The Next Best Thing by Heidi Chiavaroli

Heidi Chiavaroli

Dora here. Reading Heidi's post brought back so many sweet memories, and more than a few tears. My two sons are adults now, and I miss those carefree summer days with them so much! Fill up a giant mug with coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair, and savor whatever season you're in now. Enjoy The Next Best Thing by Heidi Chiavaroli.

We all know there’s something special about the last day of school. That taste of freedom, that light backpack with report card tucked inside, the knowing that there will be no homework that night or for the next 78 days.

As my kids came home from their last day of school, my oldest went off to enjoy an afternoon at his friend’s house. I planned a special afternoon with my youngest son, Noah. It involved Toys R Us and ice cream, so let me tell you, he was more than a little excited. He bought Pokemon cards at the toy store, opened the cards in the car before giving them a once-over and…asked what kind of ice cream we were going to buy. We made our purchase and went home to pack the cones with coffee ice cream—his favorite. Noah devoured his cone in three minutes, wiped his hands on his pants and…asked if I could push him on the swing. After a few minutes of that, he was off to swing his golf clubs.

No, my son does not suffer from any type of attention disorder, but he did race through our afternoon to get to each new fun thing.

I was reminded about my writing journey. I’m often in a rush to research for a new story idea, in a rush to plot and interview my characters, to write “The End” on my last page so I can edit and then submit.

I’m in a rush to obtain an agent. I’m in a rush to be published. And I’ll bet after I’m published I’ll be in a rush to check my Amazon Author Rank or win a contest with my book.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with striving toward the finish line and running the race God has set for us, both in our writing and in our lives. But all too often I forget to enjoy the journey. I’m too like my young son, ready to inhale my ice cream to get to the next best thing.

Right now, without any contracts or deadlines, I’m free to write. When I want, how I want. But I don’t often savor that freedom.

So today, when I sit down with my manuscript, I’m going to take a breath and be still for a moment. I’m going to relish the simple fact that I’m about to create something, to write something only I can write.

And then I’ll plunge myself into my story, not let myself go to bed until I’ve reached my word count. And in two months, once again, I’ll start submitting. But this time, I’m going to make time to be still and enjoy the journey.

Do you find yourself rushing to get to the next best thing? 

How do you take time to savor the journey?

****

Heidi Chiavaroli writes History Woven in Grace. She is a wife, mother, disciple, and grace-clinger. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and has finaled in the Genesis contest and My Book Therapy’s Frasier contest.

Independence Day by Susan Tuttle

Image Courtesy of Nixx Photography
FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

So tomorrow is the Fourth of July, Independence Day. Our little town throws a giant picnic with so many fun things for the kids: rock climbing, bungie trampolines, petting zoos, and tons of hotdogs…then at night we do fireworks in the park. And there’s old cars and bike parades, dunk tanks and pie eating contests. I LOVE my town and it’s small feel.

And I love that, here in America, we have the freedom to walk down our street as a Christian. I love that my family can pray in public and worship openly. We don’t have to hide our church attendance, and we have an abundance of Christian radio stations that stream worship music at all times of the day and night. These are huge things to be thankful for, because while this is Independence Day, as a Christian we live our lives dependent on God. I never want to take for granted that we can do so without having to look over our shoulder.

So today I’m praying as you eat your hotdogs and watch the colors explode in the sky this weekend that you take a moment to be thankful for all the amazing freedoms we still have in this country. They are truly worth celebrating.

Happy Fourth of July!

Dora here. We used to live in a small town that celebrated Independence Day in a big way, from early morning parades to afternoon festivals and fireworks at nightfall. Like Susan, I loved all the happenings around town and how the entire community came together to celebrate. Unfortunately, not everybody is able to take the day off. So here's a warm cyberhug of thanks to our fire, police and military personnel who keep us safe and protect our liberties. We appreciate you!!

