Blog Archives - One Sister's Journey

One Sister's Journey

Inspiration to Write - Part V

2/28/2011

Up until today those inspiring me to write have been nameless faces - equally important yet not a specific person. Today I would like to share a "who" that inspires me to write. My daughter. The photo selected for today's post is one drawn for me this past January. When I saw it, I smiled. She said "That is where you always are." This triggered a conversation - I want to write for God and to help others but not at the expense of my family, especially my daughter.

She hadn't drawn the picture to make me feel bad but to encourage me - "Mom, there are people who need your book. Keep writing!" Little does she know that I hope to write a children's book and possibly a teen chapter book talking about kidnapping too, just for her. Our children are inspiring...we need to slow down long enough to recognize, appreciate and thank them for this.

Inpiration to Write
1. YOU - my encouragers, supporters and prayer partners
2. My Community - orange ribbons of remembrance
3.  Missing Person's Flyers  - fading in the window, nearly 17 years later
4. Governmental Support
5.  My daughter and her encouragement
6. Read tomorrow's blog to find out

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment:    Worked on chapter 8

Today's Writing Goal:  Continue with chapter 8 revisions

Tomorrow's Writing Goal:  Chapter 8 revisions - hope to have it done by Friday.

Inspiration to Write - Part IV

2/27/2011

Thank you for following my blog and my journey as I work to complete the revisions on the book I've written. The goal is to submit to the publisher in May of this year. I'm working through the revisions with God's help as he hears and answers the prayers lifted to him. Tomorrow starts the return to work - keep me in your prayers to continue to find the time to finish the necessary revisions while working without neglecting my family and friends. :)

Today I've posted a photograph of a sign dedicating the bridge in memory of my sister. I remember the day we gathered as a family with the community, politicians, law enforcement and the media as this bridge was dedicated. The new County Route 1 wasn't open to traffic yet so we all ventured by foot on this newly paved road.

As I walked on the damp pavement I remembered days of playing in that same spot as a child. While we were growing up, it wasn't a highway but the field joining my parents home with my grandparents. We spent hours chasing each other, playing hide-n-seek, doing hay, fishing and ice skating in this field...but on this day, we were walking to remember Heidi as the missing eighteen year old from New Haven. A bitter sweet moment - if there has to be a road and bridge on the land that held our childhood memories, at least Heidi's name would forever be connected to this small community.

Following the official dedication ceremony my parents opened up there home to everyone. It was a full house to say the least. There was laughter, tears and political speeches. While the company was mixed we all knew why we were there...to remember Heidi.

I write to keep her memory and story alive. I write to help others heal and see the good and value in life after the loss of a sibling. This sign inspires me because a variety of people came together to first establish this sign, obtain the necessary paperwork and to build, erect and bring a dream to fruition.

Thank you for remembering Heidi! You inspire us to keep hoping...

Inpiration to Write
1. YOU - my encouragers, supporters and prayer partners
2. My Community - orange ribbons of remembrance
3.  Missing Person's Flyers  - fading in the window, nearly 17 years later
4. Governmental Support
5.   ??? - read tomorrow's blog to find out

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment:    Finished Chapter 7 and emailed it out!

Today's Writing Goal:  Change Scripture verse at the end of chap. 7 and start chapter 8 revisions

Tomorrow's Writing Goal:  Continue with Chapter 8 revisions - hope to have it done by Friday.

NOTE: I've been receiving emails and calls regarding the March issue of "Today's CNY Woman" magazine. I found it at the Wegmans in Clay and the Valley News in Fulton is suppose to have copies.  On their website you can also "contact them" to find out where you could pick up an issue. Make sure you tell them why you are looking - help You can view it online at: http://cnywoman.drupalgardens.com/

Inpiration to Write - Part III

2/26/2011

Thank you for reading and following this series.  My aunt posted yesterday and shared a bit about the candle in the window to "light Heidi's way home" at the request of a four year old cousin, missing Heidi.

Is there something you still do each year or day to remember Heidi until the question on everyone's mind is answered...Where is Heidi? If so, please feel free to post and share as your observation, remembrance or prayer is another's hope and inspiration.

My new inspiration I would like to share are "missing person's flyers" with Heidi's picture and information on them - that still hang in windows and on bulletin boards across Oswego County. Heidi is not forgotten. April 3rd will mark the 17th anniversary of Heidi's kidnapping and not knowing where she is. Yet even with so many years since her disappearances, businesses choose to remember her by leaving their flyers hung for the world to see until Heidi comes home.

