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.
Monday, October 12, 2009
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
Her website is: CarlaNeggers.com
Friday, September 11, 2009
Live Life On Purpose
I had the opportunity to attend one of Jude Bown’s workshops, and she gave some wonderful words of wisdom. Jude is as member of our Utah Romance Writers of American Chapter and is an award winning international speaker and author. If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of her seminars, take the time to do so. You’ll be glad you did!
Even if you’re not an author, her words could help you as you strive to reach your goals and make your dreams come true. Let me just pass on some of the things that made me stop and think. They’re taken from her workshop, Live Life on Purpose.
We get what we expect in life.
Our thoughts lead to our words.
Our words lead to our beliefs.
Our beliefs lead to our actions.
Our actions lead to our results.
If our thoughts don’t change, our results won’t change.
Words like woulda, coulda, shoulda will kill you.
How many times have you said I shoulda done something, or I would have if I coulda? I know I use these excuses. They definitely keep us from accomplishing what we want, don't they?
Instead of thinking GOAL think GO ALL OUT!
I've always hated it when I'm told set goals. I don't know why but it is a turn off for me, but when I think, Go All Out, it sort of energizes me to try harder.
No matter what you are striving to accomplish, what you want to be, or what your dream is, these are some wonderful tools that could help you be what you want to be. Think about her words. Take them to heart. Hopefully they'll work for you.
Positive mental attitude is a confident, honest constructive state of mind (Napoleon Hill )
Our attitudes control our lives. (Tom Blandi)
Take control of your life. Remember, Its not about will power, its about want power!
What we focus on in our minds, we give our power to.
Check out Jude’s web site at: www.JudeBown.com
Even if you’re not an author, her words could help you as you strive to reach your goals and make your dreams come true. Let me just pass on some of the things that made me stop and think. They’re taken from her workshop, Live Life on Purpose.
We get what we expect in life.
Our thoughts lead to our words.
Our words lead to our beliefs.
Our beliefs lead to our actions.
Our actions lead to our results.
If our thoughts don’t change, our results won’t change.
Words like woulda, coulda, shoulda will kill you.
How many times have you said I shoulda done something, or I would have if I coulda? I know I use these excuses. They definitely keep us from accomplishing what we want, don't they?
Instead of thinking GOAL think GO ALL OUT!
I've always hated it when I'm told set goals. I don't know why but it is a turn off for me, but when I think, Go All Out, it sort of energizes me to try harder.
No matter what you are striving to accomplish, what you want to be, or what your dream is, these are some wonderful tools that could help you be what you want to be. Think about her words. Take them to heart. Hopefully they'll work for you.
Positive mental attitude is a confident, honest constructive state of mind (Napoleon Hill )
Our attitudes control our lives. (Tom Blandi)
Take control of your life. Remember, Its not about will power, its about want power!
What we focus on in our minds, we give our power to.
Check out Jude’s web site at: www.JudeBown.com
Monday, August 31, 2009
Make Everyday a Present
Yesterday's the past,
Tomorrow's the future,
But today is a gift ---
That's why it's called the present.
(Unknown)
Isn't this a cool thought? Take time to make each of your days special in whatever way you love. We only have a limited number while we are here so don't waste them. I love the idea of giving myself a present each day - don't you?
Tomorrow's the future,
But today is a gift ---
That's why it's called the present.
(Unknown)
Isn't this a cool thought? Take time to make each of your days special in whatever way you love. We only have a limited number while we are here so don't waste them. I love the idea of giving myself a present each day - don't you?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Vacations - great inspiration for writers
Aren't vacations a great getaway from everyday life? I just returned from a trip to Colorado to visit my sister. We chatted way into the night, took in new sights, ate more than we shuld, but enjoyed the precious time we spent together.
As I sat in Grand Lakes waiting for her to finish her purchases in the town's quilt store, I realized it was a perfect opportunity to find new settings for my stories - the majestic mountains, the beautiful lake, the rustic boardwalk and quaint shops. People watching is a favorite pasttime and I was fascinated as I watched people, looking for new traits I can use in my stories - the way they walk, shuffle and strut; clothing they wore - fashionable, tattered, bundled with jackets even though it was quite warm; hairdos of all kinds, expecially the long, sleek look of today, and expressions and mannerisms. When a few motorcyclists arrived and parked their beautiful bikes, it was interesting to see the various wind-blown hair, bandana turbans, and leather clothing. Things we see everyday, but in a new environment, everything was more vividly written in my mind (and my notebook).
What a great way to inspire a new hero and heroine, a lavish or quaint setting, and a new story idea!
As I sat in Grand Lakes waiting for her to finish her purchases in the town's quilt store, I realized it was a perfect opportunity to find new settings for my stories - the majestic mountains, the beautiful lake, the rustic boardwalk and quaint shops. People watching is a favorite pasttime and I was fascinated as I watched people, looking for new traits I can use in my stories - the way they walk, shuffle and strut; clothing they wore - fashionable, tattered, bundled with jackets even though it was quite warm; hairdos of all kinds, expecially the long, sleek look of today, and expressions and mannerisms. When a few motorcyclists arrived and parked their beautiful bikes, it was interesting to see the various wind-blown hair, bandana turbans, and leather clothing. Things we see everyday, but in a new environment, everything was more vividly written in my mind (and my notebook).
What a great way to inspire a new hero and heroine, a lavish or quaint setting, and a new story idea!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Live Life To the Fullest
When I read this, it made me stop and think. Perhaps it will be something for you to think about too:
One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore." No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute."
Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye or say "I love you." So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage ... and old cars, and children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, family and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it ..... because we are worth it. Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce.
There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what. Life is important. We only have one. We only have one Mom, one Dad, one unique brother or sister or friend.
I was thinking....I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or words needing to be said.
I don't know who wrote the above, but it is definitely worth thinking about. Don't let life get so busy you don't have time to enjoy those that make you happy.
Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.
One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore." No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute."
Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye or say "I love you." So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage ... and old cars, and children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, family and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it ..... because we are worth it. Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce.
There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what. Life is important. We only have one. We only have one Mom, one Dad, one unique brother or sister or friend.
I was thinking....I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or words needing to be said.
I don't know who wrote the above, but it is definitely worth thinking about. Don't let life get so busy you don't have time to enjoy those that make you happy.
Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Life is not waiting for the storms to pass ....
It's about learning how to dance in the rain.
I don't know who wrote the above but I loved it. How many of us take the time to enjoy today, no matter what the day brings. If its raining, take time to read a good book. If the sun is shining, how about a walk to enjoy the beautiful things nature gives us. If you're alone, enjoy yourself, do something just for you. Stay in touch with friends, family, or perhaps an elderly relative who you haven't talked to in ages. Most of all, be grateful for what you have and learn to enjoy each day. None of us have any guarantees about tomorrow!
It's about learning how to dance in the rain.
I don't know who wrote the above but I loved it. How many of us take the time to enjoy today, no matter what the day brings. If its raining, take time to read a good book. If the sun is shining, how about a walk to enjoy the beautiful things nature gives us. If you're alone, enjoy yourself, do something just for you. Stay in touch with friends, family, or perhaps an elderly relative who you haven't talked to in ages. Most of all, be grateful for what you have and learn to enjoy each day. None of us have any guarantees about tomorrow!
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