~Dancing Down Serendipity Street~

Pieces of Me...

2012-02-01T11:01:00.002-05:00

I finished making the final jewelry pieces for the big open house this Saturday. It's really exciting! But doubts are creeping in and I'm starting to think those thoughts.

You know those thoughts.

What if people don't like my stuff? I'm trying to develop a thick skin so I won't take situations like this so personal. But when everything I make feels like a little piece of me it's not easy.

Same goes with my writing. But I'm working on that.

I'm hoping this vulnerable feeling will slip away over time. Probably with more experience. Right?

For now, I'll suck it up and get my pieces out there. When it comes time to query, I'll do the same.

Stop on over to Alex J. Cavanaugh's BLOG to connect with other participating writers.

Are you feeling insecure or vulnerable at the moment? How do you push through it?

Creative Wishes,

This Round...

2012-01-25T10:52:00.004-05:00

If all goes as planned this will be my last round of revisions. I know I've said that before, but this really is it. Really!

The biggest change for this round was cutting a few paragraphs from the beginning of my first chapter. Yes, I'm guilty of major info dump! Also, there are certain elements I need to add throughout the story so readers don't forget about them.

Originally I was finished. But this past September into December I took a writing workshop. It was awesome! YA author Shannon Delany met with a group of us almost every Saturday.

So, I'm taking all I learned from the workshop and using it to make my novel the best I can get it. By February 3rd I will be sending out my novel to my Beta readers. Then I'll work on my synopsis and query letter. My goal is to be ready to submit my novel by the end of March.

Things are definitely coming together!

Also, I've made seventeen pieces of jewelry for my sister's open house. Twenty-three more to go in order to reach my goal. I'm really doing this!

What are you working on? How's it going with your goals?

Have you heard about The Fired Up Blogfest?

Please take a moment to visit Melissa Sugar's blog to find out more! There will be amazing prizes, including a Kindle Fire. Wow! Sign up ends on January 29th.

Creative Wishes,

The Other Side of Me...

2012-01-16T10:56:00.008-05:00

My main character and I have something in common. We both love making jewelry. It's a dream we both set aside for different reasons. Her reason is more tragic than mine. I'm blessed to have found my way back to this creative side of myself.

I'm currently working on a special jewelry line to sell in my sister's shop. Here's one of my favorite pieces:

It features a pendant with the word magic along with moonstone and citrine gemstones. This necklace reminds me of the one my main character creates. It's funny how my life has found its way into my story.

What steps are you taking with your writing or creative dreams? Any exciting news to share?

Speaking of exciting news! I love contests and have to share this:
David Powers King is hosting a giveaway in celebration of reaching 500 followers on his blog. Go HERE to congratulate him and join the fun!

Creative Wishes,

My Creative Dreams...

2012-01-11T11:10:00.003-05:00

I recently pulled out an old journal to start writing in again. Just a place for random thoughts. When I flipped through its pages, I found an entry from January 2010. My words and the feelings they evoked confirmed my plans for this new year.

Here's what I wrote:

My Creative Dreams ~January 22, 2010
I want to be a novelist. I want to be an artist. I want to create mixed-media art. I want to design bohemian, gypsy style jewelry. I want to write inspiring, adventurous novels for young adults.

I dream of living a creative life. My work will be creating. I will write. I will design. I will paint.

I wish! I wish! I want and need to make things happen and move forward with these dreams! There's no turning back. I know what I want. I crave this creative lifestyle. I need to nurture this side of myself and find this true passion in my life.

If only I could quit my job tomorrow. But I have obligations and need to keep it for now. Still, I will work toward achieving my dreams so eventually I will be able to quit and live out all my creative dreams.

For now I will strive to make my dreams into reality. I am taking a workshop that will begin next week. With this I'll learn to make and design the jewelry I've always wanted to. Down the road I will take a mixed-media art workshop. In the meantime I'll research online, read Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts again, continue to follow my favorite creative blogs, and play with the supplies I have. And finally, I will continue with my writing course and keep writing my first novel.

I am a writer, artist and creative spirit.

I hope to live an inspired life and one day inspire others. It would be lovely to achieve my dreams and then be able to help others do the same.

Yes. It's definitely time to get out of my own way. I quit that job this past fall. My novel is finished and in the late revising stages. I'm back to learning jewelry design and did learn a little about mixed-media art.

Time to keep moving forward. No more standing still.

What dreams are calling you? What keeps holding you back?

Creative Wishes,

Awakening My Truth...

2012-01-09T10:00:00.002-05:00

My intention for the year is set. I've chosen one word to hold in my heart and focus on this year. That word is: Awaken.

2012 is my year to finally wake up. Last year I drifted through, moving on autopilot. It's like I was there but I wasn't. I'm grateful that nothing tragic or life altering happened. I just felt lost and restless.

I started making changes when I reconnected with my kindred spirit, Stacie, and then took an online creative business course through Kelly Rae Roberts. Then I met my Flytribe. I also took a writer's workshop taught by YA author, Shannon Delaney.

That's when everything shifted. And so did something within me.

I wasn't lost any more. It was time to make positive life changes and shake things up. This year, I plan to continue on that path, seeking my true self, and awakening my creative spirit.

No more holding myself back.

My post is part of a blog hop. If you're interested in learning about the words chosen by some amazing, creative spirits just click HERE to visit our Flytribe blog.

More of my story will be revealed on Wednesday when I share an old journal entry I stumbled upon recently.

What's your word for 2012?

Creative Wishes,

Welcome to Wednesday!

2012-01-04T10:31:00.002-05:00

It's time once again for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Thanks, Alex, for getting this started!

Hope the New Year finds you all happy, healthy, and ready to focus on all your dreams or goals. Yay!

I've made some changes, but I'm not ready to post about all that just yet. I'll do that next week when I get back on track with an actual blogging schedule.

This post is kind of random and I'm not really prepared. Oops! Just wanted to jump back in and wish you all well! Hopefully we'll all be feeling less insecure and continue to keep cheering each other on and supporting one another through 2012.

Thanks for being a highlight to last year! Hope to be visiting again soon.

Creative Wishes,

It's December!

2011-12-01T10:40:00.004-05:00

Hello, friends!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving or Thursday if it was just a regular day for you. And now December is here! It's been a great year, but time just breezed by too quickly.

I'm excited about new goals, finally finishing CTM, and blog changes! I love this background, but I'm ready for something new. So, I'm going to take a blogging break to focus on my goals and make some changes around here.

My sister recently opened her own business. I'm so proud of her! I've been helping at her shop and might be working there as Christmas gets closer.

So, I'm going to miss this month's post for The Insecure Writer's Group. Sorry, Alex! I'll be sure to check in with your blogs when I can.

Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season!!!

Thank you for your continued support, advice, friendship, and laughs! I'll see you in the New Year.

Creative Wishes,

Photo Credit

Calling All Writers...

2011-11-16T11:27:00.005-05:00

I'm curious about something. Do you share your short stories or novel excerpts online for the whole world to read?

I've considered it in the past, but then felt paranoid about someone using my main character's name or even stealing my work in some way. Seems too risky.

What is your opinion on writers sharing their work on blogs or websites? Is it better to wait until a writer is published?

Just wondering...

This week I'm finishing up my query letter and synopsis while working on my final (I hope!) edits which I should be done with before December. I guess this is when it's good to be a perfectionist.

What's going on in your writing or regular life? Do you share your writing on the Internet? Why or why not?

Creative Wishes,

Photo Credit

Author Spotlight: Jessica Bell

2011-11-11T06:00:00.009-05:00

Today is THE day to help Jessica Bell's debut, STRING BRIDGE, hit
the bestseller list on Amazon, and receive the all-original soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, written and performed by the author herself, for free!

All you have to do is
purchase the book today (paperback, or eBook), November 11th, and
then email the receipt to:

jessica.carmen.bell(at)gmail(dot)com

She will then email you a link to download the album
at no extra cost!

To purchase the paperback:

Amazon USA

To purchase the eBook:

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

To listen to samples of the soundtrack, visit iTunes.

If you are
not familiar with String Bridge,
check out the book trailer:

Rave Reviews for String Bridge:

“Jessica Bell’s STRING BRIDGE strummed the fret of my
veins, thrummed my blood into a mad rush, played me taut until the final page,
yet with echoes still reverberating. A rhythmic debut with metrical tones of
heavied dark, fleeting prisms of light, and finally, a burst of joy—just as
with any good song, my hopeful heartbeat kept tempo with Bell’s narrative.” ~ Kathryn Magendie, author of Sweetie and Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal

“Poet and
musician Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge is a rich exploration of desire, guilt, and the
difficult balancing act of the modern woman. The writing is lyrical throughout,
seamlessly integrating setting, character and plot in a musical structure that
allows the reader to identify with Melody's growing insecurity as her world
begins to unravel … String Bridge is
a powerful debut from a promising writer, full of music, metaphor, and just a
hint of magic.” ~ Magdalena Ball, author of Repulsion
Thrust and Sleep Before Evening

“Jessica Bell is a brilliant writer
of great skill and depth. She doesn't pull back from the difficult
scenes, from conflict, pain, intensity. She puts it all out there, no holds
barred, no holding back. She knows how to craft a scene, how to develop
character, how to create suspense. This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel.
I look forward to reading her
next novel, and next and next.” ~ Karen Jones
Gowen, author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds and House of Diamonds

Connect with Jessica:
String Bridge: http://www.stringbridge.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jessica_bell
Website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/
Blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell
Publisher: http://www.luckypress.com

Please TWEET and/or FACEBOOK this post using #StringBridge!

Thank you for stopping by to support author and fellow blogger Jessica Bell!

Creative Wishes,

Write Club Rocks!

2011-11-10T11:31:00.003-05:00

This week I visited DL Hammons' blog: Cruising Altitude 2.0. Have you heard of Write Club yet?

It's a really cool idea that DL came up with, kind of like Fight Club, but with writing instead. This week featured the first round of writers who shared their 250 word entry. The winner will be decided after all the votes have been counted by noon this Sunday.

Visit DL's BLOG to learn more about Write Club or sign yourself up. Be sure to read the Round One entries and cast your vote in the comments section!

Tomorrow's going to be an exciting day with all the book debuts and blog parties! Are you in the Write Club? What debut books are you looking forward to? Any plans for 11-11-11?

Creative Wishes,

Genre Issues...

2011-11-02T06:00:00.005-04:00

I'm finally admitting something to myself. My current project is actually a contemporary novel.

No matter how much I want it to be magical realism, it's not. I could go through and add details to make it so but it's not something I want to force. It wouldn't be authentic.

The thing is, I read mainly paranormal YA and the trilogy I have planned to start next month is exactly that.

Do you think genre jumping is risky for a new author, even if I'm unpublished?

Would it frustrate my readers if and when I do get published?

Right now I plan to move forward with my latest contemporary YA novel, the one I wrote for me. I'll see where it takes me.

What do you think? Is genre jumping risky? How do you feel about it as a reader?

Creative Wishes,

It's Spookfesta Time!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.006-04:00

Today's the day! It's Spookfesta time which marks the release of Elizabeth Mueller's novel, Darkspell.

In honor of this exciting day participants are to finish this sentence:

"If I had all the magic in the world, I'd . . ."

