Chicon 7

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I had an awesome time at Chicon 7. There were many highlights, but the best part was spending time with my writing group and wife, Amanda. I loved seeing one of the best publicists in the business, Dana Kaye, and meeting authors Lissa Price, Stina Leicht, and Morgan Keyes. Panels on dark fairy tales, the rites and rituals of children becoming adults, sudden inspiration, and dragons for real were all enlightening and idea generating.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my first World Scifi Convention and plan on attending similar venues in the future.

Writing Journal

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Wow. For a while I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but I am FINALLY at the point where I can share my second novel with Wifey. She is my first reader and a fair critic and brutally honest about everything.

What I’m working on: My third novel, a YA fantasy/mystery.

What I’m listening to: Clash of the Titans soundtrack. Ramin Djawadi is one of my favorite composers.

Why I’m happy: Fresh story, fresh characters, and a loosely outlined plot.

The devil on my shoulder says: It’s never too early for chocolate.

SCBWI-MI Spring 2012

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Here are some highlights from the SCBWI-MI Spring Conference 2012.

In the words of Author/Illustrator Brett Helquist (best known for illustrating Lemony Snicket)  “Genius is nothing but a lot of hard work.” Brett also encouraged all artists to trust the process and take things step by step.

Editor at Candlewick Press, Hilary Breed Van Dusen, encouraged writers to treat submissions as professionally as one would an application for a job and to really focus on the cover letter.

Jennifer Mattson, Literary Agent from Andrea Brown, reminded writers not to get discouraged by the word “no” and she humbly explained various projects that had been rejected by many and then went on to be best sellers.  She also showed how a “no” can turn into a “yes” next time if writers take a serious look at the reasons for a rejection and improve their story accordingly.

Author/Illustrator team Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke and Bone) and Jim Di Bartolo brought comedy and encouragement to the conference. Laini was awesome and honest and truly inspired me to go home and write, write, write!

Writing Journal

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I have finished a major rewrite of my second novel and am beginning a new YA fantasy/mystery.

What I’m working on: Revisions of a short story.

What I’m listening to: Vampire Diaries soundtrack.

Why I’m happy: I can’t tell you yet 🙂

The devil on my shoulder says: Grading papers is overrated. Just write!

Writing Journal

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I’m working on: The never ending edit of book 2. But good news, I have a finish date in sight. I promised wifey a copy to read for spring break!

I’m listening to: 1,000 Ships by Rachel Platten (love her).

I’m happy because: I found a weekly goal system that works…most of the time it works. Okay, it has worked for a month. Good feelings about its chances, though.

The devil on my shoulder says: Coffee. NOW!

New Year’s Resolution 2012

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I have a list of goals for the year, but I can sum them up with a simple quote by Anne Lamott from her fantastic book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.

“Be afraid of not getting your writing done. If something inside you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real emotion at the center of your work.”

So there it is. Write every day. Write with real emotion. I will walk the Dimholt Road and when I see the gate ahead of me telling me the way is shut, I will continue down the path of the writer.

Holiday Readathon

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The wonderful Liza Wiemer is hosting the Holiday Readathon once again. My pledge for this year is to read the Lord of the Rings trilogy. If I accomplish this feat, I will spend $50 for each book on a family in need.  The family I have chosen is struggling emotionally and financially since their father was deported. I love them dearly and refuse to see them go without. Interested in making a pledge? There is still time. Check out Liza’s challenge and many mini-challenges by clicking on the link above.

Time to read!

Writing Journal

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I’m working on: Cutting the junk out of chapter one!

I’m listening to: Blow Me Away by Breaking Benjamin

I’m happy because: I finished the laundry and my sweet baby boy is sleeping next to me.

The devil on my shoulder says: Uh oh…he’s quiet today 🙂

 

Don’t Threaten My Passion

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How do you know writing is a part of you? Somethingyou HAVE to do? After four years of writing and editing I still get butterflies when I finally have a few hours of unhindered writing time, which with a newborn can be hard to come by. The butterflies today reminded me of how important it is to make time daily. Honestly, I think my soul needs it.

My baby’s doctor said to keep doing what you are passionate about because happy parents are important for any baby’s well being. This, of course, made me love the man instantly.

Almost everyone (not including my wife, thank God) has made a comment about how I might as well give up writing because when you have a baby “your life will never be the same.”

Really? Babies change your life? What sage advice this was for me from the world’s wisest people. My son has changed my life for the better. He has given me new inspiration and someone to write damn good stories for. And when he is old enough to understand, he will know what it means to have a passion for something.

Forget about the naysayers and do what makes you happy. For me that is writing.