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Posts tagged ‘JR Rapier’

Nov 14

12 Comments

My New T-Shirt and the EAST Austin Studio Tour

Over the weekend, some dear friends of mine gave me this custom-made tee to celebrate Little 15′s recent banning from a literary event. I got such a kick out of it, I couldn’t help but share. In fact, a number of people have reached out to me to show their support, including artist JR Rapier who has invited me down to Austin this coming weekend to showcase my novel along side her paintings at the East Austin Studio Tour (E.A.S.T.) Nov. 17-18.

E.A.S.T. is an annual self-guided tour and celebration of east Austin’s artist community and creative culture. The tour gives Austinites a behind-the-scenes look into working artist’s spaces and processes with more than 300 artists opening their studios to the community. At JR’s studio, two other artists will also be on hand to showcase their work – painter Stephen McCaffery and jewelry designer, Elizabeth Crandall. Needless to say, I’m  quite honored to be in with this lot!

So if you live in the Austin area, please stop by. We will be at Studio #10 and will have plenty of wine, snacks and impressive art on hand.

Meanwhile, I’m speaking at another book club tonight – yippee! I never tire of interacting with my readers and hearing feedback on my book. Yet I’ll admit, I always get a case of the nerves right before I go. How will they react to the story? Will they love it, hate it or just think it’s OK? How does Little 15 compare to other fiction books they’ve read? Will they think the characters and plot are believable and compelling? Will they recommend Little 15 to a friend?

In a way, I know how the artists in the E.A.S.T. Austin Studio Tour feel: putting your art on display is always uncomfortable, which in a sense is what I’ll be doing tonight. There’s never a guarantee how you’re art will be received or what people will say.  I can either let that scare the heck out of me or use it to help me grow and improve my craft. Either way, I feel extremely fortunate to be living my life as a writer and sharing my art with the world.

Now, for an important question:

Should I wear my new T-shirt tonight? :)

Aug 17

7 Comments

The Law of Attraction: If Oprah Believes in It, So Can You

About a year and a half ago I adamantly told my agent over coffee that when I got published, I would speak at writers’ conferences, book clubs and the like, and read excerpts of my novels to readers everywhere.

Eight months into my journey as a published author (and numerous 5-star reviews later), I can cross nearly all of these aspirations off my list. I regularly speak now at book clubs, and come October, I will give my first speech as published author to an audience of writer hopefuls at the Collin College Writers’ Conference in Dallas.

Please, someone pinch me.

But let me be clear: I’m not telling you this to boast (although I’m pretty damned excited about the conference!). I’m telling you this in a spirit of gratitude and because I can sense something very powerful at work in my life.

You see the thing is, I didn’t have to lift a single finger to land any of these opportunities. That’s right. All of these opportunities – one by one – have literally come knocking at my door.

*scratches head*

In other words, in this saturated world of publishing where I’m one of thousands of authors, people are coming out of the wood work, inviting me to speak at this or that – and I don’t even have a publicity firm working on my behalf. (But what writer does these days? OK, may be J.K. Rowling or Dan Brown, but I digress …)

So is all this good stuff happening with my career just a coincidence or a temporary stroke of luck?

A year ago, I would have said yes. These are all just a lucky breaks that will soon fade once the planets realign themselves or the universe decides I’ve had enough good stuff come to my life to last me awhile.

But now, after watching a film called “The Secret” my belief on what’s occurring in my life is dramatically different than what I would have believed even a couple months ago.

The Law of Attraction

According to The Secret, the Law of Attraction is constantly at work in our lives, with every thought that virbrates through us. In essence, what we think – whether good or bad – gets pulled back to us in its parallel. So according to the Law of Attraction, all these book club and speaking opps that are suddenly falling in my path have nothing to do with coincidence but everything to do with what I’m magnetizing into my world.

You alone hold the power to attract good into your life by the very virtue of your thoughts. Image courtesy of Peter Koevari WANA Commons.

Yes, you read that correctly and no I’m not losing it. In fact, I’ve never felt so clear-headed in all my life.

