4th of July: Cookouts and Fireworks

This 4th of July, are you hosting a cookout or backyard BBQ? I would if I could! Unfortunately, we are without a grill and without a backyard. We could still improvise, though, which we've done many many times. From my experience, it is relatively easy to do, but much more fun if you can be outside. Click here to learn how to host a 4th of July cookout without the stress.

While we are still deciding on our plans for the 4th of July fireworks, I am leaning heavily on Red White and Blue Ash. It is supposed to be Cincinnati's biggest firework show complete with live bands and festivities. However, we may or may not travel to Columbus for their annual Red White and Boom. But that feels like a betrayal of our hometown! So we'll see.

At the very least, you can expect us to be eating hotdogs and hamburgers, corn on the cob and slushies and enjoying a well planned firework show snuggled up on a quilted blanket.

My readers, what are your plans for the 4th of July?

National Parks Tour- part 1

Two weeks ago, Rob and I left for what we thought was a trip to the Grand Canyon. It has now morphed into a National Parks Tour of the West. We not only visited the famous wonder of America, but we've also trekked through Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Arches National Park. Aside from fabulous views at all five of these parks, we've collected memories that I know will last a lifetime.

Perhaps one of the more interesting features of an All American Road Trip is the spontaneity that accompanies it. Do what you want when you want, don't worry about the time, and take back roads you otherwise would have ignored. We've been fortunate to drive through some of the best American Scenic Bypasses, and I've seen more of the country in the past two weeks than my whole life.

I've found a love for America cultivating inside me. Before this trip, I would eagerly hop on a plane (providing I had the money) and travel all over the world, preferably Europe. And while I still desire to see these places, I've discovered how much of my homeland I have yet to explore. I've been enlightened to the travel possibilities that lay within this wonderful continent and country.

Growing up in the East/Midwest, I am used to seeing towns along every stretch of the highway. Discovering that the whole country is not like this is rather exciting. Driving through places like Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and Utah show me that much of America is still wide open country. Tiny towns nestled in between huge stretches of freeway are a wonder that continues to boogle my mind.

I feel stories pouring out of every person and city we pass. Stories that are just waiting silently to be written and retold. This trip has gained me an invaluable perspective as a writer that will forever shape the way I approach writing. I've met characters of all walks of life in each place we come to, and although they may forget our short encounter, their presence will not be forgotten by me.

Writing Goals, Ehow and Publication

So far, I've been really productive on some of the items on my goal list. However, I think I was being a little overambitious when I told myself I would write on the weekends just as hard. If today is any indication, then that is simply not going to happen. I am still 20 or pages from my goal mark in my novel, but doing good. As far as daily article quota, I'm doing fairly good on that as well. However, for the past three days, I have been trying to get myself to work on my feature article for a magazine. It's been pretty ugly. I'm only half-way through and view the actual writing of it to be tedious, so I put it off. Another day goes by, and I put it off again. Let's hope I can get over this, suck it in and just write the darn thing! If its accepted, then I should make a nice sum from it (what I consider a nice sum to be anyway!).

I've spent a lot of time the past few days exploring the phenomenon that is eHow.com. I've started writing articles for this site (none of them take me very long, so I'll spend an hour doing 2 articles or so each day) and learning about how it works. So far, with 13 articles I've earned a whopping $2.88. Since its only been a week, I am going to keep doing it for the rest of the month and see what happens. I've heard some great success stories from users at eHow.com, but I've also heard some fishy horror stories. I don't want to spend too much time writing for them if I don't get a return on it. Since I'm not really expecting to get much compensation for these articles, I'm veiwing them as practice sessions. Warm-ups, if you will. Also, I've heard that eHow periodically deletes articles, so I'm going to start saving them directly into my own personal files. Maybe one day I'll get an idea for a feature article or story from them.

Some promising news is that I have an article accepted for real, live print publication in July. I am much more excited about this than my online publishing, because it will be going into the homes of every resident in my home-town! How cool is that? So, although I will continue to dabble with online content writing, I think my real niche is in magazines.

Writing and Summer Schedule

The past two weeks have been the weirdest of my life. Now that I am graduated from college, I don't have to worry about school work in any form. This is weird because I usually spend my days either in class or working on a class assignment with little time left for all the other things that need to be done in life.

Last week I did pretty well getting into a grove of writing everyday. I still am. It's just, well different. My husband isn't able to get many hours at his part-time job, and so that makes it interesting around here. We also have been bogged down with family obligations (little sister graduated, Memorial day, little sister party, weekend at a cabin with Dad...) June feels like its flying by, and its only begun! Between all of our commitments, I only have the rest of this week and next to write. After that, we're off to the Grand Canyon! Although I am very excited about this trip, I am also nervous about not being able to write everyday. Since I started several projects that will provide residual income, I really want to keep producing. So I need to figure out a way to keep on writing even when I'm out west. You can only stare at so many cactus!

