Happy New Year!

My eight-year-old daughter said something to me the other day that really took me off guard.

“Mommy, I want to go skydiving.”

I have to admit that my first impulse was to tell her how unbelievably scary and dangerous it is to skydive. And how people get hurt or even die. And how one of my closest friends lost her husband in a skydiving accident. You’ve got to be kidding me if you think I’m letting my baby girl skydive. 

Seriously. Really.

Then I started to think about it. How beautiful and wonderful it is that this little eight year old girl is fearless and outgoing and amazing enough to even want to do something like that. At eight.

Seriously. Really.

So instead of saying what I really wanted to say, which was, “There is no way you are ever going to jump out of a plane! The. End!” I told her how proud I was of her being so courageous and how exciting it would be for her to do that. But yah, of course I added, “And even though it’s very scary and Mommy wouldn’t do it, I think it’s great you want to skydive, Sweetie.”

And then I started to think about how I need to be more like her when it comes to my writing. You know… fearless. I need to just grab a hold my story, clinch my teeth and jump.  Of course, I don’t have to jump without my parachute (which is the revision process that I’ll pull out eventually). 

So in honor of us all jumping into the new year, I’d love to know what makes you to “jump” into your writing process. What inspires you to pick up the pen or paintbrush and dive into your story?

Happy New Year to everyone and I wish you all a productive 2013!

Polish, Purpose and Pride

 Yesterday I pulled out the ugly, corroded silver dishware from my china hutch: a plate and large serving tray from my husband’s mother and a gravy boat and saucer from my mother.  Horribly tarnished and gray, they weren’t much to look at. And although I’ve always known that there is something more, deep underneath the tarnished layer of nasty, sadly, I’ve never used any of them.

Of course, it’s understandable that we haven’t used the silver from my mother-in-law. It was passed down to my husband only a few months ago when his mother died. But the gravy boat, on the other hand, the one that’s been in my family for four generations, the one that was passed down to me by my mother ten years ago when she died, should have had more attention by now. I’ve never used it. Ever. It’s just sat there on a shelf in the hutch.

 

As I pulled out these prized, yet dull and stained dishes, I reached for the silver polish too.  I mean, they deserve it, especially this year. The dishes deserve to be more than just a tarnished thing of the past. I sat on my back deck, clouds overhead. I reached for a rag, scooped up some polish and began to work on one piece at a time, one corner at a time, and one detail at a time. I paid special attention to the areas that had been neglected for so long. Little by little, I could see what began to reveal itself as my reflection. And as the sun began to break through the clouds, my reflection became clearer and the brilliance of something special began to show itself. It shined with a clarity that I hadn’t imagined. It was beautiful. The kind of Beautiful that has purpose and pride.

 

So as the New Year’s season comes upon us and the thought of revisions and revival arise, I’m reminded that those stories from the past that look ugly and tarnished, may very well need some extra polish and scrubbing, especially in those areas of fine detail. And who knows, perhaps something stunning will emerge with purpose and pride, just as the fine silver dishes will tonight as they present the most sparkly Christmas Eve dinner ever.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy revising to you all.

 

 

*Cheers*

Jenni's NEW Critique Service

I'm super excited to announce that I'm now offering a critique service for children's writers. 

Critiques include an in-depth overall look and a detailed line-by-line analysis of your picture book manuscript (or 10 pages of a longer work).  I'll point out strengths and weaknesses of plot and evaluate your use of character, setting, and voice.

Let's face it, getting a picture book published is tough enough, but for those who write in rhyme, it can be even more challenging.   Your rhythm and rhyme must be...

P-E-R-F-E-C-T! 

I can help you polish to perfection by pointing out areas where you can tighten your manuscript.

Here's what people are saying about Jenni's critiques...


