Christmas

I think this sums up Christmas for most everyone I know.



While I enjoyed it, I'm glad it's passed.

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End of an Era

Image via Wikipedia

As 2009 comes to a close, we're also closing the chapter on the first decade of the new millennium. This is also the last year of my life before I turn 30 in 2010.

So what have I accomplished since 2000? Here are a few things I can think of.

*Moved into my first apartment
*9/11 happened as I watched Good Morning America
*Fell in love
*Got a cat
*Got a puppy
*Cat died
*Became engaged
*Grieved with my future husband when he lost his mother
*Graduated from college
*Got married
*Began treatment for a weird eye disease
*Got a tattoo
*Read countless books
*Hired for my first after-college gig
*Landed my dream job
*Got my wisdom teeth removed
*Had my first surgery under general anesthesia
*Made new friends
*Became closer to my mom
*Took my first airplane ride
*Traveled to Europe...twice!
*Became debt-free
*Lived in Louisville for (almost) two years
*Lived in Chicago for two years
*Moved to Nashville
*Bought a house
*Finished 90% of a novel

What prompted this? Well, when I was 18 or 19 years old, I had this entire list of things in life I wanted to accomplish by the time I was 30. I'm quickly approaching 30, and while I haven't accomplished everything on the list, I have accomplished a lot. I recently kicked myself because I am not yet published and felt I had wasted a great deal of time. Looking at this list, maybe that time wasn't wasted after all.

Some Writing Questions

Katie Ganshert posted these questions on her blog, and I decided it might be fun to answer them as well. Here are my answers.

-----------------------------------------------

Tag - you're it! You're supposed to answer these questions and post them to your blog.

What's the last thing you wrote?

I wrote a scene in which my hero and his half-brother are planning the rescue of the hero's wife.

What's the first thing you wrote that you still have?

I have all of my original poetry from when I first began to dabble in writing at around the age of 15.

Write poetry?

I have been known to toy with poetry. And it wasn't half bad if I do say so myself.

Angsty poetry?

Absolutely. Is there any other kind?

Favorite genre of writing?

Romance, of course. More specifically, historical romance.

Most annoying character you've ever created?

I try not to create annoying characters. It cramps my style.

Best plot you've ever created?

The kidnapping plot I'm working on now. Can't give too much away, though, can I? You'll have to buy the book! :)

Coolest plot twist you've ever created?

My current heroine has an identical twin sister. There's more, but again, I can't give too much away.

How often do you get writer's block?

All the time. The solution for me is to put my rear end in the chair and work through it. Sometimes it's difficult to force the writing to come, but eventually, your motivation returns.

Write fan fiction?

Ick. No.

Do you type or write by hand?

I'm a typer now because it's faster, but when I first started writing, I was definitely a notebook kind of gal. And occasionally, I switch back to that because it changes up my method and creates new ideas.

Do you save everything you write?

Absolutely. I like to look back and see how far I've come.

Do you ever go back to an idea after you've abandoned it?

Nope.

What's your favorite thing you've ever written?

I honestly would say it's the story I'm working on now, The Stolen Lady.

What's everyone else's favorite story that you've written?

I don't let a lot of people read my work, but in my college days, it was definitely my poetry.

Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?

I'm writing a romance now. There aren't any teens, but there certainly is angst.

What's your favorite setting for your characters?

Regency England (1811-1820).

How many writing projects are you working on right now?

Just one.

Have you ever won an award for your writing?

Yes. I wrote an essay in high school that won me a week-long trip to Washington, D.C.

What are your five favorite words?

Essence. Delicious. Wicked. Serendipity. Peace.

What character have you created that is most like yourself?

My current heroine, Esme. She's bold, feisty, independent, and adventurous.

Where do you get ideas for your characters?

Anywhere and everywhere. I can mow the lawn, and an idea will come to me seemingly out of the blue. But usually, it's influenced by some event I've recently experienced.

Do you ever write based on your dreams?

I rarely remember my dreams, so no. I wish I was someone like Stephenie Meyer who dreams up a brilliant plot while she sleeps, but the truth is I only remember about 10% of my dreams.

Do you favor happy endings?

Certainly. After all, a romance isn't a romance without the happily ever after. Plus, it's just sort of nice to think that someone can have that perfect happy ending.

Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?

You're kidding, right? Of course! It lessens the need for editing and proofreading later in the process.

Does music help you write?

Sort of. It has to be the right music. It can't be just any music. I have a playlist on iTunes and my iPhone called "Love for Writing." Examples of the artists included are Bryan Adams, Faith Hill, David Archuleta, and Alison Krauss.

Quote something you've written. Whatever pops into your head.

"Esme peered around the corner toward the gent’s carriage. She had a clear view of the crest emblazoned on the side and had an inkling that he was no ordinary gent. But it wasn’t just the carriage. It was his whole demeanor…his posture, the fine cut of his clothing, and the air of confidence that seemed to sizzle in the air around him."

