I'm sitting on my couch. Sophie, the mini-wiener dog, is on my shoulder. Crazy little puppy. Anyway, I'm listening to the radio, and Ray Charles's "You Don't Know Me," just came on.
These old songs spark memories--not only memories of actual events, but memories of who I used to be, and I can't help wonder if I shouldn't be that person still.
Did I change so much? Do I still recognize me?
I get caught up in word counts, revising, critiquing, driving the kids, getting groceries, taking a run. I forget I'm more than this moment. And now I'm listening to these great old songs. Memories bombard me, the ones I'd tucked away in hidden pockets.
- Flashes of going to a fancy restaurant with my sister. We try new foods, enjoying the excitement of being out of college and having good-paying jobs. We giggle. No one can bring waves of laughter on quite like my sister.
- I see myself laughing, dancing in my cute dresses at a million and one wedding receptions--my word!--my family and my husband's family know how to have a good time!
- Sad memories come back too. A big fight. The colors of summer, the dark sky, the tang of the air--it rushes back.
- Dancing with my toddler daughter in the living room of our first purchased house. Twirling, twirling, giggling, giggling until we fall in an exhausted heap.
- The insanely huge spider (it had bones, people!) dangling over our heads us as my husband and I walk up the steps of our first home. I can feel our excitement, our anticipation!
- Staring over a table for two in the Florida Keys. Thinking I married the most handsome, incredible man in the universe. I still think so. :)
- Sitting on a quilt in the park with my baby son for an outdoor concert. His white-blonde hair melts me and his blue eyes crinkle as he squeals in delight.
- Sobbing in a parking lot the first week we moved to another state. Had no idea how we would make it in such a different culture. Felt like we made a huge mistake. (We didn't.)
- Driving a car full of school kids to basketball tournaments. The car shakes as they sing along to the Black Eyed Peas. Love it!
I don't spend a lot of time thinking about the past, but sometimes a song will trigger it--and my heart just tugs and tugs, unable to resist looking back.
It's then I remember--I'm so much more than today.
What songs trigger your memories? Do you ever feel not-quite-in-touch-with-yourself?
Have a wonderful Monday!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Riding My Bike: 2 Minute Resolution Vlog
Welcome to the June 2013 edition of my vlog series, 2 Minute Resolutions.
This month I want to get more active and ride my bike. :) I've been walking/jogging regularly, but there's something wonderful about feeling the breeze and gaining speed on a bike trail. I can't wait to get out there!
What do you want to do this June?
Have a fun weekend!
This month I want to get more active and ride my bike. :) I've been walking/jogging regularly, but there's something wonderful about feeling the breeze and gaining speed on a bike trail. I can't wait to get out there!
What do you want to do this June?
Have a fun weekend!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
So You Didn't Final In the Contest?
Ah, spring and early summer. The time of year when fiction writers hold their breath and watch their phones in anticipation of hearing the good news--your contest entry made it to the final round!
There are so many great contests, and many aspiring inspirational fiction writers enter ACFW's Genesis contest or My Book Therapy's Frasier contest. Romance writers get giddy over RWA's Golden Heart contest. All of these offer bragging rights and the chance for your entry to be judged by top editors and agents.
But with prestige come few finalists and hundreds of non-finalists. I want to hug everyone who doesn't get the phone call. Wrap my arms around them and tell them a few secrets.
Yes, I know things. I've been on this aspiring writer merry-go-round for a while now.
While I haven't entered very many contests, I've come away with enough golden nuggets that have improved my books to make each contest worth it.
For everyone who took a leap and entered a prestigious contest this year and didn't go on to the final round, I'm sharing some hard-earned wisdom with you.
1. Something about the experience will improve your writing.
You might find it on a scoresheet. You might not. A long time ago I received feedback that made me wonder if the judge had read someone else's entry--it had nothing to do with my book! But it improved my writing because it helped me trust myself. Some advice resonates with us. We should only take advice we understand and agree with.