“Jenni gives thoughtful and insightful critiques, thoroughly, line by line. She has an innate ability to offer helpful and useful suggestions and a keen ear for rhyme, to help bring a story full circle, chocked full of fabulous ideas.” - Brenda Sturgis

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"Jenni's Critiques are thoughtful, thorough, and encouraging. She never fails to offer plenty of useful food for thought to help take a manuscript to the next level." - Diana Murray

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“It was a treat to read Jenni’s critiques of my picture book stories. It’s maybe because of her honest and supportive way of giving comments, sprinkled with a dash of good humor. But one thing is for sure—Her suggestions always help advance the story.” - Anne Speirs

***

"Jenni's critiques provided the clarity I needed to move my story forward. She addressed my theme, plot, arc, and word count with honest, helpful comments. She is excellent at suggestions for the rhythmic language necessary for memorable picture books." - Penny Klostermann

In order to celebrate the "grand opening" of my new critique service I'm offering special pricing for a limited time only:

• $25 for Picture Books (up to 1000 words)
• $25 for Chapter Books, Middle Grade or Young Adult (10 pages, double spaced)
• $15 for a second critique of the same manuscript (or 10 pages) if you have implemented my suggestions within your revision.  

CONTACT ME with questions or reserve your critique spot now through PayPal at the link below.  You will receive a confirmation email after payment has been received. Submission instructions will be enclosed. Please be sure to select the correct drop-down option when making your payment.

Select One

Critique - PB $25.00 USD Critique - MG/YA $25.00 USD 2nd Critique of Revised MS $15.00 USD

Mind Sponge and Playtime

As you can tell, I've been on quite a long blogging hiatus. Typically I'd be pretty regretful that it's been about three months since my last post, but I'm not. In September I enrolled in a local college creative writing course that called for an original short story per week. And since I crave deadlines I had quite an exciting and productive time with it. I learned a lot about the writing process and I even walked out of the class with several short stories, including two I consider rough draft chapters of a new middle grade manuscript WIP. Yay me!!

Now that the class is over, I've started dabbling in painting. Most picture book writers think in pictures, or at least I do, so I am excited to be jumping in with both feet. It's been a dream of mine for a long time now. One thing that most people don't know about me is that before I chose to pursue my Marketing degree, I started out as an Art major. I did mostly 2D and graphic design stuff before switching my major, so drawing and painting animals and people are pretty new to me. I'm having a really fun time playing around with watercolors. Who knows, maybe some day I'll be good enough to illustrate my own books.

Here's my first try at painting, using two of Pat Schories' characters from her book Biscuit Wants to Play.

As for blogging, I haven't forgotten about all those workshop and conference updates I promised. More SCBWI Summer Conference recaps to come very soon.

It Takes a Village

With all the contest & grant excitement I’ve had over the past few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about the remarkable community in the children’s book industry and the support I’ve received throughout my short 2-year writing journey so far.

I’d like to share some places to go for networking. As a new writer or illustrator, you might not know about the vast village of resources there are. There are more networking resources, but here are a few of my favorites:

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
The SCBWI is an amazing group of industry professionals and aspiring writers and illustrators. This is a fellowship that I can attest first hand, invites “newbies” in and embraces us with inspiration, encouragement, and resources.

In addition to the endless resources on the website, they offer continuous meetings and conferences throughout the year, both locally and nationally (and internationally). For those who have polished their work-in-progress manuscript(s), there are contests and grants available. I am extremely grateful to have been added to the talented group of grant winners this year. Read about my Barbara Karlin Runner-Up Grant HERE and my Writer's Day contest win HERE.

For any new children’s writer or illustrator, I highly recommend that you make joining the SCBWI a top priority. Then, get involved with your local SCBWI chapter through their on-line list serve in order to keep up with your local SCBWI community. You’ll hear about local events and have an opportunity to connect with people in your area who can offer you support.

Verla Kay’s Message “Blue Board”
This message board is an endless resource to answer your questions about the children’s book industry. It’s a place that you’ll quickly realize that you aren’t in this thing alone. People all over the globe are going through the same things you are (or have previously).

