Switching Characters

My step dad asked me if my upcoming book was a novel or short stories. When I told him it was short stories, he said I should make a novel my next project.

Well, there are a few set backs there. First of all, my mind will barely concentrate long enough to finish a shorty. I am the person who starts the washer and then forgets to put the clothes in until it is in the spin cycle.

The next problem is that I cannot keep my characters straight long enough to make a novel out of their journeys. I would have my fair maiden as the murderer in chapter five and my kindergarten child driving a car in chapter six, while the villian lives happily ever after. Hey, that might make a great novel!

The next problem is patience. I have none. When I get an idea I want it written, edited and sold that day. There probably are people who can do a one-day wonder like that, but not me.

So for now I will happily stroll along, my characters taking it one day at a time.

Chasing Satisfaction.

It has been a long time. Really, about two months to be exact. You are probably thinking 'Where were you?' the whole time, right?
Let me say in my defense, it was not my fault that I could not blog for so long. Apparently when Blogger changed over to Google, something went wrong with my account and I could not access my blog page. So- my sincerest apologies for being technically challenged. I am thankful that everything straightened itself out.

Now, on to the news. Success at last!

Do you remember my New Years Resolution? You know- to become a published author?

Ta'Dah! It has become reality! Publish America has accepted my book, 'Through Mom's Eyes' , for publication.

How does that make me feel? Well- truly, I am not sure. I had all of these illusions of how it would be when I finally recieved an acceptance letter. I would jump up and down. I would scream. And I would definetly spend my advance on a new computer.

Didn't happen that way. Go figure.

I read the email twice to be sure I was reading it right. I felt, well, skeptical. Is this for real? Then, happiness set in. Cold chills ran all over my arms. I showed my daughter the email. And I read it again.

There was no advance. So that means no computer for now. And the emotions have rocked back and forth, happiness and fear, elation and doubt, like the tides coming in. Not at all how I imagined I'd react.

Perhaps, when I hold the finished book in my hands, it will come. Maybe at the book signings, reality will set in. Or, it could be... is it possible, that authors are never truly satisfied with their finished works? Perhaps, it is the writing itself that is the real satisfaction. And when it is completed, there in the winner's circle, we are already plotting our next book.

What He said.

"I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day." Abraham Lincoln


Mr. Lincoln sounded like a wise man to me. I am very thankful for the times I also was driven to my knees.

"The goal of life is not to arrive at the grave in perfect condition without a hair out of place having safely pre-arranged every detail.
No.
The goal is to skid in sideways, rumpled, tattered and totally spent, with a big smile on your face as you exclaim "Man! What a ride!" Author unknown.

This is how I want to live my life- ready to go- so I can enjoy the ride. Have a great trip today!

Thoughts running amuck.

Just thought for today I would let you peek into my mind and see whats happening.(Even though my Daddy said he wouldn't go in my brain for good money!)

A sign should be placed on our children's door the moment they hit their teen years.
" Out of my mind- back in 10 years."

Signs of the PMS express coming through:
" Oh-please come in honey- so good to see you! Do you have a Kleenex (sniff*)? Let me tell you this hilarious joke I just heard, haha- (sniff*) You should've called first (sniffle* snub). I am so glad you came...

Hmmm-what else can I eat on this core plan tonight(burp!).

Have they finally decided to answer my queary?

I need to check my email.

Thank you for taking a tour of my mind. I hope you enjoyed yourself. Come again soon.

Bird buffet

My sweetheart recently built me a birdfeeder on a stand. Now I am blessed every day with a show.
I have so far spotted a pair of cardinals, Brassy and Bronze, several little black and white birds, the oreo's, and two beautiful Blue Jays who are both male and fight for dominance.
My favorite though,is a little black and white with lots of gumption. While Brassy, the male cardinal is hogging the food and running everyone off, little Gumption will boldy make his way to the seeds and help himself. If Brassy or one of the Jays happen to knock him off of the feeder, he just sets his feathers and flies back to the food. I like his attitude. A little spit-fire.
While everyone fights for food, they must ever be on the lookout for a common enemy. Smokey Joe- my cat.
Smokey seems to think the feeder is a bird buffet and looks longingly for a way to get out to it. I have no doubt that he would eat one of my birds if he got a chance.

All this made me think of Christians. Yes, we fight at the feeder sometimes. Sometimes we are to pushy, only thinking of ourselves. Some of us though, are like little Gumption- we just keep coming back. That seed is worth it all. Through it all though, we to watch for a common enemy. Like the cat, old sloothfoot lurks about our feeders, intent on eating us if he can. Thank God for the Blue Jays who let out a loud, unpleasant yell when danger approaches. All the birds take notice.
And thank God for our 'Jays', always watching, screaming out a warning.

Covered wagon express.

So as you all know, I sent my book for publishing consideration.
Weeks ago. Long, extensively dragged-out, anxious weeks ago.
Still waiting...

Perhaps this is how the Pioneers must have felt. Write a letter (query). Find a town two days ride from your settlement. Hope it has a post office. Mail the letter, to be taken by covered wagon back home to the East.
Wait.
And wait.
Wonder.
Did the family (publishers) ever get the letter? Was the wagon ambushed by Indians? Did the chief (editor) tear it to slivers and burn it over a raging campfire?
Wait.
Is that trail dust signifying a mail rider returning with a book contract on yonder hill?
Low and behold- it is a mail rider!

Months of waiting, hoping- holding your breath; and finally!

"Dear Ma'am,

After careful consideration, we have decided that your book does not meet our needs at this time. We regret that we cannot use your material at this time. Good luck blah, blah, blah.....

By this time, the pioneer is getting his or her shotgun loaded.

My wagon train still hasn't been spotted on yonder hills ( or in my email).

Still waiting....

Take a deep breath...

So- is the New Year starting out like you expected? If so, hurray!
If not; why not?
I decided this would be the year my book will be accepted. So far, the editors at Steeple publishing haven't rang my phone off the hook.
Why? Because I haven't submitted it yet.
This is my year, though. I have the book ready. What have I got to lose?
You say- 'what if they reject you?'
Well- I'll add it to my stack of rejections and keep plugging on.
I'm thinking 'what if they accept?' Am I ready for book signings and appearances in Barnes and Noble? I think so.
The thing is, I am never going to know until I take a deep breath... and hit the submit button.
If you see me in Barnes and Noble, you will know this one didn't end up in the reject pile. Happy New Year!