2. Not everyone is on a fast-track to publishing, and it does NOT reflect your talent.
I wish I could tell you why some people seem to board the lightning-fast plane to contest wins, agent contracts, and overall buzz from their peers. I applaud them. But I want YOU to know it doesn't matter.
For every overnight success story, there are roughly five hundred slow-and-tortuous stories. Yes, I made that statistic up, but honestly, you need to know most writers lose contests, face many rejections, and take five steps back for every step forward. Ask around. You'll see.
There is no expiration date on your dream. Yes, it stinks to get our hopes up only to have them smashed. This is an extremely competitive business. Take the hard knocks now, ask yourself how much you want this, and continue to improve your skills.
3. When you go through enough trials on your way to publication, something wild happens.
You get humble, you get confident, you get good at writing, and you realize you'll put up with a lot of misery to grasp that golden ring.
Don't believe me? It's easy to continue on a journey when all the lights are green, and everyone is waving you in to the finish line. It's hard when light after light is red, and no one realizes you're even on the road. I wonder how many writers who entered the Genesis contest five years ago are still writing?
When you've faced a devastating rejection on your wedding anniversary, a cruddy contest result on your son's birthday, or a rough pitch session at an expensive conference--you get humble.
When you write and revise and study the writing craft, listen to your critique partners, and pay attention to the industry--you get confident.
When you do all this day after day, refusing to give up, you get good. Really good.
When you do all this year after year, you understand publishing itself won't make your life perfect. It won't be a picnic. You might have a strained relationship with your first editor. The sales of your debut might stink. Hey, you'll get some bad reviews, your family could mock your book, you might not get that second contract. And guess what? You'll still put your butt in the chair and keep going.
Why? Because you've done it for years. You'll remember all the rusty nails you stepped on to get to that point. What's a few more? This is your job. Your career. One you sacrificed for, cried over, poured sweat, blood, tears on and maybe even lost some of your sanity.
But here's the thing. After all the trials you went through on your way to that first contract, maybe, just maybe, you'll land the editor of your dreams. You'll get the second, third, and fourth contract. Your sales will rock. You'll still get some bad reviews. But you won't care, because you're living your dream.
So, you didn't final in the contest...
You're going to do fine. Just wait and see.
If you entered a contest recently and did not final, please feel free to e-mail me (jill(at)jillkemerer(dot)com) if you're struggling. I'd love to help you through this.
Have a wonderful day!
There are so many great contests, and many aspiring inspirational fiction writers enter ACFW's Genesis contest or My Book Therapy's Frasier contest. Romance writers get giddy over RWA's Golden Heart contest. All of these offer bragging rights and the chance for your entry to be judged by top editors and agents.
But with prestige come few finalists and hundreds of non-finalists. I want to hug everyone who doesn't get the phone call. Wrap my arms around them and tell them a few secrets.
Yes, I know things. I've been on this aspiring writer merry-go-round for a while now.
While I haven't entered very many contests, I've come away with enough golden nuggets that have improved my books to make each contest worth it.
For everyone who took a leap and entered a prestigious contest this year and didn't go on to the final round, I'm sharing some hard-earned wisdom with you.
1. Something about the experience will improve your writing.
You might find it on a scoresheet. You might not. A long time ago I received feedback that made me wonder if the judge had read someone else's entry--it had nothing to do with my book! But it improved my writing because it helped me trust myself. Some advice resonates with us. We should only take advice we understand and agree with.
2. Not everyone is on a fast-track to publishing, and it does NOT reflect your talent.
I wish I could tell you why some people seem to board the lightning-fast plane to contest wins, agent contracts, and overall buzz from their peers. I applaud them. But I want YOU to know it doesn't matter.
For every overnight success story, there are roughly five hundred slow-and-tortuous stories. Yes, I made that statistic up, but honestly, you need to know most writers lose contests, face many rejections, and take five steps back for every step forward. Ask around. You'll see.
There is no expiration date on your dream. Yes, it stinks to get our hopes up only to have them smashed. This is an extremely competitive business. Take the hard knocks now, ask yourself how much you want this, and continue to improve your skills.
