Writer’s, artist’s affirmation in trying times

Keep your creative fires burning with faith and affirmations

Bad economy, shrinking markets, dismal sales – these external events fall like cold rain, dashing our creativity.  Affirmations help, and I’m sending a “thank you” to Cher Gorman for this inspiring quote.  I’ve seen the last sentence quoted, but the entire message is powerful.  May it encourage you in trying times… Janet

“It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
—Theodore Roosevelt

Critique group fun

Halloween critique - and a ghostly good time was had by all

I love my critique group. We’ve been together for over a decade, and respect each other’s writing and comments on our own writing.  Our session fell on Halloween this year, and since all of us possess a playful side, we decided to critique in costume. By the looks of the dagger poised over my head, it appears I might not survive this session, LOL.

Halloween – pleasantly haunted by creative memories

Halloween has evolved into a celebration of creativity

It’s snowing this morning. Under a grey sky, the snow coats the bright colors of autumn like white icing.  I’m safe and warm inside, though, sipping my coffee, enjoying my Halloween display.
It’s a collection of memories that pleasantly “haunt” me.  I wore the witch’s hat many years ago when I greeted the trick-or-treaters. There are four mini-pumpkins in the display, representing my husband, me and our two daughters.

The ghost, broom and bat hold special Girl Scout memories

Those little floating creatures are memorabilia from my Girl Scout troop’s last camping trip. I had been a Girl Scout leader for eight years for my two daughters.  My older daughter had left years before, and the girls from my younger daughter’s troop had reached middle school, thrilled to enter that new chapter of their lives and not so thrilled to continue with scouting. They moved on and grew up, and I took the path of pursuing publication in the fiction market.
Each troop made a Halloween-related item to give to other troops.  Our troop made the little ghosts.  Other troops were clever and made “ghost” puzzle pieces, or tiny witch’s brooms, or scary trees.

We are far from the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).  We have also come far since the fifteenth century, when Tabor and Stephen and my other characters joined in the Druid celebrations of  “All Hallow’s Eve”(Hallow Evening, Hallow Even, Hallow E’en, Halloween).

New traditions have evolved– seductive costumes in addition to frightening ones, trick or treating for “children” of all ages, and elaborate haunted houses.  It’s a riot of creativity that inspires me, and several billion more people.

Have fun with your little ghosts and goblins, and have a safe and Happy Halloween!

To learn more click here – Celtic Samhain celebration All Hallow’s Eve

Author Fest of the Rockies – a writer’s feast

Me with my author friends, Linda Berry, Mike Befeler and Michael Madigan on the sunny, welcoming porch of the Cliff House. Thanks to photog Bill Donavan

It’s hard to pinpoint what made Author Fest so enjoyable. After several uncharacteristically gloomy weather days, the Colorado sun, blue sky and majesty of Pikes Peak and golden aspen leaves played a large part.  Meeting with fellow writers and authors is always a joy.  Presenting a workshop on the writing craft to those currently writing novel-length fiction always brings a satisfying connectedness and pleasure.  And I certainly couldn’t overlook the history of the Cliff House, a Victorian charmer of a hotel built in 1853.

A Victorian treasure, the Cliff House was built in 1853 and hosted the 3rd annual Author Fest of the Rockies

From my first glance at the hotel I was charmed. The wide porch with comfortable, overstuffed chairs welcomed me. My second impression was equally rich, that of approaching the stained glass entrance doors and seeing them opened with aplomb by the door men. It reminded me of the scene from Titanic when Rose entered the dining room.  All that was missing was the strain of violins, and I understand that, too, occurs on weekends.

Fifty authors participated in this, the third annual Author Fest.  Hosted by the Manitou Springs Public Library, the schedule offered much more than nineteenth century ambience.  In addition to my workshop about using “Free Range Characters” in your novels, Linda Berry offered advice about “Liposuction for your Overweight Manuscript,” and Esri Rose gave some helpful insights into “High Concept-Built-in Marketing for Your Books.”  Radio personality and on-line marketing guru Michelle Vandepas joined me on a panel about social networking, and Connie Martin was among others that appeared on my panel about plotting.

Another RMFW friend, Betsy Dornbusch, presented a workshop on “Exploring Critique.”  Other topics included memoirs, self-publishing, freelance writing, and Mike Befeler shared tips on “Humor in Geezer Lit.” Former Rocky Mountain News editor Michael Madigan spoke of “Heroes, Villains, Dames and Disasters.”

The concluding luncheon speaker, Alec Greven, wowed everyone in the room.  He showed a video of his appearance on Ellen DeGeneres’ television show.  He spoke of his New York Times best-seller, his series, and plans to publish his books in Europe.  He was informative, charming, laugh-out-loud funny, poised, and willing to take questions from everyone about anything. What made this all the more impressive? Master Alec Greven is just ten years old.  You can see his *amazing* interview with Ellen at http://tv.rightcelebrity.com/?p=657

But all good must end, and the Author Fest is now beginning its slow fade to history.  The energy and dreams shared, however, will linger.