The Green-Eyed Monster

I've been thinking about this lately, and I think the way to define jealousy is wanting what someone else has but not not wishing her ill because she has it. Envy is wanting what someone else has and not wanting her to have it if you can't have it.

I'll admit I'm having pangs of jealousy lately. I'm getting incredibly close to finishing this book, and I'm paying more attention to the new book deals I see on my social networking sites. And no, these aren't book deals by bestselling authors. These are book deals by relative unknowns. It reminds me that I need to work that much harder at finishing my own book so that perhaps I can make a big announcement here or on my networking accounts.

Someone recently gave me a great piece of advice: use the jealousy to propel myself forward, put the butt in the chair, and write. Because at the end of the day, all that matters is what I can accomplish--not what someone else does. Still, it stings.

Moving on.

So...

This past weekend, I managed to write just over 2,000 words. Not bad, right? I've also managed to write about another 1,500 this week. That brings me to 73,000 words. The goal for my novel is a minimum of 85,000. I am sooooo close. And you know what? It scares me to death. I'm that much closer to doing revisions, rewrites, and queries. Yikes!

In other news, our company Christmas party was held this past Saturday, and it was--as usual--fantastic. In fact, Lampo Christmas parties have become rather legendary. I have to say I understand why. The evening was full of glittery dresses, delicious food, hilarious presentations, and generous gifts.

I'm also starting to think about our 2010 vacation. We're leaning toward the Florida Keys. I've never spent any time in Florida, so advice is welcome.

Because I'm getting so close to finishing my novel, I'm beginning to get questions about whether or not I intend to publish, will I celebrate, etc. The answer? Yes to all of it! I've worked so hard, and if I can publish this work of mine, I absolutely will. Ten years ago, I submitted queries and received positive responses. With ten years of life experience on me, I'm hoping I can pull it off again. In fact, I know I can. I have also been asked if I will use a pen name. Yes again. Part of my reasoning is privacy: for my family, for my friends, and for my coworkers. But I'll admit part of it is also vanity; my married name just isn't that interesting or unique. While my celebrity value won't be as high (hahaha), I still want to afford those around me a bit of protection. Silly? Maybe. But I'm careful like that.

Writing fun!

So I have this friend. Her name is Hayley, and she is funny, adorable, smart...and a great writer. She doesn't know it, but her blog is wickedly insightful and observant. I'm trying to convince her to start a book of some sort since she seems to be surrounded by writers. And she tells a great story. But she isn't convinced. Come on, y'all! Check out her blog. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Walking Her Home

A few weeks ago, we had the great privilege to listen to Mark Schultz in one of our company devotionals. He performed several songs that morning, but the one that sticks with me--the one that makes me cry every time I hear it--is "Walking Her Home." You see, Mark told a fantastic story behind this song, and because I know the story, the song means so much more.

In short, when Mark first moved to Nashville and was trying to start a music career, he moved in next door to an elderly couple who took care of him as if he were their son. They fed him, encouraged him, and generally made sure he was taking care of himself. As he got to know the couple, he learned their personal story. He promised himself that one day, he would write a song about them. If I remember correctly, the couple passed away before they heard the song, but he never forgot them, and this was his tribute.

Talent vs. Experience

Last night, as I was arranging my new writing room, I stumbled across some old papers and notebooks. The notebooks were filled with story ideas and pages from my first novel--the novel I wrote at 18 years old. Curious, I began pawing through the folders jumbled in with this stuff. Guess what I found?

Rejection letters and requests for a partial manuscript. And guess what I did when I was all of 19 years of age? I let it slide.

I literally sat down in the floor and cried for all the time I'd lost. It's been 10 full years now--almost to the day--and for the life of me, I can't figure out why I didn't continue to pursue it. I guess life got in the way...college, boyfriends, my first real job, marriage...the list continues. And while I know I didn't have any life experience at that point and I know my writing has greatly improved, I still can't help kicking myself for being a bit of a fool.

If I'd kept at it and continued to practice and hone my craft, where might I be with it right now? Would I be published? Would I have an agent? What would be different?

I suppose I can't play the "what if" game if I want to move forward, but it hurts a little. I think somewhere along the line, I sold myself short--telling myself I wouldn't make it so it wasn't worth it to pursue writing or publication. The one thing I can take away is this: If I could get an agent's attention at 19 years old--enough to ask for a partial manuscript--surely I can do it again at 29.

The funny thing is I have so much more support than I did back then. My mom was always skeptical, and my sister had her own writing dreams. So I was completely reliant on myself. Today, I have friends, a husband, and even coworkers rooting for my success. And yet I am as scared--if not more frightened--today as I was then.

The difference seems to be that at 19, I was naive enough to believe getting published couldn't be all that difficult and immersed myself in writing resources. At 29, I know better than to make such a bold assumption. Perhaps it would be beneficial if I could regain some of the 19-year old self's attitude again.

Kindle Giveaway!