3. When you go through enough trials on your way to publication, something wild happens.
You get humble, you get confident, you get good at writing, and you realize you'll put up with a lot of misery to grasp that golden ring.
Don't believe me? It's easy to continue on a journey when all the lights are green, and everyone is waving you in to the finish line. It's hard when light after light is red, and no one realizes you're even on the road. I wonder how many writers who entered the Genesis contest five years ago are still writing?
When you've faced a devastating rejection on your wedding anniversary, a cruddy contest result on your son's birthday, or a rough pitch session at an expensive conference--you get humble.
When you write and revise and study the writing craft, listen to your critique partners, and pay attention to the industry--you get confident.
When you do all this day after day, refusing to give up, you get good. Really good.
When you do all this year after year, you understand publishing itself won't make your life perfect. It won't be a picnic. You might have a strained relationship with your first editor. The sales of your debut might stink. Hey, you'll get some bad reviews, your family could mock your book, you might not get that second contract. And guess what? You'll still put your butt in the chair and keep going.
Why? Because you've done it for years. You'll remember all the rusty nails you stepped on to get to that point. What's a few more? This is your job. Your career. One you sacrificed for, cried over, poured sweat, blood, tears on and maybe even lost some of your sanity.
But here's the thing. After all the trials you went through on your way to that first contract, maybe, just maybe, you'll land the editor of your dreams. You'll get the second, third, and fourth contract. Your sales will rock. You'll still get some bad reviews. But you won't care, because you're living your dream.
So, you didn't final in the contest...
You're going to do fine. Just wait and see.
If you entered a contest recently and did not final, please feel free to e-mail me (jill(at)jillkemerer(dot)com) if you're struggling. I'd love to help you through this.
Have a wonderful day!
Monday, June 3, 2013
The Summer List
Summer vacation is almost here, and every year I think of all the fun we're going to have until school sneaks back in. But if I'm not careful, the weeks slip away, leaving me wondering, Did we do anything I wanted to do? Or was this summer a complete waste?
Enter the summer list.
Before the kids get off the bus one last time, I jot down all the things I want to do while they're home. When I get stuck past the basics, I do a quick Internet search of fun things to do in my area. You'd be amazed how many blogs out there give terrific suggestions for local events.
Here is a sample of my summer list:
- Go to the beach as often as possible
- Go to a local city pool
- Batting cages with my son
- Tennis courts with my daughter
- Library summer reading program
- Frisbee golf
- See Monsters Inc. University in theatres (our theatre offers $5 tickets before noon on weekdays!)
- Go to a nearby park to dig up fossils
- Take a few of my son's baseball buddies to a Mud Hen's game
- Explore the local parks we haven't checked out yet
- Hike in forest
- Ride our bikes on local bike trail
- The zoo
- Truck back up to Michigan for The Henry Ford
- The botanical gardens
- Thrift shopping
- Art museum
The first two weeks of break are always tough. It's like speeding at ninety miles an hour then slamming on the brakes in three seconds. I've learned we do best when we keep busy the first weeks. Easing into the summer routine makes life better for everyone in our family!
Another thing I plan--plenty of ice cream and popsicles in the freezer. Summer and ice cream are conjoined twins, and I save money by buying in bulk. :)
We have a loose schedule all summer. I get up early to enjoy my coffee and write. The kids and I fend for ourselves for lunch. A few afternoons a week we check things off our list. It's good!
What are you looking forward to this summer? Do you have a list?
Have a terrific Monday!
Enter the summer list.
Before the kids get off the bus one last time, I jot down all the things I want to do while they're home. When I get stuck past the basics, I do a quick Internet search of fun things to do in my area. You'd be amazed how many blogs out there give terrific suggestions for local events.
Here is a sample of my summer list:
- Go to the beach as often as possible
- Go to a local city pool
- Batting cages with my son
- Tennis courts with my daughter
- Library summer reading program
- Frisbee golf
- See Monsters Inc. University in theatres (our theatre offers $5 tickets before noon on weekdays!)