Thanks to Jan Pratt, who chaired the Authors Committee, for her fine organization and warm welcome, and to all the many volunteers who contributed to this event’s success.  I was pleased to be part of it.

Write consistently – “Steady Eddy!”

Develop a safety net of strategies to keep your writing and marketing efforts focused and consistent

I’m running on two few cylinders today.  It could be I’m just recovering from an ear and throat infection.  It could also be my hectic schedule, all the hustle and bustle of our annual conference, then relatives visiting from out of town, a big chunk of positive stress as we try to force 30 hours of fun into 24.  Whatever the reasons, I’m dragging.

I have two safety nets against “drag.”  One is my weekly soup writing session, which keeps me in position to write new material.  The other is my bi-monthly goal group.  Two times a month, we agree to “meet” daily for ten days in a row.  We set Winner Goals, based on Margie Lawson’s Defeating Self-Defeating Behavior course material.

The key to success is consistency.  Cecil B. DeMille said this:
“Most of us serve our ideals by fits and starts. The person who makes a success of living is one who sees his goal steadily and aims for it unswervingly. That’s dedication.”

This message reminds me of Alice, a tennis player I know.  She’s a level above me in skill, and it’s always fun to play with her, on HER side of the net, LOL.  Her mantra when she’s getting behind in the score:  she chants, “Steady Eddy.  Steady Eddy.”  To her, that means not whaling on the ball, trying to force a point by winning on brilliance, because she’s currently not connecting with those shots and is instead losing the point by trying for too much.  Her “Steady Eddy” chant tells her to calm down, get the ball in, and play consistently, instead of fitfully.

I think Alice and Cecil are saying the same thing.

What helps you stay consistent with your writing?  What strategy/ies work best for you?

RMFW Writing Conference a huge success

RMFW Conference 2009 LtoR: Prez Scott Brendel, Janet Lane, Kay Bergstrom, Susan Smith, Karen Duvall, Lawdon

(Sigh) I’m still on conference high.  The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers conference was outstanding this year, a great learn-fest and hug-fest! 

My workshop on Yellow Page plotting was wonderful!  I’m so glad — can you imagine schlepping thirty-five of the hefty Metro Denver Dex Yellow Pages into a hotel and finally finding the room where you’ll present?  It was worth the effort!  We had great fun and the participants generated many very entertaining plotting ideas.  Thanks, Robin Owens and Karen Duvall!

I also did a workshop on Twitter and Social Media Marketing, and quickly realized that one hour was not enough time to devote to the topic.  The travel mic was also not “hot” enough and I couldn’t get it close enough to amplify – without swallowing it, I suppose, LOL.  Still, it was well received.

Thanks to fellow Five Star authors Patricia Stoltey and Mike Befeler for lending their support, and to Pat for moderating my workshop.

The editors and agents who attended were generous with their query and market advice.  Editor John Helfers (Tekno/Five Star Publishing) was there, enthusiastic and as informed on the market and interesting as always.

Editor Charlotte Cook  (Komenar Pub) offered an enlightening “cold critique” session.

Agent Christina Hogrebe offered insight into the market, as did Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency, and Becca Stumpf, Prospect Agency.

Kudos to Conference Chair Pam Nowak, who found time to create a great conference while in the late planning stages of her Five Star release, CHOICES, which will release later this month.

And now I have a daunting in-box of over 300 emails, so I’d better get back to work.

Did you attend the conference, too?  Feel free to drop in and add a comment about it!

Rocky Mtn Fiction Writer’s Conference

It’s almost here!

One of the nation's best conferences September 11-13

The last several weeks have brought a whirlwind of activity and preparation for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer’s annual writer’s conference, to be held this year at the Renaissance Hotel 3801 Quebec, near the former Stapleton Airport.

The Writer of the Year event, part of the pre-conference festivities held on September 3, turned out to be a big success with attendance, prizes and entertainment. Several lucky people won free books by Writer of the Year nominees Kay Bergstrom (writing as Cassie Miles), Pam Nowak, by outgoing Writer of the Year Jeanne Stein, and newly named Writer of the Year Mario Acevedo.  Other very lucky people won breakfast with one of the agents attending this year’s conference (Becca Stumpf, Prospect Agency; Christine Hogrebe of Jane Rotrosen Agency; Emmanuel Alspaugh of Judith Ehrlich Agency; Janet Reid of Fine Print; Jenny Rappaport and Kristin Nelson).  The grand prize drawing was for a free conference, and was awarded amid enthusiastic applause.

I’m one of the editorial co-chairs for Broken Links, Mended Lives, the third anthology released by RMFW Press, so I’ve been very engaged, getting to know the authors and developing promotion related to the book.

The RMFW conference hosts dozens of craft and marketing workshops, as well as a program announcing the winners of the RMFW writing contest.  The official release of Broken Links is scheduled at the Book Signing on Friday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m, where over forty authors are scheduled to sign their novels.

I’ll be presenting two workshops during the conference, one on “Yellow Page Plotting” and another on Twitter and Social Media Marketing.  I’d love to see you at the conference, and at one or both of my workshops, if you can make it.  Hope to see you there!