This inspires me to write because not only does it show the people patronizing these establishments that Heidi is still missing but it is a reminder...Heidi is not forgotten
Inpiration to Write
1. YOU - my encouragers, supporters and prayer partners
2. My Community - orange ribbons of remembrance
3.  Missing Person's Flyers  - fading in the window, nearly 17 years later
4. ??? - read tomorrow's blog to find out

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment:    blogged then spent the day making memories with my daughter

Today's Writing Goal: chapter 7 emailed

Tomorrow's Writing Goal:  Start chapter 8 revisions

Inspiration to Write - part II

2/25/2011

Thanks for joining me for this blog series - inspiration to write. Over the next week or so I will share something or someone that is an inspiration to me and my writing. While yesterday was a general "you", today's inspiration is a bit more personal.

As I travel to Oswego during the week I pass these trees with orange ribbon tied to them. To the average passer-by, you might think this is a tree marked to be "cut" or "removed" yet it's significance is greater than imminet death by chainsaw - it is a ribbon of remembrance. Each year this family changes the orange ribbon hugging their trees - one on either side of the road as a way of remembering my sister Heidi Allen.

I might start my drive with errands or random thoughts and then I see these two orange ribbons witnessing the love and hope for Heidi. Simple ribbons used to show a family's hope, encouragement and love for a missing teen and her family. I write because of people like this - their hope is my inspiration.

Thank you for caring and sharing! These are only two photographs yet I know I've seen other ribbons on trees, buttons and jackets throughout the years - thank you for remembering my sister! Continue to pray she comes home! God hears our prayers.

Inpiration to Write
1. YOU - my encouragers, supporters and prayer partners
2. My Community - orange ribbons of remembrance
3. ??? Read tomorrow's blog to find out

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: Reread chapter 6, puttered on chapter 7 revisions - traveled to take photographs to be included in this blog series.

Today's Writing Goal: Finally finish chapter 7 and have it emailed before closing my eyes for the evening. Download photos, crop and save for use in future blogs.

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Start chapter 8 revisions - hmm...could I finish before Sunday and meet my goal for the week? That is the question.

Inspiration to Write Series - Part I

2/24/2011

Since July I have blogged about setting up my writing schedules, finding a location to write, ways to stay focused while writing, setting goals for writing success and then of course my random thoughts about life and the journey of writing this book. One thing I have touched on yet haven't focused on is "why" I write or the people, places and things that inspire me write - when I write, how I write and the purpose behind creating a new piece.

For the next few days I plan to share some of these things with you through photographs, previous writings and possibly a guest blogger.

Thanks for reading and I hope you are "inspired" to write - the first inspiration I would like to share is this...YOU!  I am blessed, encouraged and motivated to complete this book and any writing I might do in life because of YOUR prayers, support and non-stop encouragement. Some of you blog. Some send me personal emails while others are quietly praying. Some call me and leave a message while others drop me a note in my inbox at lbuskewriter@aol.com.  Then there are those of you have sent me cards in the mail with words that bring tears to my eyes. And thankfully some of you share a hug, wink or word of hope and inspiration to me each and every time you see me!

Thank you fellow bloggers, writers and readers - the first inspiration in this series, is You!  Be sure to read tomorrow's blog for another powerful inspiration for my writing.

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: Received my revised chapter 6 from one of my accountability partners yesterday, reviewed it and made editorial changes to chapter 6. I learned books only use one-space between sentences, not two - interesting tidbit don't you think? In developing one's manuscript with single spaces between sentences, it might keep my manuscript from the slush pile.

Today's Writing Goal: Still determined to finish chapter 7 revisions since the information is ready to have our taxes done. I know this isn't writing but it was a few hours of work, lol.

Tomorrow's Writing Goal:  Start next chapter 7 and possibly brainstorm some ideas for my children's book.

New series starts tomorrow!!

2/23/2011

Today was a wonderful Wednesday - I slept until nearly 7:30 a.m., enjoyed some coffee with Jesus for my morning prayer and devotional time and then spent a few hours fellowshipping and studying God's Word and the discipline of fasting with a dear friend. Afterwards I spent an couple hours of mother-daughter bonding time doing a couple errands and a little shopping with a little bit of money I had saved just for today. My daughter was so surprised...the look on her face was priceless.

