Thanks. I needed that.

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Debra

We’re all friends here, right? Because I’m about to share a little bit of patheticism with you. (And no, it’s not that I sometimes make up my own words.)

No, my confession is that I’m getting a little antsy for some good news from the editor’s desk. Any of the eight editors I’ve submitted work to in the last two months would suit me fine. See, I like to think that I’ve learned a lot in the past year. I like to think I’ve grown and that bit by bit the writing will come easier and be better. As in, be really, really awesome.  Maybe win an award or two.

So I’ve been checking my email several times a day. I tell myself not to expect anything, but then I’m disappointed when it’s not there. It has occurred to me that perhaps I haven’t come so far after all. Not because there are no acceptances, but because I’m letting myself feel down about it.

So the cold hard truth this Friday night happens to be that I’m not such a mature writer after all. I still want to hear “Hey! This is good!” once in a while. So when my 12 year old daughter read my newest chapter and said, “I loved it! It was really good!”, I couldn’t help it. I felt really excited that she liked it. So instead of thinking, Well, she has to say that. I’m her Mom or Maybe she’s just telling me what I want to hear, I just smiled, and said,

“Thanks, Katie. I needed that!”

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Lights Out!

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Debra

A few nights ago we were at the table finishing up our dinner of sloppy joe bake and cooked carrots when the electricity went out.

“Yaaaayyyyy!” yelled the kids.

The lights blinked back on and illuminated their disappointment.  ”Awwwwww….”

It would’ve been funny if the lights stayed on, but a few more flickers and the house was pitch black for the next three hours. Never has dinner clean up been so much fun – or gone so fast. It’s hard to wipe the spilled milk and spaghetti sauce if you can’t see it. Most likely, Indy did more cleaning than anyone else.

Then, because I haven’t warmed up since my trip to Wisconsin last week, I insisted on a fire. So while the wind howled outside and the rest of us scurried to find flashlights and candles, Nathanael built a blazing fire.

In my house a fire means one thing: Story time. The kids pulled blankets around their shoulders and settled into their favorite nooks and crannies. Daniel warmed bare feet at the hearth. Katie curled up on the couch with her knitting needles. Mark nestled against Nathanael’s chest. They all looked at me, and waited.

To be truthful, my stories aren’t that good. I’m telling these things on the fly and that’s hard for me to do when I’m used to critiquing and editing my “real” stories to death. But on Saturday night I realized that the unexpected always brings a bit of magic to the heart of a child. They don’t care if it’s perfect, if there’s a story arc, or even if it ends happily ever after. It’s enough to spend 30 minutes in a world – any world- of make believe.

At bedtime, the lights were still out, so everyone camped out in the living room.  Daniel burrowed beneath his covers with a happy sigh. “This is the best night ever!” he said. I knew the kitchen was going to look pretty ugly in the light of day, but at that moment I had to agree with my son. In a day and age where we’re always “plugged in” it was a rare blessing to get back to basics and find simple joy in spending time as a family. No distractions. No interruptions. Just the reminder of how exciting life can be through the eyes of a child.

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Things to Love in February

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Debra

Oh, there’s so much to love in February, like the chance to jet up to frigid Wisconsin to see my sister play varsity basketball. (Okay, maybe I didn’t exactly love the frigid part – and everyone kept telling me it was warm for that time of year. But I did love seeing Hannah score 22 points  the first night I was there.)

When I wasn’t watching Hannah, or taking a nap, I was loving time with the rest of the family. And I have a BIG family. Which means there’s lots to love.

I did manage to read “Divergent” by Veronica Roth while I was away, too. Miss Cathy C. Hall was right again. This is a book to love. I can’t wait for the sequel!

After a week of living it up and loving it, who wouldn’t love to come home? I missed everyone back at the ranch and was excited to come home to hugs and kisses. I could’ve done without the smelly, moldy eggplant disaster that welcomed me from the kitchen, but the rest of the house was in fairly good shape. Especially the rooms with my favorite little people in them.

But wait. There’s one more thing to love in February. Maybe you’ve already noticed it. A new, custom-made header here at DebraMayhew.com. Many thanks to my Katherine for designing this beautiful work of art for the month of February. I (you guessed it) LOVE it! Don’t forget to check out the “header art” tab for more information on the artists who share their work here.

Happy February, everyone. May your month be filled with lots of love, chocolate, and good books!

 

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Uh Oh…

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Debra

I’m having one of those I’m-such-an-idiot moments. I just sent out a submission and addressed the letter to “Dear Editor…” That might not sound so bad, except I knew the editor’s name – how to spell it correctly and everything. Mistakes like this shout, “Look at my writing and accept it. It’s so great I don’t even have to do my research. Go ahead. Publish it and cut me a check.”

Of course, that’s not what I think. I meant it when I told “Dear Editor” I would be honored if my submission found a place in her publication. I hope that message comes across as loud and clear as my bumbling error. It just goes to show how important market research is, as my friend Cathy said here. You can’t afford not to.