This amazing network of industry professionals and aspiring writers and illustrators are here to help and offer encouragement throughout your journey, whether you have never been published or have published 1000 books.

The Children’s Writers Yahoo Group
This was the first Children’s Writer’s community I joined and it was through this group that I learned about the SCBWI. This list serve group has almost 3000 members.

Like Verla’s message board, it’s a place where you can choose to be a fly on the wall or you can ask children’s writing/book related questions that will be addressed by veterans who are established in the industry. You can make new friends, find a critique group, and learn just about anything about the industry. You can also share the woes of rejection or the celebration of reaching goals with those who understand exactly what you are going through.

****

If you're familiar with one or more of these groups, please leave a comment and let us know about your experience and how networking has helped you. If you’re new to the children’s book industry, check out the sites and let me know what you think.

Enjoy the journey!

A Writer's World

Time has a way of ticking by quickly, especially when it comes to neglecting my blog readers!!! (Jenni is hanging her head in shame.)

The good news about neglecting my blog is that it usually means I'm working on other writing projects. And this is no exception. Lots has been happening in my writer's world and here are a few of the most notable happenings over the past couple of months:

#1 - I registered for the SCBWI Summer Conference. This will be my second year - YAY! The premium picture book workshop taught by Diane Muldrow filled up only hours after registration opened. I'm on the waiting list... so fingers crossed!

#2 - I queried and submitted exclusively to an agent and six weeks later, received the most amazing rejection. And that's all I'll say about that. (Jenni is grinning, because she doesn't like to share details about stuff like this, but will some day when she's rich and famous.)

#3 - I submitted my award winning picture book manuscript, Starry Kalahari, to a choice editor... fingers and eyeballs crossed that they LOVE it!

#4 - I've spent time tightening up several "almost finished" manuscripts and developing others that are first drafts. (Jenni is an A.D.D. writer, so it's typical for her to work on several projects at once. In fact, since starting this blog post, she's checked emails, facebook, and started a word processing document.)

#5 - I pulled a muscle in my back last week, so I've been babying it with heating pads and such. Hey, whatever it takes to get out of doing a few dishes and laundry, right?

#6 - I've lost a critique group facilitator, pouted about it, and accepted a unanimous nomination and vote to step up as the group facilitator. This is a HUGE honor, considering the talented writers we have.

and...

#7 - I worked this week on narrowing down my schedule of sessions I'll be attending at the Summer Conference.  For those of you who have attended before, you know how difficult this can be, given the caliber of speakers. Additionally, I noticed that two of the closed houses I'm interested in subbing to will have representatives attending. (Jenni is going to walk through ALL the open doors she gets, but knows she must first knock... and wait... and smile, real cute-like when the door opens.)

So that's that. I'll keep you all posted on my submission process. Until then, HAPPY WRITING!

I Took the Plunge

After two years of writing and finding my voice, I'm ready to find an agent and launch my writing career.  Starry Kalahari not only won a local SCBWI award, it also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from some extremely successfully published picture book writers whom I trust.

Thus, the search begins.  My agent search actually began last year (you can read about it here) but I didn't feel the timing was right until now. A query and submission went out almost three weeks ago and I'm on pins and needles waiting to hear back.

Stay tuned... Until then, happy writing!!!

P.S. HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! You can read last year's post Remembering Our Fallen Heroes here.

NaPiBoWriWee 2010

National Picture Book Writing Week is almost here! We Pibo’s affectionately call it NaPiBoWriWee. Paula Yoo is posting an inspirational blog every day in April to get us geared up for May 1-7, when we’ll attempt to write seven picture books in seven days.

I’m extremely honored to be featured as a guest blogger on her site today. You can read it here where I discuss the role that NaPiBoWriWee 2009 played in my inspiration to write my award winning manuscript, Starry Kalahari.

