Just One Thing

Sitting on my desk, amid haphazardly stacked papers and files is a cute little Post-it Note I got from professional organizer Cindy Bernstein:

Yesterday's note has four things crammed into the bottom section. On one I used last week, I ran out of room at the bottom and started filling in the white space around the words at the top.

Yes, I know that defeats the purpose. But in my defense, all of the things on the bottom were related. One category = one thing, right?

Wrong.

It's a wonderful concept, this determining the most important thing on the to-do list, then focusing on it, finishing it and checking it off. But, when multiple roles (mother, wife, writer, professor, Christmas decorator/card writer/shopper) converge, finding that one thing is a challenge.

I suppose I could use one note for each role, but I fear that by doing this, I am again defeating the purpose.

Of course, there's nothing on the note that says the thing I write down is the only thing I'm allowed to do...but that one thing often leads to another...and others present themselves as the day moves along (or careens by, as the case may be....)

And since I know I'm not the only person who finds herself in this predicament (particularly at this time of year), I thought I'd share my strategy. It's very simple, really.

I'm going to use this notepad. I could just as easily use a piece of scrap paper, but since I have this cute little notepad, I'm going to abide by it. I'm going to write down the one thing I really want to get done before the day is over.

It won't stop me from making other lists, or cramming as much into a 24 hour period as I possibly can, but it will help me to check something off my list, at least once a day.

And who knows? Maybe I'll even write something fun on the list some days. 

I will do one thing today: Eat chocolate.  

Merry Week Before Christmas.    

               

                                                                                                                                       

Come Visit!

http://homeschoolcollegecounselor.com

In addition to posting here, I also contribute to several other blogs. Today, you can find me at the Geezer Guys and Gals blog, where I am just one of many contributors, all with different perspectives. I hope you'll stop by, if only to discover why I'm posting a photo of people who are most definitely not geezer guys and gals  :-)

Saturday Special: The Countdown Begins

↑Insert "Lawmaster" here...   

Earlier this week, I discovered that my book is available for preorder on Amazon. Yesterday, I got to see mock-ups of the cover, which we're still working on. After years of writing, editing, submitting, more editing, building a platform, more editing, finding an agent, more editing, opting to go without an agent....it's really going to happen!

Publishing a novel is a unique experience. I've been through the publishing process before -- with nonfiction books in the education market -- and it was much simpler. The manuscript was easier to write and easier to sell, but if I was unhappy with cover art or format, that was just too bad. These were editorial decisions, no authors allowed.

But, that was more than a decade ago.

This time, I'm working with a small publisher (not in the educational market) and a lot is in my lap. The options for authors are much broader, but in return, we're expected to play a bigger role in the promotional process. It's both exhausting and exhilarating, but I like having some control over what my cover looks like. I also like having a hand in promoting my book (though, if you read my last post, you know I wouldn't be disappointed to do a little less of that).

And that's what these Saturday posts will be about. If you're looking for news about my book, you can find it here on Saturdays. You can also find it on my Facebook author page, and, once I begin visiting other blogs, there may be an occasional weekday announcement as well if the date for a visit pops up unexpectedly.

It's going to be a busy month (43 days, to be precise). I've set up a lot of fun things in the last week, and look forward to getting a few more into place, including some book signings and real world launch parties. For now, mark your calendars for a Facebook Book Launch party (with prizes) on January 27 from 4-8. Stay tuned for details.

Redefining the Shameless Art of Self-Promotion

http://www.grovesnurseries.co.uk

I am by no means a shrinking violet, but this book promo stuff...well, let's just say it's a challenge.

Let me get the obvious out of the way immediately. I am blessed. Having to promote a book is a very, very good "problem" to have. But those visions that non-writers (and some writers, too) have of signing a contract, making a million and having the publishing company promote your book all over town?

More fiction than the novel itself.

So, please, don't consider this blog post a complaint. Consider it a public service announcement.

My book comes out in a month and a half. Everyone will be able to read it! I am over the moon!

And I am terrified.

www.kveller.com

Everyone will be able to read it. Some people will like it, some will hate it. Others will say, "I thought she'd be a much better writer than that," a statement that will be tempered, in part, by my mother, who will brandish copies everywhere she goes, telling everyone who will listen all about it.

I love my mother. And I wish I had her lack of inhibition when it comes to bragging about me.

In a way, I do. It's part and parcel of motherhood. I'm more than happy to tell everyone who will listen how wonderful my daughter is. It's just a lot harder doing the same thing about me.

You see, I like having friends. And maybe I'm misinformed, but I think I'm more likely to keep my friends if I don't regale them with constant stories of how wonderful I am. That's what Facebook is for -- it's a place where people can scroll right past timelines that are a constant stream of self-promotion.

