Back to school…like never before By Lisa Phillips

Back to school…like never before. 

Wow, this has been a crazy year, hasn’t it? I mean, it’s pretty much done at this point. Right? Right?? 

Had you told me six months ago that I would be watching a llama do math I’d probably have laughed at you. But here we are.

Early on in quarantine, my dad (in the UK) mentioned the news broadcasts there kept using the word, “unprecedented” to describe what was happening. And that word might’ve been seriously overused, but it wasn’t untrue.

After the endless summer to end all endless summers, the one that started before spring break and ended when public school started (kind of) a few weeks ago, the fight was on for “back to normal.” I have a 4th grade boy who is a steady blur of chatter and motion who wants to stay home forever and never go anywhere, and an eighth grade girl desperate for social interaction. But why settle for normal? I’ve never liked, “normal” anyway.

As soon as public school got out, we pretty quickly took the “optional” busywork and tossed it out. We rolled straight into summer skills books, and those grade level review books you get at the grocery store. Daily bike rides to walk the dog, and as much family fun as we could muster. My daughter managed to go to a youth girls retreat, and even got baptized. Our family headed to the coast for a vacation with restrictions that was still a peaceful time away. It was great…until it felt like it would never end. (The white planet at the bottom of the solar system is Pluto, because we didn’t want him to feel left out.)

Then came the call: the public school start date will be delayed another month so they can be ready. I had one child, my son, already determined to homeschool for the first time this year. I was researching and figuring out that, as I tend to do every summer just to consider all my options. Then my eighth grader jumped on the bandwagon also, to avoid online learning and all the back and forth that was bound to happen as the school district figured things out. I found her a group Spanish class with youth group friends so she can be social. All that to say…I’m now a first time homeschooler and full time writer.

So how do I do both?

Everyone’s schedule is different. Everyone’s career is different. Everyone’s life situation is different. But here are three tips to help you out if you’re finding yourself doing double-duty in this new season of back to school. Or maybe you’ve been a writer and homeschooler for a while, or a writer and a full time career person, for years and you just need a reminder.

1. Breathe.

In researching homeschooling, I’ve come across several consistent themes. Especially with the start of school. You can’t do everything at once. Don’t try to pack all your subjects into the first day. Start slowly. Let there be a transition period between the old way (in our case, school) and this new season. Something wonderful is on the horizon, but if you’re stressed you won’t enjoy it when it comes. You may even dismiss it as a distraction. Hit the essentials (math and English – and for my son, Science) and add other subjects layer by layer.

In my writing business, I crammed to finish a book at the end of August just so that I would have September open as a brainstorming, new pitch, and revision month. I have done what I could, picked up what I wanted, and maybe not achieved as much as I thought I would (or should have) but I’m constantly moving toward my goals. Baby step by baby step.

In the next couple of weeks I will start a new book, but only when I’m actually ready to start writing it. For the first time in a long time, I’m purposing not to rush myself.

2. Plan

Even if all you do is a simple list on lined paper, figure out what the kids need to achieve. Figure out what you want to work on, if you get some time. Every year I make a schedule for the next calendar year. There’s a list of things I’d like to do, and usually it’s impossible. Then there’s a “slow” schedule of things that’s the bare minimum of what I need to achieve to keep my writer business going.

Life falls somewhere between those things, in a way I’m content with what I got done and always looking for fun ways I can improve productivity. Years ago, when my kids were little, I worked during naptime. It might last fifteen minutes, or it might last three hours. I never knew. But I worked during that time, and I was grateful for it. I never did laundry, or tidied the house during my writing time. I could do those things with little kids at my feet. But writing, in the quiet time that I had, was a precious thing.

Now I write early in the morning, or during dance classes. I take the kids to Ancient Egypt exhibits and try not to have more story ideas. I write in the car at the park, or outside someone’s house waiting for the activity to end. I write early on Saturday morning, or on Sunday afternoon. Thursdays during youth group. On a walk. Watching a movie.