For a quick giggle, take a look at the silly poem I wrote for Paula last year after I achieved my seven picture book goal at NaPiBoWriWee 2009, HEY, PAULA YOO.

I'm a Dot Com!!!

I'm so excited!

My very own website is on its way...

That's right!

www.JenniBielicki.com

is under construction and coming soon!!!

Stay tuned...

Revisions... Revisions... Revisions...

Well, after almost ten months of work, I think my little piano buddy is almost there.

I spent two hours last night and tightened up a few things, including my ending. Man, oh man, endings are tough! But the satisfaction you get when you've knocked the ball out of the ballpark is sensational!!! I'm not there yet, but I know I will be soon... I can almost hear it... It sounds almost like a piano recital dedicated to success and achievement after a lot of hard work... YAY!

(photo by Chris Canipe on flickr)

One Year and Counting

I’m encouraged. It's been a good year for writing!

I currently have one picture book that launched out into editor’s land in August, another picture book going back out into editor's land this week, and still another story that is in the ‘fine-tuning’ process that will go out by the end of the year. Of course, just as most picture book writers, this is all in addition to the many stories waiting in line to be revised and fine-tuned.

All this writing puts an extra big smile on my face because this month marks my one year anniversary of writing picture books. Although I began my official “writing for children” career decision a year and half ago when I started writing chapter books, my deepest heart’s desire was propelled when that 200-word story about confidence and individuality was born. I realized the desire to encourage and teach children to love themselves and the world around them was deeply imbedded in my soul. When my passion for writing and that desire finally met, my fate was defined!

All those years of writing was about writing for me. Although I wrote poetry for others, I mostly did it because it felt good. Then I realized that writing is not only artistic (a platform for expression), but it also provides a service to the reader. By working hard to put my words in the hands of children, I serve their passions, their desires, and their hunger for living, learning and loving. The thought of placing a smile on the face of a child through my words fills me with an overwhelming delight... The kind of delight that drives me... The kind of delight that makes me want to be better... The kind of delight that says, “You CAN do it and you WILL do it!”

Here’s to a year of writing for kids. Here’s to a year of Bee Historic. And from my heart to yours, here’s to a year of sharing my passion for writing with you!

(photo by dotbenjamine)

Cause for CELEBRATION!

That’s right! I have something exciting to share!!!

No... I haven’t signed my first book contract... Not YET! What is so exciting, you ask? Well, I’ve received my very first manuscript rejection. Okay, okay... So I’m not that excited about the ‘rejection’ part. But I am excited about the ‘first’ part.

I am excited that I received a personal rejection. I’m excited that this is the first of many in my career. Why am I looking forward to getting many rejections? Well, truth be told, I’m not looking forward to the rejections themselves. Instead, I'm looking forward to what comes at the end of the line of rejections... The YES! What I am looking forward to is finding the right editors and publishers for my books.

I’m excited to be earning my title; AUTHOR. I’m excited about the growth I’ve had and the growth, yet to come! I’m excited to be working hard at reaching children’s hearts and minds everywhere. I’m excited about, the dream, the goal, and the determination it takes to reach into the future and hold on with everything I’ve got in me. I'm excited about not giving up.

And in addition to all that excitement... I'm excited about getting a lot of chocolate tonight and snuggling up with my favorite blankie as I eat the whole box!!!

Painting Words

Some artists begin a project with an initial vision, focus on a central point and then add the background, foreground, and all the tiny details. Other artists capture a detailed image in their mind’s eye and paint it just as they see it. But no matter how the artist is inspired and no matter how they choose to interpret the information they are transferring onto the canvas, the precise choice of paint and the technique in which they apply it makes all the difference in the world.

Paint is to the process of painting just as words are to writing. An artist must choose the colors of paint, just as a writer must choose words. Artists mix paint. Writers mix words into phrases. Artists blend, shade and highlight on a canvas. Writers sing rhythm and emotion onto paper.