This year, we're vacationing with both our sons and their families/friends over the Fourth. This may shock some of you, but I'm leaving my laptop and flash drive behind and allowing myself the simple freedom to not write. Actually, to not even think about writing. I plan to savor this rare occasion when my two grown sons will be in the same place, to build sandcastles and ride the waves with my grandchildren, to create precious memories, and to refill and nourish my creative well. Wishing you all a Son-kissed Independence Day! 

How do you celebrate Independence Day? 

Will you squeeze in any writing?

****

Susan Tuttle

Susan Tuttle is a homeschooling mom of three who is crazy about coffee, dark chocolate, and words—both reading and writing them. Combine that love of words with her passion for leading women to a life-changing encounter with Christ, and you’ll find her crafting Inspirational Contemporary Romance stories laced with humor, love, and healing transformations. When not cheering on her Ironman hubby, chasing the family dog, or tackling complex math problems to teach her kids (yes, even the third grader), you can catch Susan at her blog, Steps.

Happy Independence Day!

As Americans, we celebrate the Fourth of July. Independence Day. The freedom to be our own country. The freedom to be, well...free.

We take so many things for granted. Choices like:

Where to worship, work, live, shop, travel.

Who to love and marry, who to "follow" on Twitter or "like" on Facebook.
What to read, wear, eat and drink. What to say or feel.
How to spend our money, our spare time, to worship or celebrate.

Or something as simple as writing this blog post. 

Celebrate Independence Day with family and friends over barbecues, baseball games and fireworks. Live. Love. Laugh. Adopt an attitude of gratitude and pray for our leaders.

Thank you to all who fought, to those who continue to fight, for our freedoms! 

Thank You, God, for allowing me to live in a free country. Help me not to take for granted the price that was paid for my freedom. Help our leaders make the right decisions for our country and to look to You for guidance.

What about you? What are you thankful for today? 

How will you celebrate your freedom?

Happy Fourth!

Happy Memorial Day

To those who gave a part, most, or all of their lives to keep our country free -- including the freedom to write and worship as we wish -- the team at Seriously Write would like to say,

"Thank you."

Did you or a member of your family service in the military? If so, please let us know. Comment below with your (or your loved one's) name and branch of the military. And, if you're able, give them a hug from us.

Pantser to Plotter...Now What? by Dora Hiers

Last week we talked about my decision to migrate from Pantser to Plotter. Now what?

As a Pantser (not under contract), you have flexibility in your schedule. You may have a daily word count goal, but without a deadline, it doesn't really matter if you reach your goal. You can make up for it the next day or just extend the length of time it takes to write the book.

But what happens when you become a Plotter and submit a proposal for books that aren't yet written? A component of the proposal requires a completion date. How do you come up with a time frame to complete the books?

Hmmm...

A calendar? 

Calendar

Not the ideal solution. Especially when you're working on multiple books. There's just no easy way to adjust your schedule, if it becomes necessary. 

A timeline would work. One with the capability to insert tasks by book and keep a running word count total. You can google timeline and you’ll find hundreds of options. Be sure to pop back over here and let me know if you find something that works for you. I didn't.

Instead, I chose to create a fairly basic Excel document with the date, book title, task, word goal, and a running total. Starting with a realistic weekly word count, I mapped out each book, dividing the weekly goal into a targeted daily word count, taking into consideration vacations and holidays. I used "fill color" to highlight different books, so that I can easily decipher the transition from one book to the next. I add my word count for each day, and adjust if necessary. Now, I have completion dates for each book in my proposal.

It's not perfect, either, but it works for now. Here are some pros:

Accountability. A daily goal keeps me focused and on track. I completed my first book a few days ahead of schedule. 

Time saver. With the plotting already done, I know the direction the story needs to go, which saves time daily.

Freedom. When I accomplish my goal early, I’m free to work on other tasks or keep writing. It’s my choice.

Accomplishment. A sweet feeling, right?

