January 31, 2011

January, I can't say that I'm going to be overly sad to see you go. Especially since this last day seems to be Computer Issue Day! So for this second attempt at my blog post I think I'll keep my fingers crossed!
First I would like to introduce tomorrow's brand new addition to the blog, it has no official name, but it's all about YOU. Guests answer interview questions about how they set, stick to, and plan to celebrate the reaching of the goals they have set for themselves this year. I'm looking forward to this new addition especially since there are so many different ways to look at goals, and having guests share theirs with my readers is a great way to find new things to do, new ways to handle what you have on your own plate, tricks to stay motivated, and lets not forget the reminder that no one is on this goal achievement path alone! Right now this addition will appear on the first of each month, but I'd love to get enough people participating to increase the frequency, so just let me know if you'd like to join in!
As for me, this week I'm On My Way To making a dent in a new month's list. I've got 4 projects to plan, make, and write directions for to fill out February's Sophie's Sneeze Page needs. I've also got a query letter to write for Craig's Quest for Crystal Cave. I'm still waiting for the new Writer's Market Book, so I'll be querying 2 manuscripts when it comes in - should keep me on my toes! I'm only putting 1 new writing page on the list because of the query letter this week. If I can fit anything else in, I'll be happy to share the accomplishment on Friday! Until then, I hope you have a great walk on your own path!

(Note on the pic: This is someone else's path, I just have the picture hanging around.)

January 28, 2011

I'm sitting here with my January "To Do" List beside me, and I have to say that for the most part it worked out as it was meant to. I've completed 34 Wednesday's Words illustrations, written 5 pages and the remaining 8 Wednesday's Words sayings that I needed to reach the 52 week goal, I've kept up with the Sophie's Sneeze projects for the month (the one remaining one is 98% complete, I'm tied up in drying time right now and need to type up directions.) The only things I've not managed to wrestle into submission are book sales (need a plan that works from home in my pajamas for this time of year), and querying agents for Bart and the Amber Bee Award (got my Children's Writers and Illustrators Market 2011 book yesterday - check out the picture to see what managed to slip through a very reputable source's quality control department... I'm waiting on a new book to arrive.) - I also need to add reformatting Clyde for a different sized book to February's list now that I've decided on the distribution avenue, but that wasn't on January's list technically so doesn't really count as something I didn't complete! All in all I'm content with my progress - it looks pretty darned impressive from my viewpoint! So now it's off to the weekend (the real world looks a little challenging at the moment (broken washing machine, etc.), I almost wish I could just stay in my office and do busywork! See you Monday with a one day jump start on February's goals!

Wednesday's Words from Almost Comfortable Skin #20

#20 There is no way to know what choice you will make until you have to make the choice.




(Wednesdays Words come from either personal experience or observed situations that have settled into the thought patterns that make me who I am.)

January 24, 2011

So here we are at the last full week of January. I wonder how I can sell 4 books and meet my goal in that department... especially when we really haven't been going anywhere lately. I've really got to work on developing some mad marketing skills! So I guess that's the first thing I'm On My Way To - making faces and battling the weather all the way I might add. Next in line is finishing up the Wednesday's Words drawings - I've got 18 left *cringe*. Last but not lease I've got 2 pages left to write. Not a horribly long list, but the real world needs some attention too so it will be an interesting balancing act! Wish me luck (because February is full too so I REALLY don't want to have to carry anything over!)!

(Note on the pic: Kid-built years ago, but really captures the feeling of this week for me!)

January 21, 2011

Hello beautiful Friday that has no scheduled events! I really like you and am celebrating your existence by wearing my bathrobe and slippers all day! I may not have gotten any literary goals accomplished this week, but my brother found a great apartment in the town he was relocated to, got some great furniture to turn that apartment into his new home, and made it out of the towel, bedding, and curtain sections at the store with his sanity intact. I am glad he invited me along for his adventures, and hope that my being there helped him have a better time than if he had been stuck doing it all alone. I also managed to get me and the boys in to the dentist for our cleaning on time, and I got my hair cut and some really fun blue highlights added to combat the winter hum-drums (not to mention some personal grouchiness that has been lingering for too long.) All in all a very satisfying week, and a nice break from my usual routine! Now it's off to the weekend to rest up for the catch-up week I've got planned starting on Monday! See you then!

Wednesday's Words from Almost Comfortable Skin #42

#42 I’m not dating life, I’m married to it. I can be myself without fear.




(Wednesdays Words come from either personal experience or observed situations that have settled into the thought patterns that make me who I am.)

January 17, 2011

I want to kick off this new week by sending well wishes to my friend Theresa Flerx who is bravely stepping in front of the TV cameras to tape her spot on a Lifetime Television show called The Balancing Act in just a few hours! The show should air later this month (I will post the date as soon as she gives it to me), and her spot will focus on coping strategies she has used to get through (way too many) rough spots in her life and promote her autobiography Disequilibrium and the Multi-Faceted Crystal Ball. Once the show airs, Theresa will have her segment posted on her website in case you miss it or would like to watch it again. ( http://www.tflerxanecdotalist.com/ )You can also order Theresa's book at her web store. So if you are reading this post, please join me in hoping that the taping is a wonderful experience for Theresa!

