Monday, January 7, 2013

One Word Is All It Takes...


(image courtesy of Zazzle.com)


Only six days into the new year and I feel like my writing is on fire!  Or maybe it NEEDS to be set on fire so I can start over?  I'm a talkative person.  I also read.  A lot.  I'm used to being around words.  You would think a person like me could put those two endeavors together and be able to tell a good story.  Or at least write one down.  But it takes just the right words strung together to create something the world wants to see.  Otherwise it's just vomiting words on paper for a personal, warm fuzzy feeling.

Julie Hedlund made the decision (and a rather tough one I'm sure) to expand what her 12 X 12 program will offer writers in 2013.  If you are just waking up to the new year and have no idea what I'm talking about, take a moment to go check out her post  here ...I'll wait.  

Like all new improvements to an already fabulous program, there are some bumps in the road, some fine tuning to be done, and Julie was burning it up yesterday trying to get everyone registered and linked to the closed Facebook group (12 X 12).  I should know as I was one of those people having just a bit of difficulty getting everything to work.  But that should be expected sometimes and certainly well worth the wait when you realize the fabulous benefits coming from joining.

I mean where else will a small time writer like myself on an even smaller budget have the chance to learn from industry leaders, get my work critiqued, be able to polish query letters with the help of others, AND have the chance to get my stories directly into the hands of agents/editors while bypassing the slush pile?  Now, I admit it took some heavy meditating on the decision to join...not because it wasn't worth every penny (despite some comments from a few people who seemed a tad upset Julie requested a small fee for all that will be available), but because I had to come to terms with just where I was in my writing career.

Am I really serious about taking something I've been doing for the past 40+ years to the next level?  Do I even have some type of writing talent to begin with?  Are there stories in my portfolio polished and ready to be submitted for an agent's or editor's review?  All it takes is one word to change my life...yes...and I can potentially get a little bit closer to following the footsteps of some children's book authors I have admired all my life.  

Just one word and a leap of faith in myself.  Not so hard when I really think about it.  And what a way to start out the new year!  What about you?  Are you ready for the next level...whatever that level may be?  Are you ready to take your writing more seriously and give yourself a chance to connect with the world in a whole new way?  All it takes is one little word...









24 comments:

  1. Good for you, Donna! And you definitely have a talent for writing - the snippets you post for flash fiction and your excerpts from Lunadar (which I'm probably misspelling - sorry :)) and your other novels are very good! Here's to great writing in 2013!

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    1. Hi Susanna! You are too kind and I take that as a great compliment coming from such a talented author! You spelled Lunadar correctly and I feel very good about this year of writing...maybe it's MY year...along with everyone elses...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  2. I agree with Susanna. When I visit your blog...I always finish the post because I haven't been bored yet! You have a knack so go for it!

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    1. Awww, Penny, thank you! It helps boost my confidence as a writer when I discover other people visit my blog and read my posts.

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  3. I will second you, Donna. YES!! The talent is there, it's the daily belief that wavers. Kick that to the curb. (And can you remind me to do that, too??) I haven't joined Jody yet. I want to, but now that we have to pay I'm not sure I'll have enough time to devote there as I should. I'm hard at work on my YA series. But I LUV PBs!! I'm torn.

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    1. Hi Sheri! Thank you for your kind words. As far as 12 X 12 goes, I really think (like I've said in this post) it depends on what your goals are as a writer. I too write YA so I too jump from picture books to novels. If your 2013 focus is strictly YA novels then maybe the Silver or Gold level wouldn't benefit you the most, but I honestly believe EVERYONE, no matter what genre they write in can benefit from the Bronze level. When you actually break the Bronze level down into a monthly fee, it then ends up being around ELEVEN CENTS or less per day for access to great literary experts and a chance to win prizes. I'm on a very tight budget but if I three less cokes per month I have pretty much covered that fee and the benefit for me far exceed the cost! Besides, I don't need that sugar anyway...lol. Okay, I'll hop off my soapbox now...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!


      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  4. "Yes" I'm with you!-- Let's show 12x12 what we've got. :)

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    1. Hi Ashley! I believe we ALL can show 12 X 12 what we've got this year!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  5. Donna, you did a great job articulating exactly what I've been feeling. Where I am in my writing left me questioning my decision to commit to a membership fee. However, the benefits are plentiful and you can't beat this community. I think I may even have the courage to start your Flash Fiction series. Keep up the great job. In the words of the great philosopher L.L. Cool J, you're "Doing it, and doing it, and doing it well." Hmmm...but now that I think on it, I wonder if he was speaking of pb and YA drafts...