Without even realizing it, over the last few months I’ve been passionately visualizing myself speaking in front of groups about my novel, LITTLE 15. I’ve literally had little movies going on in my head. But I don’t stop there. When I daydream about receiving a standing ovation after a speech or about a line of readers wrapped around a book store waiting for me to sign their books, I don’t just see it, I FEEL it.

I feel every single emotion that those moments would invoke in me, sometimes even bringing me to tears. Not because I’m sad that it hasn’t happened yet, but because I’m feeling the profound joy of  having it in my life.

Sound crazy? May be even a little hokey?

You can think that – I don’t mind. Because that’s your thoughts and not mine, and the Law of Attraction says the only thoughts that can affect me – positively or negatively – are the ones going on right now in my mind. Sound familiar? Kinda like the only thing we can control is ourselves?

Watch The Secret. It’s a 90-minute film that will change your life, or at least how you think about your life. Oprah believes in it, too (and I happen to think that Oprah’s the bomb). In fact, a few years ago Oprah dedicated an entire episode of her show to the Law of Attraction. She invited a whole panel of philosophers, metaphysicists, renown authors and doctors to share their own experience with The Secret. And let me tell you, it was pretty dang powerful.

Thank you to my dear friend and talented artist JR Rapier for introducing me to The Secret, as well as The Artist’s Way – two powerful tools that have enriched my life to no end.

The Secret Film (first 20 minutes)

The Secret on Oprah

Oprah on How the Law of Attraction Has Worked in Her Life (Larry King Live)

Jul 16

5 Comments

Reclaiming the Lost Art of Letter Writing

These days, anyone can speed-type a text and push send. But not just anyone sits down and handwrites a letter anymore.

In our instantaneously digital, fast-paced world, I’m feeling more disconnected than ever, partly because I can’t remember the last time I stopped long enough to have a lengthy and non-hurried phone conversation with my dear friend, JR Rapier – a talented artist and painter whom I’ve called my BFF since the age of six.

Truth told, I feel caught in a dizzying conundrum of managing kids, family, writing, blogging, tweeting and facebooking that has left me with a rise in my anxiety quotient - and a burning sense of urgency. Not only from the fear of losing myself, but of losing that delicate and precious connection to the people I love.

In the last six months, I’ve lost three uncles, who at times, I failed to call or write as much as I believe I should have. You see, none of them had email or Facebook accounts or had learned how to text. So at times, reaching out to them took more effort than I often had time for, or at least more effort than grabbing my iPhone and tapping out a few lines of impersonal banter.

It seems that in my life, text and email has virtually wiped out all former ways I used to communicate. Although I still take the time to hand-write thank you notes, text and email – along with social media – are by far the chief means in which I communicate with those around me. I won’t deny or argue that technology has helped make communication and doing business easier and faster. In fact, for authors like me, social media is a godsend, allowing us to spread the word about our books in an almost viral manner. But what, may I ask, are we sacrificing in return? Is it the time it takes to cultivate meaningful relationships? Or analyzing it one step further, is it also the physical connection of placing pen to paper? That sensation of gripping a writing instrument with your fingers and feeling the friction as it glides across the page? In other words, is our way of digital communication desensitizing our lives, both physically and emotionally?

Signs of Our Times

Case in point. In general, schools are starting to place less emphasis on cursive and handwriting skills, with some even doing away with teaching cursive altogether. That’s in vast contrast to a generation ago, when flowing script was the mainstay of both grammar schools and the professional world.

But researchers say handwriting helps children develop in other areas, such as reading, writing, memory and critical thinking. So where does that leave letter writing? And where does that leave our kids with the ability to pick up a pencil and write legibly across a page?