Nature inspires me to write

Oh, what a beautiful morning –

Touched by a hummingbird's flight - nature's gentle gifts refresh, inspire. Courtesy of Lubos Maraz, www.naturfoto.cz

Nature inspires me to write

My morning walk with Gabby today proved to be an exercise in joy. We’re in Keystone, and the morning sun sparkled on the wetlands. Encouraged by the bounty of rain this summer, the mountain daisies are almost as tall as I am, profuse and gleeful with their white petals and sunny yellow hearts.

Walking across the bridge that spans the wetlands, we surprised a muskrat. The swirl of the surrounding water as she swam, the current of water running through her fur, gave a visual feast.

Five people fished on Snake River, their lines dancing on the surface, popping back and landing again in a graceful arc. I let the river sing to me, reminded of Deepak Chopra’s words to “be like the river,” to honor that which you are. A hummingbird surprised me, flying so close to me I could hear the whir of its wings.

On the walkway in front of the condos, one of the younger aspens sported a foot-long cluster of golden leaves, one of the first splashes of autumn. This, I think, is a day to write.

Following the call to write in the current market requires courage and the willingness to accept the challenges along with the joys. This morning nourished me. I’m writing book three in my Coin Forest series, set in fifteenth century England. Encouraged by the miracles of nature, I face my work in progress with fresh eyes.

What inspires you to write?  I’m wishing you a day filled with small wonders and gentle encouragements.

Why I write – what inspires me

by Janet Lane

I must join the chorus! Art courtesy of Vitec, fine art bird paintings, http://tinyurl.com/kne5u7

On the heels of yesterday’s post about finding inspiration, Julie Kibler posted an interesting blog today, asking the question, “Why do you write?”

A dear friend of mine, Joya Wonderlight, taught piano to my daughters for many years. Joya is a gifted musician and teacher, with special enthusiasm for children.  She posted a plaque on her wall that said, “Use the talents you possess – for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best.” …Henry Van Dyke

Another quote about birds, an unattributed Chinese proverb, says, “A bird does not sing because it has an answer.  It sings because it has a song.”

The concepts behind these two quotes are why I write.  Writing enriches our lives. I marvel often at the difference between oral and written communication.  Both are vital. Both can inform and inspire and solve problems.  Both can confuse and isolate as easily as they can clarify and unite.

The thoughtful reflection and permanence of the written word fascinates me. It could be argued that whatever the medium, words can be destroyed.  CDs and iPods can melt; digital records can be scrambled with magnetic fields; books, God forbid, can be burned.  Generally speaking, however, with the advent of Gutenberg’s printing press and other media mass production, the written word survives long after a conversation has been shared.

Which birds sing the very best? That’s a subjective question. Each person’s voice and message is unique and who among us would want to silence the forest?  Because I so love the music, I must join the chorus.

The other reason I write is because, in addition to being a challenging, sometimes hair-pulling experience as I try to develop a story and deliver it somewhat intact from my heart to the page, writing is a form of self-discovery.  I have learned much about my hopes and dreams by creating and following my characters’ desires.  We don’t need to always have an answer.  We sing because we have a song.

Why do you write?

WASH rejection blues away and find inspiration!

Use this strategy to WASH away rejection blues and stay inspired to write

by Janet Lane

“I have learned, as has many another better writer, to summon inspiration to my call as soon as I begin my days’ stint, and not to hang around waiting for it. `Inspiration’ is merely a pretty phrase for `the zest to work.’ And it can be cultivated by anyone who has the patience to try. Inspiration which will not come at its possessor’s summons is like a dog that cannot be trained to obey.”
…Albert Payson Terhune

Writing every day keeps our literary muscles toned, keeps our inspirational
hearts beating strongly.

But life can be messy. Unexpected. Cruel. How do you find inspiration when you’re emotionally wounded from a rejection, a lost opportunity, or just a case of the blues?

WASH those blues away!

W – walk it off. Take a walk in nature. It refreshes the soul and reminds us that there is a beautiful world out there, one of balance and harmony and beauty. It helps to put your problems in perspective.

A – allow yourself the luxury of licking your life wounds. Wallow in your misery, experience it. Write it down, so you can use it later during black moments in your stories.  It’s good to recognize your suffering, acknowledge the pain. The key to not letting it overwhelm you, to not letting it spoil your beautiful, new day, is to set a timer.  Allot fifteen full minutes to wallow, then tuck it away and come back to the promising present.

S - savor your past successes. Journal three bright moments in your writing. It could be the first time you ever wrote [fiction/poety/lyrics] – the magical glow in which you basked from having created that marvelous [description/scene/chapter.] Read them again with fresh eyes, and acknowledge your talent.

H - honor the talent you have been given. Dare to hope and keep your dream alive.  Treat yourself as you would one of your beloved characters.  Write a note to yourself, filled with encouragement. Hold it to your heart and … write!

What are your favorite blues-busting techniques? Share them with us!