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    1. Ahahaha...Pam, you are so funny! And I really, really hope you come join the fun with my Flash Fiction Fridays. Fridays is not about serious writing so much as simply having fun...writing for the pure enjoyment of it and to challenge our creativity with some interesting picture prompts...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  6. Donna, I could not be happier that you decided to join 12 x 12, and I'm honored that you put your faith and, yes, some $ into the program. You are a gifted writer and deserve to give yourself the very best chance of success. Thank you for your kind and heartfelt words about 12 x 12. You're a gem, and we're glad to have you back!

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    1. Oh, Julie...I believe you are too kind with your words and too lofty with your praise...lol...

      I write because it is as vital to me as my next breath and I have stifled it for more than 20 years. I have wasted too much time listening to the negativity of others and wondering if I am good enough. I am tossing caution to the wind and taking that flying leap into this writing community. Where I land, no one knows but ohhhh, what a trip it will be!! ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  7. I'm so glad you've said YES! not just to 12x12, but that daily YES we each say to writing.

    I'm just in the Margaret Wise Bronze level, because of my other writing, but will still endeavor to do my twelve drafts this year.

    Here's to YES!

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    1. Hi Beth! I thought long and hard about my decision...until I quite literally gave myself a headache! I even talked it over with my sister, Janet...just saying the words out loud helped me to put everything into perspective. I live an amazingly small life within an extremely tight budget so I weighed very carefully the benefits of Julie's program. I have no chance to attend writer's conferences and no financial ability to afford workshops so I make the most of every single opportunity which comes my way.

      I took a huge leap of faith and let God guide my decision as to what level or if to participate at all. All this past year there is has been one consistent sign...over and over...I have seen that I believe is someone's way of showing me I am definitely on the right path...it's now up to me to make the most of THIS opportunity Julie has provided me. I put complete faith in my writing and signed up for the Gold level...and gave myself the gift of this year to make my dream a reality. Whatever the outcome, I always cherish the journey!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  8. YAY! You're in! Now if only some other kids would join... *grumble mumble grumble* ;)

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    1. Lol, Erik...you must realize my young friend that you are an exceptional young man and can easily hold his own within this writing community. In fact, I know of no other young man your age who has come so far with their writing. Maybe it is up to YOU to set the example...to blaze the trail so other young writers may follow...and I KNOW you are up to the challenge...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  9. Stacy S. Jensen (easy to find if ya Google) is also a 12x12 gal. You might want to connect with her. And she's a lovely person. I love the positive feel of this blog! Yes! I'd be happy to give you an editor's critique on any WIP (I give freebies to anybody). You know where I live. :)

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    1. Awww, Karen, why did you have to go and make me cry? I am sooo touched by your generous offer and will take you up on your generous offer once I have finished polishing things to the best of my ability. You have such a generous heart and I am happy we have met through this writing community! I am already friends with Stacy and I agree...she is lovely...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time1

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  10. As far as YA writing goes, one of my favourite authors (Terry Pratchett) said this:

    My advice is this. For Christ's sake, don't write a book that is suitable for a kid of 12 years old, because the kids who read who are 12 years old are reading books for adults. I read all of the James Bond books when I was about 11, which was approximately the right time to read James Bond books.

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    1. Hi JP! Mr. Pratchett is probably right...especially in this day and age when children are no longer children a lot of the time...more like mini adults so the YA writing we do must keep that possibility in mind...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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    2. I would write you a post on my experience with the publishing process but I'm afraid, true to form, I'm a bit of a misfit. It is refreshing to hear comments in posts how this writing community strive to assist and support each other. Indeed I can honestly say it is unlikely I would have been published had it not been for your encouragement and support (ergo it's all YOUR fault come March 17 he he).

      My views on the writing experience are very different. It is my punishment. Isn't it strange how things we often don't understand we are subjected to. It's as if a superior being is saying 'Whether you like it or not you WILL be a writer!'.

      Hmm perhaps I should start a blog 'TheDampSquib.com'

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    3. JP, I will gladly take the blame for such a beautiful and touching book! The people in this world that matter will laugh and cry with you as they read your story and well, the others who don't matter won't take the time to read it in the first place so what do we care? ;~)

      I am glad my words held some encouragement for you to not give up...it will be your gift to the world and the world will be touched by it. Now, delegate any painful memories to the past and look to the future where you may continue to share your writing talent with those who matter. And I agree...whether you like it or not, my friend...YOU ARE A WRITER and now an AUTHOR as well! ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  11. Yay! So glad you said YES! Now the work begins my friend. :)

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    1. Hi Diane! I'm glad I said YES too! Did you?? ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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