...make it so every person in the world would have a nice home filled with all the comforts they need, along with a fridge and pantry that never ran out of food. Their home would stay warm or cool depending on the season and there would be a magical shield surrounding the home and property in order to protect them from natural disasters. Whenever they step inside, all their stress would subside and they'd be free to relax and enjoy their sacred space. I'd also provide food and shelter for all the stray animals in the world. And figure out some way to link my plan with world peace. AND everyone would recycle and start taking better care of the earth. If I have all the magic, I could keep going until everyone was healthy, happy and our planet was healed. Wow. I'm exhausted just thinking about it all!

That's what I would do. What would you do if you had all the magic in the world at your fingertips?

Now for the second part of the celebration!

Blurb: Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . .until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.

As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.

Will love prove thicker than magic?

Learn more about Elizabeth Mueller and her novel, Darkspell, by visiting the following links:
Blog
Website

To purchase Darkspell go HERE.

Happy Halloween,

Finally Focused...

2011-10-24T15:55:00.002-04:00

This might sounds strange, but for the first time in forever I feel in control of my day. For too long I've been a blurred camera lens all distorted and cloudy. Today I am focused. Finally!

I gave myself time to recharge and let go of my guilt and also rest up from being sick. After posting about my job change, I realized it was time to get more serious than I've ever been with my writing.

I have a responsibility to myself, my dreams, and to my husband for all of his support.

So, with my creative freedom comes new responsibility and a new schedule. No more room for floundering. I pulled out my trusty egg timer and dry-erase board. I've started a new daily routine that's flexible and leaves room for life stuff.

I have a real writing schedule! I've never been able to stick with one before.

It's empowering to finally take control of my daily life, not just focusing on to-do's or the day job.

I feel like I have my life back. Definitely not my typical Monday. Now I just need to work on my blogging schedule!

How's your Monday going? Do you follow a schedule?

Creative Wishes,

Photo Credit

Finding My Way Back...

2011-10-20T11:28:00.004-04:00

I did something crazy. The thing they say you shouldn't do. I quit my day job. It's not as drastic as it sounds because I worked part-time. But that time was really draining and sucking all of my creativity from me. And somehow, I lost myself along the way.

It was a difficult decision because in the last three years I became good friends with my boss and co-worker. But after dealing with the biggest panic attack of my life I realized what I needed to do.

I'm grateful they didn't take it personal, but I've been struggling with guilt. At some point I became emotionally involved with my job and all those thoughts and feelings were coming home with me. I couldn't separate myself and this wasn't good for my writing. None of this was their fault, it's just how I am.

I'm also grateful for the support of my husband. Not just financially! He has always believed in me and continues to walk with me, whatever path I choose, on this journey.

So, I finally put myself and my dreams first.

I'm officially a full-time writer!

Time to get back to chasing the moon.

Have you ever done anything crazy like this in your life?

Creative Wishes,

Photo Credit: Me! I took this on the lake last summer.

Darkspell Launch Spookfesta...

2011-10-10T10:45:00.005-04:00

It's not too late to sign up! On October 31st, Author Elizabeth Mueller will be celebrating the release of her novel, Darkspell, with a Spookfesta.

Leading up to the release date, Elizabeth will be posting her lovely illustrations in a countdown to the Darkspell launch. You can find her artwork in my left sidebar. Yes, she is very talented!

Click HERE for a sneak peak of Darkspell.

Please take a moment to visit Elizabeth Mueller's blog and learm more about her Darkspell Launch Spookfesta. Don't forget to follow and sign up for some Halloween fun and fantastic prizes!

What are your plans for All Hallow's Eve?

Creative Wishes,

Exciting News!

2011-10-06T10:47:00.003-04:00

Author, Jessica Bell has a new website up today! It features information about her debut novel, String Bridge, which will be released on November 1st.

Please take a moment to visit The String Bridge Website. This talented author also has her own soundtrack available. Yep, she sings and plays guitar, too!

You can learn more about Jessica Bell on her blog: The Alliterative Allomorph. Check out details about her upcoming Amazon Chart Rush while you're there.

Thank you! Hope you're having a fabulous week! Any exciting news to share?

Creative Wishes,

It's That Time...

2011-10-05T09:05:00.000-04:00

It's the first Wednesday of a brand new month which means it's time for me to share my fears or doubts as a writer.

This is my first post for the group which makes me a little nervous. Where do I begin?

Time to be honest. Time to look inside and share with the group. Whoa.

Here it is. I'm afraid to actually put my work out there. So far I've been sharing my writing with someone I feel comfortable with and trust. But the idea of sending it out to strangers who are going to pick it apart is really intimidating. And scary.

I realize it's part of the process and eventually I'll get over it. (I hope!) But it's taking that first step.

November is when I plan to take this very scary step. For the rest of this month I plan to polish and get my query package ready.

What are your writing fears or doubts?

To visit other members in the support group or to sign up go to Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog. Thank you, Alex!

Creative Wishes,

If I Could be Anyone, I'd Be...

2011-09-13T17:04:00.006-04:00

Sally Owens, one of the main characters in Alice Hoffman's book Practical Magic.

The movie version is one that I like to watch a lot this time of year. I've been thinking about fall and will soon be getting ready for Halloween. It's coming upon my favorite time of year.

It would be cool to do magical things like Sally does and live in this house with two crazy aunts.

So, if you could be anyone, who would you be?

Today I am celebrating the launch of Talli Roland's newest novel, Watching Willow Watts!

About Watching Willow Watts:

For Willow Watts, life has settled into a predictably dull routine: days behind the counter at her father's antique shop and nights watching TV, as the pension-aged residents of Britain's Ugliest Village bed down for yet another early night. But everything changes when a YouTube video of Willow's epically embarrassing Marilyn Monroe impersonation gets millions of hits after a viewer spots Marilyn's ghostly image in a frame.

Instantly, Willow's town is overrun with fans flocking to see the 'new Marilyn'. Egged on by the villagers -- whose shops and businesses are cashing in -- Willow embraces her new identity, dying her hair platinum and ramming herself full of cakes to achieve Marilyn's legendary curves.

But when a former flame returns seeking the old Willow, Willow must decide: can she risk her stardom and her village's newfound fortune on love, or is being Marilyn her ticket to happiness?

To find out more or buy Talli Rolland's book, click on one of the sites below:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/nIygHP
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/riMpmH

Click HERE to check out the list of other bloggers who are participating in the fun!

I'm unplugging for a bit. I'll see you in October for The Insecure Writer's Support Group.

Creative Wishes,

The Last Round...

2011-09-04T09:44:00.002-04:00

Starting this Tuesday I begin my last round of revisions! At least, I'm thinking it will be. What a wonderful feeling to finally get my novel to the point where I feel it's done.

There's a part of me that feels kind of sad because I've been working on this project for so long. And it's also my first. There is so much of me in this book. I truly wrote it for myself. It wasn't geared toward any trends and I didn't have any specific publishers in mind when I started. Just learning and growing as a writer. And hopefully finding my voice.

Eventually I'll have to cut the strings and send it out into the world. The reality of that is a bit scary and very intimidating. All the doubts and fears that have been buried show up whenever I think about it.

But I know this is what I'm meant to do. It's in my soul, so I'll continue on with my next project while I wait with a hopeful heart.

What about you? Was it difficult to let your first novel go? Or are you just about finished with your first, too?

Photo Credit

Creative Wishes,

Almost...

2011-08-22T17:08:00.003-04:00

WriteOnCon happened and I almost missed it. We got back later than planned from Atlantic City. (Which rocked, by the way!) And then I was busy with laundry and life stuff.

But the handy thing about their set up is you can go through and read all the posts long after the conference has ended. It's been fun catching up!

One of my favorite posts was by Nova Ren Suma, author of the book Imaginary Girls. She discussed the topic of magical realism which is the category that I believe my YA novel falls under.

It's funny. I read a lot of paranormal books, but my writing is more contemporary. Except, I like the idea of adding little bits of magic. Hopefully that's how it will read when I'm finished with it.

Which reminds me, I'm way overdue for an update. I'm almost done with this round of revisions. Just a few more chapters to go and then one last round of revising and I'll be finished with my first novel. (I hope!)

To check out the post I mentioned above, just go HERE.

What about you? What are you working on? Any end of summer travel plans?

Photo Credit: katjalr

Creative Wishes,

Are You Ready?

2011-08-08T17:44:00.004-04:00

It's almost time for WriteOnCon!

I've been counting down the days and can't believe it starts next Tuesday! I learned so much last year and had an amazing time. It was also a good way to discover new authors and meet other writers.

Please go HERE if you haven't heard of this online conference and are curious to know what it's all about.

I'm getting ready to leave for Atlantic City this Sunday. Can't wait! Luckily I'll be home just in time for the conference. It's so convenient that I'll be able to check out the conference in between laundry and catching up around the house. (You know how it is after a getaway!)

Did you you attend WriteOnCon last year? Are you excited, too?

Hope to see you there! :)

Creative Wishes,

My Haven...

2011-08-02T12:42:00.003-04:00

I'm longing to go back to the lake. I miss being surrounded by the trees and hearing the sounds of nature. *Sigh*

This is something I wrote last year for a writing workshop. Reading it takes me back there.

Within these woods my memories dance along this trodden path as my eager heart follows. The little piece of my spirit that remains within these mountains is there to welcome me home.

As always, the moon lends its light to help in this soul journey. I am grateful to see its beams reflecting on the lake, sparkling like the happiness I imagine is shimmering in my eyes.

A magical song greets me. The trees whisper their welcome as the wind tugs on their branches. I can hear the shrill cry of a loon in the distance. Waves splash onto the shore, washing away my worries.

The warm breeze offers its comfort, creating a calming sensation that envelops my skin and when I breathe in it sneaks into my lungs. A feeling of renewal sparks within me like the flames of a nearby campfire.

Thankful for this time, I absorb every bit of healing that is gifted to me. Each moment that passes is a treasure I collect to store with my other memories. It’s impossible not to be enchanted by these woods that beckon me back each year.

And now, even though I am far from my haven, I know I will see it again soon.

Where is your favorite place? I hope you get there as often as possible.

Creative Wishes,

Why Do You Blog?

2011-07-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

I started blogging a while back just for fun and because it seemed cool to have a blog. There was no real purpose for it, just another creative outlet.

It's never been about followers or comments for me. But all of you and your kind words are always appreciated! I had no idea what I was jumping into.

I'm happy I took the leap!

It's a wonderful feeling being a part of this amazing blogging community. You all mean a lot to me! Thank you for making this experience so much more than just about blogging.

I've learned tons about writing and publishing, all while gaining new friends! Thank you for dancing along this creative journey with me.

So what about you? Why do you blog? How has it changed for you?

See you when I get back from camping!

Creative Wishes,

Borrowed Advice: Stop the Attention Splatter!

2011-07-19T13:49:00.008-04:00

Had to share this article with you! Unfortunately this is something I struggle with, especially during the summer. I want to do so many things! All my writing plans have gone out the window. The first couple days I tried to do everything and got really overwhelmed. So, instead of trying to do it all, I've been taking time to slow down and enjoy my vacation. It's going great so far!

Do you suffer from attention splatter? If so, you might like this article.

Stop the Splatter! How to Reclaim Your Attention and Get More Done

by Christine Kane

Have you ever been at home all day when there's nothing in the fridge?

You open the door. You poke your head in. You hum a little tune and look around. You sigh. You grab a handful of pine nuts. You go back to your desk.

About an hour later, you're hungry.