In an ironic twist, I got an email today about a new magazine. There is Hope Magazine is accepting articles on how everyday people “overcome obstacles” and “achieve victory” in their personal lives. Contest deadline is March 1st.

I don’t think I’ll write anything about this week’s Uh Oh, though I will remember it next time I submit. Still, there’s lots of hope out there and I just might have some to share with this contest. Chances are, you might to.

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True Confessions of an Ignoramus

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Debra

What I’m about to tell you isn’t going to be easy, so I’m just going to rip the band-aid off.

I used to think picture books were easy to write.

You’ll likely have one of two reactions to that sentence.
You’ll either chuckle and admit, “I used to think that, too.”
Or you’ll shrug and say, “Well, aren’t they easy?”

When I got serious about writing a few years ago, I figured picture books were an “easy in”.  I’d read enough to know my ideas were just as good, if not better, than what was already out there.  And hey, I’d even write the thing in rhyme to sweeten the deal. As a formality, I took my first manuscript to my critique group.  I knew they would read it, struggle to find something wrong with it, then finally shower me with accolades of praise. Maybe even ask for my autograph. I mean, come on, my mom thought it was brilliant and she oughta know brilliant. She raised me, didn’t she?

Um, yeah.*cough cough* Critique wasn’t the Debra-is-a-genius ceremony I’d imagined. They (rightfully so) found lots and lots wrong with it. It turns out, picture books are incredibly difficult to write. I know authors who won’t even attempt a picture book because it’s “too hard.” (And P.S. Editors are sick of rhyming!)

When I look back and see how far off the mark I was, I’m mortified to admit I thought I was hitting a bulls eye. But it’s never too late. I was serious about being serious. A smart writer will learn from her mistakes (once the embarrassment subsides). Picture books continue to fascinate, intrigue, and entertain me. Out of love and respect for the perfectly told story, I plan to work on my craft as much as I can.

A great way to do this is to sign up for the Picture Book Marathon. The rules are simple. For the month of February, you write one picture book a day. Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. And for Pete’s sake, don’t submit any of them come March 1st. One day is not enough to polish and shine it to perfection. At the end of the month, you’ll have 26 rough drafts to work with, and I do mean rough. But if you work with them, and work, and work, and work, you might have ONE decent manuscript to submit some time around 2025.

Sounds easy enough. Right?

 

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Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Debra

The clock is ticking and the minutes are piling up into hours. My free day – my writing day – is slipping by, and so far, I have nothing to show for it. All week long I look forward to this day. A day when the week-long video game ban is lifted, the husband is busy is his office, and the house is clean. For Pete’s sake, even the dog is being quiet! I can’t afford a bad case of writer’s block at a time as perfect for writing as this.

Tell that to my creativity. So far all I’ve got cooking is an essay on “Why We Don’t Shoot Rubber Bands At The Table,” inspired by Nathanael’s aim and Luke’s left eyeball. Something tells me this isn’t exactly Highlights material.

Speaking of Highlights, the clock is tick-tocking toward the January 31st deadline for their annual Fiction Contest. If you haven’t already seen this, click here for contest rules. The competition is stiff for this one, but the prize is fantastic. You could probably get a great start on it this weekend, unless of course you’re also a little “blocked up.” (You know what I mean!)

As for today, I’m not quite willing to admit defeat so I stopped by Creative Writing Prompts in the hopes that I could stir the waters of inspiration. What floated to the surface was prompt #58 – “A drunk man sits next to you in a bar, thinks you’re his buddy and starts confessing “the truth.” Write about what “the truth” is.”

This idea really intrigues me. At the same time, it bothers me because it’s not a children’s story. So maybe I’ll change the setting to a street side lemonade stand and a kid who’s high on sugar. Then again, maybe I’ll just write the original prompt, be thankful I wrote something, and call it a day.

P.S. How do you deal with writer’s block, especially when a deadline is approaching? If you have a secret formula, I’ll pay you for it (with cookies).

 

 

 

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Everybody Needs a Louie

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Debra

Stop reading.

Seriously. Stop reading and look up at my beautiful new header. Stare. Study. Soak it up. Notice every detail. Trust me, it’s fun, and I should know. I’ve spent a good portion of my day doing just that. There aren’t enough adjectives in this world to describe how excited I was to find this beautiful art work waiting for me in my inbox. After that, my day can be summed up in three words: Click. Sigh. Smile.

Many of you already know my sister Elizabeth (a.k.a. Louie) is a talented artist. What you may not know is that she is the kindest, most giving person on the planet. She’s always concerned for others and lives her life as an act of service to those around her. She did that amazing  art work for my header (go ahead, look again), and then thanked me for letting her do it. No wonder our Grandpa used to call her “Sweet Lou.”

I plan to feature a new header each month and share more of her wonderful work. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do, and if you do, please leave your thoughts in a comment for her to see. I’m so blessed to have Louie in my life. If you need a Louie (and chances are you do), send her a note.

