra Erfert, BUCKET LIST OF HOPE
3rd Prize: Debra Erfert, CHANGES

WOMENS/GENERAL FICTION
1st Prize: Theresa Sneed, ESCAPE
2nd Prize: Chava Cannon, THE BEGINNING
3rd Prize: Tanya Parker Mills, LAPS

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK
1st Prize: Jan Martin, MISS MOUSIE AND MRS. McGREGGOR'S CLOSET
2nd Prize: Britney Gulbrandsen, I’M AWESOME
3rd Prize: Kathy Atwood, MAYBE IT’S A ZEBRA

HISTORICAL FICTION
1st Prize: Susan Aylworth, ALL THAT GLITTERS
2nd Prize: Della May Olson, TANGLE CREEK
3rd Prize: (3-WAY TIE)
Diane Post, BLOOD AND HONOR: A MOTHER'S HERITAGE, A DAUGHTER'S REVENGE
Peggy Shumway, WHEN STRANGERS CALL
David Haynes, THE LEGEND OF GEORGE STAPLES, BOY AMONG THE SIOUX

NONFICTION/MEMOIR
1st Prize: Ramona Zabriskie, WIFE FOR LIFE: THE POWER TO SUCCEED IN MARRIAGE
2nd Prize: Heather Hunter, STEALING ASHES (MEMOIR)
3rd Prize:  (TIE)
Stacy Whittemore, IT DIDN'T COME WITH INSTRUCTIONS
Christi Hibbert, THIS IS HOW WE GROW: Insights on losing, living, and loving from the psychologist, the mom, and me

YOUNG ADULT FICTION
1st Prize: Megan Oliphant, FAIRY GODFATHER
2nd Prize: Tanya Parker Mills, THE SCHOOL OF GUARDIANS (Mid)
3rd Prize: DeAnn Huff, MASTER OF EMOTION

SPECULATIVE FICTION (SCI FI/FANTASY, ETC.)
1st Prize: Peggy Urry, PROVIDENCE
2nd Prize: Jennifer Griffith, PANDORA
3rd Prize: Kristy Carlton, MEMORY CATCHER

GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Bonnie Harris, ENCODED SECRETS (YA)

My Day to Blog Ends in 10 Minutes

by Cindy R. Williams

It just dawned, or dusked on me for that matter, that today is my day to blog and it is way past my bedtime. In fact I have ten minutes until this blog site belongs to my friend, Marsha. I had planned all week to tell you all wonderful things about the ANWA Conference, but my mind is now mush. I do have a few things rattling around that I will share.

I learned that the ANWA conference is one of the best things about being a writer.
I learned that I meet wonderful writers that inspire me at the ANWA conference.
I learned that it is a magnificent blessing to serve on the ANWA conference committee.
I learned that it takes a bunch of go-getter, mover and shaker, fearless women to make the ANWA conference happen.
I learned to experience a new level of mental and physical exhaustion after this ANWA conference.
I learned that "exponential" is not just in math, but is also how the Lord blesses us with mighty miracles at the ANWA conference.
I learned an incredible amount of writing tips to improve my writing at the ANWA conference.
I met and hob-nobbed with some of the most incredible agents, editors and authors in the business at the ANWA conference.
I learned that the time, money and effort to be at the ANWA conference will come back to me ten fold.
I learned that the ANWA conference is not to be taken lightly . . . it can and will change lives.

If you had the great fortune of attending any of the past ANWA conferences, what did you learn?