So you go back to the fridge and look again. Nothing new has appeared. You pull out some black olives, put them on a saucer, and go back to your desk.

You think, "I should go out and get something to eat." But you don't. A part of you is convinced that a solution will appear. Maybe a Sous Chef will arrive at your door.

Amazingly, this doesn't happen.

Eventually you're back at the fridge. You look in. Then, you close the door, reach up to the cereal cabinet and grab a handful of Kashi...

What happens in this scenario is that you eat all day, but you never feel satisfied. By 5pm, you're strung out, unfulfilled, and you wonder why.

Here's why:

You ate. But you never actually fed yourself.

We do this exact same thing with our attention. We dabble in random things. But we never really commit to anything.

I call it Attention Splatter. It's when you mindlessly and half-heartedly splatter your attention on non-activities. But you never fully engage.

Remember this: Your attention ultimately feeds you. It feeds your heart and your mind. This is why it's so important to notice what you give your attention to. This is also why splattered attention leaves you unfulfilled. You never actually feed yourself.

The most common Attention Splatter culprits are:

- Email

- Cell phones

- Clutter

- Facebook

- Television

- Endless Google searches

If you are prone to Attention Splatter, here are seven ways to feed yourself and get more done.

1 - Have no more than three priorities for the day.

There's only so many things you can get done in a day and still enjoy the day. Get into the habit of spending five minutes each night deciding what one thing you want to get done the next day. Ask yourself, "If I only accomplish one thing tomorrow, which one thing would make me most happy?"

2 - Know the task before you sit down at the computer.

This is a must. When you don't do this, you can get lost in the millions of non-items that any computer has to offer.

Assign tasks. (i.e. "Clean out email folders") Assign times. ("From 1pm to 2pm") Stop as soon as the end time arrives.

3 - Put an end to activities that leak.

Make a list of "leaky" activities, and stop the leak by scheduling these activities. (As opposed to letting them take over your day.)

For instance, instead of letting email leak all over your day - all day every day - schedule email as an activity at a certain time each day. Every activity should have a home - a space for its completion. Otherwise, you set yourself up for a full day of splatter.

4 - Leverage your small slices of time.

It's easy to look up at the clock and see that you have, say, 45 minutes before an appointment and think, "Well, I don't have time to do anything substantial. So, I guess I'll just go on line."

Turn your thinking around! Learn to fit constructive things in to small slices of time. It's amazing what you can complete in a short focused slice of time!

5 - Use your intention.

Before you begin any activity, set an intention for that activity. Intend your desired outcome and how you want to feel during the activity. This is the ultimate act of creativity.

6 - Get rid of anything that doesn't feed you.

Incoming emails, group emails, magazine subscriptions, news aggregate feeds, TiVo, memberships, unread books...

The list of incoming stuff goes on and on.

Get your life in order. Get rid of anything that doesn't feed you. If you subscribe to it, ask yourself why. Start letting go of stuff. Doing this one thing has helped me create a home and office environment that is healthy and sacred. Be ruthless about keeping the incoming stuff to a minimum.

7 - Be present in your down-time.

When you take a nap, take a nap. When you take a Saturday off, really take it off. Don't spend the day obsessing about the things you should be doing. Turn off the computer. Get out of your office. Go away.

Fully disengaging from all of it for fun is imperative. Plus, this will allow you to return with renewed energy and attention!

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 20,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In just a few days I'll be leaving for the Adirondacks and seeing this view! Hope you all are enjoying the summer! What have you been up to?

Creative Wishes,

List of Dreams...

2011-07-12T13:33:00.003-04:00

Lately I've been thinking about my dreams and goals. It could be because I'm close to accomplishing three on my list. It's an amazing feeling!

This is my little list of dreams. I'm sure it will grow and change as time goes by.

* Finish my first novel
* Complete renovations in our apartment
* Make wine from the grapes in our mini vineyard
* Buy the garden lot from our old landlord
* Get published
* Finish renovations upstairs and then in the house behind us
* Buy our own house
* Quit my day job and become a full-time writer
* Write more novels
* Paint our apartment houses
* Buy a VW Westfalia and a beach house to go with it
* Expand our Vineyard
* Learn Italian
* Go to Italy

Back in June we went to see Kenny Loggins perform with his new group Blue Sky Riders. I'm hooked on their song Dreams. Here's the video:

What's on your list of dreams? Which are your close to achieving?

Creative Wishes,

Three More Days...

2011-07-06T17:22:00.004-04:00

And then I'm free! I'll be on vacation from work for twenty-four days!!! Can you imagine all that writing time and how much I'll be able to accomplish? Definitely enough time to finish the second half of my revisions. *Happy Dance*

Plus, I'll be going on my yearly camping trip to the Adirondacks at the end of the month. Can't wait!

Luckily, I won't have to worry about weeding the garden while I'm busy writing or when we're away. Here's why:

Yep. That's the ugly carpet from our apartment. We did attempt to cover it up with throw rugs and such, but it was always lurking underneath.

So, what adventures are in store for you this summer?

Creative Wishes,

House Stuff...

2011-06-28T09:50:00.004-04:00

I had to set aside my revisions for a major renovation project in our apartment. We've lived in this place for over eleven years (we bought it from your landlord two years ago) and finally got rid of the dingy, out of style carpet.

I knew it was going to be a lot of work and that it would disrupt my routine. So I was prepared for my life to suck for a couple weeks. We had to cram all of our stuff in our bedroom and spare room. The elliptical stayed in the middle of the kitchen for a few days! Bear had to stay upstairs and Riley was stuck in our bedroom most days.

And yes, I did have at least two melt-downs. It's all kind of a blur.

Here are some pics:

My office after the recycled floors were put in.

Our living room after the recycled floors were put in.

After sanding...

After staining...

After varnishing...

Ta-da!

We had to paint over that paneling, too.

And all the trim and doors in both rooms needed to be repainted.

This project made me really appreciate writing. Looking forward to getting back to it today. I'd rather do revisions than renovations any day!

Oh, and don't be sad for the old carpet. Corey found a use for it! It's in the garden keeping the weeds away.

Hope you all are having a fantastic week. It's summer time! Enjoy...

Creative Wishes,

Author Spotlight: Melissa Kline

2011-06-23T09:10:00.000-04:00

Author, Melissa Kline's debut novel, My Beginning, will be released by Lucky Press, LLC on July 1, 2011.

I'm really looking forward to this one!

Here's a bit about the book from Melissa Kline's website:

When you first meet sixteen-year-old Ivory it is apparent she doesn’t live an ordinary life. A plague has nearly wiped out the entire human race, leaving her and every other healthy child with no choice but to deal with this harsh reality. They live an existence full of daunting classes and schedules, free of compassion or fun of any kind.

Ivory feels trapped within the institution walls, dreaming of a better world she only wishes existed. She’s never had a sense of belonging, forever feeling different than all of her “siblings.”

Amidst the mundane environment, Ivory captures the attention of Aidan, the only boy sent from a different institution. They slowly begin a dangerous game of passively communicating, eventually meeting in a small hall closet every day. Their passion grows beyond anything they could have imagined as Ivory falls head over heels in love, living every waking moment just to be with her sweetheart.

Ivory and Aidan’s tryst doesn’t stay a secret for long when they are caught and confronted with the fact that they may never see each other again. Ivory is punished and put through torture until Aidan comes to her rescue, taking them through underground tunnels to a world they’ve been taught to fear.

After two days on the outside, Ivory and Aidan are taken in by a community of humans who are rebelling against a war and power hungry man named Geoff Octavius Driscoll. They learn that the plague has been non-existent for years and that the world is in a state of chaos because of Geoff and his lifelike machines.

Ivory and Aidan come to grips with the fact that they’ve been lied to their entire lives and accept things for the way that they are. They eventually adapt to a new way of living and create a sense of belonging within the community. Their bond deepens as they explore love at their own pace and time.

For more information about the author or to order a copy please go HERE.

You can view the book trailer for My Beginning HERE.

Thanks for visiting and taking a moment to support a fellow author. If you can, please spread the love!

Creative Wishes,

Here in Bear Land...

2011-06-06T08:58:00.004-04:00

So I took Bear to the groomers for a haircut. He had some matting in his fur and shaving him was the only way to fix it.

They put an adorable bandanna on him and he wasn't too happy. He doesn't like to wear anything around his neck. He gets really depressed. We picked up a harness to use in place of his collar when we walk him. It's working so far!

He likes to chase the squirrels that try to hijack our bird feeder. We finally have a squirrel-proof feeder. Yay!

I'm almost finished with the first half of my revisions. I know, I know. I'm slow. But I had some major rewrites to do in a few chapters.

My new goal is to have my revisions done by September 1st. Then I'll see about querying and all that jazz.

And then....I'll begin my new project! It's been simmering since last year. Looking forward to starting something new.

What's going on in your world? What are you working on? Any new goals or plans?

I feel so behind. Hoping to catch up very soon!

Creative Wishes,

Our Little Bear...

2011-05-09T14:30:00.004-04:00

This is Bear! We adopted him over a week ago. He's about three years old and a Sheltie Pomeranian mix. Things are going well so far. He's such a sweetie and I'm already attached.

He loves to play and likes tons of attention. I'm getting used to my new shadow. We're lucky that he's so well behaved and good with Riley. We always thought we'd get a big dog, but he needed a home and we had the space and love to give him.

I'm happy it's working out for the four of us!

Now it's time to get back to revisions. I've been thinking about my next novel, too. But I need to keep all that shiny-new-idea lust at bay for now.

What's new in your world? Hope you all have a fabulous week!

Creative Wishes,

It's May Already?

2011-05-02T12:49:00.003-04:00

Yikes! So much time has passed and I didn't get far with my revisions. Life stuff and all that jazz.

Exciting news....we just adopted a dog! He's so adorable and I'm already in love. The good thing is he and Riley get along. After a couple days they are starting to play. Yay!

Also, I wanted to share some link love. Gina Leigh Maxwell from Passions on Paper has a new post up featuring a guest piece by aspiring writer Adrian Hansford. It's fantastic! Please click HERE to read the post.

That's not all. Kristin Creative is hosting a blogfest in celebration of reaching 300 followers. Congrats to Kristin! Please click HERE to learn more and sign up.

Hope everyone is doing well. Can't wait to catch up!

Creative Wishes,

See You in May...

2011-04-04T09:19:00.005-04:00

I've decided to unplug for the rest of April. I'm deep in revisions and want to remain focused.

It will be difficult to stay away! I love visiting my favorite blogs and seeing what everyone is up to.

Here's a little link love before I go:

I'd like to send out a big THANK YOU to Lola Sharp at Sharp Pen/Dull Sword! Visit, follow, read her posts and comment. You will love her, too!

YA Author Medeia Sharif is hosting a Book Giveway on her blog. Click HERE for more details. (Ends April 15th!) While you're there, check out her upcoming debut Novel: BESTEST. RAMADAN. EVER.

So happy CANDYLAND reopened and I got to visit before my break! You should go there now. You'll get a good dose of New Medicine and leave there way cooler than you already are. Seriously.

Jessica Love's SCBWI Retreat Recap Post has me thinking more about joining my local chapter. Her weekly goal posts are always inspiring and she has great taste in books and music. Off you go...

Meet Nozomi!

Her name means hope and she's the mascot of the Write Hope Blog. HERE a group of kidlit writers came together after the Japan earthquake to provide auction items to raise money for donation to Save the Children's emergency relief fund.

