Rewrites...can I do it...again?

What is it about re-writes that evokes such emotion in a writer? I personally have a love/hate relationship with the whole process. Part of me can’t wait to get started when an editor sends me a page full of red marks and sidebar comments. Then part of me doubts my abilities to accomplish the changes expected for the manuscript.

Then there is the actual mechanical process. How do I go about it? What method should I use? Do I print out the chapter and scribble on the page or do I just stick to my computer screen and wade through it line by line?

Do I make a list of things to check or go with my gut feelings? How much should I concentrate on the technical end of it and when do I just go with the flow? I sound like I’m second guessing myself, but these are the questions that race through my mind when I sit down to begin the challenge of re-writes.

I wish I could say my attitude is always on the up, but that wouldn’t be the truth. But I am learning to see the process as a learning tool, a growing experience and a chance to listen and discern. If I couldn’t see it that way, I don’t know that I would still be writing.

Part of me wants to give up when faced with the job. But I’m glad to say that part grows smaller with each editing experience.

Do you love re-writes, hate them or do you just do it without too much thought?

A New Kind of Christmas Day

Our first Christmas Day alone. No kids, no grandkids. Our Christmas tree is looking kind of sad, two strings of lights had gone out a week ago, leaving a couple of rings unlit around the middle. Then the top section (it’s artificial) won’t stay straight so it tips to the right. The only thing under it is our snoozing cat. The presents have all been opened and the wrapping tossed in the garbage.

We had to celebrate early this year due to everyone’s busy schedules. I cleaned, cooked, wrapped and shopped for days in preparation. Making all the arrangements for who would be here when, took calls and texts and more calls. I felt like I was organizing a large charity event.

Now I sit on the couch, bundled up with my favorite blanket, watching the President’s cup on the Golf Channel. Does it seem like Christmas Day? Well, no. But what does Christmas Day feel like? Gone are the days of the excitement of presents, food and Christmas visitors. Those are the thrills now left for the children in my life. 

My childhood has past, and with it have gone the childlike building anticipation and mystery of the day. I no longer have visions of sugar plums dancing in my head – it’s more like a check list of things to get done before the first foot steps through my door. And I don’t worry anymore if I’ve been naughty or nice – no time for that.

I do notice, however, that I think more and more about the realities of what Christ did for us on this wondrous day. I find more pleasure in pondering the divine than I do trying to guess who bought me what. 

Things change, People change. Even Christmas changes. But the sacrifice of gaining an earthly home so we could have one in heaven never ceases to amaze me. Jesus made Christmas special this year – and will for all the years and centuries to come.

Am I disappointed about spending the day alone? Nope. I know better. Family comes and goes, but the significance of the day remains forever. How could I be disappointed?

Dare to Dream Guest Post at Blog Schmog

I'm guest posting over at Jessie Gunderson's Blog Schmog. Stop by and take a look. I tell the story of how the Inland NW Christian Writers conference was born.

Jessie has a wonderful blog that you will want to follow.

Have a blessed day!

Jan

How do you think of yourself?

....as a writer. Do you remember the first time you told someone you were a writer when they asked you what you did? I do. It was scary, ego building, confidence shaking - yet very self-confirming thing to say out loud. But how did I really think of myself inside? Still doubting, wavering and double-minded.

One minute I am sure of my growing abilities and gifts, the next minute I find myself thinking "who do you think you are, anyway?" I know you all have been there. It doesn't just happen to writers. It's the same with anyone who has a gift to use or a job to do.

I recently submitted my WIP to a popular professional editor, who happens to be a friend of mine. He has wonderful unique insight to everything he does. His attitude and way of encouraging writers is very effective. I waited with nervous anticipation for his response to the manuscript. When I saw his email in my inbox, I took a deep breath and stared at it until I had the courage to open it.

Yes, I have lots of work to do, but his words to me concerning my efforts changed my attitude about the work that goes into rewrites. Here is what he said:

"Make your decision to enjoy this. God is. I guarantee it. You are a brave warrior poet. Don't forget it!"

A brave warrior poet? Yes, I guess I am. I'm willing to take my writing and make it better - fighting past my insecurities and doubts. All good writing is poetry. Poetry encompasses the magic words make.

This is my new attitude...Im a brave warrior poet. I can do this job - I must do it. It's much easier with the right mind set. Don't you think?

Weary of Social Media? Put your sandals on.

I have spoken to a lot of people over the last year about Social Media. I will admit I dragged my feet, whining and complaining when I started doing the SM thing. I hated the thought of self-promotion and seemingly wasted time on the internet. I had dug my heels in for a long time. "I'm too old to start this", I would say. "I'll just write what is on my heart and see what happens." 

Many that I share my new point of view on this issue disagree with my present position on SM, but I've had a change of heart. Why? Because I have words that God gave me to share. This is just my opinion, but here goes...

What if Jesus had just sat on the hill and not said a word. What if his attitude had been, “If people want to know that I’m the Son of God and want to know what I have to say, they can just come find me and ask me.” And what if we as Christians never put on our figurative sandals and walked the earth sharing the gospel?

Not only did Jesus say “come, follow me”, He sent out his disciples to spread the word. He wanted to share the good news of the Father. He knew his time was limited and wanted to tell as many as He could. He used the only thing there was at the time – word of mouth.

The days of people flocking to the library or bookstore to browse the bookshelves to find a great book are dwindling. How shall we then spread the news that we have words that will bless them? Shall we rent billboards to announce our book’s release? How many billboards would it take to reach the masses? The fact is, we have access to a free billboard that reaches the entire world – the internet.

Some may think that if God wants their book to be read that He will somehow make it so. What does God use to do that? A magic wand? I believe He uses other people – people who use the internet and social media. This is how humans connect these days whether we like it or not.

Here is just a bit of information – a small drop in the bucket of statistics about how people communicate now:

Nielsen’s SVP of Media & Advertising Insights and Analytics Radha Subramanyam:

“Nine of the 10 most popular social networks were dominated by women.” “Americans spend almost a quarter of their time online on social networking sites.”

“What is most surprising to us is the rapid adoption, the measurable reach of social media. Four out of five Internet users. One of five minutes spent online. When you have those numbers and see their scale, it’s staggering.”

“The most popular social network as measured by Nielsen online meters is Facebook, followed by Blogger, Tumblr, Twitter and LinkedIn.”

I'm not saying we have to be involved with all these networks, and I might be tarred and feathered for saying this, but it’s possible that if Jesus came today, He just might use social media to reach people for eternal salvation. He would use it to expand His forever family. Maybe we should think of our platform as just expanding our circle of friends and forever family. 

Regardless, I have words and the message of hope and mercy burning in my heart. I will do what I must do to reach that one or two or million who need to hear it. Social media? I get weary of it too. But if that’s the way we do it these days, so be it. I guess I’d complain more if I had to walk the earth and talk to people one on one.

The social media bottomless pit. Are you in it?

I'm "teaching" a class tomorrow on Social Media. I use the term lightly because Im really only sharing what I know - which is only a couple drops in the bottomless pit of networking.

But so many writers I know dont have websites, Facebook or blog accounts. They dont know where to begin and I can at least get them started.

Im not one to spend hours a day on social media. I dont blog as often as I should and I dont post on Facebook more than once a day. I dont twitter at all. I do keep two websites going and as up to date as I can. But I'm learning more each day about this potentially all consuming phenomenon. I dont want to be so distracted by it so much that I dont have time for other important things...

like writing, researching, laundry, speaking, loading the dishwasher...you know.

My question is do you all spend much time on your social media sites? Do you love it, hate it or skip it?

Happy posting!