Writing on a Prayer

I Think I'm Finished!

2009-11-13T20:49:22Z

I wish I kept count of all my revisions like most writers seem to do. Then again, the count might be too embarassing to share. This novel I've been working on has challenged me more than anything I have worked on before. Actually, it was the second one I started about three years ago, but I abandoned it many times and finished other works before I finally went back. It has now been two consecutive years that I've been working on this.

Sometimes I thought I should let it go. Often writers say some books aren't meant to be finished. I thought this was one of them. I hope not, because I think I am finished! For the first time, I am really happy with it. I have to say, I've received ALOT of help. LJ buddies and writer friends have been so generous with their time and knowledge. It 'does' take a village to write a book as far as I'm concerned. In truth, I know it's not 'really' finished, but it is ready to go to my agent. Of course, this is the worst time of year to expect to get a quick read. But I have to push send now.

My name is Wendy and I am a revisaholic, but I am taking the first step and I'm going to push send. Wish me luck.

What Kind of Learner Are You?

2009-11-02T14:40:26Z

I found the yellow brick road--the yellow brick road for the employee entrance of Macy's that leads to the second floor of the stairwell to the door to the department store. Each step swiped with yellow paint on the edges goes all the way to the sales floor, just to make sure we find our way to work.

Of course, I didn't catch onto this my first day. I had to get lost and find myself on the third floor to nowhere, then back down again to meet an employee who explained the reason for the yellow brick road. Now, I can find my way to work every day without getting lost. LOL

After filling out scholarship applications all week, searching for admission requirements for college and universities whose links often bring me back right from where I started instead of where I wanted to go, I think a yellow brick road could work well for many occasions in life. Just think how much easier it would be to find the manuscript submissions on certain publisher's web sites. (Most are easy to find now-a-days) but I remember years ago when it was like a treasure hunt.

For someone like me who MUST make mistakes, get lost, call someone the wrong name, etc., before I get it right, I could really benefit from a yellow brick road of any size to get me through the day. But like my mother says, "You always had to learn the hard way." I guess mom was right.

I remember writing cheat sheets on the palm of my hand before a test. By the time I took the test, I had remembered all the answers without looking once. For (tactile learners) http://www.homepages.dsu.edu/paulicr/glossary/definitions/Tactile_Learners.htm

like me, I think I've discovered that writing, searching, and creating my own yellow brick road would be the best way for me to find what I'm looking for.

If you don't know what style of learner you are check this site out. If you are like me, It will help you not to feel less intelligent when you leave a two hour seminar without taking notes and you don't remember a word.

http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm#Multiple%20Intelligences%20Explained

Seeking Weird and Unusual Scholarships?

2009-10-26T14:05:22Z

My son will be off to college next fall. If you've already experienced this, you know how expensive it can be, especially if your child wants to live on campus and has a specialized major. His guidance counselor told me there are many scholarships to be had, but you must do the research and fill out lengthy applications. I love research, not so much applications, but a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.

Also, if your soon-to-be college student is not looking for an academic scholarship and might be in search of something less conventional . . . maybe more artistic, check these out:

The Klingon Language Institute's Kor Memorial Scholarship-- For those of you not familiar with Star Trek, Klingons are those big furry creatures, and fans constructed an actual Klingon language. This scholarship goes to creative language scholars. Fluency in Klingon is not required.

Starfleet Academy Scholarships-- These $500 scholarships are for members of the "Starfleet Academy," an organization modelled after the fictitious Star Trek academy. This Starfleet Academy 'trains" people in the art of Star Trek trivia. Awards include the Gene Roddenberry Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Writers and the DeForest Kelley/Dr. Leonard McCoy Medical Scholarship.

Scholarship for Left-Handed Students-- Yep, left-handedness is the only stipulation. Oh, and you have to be a student at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. One wonders if anyone's ever tried to fake left-handedness to win.

Duct Brand Duct Tape Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest-- To enter, you and a date must attend your prom dressed entirely in duct tape.

American Nudist Research Library Scholarship -- A scholarship for young nudists. This one sounds less painful than the duct tape scholarship.

Carnegie Mellon University Bagpipe Scholarship-- This scholarship isn't very competitive, as there's only one college bagpipe major in the entire United States.

Tall Clubs International Student Scholarship. For female students who are at least 5'10" and male students who are at least 6'2". I wonder if they measure their applicants?

Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest Scholarship. If you know how to call ducks, get yourself down to Stuttgart, Arkansas to register. First prize is $1500!

American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship-- Students read an essay on fire sprinkler safety. Each correct answer earns applicants an entry in the scholarship drawing.

Michigan Llama Association Scholarship-- If your parents are part of this organization, you're in luck.

Excellence in Predicting the Future Award. Not as weird as the title makes it sound, actually. It's a contest for students interested in economics. Participants "buy and sell" future predictions in the manner of buying stocks.

Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation Scholarship-- If you're interested in studying the technology of vacuum coating, this scholarship is for you. And no, I haven't the foggiest idea what vacuum coating means.

Unfortunately, my son does not qualify for any of these. Though he did tell me his girlfriend would be willing to wear duct tape to the prom. I said, "That's okay, honey. I'll keep searching." Luckily, I have found scholarships out there that he does qualify for. The Elks, offers nearly 500 scholarships up to $60,000. I am right on that~

I Got a Part-Time Job!

2009-10-20T03:53:51Z

Well, it's not my dream job. I already have that. I just don't make any money for it. LOL I'll be working at Macy's as an on-call employee. I start training tomorrow. It's great because I can check in each week through the computer and see what jobs are available and put in for the one's that work best for my schedule. Now, that's the kind of job that will work for me. :) It's not a ton of money, but at least it won't raise my blood pressure like my last job.

Anyhow, I'm feeling good. I only have 50 pages left before I print and have my editor/friend crit and line edit for me. Plus, I'll have extra money for Christmas gifts, paper and ink. Hehe That's all I really need . . . today. :)

Happy Monday.

The Fear of Subbing the Second Agented MS

2009-10-18T02:36:10Z

I can only imagine how many writers out there are like me. After tons of rejections, you finally get that accceptance letter from an agent, you run down the street screaming, "I got an agent!"

Finally, after some revisions and input from your agent, he/she sends your baby out to the lovely world of publishing. You get great feedback, maybe even go to acquistion . . . but no sale. So what else is a writer to do? My agent suggested I write the next book. However, now I fear that if this one doesn't make it, it's curtains for me, at least with this agent. Am I right?

I have spent almost two years working on this second novel and have had great feedback, but also have had major suggested changes. After taking all into consideration, pulling my hair out, purchasing "real" reading glasses, and quitting my job l feel close to being ready. But when will I feel close enough to push that send button to my agent? I fear that if this one doesn't cut it, I will be the one cut. In essence, I'm a bit gun shy to take that second shot, and I'm running out of beta readers, so I have to go with my gut.

I know I'll eventually hit "send." I have to. But I need I need a little encouragement . . . after I print it out and proof it one more time!

A Season of Balance

2009-09-30T15:22:14Z

Well, after many stumbling blocks, I now have a working laptop. Actually, I've had it for a few weeks, and I wanted to get as much writing done before anything else went wrong, which is why I've been a terrible blogger.

I'm half way through my (lost count) rewrite on CAUR. I got some great feedback from my son's girlfriend, but after a crit from another writer, I took the MS back from her before she could finish because I had more work to do. I still haven't found a job yet, but since the kids are back at school, I'm hoping to finish soon and get another read from a retired editor/friend.  I really hope this will be the last one before I can finally send it back to my agent.

My son started his senior year and we are looking at colleges. I cannot believe he'll be out of the house next year. At least he wants to stay in the tri-state area, so he can come home often. I would hate it if he wanted to go far away.

My daughter started her first year in high school. She is attending a performing arts school and LOVES it. I am so happy for her. She hated school before this. Now she is with kids like herself and finally feels like she fits in She is doing really well with her music, and now has a well-known manager working for her. We are dying to put some recordings on her web site, but the mgr. says, "not yet."

I'm glad I'm not working full-time anymore, there are things I miss about my former job, but. when my plate is too full I usually end up dropping it. If I can find a p/t job I will have the balance I need to be functional.

My WIP has Stepped Out of Its Comfort Zone

2009-08-08T00:03:34Z

My WIP has stepped out of its comfort zone and into the hands of someone its own age, (son's girlfriend, MC's age) an avid fiction reader who works with my DH (doesn't read YA) and a first time CP (thank you BB).