Whether I’m thinking about my book, making notes, or typing, it’s all moving me closer to my goal of a finished book. I can check my ads, or update my website. Format a book for the print version, or chat with readers.

(And honestly, it’s easier to have this continual stream as much as I can. Coming back to my notes or my draft cold – not remembering where I left off – is so much harder to get back into the flow.)

3. Give yourself grace

I have to remind myself this often. If I don’t, then I miss the enjoyable moments because I’m too stressed out to stop and just be present where I’m at. My life isn’t one where I can get away for hours at a time, let alone a whole day, to work on writing.

Sometimes it’s forty minutes. Sometimes it’s a two and a half hour dance class. I have grace from God to get work done, and grace from Him to rest. But what I don’t have is condemnation or guilt. Those aren’t welcome. I have far too much to do to waste time feeling sorry for myself, or getting dragged down by the enemy.

My other penname (JL Terra) isn’t going to get a lot of love this school year. I just don’t have time. Facebook drama isn’t going to get a lot of airtime. I’m going to have to be particular about what I take the time to read. What I’m writing. What series I focus on. How long my books are going to be. Because I can’t afford to spend time doing all the things, so I have to be very laser focused.

Homeschooling is hard. It’s also beautiful.

Writing books and getting paid a living wage for it is hard. It’s also beautiful in its own way, and I’m so blessed that readers enjoy what I write.

I get to spend time watching my kids be inspired by history and science. I’ve been a guest on a podcast, and I’m back here. In November I’ll be participating in a conference with Donald Maass, where I’ll get personal feedback. How crazy is that??! I’m blessed to have a group of author friends who drag me out in the evening to chat – one of whom I’m collaborating on a miniseries with.

And I’ve been so fortunate to work with fantastic authors in the Dangerous Deceptions boxed set. This set releases in just 3 weeks, and for 99c it’s a STEAL. Eight full novels you won’t want to miss.

You can find out more at www.dangerous-deceptions.com

Or click on the image below to preorder this set on Amazon now. 

A British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London, Lisa attended Calvary Chapel Bible College where she met her husband. He's from California, but nobody's perfect. It wasn't until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she's discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after. Lisa can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Together they have two kids and an all black Airedale known as The Dark Lord Elevator.

Encourage One Another by Barbara J. Scott

Encourage One Another
by Barbara Scott

Writers sometimes forget that we need time to daydream and time to rest and seek the Lord’s will. It’s easy to lose our hope when we drive ourselves day and night to succeed. We are told to be active on social media, participate in blog tours, write and send out newsletters to our followers, solicit reviewers and endorsements, put together and manage a street team to promote us—promote ourselves. I confess, marketing and promotion stress me out until I feel like a hamster running on a wheel going nowhere.

Caught up in the business of “writing,” it’s easy to forget why we write and for whom and say yes to opportunities we shouldn’t—opportunities we take because they pay well. But our hearts aren’t in it…and neither is God.

When I allow my mind to rest and shut out all the noise, that’s when I hear God’s still, small voice in His word. There’s a Scripture in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 that centers me: 

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, 

your labor prompted by love, 

and your endurance inspired by hope 

in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord called us to write to glorify Him and through our words offer hope to a dark and dying world. By faith, we follow Him and labor in his vineyard prompted by His love. Our endurance is inspired by our hope in Jesus Christ. So, if we lose hope in our calling, how can we reach out and spark hope in our readers? How can we encourage and uplift their spirits? How can we show them the way to eternal life?

The other day I took a break. The house was quiet. I laid my head back in a lounger and closed my eyes. Soon I saw the earth covered in a pitch-black cloth, but all over the globe, pinpoints of light pierced that darkness.

Since I’m a word person, one of my favorite Scriptures is John 1:1:

In the beginning was the Word, 

and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God.  

God inhabits our words if we let Him guide us in what to write. Not all our promotional fervor is fruitful. If we listen, the Lord will tell us how to reach our readers. Our words are not about us. They are meant to reach those people God has ordained to read them.

