Love People

The more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people ~ Vincent Van Gogh

There are many different dream journeys out there that one could go after. The most fulfilling seem to be the ones that help the most people. Does your dream journey help to other people? Are you keenly aware of how your success not only depends on other but also helps others?

When I look at my writing history, it always seems I struggle when I forget to write enjoyable stories. When I stress out about characterization, plot, Act I inciting incidents, and other literary nonsense, that’s when it’s difficult to write. When I just focus on letting my characters stories unfold on the page (screen, LOL), that’s when my writing is the best and the easiest.

How is does your dream journey benefit the community? I’d love to hear!

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Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

My first novel, A Place to Call Their Own is available from Smashwords!

Love is greater than hope or faith, but can Reverend Leander Norris convince a jury that the love he shares with another man is natural? 

My latest novel, Disappear With Me is available from Smashwords!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation, use #APTCTO and #disappearwithme on social media!

Perseverance is falling nineteen times and succeeding the twentieth ~ Julie Andrews

I think nearly everyone had doubted themselves along their dream journey. Nearly everyone I talked to has shared an example of a time when they wanted to give up. After just one more try, they shared with me a turnaround in their journey that led to a realization of their goals.

For me, sometimes perseverance has mean to attack the goal from another path. Sometimes when I'm writing, I struggle with a section. In the past, I have jumped to a different section of the story and worked on that and then was inspired to bridge the two sections. My noting and brainstorming process has helped me with that as well.

One of the best methods for me to persevere is remembering my successes in the past. I've published one novel and the second will be released in December. Remembering that keeps me going and helps me work through my third manuscript.

What helps you persevere on a day to day basis?

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Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Smashwords today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

The Gift of Oneself

Love is, above all else, the gift of oneself ~ Jean Anouilh

Whenever you step outside of your comfort zone and share yourself with others, that's the gift of yourself. Whatever you accomplish might be an inspiration for someone else and their journey.

What gifts are you sharing?

Don't be Afraid of a Broken Heart

Here are the real rules: Don't run with scissors, don't leave the iron on, don't cross against the light, and don't be afraid of a broken heart ~ Lisa Funderburg

I'm sure the broken heart reference in this quote is about romantic love. But when you're on a dream journey there's another broken heart, and that's when you don't achieve your goals.  Or if you're in a creative field, it's when others criticize your work.

And you can't be afraid of that broken heart. When you're looking at criticism, you have to peel back the negativity and ridiculousness. Get to the core of the feedback. Filter out the extraneous wrapping to understand the core of the feedback, the gift to make your work better.

For me, it's been a similar situation to figure out why I haven't achieved a goal. For me, it started by peeling back the excuses: I'm too tired, work is too stressful or busy. Then I was able to figure out the core reason: I don't know where the story is going. It boiled down to outlining and making some other notes about the story to get me going again.

When was the last time you had a broken heart about your dream journey?

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Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Kobo today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Life is Better When You Share It

I've always know that life is better when you share it. I now realize, it gets even sweeter when you expand the circle ~ Oprah Winfrey

I've mentioned before that in my corporate life, I come from a culture of idea sharing. Corporate life was like in at U.S. Bank and in Tupperware and other direct sales companies I've been involved in.

I think that's why I enjoy being a part of the writer community. The number of articles available on Twitter, Facebook, and other communities is amazing and so helpful. With social media I like not only being able to glean information I find helpful, but also to interact with others when questions are posed.

What are you giving to and getting from your dream journey community?

______________________________________________________________

Is it possible for two Civil War veterans to find their place in the world on the Kansas Prairie?

When the War Between the States ended in 1865 many Americans emerged from the turmoil energized by their possibilities for the future. Frank Greerson and Gregory Young were no different. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Frank yearned for his own farm, away from his family—even at the risk of alienating them. Gregory, an only child, returned home to claim his inheritance to help finance their adventure out west.