I say sock it to me! I have worked on this novel for two years, changed its POV four times, changed the title five times, went from a FT writer to a PT writer, back to a FT writer and finished the story, AGAIN. If this year was meant to test my committment to writing, it truly has. Now, I hope my critquers are just as tough, (but cross my fingers they at least like it). I am ready to wrap it up! My agent is eager to see the changes, and I'm eager to send them to him. I'm even more eager to move on to my next project.

I'm going on a little get-a-way in a few days and look forward to the relaxation. I love summer and want to run my fingers and toes through it for as long as I can.

Excavating Treasures

2009-08-05T02:02:32Z

Since I've been home, I've made a huge effort to do the kind of cleaning and organizing I never paid much attention to. First it was the laundry, then the closets. It is amazing how much stuff I have that I forgot about. Especially stuff that I had given up on finding years ago. For example, a disposable camera my friend ran out and bought for me during my book signing at Barnes & Noble three years ago. What writer would lose something so dear to them you might wonder. Well, the reason I lost it, was because I never finished using the film. I put the camera away until I had a chance to take more pictures. That sounds kind of stupid, "Had a chance to take more pictures." It's easy to take pictures, but I tend to forget to do it. Alot. That's why I enjoy the many pictures I see taken by LJ posters. (Robin, Cindy)

So, here are a couple of my 3-year-old book-signing pics:

I Found My Muse in the Laundry

2009-07-23T03:19:06Z

After working for a year, I can admit that the laundry in my house got a little backed up. I had made many plans to use my new found freedom again, and laundry was at the top of my list. Writing, next. Strange priority list for a writer, but we do not live in a nudist colony and a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

So, first I dumped everyone's overflowing laundry baskets onto the laundry room floor. I didn't have enough room, so I had to move into my bedroom and sort it all out. It was bad, really bad. My husband even told me how my son made a comment the day before about a pair of shorts he spilled ketchup on. He said, "Darn, I've got to get this ketchup off my shorts. It took me a month to get them back from the laundry."

You might be saying, why didn't you teach your family to do their own laundry? I did. But that's neither here nor there. I'm home now and I needed to take control of my home again. It's funny when your mind is so bogged down with things you'd rather not have it bogged down with, there's not always room for creativity. However, as I folded each clean load and put it away, my other load began to lighten and my mind started reeling with ideas.

I did about ten loads of laundry these past two days, and I have written about 4,000 words of substance and finally gave my WIP the strong plot it desperately needed. And, I found a way to make the dual POV work! In essence, this writer's priority list worked out perfectly. Who would have thought I'd find my muse in the laundry! Now I have empty laundry baskets and overflowing pages.

Freedom is a Wonderful Thing!

2009-07-21T04:01:40Z

Freedom has various meanings for each individual. For me, it means being home again. I decided to leave my job at the special ed. school. It was not an easy decision, especially when so many people are out of work and struggling. I felt guilty. Though I enjoyed the school enviornment, the kids inspired me, and of course, the money was the main purpose for my taking the job, I decided if I only have one life to live, I don't want to live it stuck inside an office doing payroll and answering the phones all day long. Though, I did finish the school year out and there were many days I didn't think I could do it, but I refused to quit until it finished.

I tried to like my job. I tried really, really hard. Instead, I began to detest it. So, I prayed that God would give the job to someone who really enjoys this type of work, and the woman who was second choice when I was hired got the job. Foturnately, my husband prefers me to be happy, and writing and taking care of my family makes me happy. Besides, I probably spent half the money I made on take-out food since I was too tired to cook every night. Not to mention I spent about $120 a month on gas driving fifty miles each day.

Since I've been home the sun has been out every day . . . literally and figuratively. I believe it rained 24 out of 30 days in June, and for a person who lives to write in her sunroom, it really got me down. I hadn't read an entire book in six months. I worked on my novel each night, though, I found myself revising more than adding new text. The past two weeks, I have been so inspired and so happy I feel as if I were let out of jail. I'm embarassed to say this because it's not like I was digging a ditch in India, but I worked for many years before I had the chance to write full-time, and once I had a taste of that life, I could not forget how great it was to wake up every morning and be happy doing what I loved.

Doing what you love is a privilege, and I am so thankful I have found a way to do it again. I will continue to do side work to make money, and many things are happening with my daughter's career and she needs me to be available. But I feel free as a bird once again and this time I will truly appreciate it more than I ever did before.

