Muse Awakened

Wow. Ever since I geared myself for NaNoWriMo a week before November 1st, I found that my

muse was hiding so very well in me but I dug her out. She has been an awesome companion as I've

written over 7,000 words yesterday and a roughly 26,694 since this month has started. I still won't

write on Sundays and I know that my commitment to keeping God's sacred day holy will shine

through!

How is NaNo going for you and where are you at?

Uh Oh! There's a Monster Inside Me!

This is going to be a rather informal post because of NaNoWriMo. I've been doing a lot of thinking about the post and have spoken with many of my close writer friends and we all have agreed on the same thing.

When we are so focused on writing and expect to get some in and find that we can't because of spontaneous events such as the needs of our children (even if they are regularly scheduled like making dinner) or maybe other things that are out of our control, it is that the beast of impatience, frustration and quick to anger, erupts.

I know this happens to me for sure. I feel awful when I do that because my family needs me and I let my writing take precedence over them at times and it causes problems--especially when I put my writing first. It is so hard to put it aside since I love it so much and yes, I guess I am addicted to it!

The Lord counsels all things in moderation. And we can't serve two gods. Ahem. (I'm hiding my head here!) I have pondered the importance of controlling my worldly passions (writing, writing and writing!) and the only thing I can come up with is to put a tight leash on the times when I write.

I've made it a point to keep to writing when my kids are at school and or when they are all in bed. I have to force myself to resist the temptation go past a decent hour as well. All this is done through the Lord's help of prayer and scripture reading.

I hope that I don't fall into that trap of writing over family or over the important things again (the Lord, church, friends). I don't want it to overwhelm my life and have me forget what life is really about!

I'd like to leave you with this neat verse of scripture that isn't exactly related to the topic above, but oh so fitworthy of writing--if you keep in mind your critiquing group as both receiver and contributor.

It is found in Mormon 9: 31

"Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been."

My Little Dallas

My cutest little boy with eyes of emerald honey
hair of burnished gold and skin soft like Heaven

A voice, full and strong.

How he turns castles from nothing and tales from a single toy,
his creation is magic to lose myself in.

Though words seem to fail him at times, he has found hope.
With actions and tones can he say his heart thoughts.

Strength form above, pours into his life--what an example this little boy is.

His sweet tender spirit, like a honeybee to flower,
touches others with his shining example.

Little Dallas--how full my heart is.
How I love you as I hold your softness to my breast.

I love you, my little Dallas


(turned four September 13th)

Unfolding A Rose

It is only a tiny rosebud, A flower of God's design;

But I cannot unfold the petals, With these hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers Is not known to you and I.

GOD opens these flowers so sweetly,

While in my hands they fade and die.

IF I can not unfold a rosebud,

This flower of God's design,

Then how can I think I have wisdom

To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for leading, Each moment of every day.

I will look to Him for His guidance, Each step of the way.

The pathway that lies before me,

Only my Heavenly Father knows.

I'll trust Him to unfold the moments, Just as his He unfolds the rose.

--author unknown



This was a beautiful poem given to my daughter in YW. How do you think it applies to us as writers?

Loving My Critique Group

My writing life has been extremely lonesome. I've prayed and prayed and prayed, wondering if my drought would ever end. So many tears have I known.

I started my writing career way back in the early days of my youth. I started my first full blown manuscript in 1991. I started searching for writers who would welcome me warmly into their arms.

I've searched high and low. Far and wide. Near and yonder.

And I prayed some more.

Then, slowly, one by one, the Lord has generously provided me with wonderful friends until so many poured in all at once, my cup is running over. So wonderful that I think to pinch myself and ask, "is this real?"

We have recently formed a critique group, today being our 3rd week anniversary!

I am humbled to be in the company of such artfully talented writers who love me as much as their writing!

Love you, guys!