Jan22

Where’s Your Scary?

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The road is longclouds

With many a winding turn

That leads us to who knows where

Who knows where

Do these lyrics remind you of your journey toward publication?

How about words like wandering, wilderness, what-if-it-never-materializes, wondering what’s next?

I hear you.

More important, I feel you.

This journey is tough. At least it is for me. And it’s so much longer than I ever imagined it would be.

You too?

Lately, I’ve recognized one of the things that is making it feel even longer–I’ve tripped into a rut.

Trudging.

Trudging.

Trudging.

Now my journey is as dry as winter elbows.

Know what’s missing?

Scary.

For me, Scary equates to doing something new, putting myself out there for an unpredictable payback and feeling my heart stampede.

Now I’m on the hunt for the right kind of Scary.

You too?

These ideas to inject an element of Scary back into our Writing Life–

  • Enroll in a writing course
  • Apply to an MFA program or another form of formal education
  • Register for a workshop, retreat or conference
  • Send three chapters to a willing beta reader
  • Enter a contest
  • Read at an open mic

I’m going for it. Look out Scary. Here I come.

You comin’?

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. ~ Helen Keller

Lyrics by Bob Russell and Bobby Scott

Dec31

“Rung” in the New Year

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From “Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel

When you’re up high, let’s say on a tall ladder, people always tell you–Don’t look down! But do me a favor, will you? Take a minute to glance over your shoulder. That’s right, look down the ladder the today. Here’s why . . .

When your sole focus is looking up the publishing ladder as you clutch each rung, it’s easy to feel like you’ll never reach the top. But let me encourage you to hold the rung a second.

Pause.

Even for a moment.

Stop craning your neck upward.

Look back down that ladder.

You began at the bottom.

Now, see how far you’ve come!

Today, before you uncork some bubbly or sing that silly “Auld Lang Syne,” make a list. Nope, not a mental list. Compile a REAL list on paper or screen–of all you’ve accomplished this year toward your writing goals. You have so much to be proud of. (I know, I should have said, You have so much of which to be proud, but that sounds kind of snooty for my purposes, and using proper grammar wasn’t one of my goals for 2016 anyway.)

Sure, there’s a lot more you want to do (same here), but treat yourself to a moment to appreciate how high you’ve already climbed. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the view!

What’s that? You say you submitted your work this year, but only have a stack of rejection letters to show for it? Well, that’s VERY rung-list worthy. (Honest. I’m not just saying that to give you something to put on your list.) You submitted your work. (It’s virtually impossible to receive a letter of rejection otherwise.) You wrote, revised, researched publishers and took the leap to share your work for consideration. Okay, so you didn’t get the desired response–this time–but you’re now ready to narrow your search and target other houses for submission in the new year. That’s great. Rung it up!

Happy New Year, my little sticky buns! Let’s “rung” it in together.

Umquam porro. Ever forward, Friends. Ever forward. Rung by rung.

A poet is a man who puts up a ladder to a star and climbs it while playing a violin. ~ Edmond de Goncourt

Dec30

A writers guide to raising Baby New Year

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reedWithout doubt, most of us will not think back on 2016 and heave a wistful sigh. It was a Grueler. (Not sure if that’s a word. It should be.)

Yet, it is into this mosh pit of mayhem we are about to bring a Baby New Year. And if there’s one thing we know about babies, as much as we think we know about them, those wee, wiggly love sponges possess an inherent agility for throwing curve balls.

To up our odds for raising a healthy, toddling humanette, in 2017, let’s try these three baby steps toward productivity . . .

Step 1: Brainstorm. Make a list of all the possible things you could do with your Baby New Year as a writer. The outer banks of the universe is the limit. Dream BIG. Really give it a think. (When you hear brain cells bubbling back off a tad.)

Step 2: Using your aforementioned list, select three things you’d like to accomplish as a writer with Baby New Year. (For purposes of sanity retention, I recommend selecting a large, medium and small—or a venti, grande and tall in Starbucks-speak.)

So, for example—

By December 31, 2017, I will:

  • Have a complete first draft of my current novel in progress.
  • Revise ¼ – ½ of another novel.
  • Write 12 messages of encouragement or thanks to a fellow writer (or an agent, editor, beta reader or whom have you).

Step 3: Whether you use Outlook, a phone app or ye olde paper calendar, put prompts on your calendar for each of the things you’re going to accomplish.

To elevate your chances for success, share your list with a trusted friend–a Baby New Year Sitter, of sorts, who is tough, but likely to offer treats.

Wishing you and your Baby New Year unexpected sources of delight, insight and really good cookies in 2017. Cheers! (And remember, we’re all in this together, my little malted milk balls.)