When I sit down to write something new, I may have a title, a phrase, or only an idea that floats around my brain. The more I write, the more I understand that writing is like painting words.

Now, let’s go paint some more words!

Photos by See-Ming Lee and Webgrl at www.Flickr.com

Critiquing Is Writing?!!!

I've been on a writing hiatus for the past couple of months. Errr... Or have I???

I haven't posted on my blog, or spent much "sitting and writing" time and I haven't submitted anything to publishers since August. On the other hand, I've joined a new critique group and have been critiquing some amazing manuscripts for the past two months. Additionally, I have critique partners and have critiqued for a few of them.

I started thinking... Writing is not only about typing or using a pen and paper. Sometimes writing is about learning. Reading articles, studying background for my story, and doing critiques of others' work is certainly part of the writing process.

With that said, I spent some much needed time with my pen and paper yesterday and it sure felt great! I worked on revising my "desert story" and I'm encouraged to finish it up by the end of October so I can submit it.

And hey, I'm writing on my blog for the first time in a couple of months, too.

YAY ME! I’m on a ROLL!

Patience is a Virtue

Merriam-Webster defines patience as the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient.

Let’s face it. Being patient is hard for everyone. Some fake it better than others, but it can be quite challenging for all of us at one time or another.

How does this apply to writing? Well, if I’ve learned anything this year, I’ve learned that writers play one of the hardest waiting games in the world....

You wait to get an idea... You wait to write it perfectly... You wait for feedback... You wait to revise it perfectly... You wait for more feedback... and more revisions... You wait to find a publisher/agent who might like it.... You wait to find out what they require in order for you to send it to them... You wait to hear back... You wait to open the email or envelope to see “NO”... Thus... the cycle begins again (hopefully skipping the idea part because you really believe in your story).

Hmmm.... Patience. What a virtue!

As for my publishing process, it is still... well... processing. It’s just that I’ve run about on several rabbit trails.

Rabbit trail #1:
Before beginning my publishing house search, I actually started an agent search. This was inspired by my SCBWI Agents Day (which I still owe you a part 2 post for). Although I didn’t feel the agents present were the best fit for me right now, it did give me a peek into the role of an agent and how cool and real agents can be.

I researched, studied, read, drank coffee, studied, researched, drank more coffee and read some more. After several weeks of agent searching, I came to a point where I absolutely fell in love with a specific agent... Well, I fell in love with his WORK as an agent, of course. After reading every interview with him I could find, I’ve concluded that he stands for everything I want my career to reflect. He knows the market for the niche industry I write in and loves his work. One thing that he often says to new writers is to be patient and not rush the process. Every publisher is not for every book and every agent is not for every author’s career.

Knowing this, I am sitting patiently...

Rabbit trail #2:
About a month ago I started the first few lines of another project that grabbed hold of my heart. Of course, my heart is singing in verse lately, so it came in rhyme. It took a while to catch up with the voice of those first lines, but once I did, it once more took a hold of my heart. I just finished it this week. Since it is a non-fiction piece about Africa, I had to do lots of research along the way. The story is only about 250 words, but the facts that support the story are over 400 words.

Yesterday, I sent it off for a critique from the lovely picture book author, Kristy Dempsey. I took 'the dare' and won a critique auctions on Cynthea Liu’s website which raised money for school supplies and books for some amazing kids in Oklahoma.

I believe with every stretch, an athlete is better able to reach further for her highest potential. Writers aren't any different. With every project, good and bad, I’m stretching my ability and learning more. Instead of setting my goals at being rich and famous (which few writers are), being MY BEST is my goal. I shoot for today’s best, then tomorrow’s best, then next year’s best, and on and on, day by day and year by year. I'm in this for the long haul, however long it takes.

Patience... It really is a virtue.