As Christian writers, let’s encourage one another so that we might encourage those in the world who feel hopeless and lost.

How might you encourage another writer and help light their way?

~~~~~

Dreams of My Heart

Feisty Irish bride Kate O’Brien McKean asks her Texas cattleman husband Buck for an annulment in Dreams of My Heart, book one of The Reluctant Brides series, setting off a chain reaction of events that endangers them both. The historical romance, set in 1875 Montana Territory, releases April 1 from Mountain Brook Ink. The e-book is available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

~~~~~

After a career spent acquiring and editing books by numerous bestselling Christian authors, Barbara Scott has returned to her true love—writing. Barbara and her husband Mike live in the Nashville area, with their two Chihuahuas, Riley and Sissy, both rescued from puppy mills. Reading, writing, and research are her passions. Want to know more? Connect with Barbara at www.BarbaraJScott.com.

Staying Focused by Mary Manners

Staying Focused

by Mary Manners

I began my writing journey when I was a very young child, not even yet old enough to form real written words. My earliest memory is a vision of me standing beside the dryer in the basement of my Chicago home, scribbling lines across a piece of paper to 'tell my story'. I still remember the warmth of summer sun through the window, the scent of laundry soap and slow hum of the machine's motor as it tumbled a load of clothes. 'Writing' brought such joy and I was eager to share.

It's hard to believe that was half-a-century ago. Before TV remotes, cable television, the Internet, cell phones, Twitter, Facebook, and laptops with pop-up ads. Before distractions. My family of seven had not yet even ventured into the world of call waiting. I don't know about you, but that was an easier, simpler time in my writing world. A trip to the store for a new notebook brought a trill of excitement. Crisply-sharpened pencils made my nerve endings hum and my heart soar. Free time was spent writing, not trolling social media for the latest news and the best meat loaf recipe.



Staying focused on the art of writing is a lot harder in today's world. Time-suckers that were once non-existent are now everyday stumbling blocks. It's easy to get swept into the tide. So I tackle the ever-present pull with a time management strategy that begins each day with a list of goals. These range from simple (reply to emails) to complex (proof a book, write five-thousand words). I chunk my goals and put social media and other distractions off limits until that chunk is checked off the list. Not a complicated strategy, but it works. I stay focused on what's most important--getting words on the page. Pursuing my dream. Writing. 

~~~~~

Precious Fire (Diamond Knot Dreams #3)

Claire McLaughlin, weary of running a corporate rat-race, dreams of pursuing her passion to bake sweet confections. So when former college roommate Lila Brooks asks for her help with catering services at Diamond Knot Dreams Bridal Boutique, Claire grabs the invitation with both hands.

Ryan Kendrick has returned home to Clover Cove to raise his step-brother following the death of their grandmother. Hired to renovate the Town Square, he rents office space on the second floor of Diamond Knot Dreams and soon succumbs to talented Claire McLaughlin’s sweet confections—as well as the blue-eyed beauty herself.

As their romance blooms, so do the shenanigans of Diamond Knot Dreams' meddling spirit, Ellie. Will her antics help to draw Claire and Ryan closer together, or bring the blossoming romance to a grinding halt?

~~~~~

Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime exploring her joy of writing. She has two sons, a daughter, and three beautiful grandchildren. She currently lives along the sunny shores of Jacksonville Beach with her husband Tim.

A former teacher and intermediate school principal, Mary spent three decades sharing her love of learning. While growing up in Chicago, Mary worked her way to college through a variety of odd jobs including paper girl, hot dog vendor, grocery store cashier, lifeguard, swim instructor, pizza chef, and nanny. Many of these experiences led to adventures that bring a touch of humor to her stories.

Mary’s writing has earned her multiple awards including a two-time Inspirational Reader’s Choice award, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Mary loves long sunrise runs, ocean sunsets, and flavored coffee. She recently conquered her fear of heights (sort of) by completing the Gate River Run over downtown Jacksonville’s bridges last spring.

Connect with Mary at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.