Thank you all for your continued support and inspiration. I love being a part of this wonderful writing community!

See you next month! Hope to hear lots of fabulous news when I return to blogging!

Creative Wishes,

Summer Fever...

2011-04-01T09:14:00.003-04:00

By February I was feeling it.

Surrounded by snow and gray skies, all I could think about was spring. It couldn't get here fast enough. Today I woke up to more snow and it doesn't feel like I'm ever going to get the warm weather and sunshine I've been craving. Every time I pack away my gloves and boots this happens.

I'm ready for flip-flops and flowers. I can't wait for camping and cookouts!

It's possible that my spring fever has morphed into summer fever.

For now I'll just watch videos and movies with beaches and sunny backgrounds. Anything to get away from this gloominess for a bit.

One of my favorite beach movies is Blue Crush. I think I'll watch that later.

And this is my favorite summer song. It always takes me back to 2004 when my husband and I went to Virgina Beach.

Do you have a favorite song that reminds you of summer memories? Did you get hit with any more snow?

Creative Wishes,

Talk About Talented!

2011-03-28T09:37:00.003-04:00

She sings and plays guitar. She's a published poet and story writer.

I'm talking about author, Jessica Bell.

And on November 1, 2011 her debut novel, String Bridge, will be released. To give you a taste of what this lovely book is about, here is the trailer for String Bridge.

Please visit Jessica Bell's blog and check out the contest she's hosting which ends this Thursday.
Clicky-clicky here!

Thanks for visiting! Any debuts I should know about?

Creative Wishes,

Beautiful Books...

2011-03-23T09:15:00.009-04:00

These lovelies are on my wish list:

What books are on your wish list? Any recommendations?

Have a lovely day and happy reading!

Creative Wishes,

Party Crasher...

2011-03-17T19:04:00.000-04:00

So, I finished my rough draft and decided to take a short break, allowing myself time to step back and enjoy my accomplishment. I thought it would be good to have a clear head and a fresh eye for my first round of revisions.

I should have known this would happen. Because it usually does.

Fear stopped by to crash the party.

Fear. We are so not friends. Yet it shows up anyway, whispering in my ear until it turns into loud chattering, echoing in unison with my inner critic. Annoying!

Lurking in the shadows, fear patiently waits for the right moment. Like when I receive feedback pointing out mistakes and I'm reminded of my writing weaknesses. That's when it pounces. It wants me to doubt myself. To give up my dreams.

Being sick with a wicked head cold, I was easy prey.

Instead of letting this uninvited guest steal my party hat, I acknowledged its presence, but didn't allow it to get too comfortable. As soon as it tried to shake things up, I called the bouncers. Bye-bye, Fear!

I know it will always be there. Waiting. But no matter what, I'll remain focused on my writing dreams. Fear may visit me, but it will never stay.

What do you do when fear works its way to the surface?

Friday is almost here! Enjoy your weekend!

Creative Wishes,

Mega Giveaway News!

2011-03-14T13:41:00.003-04:00

It's not on my blog, but I just wanted to spread the news. Carolina Valdez Miller has an agent!

*Happy Dance*

That's not all! She's sharing the love by hosting a MEGA GIVEAWAY! Click here to go check it out. You'll see that other bloggers are sharing the love with more giveaways.

Good luck and don't forget to congratulate Carol!

Creative wishes,

Win Books!

2011-03-11T12:43:00.007-05:00

Beth Revis, author of Across the Universe, is hosting a fabulous contest on her blog! Go on over to find out how you can enter to win all five signed copies from the Breathless Reads Tour. Click on the banner above to go there now! Contest ends March 21st.

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Thank you to everyone who shared their input on my previous post. I've decided to stick with 'magic' for this novel. It feels right and fits better with my main character.

I also appreciate all the happy wishes about completing my rough draft. Being a writer can be lonely. There are so many things I want to discuss, but I haven't found any writers in my community, so it's a blessing to have you all in the blogging world.

Happy Friday! Any exciting plans for the weekend? Any good news?

Creative Wishes,

Magic vs Magick...

2011-03-08T16:54:00.001-05:00

When I first started writing CTM, I couldn't decide how I wanted to spell the word magic in my novel.

In the Metaphysical books I've read for research it's spelled with a 'k' on the end. Magick. Some fiction authors spell it that way, too. Alice Hoffman didn't with Practical Magic but Alyson Noel did with her Immortals Series.

Now that I'm get ready to do my revisions, it's time to choose. Magic or Magick.

What do you think?

I recently learned that my novel could be considered Magical Realism. For a while I would refer to it as YA Contemporary with little bits of magic. It's nice to possibly have an actual genre.

Thank you to Carol Riggs for sharing this list of genres on her blog. If you haven't been to Carol's blog yet, please go check it out!

What's your genre?

Creative Wishes,

Cue the confetti!

2011-03-05T13:44:00.001-05:00

Last week something very exciting happened! I finished the rough draft of my first YA novel! *Happy Dance*

After many stops and starts on this writing journey, I finally did it. It's such an amazing feeling!

On Monday I will start my revisions. My original word count goal was 60K, but I fell short at a little over 50K. There are scenes that need to be fleshed out and certain elements that need to be added anyway. After attending the WriteOnCon online chat last week, my new goal is around 75K. (Go here if you missed it!)

I can't wait to get started! I'm sure my enthusiasm will diminish after each round of revisions. And then there's the synopsis/query stage. For now I'll just enjoy the moment!

What about you? Any news to share?

Creative Wishes,

It's Time for the Bernard Pivot Blogfest!

2011-02-16T04:00:00.001-05:00

1.What is your favorite word? Serendipity

2.What is your least favorite word? Surreal

3.What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Learning and growing

4.What turns you off? Negativity of others

5.What is your favorite curse word? Shite

6.What sound or noise do you love? Gentle rain on a canvas tent, the ocean, loons on the lake, my cat purring

7.What sound or noise do you hate? My cellphone beeping when I don't check my texts

8.What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Jewelry Design or Mixed-Media Art

9.What profession would you not like to do? Anything that's a regular 9-5

10.If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Well done

Thank you so much to Nicole Ducleroir for hosting this brilliant blogfest! Be sure to visit her blog at One Significant Moment at a Time. You'll also find the list of other entrants here.

I hope to visit you all soon!

Creative Wishes,

Here's to the Meantime...

2011-02-05T09:52:00.002-05:00

Still working on finishing up my final chapters for my rough draft. Things were going well until life stuff happened and my thoughts were ruled by stress. I have a difficult time focusing on my writing when I'm worrying about other things. It's very frustrating and I feel even worse when I don't write.

So, what do you do when your stressed out? Do you keep writing?

I'm finding my way back to my writing goals and things seem to be looking brighter as each day passes.

I've been listening to a lot of music lately. Found a new favorite artist and had to share this song.

Still not totally back, but I wanted to check in. I hope to visit you all very soon. What have you been up to?

Creative Wishes,

Top Ten Countdown Time!

2011-01-24T05:00:00.002-05:00

Author and fellow blogger, Alex J. Cavanaugh, is hosting The Top Ten Countdown Blogfest today! Be sure to visit his fantastic blog to check out his top ten, find out more about his novel CassaStar, and see who else is sharing their top ten songs of all time.

I love music! It's amazing how a simple song has the power to transport me to another time, bringing forth forgotten memories. Here are songs that capture different memories, remind me of favorite movies, and mark important moments in my life. Enjoy!

My Top Ten:

1. Amazed by Lonestar (My wedding song!)

2. Real Fine Place to Start by Sara Evans (Sparked the idea for my current WIP)

3. Same In Any Language by I Nine (Takes me back to when my writing journey really began)

4. The Littlest Birds by The Be Good Tanyas (Reminds me of reconnecting with a kindred spirit)

5. Into the Mystic by Van Morrison (My spiritual journey)

6. Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac (Letting go of my past)

7. Stagger Lee by Lloyd Price (Good memories from growing up)

8. Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes (High school memories)

9. Jet Airliner by Steve Miller Band (Good times in my twenties!)

10. Free by Zac Brown Band (Where I'm at right now)

Thanks for stopping by!

Creative Wishes,

**If it was the Top Eleven Countdown, I would add Far Behind by Candlebox. I can't believe I left that one out! Oh, well.**

Be Back Soon....

2011-01-09T11:19:00.003-05:00

I'm taking a little break from blogging, so I won't be posting or commenting until later this month. I'm busy doing some beta reading for the fabulous Gina Leigh Maxwell and working on the final chapters of my first draft. *Happy Dance*

Hope you all are doing well with your goals and are off to a great start in the New Year! Thanks for your continued inspiration and encouragement! *Hugs*

Here's a song/video frome one of my favorite artists that I've been meaning to share.

Creative Wishes,

Eye Candy Blogfest...

2011-01-01T10:14:00.002-05:00

~Me & Corey at the top of Bear Mountain in Cranberry Lake, NY - Summer 2010~

Go here to visit Vicki Rocho's blog and check out the list of entrants!

Happy New Year!

A Brand New Year...

2010-12-31T13:44:00.010-05:00

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."
~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

I hope all your dreams come true in the coming year!

“If one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Creative Wishes,

Images: scottchan/Kenneth Cratty (FreeDigitalPhotos.net)/photobucket.com

Book Binge...

2010-12-27T10:49:00.008-05:00

I'm on vacation!

So, I have some extra time to read, read, read! I just started Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Heard so much about this title during WriteOnCon and then more recently in the media and from my fellow bloggers. Finally going to read it!

Any other must-read books I should squeeze in before the New Year?

I had big plans to read a bunch of books this year, but I didn't get to most of them. Hoping to read more in 2011. Here's a few titles I'm looking forward to:

What was your favorite book from 2010? Did you set and meet your reading goal for the year? What book(s) are you looking forward to reading in 2011?

Creative Wishes,

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Made with LOVE for Jarred...

2010-12-20T16:19:00.000-05:00

My amazing friend at Whimsical Jewels has designed some beautiful pieces in support of a special boy named Jarred who is fighting cancer.

All proceeds in her Made with LOVE for Jarred line will go directly to Jarred and his family in order to help raise money for his treatments. If you can, please visit Whimsical Jewels at Etsy and help by purchasing one of her special Jarred designs. She is willing to do custom orders to benefit Jarred as well.

You can also help by spreading the word. Your time, generosity and compassion is greatly appreciated!

This is my beautiful Jarred bracelet!

"Made with LOVE for Jarred is a fundraiser for a dear friend of our family. Jarred is an eight year old boy who is a good friend of our son's. We met Jarred and his family because our sons played football together for the Southfork Panthers. As a result, we have grown to love the entire family. In May 2010 Jarred was diagnosed with Leukemia and as you can imagine the medical bills are astronomical. 100% of the proceeds received from this bracelet will go to Jarred's family to help with expenses." ~Whimsical Jewels

I received word that Jarred is in the hospital right now fighting a fever/infection. Sadly, he can't leave the hospital until the fever has been down for 2 days and he's been in there since last Thursday. Please take a moment to pray, wish and hope that Jarred is home for Christmas. Thank you!

Creative Wishes,

Borrowed Advice: Holiday Edition...

2010-12-15T08:58:00.005-05:00

The Top 10 Holiday Shoulds (And Permission to Let Them Go!)
by Christine Kane

Do you know the "Shoulds?" Those voices that occasionally creep around your head telling you that things aren't as good as they could be and that everything would be better if you behaved well?