I'm thinking about coming up with a few goals for the next two weeks. Instead of daily ones, I am going to try out 14 day goals. And I am going to budget my time well. And I am going to come up with a game plan for writing on vacation. Sound good? Well, lets hope I stick to it! Its really is hard getting the motivation to accomplish things when you create your own deadlines!

On another note, I have really gotten into the bread baking. Last week I baked 2 successful loaves, although they were a bit crumbly. Yesterday I baked a whole-wheat loaf. It did not rise as much, but came out very dense and delicious. I'll definitely be baking some more in the next week or so. And as soon as I find my camera, I'll post the pictures on here.

And here's a question for you, my dear readers:
How does summer change your schedule?

How to Become a Better Researcher

Learn all about the do's and don'ts of professional research in my NEW Ehow article:

How to Become a Better Researcher


You can view the rest of my featured Ehow articles via the sidebar on my blog. :-)

How to Become a More Productive Writer

Read all about how you can become a more prolific writer here.

And don't forget to check out more of my E-how articles. The links are provided in the sidebar!

Full Time Writing and Bread Baking

This week marks my first official week as a full time writer. Things are going great, and I am getting into the grove of my new schedule quite nicely. In the past three days I have written more of my novel than I had in the past three months! And I could write more some days, but I know I have other things to get on to, such as sending out queries, researching markets and brainstorming article ideas. The day goes by fast, and I am learning a ton.

Yesterday, to my delighted surprise, I received my first response to a query I sent out. The editor of the local magazine emailed informing me that she was on a deadline, and could I please send the article right away? It was just what she was looking for, since her photographer had already taken photos of the very thing my article covered! So! The waiting game begins! Hopefully I will soon be a published writer, but if not, well then at least I'm on the right track.

Yesterday I started a journey on baking my own bread. Three loaves later, I think I've got the hang of it. To make the delicious bread featured in this post, click over here, and you'll find easy super duper yummy instructions for baking your very loaf of bread.

A Little Writing Exercise...

So begins my daily writing endeavors. One full hour devoted to writing exercises each day- or at least, until I feel I've got a good stretch. Here was today's prompt...

Write a story that begins with/ends with/ contains..."There's no one here by that name." So, here we go!

"There's no one here by that name," says the lady behind the counter. Panic threatens to overtake my body. What does she mean there's no one here named Walter Folgers? Doesn't she realize that he told me he worked here? Doesn't she realize that I drove all the way from Pennsylvania to see him today, and that I skipped class just to be here. Mind you, a rather important class that I really shoudn't be missing, but what does she know?
The lady behind the counter pushes her glasses back up her nose. They must slide down all the time, how annoying.
"Well are you sure? Maybe you could double check- say, ask around? I know he's here- Mr. Folgers has mentioned this place a million times to me- how could I forget it?" The lady stares at me before replying,
"Honey, I'm sorry. But Mr. Folgers is not here- nor did he ever work here. Are you positive he told you to meet him here? Perhaps he hasn't come in yet? Why don't you sit down in one of those chairs by the window and keep watch." Shuffling her papers, the lady dismisses me and continues her work.
I sit down in one of the red leather chairs in the corner she pointed to- the kind that makes your legs stick to it if its hot out, which it is. Why would Walter not be here? Could he possibly have had an accident? Or maybe he had an appointment that kept him over? Yes, that must be it- he is busy doing his work which is keeping him from meeting me. That's the only explanation, because Walter, most definately, said that he worked here.
As I look around the room, I realize there are no magazines or reading material handy. Maybe these chairs are just for looks and people don't actually sit here- except of course, people like me who are looking for a person who doesn't seem to be there. Just as I'm reaching for my compact mirror to check my hair, I feel a firm hand on my shoulder.
"Miss?" I whip around at the voice.
"WALTER?!" I cry. Because it really is him- in the flesh. And that lady by the counter doesn't know a thing about anything, because I can see that he's wearing a name tag that reads 'Walter Folgers' with the company logo underneath.
"Oh my God! That lady over there said you didn't work here, and I almost thought something had happened, but thank God you're here!" Walter chuckles and takes my hand as I stand up.
"Well. I think you should know something Anna. I don't really work here. I mean, I do, but..." He looks at my confused expression. "Oh its complicated and it doesn't matter- at least you're here!" He smiles and pulls me in for a kiss. I'm so happy I could burst, having not seen him for the past 3 months due to his 'assignment' in Europe.
"I can't believe you're here! I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too". He's nuzzling my neck, and I feel like I'm about to burst with joy!
"We should go out- you know, celebrate! And then you can show me all around the capital! There's so much I want to see!" I can't hide my eagerness, and my voice comes out more like a shriek than anything else. The lady behind the counter eyes me suspiciously over her square red glasses.
"Let's move outside- we can talk there. God, Anna- I'm so happy to see you again."

