Monday, October 31, 2005

Update, Heartbreak, and Hope

Book Update: 74.5K
Goal: 80 to 85K
Deadline: Friday? LOL! We’ll see.

So last Friday brought me a bit of news I hadn’t expected—a rejection letter from an agent I truly respect and hoped would represent me. I’ll admit I was a bit crushed and set back for a day or so.

But I have the most awesome friends. Every single one of them came to stand beside me in spirit. In the midst of heartbreak, I was reminded of how blessed I am. Amazing how quickly God brings good out of everything.

He was the true source of my comfort. By Saturday, I simply thought of Him each time my heart drooped and was instantly comforted and restored. This is the same source that brought my friends’ caring out in my time of need. We’re thousands of miles apart, yet their comfort brought them to my doorstep. Totally awesome…

This writing business is tough. And as difficult as that letter was, my determination to keep writing never wavered. I may have only written a few lines on Saturday, but I did it. I got back up on the horse and continued on.

Then Sunday I read Psalm 23 as part of my devotional time. I get really tired of this Psalm sometimes, because it’s so over referenced. This time, the end of the fourth verse took on new meaning in light of my set back.

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Suddenly I understood God’s rod and staff. I always took it to mean his weapons to fight against our enemies, but they’re even more than that. They’re His strength and guidance. In the midst of discouragement, I understood God stood by me—guarding me, protecting me, uplifting me. By His presence, by His Word, and through my friends. I’m covered. What a blanket of warmth and encouragement! Again, totally awesome…

I write for God. No one can take that away from me. It’s all for His glory and under His control. I can’t imagine being on this journey and getting anywhere without Him and these wonderful friends (and my family). Truly, getting a book published is a group effort. Not a one-man show. And I have a feeling the best is yet to come.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Accountability Blog?

I think I'm going to use this blog to motivate myself. I've only got about 10k to add to one of my books and then it's done! Yet I drag my feet. Hubby flies out tomorrow for a week and a half, so I plan to work and write a lot. Hopefully. By this time next week I want to be done with that 10k.

A daily post of my progress or lack there of ought to shame me into to working, right? LOL! Stick around and see...

Sunday, October 23, 2005

I Said No.

I had the most wonderful and liberating experience today. I told a car salesman, "no." LOL! I know that sounds funny, but if you had my experiences, and regrets, with car salesman, you'd be celebrating with me.

I really hate that pushy, dishonest mentality. Now granted, not all car salesman are like that, but the ones I've dealt with were. I've been on the bad end of a deal too many times to mention.

This time I went alone, with my mind set on the conditions I would even consider before making a move. I went, I saw the car I've been drooling over for years. (A Toyota RAV 4. My tastes are simple. LOL!) It was even the color I wanted.

So, we sat down. Let's talk numbers. What can you give me for my car? The RAV is used, how much will you negotiate with me? And so forth. I write down info, salesman dude runs back and forth between his manager and me, sprinkling in stories to build my trust. Blah, blah blah.

First round of numbers come back. I look at the figure they're willing to give me for my car. I know the blue book value. This is lowballing. I eye the "nice" little salesman. "Are you serious?" He runs back to the manager.

Sales guy comes back. Then I get this. "We weren't supposed to sell the car you chose."

Okaaaaaaay. Fine. Not my problem.

"But wait." Oh, here it comes. Can you hear me groan? Salesman dude runs back to his manager. I don't understand why the guy is still overweight. If I had to run that much I'd lose twenty pounds.

He returns and shows me the numbers again. Okay, they upped the amount for my car a little. A little. I hedge. He tells me how he convinced them to sell the car "they weren't suppose to sell." He's keeping good faith with his customer. Me. Can you feel the pressure? I sure could. But this time, I didn't let it get to me.

I look at him, I look at the numers. I say the words I've never said before. "No thanks. I'll pass."

Salesdude? His eyebrows went up and suddenly, he wasn't so friendly anymore.

Oh well, I was outta there. I grabbed my bag and left with something better than a car. My dignity. And it felt great.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Nonsense

Oh, the life of a writer. Whatever! as Ronie would say. This manuscript is killing me. Still have about 10K at add. But I think it's going to be really rich for it. Characters are coming out, as well as character traits and quirks. Love it!

So, yes, Heather, I am blogging. See? Let's have a par-tey! There will be some celebrating when that book contract comes along. See again? That's me thinking positively.

Ok, this is what they call freewriting. Just letting it all hang out. Trouble is, what's hanging out ain't so pretty. Using all those icky words I wouldn't dare use in a manuscript. They've been building up and now the dam has broken. Be warned! Who knows what will show up in this blog.

Yes, I promise it is indeed me writing it. Wacky at the moment. Hey, it's late. What can I say? The fingers take on a life of their own at night. It's a mystery even to me.

This is the result of waiting to hear back from an agent or an editor. I'm learning that word Robin hates so much. Patience. She's gonna kill me for saying it. In the meantime, I'm losing my mind! And sleep.

But you know, I love being a writer. Just the friends I've made and meeting authors, agents and editors that knock your socks off makes the waiting and heartache all worth while.

Well, I'm heading off now. Leaving the area. Turning off the lights. Saying goodnight. Eyes are drooping.

Wham! I think my head hit the keyboard...

Saturday, October 08, 2005

Firefly, the TV Series

If you liked the movie, Serenity, then I highly recommend the TV series, Firefly. Joss Whedon's characters are worth studying and the subtexted dialogue is excellent. This is story and writing ing its highest form.

Now I will warn you, there is violence and some sexual situations, but I'm sure you know how to press the fast forward button if those scenes offend you. I will leave that choice to you.

The point of this rambling blog is to give you something. Yes, that's right. To go along with the movie Serenity, I came up with a nifty idea to spead the wealth of this amazing, action packed, and entertaining show. I will be giving away two copies of the Firefly DVD Set at the end of October. All you have to do is go to my website and sign my guestbook at the bottom of the homepage.

So, I hope you're enjoying this incredible season called Fall. I love the smells of cinnamon, the vibrant colors of pumpkins and changing leaves (yes, we get a little in San Jose), and the promise of the upcoming holidays. This is my favorite time of year. What better way to enjoy it than to sit with a loved one, sip a cup of coffee and read a good book. Or better yet, watch Firefly!

Blessings!