Then sit back, and prepare to be amazed!

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Be the Heroine

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Debra

The white business sized envelope was addressed to me. It arrived the week before Christmas stamped with the words: Official Jury Summons. Call me crazy, but I felt a thrill of excitement at the sight.

Most people dread being called up for jury duty. I’m not one of them. I actually look forward to it, and not for the reason you might think. Sure, it means a day surrounded by adults instead of bickering children and I’d be lying if I said that didn’t appeal to me. And I’ll admit that the thought of sitting in a chair and reading to pass the time has me shivering with anticipation. There are definitely worse ways to spend a few days.

But the real reason is I see it as a chance to get off the sidelines and enter the game. It got me to thinking about writing (like most things do). I’m in the very beginning stages of putting together an outline for my first historical fiction middle grade novel. One thought that keeps going through my mind is I need to put this 12-year-old girl into a difficult situation AND make her solve the problem. She can’t pass the buck to someone else, she has to figure it out.

I want this mentality to rub off a bit on me. My life is mine to live, and I don’t want to let someone else do anything for me that I have the ability to do myself. I want to get in on the action and be the heroine of my own story. The more I do that, the better able I will be create a heroine kids can believe in.

I know what you’re thinking at this point: It’s just jury duty. Someone’s overdosing on the drama around here. And maybe you’re right. Maybe I won’t even be called in to serve. Maybe I’ll sit around for two days while the parties settle out of court. But that’s not the point.

What really matters is I’m ready.

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Now What?

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Debra

It’s the time of year I dread the most. My kids are begging shamelessly for the remaining candy canes on the tree. Across the street our neighbors have stashed a naked Christmas tree on the front porch. Our company packed up and drove off this morning. Recycling and trash containers of full of a week’s worth of holiday trash. The evidence is everywhere.

Christmas is over.

The week between Christmas and New Years is my least favorite of the entire year. After all the anticipation and excitement of the holiday, returning to every day life is a tough pill to swallow. It reminds me of those summers long ago when Nathanael and I were dating. We were forced to spend three whole months separated by 600 miles. Oh the agony. The drama. I watched the calender like a hawk (an angsty, teenaged one). My dad had a more practical approach. He suggested I stay busy and the time would pass quicker. Of course, he was right.

These days I stay plenty busy chasing after six kids, one dog, and a cute husband. Busy has become the norm, so it’s time to get creative. What better way than to get started on some writing goals? The first place I’m going is Funds for Writers. I’ve been enjoying Hope’s free newsletters for two years and I’m ready to try the total membership. She’s even running a special now where you can join (or renew!) for $9 instead of the usual $15. (Offer expires January 5.)

Next up is some serious remodeling around the blog. Nathanael made the mistake of giving me coupons for “tech support” for Christmas and I plan to cash them in soon. This sounds like a sure-fire way to shake off the doll drums and have some fun at the same time. Hopefully some changes will be made the next time you stop by.

I’m feeling inspired and energized already, and would love to hear what your goals for 2012 are. Sometimes saying it out loud is all the kick start a person needs, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: I’m ready to kiss this last week good-bye and welcome the new year!

Wishing you a very blessed and prosperous 2012!

photo courtesy gearfuse.com

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Writer’s High

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Debra

Apparently there’s this thing called a Runner’s High. One runs until it seems the next step will bring impending doom, then – PRESTO – along comes a euphoric second wind.

I say, BAH. HUM BUG.

It’s a big scam. I’ve been chasing that dream for years and all I get for my trouble is a new appreciation for oxygen.

The Writer’s High – now that’s a different story. This thing truly does exist. And it’s amazing. Every writer puts his or her heart and soul into their work. Whether it’s an article,  poem, essay, opinion piece, book review, novel, picture book, or blog post, we do our absolute best to give nothing less. Validation that we’ve written well produces the Writer’s High. It’s a beautiful thing.

design by www.innovativewritinganddesign.com

The past few days I’ve been floating on air. In fact, I had to pull myself out of the clouds to write this. Last year about this time I was feeling much the same. I had finished writing a middle grade fiction book to give my children as a Christmas present. About a week ago, I finished the sequel. Just like last year, I can’t imagine feeling any more excited than I do right now. In this case my validation won’t come in the form of publication, but rather in the joy it will bring to four very special people.

And as an extra bonus this year (as if I wasn’t excited enough) I finished two picture books, one for Julia and one for Mark. Julia’s is extra special to me as it was illustrated by my sister Elizabeth. I can’t wait to see them open these on Christmas Eve.

Illustration by Elizabeth Plath - all rights reserved

My friend Cathy says I gave her strict instructions to stop me before I start writing a third book for the kids. I don’t remember that, but I’m sure she’s right. There were lots of ups and downs during the process of writing this book. But now that it’s finished, it feels so GREAT. I’m afraid Cathy will be fighting a losing battle because I want next Christmas to be just as exciting as this one. And that, my friends, is the power of the Writer’s High.

Until next time, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good book!

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