As for my writing - I'm accomplishing my daily goals for the most part. Thank you for the emails and posts of encouragement and inspiration. What inspires you to write? I will be starting a new series tomorrow talking about the different things that inspire me to write. I hope you will join me for this series...and maybe even start writing yourself!

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: Write, edited and submitted aritcle for March issue of NCMEC's Ride for Missing Children's bulletin ahead of schedule! Yeah!

Today's Writing Goal: See if I can finish chapter 7 revisions...

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Start next chapter 7 and possibly brainstorm some ideas for my children's book - to give me a different writing piece to play with while on a mental break from revising the book (instead of playing solitaire).

Lisa ;)

Day two of Winter break nearing an end...

2/22/2011

Oh my gosh, I am on vacation. I slept until 10:00 a.m. this morning! This never happens. I woke up by 7 a.m. but decided I still felt tired and just laid there until I heard my husband visiting with his brother in the other room. Thank you God for an amazing and restful night sleep!

Once my daughter was awake - we ventured to my parents and she worked a few hours on her social studies project. I joined in the fun today, leaving all my writing at home.
It has been a fabulous day. Now we are working on re-organizing her room and cleaning the house. I'll do some writing tonight.

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: Worked on Chapter seven and responded to emails and blogs.

Today's Writing Goal: See if I can finish chapter 7 revisions...

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Tie up chap. 7 loose ends and write, edit and submit article for the March "Ride for Missing Children" bulletin so it is to the editor early.

A great week for vacation! Who needs to travel across the country...my list is getting shorter. This means more time to write once back to work next week.

More tomorrow - maybe a new series!
Lisa :)

More success with daily goals...

2/21/2011

This past week I developed my schedule for completing my revisions in a reasonable and timely manner so my manuscript is ready to send to the publisher in May. One chapter a week and at least two chapters a week during vacation weeks. Instead of thinking I have nearly fifteen chapters to revise before May 1st I've changed the way I set my goals. Meeting a one chapter goal less defeating than thinking about needing fifteen chapters.

Posting my daily goals on the blog has helped also. A goal not written down is only a dream. As I log in each day to see how I did in accomplishing my goals - sometimes I beat myself up a little for not "meeting my goal" while at other times I am able to rejoice and see how much I accomplished. I strive to meet my writing goals yet I'm learning sometimes crossing something off my list isn't worth missing the opportunity to make memories with the people I love the most. A healthy balance is needed...and feasible!

I think this can apply to many aspects of our life. I know I battle with acheiving and then maintaing a healthy weight. I usually start by saying I need to lose "x" number of pounds instead of saying, I need to lose at least one to two pounds a week to be healthier. Since this philosophy is helping with my writing - I'm going to apply it to my weightloss goals.

How could you apply setting smaller daily goals to your life?
Do you think it would help you make it through the day with more joy?

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: Chapter 6 Revisions are complete!! Chapter 7 revisions were started.

Today's Writing Goal: Work on Chapter 7 revisions, blog and respond to the comments and posts received yesterday. I love to hear from you! Keep them coming!

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Possibly finish chapter seven revisions and then spend time writing my article for the March "Ride for Missing Children" bulletin so it is to the editor early.

I look forward to hearing from you!
Lisa ;)

Wood stove heat to warm the creative juices...

2/20/2011

The sun shining through the windows is both beautiful and warming to view from within the warmth of one's home this afternoon. Before the door has even opened wide enough to walk through ~ the cold and frigid Upstate NY cold nips at your nose. We loaded the car with fixings for supper tonight, my laptop and writing supplies and headed to my parents.

I may not have a wonderful writing cottage (yet) to speak of but I have something better. I have the warmth of my parent's woodstove and their country kitchen to retreat to and get some writing done. The last time I retreated here I accomplished more in two days than I had in two weeks. I believe there is something about being "home" that renews one's creativity and motivation.

As I watch my parents and daughter working on the family social studies project my heart is warmed more by the love, patience and memories being made in the other room. I'll spend the next few days writing of the past while enjoying the blessing of family in the present. I'm blessed to have my parents so close to us and the wonderful relastionship and support I have with them. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: Shared my first magazine article debut with those following my blog and nearly finished chapter six.

Today's Writing Goal: Finishing Chapter 6 then emailing to a couple friends for critique and editing before Midnight. ( I need a timeline - I work much better!)