I've Got a Mini Mouse

2009-06-02T22:04:43Z

I've got a mini-mouse and it's my dog's fault! I was working on my laptop and my 13 pound Peke jumped right on top of the keyboard. Once I managed to get him off, my controller stopped working. (Not sure if that's what it's called on a laptop) I have had SO much trouble with this laptop since I bought it, I couldn't believe one more thing could go wrong with it. And now, it was because of my dog.

My son told me I could plug a regular mouse in, and it should work. I guess I'm still slightly technologically challenged. (I never would have thought I could do that). Today I stopped at Best Buy and I found the cutest little mouse. It's only about three inches long. It fits perfectly on my laptop! I'm so glad I didn't go with my first instinct to slam it against the wall.

It is taking some getting used to, but I grew up learning how to keep things going on their last legs. Whether it is a car that needs the radiator filled each time I reach my destination, a blouse held together by safety pins or a storm door that won't close unless you lift it and push to the right, I'll keep whatever I've got going until I've used it to it's fullest potential.

A Homage to my Mother-in-Law

2009-05-10T04:12:24Z

A few years ago I wrote a story about the similarities between my deceased mother-in-law and my daughter. This year my daughter dyed her beautiful, blonde hair red, like my mother-in-law. And just like my mother-in-law, my daughter has developed a singing voice as big as we anticipated from the first time we realized how much she was like her grandma. The story was published in an anthology in 2005. After some research I found it on-line. It's a humorous and sweet story about some of the unusual things our children inherit from their family members. Sadly, my daughter doesn't remember my MIL, but she certainly lives on through her.

If you click the link below, the story should pop up on page 195. Use the top arrow to go to 196 to read the rest.

http://books.google.com/books?id=w1MFYEhyqsEC&pg=PA195&lpg=PA196&ots=IyeCeWNnOc&dq=Eternally+Blessed+Have+a+Laugh+on+Mia&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=htmlhttp://books.google.com/books?id=w1MFYEhyqsEC&pg=PA196&lpg=PA195&ots=IyeCeWNnOc&dq=Eternally+Blessed+Have+a+Laugh+on+Mia&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

My Hands are on Fire!

2009-04-02T00:49:27Z

My hands felt dry, so I grabbed what I thought was lotion from my vanity--NOT. I put Icy Hot on my hands. My hands are on fire even though I washed them several times. The fumes are still heavy as well, they are actually clearing my stuffy nose.

That's about all I've got to say, though I've got a whole lot on my mind . . .

Pairs, Partners and Break-ups

2009-03-29T19:08:47Z

Yay! I found my wedding rings after not seeing them since summer. They were in my earrings without partners box. Must have put them there during an Ambien moment. I think I have more single earrings than pairs now, but at least my wedding rings are back together. My socks without partners draw has become so crowded that many have found their way back to one another.

I got an email from the dog whisperer. Well, not really, I got a newsletter from him. I had written him a letter about my problem-Pekinese. Seems Ozzie-boy wants to let the lady dogs know he's available . . . from inside my house. I think I'm finally going to have to break up his pair. :) The Dog Whisperer said it might help. If not, I will have to start following him around with an empty coke can filled with quarters and shake it every time he lifts his leg. I'm not really into that.

Was He Delivering Flowers or Was He a Killer?

2009-03-23T21:12:06Z

I admit, I've become slightly paranoid over the years. I never answer the door if it's not someone I'm expecting and I think everyone is up to no good until they prove me wrong. Today, I stayed home with my sick daughter, which worked out well since I felt sick too. We were watching TV when the dogs began barking like crazy. Then, we heard a loud knock on the door. Both of us immediately ran upstairs to her bedroom, because we could peek through the blinds and see who was out there. A guy holding a bouquet of flowers stood outside, but I didn't see a car or van with the name of a florist. We sat quietly until he went away, but continued peeking out the window. The guy walked across the street, still holding the flowers and began knocking on my neighbor's door. Her car was in the driveway, but she didn't answer either. We noticed the guy looking around and started thinking the worst. Maybe he was going to go around back and try to break in. I had my hand on the phone ready to dial 911, then the guy left the house. He walked two houses down the street and got into a white van that was parked in the driveway of another neighbor's house. Why wasn't he parked in the street? As it pulled away, I read "Florist" on the side of the van.

Was he just trying to deliver flowers to my neighbor, but no one answered and he wanted to leave them with one of us or was he a killer? Probably a florist, but you never know!

