Summer 2012 - Prepping for the Next 12 Months

Summer 2012 is already booking up. The family calendar is starting to have fewer and fewer unmarked days. What I want to know is how do I fit it all in?

I have one writer's retreat scheduled and I can't wait. I've started a new YA and have been working on the outline. I'm hoping these three and a half retreat days will consist of writing as much as I can of a new first draft.

Now on to bigger and better things: 2013 NESCBWI Conference. The Call for Proposals for the 2013 NESCBWI Conference, "Word-By-Word: The Art of Craft will go out June 1, 2012. So mark your calendars. With the call going out earlier, the deadline will also be sooner, August 27th, 2012!

Registration Table at the 2012 NESCBWI Conference

We will be looking for all levels of craft workshops, particularly those that are for advanced or master level writers. These Master level classes we are calling studios and will be 180 minutes.

So, please start thinking about what you would like to propose. Also, preferential consideration will go to presenters who have sent in two or more proposals.

Spring Fling Hop W1nners!

The winners are:

Drum roll please....

Bridget H.

Melissa F.

Tobi H. 

 The winner of Timeless will receive their ebook copy in June when the book is released.

Thanks to all who entered! Check back often so you can enter the next book giveaway coming this summer.

Thanks

T is for Training

Training yourself to do anything takes time. You have to train to break bad habits and to build new ones. Writing daily is a habit, but you can form this habit by writing daily.

Recently, (okay, last week) I started training for the C25K. The first day was horrible. I could only make it through 6, 60 second runs. But the second day, I made it through 8. The third day, I did all 9.

I thought that if it gets easier and easier the more you do it, why don't I put this same concept into practice for my writing? So yesterday, I wrote for 20 minutes. Today, I wrote for 23 minutes. I do have a job and still want to run, but if I manage my time, I can do a little of everything on a regular basis.

How to Make Writing a Habit
Do this three times a week.

• Brisk five-minute free write warmup. Write about anything: grocery list, character traits, setting.
• Then alternate 60 seconds of writing and 90 seconds of reviewing, do this 8 times for a total of 20 minutes. 

Before you know it, you aren't stopping to review what you've written, instead you are writing for 20 minutes.

ISBNs

I've known what an ISBN is for as long as I can remember. I've been a reader since I was 4 years old and those numbers on a book cover or jacket flap always represented something secret. Add a barcode and you have a secret language.

D is for Dog!

I love dogs. I’ve had dogs all my life. As a 20-somthing I had a Rottweiler, named Katie. She's been gone fourteen years now. I continued to have Rotties well into my 40’s. Daisy was an AKC Champion. What a beauty! And Lucy, she was just special.

Five yeas ago, when both my girls past away within six months of each other I was devastated. I went more than a year without a dog. I was so heartbroken. Then one day at the gas station, a friend pulled in behind me at the pumps, in the car, her pug mama and three puppies.

It was love at first first sight. Thor is four now. He is an amazing creature. He is always happy and makes me laugh.

Here’s to you, Thor!

22 Days Until 50!

That's right, I turn 50 in 22 days! Kind of shocking when I think about it. So many thoughts are racing around in the old gray matter but I won't go there now. 

What I really want for my birthday, is for my friends and and family to pledge $15 and support my kickstarter Book Project, The Casting. Not matter what happens, this book is debuting on April 1, 2012.

Spending $15 gets you a dedicated and signed softcover copy ($25 gets you a hard cover copy), and some other awesome swag! Please make an old lady happy, and pledge $15 today!

Don't make me beg, it might get ugly.

Please!

Now go have a glass of wine and celebrate with me!