- Go to a nearby park to dig up fossils
- Take a few of my son's baseball buddies to a Mud Hen's game
- Explore the local parks we haven't checked out yet
- Hike in forest
- Ride our bikes on local bike trail
- The zoo
- Truck back up to Michigan for The Henry Ford
- The botanical gardens
- Thrift shopping
- Art museum
The first two weeks of break are always tough. It's like speeding at ninety miles an hour then slamming on the brakes in three seconds. I've learned we do best when we keep busy the first weeks. Easing into the summer routine makes life better for everyone in our family!
Another thing I plan--plenty of ice cream and popsicles in the freezer. Summer and ice cream are conjoined twins, and I save money by buying in bulk. :)
We have a loose schedule all summer. I get up early to enjoy my coffee and write. The kids and I fend for ourselves for lunch. A few afternoons a week we check things off our list. It's good!
What are you looking forward to this summer? Do you have a list?
Have a terrific Monday!
Friday, May 31, 2013
14 Blog or Website Essentials for Writers
Over the last five years, I've picked up a slew of information about websites and spent a summer studying essentials of website design. While I've personally designed several websites using point-and-click type software, a code master I am not! But I believe writers CAN maintain a professional web home-base by including fourteen essentials.
Why are the following fourteen details important?
Often I'll see writers commenting on blogs, and I'll click through their profile to check out their blog/website, leave a comment, or e-mail them. I add them to my social networks too.
That's why I'm surprised when I see very basic "musts" (in my humble opinion, at least) overlooked. You'd be shocked at how many writers don't include an e-mail address anywhere on their site. Agents and editors DO occasionally contact authors from websites. I contact writers from their websites. No e-mail? Missed opportunity. With the countless free e-mail services out there, I don't understand why a writer would omit this.
What about failing to engage readers? I've wanted to respond to blogs where comments were either turned off or only allowed by team members. Again, this doesn't make sense to me. If you want readers to connect with you, you have to provide them ways to do this.
Another problem? No spelled out reason for me to be on the site. If you're a writer and you're trying to build a platform, you need to be bold and tell everyone you're a writer and what you write. Don't make them guess!
Here are my fourteen blog/website essentials for writers:
1. A header with your author name and what you write (ex: Pen Name: Author of Historical Fiction)
2. If you blog regularly, a way to subscribe to your RSS feed AND a way to subscribe via e-mail (Thanks, Edie Melson, for reminding me of this in the comments--so true!!)
3. An e-mail address for readers to contact you
4. A short biography including your name (readers want to connect with an author and they can't connect with a nameless entity)
5. Links to your social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads, YouTube, etc...)
6. If you blog regularly, allow people to comment.
8. An author photo (should reflect who you are in an appropriate, flattering manner)
7. Visual appeal--include bright photographs to draw the reader's eye in
8. Content relevant to your product (should make people want to buy your books or, if you're not published, come back to your site until you are published)
9. Easy to read fonts, preferably with dark text against a pale background
10. Relevant color scheme (ex: avoid pastels if you write thrillers)
11. Easy, clear navigation between pages
12. A call to action on your home page (ex: "Subscribe to My Newsletter" linked to a sign-up form, or "Purchase Title Here" with the cover, back-cover copy, and links to purchase your latest book)
13. Personable content geared toward readers. Writers need to engage with our audience and we won't do that if we're talking at them, coming across as superior, or boring them with stiff, formal writing.
14. Search engine priority. You want your website/blog to show up on the first page of results in search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Bing. Ways to accomplish this? Blog regularly, update your website often with new photos and content, pay for web-hosting and purchase your author domain name, etc...)
I could go on and on. If you have ANY questions about starting a blog, creating a better blog, do-it-yourself websites, web-hosting, social media links, and so forth, please ask. I don't have all the answers, but I've learned a lot over the years and I'm happy to share my opinion.
What do you consider essential for a writers' blog/website?
Have a terrific weekend!
Why are the following fourteen details important?
Often I'll see writers commenting on blogs, and I'll click through their profile to check out their blog/website, leave a comment, or e-mail them. I add them to my social networks too.
