Sunday, October 25, 2009

Life - Use It Wisely

Life is a coin
You can spend it anyway you wish,
But you can only spend it once.
----Unknown

I found this saying and remember writing it down because it really made me think. We have one life. We can only have each day, each hour, each minute once, and then it is gone. How did you spend yours? Did you do something to improve yourself or did you do something to help someone else? So often we wile away our days, putting off doing things until tomorrow, then wish we had the time back.

Each time I read through the above thought, I find myself thinking of all the things I'd like to do, all the love I'd like to give, all the happiness I want for myself and others, and then I realize I'm the only one who can spend my day doing just that.

Be happy. Live your life and spend it wisely.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Utah RWA Conference

I just returned from a wonderful Writers Conference sponsored by the Utah Chapter of Romance Writers of America held at The Lodges at Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. Beautiful setting, wonderful rooms, and great service.

It was a fantastic conference with workshops by such authors as Jo Leigh, Lynn Kurland, Nicole Jordan, Elizabeth Lane, Rachel Gibson, Melissa Mayhue and Raeanne Thayne. In addition, we had a special workshop by Jude Bown, author and inspirational speaker. I enjoyed all their words of advice and am amazed at all the talent of these wonderful authors.

We were also lucky to have agents, Kelly Mortimer and Christine Witthohn, as well as editor, Amanda Bergeron from Avon Books, present workshops and a panel for us to ask questions to gain from their knowledge.

If you’re an author or anyone who is striving to achieve a dream, here are few words of wisdom I gained from the workshops and speakers:

You have to take the first step. If you’re an author, put your butt in the chair and start writing.

Never stop learning about the process. Do your homework. Know who to submit your work to, know what they are looking for. Overcome your fears and never stop pushing yourself to do better.

Don’t try to mimick others. Learn your strong points, emphasize those strong points. Find what makes you unique and go for it. Don’t let anyone change that.

Network. Get to know others in the field you’re striving to succeed in. Ask for their help. Be their friend and offer any assistance you can to help them. Always be professional. Look for the positive and don’t complain.

Treasure the small successes and achievements you make. And lastly, Do what you love.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

I Read a New Book

Have any of you read Carla Neggers? I got a copy of her book, Cold Pursuit, and I loved it. From the first murder in Black Fall, a small town in Vermont, to the hit and run murder of a prominent ambassador in Washington, D.C. her story grabbed me and didn't let go. Her hero was wonderful and the heroine determined. I couldn't put the book down and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense and romance at its finest.

Her website is: CarlaNeggers.com