What I wish I had known as a new writer

I went to the American Fork, Utah, Writer’s Workshop on Saturday. A dear friend, Margot Hovley gave a presentation on “What I wish I had known as a new writer.” She talked about practicing your craft–writing for ten years before you become really proficient. Having a thick skin is important so you can handle all the rejection letters you get. Belonging to great critique groups helps you hone your skills. Most of us have experienced these things.

The thing I didn’t know as a new writer was the great gift of friendship I would receive. I had no idea how much I would come to love all the people in my critique groups and what great support and love they would give back to me. This has been a great blessing in my life.

The goal of all writers is to be published. Even though I have a book contract, it is over-shadowed by the sheer joy of the journey along the way. One of the greatest gifts along the path is love.

So my answer to Margot’s question is: I wish I had known about the love I would find along the journey. I’m thankful for it and wish all of you the same blessing.

Happy Spring! Happy Writing! What you have found along your way that you didn’t know about as a new writer?

Christy Monson

http://christymonson.blogspot.com/

http://prophetsinperson.blogspot.com/

My Christmas Gift to You

Its true. I have a gift for you. Before I tell you about it, though, I have a favor to ask. Friend-husband and I are shopping for Storybook Night. If you recall, this is the night when we give our grandchildren their Christmas gifts. Each grandchild receives a book, especially chosen for them. They open their gifts one at a time so that everyone can admire each book. The rest of the evening is a filled with the reading and sharing of books. The favor? What is your favorite children’s book? That’s all. Just give me a suggestion or two. We need picture books, chapter books, and maybe even a little YA fiction.

Now, the gift. What do you do on Christmas Eve? In our family we stay up late playing games and watching movies, but first we gather for a Christmas Sing In. It’s an informal way to bring a special spirit to our Holiday celebration and reminds us of the reason for the season.

What’s a sing-in, you ask. Well, (thinking)…I guess it’s sort of an informal program. No preparation, no costumes, no fuss. One person reads, everyone sings. Choose your favorite carols, select a good reader, find a comfy chair, and the fun begins.

In our family, we use a script for our sing-in, which I wrote some years ago. I wrote it originally as narration for a musical Christmas fireside. It was well received and a few people requested copies. We liked it so much, that we adopted it as narration for our yearly sing-in. I think you’ll like it too.

I would like to thank you for your friendship and support. Thank you for your comments to the blog and your emails. I love hearing from you. Thank you for helping me celebrate the release of Some Secrets Hurt. Thank you for making a difference.

The script is too long for this post, but if you would like a copy of my sing-in script, just email me, garners@xmission.com and I will send the script as an attachment. Feel free to adapt it to suit your needs. I will send it in time for Christmas Eve.

That’s my Christmas Gift to You.

Merry Christmas.

Linda Garner