My Five Subject Meme

2009-03-10T02:17:35Z

I never seem to have time to particpate in any of Robin's http://robinellen.livejournal.com/fun contests, and I thought this one would be doable. Hmmm, let's see. :)

Here are the five things she associates with me, and my elaborations on them.

Takes care with things and people - You couldn't make it easy for me, Robin. The "people part" is easy. I feel it is important to make people feel comfortable and cared for, but I'm not sure what "things" Robin is referring to. Lately, I haven't been too good with taking care of things. I lost my engagement ring and wedding band this summer and have not told my husband yet. Hope he doesn't read my blog. Maybe one day when we move I'll find it. I KNOW it is in this house somewhere.
Thoughtful- I work in a place filled with thoughtful people. The staff of a special ed. school needs to work hard to pay attention to the students and their families and make them feel they are well-cared for. I enjoy being a part of that environment.
Puts in her best effort - I am surrounded by a talented and loving family. They are self-motivated and put their best effort into all they do. I feel like one of the luckiest mothers in the world, not only because I have wonderful kids, but because I have never had to tell them to do their homework. I suppose they've learned by watching my husband and I work hard at our craft of writing and music.
Compassionate - I have had six animals since I've been married. I've not brought one of them into my home. My husband and kids keep finding ways to sneak them past me. Though animals drive me crazy with their hair, barking, special gifts left on the floor and carpet, in addition to the unique aromas that often fills the room, I could never send them away because my family loves them too much. I guess I love them too, kind of. :)
Giver - If I had nothing to give, what would life be about. That's all I've got to say about that. (Forest Gump) Hehe

A Musical Description

2009-03-05T01:11:42Z

I found a musical version of my MC's boyfriend, only she's a girl! Just watch her personality shine through her song. http://vodpod.com/watch/1273562-lady-gaga-shows-her-acoustic-poker-face

Back to the Beginning

2009-02-26T00:53:28Z

Before I began writing my first novel I enjoyed a year long stint as an online journalist/columnist for an e-zine called, "Sisters in the Lord." I really enjoyed this, almost as much as writing novels. Today, I had the urge to revisit some of my old articles, and since the majority of my fellow writers write for kids, I thought I'd share this story. I checked out the web site and this organization is still working hard to help kids, and the story of the woman who initiated it is very cool.

AngelAID’S Among Us
By Wendy Lynn Decker

There are no coincidences in life, only incidences where God remains anonymous.

After an accidental overdose, Arlene Shipley’s guardian angel revealed God’s anonymity and took her on a journey where she discovered that her life here on earth was not yet complete. At over 400 lbs., and fighting the pain from sexual abuse as a child, Arlene hadn’t left her home in Jacksonville, Florida in six months. She had no hope or plans for her future. During this emergency, Arlene believes she had an after death experience in which an angel revealed what God had in store for her. Arlene said she’d heard of people who had died momentarily, and they all described a bright light awaiting them. Arlene says she didn’t see a light, she was in the light.

“Many small miracles happened on the way to that place. I saw myself lying in the bed, and I heard the EMT workers joking about my weight. They said to each other, ‘how are we gonna get her out of the house?’ I didn’t know if I was dead or dreaming, but I wanted to die.”

Arlene lyrically describes her experience in a book she is writing. These are just a few impressions. “I feel as light as a feather, and I am dancing on the ceiling. Nothing hurts—no pain …one moment in Heaven. Warm and fuzzy all over—I’ll just keep my eyes closed. I’ll just lie here and enjoy all the different smells. A voice I don’t recognize speaks. I can only tell you how amazing I feel. Infused with warmth and sunlight and song. I redefined love, peace and harmony. God breathes me in as I exhale. He consumes every cell that is me and releases me to dance with the universe.”

During Arlene’s encounter with Heaven, she spoke about an angel who unveiled snippets of what would eventually become her future. She witnessed herself in situations she wouldn’t normally participate in. She also saw herself in a body unfamiliar to her own. She describes the event as if it were a slide show unfolding her un-imaginable destiny.

You have to go back Arlene. “Words wouldn’t come, my heart is dead. It isn’t a dream after all. No, please, don’t send me back. I feel safe for the first time.” The paramedics resuscitated Arlene, and she awoke to a new life.

Arlene had prayed for eighteen years that God would bless her and her husband with a family. When she finally received the phone call that a child was in need of a home, she expected to see the warm, cuddly baby she had dreamed of. However, God’s plan was much bigger. In fact, the child delivered to Arlene came in the package of an angry, 70 pound, 9-year-old, girl with AIDS. “We thought we were offering this wounded child a safe home. Little did we know she would take up residence in our hearts.”

