Monday, September 27, 2010

Life

Thought for the week...

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away." (Anonymous)

I just read this on a greeting card in a store recently. It struck me that, as authors, this is what we are all about--finding that right mix of words and emotion to create this feeling in our readers. There are a great many things in life which can take our breath away. I know, as a reader, I love this feeling with a really good book; one I just can't bear to put down. It is this feeling that created and nourished my desire to be a writer, to be able to give someone else the great pleasure I get from a really good book. It is what I strive for each and every day, and the goal I hope to one day achieve.

May you experience something today that takes your breath away! Have a wonderful writing week.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Daily Direction

This morning, as I finally returned to reading LIVING WRITE by Kelly L. Stone, I came across some very sage advice. As a "daily direction," she says:

"When you wake up in the morning, say out loud, 'I feel like writing.' Keep saying it until you actually begin to feel like writing, and then go write!"

Aren't those wise words? For me, the trouble is not the lack of feeling like writing but, rather, in the carving out the time to do so. I believe I will post this mantra on my computer, however, to provide added motivation to do so, to just "go write!"

I hope these words can provide some benefit to all of you whether you experience an issue with the desire to write, finding the time to do so or any other daily obstacle that crosses your path.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Stories For Children Magazine

Wonderful news! VS Grenier is re-opening Stories for Children Magazine! For those of you unfamiliar with it, SFC is a wonderful, online magazine for children which provided a terrific opportunity for writers, both new and experienced. According to a recent newsletter,they will be open for submissions at the end of September or first week of October 2010. They are currently updating the website; however, you can get updates at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com.

Friday, September 10, 2010

BIC

A friend passed along a link for an interview with Jane Yolen, who needs no introduction! In answer to what it takes to write 300 books, Jane said, "BIC. Butt in chair. Every day."

How simple yet profound. How simple yet elusive. Jane has obviously mastered it well. I am still working toward it.

I encourage you to go read her interview. It is quite inspiring. Thank you, Jane, for sharing!

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/newsletters/newsletterbucketextrahelping/886523-443/flying_high_with_jane_yolen.html.csp