Between the difficult work of establishing a farm on the unforgiving Kansas prairie, and the additional obstacles provided by the weather, Native Americans and wild animals, will their love and loyalty be enough to sustain them through the hardships?

Purchase A Place to Call Their Own from Kobo today!

Then request an Authorgraph, an electronic inscription, from me.

Join the conversation:  use #APTCTO to talk about the novel on social media!

Sharing Together, Succeeding Together

You cannot do it alone. Sharing together means succeeding together. Don't let stubbornness stop you from reaching out to others for help ~ Ed and Deb Shapiro

I love Tuesdays!  No matter what anyone says, Tuesday mornings are easier than Monday mornings; Tuesdays are easier at work. And I love meeting with my critique group on Tuesdays.

Since joining the writing group, I've grown in my writing immensely.  It's wonderful to have 5 or 6 sets of eyes looking at work, helping me to hone it as I put the finishing touches on my second manuscript, Disappear With Me.

I've been a part of the writing community online for awhile, but that has nothing on meeting and collaborating with people in person. 

Where do you find community on your dream journey?

Thoughts, Words, Actions

Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature ~ Thich Nhat Hank

I think that anyone following a dream goal is worthy of respect.  Today's quote speaks to that even further.  I think it's just as important to build your dream with dignity and ethics as well.

For every step you achieve in your dream journey, there are hundreds (or thousands) behind you looking up to you.  When we share our accomplishments on social media, we have all these followers looking up to us for guidance and example.

What example does your dream journey hold for others?

Wisdom and Advice

Even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they grow, and perhaps, marry and build their own families ~ The national Fatherhood Initiative

With Father's Day later this month, today's quote is focused on fathers, but I think the same thing can be said of mothers.  When you're working on a dream journey, this parental advice can take many shapes and forms.  Remember, parental advice doesn't always come from someone older than yourself.

Who are your mentors, male or female?  Mother's Day is a great time to reach out to your female mentors and Father's Day is a great time to reach out and thank male mentors. 

Which male mentors do you have to thank this year?

Alive Together

Maybe what we stay to each other is not so important after all, but just that we are alive together, and present for each other as best as we can be ~ Anne Lamont

No matter what your dream journey, it's always helped me to belong to a community of others.  Social media and the Internet makes that easier than ever.

I also have to share that recently joining a critique group has been wonderful as well.  We meet once a week and review each others work.  The camaraderie and interaction has been an experience I have yet to feel though social media connections.

When I was in direct sales, we met at least once a month as a big group to come together, celebrate, and learn about upcoming promotions and how to build our business.  Although we had contact through email and phone calls throughout the month, the in-person contact was invaluable.

When do you have in-person contact with your community?

Engaging the Social World

Engaging the social world without empathy is like going to the mall without any money or pants on; it can be done, but you're bound to have problems ~ David Finch

I am finishing up my application for the Lambda Literary Foundation's Emerging Writers Retreat later this summer (wish me luck).  This meant preparing a "biography and artistic statement" about what it will mean to me to be accepted for the this retreat.  Yes, this harkens me back to the college application days.

One of the things I think I would gain from the conference is the chance to network with other LGBT writers.  Although I have a lot of online friends and contacts, I rarely get the opportunity to meet and talk with people in person. 

Community is important no matter what your dream journey.  Finding friends to celebrate successes, ask for advice when the going gets rough, or share ideas just helps me keep going some days.

What does community do you for you on your dream journey?

Your Are Not Alone

Many people need desperately to receive this message: "I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people don't care about them.  You are not alone." ~ Kurt Vonnegut

Do you ever feel like you're alone on your dream journey?  When I do, I just take a look at my Twitter or Facebook feeds and understand quickly that I am not alone.  It helps me. 

You can find community in many places.  Social media helps many people connect all over the country and world.  Depending on your dream journey, many times you can find local groups for support, education, and inspiration.

Where do you find community on your dream journey?