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Start next chapter! Develop outline for my article for the March "Ride for Missing Children" bulletin - due to editor on 3/2 but would like to submit it early.

Take some time to enjoy your family today! Memories and blessings within your four walls...Thank God for them...I pray you know how much He loves you.

Lisa :)

My magazine debut...

2/19/2011

As you will recall I did an interview with "Today's CNY Woman" in January for their March issue. The online version of the magazine if available for viewing online at: http://www.todayscnywoman.com/.

It will be available in stores next week! Oh my gosh...God is glorified through this interview - thank you Scotsman Press!

"Pick up your free copy of Today's CNY Woman magazine at these fine retailers: Today's CNY Woman is available across Central New York and the Greater Syracuse area. Copies are available at numerous locations including Wegman's, Price Chopper, Tops, Fulton Valley News, Scotsman Media Group (in downtown Syracuse) and many more!"

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: Timeline Goal for completing revisions is complete! After discussion and prayer - the goal is to revise at least one chapter a week and at least two during the two vacations from school. This should have the majority of the book revised by May 1st.

Today's Writing Goal: Finishing Chapter 6 then emailing to a couple friends for critique and editing.

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Start next chapter! Develop outline for my article for the March "Ride for Missing Children" bulletin - due to editor on 3/2 but would like to submit it early.

I wanted to thank Tim Scee for sharing a wonderful resource with me, The Associated Press Stylebook. A fabulous resource. Thanks so much Tim! Time is a journalist for http://www.newzjunky.com. A great online newspaper and media resource.

Have a great Saturday - I have some revising to do!
Lisa ;)

One day and counting...

2/17/2011

February break from school is only hours away...woohoo! And the real work begins. The goal for the week is to write, write and write some more! Revise, revise and revise some more! Read, reread and read! A week of vacation = a week of writing. Nothing scheduled but writing time.

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: I shared some of my writing ideas and brainstorms with a friend (also one of my critique and editing friends) while enjoying nearly a mile walk in the morning.

Today's Writing Goal: Working on a realistic timeline and will have it complete before closing my eyes tonight.

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Finish chapter 6!

Thanks for following the blog. I would like to do another series...

What would you like me to do a series on?
I'm open to suggestions.

Lisa ;)

Oswego Reading Council Presentation a success

2/16/2011

Hello everyone! I enjoyed my time speaking with the teachers of Oswego County last night. I shared my after-school writing program and some other writing tidbits. They also shared and taught me a lot too - life is full of learning opportunities if we keep our eyes open. I'll present the first week in March as part of my district's superintendent's day offerings - this will be fun too. Cayuga Community College showed my presentation from this past Fall to the Spring class this week too! An exciting week of speaking...about writing! :)

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: Spoke to the Oswego Reading Council about my after-school enrichment class for writing.

Today's Writing Goal: To write and revise before closing my eyes!!

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Finish Monday's goal - Develop a realistic timeline for my revisions so I can have the majority, if not the entire book revised by April 30th.
I'll have to do this during my lunch at school I think, lol.

Have a great day!
Lisa

Speaking event this evening

2/15/2011

Sorry for not blogging yesterday - I worked late, my dad made dinner - so I ate, came home and went to bed. Asleep by 9 p.m.! Today is a new day.

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment: I shared my book proposal with a few people yesterday and I'm feeling more accomplished than I had. It felt as if I worked on it for so long and not on the revisions, "I haven't done anything!" Yet when the proposal is in a presentation folder and I share it with a couple friends at work - it was worth every moment. I'll be mailing it out on May 1st!

Today's Writing Goal: After school this afternoon I am doing a presentation for the Oswego Reading Council about the after-school enrichment program I taught last year. It will fun and I'm hoping to share some different strategies with the teachers coming to help inspire and motivate their students to be the best writers possible. Keep the event in your prayers. Then I'll race to a church board meeting and hopefully in bed by 10:30 p.m. so I don't turn into a pumpkin! LOL

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Finish Monday's goal - Develop a realistic timeline for my revisions so I can have the majority, if not the entire book revised by April 30th. Work on chapter six revisions a little - one meeting and then small group Bible study at our house - so probably will only accomplish the timeline but I like to aim high!

Have a great day!
Lisa

Time to get to work...