As for my week, I'm actually On My Way To helping my brother, Nathan, look at apartments in the new town he is locating to for work. He'll only be a couple of hours away now which will be wonderful! I'm leaving the week unscheduled for literary goals and seeing what I can work in. I've got January's "master schedule" posted on my office door, so it's easy to see what still needs done if I have spare time. Check back Friday for my Accomplishment List!

(Picture note: Nathan is saying goodbye to the ocean and hello to the mountains!)

January 15, 2011

Just a quick note in between STUFF to say that "Why yes, I did get my list (almost) complete. Thank you very much." All I have to do is color the illustrations and no one in their right mind considers that work. Now it's off to enjoy the weekend with my guys. Ahhhhh downtime!

(note on the picture: This is one of the bushes in my side flowerbed. It's determined to hang on to its flowers this year (no matter how dry and brown they get). Gotta respect that!)

Wednesday's Words from Almost Comfortable Skin #12

#12 Stretch both your mind and body to avoid Grouchy Face Syndrome.




(Wednesdays Words come from either personal experience or observed situations that have settled into the thought patterns that make me who I am.)

January 10, 2011

I'm starting to really appreciate Monday's - they are filled to almost bursting with brand new potential, and nothing has decided to careen off track yet or pelt me with unexpected To Do's that somehow push my list aside. Well, at least not until later in the day. Yep, it's probably a sign that I am in desperate need or therapy, but oh well, I like the quirkiness of it!

So this week I'm On My Way To: 1) 8 Wednesday's Words illustrations (I really like watching the end number drop as I get nearer the finish line) 2) 1 exceptional query letter for Bart and the Amber Bee Award 3) 1 page of new writing on any story I have started that has begun to grow cobwebs 4) Schedule the new Guest Interview addition for this blog that will start up February 1st (and try to convince more people that they want to share their interests and their way of reaching their goals with my wonderful readers).

Busy week, so I'd better get moving on it! Enjoy your week, and I hope your path is boulder free!

(Note on the pic: From the walkway last fall - just a reminder that new things are determined to pop up all the time.)

January 7, 2011

Strike up the band and play the triumphant music! I've got my 8 illustrations complete, my 8 sayings written, my less than joyful turn down of the offer made for Bart and the Amber Bee award sent off and my distributor chosen. If you noticed the slightly flat note on that last one, it's because I need to decide whether I'm changing the size of the book so that I can keep the spine text on the finished product or if I'm just going to deal with the loss. There is also the option of changing the book's size in order to achieve their 80 page lower limit for spine text... Hmmm I'll decide over the weekend. For now I'm off to enjoy some down time!
I hope your weekend is great! See you on Monday.

(Note on picture: Yes Tiger, it's safe to come out now - I'm done running around like a chicken with its head cut off for a couple of days.)

Wednesday's Words from Almost Comfortable Skin #31

#31 Never skimp on compassion or common sense.




(Wednesdays Words come from either personal experience or observed situations that have settled into the thought patterns that make me who I am.)

January 3, 2011

I hope that the New Year came in with as much motivation for you as it did for me! I also hope that the motivation I've had over the last few days sticks with me and helps me accomplish the goals I've outlined for 2011. Yep, that's right, I've got a schedule outlined. It doesn't even have that many gaping holes! Lunatic Optimism? Maybe, but it's ORGANIZED Lunatic Optimism. I'm going to try to follow it like a recipe and see how the finished product turns out. I've set everything up as a monthly goal chart, so I can use my mood to decide between projects while still working toward the completion of the outline. Most of the "big" stuff is recurring so will hopefully become a good habit that I can stick to. I've got a pretty good feeling about this! (and you can turn off the "impending doom" background music now...)

So here is what I'm planning for this week: Since I want to finish all of the future Wednesdays Words... posts so I can have them on hand instead of stressing to stay caught up, I've got 8 to think about and write down. I've also got 30 total to illustrate so I'll do 8 of those this week too. Secondly, this weeks to do list includes the sad fact that I need to turn down the offer I received from Headline Books to partner publish Bart and the Amber Bee Award. I'm not happy to miss out on working with Headline Books as I love their "out of the box" marketing approach, but my part of the publishing agreement just won't fit in my budget this year. Lastly, I need to settle my distribution option for Clyde the Undead Dust Bunny. Until that is done I'm limited on where I can set up book signings, so it needs to happen now.

And there you have it - my first list of goals for 2011. Here's hoping the motivation doesn't turn into manic motion and I can stick to the path ahead of me! I'll let you know how it goes on Friday!