Therein lies the problem. That's what I do when someone over promotes -- I scroll on by. And I much prefer being the scroller to being the scrollee.

But, my publisher tells me, if you don't promote, you don't sell.

Sigh....

So, in what my friends and family recognize as typical fashion, I am trying to find another way. Okay, okay...my way.

You will hear about this book here and on my Facebook author page because I promised my publisher I would do that. You will not hear about this book here or on my Facebook page every single day. I just can't bring myself to do it.

Photograph: guardian.co.uk

I will keep you posted on what's happening. I'll let you know where you can find interviews, where you can give me your two cents about book cover prospects and where you can read snippets of the novel. I will do this, in no small part, because other writers have been kind enough to invite me to (or agree to host me on) their sites, and I'd love it if you'd come check them out.

And if you want to read about those things, I'm thrilled.

And if you don't, please come back again another day for some different content.

Because although this book is occupying a large portion of the center of my universe, I recognize it doesn't hold the same place of honor in yours.

If you like what you read, please comment and let me know. And if you don't, the invitation still stands -- just please be gentle.

We artists can have fragile egos.

Mary's To-Do List

Unexpected.  That was a key word in the homily yesterday at church. Not surprising, since Advent is a season of expectation, and today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. I can't think of anything more unexpected than being visited by an angel and being told I would bear the son of God. Talk about a game changer.

www.icglenville.com/adventandchristmas.htm

Did you ever wonder what was on Mary's to-do list that day? Was it an ordinary day like any other? Was she feeling overwhelmed even before an angel showed up to deliver news that would rock her world -- and ours? What would have happened if instead of accepting God's plan for her, she'd have said, "Really? Pregnant? Gee, I don't think I have time for that in my schedule. Thanks, but no thanks."

I'm sure I'm not the first person to raise these questions (and I apologize to anyone I've offended by the way I've phrased my own wonderings), but yesterday's homily has me thinking about them again today in a very real, human way. (Father Jim's homilies tend to have that effect on me).

Every day, we deal with the unexpected. Snow that wasn't supposed to slow traffic to a dangerous crawl. Two hour delays (or school closings) that require us to shift our plans so that everyone gets where they need to be. Illnesses. Cars that won't start. Paperwork that needs to be redone. Plans that fall apart. The minor annoyances and inconveniences in life.

Do we handle them with grace? Do we moan and groan and think, "Why me? Why today?" Do we dig our heels in and refuse to adjust, making life more unpleasant for everyone around us?

I know that Father Jim raised some of these questions yesterday, and unfortunately, I'm not sure where his musings end and mine begin, because (as you can probably tell) his words hit home for me. Some days, I handle these things with grace. I shrug or smile and adjust my plans because that's the gracious, grown-up thing to do. I trust that God has a plan for my day, and recognize that my plans need to be subordinate to His.

Other days, I'm tempted to throw a temper tantrum that would make a two-year-old stare at me in incredulous envy.

I try to do more of the former than the latter, but honestly, it's a struggle sometimes. I wish I could say that I reserve my meltdowns for enormous impacts -- death and taxes, if you will -- but the truth is, it's usually something little that sets me off. I have a tendency to say yes to too many things, to pack my schedule with too many tasks, to forget to build wiggle room into my to-do list. And then when everything converges...well, let's just say I lack Mary's grace.

And that, I think, is what Father Jim wanted us to think about yesterday. How do we handle the unexpected? What do we do when our plans go awry? Do we insist on staying the course and powering through? Do we take a step back and reassess? Do we shrug and smile, or do we moan and groan?

I'm tempted to end this blog with some neat resolution to try to do better during this season of expectation and anticipation. To try to be more like Mary and less like Martha (but that's another story). But all of that is old news. I've made those resolutions before. And I'm better at keeping them some days than others.

Maybe what I need to remember is that it's not about what I'm going to do. Maybe what's important to remember here is that faith is the fuel for grace.

Definitely something to contemplate. Thanks, Father Jim.

Friday Freebie: Carole Brown & The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

Bet you thought I forgot all about Friday Freebies! Life has been very busy, but today, I'm happy to welcome back Carole Brown, author of The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman. Carole has always been very generous when it comes to promoting other authors and commenting on their blogs, and I am delighted to be able to return the favor.

Carole is also a good sport. Instead of traditional interview questions, she agreed to try something different. Read on for some insights into not only Carole's novel, but into Carole as well.

5 reasons to read The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

Everyone needs to awaken to the true horror of abuse. It exists and I believe everyone should be in the place where they can encourage and/or offer hope to those hurting ones with whom we come in direct contact. 