2/13/2011

My writing nook is all set and I love having a space. I find it refreshing and inspiring to have a spot designated for writing that is NOT my livingroom or bedroom. I have noticed it has helped my family take my writing more serious too - once I enter my office they seem to give me more space and time to write (without interuption). They do tease sometimes from the other side of the curtain "Can I come in? I'll give you a kiss." Oh brother...maybe a door is better. LOL It makes me smile and if I remind them to go away unless it is a life emergency and give them a time frame (rough estimate of course) then they respect my time to write.

Yesterday's Writing Accomplishment:  I spent my writing time yesterday developing a chapter outline of the chapters completed along with a chapter outline of Scripture used to start and/or end the chapter with the final paragraph or two. I printed this off while at my parents (my printer is busted) and can carry both of these with me when I work on my writing while away from my computer.

Today's Writing Goal: to blog (which obviously is complete because you are reading this) and touch up my chapter six revision. I reread it yesterday afternoon, made a couple notes but today I plan to dissect it with hopes of wrapping it up so I can start the next chapter.

Tomorrow's Writing Goal: Develop a realistic timeline for my revisions so I can have the majority, if not the entire book revised by April 30th.

After much prayer I have decided to submit my book proposal to the publisher who contacted me last month. God is so faithful when we pray, ask and listen/look for His answer.  She is accepting submissions in May of this year. The book proposal is complete - now to finish the manuscript. I want the manuscript revised so if she requests the entire the manuscript after reviewing my book proposal - she is able to read my best writing and not partially revised and/or original drafts.

Please join in prayer for this leg of the journey - to have the words God lays on my heart to be written for His glory to help other siblings heal from the pain and grief felt after losing their own brother or sister. Pray for those who will read this book -to know God's love and feel His loving arms wrapped around them. I also pray for the friends and family members who might read this in hopes of helping someone with too much hurt to read my book yet - for them to know God is who He says He is and have the words to share with the loved one that motivated them to read the book. Thank you!

Lisa :)

Wonderful start to the weekend...

2/12/2011

Happy Saturday to one and all! My apologies for not posting yesterday - I spent the afternoon and evening with my family. No blogging, writing or revising. We went grocery shopping, picked up our goddaughter (and one of our daughter's best friends) and then home for an evening of laughter and fun. So although I regret not posting I enjoyed some time with my family - I didn't even turn the computer on!

It is once again snowing in Upstate New York. It is beautiful and such a refreshing reminder of God's love and ability to make us new - taking away all our ick and transforming us into a new creation. I pray you slow down long enough today to enjoy God's beauty and if you haven't done so already, invite Him into your heart. He can heal any hurt and forgives all when we repent.

Revisions starting today - still a couple piles to sort and organize from the recent upheavel in our house to make my office possible. Our living room seems so big now!

Thanks to my family for supporting me in my writing and completion of my first book. I was so touched last night. My husband read my book proposal and was going to skip reading the chapter samples at the end. He doesn't read my writing ~ he said "I want to wait and read it once it is finished and in print." It saddened me yet know we are all on our own path during this so he must not be ready. Or so I thought. Last night he read the first four chapters and said "That is really good. You're a good writer. You need to write." I had tears in my eyes - one because he overcame whatever was keeping him from reading my book and also because he showed me he both believes in me and my writing.

God is amazing...thanks for an answered prayer!
I pray you all blessings today!

Lisa :)

Heidi Allen, one of New York State's missing

2/10/2011

In the past few months a new website has been created to help keep the memory of New York's missing alive and increase awareness. This past Monday I was blessed with an email sharing of Heidi's caes being included on the website and asking if they could link my site to it as a resource. I visited the site and was overwhelmed with the magnitude of resources available for families looking for a missing loved one and the information to educate and inform. Great site! I hope you will check it out at:
http://newyorkstatemissingpersons.ning.com/

When you visit the site - scroll down and on the left-hand side, about half way down you will see "Heidi Allen" listed in the NY Sites column. Click on the link and it will direct you back to this site.

Praising God for this site and and their heart to help others - I pray other siblings will find some healing and comfort through my site and the sharing of my journey.

Have a great day!
Lisa :)

So you want to be a writer concludes today

2/9/2011

I hope you have enjoyed this first "blog series" journey with me. It has been fun. I would like to wrap up with a simple thought - "If you enjoy writing, always have an idea spinning around for your next story. You should be writing!" We don't have to be published to be classified as writers...we need only write.