Yea?

Well, you're not alone. We all go there from time to time. Some of us spend our every waking moment "shoulding" all over ourselves!

In the work I do, I know one thing to be true about this time of year:

The Holiday Shoulds are a special breed of Should. The Holiday Shoulds are loud and insidious. If you're not conscious, they can make you believe that they're a rational way to think.

After all, during the holidays, people become almost hypnotized into believing that every moment should be a certain way, that every yard should look a certain way, that every family should behave a certain way - and that it's okay to beat themselves up for their own preferences or for not keeping up with the imaginary standard.

Here's a list of the Top Ten Holiday Shoulds, along with a thought or two about simply letting them go, and delighting in this moment. In the words of Byron Katie: "When I argue with What Is, I lose. But only 100% of the time."

1 - I should have a new outfit to wear to the Christmas party!

Last year's outfit is fine. Your shiny happy self tells a brighter story than something you bought at a store.

2 - I should have done hand-made Christmas cards! (Or, I should've done Christmas Cards at all!)

Relax. If you had time to delight in making cards, that would be great. But it's okay that you didn't. And as for not sending cards, you can send them out next year. (Or, be like my brother's family and send out annual Valentine Cards instead!)

3 - My kids/parents should behave differently!

Everyone is doing the best they can. What would happen if you simply accepted each person's path and choices - and let them be exactly where they are?

4 - I should've bought more expensive presents!

When gifting becomes about competition or keeping up, then it just drains you. Take a moment to remember who you are and how you want to love the people in your life. Nothing beats authenticity.

5 - I should go out and buy more [insert useless consumer good or processed food here.]

When you nervously become a consumer for no reason, challenge yourself to sit down, listen, and experience the emptiness. You might find that it's actually quite peaceful in there!

6 - I should've lost weight this year!

Become a champion of yourself. Make a list of five great things you accomplished this year, and let go of those things you didn't. You can revisit them in January.

7 - The Holidays should look more like the pretty scenes in a snow globe or on Christmas specials!

The cool thing about snow globes and such is the happy feeling they create inside of you. Instead of thinking everything should make you feel that way, try to capture the feeling you get from those things - and then carry that feeling to each moment in your life. I call this Positive Daydreaming.

8 - I should've made [Insert time-consuming baked good featured on Martha Stewart]!

See #5.

And remember that Martha Stewart has a very large staff. And that there's rarely a shortage of sugary baked items during the holidays.

9 - My house should have better decorations!
See #8.

And go take a nap.

10 - I should make better scrapbook pages after the holidays!

Doing good scrapbooks does not make you a good mother, sister, daughter or friend. Doing good scrapbooks makes you someone who has time to scrapbook. If you use photo-boxes or boring albums, you're still a wonderful human, and we'll all still love you.

**BONUS SHOULD**

11 - It should be The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Christmas is lovely with all of its twinkle lights and confectionery goodies, AND there are many wonderful times each year. (I happen to love each and every time I hike in the woods, no matter what time of year it is!)

Wonderful is about your delight and how you feel on the inside. When you let go of what is not authentic delight for you, then you might be surprised at how simple the holidays become. You might find that wonderful is right here in this very moment.

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 12,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog at ChristineKane.com/blog.

Creative Wishes,

Image: Salvatore Vuono/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

2010-12-08T09:12:00.002-05:00

Hope you're all staying warm and keeping busy! I'm starting to breeze through chapters now. What are you up to this week?

Creative Wishes,

The Hating Game by Talli Roland...

2010-12-01T08:37:00.001-05:00

Help Talli Roland's debut novel THE HATING GAME hit the Kindle bestseller list at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk by spreading the word today. Even a few sales in a short period of time on Amazon helps push the book up the rankings, making it more visible to other readers.

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/hNBkJk
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/hX2ieD

No Kindle? Download a free app at Amazon for Mac, iPhone, PC, Android and more.

Coming soon in paperback.
Keep up with the latest at www.talliroland.com.

About THE HATING GAME:

When man-eater Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy. After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £2000,000 prize? Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it's revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes. Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?

What are you waiting for? Go check it out!

Happy Reading,

25 Things...

2010-11-24T09:00:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving is upon us and I've been thinking about how blessed I am. There are so many things to be thankful for. Here are some:

1. Corey, my husband
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Riley, my cat
5. Mother Earth
6. A place to live
7. Good health
8. The Moon & stars
9. Blogging
10. Books
11. Music
12. Movies
13. A car that runs
14. Favorite teas
15. Changing seasons
16. Wine
17. Chocolate
18. Great food
19. Magic moments
20. Memories
21. Dancing
22. The Drive-In
23. Work
24. Vacations
25. You! :)

What are you thankful for? Happy Thanksgiving!

Creative Wishes,

Image: Felixco, Inc. / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

November Moon...

2010-11-20T10:02:00.004-05:00

Some call this month's full moon the Mourning Moon. It's given this name because it's thought to be a time to let go of the past year, washing away the bad and to revel in the year to come.

That's what I plan to do. I'd like to let go of my fears and regrets when it comes to writing. To be free of any guilt or perfectionist habits and move forward with my novel.

This weekend I'm finishing up the first third of my novel and then on Monday I'll begin the next. I've set my intention and have been successful in moving forward with my writing goals.

Winter seems to be a promising time to go within and focus on my creative spirit. I hope it is for you, too.

So, enjoy the full moon tomorrow night. I hope you are free to let go of anything negative that might be holding you back from chasing your dreams.

Creative Wishes,

>

Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Borrowed Advice...

2010-11-17T09:07:00.006-05:00

9 Simple Solutions for Procrastinators
by Christine Kane

Irony: As I started to write this article, I thought, "I'll just go play one Sudoku game first." I caught myself in the act and marched to my laptop.

People who say that procrastination is about laziness are probably the same people who think that anorexia is about not eating enough.

Procrastination isn't about laziness. It's about fear. It's about perfectionism. It's about overwhelm. We all experience it, and there are some tricks to help you get moving again.

Here are 9 ways to break the procrastination habit:

1 - When you get an idea, do some little thing to begin.

When I read Stephen King's book On Writing, I noticed something. I noticed that when Stephen King gets an idea, he writes it. Immediately and imperfectly.

Most people get an idea. Then they sit there. They wonder if it's a good idea. Then, they wonder if it's a good idea some more.

Got an idea? Begin it now!

2 - All hail small chunks of time!

Lots of us complain about having no time. My guess is that we all have lots of time. It just doesn't happen to be all at once.

Are you waiting for many hours of spare time to begin your idea, your project, or your taxes? Stop waiting! Learn to use the spare half hour that comes up here and there. (I gave myself 45 minutes to write this article just to take my own advice.)

3 - Agree to do it badly.

Set a goal to do it badly. Set a goal to show up. Let go of doing it ALL, or doing it WELL.

Some of my coaching clients' biggest victories have a lot more to do with getting over perfectionism and fear, than they do about getting it all done perfectly.

4 - Commit aloud.

Call a friend and say something like this: "I'm going to spend the next hour working on creating my new product." Then go do it.

Call the friend after the half hour and make her congratulate you. Repeat daily.

5 - Define quantities.

Nebulous goals make for nebulous results. "I'm gonna get my office organized" is a lot like saying, "We oughtta do something about Global Warming."

Most procrastinators have a hard time defining quantities. We think everything needs to be done NOW.

When are you going to do it? For how long? Which part of your office? The file cabinet? Or your desk?

Define the goal and acknowledge its completion.

6 - Install this System Upgrade into your Mental Hard Drive: Less is More.

Have fewer goals. Have no more than three priorities for a week.

Why?

Because you're not lazy. You're just trying to do too much.

Find out what it feels like to accomplish one thing instead of not quite getting to everything. Wow - what a difference this makes!

7 - Do it first.

My first coach made me write songs first thing in the morning. He told me to schedule the 2-hour chunk as my first activity upon waking.

Why?

"Because you're telling the universe that this is your priority. And then the universe lines up everything to align with your priority."

Action grounds your priorities. It makes them real. It also makes your day easier because you're not wasting energy thinking about this thing you're supposed to be doing.

8 - Avoid nose-bleed activities.

Email, voicemail, web stats - any activity that bleeds itself into your whole day becomes a non-activity. It becomes a nose-bleed.

When you do it all the time, you never complete it. You just let it slowly drain the very life force from you. Define times for these activities. Then, turn off your email, your cell phone, your web stats, until that time comes.

9 - Don't ask how you "feel" about doing the activity.

Have you ever committed to getting fit? And then when the alarm goes off, you lie in bed thinking, "Do I really feel like going to the gym?" (Like you even have to ask!)

Change this pattern. Make your decision the night before. Commit to getting up and going right to the gym, the computer, the blank canvas. Don't have coffee and sigh and think, "I'll probably feel more like it at lunch time." You won't!

If it's a priority, don't waste time asking yourself how you feel about doing it. Feelings are an easy out.

----------------------------

There. I did it. I wrote this article. And now, I don't even want to play Sudoku! How about that?

About the Author:
Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 12,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hello, Moon Chasers!

I Found this article in my inbox this morning and had to share it. The Universe always seems to send these little reminders right when I need them. Monday I set the intention to write every day. It's going great, so far. I have my moments where I want to do something else, but then I get back to writing, keeping in mind the goals that I have set.

Do you have a writing schedule or writing goals you've set? How's your NaNo writing coming along?

Hope you are focused and finding inspiration!

Creative Wishes,

Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A New Look...

2010-11-10T09:32:00.004-05:00

Inspired by all the creative spaces I viewed during Summer's Share Your Space Blogfest, I decided to make some changes.

Ta-da!

I know it's not much, but I actually enjoy hanging out in my office! Having a bigger space to work helps so much. This spiraled into many changes around my apartment. Eventually, we will get to updating the carpet. Lovely, I know! For now, I've enjoyed clearing out hidden clutter and redecorating. It's energizing and I feel inspired.

How's everyone doing with NaNo? Have you made any crazy changes? Please share!

Creative Wishes,

Don't forget!

2010-11-04T18:35:00.003-04:00

Candace Ganger at The Misadventures In Candyland is hosting a Contest/Fundraiser this month! Go here to check out her blog and learn more about an important cause. Contest ends Thanksgiving Eve!

Please donate if you can or help spread the word! Thank you!

Creative Wishes,

Sorry for the Delay...

2010-11-03T09:48:00.006-04:00

Thank you, Summer, for coming up with such a fantastic blogfest idea! By now you all know about the Share Your Space Blogfest that was held on November 1st. I'm late in the game, but here are my three writing spaces...

My office where it looks like I write:

My couch where most of my writing is done:

My spare room where I go to plan and dream up ideas:

Go here to visit Summer's blog and check out her writing space!

Thanks for visiting!

Creative Wishes,

Show Your Space Blogfest...

2010-11-01T16:31:00.004-04:00

Summer is hosting a Show Your Space Blogfest today! Go here to check out her writing space. Then click on the other links to visit more bloggers who are sharing their space.

Oh. What about my space? Well. Um. Yeah. I had planned to share a pic with my fellow bloggers and was going to take it today, but right now it's a chaotic mess due to all the Halloween decorations that are scattered about. Sorry!

Have fun checking out all the different writing spaces!

Creative Wishes,

A Time for Magic...

2010-10-27T21:27:00.013-04:00

The Witches are gathering...