That's why I'm surprised when I see very basic "musts" (in my humble opinion, at least) overlooked. You'd be shocked at how many writers don't include an e-mail address anywhere on their site. Agents and editors DO occasionally contact authors from websites. I contact writers from their websites. No e-mail? Missed opportunity. With the countless free e-mail services out there, I don't understand why a writer would omit this.
What about failing to engage readers? I've wanted to respond to blogs where comments were either turned off or only allowed by team members. Again, this doesn't make sense to me. If you want readers to connect with you, you have to provide them ways to do this.
Another problem? No spelled out reason for me to be on the site. If you're a writer and you're trying to build a platform, you need to be bold and tell everyone you're a writer and what you write. Don't make them guess!
Here are my fourteen blog/website essentials for writers:
1. A header with your author name and what you write (ex: Pen Name: Author of Historical Fiction)
2. If you blog regularly, a way to subscribe to your RSS feed AND a way to subscribe via e-mail (Thanks, Edie Melson, for reminding me of this in the comments--so true!!)
3. An e-mail address for readers to contact you
4. A short biography including your name (readers want to connect with an author and they can't connect with a nameless entity)
5. Links to your social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads, YouTube, etc...)
6. If you blog regularly, allow people to comment.
8. An author photo (should reflect who you are in an appropriate, flattering manner)
7. Visual appeal--include bright photographs to draw the reader's eye in
8. Content relevant to your product (should make people want to buy your books or, if you're not published, come back to your site until you are published)
9. Easy to read fonts, preferably with dark text against a pale background
10. Relevant color scheme (ex: avoid pastels if you write thrillers)
11. Easy, clear navigation between pages
12. A call to action on your home page (ex: "Subscribe to My Newsletter" linked to a sign-up form, or "Purchase Title Here" with the cover, back-cover copy, and links to purchase your latest book)
13. Personable content geared toward readers. Writers need to engage with our audience and we won't do that if we're talking at them, coming across as superior, or boring them with stiff, formal writing.
14. Search engine priority. You want your website/blog to show up on the first page of results in search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Bing. Ways to accomplish this? Blog regularly, update your website often with new photos and content, pay for web-hosting and purchase your author domain name, etc...)
I could go on and on. If you have ANY questions about starting a blog, creating a better blog, do-it-yourself websites, web-hosting, social media links, and so forth, please ask. I don't have all the answers, but I've learned a lot over the years and I'm happy to share my opinion.
What do you consider essential for a writers' blog/website?
Have a terrific weekend!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Cheap Date: The Garden Center
On Sunday my hubby and I went to the fun store in our area--The Andersons--to buy flowers and vegetables. I love days when the sun is shining, we aren't on a deadline, and it's just the two of us. We went in with a plan and a coupon (I love coupons!!). We meandered. Judged the geraniums gorgeous. Ruled the impatiens perfect for our big pots.
After a quick lunch at the Tony Packo's café inside, we headed back outdoors and purchased all of our vegetable plants and flowers. Imagine my delight when I saw a mama duck with a dozen fuzzy ducklings waddling next to us. Who knew a duck family lived in the garden center? :)
Next up we went to Home Depot for their holiday deals on mulch and potting soil. Yes, I had another coupon! Whoop!
It took my husband and I three hours to select and purchase all of our gardening supplies. Best three hours of my week. That's my kind of date. So far, the bunnies haven't eaten my veggie plants, but I'm keeping an eye on them. :)
Do you have an off-the-wall perfect date activity? Please share!
Enjoy your Wednesday!
After a quick lunch at the Tony Packo's café inside, we headed back outdoors and purchased all of our vegetable plants and flowers. Imagine my delight when I saw a mama duck with a dozen fuzzy ducklings waddling next to us. Who knew a duck family lived in the garden center? :)
Next up we went to Home Depot for their holiday deals on mulch and potting soil. Yes, I had another coupon! Whoop!
It took my husband and I three hours to select and purchase all of our gardening supplies. Best three hours of my week. That's my kind of date. So far, the bunnies haven't eaten my veggie plants, but I'm keeping an eye on them. :)
Do you have an off-the-wall perfect date activity? Please share!