Tonight’s December thirty-first,
Something is about to burst.
The clock is crouching, dark and small,
Like a time bomb in the hall.
Hark, it’s midnight, children dear.
Duck! Here comes another year! ~ Ogden Nash
 

Dec17

Sit down. We need to talk. (Yes, there will be cookies.)

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I know you’re busy. Me too. But, please, sit down a minute.

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Art Institute of Chicago, photo by Vicky Lorencen

We need to talk.

Yes, you can grab a cookie and that pillow.

Comfy now?

Sweetness.

That’s what we need to talk about.

Now, I don’t mean the hazelnut cocoa with an extra dollop of marshmallow fluff kind of sweet (as delightful as that is).

Wait. Please come back. I’ll make you some cocoa when we’re done, okay?

Now,  back to sweet. See, sweet, to me, means empathy, compassion, sensitivity and awareness of others (people, critters, nature, you know, the world around us). It’s one of the best parts of us.

But trust me, being sweet is not for sissies, especially if you intend to stay that way. You gotta be vigilant about protecting your sweetness–now, more than ever ever ever.

Why am I making a fuss with all this “sweetness jazz”?

Fair question. My answer: because children.

You and I write for them. We must sign on to be one of their tenderizers. Through our stories, we can show little ones what empathy looks like, even in–and especially in–painful, challenging, heart-searing circumstances infested with tough choices. We can introduce kids to diverse people and let them see in natural, everyday ways the value of sweetness with each interaction.

Child development researcher L. R. Knost, said, “It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.”

I love that . . . “Make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” Amen.

What’s that? Am I suggesting you be a “Polly Anna Pushover Nanny Pants”?

Uh, not sure what that is exactly, but um, no. Staying sweet can take a lot of grit. Don’t be a door mat. Don’t be a cream puff. You know that.

Be you – the best tender, kind, compassionate, welcoming, sweet you you can be. And write the tenderizing stories only you can. And as you do that, gosh, oh my. The world is lucky to have you here. I am lucky to have you here. Children are even luckier.

So, that’s it. That’s our talk. Thanks for listening.

Pardon?

Sure, you can take a cookie with you.

Everyone carries an atmosphere about him. It may be healthful and invigorating, or it may be unwholesome and depressing. It may make a little spot of the world a sweeter, better, safer place to live in; or it may make it harder for those to live worthily and beautifully who dwell within its circle. ~ J.R. Miller

 

Dec10

Congrats x Four!

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tarzan-2Granted, he doesn’t look thrilled, but Mr. Tarzan Malarkey was honored to draw the names of our lucky Happy 4th Birthday Giveaway. Honest.

He said, “Yes.”

(That’s how he responded when I asked if he had fun.)

Congratulations to these four lucky winners!

Sally Thelen – An idea journal to capture light bulb moments in the New Year

Ann Angel – A surprise! (You’ll like it!)

Lindsey McDivitt – A critique of up to 10 pages – offer good through 2017

Kristin Lenz – Doodle pad and pens (with an original doodle t’boot!)

Piles of thanks to everyone who entered the contest, offered ideas for future posts and shared such scrummy words of encouragement.

My little hand-sprinkled sugar cookies, I wish you all a warm, peaceful and delightful holiday season. Take time to “be,” to loll around in the love that’s all around you and to keep your heart tender. You’ll be ready to make 2017 your most productive, creative, daring year ever.

And then, as if written by the hand of a bad novelist, an incredible thing happened. ~ Jonathan Stroud

Dec4

Happy 4th Birthday Giveaway

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Can you believe it, my little cinnamon sticks? We’ve reached four full years of Frog on a DSC06765Dime. You’ve made this step of faith (and fear!) so worthwhile for me. My desire to be an encouragement has come full circle so many times, thanks to you, I’m a curlicue (and yeesh, that is quite a sight!)

To thank you for your, well, your YOU-ness, I want to offer you FOUR chances to win this Happy 4th Birthday Giveaway.

Win one of four prizes:

  • An Idea Journal to start your new year.
  • A critique (up to 10 pages) of your picture book or middle grade novel in progress.
  • A doodle pad & pen. (Plus, I’ll draw a doodle just for you to get you started.)
  • A surprise prize!

Four quick as a wink ways to enter:

  • Become a new follower of Frog on a Dime. (Sign up’s on the home page.)
  • Leave a comment under this post on Facebook.
  • Like and retweet this post on Twitter.
  • Share a comment, suggestion or question on this post below.

Your ideas for future post topics, your writing-related questions or nominations for guest bloggers are especially welcome.