The Moon is high in the sky...

Night is upon us...

Time to stir up some witchy fun...

Happy Halloween!

Last Week's Progress...

2010-10-04T21:52:00.005-04:00

I recently signed up for Patti Nielson's Blogfest. You can find the list of other participants here. The object of this Blogfest was to keep track of how much you wrote for five days.

Here's my tally:

Monday - 2 hours
Tuesday - 3 hours
Wednesday - 1 hour
Thursday - 30 minutes
Friday - 0

Total - 6 1/2 hours

Between life, work, errands, and house stuff I managed to make time for my writing last week. I knew I wouldn't get to it on Friday because there was a lot planned after work. Usually I'm drained after work, so I was pleased that I found some inspiration on Wednesday and Thursday.

Sadly, I don't think I'll be logging as much time this week. I didn't get any writing in today. (I'm fighting the guilt!) But I'm eager to get back to Chapter 4.

Next week is my time to write. For real.

Thank you, Patti, for coming up with this great idea! After reading everyone's posts and seeing how much time I waste or use doing other things, it really made me aware of the changes I need to make.

How did you do? Do you keep track of your writing? How do you squeeze in time for writing?

Creative Wishes,

***Update: I had originally titled this post: The Ugly Truth. But then I decided that was too harsh. I need to celebrate my progress and not feel guilty about what I didn't do. ***

Breathe Again...

2010-10-01T09:24:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning around 4 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep. The rain has been pouring down on us since yesterday morning and it was dripping onto the air conditioner making this annoying clanking sound.

I pulled out my iPod and put it on my Sara Bareilles playlist. Love her music. Love this song. It helped me to calm my whirling thoughts and finally drift back to sleep.

Have a fantastic weekend! Any plans? I've got a rehearsal dinner tonight and a wedding tomorrow. Won't get much writing done, but I did get quite a bit accomplished earlier this week.

Creative Wishes,

Come Next Monday...

2010-09-21T10:52:00.006-04:00

I signed up for my first Blogfest!

Starting next Monday, September 27th, I will be keeping track of how much I write each day until Friday, October 1st. Fellow writer and blogger, Patti Nielson, came up with this fabulous idea. Stop by her blog and check it out.

I'm in! Five days to hold myself accountable! Five days to see how much valuable time I waste not writing! I know my bad habits, I just tend to ignore them. Now my secrets will be out there for all of you to see!

So, are you in?

Creative Wishes,

Captured by a Moment...

2010-09-14T13:31:00.002-04:00

Have you ever listened to a certain song and found that it reflected the moment you were in? This happened to me recently.

I was driving, pondering my main character and picturing her in a certain scene, lost in my thoughts. (But still focused on driving and everything around me! It's my superpower.) When I stopped at a red light, a Monarch butterfly captured my attention. (They always bring me a feeling of hope and inspiration.) It was trying to fly. Sadly, it had been stunned by the oncoming traffic. It continued to struggle as cars whipped by. Each time it fell to the pavement. The music echoed around me, the song's melody matching the scene that unfolded before me.

The moment combined with the song was beautiful, yet very sad. My emotions echoed the melody and lyrics of the song as that poor Monarch attempted to fly for safety. The situation of my main character still lingered in my thoughts.

It was a simple moment, but I felt its importance. And now, when I listen to that song, I still think of that Monarch and I borrow that memory to draw on the emotions of whatever struggles my main character is facing.

In case you're curious, I was listening to Jack Ingram's In The Corner.

Has anything like this ever happened to you?

Contest Winner!

2010-09-07T18:09:00.003-04:00

And the winner of my Moon Chasers Contest is:

~Nicole Ducleroir~

Thank you so much to all who entered!

Care for Creative Souls...

2010-09-02T08:51:00.005-04:00

Rachelle Mee-Chapman over at Magpiegirl.com will be hosting a six week online workshop beginning on September 13th. It's called: Power Stories: tips and tales for standing in your own power.

She's offering a pay-what-you-will special right now through September 3rd. Click here to find out more information. It's also an inspiring site to explore.

I'm definitely intrigued and looking forward to finally standing in my own power.

**Note: I borrowed this title from Rachelle's blog logo.**

Come September...

2010-08-31T13:42:00.002-04:00

I'll soon be letting go of another summer season. It's always bittersweet, but the the comfort of fall usually settles in around me and I welcome my favorite season.

June through August was definitely eventful. I collected many happy memories along the way and I'm grateful for all my blessings, too. Some highlights were:

*Vacations in Newport, RI and the Adirondacks
*My sister's bridal shower and bachelorette weekend
*Nights out at the drive-in
*My friend had her baby
*WriteOnCon
*Celebrating special people with graduations, showers & birthdays
*Work success
*I lost 14 lbs.
*Changes to my current WIP
*All the wonderful books I read

Yep, this summer flew by! I found myself racing through the week, preparing for the weekend. That's one habit I'd like to break. I'd like to live for every day that I'm blessed with.

So, come September, I plan to slow down and focus.

Well, after this weekend. My little sister is getting married this Saturday! I'll be standing up there with her as her Matron of Honor. I'm so excited! Oh, yeah. I've been helping with wedding plans, too! Poor thing broke her foot when we were camping so she's been on crutches this summer. Sadly, she'll have it for the wedding. But she purposely chose a blue one so she'd have her Something Blue.

After a weekend of celebrating I will get back to my own plans. I'd like to simplify my life and be more organized. Time to clear out some clutter in all areas of my life.

Mostly, I plan to get back to writing. I've got new ideas for my current WIP. I read a YA book over the summer that had too many similarities. Soon, I'll be rewriting my first nine chapters and taking my novel in a different direction. I'm exited about the changes!

I'll be sure to keep you all posted!

In the meantime, don't forget about my Moon Chasers Contest. I'll be picking a winner on September 7th!

Are You Guilty of Attention Splatter?

2010-08-27T20:03:00.003-04:00

I had to share this one! I am definitely guilty of attention splatter. But I think #6 is way to drastic. You'll see why.

Stop the Splatter! How to Reclaim Your Attention and Get More Done

by Christine Kane

Have you ever been at home all day when there's nothing in the fridge?

You open the door. You poke your head in. You hum a little tune and look around. You sigh. You grab a handful of pine nuts. You go back to your desk.

About an hour later, you're hungry.

So you go back to the fridge and look again. Nothing new has appeared. You pull out some black olives, put them on a saucer, and go back to your desk.

You think, "I should go out and get something to eat." But you don't. A part of you is convinced that a solution will appear. Maybe a Sous Chef will arrive at your door.

Amazingly, this doesn't happen.

Eventually you're back at the fridge. You look in. Then, you close the door, reach up to the cereal cabinet and grab a handful of Kashi...

What happens in this scenario is that you eat all day, but you never feel satisfied. By 5pm, you're strung out, unfulfilled, and you wonder why.

Here's why:

You ate. But you never actually fed yourself.

We do this exact same thing with our attention. We dabble in random things. But we never really commit to anything.

I call it Attention Splatter. It's when you mindlessly and half-heartedly splatter your attention on non-activities. But you never fully engage.

Remember this: Your attention ultimately feeds you. It feeds your heart and your mind. This is why it's so important to notice what you give your attention to. This is also why splattered attention leaves you unfulfilled. You never actually feed yourself.

The most common Attention Splatter culprits are:

•Email
•Cell phones
•Clutter
•Internet
•Television
If you are prone to Attention Splatter, here are seven ways to feed yourself and get more done.

1 - Have no more than three priorities for the day.
There's only so many things you can get done in a day and still enjoy the day. Get into the habit of spending five minutes each night deciding what one thing you want to get done the next day. Ask yourself, "If I only accomplish one thing tomorrow, which one thing would make me most happy?"

2 - Know the task before you sit down at the computer.
This is a must. When you don't do this, you can get lost in the millions of non-items that any computer has to offer.
Assign tasks. (i.e. "Clean out email folders") Assign times. ("From 1pm to 2pm") Stop as soon as the end time arrives.

3 - Put an end to activities that leak.
Make a list of "leaky" activities, and stop the leak by scheduling these activities. (As opposed to letting them take over your day.)
For instance, instead of letting email leak all over your day - all day every day - schedule email as an activity at a certain time each day. Every activity should have a home - a space for its completion. Otherwise, you set yourself up for a full day of splatter.

4 - Leverage your small slices of time.
It's easy to look up at the clock and see that you have, say, 45 minutes before an appointment and think, "Well, I don't have time to do anything substantial. So, I guess I'll just go on line."
Turn your thinking around! Learn to fit constructive things in to small slices of time. It's amazing what you can complete in a short focused slice of time!

5 - Use your intention.
Before you begin any activity, set an intention for that activity. Intend your desired outcome and how you want to feel during the activity. This is the ultimate act of creativity.

6 - Get rid of anything that doesn't feed you.
Incoming emails, group emails, magazine subscriptions, news aggregate feeds, TiVo, memberships, unread books...
The list of incoming stuff goes on and on.
Get your life in order. Get rid of anything that doesn't feed you. If you subscribe to it, ask yourself why. Start letting go of stuff. Doing this one thing has helped me create a home and office environment that is healthy and sacred. Be ruthless about keeping the incoming stuff to a minimum.

7 - Be present in your down-time.
When you take a nap, take a nap. When you take a Saturday off, really take it off. Don't spend the day obsessing about the things you should be doing. Turn off the computer. Get out of your office. Go away.
Fully disengaging from all of it for fun is imperative. Plus, this will allow you to return with renewed energy and attention!

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 12,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

Moon Chasers Contest!

2010-08-24T16:19:00.004-04:00

I suppose it's time I host a contest here at Serendipity Street! In celebration of the full moon and all of you who are chasing your dreams, I gathered some goodies for a Moon Chasers Giveaway!

Here are the goodies:

Included is: the Permission to Dream Journal by Lisa Hammond, Moonlight Magic lotion by Bath & Body Works, Ghiradelli's Twilight Delight chocolate bar, a cute bookmark, and some nifty kitty cat highlighters.

Here's the rules for entering:
*Leave a comment about chasing your dreams or you can include a favorite poem, story or song verse about the moon. Make something up that's magical or fun!

*Get 1 bonus entry if you are a follower of this blog.

*Get 1 bonus entry if you are following me on Twitter.

*Get 2 bonus entries if you post about this contest on your blog or sidebar.

*Get 2 bonus entries if you post this on Twitter.

That's a possibility of 7 entries! Please add up your total and include links when you leave your comment.

On September 7th I will announce the winner!

Thank you all so much for inspiring and supporting me in some way on this writing journey! You all are amazing! Good luck...

Finding My Character...

2010-08-23T12:29:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Tera Lynn Childs' advice about character collages during WriteOnCon, I decided to have some fun and create my own collage.

My YA main character enjoys designing her own jewelry. She's artistic and a dreamer.

For now, I'm keeping the rest to myself. Sorry, it's top secret! I'm glad I took the time to get to know my main character again. Even when I'm not writing she's on my mind. Finally taking steps back to my writing. More to come soon!

Do you make collages for your novels? Any creative techniques to share?

I ♥ WriteOnCon...

2010-08-17T13:42:00.004-04:00

Attending the online WriteOnCon conference has filled me with so much inspiration. I'm ready to get back to my writing. It's a great feeling!