And only one negative so far:

Pressure. So far, I’ve experienced only one negative. If you’re having a tough writing day and the words aren’t flowing, it’s tough not to get discouraged or feel the pressure. On these days, I really hunker down to keep at it. Some days I might type only dialog if that’s flowing better, or switch to action beats and what’s happening. If that still doesn’t work, I regroup by working on another writerly task and try to compensate my word count during the week. But, that’s a last resort.

It's your turn. 

If you're a Plotter, which organizational software works well for you?

After an injury forces Deputy U.S. Marshal Sage Michaelson off duty, he heads to his hometown with two things on his mind: recuperating and reevaluating, but Sage can’t refuse his best friend’s plea to keep a protective eye on his little sister after someone ransacks her house. But Delaney’s not so little anymore—and definitely not the young “Dane” Sage remembers. 

Flight Medic Delaney Hunt has loved Sage forever. But, he’s all about control and order while she embraces life and takes risks. As much as the idea appeals to her, she doesn’t need Sage looking over her shoulder. But when things go wrong and she finds herself hanging by her fingertips, who does she call to rescue her?

Will Delaney ever be the woman Sage wants by his side? Can Sage learn to live by grace, recognizing that God is in control? Can they overcome their fears to embrace life together?

Journey's Embrace ~ Coming March 1st!

It’s All On Me, Right?

Writers’ conferences can be expensive. Hey everyone, Annette here. This week many of our dear SW reader-writers are attending American Christian Fiction Writers’ annual conference. (www.acfw.com) You’ve got appointments set up, opportunities all around you. You’ve prayed and planned, brainstormed and penned, organized and traveled, sacrificed and invested. Now, you’re here! You want to “get your money’s worth” and take advantage of every possibility before you—make the right connections, exude the right impression, say the right words. Seize the day. 

After all, it’s all on you.

Right?

For years, you’ve had books burning inside you, waiting to come out. You’ve got a thriving imagination full of characters, plot gems, twists, ideas swirling in creative juices. You love words and the rhythm of good prose. You love reading. 

Question: who gave you talent? 

Remember that stirring in your heart at some point, that urge to write? What was the catalyst? There was a time you knew you were supposed to somehow begin to put words down. You studied the craft of writing, connected with others on a similar journey. You paired strong characters with intriguing plots and offered your chapters for critique. 

Question: who called you to write? 

Somewhere during your life, you’ve had to find time to write. Late hours, early hours, leftover hours after a busy day. You prioritized and sacrificed and carved out productive minutes. 

Question: who created and manages time and seasons?

While you’re there at the writers’ conference, remember God gave you the talent, God called you to write for His glory, and God is sovereign. We can’t “make something happen” just by sheer will. If we try to sidestep what God is doing, we may find ourselves unprepared and failing. But if we wait for the correct time—God’s timing—and rest in Him, consider the benefits:

Peace—we no longer have to manufacture something. We have God’s assurance. He who called you will also make a way. 

Rest—the burden to open doors is not on us. God is our Father who opens doors for us. We don’t have to strive. When it’s time, the right door will open. And by then, God will have prepared us.

Joy—we’ve demanded a lot of ourselves, even the impossible. But when we hand our burden to the Lord, He gives us joy in its place. 

Freedom—sure, we continue the writerly disciplines of learning and growing in the craft. We remain good stewards of the gift and calling. But once we release the burden, we’re free to create and grow, because we no longer have to strive. We’re free to do our part—seek God first and let Him take care of the rest. 

When you sit down with editors and agents, know they’re people just like you. They’re professionals, just like you. But keep this truth in mind: they do not dictate your future in writing. They may become a tool in God’s hand, but God is the one who determines where your writing goes from here. Leave that with Him.

Aren't you glad it's not all on you?



Photo credits:

"Stairs" image by Adam Hickmott / freedigitalphotos.net 
"Door handle" image courtesy of Nattavut / freedigitalphotos.net
"Job interview" (meeting) photo courtesy of Ambro / freedigitalphotos.net