What's on my Nightstand: Reading List

There are so many books that I have been wanting to read lately, that I decided to make a list to keep myself organized and to prevent forgetting about any of them. I realized a while ago that if I want to be a writer then I have to expand my horizons. This means reading different genres. I have a tendency (with books as well as movies) to only stick to one genre, leaving the others out without even giving them a chance to win my heart. You see, I hate sci-fi/fantasy but Harry Potter was the only thing I had with me on the plane to Las Vegas when I was 11 years old. Thank goodness, or else I would have never read it, due to the genre it was classified in. With that being said, I am sure I'm missing out on perhaps some of the best literature of the day by not giving some books a chance. So, without further ado, here is a rough draft of my list of books to read this year:

1. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. I heard it was about vampires (total turn off), but since its a huge hit with so many others, I'll give it a shot.
2. Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot. Meg is a wonderfully successful novelest. If nothing else, I should be reading some of her writing to learn from her.
   
3. Knit Two by Kate Jacobs. Ok, so this one I know I'm going to like (I read The Friday Night Knitting Club), but supporting great authors is something I'm willing to do!
4. The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke by Suze Orman.
   
5. Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic by John de Graaf. One of the those books that just intrigue me.
   
6. Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. I've avoided Jodi's books mainly because they all seem to revolve around court cases, which I hate. But I think I can learn something from her, seeing as she (like Meg) has published so many best sellers.
7. Visions in White by Nora Roberts.
8. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A fantasy book I would never read, but thou must expand horizons!

I will add more books as they come along and give solid reviews of the eight above once I finish them. What a nice summer project!

What books are you reading now? Do you tend to stick to one genre or jump around? What motivates you to read a certain book?

The Great American Novel

Ever wondered what the life of a writer is like? Or what are the key components to writing that great novel?

I just found a great video that explores both. Truly hilarious, although I do think the hairy chest on that guy is rather nasty, lol.

10 pages LOST

***EDIT*** I've found them! Whew!

Today was the day I decided to whip out the novel I've been working on this year. The plan? Attack with a red pen after printing the 50 plus pages out. I haven't really worked on it since Spring Break, where I magically composed 10 wonderful pages of manuscript.

Well, uhem, the pages are missing. MISSING! (eerie music in background)

I have combed through every file on my computer, only to realize that I must've have deleted the updated version before saving it on my backup drive. I haven't written anything for almost two months, so I am only just realizing this!!!

I am so upset right now that I could cry, but even that I cannot do because of the frusteration and the silent hope I have. Oh, those ten pages were good. I know they were, because I was on vacation while writing them. I distinctively remember sitting on the balcony with Cancun breezes blowing through my hair as my fingers typed furiously across my keyboard. I remember finishing chapter four and starting chapter 5, along with an unexpected plot twist- though what that was I now cannot remember.

Have any of you ever experienced a similar loss? If you have a mac, do you know if there is any hope for deleted files- or do they go into the deleted file grave where decomposition takes over?

Sigh.

Marked

Marked
By Rachel Campbell

A shiny gold cross hung around the woman's neck, embalming a statement of who she was and what she was for. An emerald turtleneck paired with a long plaid skirt reinforced the identity she attempted to create. Her hands, tucked in a small leather Bible, followed the words as she read aloud.

"And the Lord came to Jonah a second time..."

The words hung in the air before the woman closed the book with a smile. Second chances, she said, are golden opportunities. We all need second chances. As the woman began to pray-- her small voice lowering even more-- she addressed the group before her, but was inwardly speaking for herself. The cross she carried around her neck had never felt so heavy.

A week ago, the woman discovered she was pregnant with her second child. She had not told her husband yet, afraid of his reaction. Would he be joyful like the first time or angry since they could not afford it? She knew joy was certainly not in her own heart-- the baby, unexpected, was not coming at a good time. She had tried hard to track her monthly cycles, but something must have gone wrong.

Yesterday, walking through the clinic door had been so easy. The nurse who helped her had been so friendly, so understanding. It had been a good choice... then. She was elated to have the problem off her chest. We didn't want another baby anyway. Besides, I would have had to quit my new job that I have been working towards for years...

Last night, the woman knew the life inside her had left. And the Bible that laid beside her bedside grew into large seething eyes, piercing her heart if she looked for too long. Her husband's breathing, as she lay next to him, suddenly ceased to comfort. And the guilt of her action came upon her like a hawk sweeping down on its unsuspecting prey.