Pen Pals

The other morning as I was handwriting my morning pages (that’s right, Artist’s Way author Julia Cameron REQUIRES that you write your pages in longhand), I remembered how JR and I used to write letters back and forth to each other when we were kids. I’d usually get a few from her during her summer vacations with her family, which always took her away for a couple weeks at a time to either the Grand Canyon, Colorado or some other National Park. In these letters, she would detail to me everything she saw and experienced during those travels, making me feel at times as if I was right there with her. Finding a letter in the mailbox from her would always send me bounding to my room to tear it open and flop belly first onto my bed. And just as quickly as I would read it, I would write a reply, mostly on stationary adorned with kitties or other cutesy images and colors. I always loved a trip to the Hallmark store where I’d get to pick out stationary – my very own letter-writing paper and envelopes that would reflect my interests and personality. JR would always do the same, sending me letters on her latest stationary of her choosing and creation.

I still have those letters in my attic and plan to dig them out for a good walk down memory lane. In the meantime, I’ve decided to ask JR to be my pen pal again. I even went out and selected some stationary that reminds me of Paris – and a fancy set of pens to go along with it. For me, letter writing is as much for cultivating my friendship with JR as it is a creative exercise for myself. It not only will help us focus on our friendship outside of the chaotic lives as mothers and artists, but it also is a way to get back in touch with myself outside the dizzying digital age where I sometimes feel drowned. Although I can’t change where technology is taking us, and honestly, I’m not sure if I even would if given the chance, what I can do is change how it affects my life. We all have the power to set boundaries, and perhaps it’s time to set a boundary or two for how far we allow the digital age to invade our space.

It turns out I’m not the only one thinking about letter writing again. In researching this post, I found several resources focusing on this very thing. In fact, there’s a entire book dedicated to the personal a letter, which according to The Hand. Written. Letter. Project., “is currently drowning in a tide of depersonalization, with junk mail and automated correspondence.”

So what’s your thoughts on the fate of the handwritten letter? When was the last time you took time to write one? Do you sometimes feel disconnected and overwhelmed as I do in our digital world? Would you ever consider becoming a pen pal with an old friend? If so, who would it be?

Jun 28

12 Comments

A Writing Mom’s Summer Survival Guide

I have a love-hate relationship with summer. Everything about it wears me out. If I’m not shuttling the kids back and forth to camps, then I’m sitting in a pool of my own sweat, waiting for them to finish their swim lessons. Like this past week. Have you guys heard about the 100-plus temps down here in Texas? Yeah, I change my clothes (including my underwear and bra) at least three times a day. And if it’s not the scorching Texas heat draining my shallow pool of energy, it’s my dear 7-year-old telling me for the 100th time that he’s bored. (Yes, mom, I know I whined about that, too, when I was Ian’s age. I get it. Paybacks are hell.) Or my sweet 3-year-old soiling his shorts. At swim lessons. In the 100-degree heat.  Without wipes. And have I mentioned that my husband travels?

All the above not only punches holes in my sanity, but it all throws a very heavy, oily wrench in my writing schedule, which during the summer, is hardly a schedule at all. And nothing gets me in a worse mood than to have my writing time sucked away. Seriously. Writing is so much a part of me that it literally has the power to shape my mood. Speed through a thousand words on my WIP? Mama’s skipping around with the energy of 10 women. Blocked on a blog post? Then I advise you to get out of my way and just leave me to stew in my own disgust and angst.

But that’s not my kids’ fault – or their problem. It’s mine and I’m willing to own it. I choose to write. I also choose to work for myself from home. And I choose not to allow the craziness of summer get the best of me. So for the last few weeks, I’ve been toying with some ways to help make my life easier. And since many of you are also parents, I figured I’d share them with you, too.

Set Realistic Expectations

I have approximately two hours most mornings to write, blog, Tweet, post on Facebook and promote LITTLE 15, which are all necessary tasks for building my platform as an author. The first few weeks of summer I nearly exhausted myself trying to do it all. So here’s what I decided: less is more. I will focus on blogging and social media, and start fresh on my next novel in the fall. That’s still a lot to chew – and some days I might not get to any of it. But at least I’m still writing and maintaining my presence. And I’d rather do that than nothing at all.

Go Easy on Yourself

I just did. And I feel so much better.  So cut yourself some slack. If I can do it, so can you. Life is just too damn short to spend all balled up.