(photos by Mauspray, Lucas Janin, Oshi, and Donjdz at flickr.com)

My Publishing Process: The Journey Continues

Now that the kids are out of school it seems that things haven't really slowed down much. I spent three hours at the car dealer Tuesday, ventured to the beach to support a school fundraiser on Wednesday, attended a summer PTO board meeting (I blinked and found myself as next year's PTO secretary) on Thursday, spent one entire day doing critiques for my local group, HB Critters, and revising a picture book on Friday... and then went to the meeting last night. Whew! What a week!

Meanwhile, in the crevices of my spare time, I've managed to narrow my sights on two publishers that are "for sure" submissions. One publisher printed a book that I connected with so well, that I ordered the book on Amazon that morning, after only hearing only one stanza. Iggy Peck, Architect is one of the most gifted picture books I've ever read. Not only did I connect with it, it challenged me to want to write more and better. After emailing Andrea to let her know about my discovery, she so graciously shared with me some of her favorite authors. The next day, I quickly packed up my three kids and was off to the library. I came home with eighteen picture books of my own... besides what the kids picked out. I learned that Lisa Wheeler is one of my new heroes. Just as Iggy Peck challenged me, I found myself in the middle of the library reading Lisa's Sixteen Cows, and with tears in my eyes I realizing that there are others out there who speak my language; the language of word play in rhyme! Mathematically arranged in perfect meter and rhyme, I've found my new text books... and it's back to college for me!

Since most publishers ask picture book writers to submit the entire manuscript with a cover letter, I didn't anticipate having to do a query for this book. Then, I realized that one of the two publishers I've decided to sub to requires a query before submitting. As a perfectionist, summing up my picture book in one page terrifies me. How can I sum up a 580 word rhyming picture book in one page without just telling the whole story? Thus, another adventure... query crafting research.

I still have several publishers to look into, so I'm not done with the research and narrowing process yet. As my file box sits filled with folders at my feet, neatly organized alphabetically by publishing house, I realize that this writing thing is much more than just... well... writing. The writing business is much more in depth than I'd ever imagined. Thankfully, I love a challenge and the process of learning!

And speaking of... I'm doubly thankful that I have a wonderful friend and mentor in Brenda Sturgis, an award winning author and poet. She's taken me under her talented wing and is molding me into a best seller... Yay Brenda! Thank you - Thank you... a thousand times, thank you!!!!

Now, I'm off to the beautiful Huntington Beach sand, where we'll do important things like laugh, eat hot dogs and get sand in places I won't mention here.

Thanks for sharing my journey,

Jenni

(Photo by NinaOA)

The Publishing Process of My First Manuscript

I’ve been on blogging hiatus lately (as you all know). The good news is that I’ve been using my time wisely. In addition to the kids’ active last week of school (which ends next Wednesday – woo hoo!) and all the other super fast-paced things us mommies do, I’ve been working hard at researching publishing houses to submit my first manuscript to.

You might think, “What’s the big deal? Just look up the biggest and best children’s industry publishers and send it out!” or, “Send it to them all.” But the truth is, that is what many writers do and THAT is why the “slush piles” at the publishing houses are so big. The manuscript must fit with not only the publisher, but the editor to a ‘T’.

Since I’ve finished my 680 word manuscript after volumes and volumes of revisions and critiques, here is a quick recap of what I’ve been working on:

I began searching for publishers that would represent my picture book perfectly... This is when the real work began. I thought the writing was the work... That was actually the FUN part! Let’s just say it’s a fortunate thing that I happen to love research. This is certainly no quick and easy task.

I began this process by checking the publishers section of my CWIM (Children’s Writer’s & Illustrators Market) and checking at a glance if they appear to be a good fit for my story (Do they do picture books? Are they accepting manuscripts? Do you have to have an agent to sub? etc...). Additionally, I checked the publishers of some of my favorite picture books.

I’m currently at about forty publishers (or so) who have made the first cut. My goal is to get down to about 5 or so (give or take) who I feel could FALL IN LOVE with my protagonist and his amazing journey... oh, and all those other amusing characters surrounding him.