If you're a heavy duty reader like me, you know how quickly the books can pile up. You also know how hard it is to wait for a new one to come in or trek to the bookstore during a spare moment. The Amazon Kindle is the solution.

Guess what? You can win one! The Bibliofreak blog is giving them away! Run over there now to find out how.

RWA 2010

While July still sounds like a long away away, it isn't.

I have 58 days left to meet my personal deadline: complete the first draft of my novel. Now, as I look at the number of actual days left on paper, it's daunting. I have 58 days to write approximately 18,000 more words. Life has been especially crazy-busy, but I am determined to meet my own goal.

Why do I keep mentioning July? I'm attending the national Romance Writers of America conference next summer here in Nashville, and I will have an opportunity to meet with other writers, publishing professionals, and literary agents. By next July (if not sooner), I need to have a completed manuscript--edits and all. I'm terrified.

Another writer who isn't local but who has become an online friend has offered to take an objective look at my work and begin offering critiques and edits. One reason I haven't had much success with others reading my work is because too often, other people are afraid to hurt my feelings. I understand. Who wants to hit you when you're already insecure about your work? But an objective, constructive critique can be the most helpful advice you can receive.

News flash: All writers are insecure about their work--to a degree. Part of it is what I like to refer to as "artist mentality." And part of it is not knowing when the "big break" is going to come. In my case, a "big break" would merely consist of interest by a publisher or agent at this point.

I'll admit it: I'm terrified of next summer and how I could stick my foot in my mouth (as I am so often wont to do). But I also have this antsy feeling that God has something great in store for me in the coming year. I'd be a fool not to acknowledge it and recognize that if God has a plan--and He always does--life can change in a moment.

Starstruck

Occasionally, I have a starstruck moment. It doesn't happen a lot these days since I'm surrounded by well-known authors I converse with on a frequent basis, and, of course, I work for Dave Ramsey. So imagine my delight when I discovered the Christmas research class I'm taking online is not only being taught by some very well-respected authors but is also being "attended" by yet another famous author: Sabrina Jeffries. Sabrina--like Teresa Medeiros and Eloisa James--is another New York Times bestselling author. I've known Teresa for quite some time--back to my beginning writer days. But it's quite a different experience when you randomly select a class to take for research purposes and discover that yet another famous writer is in your midst.

I'm not sure how to describe this feeling other than to say two years ago, I was still dreaming about this whole writing pursuit. A year ago, I was working my tail off to achieve it. Today, I'm still working my tail off to achieve it, but now I'm actively involved in writer organizations and interacting with people I used to only dream about discussing writing with. I'm inching ever closer to this publishing dream of mine.

Quick! Someone pinch me.

Retirement

No one wants to think about getting older, but reality is we're all going to. I just turned 29, and I realized I have very little in retirement savings. Why? Well, Will and I began getting out of debt shortly after we married, and I stopped my retirement contributions as Dave Ramsey recommends. At that point, I'd only been contributing 5% anyway since that was the employer match. And since I graduated at the age of 23 instead of 22, I really hadn't been contributing long. Now, here we are four years later, and my Roth IRA balance is rather pitiful.

It took two years to get out of debt, another year to save our emergency fund, and then we saved for another year for a house. I think this realization is bothering me more lately than it has in the past because as I approach 30, I'm no longer a carefree 20-something who can throw caution to the wind. I have to plan for my future because no one else is going to.

So...our goal is to restart our retirement savings in January. It's a little daunting since this means our cash flow each month is going to be reduced significantly. That's not to say we won't have extra moolah for fun stuff. It just means we're going to be more deliberate about our saving plan. It doesn't sound real exciting right now, but when I'm 60 and have a paid-for house with enough money in the bank to go anywhere in the world at almost any time, I'm sure we'll be patting ourselves on the back instead of waiting on our Social In-Security checks to come.

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Christmas Vacation

Cover via Amazon

It's that time of year again...you know. The Christmas movies start running on the networks in droves. This week, AMC is running National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation for five straight nights. The exploits and one-liners from Cousin Eddie never fail to make me giggle. And Clark's tirade toward the end of the movie when he doesn't get his Christmas bonus? Priceless. I have fits of laughter. It's the only Christmas movie we own on DVD. We watch it every year without fail.

Christmas just isn't Christmas without Christmas Vacation.

And this time of year, I compare everything to the Griswolds--especially Christmas lights. It amuses me that people turn decorating for Christmas into one gigantic competition. It's hard not to get caught up in it, but I laughed this past weekend when our neighbors were setting up their lights. They have everything from the Nativity to Santa Claus in their front yard. It's our own personal Griswold family.

I caught Will mentioning to his brother that maybe next year we can have everyone at our house to celebrate. Heh. I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Remember that scene in Christmas Vacation when the arriving family members ring the doorbell and they're already fighting? Yeah. That's our family. As Ellen says to Audrey in the kitchen, "I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery." I'm envisioning Cousin Eddie in my living room. *shudder*

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