I'd like send out a huge THANK YOU to the following people: Elana Johnson, Shannon Whitney Messenger, Jamie Harrington, Casey McCormick, Lisa and Laura Roecker, and Jen Stayrook. I'd also like to thank all of the editors, agents, and authors who made WriteOnCon so amazing!

I will forever be grateful to you all!!!

New Favorite...

2010-08-03T14:29:00.002-04:00

I'm addicted to this song! I think it's the perfect song to add to my novel soundtrack. It's so haunting and beautiful.

What songs are inspiring you lately? Do you make novel soundtracks?

Anne Rice?

2010-07-27T13:59:00.003-04:00

I found this fun link on j.leigh.bailey's blog and had to try it out.

I submitted a snippet from a new project that I'm working on to compare my writing style with other authors. Here's my results:

I write like
Anne Rice

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I actually haven't read anything by Anne Rice. Now, I'm curious to see how accurate this thing is. Did anyone else try it out?

Moon Gazing...

2010-07-26T14:37:00.004-04:00

The moon came out early one evening while we were out on the lake this past week.

Last night the moon was gorgeous and glowing while I was heading home. I hope it's just as lovely tonight and you get a moment to do your own moon gazing or even dance under its light.

Feelin' Squirrely...

2010-07-13T14:25:00.002-04:00

Creativity Blockers...

2010-06-24T08:57:00.003-04:00

I got this in my email yesterday and wanted to pass it on. It really opened my eyes to the bad habits I've acquired. Guess I have some work to do! Enjoy...

7 Tried-and-True Ways to Block Your Creativity
by Christine Kane

"I'm totally blocked."

"I'm not creative."

"I can't even begin to work on all these ideas I get."

These statements have one thing in common.

They're totally false.

Like it or not. You ARE creative. You have no choice but to be creative. It's your nature!

Yea yea yea. I know. It's WAY uncool of me to point that out.

After all, if you're really truly creative, then [gasp!] you might actually have to do something about it! (The horror!)

Some people spend years perfecting the art of stuffing down their creative impulses, convincing themselves of their lack of talent and ideas.

How do they do it?

Well, let me show you the way! I've been there a time or two. And here's 7 of my Tried-and-True Ways to Block Your Creativity...

----

1 - Check your email first thing in the morning.

Every morning when you wake up, you have a choice. Do you want to be a Creator? Or do you want to hit the ground running as a Reactor?

If you chose the latter, then Bravo! Perfect for blocking your creative impulses!

Here's why.

When you wake up and run to the computer first thing, you shut off your deep creative voices as they come to the surface. You tell them, "No no no! We'll have none of that! This is more important."

And by THIS, you mean "Everyone Else's Agenda."

When you do that, you're simply saying to the Universe, "I'd rather just spend the day reacting, thank you."

And the Universe says, "You got it."

2 - Worry about results before you begin.

Now, THIS is a good one.

Spend lots of time obsessing about whether your final product - be it speech, book, song, or business idea - is any good. If you're careful, you can burn up as much as 8 hours each day with this thought - all the while getting NOTHING done!

When I got the idea for my song, "No Such Thing as Girls Like That," I lost a good two days listening to thoughts that said, "This is a lame idea."

I called my friend Kathy hoping that she would help me kill my creativity. I shared my idea and asked her if she agreed it was a bad idea.

Alas, she did not join in.

She said, "Tell you what, Christine. Why don't you write it, and then we'll decide if it's good?"

Stymied!

(Friends like Kathy will only trick you into actually doing the work! Don't call them!)

3 - Try to be perfect right from the start.

"Books are not written, they are re-written," said Michael Crichton.

Aw, what did he know anyway?

If you want to keep that creativity at a stand still, then believe this instead:

Books, songs, paintings, entrepreneurial ventures...

Their creators all get it right on the first try!

Ask any Creative type. They'll all tell you: Their art always comes out perfectly and fully formed the first time!

And if you can't figure out how to get it perfect on the first try...

Then there's no hope.

Go grab some Cheetos and watch Sponge Bob.

4 - Worry about what people will think.

I've gotten loads of mileage out of this one.

In fact, allow me to tell you about an old music review.

I got ripped apart. BAD.

The critic was out for blood, telling her readers that I had become the "Critic's Darling" - but she was here to set the story straight. (It was like my own private showing of "Mean Girls.")

That was years ago.

But even now, if I ever want to stay stuck for hours, I invite that reviewer to hang out. "C'mon!" I say. "Tell me what you think of this verse! In fact, tell me what you think of ME while you're at it!"

Let ANYONE have a say about your wild creative side -- critics, friends, parents, siblings, mentors, bosses, co-workers -- and you've got yourself a life-long, sorority-sister, BFF relationship with being blocked.

5 - Require a Guarantee.

Do this:

Sit down at your desk. (Or at your piano. Or in your studio.)

Roll up your sleeves.

Rub your hands together and say the following out loud:

"This had better be really good. In fact, this had better win a big huge award of some sort and make me really famous."

Then begin.

6 - Struggle.

(Like you need me to explain this one.)

7 - Wait til you're INSPIRED.

Everyone knows how it works if you're really truly creative:

You wait.

And you wait some more.

You stare at clouds.

You eat some bon-bons.

Out of nowhere, the "muse" comes to you. She takes your hand and leads you seductively to your desk. (She looks a lot like Liv Tyler in Lord of the Rings.)

Dreamily, you ask the muse what, oh what, should you write.

And she tells you. It's like taking dictation. And you know for sure that you are, indeed, one of the chosen few. The ones who are... CREATIVE!

That will surely happen if you wait...

and wait...

and wait...

and wait...

*** Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 12,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

Three Chances...

2010-06-21T22:17:00.003-04:00

Amy Spencer over at bringyourself.com posted earlier about her Handmade Writer e-course that begins Monday, June 28th. Stop by for a chance to win a spot in her workshop! She's included links to a couple other places to visit for more chances to win.

I missed the spring session, but jumped at the opportunity when I found out about the upcoming one. I love online workshops and hope this will help me in my creative quest this summer.

Oh, that reminds me, Happy Summer Solstice!

Considering Jane...

2010-06-21T20:05:00.002-04:00

I'm finally going to do it!

Each time I watch The Jane Austen Book Club I'm tempted to give her novels another try. I did enjoy the movie version of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley.

So, maybe...

At some point this summer I will read a Jane Austen novel and I'm determined to finish it and hopeful to like it.

I'll keep you posted...

I Found It!

2010-06-18T09:23:00.002-04:00

Or maybe it found me? Well, it could be too early to tell, but I think my creativity is coming out of hiding. This morning I felt the beginning of some lovely creative sparks. It's such an amazing feeling!

While I was deciding to either go back to sleep or get my butt out of bed, an idea popped into my head. You know those ideas that lead to the creation of a story or novel? It has nothing to do with my other novel ideas, but I let my thoughts flow and then grabbed a pen and my notebook so I wouldn't forget any of it.

It's possible that I triggered something when I began reading Wild Ink yesterday. This book got me thinking about my novel again, the one I'm putting aside for the summer. Guess CTM doesn't want to go on vacation and I have awoken something within me. When the ideas start coming they don't stop and I'm not going to get in their way.

I've decided to run with my creativity and not try to plan or define it, continuing to let my creative spirit fly and see where it leads me. I'll keep you posted.

What do you do when different ideas hit you? Or, when you put a story or novel away, but it keeps invading your thoughts?

Have a fun, adventurous, creative weekend!!! What are your plans? I'm staying with friends and we're doing our own Ghost Hunters Night. I'll fill you in next week!

Summer Break...

2010-06-13T10:35:00.002-04:00

I'm back! Sorry for being such a slacker. I just haven't felt like blogging lately. In fact, I haven't been writing either. Early summer has swept me away and I've decided to go in a different direction for the next three months. I also feel bad about being a bad blogger friend. I hope you all are doing well!

My plan is to read like crazy (reading is research!) and finally get a real writing schedule. But I'm not going to work on my novel. I've lost my creative spark and I must get it back. No pressure, just fun and following my bliss. I hope it does the trick!

Any ideas? What about suggestions for good YA or Paranormal reads? What are your plans for the summer and your writing?

Here is my summer reading list so far:
- Keeping the Moon by Sara Dessen
- The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
- The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
- Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
- Fragile Eternity/Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr
- Shiver/Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
- Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
- Give up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
- The Forest of Hands and Teeth/The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
- Impossible by Nancy Werlin
- Tithe/Valiant/Ironside by Holly Black
- Uglies/Pretties/Specials by Scott Westerfeld
- Dark Flame by Alyson Noel
- Wings/Spells by Aprilynne Pike
- The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
- Into the Dark/The Darkest Passion/The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter
- Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole
- The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
- The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
- A Version of the Truth by Jennifer Kaufman and Karen Mack
- Writing Great Books for Young Adults by Regina Brooks
- Wild Ink: How To Write Fiction for Young Adults by Victoria Hanley
- Writing & Selling the YA Novel by K.L. Going
- Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly by Gail Carson Lev

Ten Years Ago...

2010-05-06T09:16:00.003-04:00

Missing the Moon...

2010-04-28T20:36:00.004-04:00

It's cloudy tonight and the moon is full...

“I like to think that the moon is there even if I am not looking at it.”
~Albert Einstein

“The night walked down the sky with the moon in her hand.”
~Frederic Lawrence Knowles

“There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.”
~George Carlin

“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream. Wandering by lone sea breakers, and sitting by desolate streams. World losers and world forsakers, for whom the pale moon gleams. Yet we are movers and the shakers of the world forever it seems.” ~Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy

Calling all Writers!

2010-04-20T10:57:00.003-04:00

The spotlight is on you, my fabulous friends. I'm looking for some writerly wisdom and instead of finding it in my collection of books on writing, I wanted to go straight to the source.

Today I will start with three questions and hopefully you'll have a chance to answer at least one.

#1 - Do you edit as you write or just keep going even though you know you're writing crap? (I'm struggling with letting myself just write!)

#2 - How did you recognize your authentic voice? Was it always there or did you develop it as your writing progressed? (I can't hear myself anymore. Maybe I should try journaling, too?)

#3 - When you notice that what you dreamed up in your head doesn't find its way onto the pages, do you go in and add layers or different elements to transform it into the story you imagined? Do you begin again? Or do you just keep going? (Maybe it's just me!)

So, you can see I'm feeling kind of frustrated. Not in a freak out kind of way, but as in I want to figure this out and fix it. Sometimes I feel like I have no clue what I'm doing and doubt tries to sneak its way in. I've made it to chapter nine. (Wahoo!) I'm happy with my first chapter, but I feel like the rest is total shite. Surprisingly, I'm not discouraged. I feel like I'm really learning with each chapter. It's exciting!

Okay. I'll stop rambling. Do I sound like a crazy person? Anyway, thank you all for your insight, encouragement and inspiration along this wild journey. I'm so happy you're here!

I'm a Slacker...

2010-04-16T16:30:00.010-04:00

I have THREE more awards to finally give away. Sorry for the delay! Thank you again to Nicole, Laurel, and Kimberly!!! Oh, and I can't remember the rules that went along with these awards, so I'm just going to do it my way.

Here we go...

I'd like to pass along the Sugar Doll Award to: sarahjayne smythe

And the Creative Writer Award to: Gina Leigh Maxwell

And the Blogger Buddy Award to: DL Hammons

I'd also like to thank the above bloggers for their continued support and inspiration! Your encouragement means so much.

Have a rockin' weekend everyone!!!