This past summer I learned that my passion for writing wasn't enough for me, even though it had been for years. God touched my heart and inspired me to use my life's tragedy to help others - putting into words the journey traveled with Him, against Him and without Him. I pray if you were born to write - you recognize that calling on your life and start writing.

One way to enhance our writing skills and strategies is to attend writer's workships, conferences and gatherings. Join (or start) a writer's group in your area. Write! Good writers, write! It's great to "talk" about writing yet until you have words on paper - you're just talking.

Do you want to learn ways to improve your writing? Do you want to learn more about the marketing field as a writer? Do you want to learn how to put together a book proposal? Do you want to learn how to submit your manuscript or writing to a publisher? I hope so...

I attended Delta Lake's first Christian Writer's Gathering in Julyl 2010 and it was life changing. God worked in ways I couldln't have imagined and I learned so much. This summer I plan on attending the Christian Writer's Conference in Philly, PA.

Do you know of a great Writer's Conference or workshop coming up? If so - respond to this blog as a way to network with others writing looking to grow in their/our craft and be the best writer we can be for God.

Thanks in advance!
Lisa :)

So you want to be a writer - Part III

2/8/2011

Were you able to organize your writing items and do some writing since my last post? I hope so. I worked on some chicken scratch during my break today and can't wait to transform it into a final product tonight. The wind is blowing and the snow and cold are enough motivation to stay inside for the rest of the night and write!

Today I want to talk about the correct way to write - is it typing or hand written? Calm down, calm down I just wanted to see if you were paying attention while you were reading.
Note: My favorite is a typewriter - I LOVE the sound of the keys tapping away or drilling away depending on the story or writing. Personally - I don't think there is a right or wrong way to write. I beleive the correct way to write is the way you are most comfortable - to start anyway.

I still find satisfaction and excitement when I draft a new piece using a pencil and paper yet if I have an idea consuming me and can't seem to write fast enough - I open a Word document and type swiftly with no worries of spelling and grammar.

As it pertains to my book writing - it varys on my mood or the current chapter's topic if I will revise it by hand first, then type or if I sit and type it out. Sometimes I find it easier and quicker to copy, paste, cut, delete and add working on the computer while others require more thought and I like to hash it out with my paper, pencil and eraser to "feel" the words as they are written.

I have a friend who creates wonderful poetry with pencil and paper - no lines needed, nothing fancy about the paper or pencil yet the words that flow and are illumnated on the page always touch my heart when I read them. My point...it doesn't matter how you get the words out, just do it!

If and when you decide to seek publication though - plan on learning how to use the computer. I havne't found a publisher yet accepting book proposals or manuscripts written by hand on looseleaf. LOL

Today's Writing Challenge:
FIRST: Write for five minutes using pencil or pen and a piece of paper. Start with: "As the winter winds blow the newly fallen snow..."

THEN: Write for five minutes using your computer (or typewriter if you still have one) Start with: "I walked out my front door early one winter morning..."

Which was easier? Why do you think one was easier than the other? Which do you prefer? Was it the topic or the method in which you did the writing? Hmm...

I hope you will share on the blog some of your thoughts or "aha" moments! With over eighty of you reading - I know there has to be some writing going on. Please share...Thanks to those who have emailed me or shared with me when you saw me. You encourage me!

Thougth to Ponder:
My heart overflows with a good theme...my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1 NASB
What story are you telling with your tongue?

Lisa ;)

So you want to be a writer ~ Part II

2/7/2011

I wonder how many people challenged themselves to some writing yesterday? I know one person did - I was blessed with a beautiful poem today of why she writes. It was a wonderful way to start my day. For those of you writing - keep it up! And if you are willing to share, I'm willing to read! Thanks for taking the challenge everyone!

As promised, today I'm going to talk about the items I keep at my finger tips to make my writing go smoother and with minimal distractions. Some will seem obvious while others might make you think "What is she thinking?"

Either way get ready to learn the items
surrounding me when I'm writing...