Enter by 4 p.m. (EST) on Friday, December 9.

I can’t wait to dole out the prizes. So, hop to it! What are you waiting “four”?

I grabbed a pile of dust, and holding it up, foolishly asked for as many birthdays as the grains of dust, I forgot to ask that they be years of youth. ~ Ovid

 

Nov23

The Who’s Who of Thank You’s

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adams-pumpkin-2I’m about to do something dangerous. So, hold on, my mini pumpkin muffins. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am compiling a list of people I want to thank for encouraging me as a writer. It’s inevitable I’ll miss some folks and for that I apologize with a dollop of whip cream on top. (But if you ask me, having lots of names to recall is a most excellent problem to have.) When I surface from my tryptophan-induced haze, I will draft a Part II to recognize anyone I may have missed or new names I need to add.

I am most sincerely . . .

  • Thankful for my critique group for their honesty, genuine encouragement and generosity.
  • Thankful for Helen who always makes my XL English Breakfast with two creams just right every morning. Writers run on tea.
  • Thankful for Erin,my agent, for taking a chance on me.
  • Thankful for my parents who are always enthusiastic about my writing pursuits.
  • Thankful for my husband who never makes me feel bad for heading off to yet another writing retreat, and always supports me with love and a listening ear.
  • Thankful for the inventor of “Find/Replace” and “Cut/Paste” (aka Ctrl C/Ctrl V).
  • Thankful for Mrs. Eickholt, Mr. Darling and Mr. Brahlek–middle school and high school teachers–who recognized my love of writing.
  • Thankful for my stellar beta readers–you give me much-needed confidence.
  • Thankful for my non-writing friends who patiently listen as I babble on about a conference or puddle up about a rejection.
  • Thankful for my children who have listened to me read my stories over the years.
  • Thankful for editors who have considered my work, even if they said no thank you.
  • Thankful for Hope, Kelly B., Kris, Danielle, Ann F., Pam, Rachel, Cathy, Monica, Matt, Kristen, Randy, Rebecca, Lisa, Buffy, Ann P., Jay, Ruth, Anna, Charlie, Deb, Vicki, Janice, Kim, Sarah, Ann A.,  Carrie, Hayley, Kelly P., Terry, Kirsten, Patti, Leslie, Catie, Donna, Kathi and soooo many others. (Like I said, needing to remember lots of names is a good problem to have.)

Let me encourage you to go and do likewise, my little drumsticks. It’s great to say you’re thankful for your friends and family, but why not reserve a minute or two while you wait for the turkey to brown, and recall the names and faces of the dear folks who have made a big difference in your writing life. Why, you’ll feel warmer than a mound of mashed taters.

Ahem. Pass the gravy.

I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. ~ Henry David Thoreau

 

Nov13

23 reasonably good ideas for self-care

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new plant background

Hello my little apricot tarts. It’s been quite a week and the “fun” isn’t over yet, so while I will never-ever-ever pretend to have all the answers, I want to share my list of 20-plus ways you can take good care of yourself. When you and I take care of ourselves, we’re a bit better able to extend compassion, patience, empathy, kindness and cookies to others.

You’re so smart, you’re probably practicing all of these right now. But just in case . . .