Keep It Simple

I’m an over-achiever, which if I’m not careful, can easily translate over to my kids and their schedules. I’ve realized that it’s OK to have down time, or even a day when nothing’s planned. I have found, though, that I do better (as do my kids) if we have at least one activity per day. Two is sometimes pushing it. So don’t go all out trying to schedule every minute of every day. That’s just crazy. Additionally, make sure your kids have some free time and/or quiet time scheduled into their day. We have quiet time every afternoon – for my sanity and theirs.

Get Plenty of Rest

People who can get by with 4-5 hours of sleep simply amaze me. My body just can’t do that. If I don’t get at least 7-8 hours of shut eye every night, then this mama bear comes out growling. For the sake of myself – and my family – I always try to put myself to bed at a reasonable hour. That means no staying up late to write. Period. I’ve tried it and for some reason, I’m just not wired that way. Plus, I prefer writing early in the morning when my brain is fresh. But this summer you won’t catch me doing that either, because …

Exercise

This is non-negotiable in my book. We all know the benefits of getting our heart pumping, so I won’t go into it here. But I will say this: it’s important that you carve out time for some huffing and puffing. I don’t care what it is – walking, running, yoga, roller skating, skateboarding swimming, etc. For me it’s biking. Around 6:15 nearly every morning, I force my butt out of bed to go ride it like I stole it. That’s right. For 45 minutes I pretend I’m Lance Armstrong with a vagina. Some mornings I go 10 miles. Other mornings it’s seven. I stopped counting a long time ago. All I know is that exercise gives me energy – and balances my mood.

Make More Time For Sex With Your Spouse or Significant Other

Seriously. A regular romp in the sack date with your spouse will do wonders for your marriage and your nerves – especially when life with kids gets intense.  And trust me, it will get intense. Just ask the Bead Lady, Carolyn Evans, who created the Forty Beads Method for spicing up her marriage. And you don’t need me to remind you about the benefits of sex spending time together. (Breath, mom. It’s OK. I’ve been happily married for more than 13 years now, so I know what I’m doing.) What’s more, according to Women’s Health, a marriage that included regular humping date nights was figured to bring the same levels of happiness as earning an extra $100,000 annually. Cha-ching!

Now that I really got your attention, let’s keep going …

Let Your Kids See You Work

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with telling your kids that you need a few minutes of work time. In fact, you are setting a great example of using your talents and gifts, which helps give them confidence, knowing that mommy and daddy are well-rounded. (Plus, when they get older, you’ll still have a life.) It’s also a great opportunity to get them involved in what you do. Do you enjoy painting? Do what artist JR Rapier does and set-up a kid-size easel with paints next to yours. Are you a writer like me? Give your child a journal and have them write or draw while you edit your blog post. (I’m not talking hours – just 20-30 minutes here and there depending on your child’s age.) Trying your hand at gardening? Take your child to the nursery. You get the picture.

Call a Friend Who Gets it

For me, this friend is Amy. She’s in the exact same place I am – juggling career and kids – so it’s nice to vent to someone who truly understands. While we are both pinched for time, a quick minute conversation can do the trick. Even though we might not solve anything, just getting it off our chests helps to raise our spirits and get through the day.

Drop the Guilt

What if none of the above makes a difference and you are still a stressed-out mess who thinks she’s a failure in all areas of her life? Some days might feel like that, but I promise you, there will be more good days than bad. I say this to myself as much as I say this to you: Let. It. Go. If you don’t, it’ll make you fat or kill you or both. So like I used to tell my greyhound when she’d snag a bird (Lord rest her sweet, canine soul), drop it, girl. Now.

Drink a Slurpee

And finally, my secret weapon – the Slurpee. So if all else fails (like when your son soils his swim pants right after his lesson), drive your butt (and all the other soggy butts that are in your car – but wipe ‘em first) to 7-Eleven and buy everyone a Slurpee – including your sweaty, nasty, sticky self. Because Slurpees make everything better and they help cool you off, in more ways than one. (By the way, the new Slurpee Fanta Watermelon Lime is to DIE for!)

I love hearing from you! What are your secrets to surviving the summer? Please share! And if you’re an artist, how do you find time for creativity?

Grip, suck and swallow.


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