All That I Have Met

I am a part of all that I have met ~ Alfred Tennyson

Are you sharing your success with other peers on the same dream journey?  I sure hope so.  I've learned so much from peers when I was in direct sales, training, and now banking.  And, as you know, I love to share with you the routines and methods that have helped me achieve my goal of becoming a published author.

What have you shared lately?

One Lovely Blog Award - Part II

Once again, I am the recipient of the One Lovely Blog award.

First of all, Thank You Tricia Drammeh for nominating me!  Tricia is a fellow Missouri writer and author of The Claiming Words.  You can find out more about her here:

http://www.blog.triciadrammeh.com/

Now for the terms of this illustrious award:

Here are the rules for the One Lovely Blog Award:

• Include the blog award logo in your post.
• Thank the person who nominated you.
• Provide 7 random facts about yourself.
• Nominate 7 other bloggers and let them know you have done so.

Seven Random Facts About Me

1.  I love the Christmas Holiday Season.  For us, it starts on November 1 and we try to make it last until January 6th (the Twelfth Day of Christmas).

2.  I have written two novels.  Both are in the editing stages and should be ready for publication next year.

3.  I use Pinterest as a To Do List rather than a dream board.  What I mean by that is I truly intend to follow through with most everything I pin.  If you look at my Pin Board "Pins I've Tried" you'll see some of the recipes and projects I've already completed.   (Now with that being said, once we build our dream house or decorate a home we purchase, I'll probably delete the boards I've created for each room in the house and post pictures of our final results).

4.  We have two cats that keep us entertained.  Bandit is my writing buddy.  Right now he's hanging out on the desk while I prepare this post.

5.  I collect penguins.  They are my favorite animal in the animal kingdom.

6.  My favorite color is blue, most all shades.

7.   I am an elder in my church and will be starting my service on our Session in January.

So now...the nominees are:

Gigi LaStrange

Elaine Calloway

Chris Gattis

Nicholas Taylor

Arthur Crandon

Alice Audley

Lee Allen Howard

Have a great weekend everyone!

Making My Pinterest Dreams Come True

To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong ~ Joseph Chilton Pearce

So I've definitely been spoiled by Santa this year.  I saw a picture on Pinterest some time back with decorative shelves used above the toilet for additional storage.  In my small town home, we don't have a linen closet to store towels.  When we moved in nearly three years ago, we purchased a wire rack that fit over the toilet.  It was flimsy and, well, um..., ugly.

But thanks to Santa, we had the cash to purchase the shelves today and my partner, Thomas, installed them.  They look fabulous!  For pictures, look at my Pins I've Tried board on Pinterest.  I've also posted them of Facebook.

The reason I'm sharing my DIY project with you is because it's a "mini dream" that I made come true this year.  I saw that Pinterest pin some time ago and knew that was the solution we needed in our own home.  Just like with my writing.  I knew I wanted to write a novel one day and I sat down and did it.  It took me four years, but I did it. 

I hope your 2012 is as successful as you wanted it to me.  I surprised my self and went above and beyond my 2012 goals.  Now it's time to relax and start thinking about my goals for 2013.  I had a great 2012 and want to keep that momentum going in 2013.

What mini-dream have you accomplished lately?

Life is Revealed

It is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed ~Vida D. Scudder

Remember creativity can be found in the most everyday tasks.  If you are growing your business, you are creating.  If you are going to school, you are creating.  And of course there are the creative businesses:  writing, film making, graphic arts, etc.

I have found that the happiest moments in my life have been when I've been actively working on a dream goal.  My life has revealed itself to me through these creative pursuits to better myself.

And the last year has been an extremely happy one as well.  After completing the first draft of my first novel, I kept on going and wrote a second novel.  Now I'm in the editing process for both and looking into self-publishing options for them for next year.

What has your dream journey revealed to you lately?

Live Passionately, Love Passionately

Those who live passionately teach us how to love.  Those who love passionately teach us how to live ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Do you have mentor in your dream journey?  Do you have someone you look up to?  Do you have someone to bounce ideas off of?

