Flip flops. Definitely flip flops. I wish I lived somewhere that was warm year-round because I'd never wear anything else. Unfortunately, flip flops and 20 degree temps and snow don't go well together. So, I enjoy my flip flops when I can.
I also try to enjoy my favorite moments when I can. You know, the fun times shared with loved ones, moments like this one, when everyone is smiling and getting along:
Unfortunately, these moments pass too quickly and turn into moments like this one. Yeah, he's pouting because his sister was being mean to him.
But then another joyful moment arrives and everyone is happy again. It's magical. It's heartwarming. And, it never lasts. So I try to savor it while it's happening.
Okay, this post is just an excuse to put some pictures of my kids from our vacation up here. I admit it. But I do have a point to make. Bear with me.
Yesterday, I talked about loving writing despite the trials and tribulations that come along with it. Today, I want to talk about the joyous times, the times that warm my heart and remind me of why I love to write.
Here are some of my favorite moments in my writing journey:
1. Making the decision to start writing.
2. Writing the first sentence, the first paragraph, the first page, the first chapter.
3. Finishing the first novel and having others read it.
4. Writing a successful query letter and getting two requests for partials from it.
5. Starting my blog and meeting all of you wonderful people.
6. Starting a second novel, and a third.
That's where I'm at now, and I know there are many more joyous moments ahead of me. That's what keeps me going! What about you? Do you care to share any of your favorite moments?
Oh yeah, this is the last day for the Slumpbuster Challenge. Click on the penguin in my sidebar to add a sentence.
Flip flops. Definitely flip flops. I wish I lived somewhere that was warm year-round because I'd never wear anything else. Unfortunately, flip flops and 20 degree temps and snow don't go well together. So, I enjoy my flip flops when I can.
I also try to enjoy my favorite moments when I can. You know, the fun times shared with loved ones, moments like this one, when everyone is smiling and getting along:
Unfortunately, these moments pass too quickly and turn into moments like this one. Yeah, he's pouting because his sister was being mean to him.
But then another joyful moment arrives and everyone is happy again. It's magical. It's heartwarming. And, it never lasts. So I try to savor it while it's happening.
Okay, this post is just an excuse to put some pictures of my kids from our vacation up here. I admit it. But I do have a point to make. Bear with me.
Yesterday, I talked about loving writing despite the trials and tribulations that come along with it. Today, I want to talk about the joyous times, the times that warm my heart and remind me of why I love to write.
Here are some of my favorite moments in my writing journey:
1. Making the decision to start writing.
2. Writing the first sentence, the first paragraph, the first page, the first chapter.
3. Finishing the first novel and having others read it.
4. Writing a successful query letter and getting two requests for partials from it.
5. Starting my blog and meeting all of you wonderful people.
6. Starting a second novel, and a third.
That's where I'm at now, and I know there are many more joyous moments ahead of me. That's what keeps me going! What about you? Do you care to share any of your favorite moments?
Oh yeah, this is the last day for the Slumpbuster Challenge. Click on the penguin in my sidebar to add a sentence.
25 comments:
Hip hip hooray for flip flops! They are life savers. :)
And your kids are so cute. I feel awkward saying that, considering your daughter looks maybe just two or three years younger than me (at most), but it's true.
Very fun pics of the kids!
I haven't ever made it to the query stage before. I've written a few truly lousy (and largely incomplete) novels. But so far, the most joyous times I've had in writing have been when I have an idea running around in my head for awhile and I finally sit down and start writing it. Love those times!
I relate so well to all of these. I love being able to write those first few paragraphs of a new novel that's been brewing in my head for a while. I love typing The End. I love getting that request from an agent for more...a request that makes me feel like maybe I DO have talent after all. I just love all of it...well, except trying to write during the parts of the book that are a little tougher to get through.
Great pics! That'll be my family in a week's time at the cottage. Can't wait.
I'm actually anticipating one great moment in writing--that's getting my line edits done and synopsis and sending my first baby out to a publishing house. We'll see if I get a request. But just getting it sent will be such an accomplishment.
Your point is so-o-o true! The good things fade away very quickly! I love to be reminded that we need to make the most of those times while we have them!
I love the moment when the inspiration hits. I also loved getting the request for fulls/partials (even though they subsequently received rejections). Most of all I just love that moment when it feels like the story has started to write itself and you're just recording what the characters show you.
Great pics, btw.
Flops! Me, too!
Awesome photos of your kids. Every one of them is a super shot.