*Writing Utensils: pens of different colors, mechanical pencils, regular pencils, goofy pens and pencils (for inspiration), highlighters, thin and fat markers - probably should list the laptop here

*Paper Products: assorted sticky notes (colors, lined, plain, and varying sizes), index cards (different sizes and colors), looseleaf, spiral notebooks, decorative notepaper and varying scraps containing genious documented while traveling or busy

*Support items: scotch tape, white-out, erasers, ruler (6" and 12"), pencil sharpener (electric and old school), stapler, paper clips (various sizes and colors), scissors, hand lotion, envelope opener, and thumb drives for storage (notice that is plural), calendar, MP3 player

*Writing Resources: Bible, dictionaries, thesauruses, my grandmother's diaries, newspaper clippings (nearly every one about my sister's kidnapping since 1994), family videos, news coverage from the first days, "how to" writing books, college writing books, copy of each revision of my book, chronological notes for the first couple years after Heidi's disappearance, shelves of books

*Inspirational items: picture of my sister and I from my wedding day (6 months prior to her kidnapping), pictures of my daughter, pictures of the NCMEC Ride for Missing Children, an angel ornament, Scripture verse of 1 Samuel 7:12 etched on a chalkboard, photos, notes of encouragement from wonderful people like you

Today my "secret pal" at school blessed me with new mechanical pencils and sticky notes! Thank you SP - two items crossed off my list. Once again God has worked through you to bless me with items of need!

Today's Writing Challenge:
Take a moment to think about the items you have near you when you are sitting down to write or better yet, think about the items that distract you when you sit down to write. What items on my list made sense? What items are you intrigued about? Is there something I should add to my writing tool kit?

Your challenge tonight is this - prepare yourself to write to avoid being distracted or lose valuable writing time getting up and down.

Thought to Ponder:
This past July I started with only paper, pencil and pen (and of course highlighters and sticky notes) yet the more involved my writing became I kept finding myself needing to get up for this or that. I do not like to waste time so I've created a sytem and tool box that works for me. I have more time to write and less time "getting" or "searching" for various items.

This can apply to many aspects of our life. For my mornign devotion time I have similar items all near my chair so nothing pulls me away from this precious and necessary time of spiritual feeding and friendship.

Prepare for your time with God & prepare for time to write.

Part III Tomorrow:
To write or type...that is the question!

Lisa :)

So you want to be a writer - Part I

2/6/2011

Some of you are following my blog to follow the progress of my book, written for siblings grieving the loss of their sibling by a sister living a similar life. Others are reading to see if they can learn more about my sister, Heidi Allen and others read to learn some writing tidbits to improve their own writing.

This week I am starting my first blog series for those looking to learn about being a writer. For those of you who haven't thought of yourself as a writer - I challenge you to think differently and dabble in a little writing this week.

Today I want to start with WHY one writes.
I learned how to write and transform words into sentences in 1st grade with Mrs. Emerson. She recently passed away yet her memory and the impact she had on my life are precious - she gave me a priceless gift - a love to write. I write because I LOVE IT! I enjoy the fun and mystery of taking an idea, giving it form through the words and sentences used to bring that idea to life. It is a passion..

I believe this is the first lesson one must complete before adventuring into a career or hobby of writing. Ask yourself this question ~ "Why do I write?"

If you are writing to be rich or famous then I suggest you donate your writing supplies to a writer full of passion and inspiration to write. They need the extra supplies - they are bubbling over with excitement yet might not slow enough to always have the right writing tools near by. If you are writing so you can be published and see your name in print (not that this isn't exciting) you need to prepare yourself for a lot of work, stress and failed dreams.

In my opinion writing is a passionate and energizing opportunity to share the ideas, thoughts and hopes buried within one's mind and heart with the person or people reading the finished product. I've written many things since 1st grade - few have been published in the newspaper and none have made it to a magazine or book as of yet. It isn't the publication that motivates me - it is the smile, tear or hug received after someone has read my creative work that fulfills my satisfaction.

You can't put a price tag on human emotion or the ability to touch another's heart. Writing is a priceless tool that change the lives of those reading your written word.

Writing Challenge:
Think of one person in your life that has made a difference in your life. This person can be alive or deceased. Carve a ten minute window into your day and write a note to this person. In this letter: tell them why and how they have impacted your life, express thanks for the good things, transform a negative comment into a positive to encourage him or her, give an example from your life of how their impact made you who you are today and sign your name to the bottom. (You don't have to mail the letter yet I challenge you to write it.)

The reason you write needs to come from your heart - not your wallet. Writing a letter is personal and an emotional connection to someone - a great place to start.

Thought to Ponder:
God has blessed each of us with an ability and gifting to both grow His Kingdom and to touch the lives of another. Thankfully He has blessed me with the gift of words and writing.

Make sure you read tomorrow's blog to learn what items I keep at my finger tips to make my writing go smoother and with minimal distractions.

Lisa :)