I've made a lot of great friends through Twitter and Facebook and follow many authors at my same level.  But I've also made some great friends with published authors who have given me some great advice. 

If you don't already have a mentor, this might be a great month to reach out and find a mentor.  That way, when the new year starts and you're ready to go with new goals, you'll have your mentor in place to help you out.

Do you have a mentor for your dream journey?

Burst Apart, Spring Forth

It is alone, truly alone, that one burst apart, springs forth ~ Maria Isabel Barreno

No matter how many "buddies" you find along your dream journey or how many other people have gone before you, your dream journey really is up to you.

I am the first one that will tell you to find a buddy to help you along your dream, but it is also important to understand that your dream is yours and your alone.  Only you can stick to the routines you develop.  Only you can create the timelines to make your goals work for you.  When it all comes down to it, only you can be responsible for your own dreams coming true.

What is task on your dream journey that you prefer to do alone?

Dream While You're Awake

As a writer you ask yourself to dream while awake ~ Aimee Bender

As a dreamer, I think we dream when we're awake. Whenever I run across a new catalog, or see something for the house I'd like to get, I always bookmark or Pin it so I have it for future reference.  That's what I love about Pinterest, it's a big dream board (and recipe exchange!).

Do you have a dream board or file?  Whether it's an actual bulletin board above your desk or a file that you keep things in, it's important to keep those goals in front of you.  If I've been disappointed for frustrated, all I have to do is look at my dream boards (most of it is Pinterest)and that reminds me about the big picture.

Do you keep a dream board or file?  When do you access it?

The Middle of Difficulty

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity ~ Albert Einstein

So it's been another week of some disappointing rejection emails.  I know that it goes with the territory, but I wonder what kind of response I might get if I told everyone who I was querying that I would be publishing their responses on my blog or in a compilation of some sort?  No worries, I'm fine, I didn't even read the whole email because it was so unhelpful.

And then a Twitter follower suggest I read a book about self-publishing, and I'm hooked.  I've finally been pushed over the edge and I think I'm going to self-publish my first few books.  It will get my work out there quicker, I'll have more control, and make more money.  And like a fellow indie author told me not too long ago, the manuscript won't make me any money sitting in the slush pile.  I'd planned to do a bunch of my own marketing anyway, so why not reap a bigger commission per unit?

So even though I'm not devastated over the rejection email, just a bit let down, I've found a better path anyway.  The universe works in mysterious ways and on its own time. 

How has the universe worked mysteriously for you lately?

Sunshine Award

I've been blessed with another award!  First I must link back with Sharon and then answer some questions and nominate ten more people/blogs.  Here goes:

Sharon Jones

1.  What is your favorite Christmas/Festive movie?

A Christmas Story holds some special memories from growing up and seeing that movie with my brothers.  I still watch it as much as I can during the holidays.  A close second is Christmas Vacation just because we have become Clark Griswold with our indoor decorations.

2.  What is your favorite flower?

My favorite flower is the zinnia.  I wish I could get them to grow better in the pots on my patio.

3.  What is your favorite non-alcoholic beverage?

Coke with a bit of limeade.

4.  What is your passion?

My passion is writing and helping people.

5.  What is your favorite time of year?

My favorite time of year is Christmas.  For us that starts on Nov 1 and last until Jan 6.

6.  What is your favorite time of day?

I guess my favorite time of day is when I work on writing, that is in the morning after I do my workout.

7.  What is your favorite physical activity?

Taking walks with my partner, Thomas.

8.  What is your favorite vacation?

Our favorite getaway spots is Eureka Springs, AR or Branson, MO.

And the nominees are....

Rhiann Wynn-Nolet

Linda Jenkins

Christine Locke

SC Harrison

Jilly Andersen

Hemmie Martin

AV Barber

Jimin Han

David R. Slayton

Virgina McKevitt

Have a great weekend, everyone!