Weronika,
Thank you, and you are right. My daughter is just two years younger than you. She's what inspired me to start writing YA!
Karen,
Thanks, and yes that's a joyful moment when you sit down to start writing, isn't it?
Stephanie,
Those nasty difficult parts! Don't you wish we could just skip over them?
Eileen,
It is a thrilling moment to send your work out. I wish you all the luck in the world!
Jody,
I wish you could just bottle those good times up and keep them forever. But I guess the memories of them will have to do.
Fiction Groupie,
Yeah, my requests were ultimately rejections, too, but I figure it was at least a step in the right direction.
Janna,
Thank you, and congrats again on your 100th follower!
Great pictures of your kids!! And my favorite shoes are flip flops, too!!
As far as writing goes, I love it when I get that tingly feeling in the pit of my stomach when I've written a strong scene. I get that feeling when I read certain books, but it's so much better when you feel it after something you've written.
I'll also add blogging to the top of my highlight list. I love the people I've met through blogging.
Happy Friday, Susan and everybody!
Great photos of your kids. I know how you feel about it being so amazing when your kids get along and how it is when they don't.
Congratulations on achieving so much. I hoping to finish a second novel this year.
Summer and flip flops sure go together. I wish I could wear them but my old feet don't accommodate them any longer. Your photos show so much expression without writing a word. Kids are just terrific - well when they're not fighting.
I haven't tried to write a novel. Short stories are more to my liking but I feel the same satisfaction when starting and finishing a well written piece.
Great pic of the kids jumping in the water:)
ANd how great that you had two requests for partials! I should have had you proof my query letter:)
oh--I wear flip flops every day here;
You forgot to mention putting off the yucky work because you have to write!
Nice pics of your kids! It's been years since mine were that young. I'll have to post a recent one of my kids on my blog so you can see the difference in ages.
And why do I love to write? I think it's kind of like doing a jigsaw puzzle or crossword puzzle. When all of the pieces (words) come together right, it's a wonderful feeling!
Heather,
There's nothing better than that tingly feeling, is there?
Patti,
Me, too. Good luck.
Rae,
I love my children even when they are fighting, but it's so much better when they're not!
Terri,
Apparently, I should have had you proof my partials because they were ultimately rejections. :)
MzzLily,
Oh, yeah, and that too!
Kathy,
What a great comparison! How true.
Your kids are precious! We've had several pout moments at our house too. The closer it gets to school starting, the more the kids participate in pout episodes. My kids get bored about this time. I can't wait until I get a request for a partial. That hasn't happened yet. Thus far, finishing the novel was a biggie, and taking it with me to the SCBWI conference in NYC last January was HUGE for me. I'd never flown by myself or spent that much time away from my hubbie or kids. It was LIBERATING! lol! I returned home as a new woman. I've really enjoyed "meeting" other writers through blogs and workshops too. I don't know what I'd do without ya'll.
LM - I really enjoy your posts. You start off with something typical in life and turn it into a thought provoking question.
My favorite moment was after wanting to write all my life, majoring in English Writing and then seeing an ad for The Institute of Children's Literature at the age of 35 and having that "aha" moment. It's been nothing but fun since!
Aww..love the pictures. :)
And I LOVE flip-flops! I have worn them in the snow--and with socks. It's a sickness, really. LOL!
Awesome pics--I love kids and family time. My brother who lives in New Zealand showed up at the ranch this morning for a surprise visit. I had the best day ever!!!! P.S. Totally love my flip flops!
I love that last picture.
And I love flip flops!!
Amy,
I'd just love to go to a conference. I haven't had that moment yet, but I will, eventually. Another moment to celebrate!
Jennifer Major,
I had that aha moment, too. I should add that to my list.
Jennifer Shirk,
You'll have to send me a pic of you in flip flops and socks. I've gotta see that!
Strange,
How fun is that? Surprise visitors! I'd be freaking out because my house would be in no state for others to see. Glad you enjoyed your time with them.
Whispering Writer,
That last pic is my favorite, too.
I bought 2 pairs of flip flops in the UK, because my feet hated being enclosed in shoes! I wear them 10 months of the year now :)
I love your family photos!!
Glynis,
Lucky! I can only get away with wearing flip flops for about seven months. Maybe eight, if the weather cooperates!
I agree 100% with the flip flops! Loves them.
Your family is beautiful and the pictures are wonderful. I love the pouting and jumping together. What great memorires you've captured. Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful pictures! And I wear flip flops until my toes start turning blue :D Great post!
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