Where It All Began: Origins Blogfest

 

So, today is the Origins Blogfest. You can join at Alex Cavanaugh's blog. 

A short rundown on the rather self-explanatory rules:  Tell us all where your writing dreams began. It all started somewhere and we want you to tell us your own unique beginnings.

Several years ago (I guess about 3 1/2), my good friend and writer let me read her work in progress. At that time, I hadn't written a single word since my goofing around with short stories back in my college days. But we were members of the same book club, and I asked her if she needed someone to read her work and offer feedback.

After I gave her some comments, she said, Hey, you should write your own book. I thought, There's no way. But the idea percolated. And soon enough (about a year) I had my first manuscript written. 

Then I started another manuscript. I entered my first chapter (of the 1st ms) in a contest at LDStorymakers Conference in 2010--the first conference I ever attended--and I won first place.

For the first time I thought, Ya know, I might be okay at this writing stuff. 

I now have three completed manuscripts and two on the way. And I'm lucky enough to have sold my second novel. 

So, I guess I can't say that I've dreamed of being a writer all my life. But I feel like I'm living the dream now.

As I look back, I see how everything has fallen into place in a very miraculous way. I hope I don't offend anyone by saying that I firmly believe my success is directly related to some serious sacrifices I made a few years ago on behalf of other people. To quote a common hymn, "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." To find out what I believe, click here.

PS: As with all blogfests I join, if you follow me, I'll follow you. (That should be the title of a song!)

Best Ever!

Currently Reading: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley


I've been to a lot of writers conferences, but last week I had the best experience ever.

I went to the Writers and Illustrators for Young Readers conference in Salt Lake and participated in a weeklong workshop with one of my favorite authors, Martine Leavitt.

She is the author of Keturah and Lord Death, which happens to be one of the best books ever written. I may be biased, but that book resonated with me like no other book ever has.

Martine's class was phenomenal. I feel like I just got a one week crash course in MFA level creative writing. We learned so much, my mind is still spinning trying to figure out how to incorporate it all into my work in progress. She did an excellent job of keeping the attitude positive while still helping us find ways to improve our writing.

The other participants in the class were also amazing writers and I learned a ton from them as well.

Now, if only I could figure out my main characters concrete object of desire...

LDStorymakers 2011!

Weather Check: Wind howling, overcast skies, rain, and fog! Heaven. Don't bother me now--I'm writing!!

LOVED this years conference. Met some amazing people and award winning authors and awesome agents. Had a chance to reconnect with some old friends, too. Hats off to Jaime Theler and everyone involved in organizing the event.

Highlights:

Meeting Sara Megibow, of course. She was so nice it only took me seconds to realize I'd wasted a lot of sweat needlessly stressing about my pitch. And her class on Acquiring a Literary Agent was extremely helpful--and entertaining. This woman knows her stuff.

The first chapter awards! Yay! Bragging now--I came in second this year in the category of YA fiction. I placed first last year, but I didn't mind giving up the number one seat because it went to my good friend and writing partner--Yamile Mendez! She's amazing.

Larry Brooks's master class on story structure. One of those lightbulb classes where suddenly you see and understand the big picture.

Sarah Eden's hilarious shenanigans. Her video segments were too funny! Nicely done! I hope they post a recap of her kid's definitions about the different genres of fiction.

Reading the awesome and disturbing and deliciously creepy short story "Malach" by fellow bootcamper Cory Webb. Keep your eyes on her, she's got some serious talent.

And so many other informative classes and cool people. As writers we may be introverts, but get us together in one big pack and we know how to have fun!