I Ponder... Wednesdays: Can you write, bravely?

Yesterday, I had a lot going on. My son was recovering from a brief stay in the Emergency Room, my house was a mess, and I had no "Oompff" (as my dad would call it) to be artistic. I had also been struggling writing a story that I am not sure will be well received. You see, it's not exactly conventional, and by that I do not mean it's about children killing their parents or anything horrific! But, it isn't sugary sweet, either. I've been worried that thinking outside the box might give me a bad reputation... or prevent me from attaining one at all.  However, while I was wasting what little time I had meandering around on Facebook, I saw this photo-

I found myself staring and staring at this image. And it got me pondering...

No one got anywhere in this world by sitting back, and playing it safe. What would the world look like if we did? Better yet, what would the books we read our children look like? If we are brave, and we break conventionality, will we (as writers) actually impact others?

Really sit and think about this one. I'm eager to hear your thoughts, but not before you're sure on your ideas.

Happy pondering, everyone!

3...2...1... LAUNCH!! Introducing: I Ponder... Wednesdays!

Today... TODAY my life goes back to normal. I get to be a wife, mom, writer, and blogger once again, instead of the politician I feel I was becoming. I will be covering my MeeGenius challenge sometime soon, but for now, I am excited to launch my official weekly series:

I PONDER... Wednesdays!

Yep. This will be the place where I will discuss thoughts I have on all things- from the simple to the complex. My goal is to take writers away from focusing on the business side of their craft, and help them remember what got them involved with their passion.

So, go sit in your quiet space. Breathe. And answer this question...

The day you decided that writing was your mission, your hope for the future, what was it that made your heart burst with excitement?

For me? I've been trying to get back to that moment for the last couple of weeks. I find that when I start to shake my head and doubt that I have what it takes to write for children, I go back to the day I realized writing was something I sincerely LOVED.

I remember I was in high school, and I was given a challenge to write a Picture Book. I had to create the story, the characters, the problem, and the solution ALL on my own. I know for a fact that THAT homework assignment was the only one I EVER finished early, and with so much love, care, and true passion. I remember I felt like my eyes had been opened. I felt as though if I didn't write something profound before my life on this earth was over, then I would never truly live. It was official...

I. HAD. TO. WRITE.

Passion isn't something that can be forced on a person. It comes from deep within. Writing, and I mean, good writing, comes naturally. Your creativity needs to exude from your heart.

So, as you ponder what it was that MADE you a writer, feel free to share. Let it be the inspiration to get you out of your writer's block, out of your funk, and get rid of your doubt. You cannot silence passion. Remember what got you here, and treasure it!


I look forward to what this blog might mean for you, and for other writers like us. Here's to the launch, and inspiring all to remember that writing is so much more than queries, pitches, sales, and royalties. More to come in the weeks ahead!

By jove, I think I've got it!!!

You know, I never would have imagined that anything I would write would get attention. Well, this week, I was proven ever so WRONG.

Yes, the MeeGenius thing is still going on, and I have been asked to share my advice on getting media attention. I promise that is definitely coming. I think I will wait until the week of February 20th, so I can concentrate on the process of how it all came to be, and not on getting more votes. (And by the way! If you haven't voted for my story, Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink, please click on that MeeGenius link, and hit "Like"!)

But besides the limited media attention I have conjured up for myself, I was also interviewed by the lovely and oh-so-talented, Jennifer Young, on her blog Castles in the Sky, this week! I have never been interviewed by a fellow writer/blogger/kid wrestler before, so it was super cool! There were several nice comments left by her followers, and some of them actually came over here (assuming I had more interesting things to say besides how short and hippie-ish I am!).

*Waves hi to new friends!*

My last post was titled, Tell me what to do. I asked questions regarding this blog, and what I should do with it. I got an outpouring of responses from my friends and fellow writers. I was shocked, to say the least. First off, I had no idea that anyone really even read this silly muse of mine. Secondly, to get such great advice from so many... I was flabbergasted! So many of you told me I shouldn't just write what I know (not that there's much to that!), I should write what I LOVE; Write what moves me, what I'm passionate about. And you know what? I believe I will do just that.

So, what is Bethany passionate about? Well, there's my husband- believe me, he's DREAMY. And trust me, ladies- a man in uniform is always a sight for sore eyes, but MY man in uniform? Yowza... I am very lucky, indeed!

I am also passionate about my children. But, I kind of feel that if I let the world in on everything my kids have to offer, it'd be like opening all your presents before Christmas. So, that's out.

I am passionate about being a shoulder to lean on no matter what the circumstance. Encouragement is a gift I believe God gave me, so that has to be used somewhere.

I am passionate about trees, nature, elephants (yes I know- random!), and writing.

Truth is, I am passionate about many things. But the thing I believe I can offer for my bloggity blog followers is this...

Things to ponder...

Yep. My blog is titled Perched in a Tree- my views from the branch I ponder on... And why not do just that? I am going to be thinking of different ways to get us (writers and everyday people) to THINK. To focus on life outside of the box. I might list a question, write about my thoughts (mainly on the writing world and the focus that books need to have in our lives. Trust me, NO politics will be found here!), and ask what you think. I want us to really dig deep. I want us to use the creative sides of our brains, not the business side, as we try to write these stories for children.

I'm still drawing up my plans- not too sure if it's going to be a weekly thing or a whenever-I-want-to thing. But for now, I'd like to give a jolly right THANK YOU to all of you who so thanklessly encourage. That gives me strength and hope that we truly care about one another.

So, I'm off to ponder... I'm so humbled by your response, I hope to come back with something great!

Tell me what to do!

Well, I'm standing at a bit of a crossroads... And I need some advice. I have gotten to the place where I would like to make this blog something. I want it to be a place where my followers can come, gain perspective, and leave just truly... thinking.

Image Crossroads (C) by www.martin-liebermann.de

I have seen a lot of my friends use their blogs for good; For self-promotion, advice on writing ideas, contests for other writers, and cool interviews. I, however, have nothing much to promote, I have no real "advice" that I can spare, I have nothing to give away in a contest (unless you enjoy a virtual *high five* as the grand prize!), and I'm pretty sure my interview QUESTION would get old after a while (besides, "What's your favorite color?" doesn't make for a thrilling blog post).

I would love to know what you guys would like to see. What's missing out of all the blogs you follow? And, since a lot of you (my amazing, wondrous, fantabulous followers!) are writers, should I maybe be the one who doesn't blab about writing?

Hmmm... Discuss!



Bueller... Bueller?