  1. Keep something beautiful in plain sight. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A photograph or even a rock that reminds you of your trip to Lake Michigan can work wonders.
  2. Encourage someone else. Too much navel-gazing can do a number on your mind, not to mention your neck. Think of something you can do to lift up someone else, you’ll be helping yourself at the same time. Look at you, double-lifting. Impressive!
  3. Practice self-discipline. Specifically, I mean, when you are over-the-top tempted to engage in a conversation you know will go nowhere fast, don’t go there. Save your words for someone who will truly listen and for when you’re able to listen too. Otherwise, you get wound up, say things you regret and feel crappier than you already do. Don’t be self-defeating. Be self-replenishing.
  4. Clear your counters. Living in a messy, cluttered environment can really mess with your head. Set a timer for 15 minutes and do what you can each day to make things a bit less chaotic. You don’t have to aim for pristine, just try for more serene.
  5. Read. Get lost in a story. Reread a classic you adore. Pick up a pile of beloved children’s picture books and enjoy the rhythm of the words coupled with the elegance of the art.
  6. Watch funny movies. Make some popcorn and invite someone to watch and giggle along with you.
  7. Create something. Doodle. Write a poem. Bake a pie. Do origami. Knit.
  8. Nurture yourself in nature. Hit the local hiking trail or bike path. Take your camera. Notice the glory that’s all around you. (And say hello to the squirrels. It’s fun to see their reactions.)
  9. Let it leak. Ever noticed how you feel different after shedding tears of sorrow (versus tears of joy)? Giving into that need to cry when you feel sad or overwhelmed really can make you feel better physically and emotionally. So what if you have a leaky face.
  10. Be a picky eater. It’s easy to turn to fatty, sugary foods when you feel stressed (trust me–I know!) Go ahead and indulge in comfort foods once in a while, but know that eating healthier foods will help you feel better in the long run. So, keep good stuff on hand to make it easier to eat well.
  11. Let music soothe your savage beast. Isn’t it remarkable how a song can lift your whole outlook?
  12. Come out of your cave. Have lunch with an encouraging friend. Go for a walk with your sweetheart. Interacting with others helps to get you out of your own head and adjust your perspective.
  13. Be thankful. Keep a daily log of at least one thing you’re grateful for each day.
  14. Sleep. Can’t sleep? Limit screen time at least 30 minutes before bed. Watch your caffeine intake. Make a your bedroom a sanctuary for sleep (okay, and maybe a little somethin’-somethin’) only. Keep it dark, cool and screen-free. Aromatherapy helps too–lavender is a good choice.
  15. Seek help. Wise people seek the counsel of others when they are in distress.  If you need the guidance of a professional, make that call.
  16. Pray. Remembering you are not the center of the universe and that the future of all humankind does not rest on your shoulders alone can be a good thing.
  17. Breathe. Take in long slow breaths and release slowly. Allow your shoulders to relax too (they may be around your ears and you don’t even realize it!)
  18. Get a massage. Let a professional undo those knots in your neck, shoulders and back.
  19. Avoid the suck. For a lot of us, spending too much time on social media or watching the news can pull us down to a sorrowful place. Stay informed, but do what you need to do to limit your media consumption.
  20. Get a pet. Having a furry friend to come home to can make such a difference. Already have critters at your house? Be sure to do more than feed and water them while you’re in a slump. Take time to truly enjoy their company.
  21. Move. Go for a walk daily. Swim laps. Shoot hoops. Practice yoga. Get your bod in motion.
  22. Plan something fun for the future. Get tickets for a musical you love. Sign up for a conference. Plan a trip. Heck, make a lunch date. It’s uplifting to have something good to look forward to.
  23. Give yourself some grace. You’re going to have some bad days. You’re going to say things you wish you hadn’t. You’re going to not do things you wish you had. Apologize to those you hurt and move on, knowing you’re going to do better tomorrow.

Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.  – Christopher Germer

Oct24

Trick or Treater Winning Reader

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Congratulations to Sally Kruger–winner of her very own copy of WILLIAM AND THE WITCH’S RIDDLE by Shutta Crum!

Many thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway contest and shared your Halloween costume tales. Bats, punk rockers and lions, oh my!

Sally, please send me your address via my contact page and I’ll be glad to whisk your new read your way! I may even include an extra treat or two–no trick!shutta-book-2

Happy Halloween to one and all!

A person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality. ~ Lucy Van Pelt (Peanuts)

Oct19

Trick or Treat – Repeat

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Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2016

My little cinnamon sugar cider donuts, do I have a treat for you . . .

WILLIAM AND THE WITCH’S RIDDLE written by Shutta Crum and illustrated by Lee Wildish.

From the jacket flap . . .

“William and his little brother, Pinch, have been left alone at their home atop a mountain. When a witch named Morga shows up, William is forced to embark upon a terrifying journey, but he is also offered the possibility to save his family.

“The worst part of the journey is Morga herself. She has three riddles for William to solve, with only the help of an odd fellow who wakes up a different size every day and a tiny yellow dragon who can dream storms into reality.

“Three riddles. Three chances to lift an ancient curse. Three chances to save his family.”

This is a beautifully written middle grade fantasy. You’ll want to gobble it up like trick-or-treat sack of snack size Snickers! But you don’t have to take my word for it . . .

From Kirkus Reviews:

“There is humor, heart-stopping action, magic of many sorts, and tender emotions of sacrifice, love, and loss. Crum draws readers into this evidently white fairy-tale world with detailed, descriptive language and inventive syntax. An exciting, neatly crafted adventure.”

Doesn’t this sound irresistible? A copy of this spellbinding can be yours!

How?

Leave a comment–describe your favorite childhood Halloween costume–at the end of this post by Noon on Monday, October 24, and you will be entered into a drawing for a copy of your very own. No trick – just treat!

dsc04887October, baptize me with leaves! Swaddle me in corduroy and nurse me with split pea soup. October, tuck tiny candy bars in my pockets and carve my smile into a thousand pumpkins. O autumn! O teakettle! O grace! ~ Rainbow Rowell