Quote of the day

"Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor."

--H. Jackson Brown Jr.

If you're waiting in the shadows, hiding in the back corner, afraid to get on that dance floor, don't be. Get out on that floor and dance. Even if you fall, you're trying and there will be others nearby, like me, to help you up. Let's dance together and learn together and grow together. That's what being a part of a writing community is all about. So dance, my friends. Dance like no one's watching and feel the power in every step as your confidence grows.

Awesome blogger award

My friend Cheryl from the Wandering (and wondering) through YA Lit blog gave me this award. Thanks Cheryl. *Smiles and waves* She told me I had to share seven things about myself and pass it on to 15 more bloggers. Here we go:

1. I love to run and taught indoor cycling for five years. 
2. I hate vegetables (except corn) and fish.
3. I love Walt Disney World (but can't wait to see Universal Studios Harry Potter attraction in August).
4. I’m learning to play golf but I really suck at it. But I have a purple bag and pink balls that I get to wheel around so that's way cool. 
5. I had both of my knees operated on for medial meniscus tears. (Ouch!)
6. I once left the grocery store without my groceries. I paid for them, got in my car, but instead of driving up to load the bags (it was raining), I went home.
7. I was named after a character in a TV show called Family Affair. ( have curly hair that I sometimes straighten)

OK, so most of these include two things about me:) Now, here are the 15 bloggers I pass it on to:
1. Random Thoughts
2. Terry Lynn Johnson
3. My Two Blessings
4. Edited to within an inch of my life
5. Adventures Beyond the Pond
6. I Don't Believe in Reality
7. In High Spirits
8. Jon's Life. Or Other Odd People Doing Odd Things
9. LM Preston
10. Points of Claire-ification
11. Urania's Distractions
12. Crossroads
13.Watcha Readin'
14. Kelly Polark
15. It's All About Writing

Remembering the American soldiers

Let's use this post to remember our loved ones. Please tell us about your American soldier(s). And if there is someone you want us to pray for, let us know.

Quote of the day

"Cherish your wishes and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul and the blueprints of your ultimate achievement."
--Unknown.

This is so true, no?

An inspirational mashup

To all of my followers: Dare to be great and don't give up -- EVER!

Quote of the day

"Successful writers are not the ones who write the best sentences. They are the ones who keep writing. They are the ones who discover what is most important and strangest and most pleasurable in themselves, and keep believing in the value of their work, despite the difficulties."
                                        -- Bonnie Friedman

What have you learned?

I was thinking about all of the things I've learned so far on my writing journey. What have you learned? Here are five of mine:
1. I've learned that I have an even more amazing husband than I thought. I could never do all that I do without his encouragement and support. He gives me space and time to write and never complains, even though it means he spends many nights alone.
2. I've learned that failure isn't all bad. I've learned a lot from my failures. They have made me better and stronger in many ways.
3. I've learned that finding an agent who believes in me and my work is probably one of the most difficult things I've had to do. I just have to keep believin'.
4. I've learned that I'm a better writer today than I was a year ago. I've grown and learned so much. And I know I will keep learning and getting better.
5. I've learned that there is an incredible online community of writers and artists who support one another through various platforms. I feel blessed to have found these people and for their friendship and support.
Now, your turn:)

Agent looking for intern

Agent Jenny Bent is looking for one or two remote interns to read queries and manuscripts. She's looking for a 10-hour/week commitment. See details here.

Take time for some inspiration

Take Time:

Take time to think-
It is the source of all power.

Take time to read-
It is the fountain of wisdom.

Take time to play-
It is the source of perpetual youth.

Take time to be quiet-
It is the opportunity to seek God.

Take time to be aware-
It is the opportunity to help others.

Take time to love and be loved-
It is God’s greatest gift.

Take time to laugh-
It is the music of the soul.

Take time to be friendly-
It is the road to happiness.

Take time to dream-
It is what the future is made of.

Take time to pray-
It is the greatest power on earth.

Take time to give-
It is too short a day to be selfish.

Take time to work-
It is the price of success.

There is a time for everything. . . .[Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]Bible
 
What aren't you taking time for? How will you change this situation?

New contest just announced

New QueryTracker blog contest. This one:

• Opens Tuesday June 1, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST
• Only 100 entries will be accepted
• Genres: Young Adult and Middle Grade only (next month's contest will be adult only.)

Get all of the details here.
And lots of luck to all who enter.

When rejection has you down...

A good friend sent me this video and I couldn't wait to share it. Listen to the words. Although the video is a bit fuzzy, the vocals make up for it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I so needed to hear this today.

Writing exercise on voice

Rewrite this sentence and give it a different voice. This is from my WIP THE LION AWAKENS. Petra is the MC’s wing girl. She’s funny, and when she talks it’s like she has diarrhea of the mouth.


“Oh. My. Gawd.” Petra said. “Is that a for real baby? Like one you have to feed and burp and change diapers and rock and…”