Enjoy your Wednesday!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Writers Fascinate Me
Two weeks ago, I strolled through Barnes & Noble. You'd think this would be a fun outing for me--browsing a bookstore--but I'll be honest, I've struggled with bookstores for three years. Let's just say when I was a kid I spent all of my allowance on books and candy. And let's also just say during this phase of my life, I've been reduced to tears, fervently wiping my eyes in the fiction section too many times. Bookstores symbolize what I want but don't yet have.
Anyway, a pretty cover on a center display table caught my eye. I peered closer. Eloisa James! Paris in Love. I vaguely remembered following her Facebook posts the year she moved to Paris. So I opened it, shifting to let a busy mother whiz by, and scanned a few pages. My adrenaline built like a pop can shaken by a mischievous ten-year-old.
Slapping the book back on the table, I marched all the way through the store back to my car. It's not enough she's a best-selling author--whom I adore!!--now she's flitting around Paris for a year too? Like I said, I knew she moved to Paris--I didn't realize she'd used the experience to write a memoir of sorts.
All the way home I chastised myself for the ridiculous envy permeating my cells. And, not surprisingly, the adrenaline died down, leaving me drained and sad.
Three days later I stood in my local library--thankfully, the library is still my happy place!--and saw the exact book that had set me off. Paris in Love by Eloisa James. This time, I fingered the spine, knowing it wasn't a coincidence. God was telling me something.
The book follows a different format--several essays break up the majority of short Facebook-ish posts. Not everyone will go for the style, but I found it engaging. Ms. James shared intimate details about her children, their struggles fitting into their new schools, her addiction to sweets, the museums, restaurants, and daily life. No longer did I envy--instead, I grew wistful, fascinated.
What would it be like to spend a year touring museums, immersed in a new culture, trying new foods, working on writing projects, and examining life?
Honestly, I have no desire to live in Paris for a year. I'm too much of a home-body. Traveling excites me, but in small doses. This book, like other articles or memoirs about writers, helped me see a bigger world. It helped me see myself bigger in the world.
Are you fascinated with certain people? Athletes? Actresses? Authors? Please share!
Have a lovely weekend! Since Monday is Memorial Day, I'll be back on Wednesday. See you then!
Anyway, a pretty cover on a center display table caught my eye. I peered closer. Eloisa James! Paris in Love. I vaguely remembered following her Facebook posts the year she moved to Paris. So I opened it, shifting to let a busy mother whiz by, and scanned a few pages. My adrenaline built like a pop can shaken by a mischievous ten-year-old.
Slapping the book back on the table, I marched all the way through the store back to my car. It's not enough she's a best-selling author--whom I adore!!--now she's flitting around Paris for a year too? Like I said, I knew she moved to Paris--I didn't realize she'd used the experience to write a memoir of sorts.
All the way home I chastised myself for the ridiculous envy permeating my cells. And, not surprisingly, the adrenaline died down, leaving me drained and sad.
Three days later I stood in my local library--thankfully, the library is still my happy place!--and saw the exact book that had set me off. Paris in Love by Eloisa James. This time, I fingered the spine, knowing it wasn't a coincidence. God was telling me something.
The book follows a different format--several essays break up the majority of short Facebook-ish posts. Not everyone will go for the style, but I found it engaging. Ms. James shared intimate details about her children, their struggles fitting into their new schools, her addiction to sweets, the museums, restaurants, and daily life. No longer did I envy--instead, I grew wistful, fascinated.
What would it be like to spend a year touring museums, immersed in a new culture, trying new foods, working on writing projects, and examining life?
Honestly, I have no desire to live in Paris for a year. I'm too much of a home-body. Traveling excites me, but in small doses. This book, like other articles or memoirs about writers, helped me see a bigger world. It helped me see myself bigger in the world.
Are you fascinated with certain people? Athletes? Actresses? Authors? Please share!
Have a lovely weekend! Since Monday is Memorial Day, I'll be back on Wednesday. See you then!
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