A new leaf had been established on Arlene’s family tree. Its reach extended further than she ever could have imagined. This occurrence was also the third event to unfold during Arlene’s encounter with the angel. “The miracle of Tashia transformed me from a woman who used anger to fuel her days, into a mother who was only motivated by love.”

“Tashia was a scared little girl who didn't know who God was. She was believed to be the first child in Florida (and one of the first in the nation) to have contracted the HIV virus through sexual abuse. Newspaper articles and government reports show that the abuse began as early as two years of age, with her first sexually transmitted disease. Even though we had to spend a tremendous amount of time and effort on Tashia's clinical/nursing care, true healing was accomplished by the spiritual influences of the many loving people who touched her life during our two years with her.”

“The word ‘AIDS’ has such a power to cause fear, and Tashia had lived for nine years in fear, so we only told her she had ‘bad blood.’ We never lied to Tashia, so she also knew that she had a disease that would never go away, a disease that she could die from if she didn't eat and take her medicine. And with a T-4 count of zero, Tashia had to take countless medications each day. So we made it a game, cheering when she finished taking ten syringes of medicine - by herself.”

“Love and safety caused Tashia to believe and trust. She had to trust me before she could trust there was a God.”

“Mankind is like poison on the earth,” Arlene says. “The only way to bring harmony and balance is to think, say, and do things that create positive energy. I call them AngelBLESSINGS. Nature is fighting back and the only thing that can balance it is to do kind things.”

What else inspires you?

“You, caring enough to ask me questions about AngelAID.”

Tell me the process in which AngelAID began.

“We learned about what was not being done. The system was not the answer—it made it much harder to do anything good. We vowed to do something in Tashia’s memory. After she died, the system wouldn’t let us have any more AIDS children. I was angry at God at first. Why did he take it away? Then we got a phone call from the juvenile justice system about a boy who stole a car. His parents had both recently died of AIDS and they were afraid he also had AIDS—afraid to deal with him, so he was going to spend a year in solitary.”

“Within a month I had five boys in my home. In the last ten years over fifty boys have lived in our home. God gave me the lessons I needed to see. Their disease wasn’t as obvious as Tashia’s. They were all dying from the lack of family, societal neglect and perceived lack of choice—but all from a deadly hopelessness.”

God spoke to Arlene. If you turn your back on them you turn your back on me. “The most dangerous animal in the world is man without hope. Man has destroyed what God has made to create something evil. Tashia healed so many places inside of me. I had to understand that she had to be in my life to teach me a lesson to fulfill my assignment for God.”

How does a school or organization find out about you? Do you send out literature or is it word of mouth?

“We don’t take government money, only donations via the website or mail. We don’t advertise—people find out about us through word of mouth.”

AngelAID has been successful for fourteen years. The organization has accomplished so much for families in need. They have moved numerous families out of homeless shelters into their own apartments. They have provided the families with furniture, linens, cooking supplies; everything they need to live a little easier one day at a time. They now have two buildings and a thrift store.

“We outgrew it all, and we had to find places for parties and larger functions. We finally found an old church that will be donated to us, and we have an educational building that is two stories. It will be an AngelAID community.”

Do you have a signature Bible verse?

“Forget not to show love unto strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2 ASV)

What advice can you offer someone who wants to take in a foster child, but is fearful because of the problems they might encounter?

“My faith in God’s faith in me made me not afraid. I came to understand I didn’t have to do a perfect job—just my best. God will be there, holding me up if I depend on Him. I wish I could say it happened overnight—it didn’t—I had many lessons, many small miracles to experience. I can see so many times where He intervened in my life. I believe we are all angels—that we all come to this world with an assignment. But first we have to recognize that we are angels, and have our AngelEyes to see each other as angels."

God doesn’t create the evil in our world, man does. But God is waiting to see what we do about that evil. That is our choice—our free will. Each day we can wake up and choose to use God’s infinite possibilities to create positive energy. I try to make my life a prayer. I try to live so that at the end of my day God can look at what I have co-created with Him—and call it ‘“good.’”

For more information on AngelAID, visit: http://www.AngelAID.com, or write: 3110 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

Five for Friday

2009-02-20T15:38:33Z

1. Finally finished, I mean really finished, my new YA manuscript. I printed it and will read it one more time on Saturday for errors before I hit send to my agent.