"And Father, forgive those who need forgiveness and give those who need it, second chances to do what they know is right." The woman finished her prayer with a desperate sigh, one that the students before her knew nothing about. Her life was forever marked.

Goals

While reading the Biblical Womanhood blog today, I became inspired to set some personal goals, ones I will actively work on achieving, for the year of 2009. This is different from a resolution, in my opinion, and I have decided to make a few for myself and see what happens. The beginning of the month seems like a great place to start!

Read at least one book (outside of school) a month (until I graduate, then it will go up).

Memorize one memory verse a week and work on memorizing a larger chunk each month. (memorization has always helped me in so many ways, so I really want to get back on track with this).

Write at least 6 pages a week. (this is not that much, but I feel so overburdened with school work. At the very least I should be writing on the weekends!)

Start scrap booking again-- work on a couple of pages each month.

Crochet for at least one hour a week. (this can be broken into 10 and 20 minute sessions!)

Stay on track to run a half-marathon in May.

Give more, spend less. (This is something that I really have a heart to do, but with our small budget, it always tends to seem impossible. However, ever since I learned about advanced couponing, I have a feeling it will be very much possible! I also want to give more with my time in volunteer work- firstly at the food pantry for at least 4 hours each month.)

Join a small group at Crossroads and volunteer at least once a month. (We just joined our new church, and I really want to get connected in ways that will help us meet people and encourage us to grow in our faith!)

Well, that's quite a list of goals, so I think I will just work on tackling these first!!

While reading an interview on WOW (women on writing)'s blog, I came across a quote that inspired me:

"I suppose my greatest accomplishment is that I've stuck with it for decades without much real success in the way people usually think about writers and success." James Tipton

This is an encouragement for me to stick with writing no matter what and not to get so hung up over potential 'success', to enjoy becoming a better writer and love writing in itself.

The Bottle of Poverty and other poems

So early week classes have the uncanny effect in making you be creative and write more poems. Well, that happens in most of my classes. Here is a sampling of whats been going through my mind as I "learn" about Classical Greek and Roman history.

• The little boy was sorry he had lied
• For his papa was angry with a whip
• It hurt so much the boy silently cried
• But his papa was drunk and on a trip
•
• Running away from the angry man
• The boy tried to hide behind the curtains
• But his papa soon found him who ran
• And beat him again, lashing his shins
•
• “You piece of dirt! When will you learn?
• I didn’t raise you to be a lying shit!
• I’ll be ready as soon as you spurn
• Lie again, and your head’ll be hit!”
•
• Tears were rolling, but no sound came
• The boy had learned how to endure the pain
• His papa was sick, said his momma Jane
• It’ll be over soon, just a little game.
•
• But the boy knew better, he knew the facts
• His papa was keen to his shiny bottle
• It was his best friend, but truthfully a trap
• For with one sip his rage would throttle
•
• One day, as his papa was out
• The boy decided to leave home behind
• And a vagrant he became, like dirty grout
• Life was tougher but he couldn’t press rewind.
•
• And several years later, the boy now a man
• He returned, found his Momma, beaten to death
• Jane couldn’t find a way out of drinking papa’s land
• And so as her life ended, she was put to rest.
•
• Revenge in his heart clouded reason from view
• And the boy turned man hunted his father’s path
• But as he came upon the arm of papa’s brew
• No longer did he seek, for drink calmed his wrath.
•
• Sadly, the boy married a woman and had a son
• Who quickly learned about the abuse and liquor
• For as papa repeated the cycle of one
• His poor family became ever the sicker.
•
• What happened to the boy, happens every day
• Here in this city, where the poor families hide
• There’s a Jane, a beater having his play
• And a boy who is learning the waves of the tide.

And on a more lighthearted note, here's a poem about the WORM:

And inch by inch the little worm crawled
• Up the ladder and over the wall
• To his home he longed to go
• If only, if only he didn’t move so slow
•
• But when the worm had reached the top
• He decided to take a rest and stop
• From there he saw the world above
• On he looked from the height of a dove
•
• There were houses and trees and lots of birds
• The poor little worm was lost for words
• He had spend his life climbing this high
• It felt as if he had moved into the sky
•
• And just as the worm was looking about
• The ladder did fall and he gave a great shout
• He fell to the ground with a huge plop!
• And stir did he not as he fell from the top
•
• Oh the little worm who climbed so high
• How he thought he had reached the sky
• But now he lies, resting on the ground
• His dreams gone away just as they were found

Ok. I just realized that both of these poems have death in them, somewhat tragically too. It can't possibly be the fact that I feel dead in my class or that nature is in Hades waiting for Demeter to rescue her daughter or that its really really cold and lifeless outside or that I feel somewhat repressed during this season we call Winter but more closely resembles the underworld frozen over.