Oops, I did it again!

2010-04-13T21:25:00.004-04:00

I'm behind on sharing the love. So sorry!

I'd like to send out a big THANK YOU to Gina from Passions on Paper for giving me the Prolific Blogger Award. If you haven't visited her blog yet, be sure to take a moment and check it out. She's super talented and funny!

I'd like to present this award to three of my favorite blogs. (I forgot the rules for this one, sorry!) It's so hard to choose. You all are so entertaining and a joy to read. (That reminds me I need to add more to my sidebar.) THANK YOU to all you talented and inspiring bloggers that I simply adore. You always make this girl smile!

And the fabulous winners are:

Kimberly Franklin
J.Leigh Bailey
Tiana Smith

Be sure to check out their blogs if you haven't already!

Chasing the Moon...

2010-04-10T17:29:00.002-04:00

Five years ago it started with a song. I remember it was early spring and I was staying in a hotel somewhere in Connecticut. My friend was there for business and I had tagged along for fun. While she was out I was working on an assignment for a writing course I was taking at the time. It was a YA short story and back then I hadn't really thought about writing novels. My focus then was honing my craft with short stories, finding my voice and my own niche. I wasn't even reading YA books yet!

Many of you know that I like music on when I write, so I had the TV tuned to GAC and when a Sara Evans song came on it caught my attention. It was a song I hadn't heard before, but the chorus struck a chord within my soul.

"Holding you close
Chasing that moon
Spendin' all night
Learnin' just who you are
Sparks flyin' in the dark
Shootin out lights
Runnin' down dreams
Figurin' out what love really means
Baby givin' you my heart
Is a real fine place to start"

Of course two lines ignited something within this dreamer. It's obviously a love song, but I heard something else calling to me. Then, a story idea was formed. Still experimenting with my writing, I used it for another assignment as a short story for adults. And that summer I wrote a poem. It's not the greatest poem, but it's important to me. I was finding my way as a writer.

Eventually I set aside short stories to pursue a new dream. I wanted to write novels. Many books later and a couple more writing courses later, here I am.

I haven't mentioned much about my novel. Maybe it's fear and I don't want to jinx it. But for those of you who are curious, I'm working on a contemporary YA novel titled Chasing the Moon. That story I had written years ago has evolved into my current WIP.

Writing is hard, but I love it. I started this crazy, wonderful journey about seven years ago and I don't regret any of it. There have been many stops and starts along the way, but I have learned so much through this journey. I look forward to becoming the writer I aspire to be and to finally write the novel of my heart. If it never gets published, I'll be okay with that. This one's for me.

**Lyrics above written by Radney Foster and George Ducas**

Dancing Shoes...

2010-04-06T09:32:00.003-04:00

Do you ever feel like you've lost track of who you are or what you aspire to be? Do you find that your world becomes a jumble of life stuff and daily drama that seems to cloud your vision and you stumble from the path you were originally on?

That's how I was feeling for a while. Maybe it was the winter blahs and home renovations that helped me to stray from my chosen path? Either way, that time is over. I've been working through these obstacles, fighting to find my way back.

I've dusted off my dancing shoes and I'm ready to dance down Serendipity Street again. To dance toward achieving my dreams. And to finally move past chapter four!

What obstacles interfere with your dreams? How do you overcome them? Or are you so driven that nothing can stop you? I'm curious...

Alice...

2010-03-31T09:30:00.000-04:00

Another song for my soundtrack...

Reality Bites!

2010-03-29T11:16:00.003-04:00

So much for leaping into March. I was more like a spastic little frog hopping from pool to pool, stumbling about. But I had to try and find out on my own.

It also didn't help that since January home renovations had taken over my life and thankfully they are finished. I AM FREE!

April is just around the corner which means I am setting a new intention for the upcoming month. It will be: ACTION

With this new intention comes a realization that I'm sad to admit. I can't multi-task my dreams like I thought. So, I've set aside my artist dreams to focus on writing. I HAVE to write and when I don't I feel sad and defeated. That's not good.

I do feel a loss, but I'm not fully letting go of my artist dreams, I'm just taking a long break. Writing is my first love. It wins.

Time to stop being such a dreamer and take action to write! write! write!

Weekend Buzz!

2010-03-26T19:21:00.001-04:00

Fellow blogger and soon to be published author, Beth Revis, is hosting a FANTASTIC contest with AWESOME prize packs for writers or readers. Stop by her blog and learn more about the contest and this fabulous writer! (Contest ends April 3rd, so don't wait!)

Way to go, Beth!!!

Hello, World!

2010-03-25T09:37:00.003-04:00

This post gave me a much needed push to finally step out from the shadows and introduce myself.

*Waves Hi*

So, I'm tucking away Chasing the Moon for now. I do have big plans for that name!

Have a lovely day!

Happy Dance Central!

2010-03-23T13:46:00.007-04:00

I'd like to send a big THANK YOU to the fabulous Elana Johnson for holding an exciting contest that included some awesome book give-aways, one of which I won! I'm the lucky winner of a signed copy of Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush. Yay!

I've also been blessed to receive three awards from some fantastic blog friends! THANK YOU, Nicole, for this lovely award!

THANK YOU, Laurel, for this delightful award!

THANK YOU, Kimberly, for this gem of an award!

Be sure to stop by and check out these blogs! If you're not yet following these ladies, you should because they are smart, funny, and fantabulous!

I'm sorry I don't have time to pass on the love or follow award rules, but my egg timer just went off five minutes ago. Today I am working on discipline. Thanks for understanding!

Same in Any Language...

2010-03-09T10:15:00.002-05:00

Love this song, love this movie. Something about them both gets me excited about spring and road trips. I am so ready for an adventure...

Oh, yeah. I'm still in search of a red hat like that!

The Art of Intention...

2010-03-02T12:29:00.002-05:00

I often wonder if it seems like I jump around too much between my creative endeavors. It was making me feel fickle or that I needed to choose. But I don't want to. I want to do it all! There's something in my creative soul that wants to continue to learn and grow.

I do admit that I was only dipping my toes into these different creative pools, letting fear and doubt keep me from diving right in. Well, with my writing it's a little different, but I was only wading up to my knees.

Then, wonderful things happened! I got back into blogging and started meeting amazing, like-minded people. There are so many talented writers, artists and jewelry designers in this blogging world. I became inspired. I continued to meet people and then I signed up for this workshop which turned out to be the creative spark I needed.

That was only the beginning! On Valentine's Day I discovered this book which has changed my life.

AND soon I will be starting this writing workshop. (Sign-up ends today!)

There's a good feeling in my heart. That feeling where anything is possible and I'm one step closer to reaching my dreams. Things seem to be falling into place.

For the month of March my intention is to LEAP! I may stumble often on this creative journey, but I continue to find my way. I'm going to listen to the universe and let my creative wings lead the way.

Where are you at in your journey to your dreams?

"Creativity makes a leap, then looks to see where it is." ~Mason Cooley

**Just a note: This post title was originally featured in the book: Creative Awakenings. Guess it stuck in my mind!**

Meet My Sidekick!

2010-02-22T14:28:00.006-05:00

This is Riley. She's sweet, spunky, and ultimately, she's my sidekick. I just adore her!

February 2ND marked the four year anniversary of the day I adopted her from the SPCA. I've been told she looks like a Russian Blue which explains why she has a silvery-blue tint to her fur.

What I like most about Riley is that she's not a typical cat. Some of her behavior leans more toward a dog's. She loves attention and can't get enough of belly rubs. Whenever we come home she's always at the door to greet us.

I swear she has a sweet-tooth! Riley is always on my lap whenever I'm eating something like cake or cookies. But of course she can't have any of those things and I don't usually give her human food no matter how convincing she is.

"And Really, Do I Dare?"

2010-02-15T12:24:00.003-05:00

Those words have been popping into my head lately. I was introduced to the following song/video about a year ago by my good friend. Those words are in this song and they call to me often.

I've been gathering songs for my novel's soundtrack and this one is included. My MC is an aspiring artist.

So, the big question is: Do you dare?

I Got the Message...

2010-02-06T11:07:00.002-05:00

Wednesday morning my laptop went berserk. I think I killed it. So, I'm waiting for it to be worked on. In the meantime I am forced to unplug. This is a good thing. Although, I am really missing you guys and your fabulous blogs like crazy. You are a great connection to a magical, creative world that I love! But I am taking this as a sign that I have become kind of addicted to the Internet. Yep, I'm admitting it to you all.

I wanted to be focused and more disciplined with my writing. But now I realize I have been procrastinating and using this place as a distraction. I was kind of cheating on my writing with blogging. Yikes!

I've got a new plan and a great writing schedule in place. Oh, and I'm fired up because I got some exciting feedback on my first chapter! One of these days I'll have to fill you in. The creative sparks are flying and I'm ready to get writing!

Hope you all are doing well with your creative endeavors. Take care...

Listen...

2010-02-02T09:25:00.002-05:00

I heard a new song yesterday and immediately fell in love. It's haunting and beautiful and perfect for my novel soundtrack. Take a moment to listen if you have some time. What songs inspire you?

The Randomness of Me...

2010-02-01T21:10:00.003-05:00

Here's a little glimpse of me...

- This is the tattoo that I got almost 3 years ago for my 30th birthday

- I named my black Pontiac Vibe I got last spring Pepper.
- I never went to college and I'm okay with that.
- My husband and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in May.
- As of right now, I don't want to have kids.
- I used to collect hobbies and would never follow through with them.
- The idea for my WIP came from a line in a song, then I wrote a poem about it, and then it became a short story for adults. Now it's evolved into a YA novel.
- I've never read Jane Austen and don't really care for many of the classics. And I'm no longer embarrassed by this.
- Working 9-5 makes me feel trapped.
- I'm in love with the idea of being an artist.
- I'm intrigued by magical things.
- Last month, I made a promise to myself to no longer shop at superstores and only shop at local stores.
- My husband and I are landlords.
- Since last month I have become addicted to blogging.
- I finally feel like I'm on the right path. It feels fantastic!

I guess that's it for now. What about you? Any fun facts you'd like to share?

Another Sweet Surprise!

2010-01-29T19:56:00.005-05:00

Thank you so much to Tiana Lei over at Spilled Ink for thinking of my blog for the Superior Scribbler award! Be sure to check out her blog when you have a moment. It's becoming one of my favorites!

This award is to recognize those writers who go above and beyond, so I am giving this award to some of my old and new writer friends. In the past month I've been blessed to meet some very amazing people. This was very difficult because you all rock! (I should come back to this and add more! I just might.)

And the award goes to:

~*~ Gina Maxwell from To Write, Or Not To Write: My Journey into the Literary World
~*~ Summer from ...And This Time, Concentrate
~*~ Guinevere from This Is Not My Day Job
~*~ Suze from Except for Antigone
~*~ Mary Kay Abbott from One Writer's Life

Wishing the winners and all my fellow bloggers success in achieving their dreams! I know we can do it...;)

Full Moon Delight!

2010-01-29T18:30:00.003-05:00

It's another full moon! Tonight my sweetie and I are going to have a cozy night in. It's been freezing here in upstate NY! So, we have some Old Moon wine from Trader Joe's to try. We're making homemade pizza with lots of veggies. AND we have the movie Blood and Chocolate which neither of us has seen. Sounds like a magical combination to me!

Wishing you all a fun, cozy and magical night! Enjoy the moon...

What are your plans?