2. I have been off work all week and loved every minute of it! It felt like old times being able to write all day. Though, I know it is good for me to work because I would never leave the house if I didn't. Part-time would be the best of both worlds, but I am thankful for what I've got.

3. DS has been getting college brochures in the mail by the bundles. He just found out yesterday that he is in the top 20 of his class. I'm so proud of him. He also received a partial scholarship to a music school in Philly for a summer program. But, he will be starting a summer job that he has already committed to. :) Plus the other half of that partial is quite hefty! Nevertheless, I'm proud and he feels good about himself.

4. DD has been happy all week, just because I've been able to greet her at the door after school.

5. I still have one more crit. to finish. Dear friend, please be patient with me. I've never been good at balance. My husband used to make fun of me and call me "All-or- Nothing Wendy."

You Shouldn't Get dressed in the Dark!

2009-02-12T00:10:58Z

I get up at 6:00 a. m. I know I'm not the only one who does this, but I try really hard not to wake my husband up, so I feel around for things in the dark. I'm pretty good at it. I know my room well and I know my draws pretty well, but I don't know my shoes as well as I thought I did. This is not the first time I've done this. I wore two different shoes to work. LOL No one noticed. Heck, I didn't even notice until halfway through the day. In addition to wearing different shoes, I also wore my underwear inside out. Now, no one noticed that except for me. Ha!

At least I did my hair and make-up in the bathroom. Could you imagine what I'd look like if I did that in the dark. LOL But you know what, I think I could do it. Really, I know my face, I dress it the same way every day with the same make-up. If you dared me, I'd do it and I bet no one would even notice. How 'bout you. Can you find your way around in the dark?

Yay, she likes it!

2009-02-11T02:48:31Z

My DD has given the first few chapters of my newly, revised WIP thumbs up! I have lost count how many times I've re-written and revised this MS. A year ago, I wouldn't have even allowed her to read this story. However, she has since become a young teen and has read more books than I have this year, so I am thankful for her feedback. Last version was a thumbs down. I'm almost there! Next week I have off work, I'm planning to finally send this baby to my agent! I just need one more critique and another revision, I hope.

Love this Battle Cry!

2009-02-07T18:34:00Z

form action="http://chaz.bdmonkeys.net/battle.php" method="get">

What Is Your Battle Cry?

Rampaging out of the icy wasteland, brandishing a piece of chainlink fence, cometh Wendy! And she gives a booming cry:

"Brace yourself, oh human speck of dust! I shall make bloody music with your nation's populace!"

Find out!
Enter username: <input ... >
Are you <input ... >a girl, or <input ... >a guy ?
<input ... >

created by beatings : powered by monkeys

Revising is like Crocheting

2009-02-07T18:23:16Z

I enjoy the re-write stage. It does get exhausting sometimes, especially when you're on your tenth or so rewrite. Once again, I'm changing POV's. I have two. One in FPOV and one in TPOV. Each night while I lay on the couch with DH, A and Z I've been changing "her" to "me" and MC's name to "I." It's actually very relaxing, like crocheting used to be for me. I'm not thinking about the plot or about the characterization, right now, just changing tenses, one by one by one. And of course, a little tweaking to make sure, "She doesn't know what she's doing," doesn't turn out to be "I doesn't know what I'm doing." :)

Need your votes for my DS, the struggling Musician

2009-02-02T03:09:45Z

My son is a great musician and has a band that is on a web tour for the opportunity to open up for a major act at the Meadowlands. There is only two more hours for him to get enough votes to place fifth, which will let him go to the next round. He is in sixth place right now. It only takes a minute to sign up.

Please help a struggling musician. The band's name is Catalyst. My son is on the pic.

http://showpopr.com/thebreak/current

Thanks.

Working on a Dream

2009-02-02T01:33:43Z

I just watched the Super Bowl's half-time show with Bruce Springsteen. It's times like this I don't mind saying I'm from NJ. I love the title of his new CD, "Working on a Dream." Aren't we all?

Watching Springsteen perform also got me psyched to keep plugging away on my YA. My stories have all been set in other states because I figured if I can't go anywhere, at least my characters can. However, this YA takes place in NJ and steps foot in many of the places Springsteen and Bon Jovi and other great artists from NJ have gone. My dream would be for my WIP to turn out like a Springsteen song, only about 50,000 words longer.