Life is about more than just fun and games although I love having fun and being entertained at times. I think there needs to be a balance in our lives and for the purpose of this list: seriousness and happiness. Existing on one or the other seriously damages us. A steady diet of pie, cookies and cakes will eventually cause health issues. A steady diet of partying, laughter, jokes and high living will seriously hinder us in our daily lives (unless perhaps we’ve taken up the career of being clowns? Lol) 

You’ll enjoy reading how one scared, but courageous woman takes a stand against the wrongs in her life. You’ll capture the hope shining throughout the book and see the triumphant victory God has when we turn our lives, our dreams, and even our fears and sins over to him.

You’ll bless an author! Authors love readers and fans of their books. It’s an ultimate blessing to our lives to read a great review, to read how it blessed your heart, or to know it encouraged someone. Readers are wonderful!

You gain a new favorite author! Lol. I’m just kidding in a way. Seriously though, every author dreams of having many faithful readers, and I’m no different. Hopefully, you will enjoy The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, and we’ll both profit! 

4 things Carole loves about the company of writers

Fellowship with likeminded creatures! What fun to talk all you want about writing to those who understand and “get it” because writing is a big part of who they are!

No writer will give you looks because you talk of killing off someone or fighting with the hero. What fun to feel “safe” to kill off whomever you want, to cause fights to happen to those you know, or to create strange events--to your characters. And to have other writers encourage and cheer you on! Lol

I always come away revitalized and excited to begin another section of a book I’m working on. It’s almost as if fuel has been added to this “car.” I’m ready to go after visiting with other writer friends. 

Brainstorming. I can always count on someone to come up with a suggestion that will help me over a slump in my writing! Most writers experience it, and writing friends are a big help in this area--normally. 

3 things every aspiring author should know about launching a book

Do your research ahead of time. Don’t wait until your book has released to start asking for reviews, interviews, guest blogs, good places to advertise with. The more you research and learn before the big day arrives the happier and more peaceful you can be.

It’s hard work! Be prepared to ignore things in your life you previously enjoyed--for a time. Be prepared to ramp up long hours at answering questions, filling in forms, writing guest blogs, and a million other things that require getting your name out there. Be prepared to spend money. Most authors find that spending money to sell your books is a necessity whether it’s for advertising and/or gas and food for traveling to events and opportunities. 

Enjoyment!  Look for the satisfaction of having your “baby” born. Happiness, peace and joy comes from knowing you’ve created a piece of yourself, that you’ve woven words from your imaginationto form a document called a novel. Relax in the knowledge and get all the pleasure you can (because next on the list is getting that next masterpiece started and completed. Lol)

2 fictional characters Carole loves

From my novels? Then here goes:

Caralynne Hayman, from The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, my debut novel, is so full of courage, although she can’t see it, and love for her daughters, that I can’t help but cheer her on. She could be any woman who’s ever faced darkness in her life. Having fear does not mean we’re not courageous, but letting that fear conquer us does.

In one of my historicals, the first in a three-book series set in WWII, the oldest daughter, Emma Jaine Rayner, is a strong woman determined to help not only her father but to guide her sisters in the way they should go--according to her. She’s such a spunky, fun character, very lightly based on my mother, that I totally enjoyed writing about her. She’s a red-headed fireball that runs smack dab into the middle of a spy. 

1 thing Carole is thinking of writing next:

Only one?

How about this? I’m trying to finish a fun, lighthearted, suspenseful historical novel set in the late 1800s --a new time period for me. Destiny Rose (named after my husband’s niece’s baby daughter who passed away) is the funnest, flirtiest, drive-you-mad character I’ve created. She’s just got to have her way even if she runs right into the chest and arms of withdrawn Michael McCallaugher. But then with gold, a missing man man named Caleb, and her traitorous heart involved, what else can she do but seek for answers?

As the end of my first semester of teaching at the college level runs head-on into both Christmas preparation and book launch preparations, I'm finding it hard to get to this blog I've worked so hard to maintain. Sitting here this morning, trying to come up with a topic for this post (teaching? Christmas? book launch? the clutter that results when they collide?), I did what I usually do -- I procrastinated by going onto Facebook.

But today, what greeted me was inspiration. A little boy who lives in my town, and who goes to  school in a neighboring district was featured on the Today show. And since his actions speak for themselves and offer a bit of optimism on a gray December day, I decided to share the video here.

Cop out? Maybe a little. But after seeing this video, I can't imagine writing anything here today that's more powerful than the simple action begun by this little boy. And I can't think of anything that's more in keeping with the spirit of this season than kindness.

http://www.today.com/video/today/53733368/#53733368