How do I do that? I have to do an in-depth research of each publisher. First, I have to see which ones have printed picture books similar to mine. They don’t have to have the same story line... and none will, but they do need to represent funny rhyming picture books told in amazingly perfect rhyme and meter, just like mine!

***grin***

I’ll do my best to keep you up to date with my researching process and all that it entails.

Still coming in the near future...
Leaving a Legacy of Love (part 3)
Agent’s Day Recap (Part 2)

Until then... happy reading and writing!

Sincerely,

Jenni Bielicki

(photos by Ron Caglia and tassiesim on www.flickr.com)

I DID IT!!!

Yes, that's right! I actually wrote seven picture books (first drafts) in seven days. Some are absolutely adorably hillarious... and then... well, there's the rest that helped me reach my goal.

In fact, I only had two of them completed by the start of today, day seven. Yep, that means I wrote four and a half complet first drafts today. Whew!

Most of all, I learned I CAN DO IT!!! I posted this poem on Paula's web site as a 'thank you' for organizing the National Picture Book Writers Week (NaPiBoWriWee). She's totally rockin'!!!! You guys should definately keep up with her blog! She's so funny!!!

Photo by Jeremy Brooks

Hey, Paula Yoo!
by Jenni Bielicki

Hey, Paula Yoo!
It’s really true!
I can’t believe my drafts are through!

Your blog was revin’!
A writer’s heaven!
You helped me write my books – Yeah! SEVEN!!!!

With blogging shots
from your guest spots,
we all pressed in and found our plots.

We laughed and cried.
With you, our guide.
Encouraged now, we’ll write with pride.

We learned to snack
and keep on track
‘cause Donna’s surely got our back.

NaPiBo’s – WOW!
We all learned how
to get through seven book drafts now!

I made some friends
with lots of pens.
Let’s meet up when the summer ends.

We had some fun.
But now we’re done.
Oh wait, the work has just begun.

Until next year...
We’ll have no fear...
Because it’s fourteen days, I hear!

The real surprise...
Who wins that prize?
But ‘till we find out, let’s REVISE!

Back to the Drawing Board

How exciting! I've received several critiques of my story, Johannes and the Jades, and now I'm going back to the ol' drawing board. I'm so encouraged that I've received so much feedback. I found out many ways I can improve it that I had no idea about before entering it for critique.

It's time to get out my highlighter, eraser and pencil while I rethink, rework, and re-stimulate my creativity. Ready... Set... Go!

(photo by dweebydude5 at www.flickr.com)

Getting Out of the Box

I’m ready to get out of my comfy, little, warm box! My box is where I’m safe from failure and I don’t have to deal with fear. The problem with my box is there is no room for risk and risk is the only way to get what I want.

Without risk, there is no possibility for triumph. Risk is what produces glorious achievement. When there is no risk, there is no room for growth. If I want the triumphant achievement of growing, I’ve got to take risk. The challenge is; if there is no risk in my comfy, little, warm box, I’ve got to get out of the box.

Writing stories and sharing them with my friends and family is a safe place to be. They all love me and want me to feel good about my writing. Therefore, whatever writing endeavors I reveal to them, they will love and support me. They’ll see the good through the bad and pat me on my back as they tell me how wonderful of a writer I am. The only problem with this is the lack of constructive criticism. Although I get warm and fuzzy feelings when I receive their kudos, I sit stuck in the same old comfy box; unchanged and unchallenged.

In order to grow in my writing, I need to hear the good, the bad, and especially, the ugly! How else am I to improve if I don’t know what needs to be improved? So, I’m stepping out of my box into the unknown. I’m dealing with the fear of failure by looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to having my work critiqued by other writers and reaching that moment when I have the opportunity to learn from my mistakes. After all, it’s our mistakes that teach us the most in life, isn’t it?

(photo by orangecrazy at www.flickr.com)