Ready – Get Set – Focus! By Terri Weldon

Terri Weldon

Happy New Year! Even though it is only January 8th, I’m sure you’ve read a dozen or more blogs about the New Year. Ways you can make sure you accomplish more in 2015 then you did in 2014. Hmm, almost makes me wonder if I should switch topics, but I won’t because I need this post even if you don’t.

One way I’m going to endeavor to achieve more in 2015 is by focusing. There are several areas of my life, both personal and professional, that need focus. I won’t bore you with the personal areas and if you’re bored by the professional – well, just pretend you aren’t.

I tend to allow myself to be pulled in too many different directions. Yeah, it would be easy to blame something or someone else, but the real crux of the matter is I allow it to happen. I have friends who are as busy or busier than I am and they seem to accomplish twice what I do. They stay focused, I don’t. True confession, sometimes I just want to hide from my writer accountability group. Oh, I can’t believe I said that, because one or more of them will probably read this!

Part of my plan to stay focused is to pick out the things that are the most important to me. No they won’t all be writing related, nor should they be. We need to keep a balance in our life and make sure God is always in the number one position. Also, remember there are some things you can’t control. You have no control over whether or not an editor will recommend your work for publication or an agent will sign you as a client. However, you can decide to write every day or five thousand words a week, attend a conference, and submit a proposal to an agent. And even though I know I’ve read this countless times before on Seriously Write, it bears repeating, pray about your writing. God is in this journey along with us.

In case you’re wondering, I just outlined what I plan to focus on in 2015. Somehow while it was floating around in my mind, it didn’t seem so overwhelming. Seeing it written down in black and white, well, all I can say is it’s time to FOCUS!

Leave a comment and tell me what your plans are for 2015. I’d love to hear them and welcome any and all tips on how to stay focused. Happy New Year!

****

Purchase Link

Misty Winslow is determined to find her prince, and she meets the man of her dreams through an Internet dating service. Or is he, because the new dentist in town also sets her heart aflutter.

It's love at first sight for Tyler Davenport, but before he can finish his first root canal, Misty is involved in an exclusive online romance with Wes99—Tyler’s online persona. How can he tell her he’s the man she’s been waiting to meet, and how rational is it for him to be jealous of Wes99! Soon Tyler's pulling out all the stops to woo Misty.

As Christmas approaches, Wes99 and Tyler both ask her to meet them under the mistletoe. Which man will she choose?

Terri is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and playing in the hand bell choir. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction.

She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has three dogs – a lovable mutt and two adorable Westies.

Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from White Rose Publishing. To learn more about Terri visit her website at www.TerriWeldon.com.

Refocusing

Refocusing

Net's Notation Tuesdays
Refreshed by God Series

“Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” (Matt. 6:6, MSG)

Just last week, I spent a few hours studying great Scriptures having to do with God’s love. I ended up making two lists. One contained verses of God’s love for people. And the second contained verses of our love toward God. What a difference it made in my day, in my week, to focus on the love of God. So much joy, and peace over my circumstances. Everything about the day became visible through the lens of His love. Sunshine, family time, commitments, work, everything was brighter because of that reassurance.

When we spend time with God as a part our daily devotionals, we get refocused on what matters. We can see more clearly what God has called us to do. We can verify we’re on the right track as writers and as children of God called according to His purpose.

If you’re feeling scattered, I recommend taking time to be with God and hear from Him. Pursue Him until He speaks.

If you’re stressed, go to Him. Hear Him whisper (or shout?) “Peace, be still” over your anxieties and give you the rest you desperately need.

If you’re uncertain, focus on Him.

Sometimes, we don’t need more focus on our writing craft, though, if you’ve been a reader at Seriously Write long you know we take the craft of writing seriously. Sometimes (oftentimes) what is needed is to refocus on the Lord.

If writing has moved into first place, refocus on the Lord. Put Him first and everything else will fall into place.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matt. 6:33)

By refocusing, we position ourselves for God to refresh us as His writers. I need more of that. How about you?

Annette