I Ponder Wednesdays: What Would You Say?

Yes, I know... I have been quite the terrible blogger, as of late. I wish I had a better excuse than the few I have (painting our house, catching up on a Summer's worth of laundry, preparing for/going to my first ever Children's Book Festival), but I don't.

Wait a second...

I haven't even discussed the totally awesome festival that I got to be a part of???

Oh my... Well, maybe that will be a good topic for today, seeing as I had a LOT of questions running through my mind when I was there. And the best one? It was actually given to me by an 8 year-old girl.

I was invited to present my book, Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink , at the ScholarShare Children's Book Festival, held at FairyTale Town in Sacramento, CA, and boy... was it ever FUN!

The day started with award-winning author and jazz genius, Matthew Gollub , introducing himself to me (after I almost fell over saying something dumb like, "I know you, I looked you up!!") saying, "I looked you up, too, and I'm really glad to finally meet you."

Um, I'm sorry, time out... WHAT?! This guy is an AWARD WINNER. I'm talkin', the kind of guy who is well known, and does NOT need to know or care who on earth I am!!

I digress. So, when he introduced me on stage, he had all the kids count the syllables in my name. Then they clapped together and shouted Be-tha-ny! Be-tha-ny!



Matthew Gollub! And blown away ME in the background.
 

Not going to lie, friends. There was no time or ability to be nervous. I had all the kiddos come on stage with me and that GIANT thrown (that I'm still mad at myself for not actually sitting in!). I did an activity with two volunteers and read my book... Wow.

It all went by so very, very fast!

If you look hard enough, you can see both my kiddos sitting up there, among the children. My author pals, Amy Dixon and Elizabeth Stevens Omlor's kiddos were up there, too!

 

After it was all done, I got to sign post cards (since my book is an eBook), give away bracelets and other goodies, and talk to kids and parents about what I do.

 

 

It's funny, when you finally become what you've wanted to become your whole life, you almost never remember what it took to get there. I had the fortunate chance to glance back at some of those very memories when a beautiful little girl said something to me that rocked me to my core:

 

"Um, I want to be a writer when I grow up. Do you have any advice for me?"

 

My mind went blank and flooded with so many ideas all at once! Luckily, after I picked my jaw off the grassy knoll I was seated on, I was able to give her probably more advice than she was looking for. And her mother? You could tell that she was one of those amazing moms who teaches their kids all the right stuff. I was so thrilled!!!

 

However, now I want your answers. I think it's important to keep up with what kids want to know, right? So...

 

If an 8 year-old child asked for advice...

Advice that would gear their lives

 to go in the same direction as yours has gone,

what would you say?

 

Answer away, friends! And, happy writing!



 

I Ponder Wednesdays: We Have A Winner!

Happy Birthday, to me... Happy birthday to me... Happy biiiirrrrthday to MEEEEE... Now who wins the prize?!

Okay, I am obviously not a songwriter (my brother got all the talent, there!), BUT, it's time to announce who won  Bethany's Birthday Bonanza contest!! WooHoo!

Let me say this much, I am so very, very glad that I chose to use Random.org. Why? Because the entries were SO darn fantastic. We even got some newbies to the blogging world! I hope everyone waves hello to Karen Moore and Kathy Gorman! *waves hi* Karen is a self-published PB author of a book that I'm eager to get my hands on, and Kathy is a retired teacher (from one of my old schools, no less) who loves to write for kiddos! Please embrace them and show them how wonderful our community is!

Anyway, the entries... wow. You guys had me laughing on the floor and begging for more! I loved the characters, each play on words (atta girl, Beth!), and all the love that was so obviously put into them. They made my birthday week very special!

So without further adieu, our winner is...

ABIGAIL BEAL!!!!!

 

 

 

Her story about 6 year-old Humphrey, his stuffed Elephant, and the birthday wish of ALL birthday wishes coming true? AWESOME! I really, really hope that you finish this one, Abigail. I look forward to the ending, and would absolutely be honored to look at it once it's done!

 

Everyone congratulate Abigail! Hip, hip, HOORAY!

 

Thanks to all of you who entered. I so loved this last week! Thank you for all the sweet birthday wishes and words. I'll say it again, I love our community! See you next week!

 

 

*Abigail- email me (bethany.telles@ymail.com) and I'll get you your prize!!!*



I Ponder Wednesdays: Happy Birthday to MEE! Oh, Do You Want A Contest?

NEWSFLASH!!!

In one, ONE WEEK it will be my birthday. And let me tell you, birthdays are great. But mine?

It's the BEST!!

I used to start counting down the days 'til my special day from July 19th. Oh, how much my childhood friends must have suffered. I would go as far as to tell janitors at my school just how many days/hours/minutes it was until I was to turn another year. I am not sure why, but I have always loved my birthday to an unhealthy point.

I have since calmed down a bit (in other words, I have taken my squeals of delight into rooms where no one can hear me, and have only done the July 19th countdown thingy in secret with my poor children).

However, it is now OFFICIALLY my birthday WEEK, and I would love it if you would help me celebrate. So...

 

 



You are hereby invited to

Bethany's Birthday Bonanza

 

WHEN: From today, 9/12/12, to Sunday, 9/16/12, 11:59 (PDT)

 

WHERE: Right here! On this blog!

You don't even have to get out of your seat!

 

WHAT: This is a contest!!

You are to write a 250-word story

that must contain the following items-

1. Your MC celebrating his/her birthday

2. An elephant (real, imaginary, or stuffed)

3. An odd question

 

RSVP: Please either subscribe to my blog or "Like" my FB page*,

then submit your story in the comment section below.

You must do BOTH (subscribe/Like AND submit story)

in order to be put in the running.

 

PRIZE: After the contest time is over, I will chose the winner using Random.org.

The winner will receive a $15 Amazon

Gift Card, for MY birthday!!

 

 

There you have it, ladies and gentlemen!

 

OH- the WINNER will be announced next week, ON my birthday!

We'll have a paaaaarrrtaaayyy!!!!

 

Good luck!! I greatly look forward to reading your entries...

 

 

*If you have already subscribed to this blog and/or have "Liked" my page, please let me know so that you can get an extra VIP point. :) Thanks!



I Ponder Wednesdays: What if You Can't Say "I'M WONDERFUL"?

It's no secret that I would LOVE to have an agent. I would love to have a companion on my side who can not only celebrate happy occasions with me, but can also tell me when something I've written is just terrible! Call me crazy, but I crave to have a kinship with someone so professional.

Now, I know there are ways to getting agents that I am wholly not comfortable with. Many agents have changed their submission guidelines to "No Unsolicited MS"...

Wait, huh? Of course my manny is unsolicited! That's why I'm querying YOU!

But they mean that they only take queries from writers with whom they've met at a conference, or even if one of their own clients highly recommends you.

Well, THAT'S easy! Many of my friends have agents. I'll have them whisper my name into their agent's ear, and I'll be a shoo in! YeeeHaw!

And you know, that might work for some. If you chose to do that, bravo! But for me, I just don't feel that I can ask a friend of mine to do that. They worked hard to get their agent. I applaud them for their accomplishments and if nothing else, I'm inspired to be just like them.

When I thought about it, I realized that throwing myself out there is difficult all on its own, for me. I have an issue with begging people to read my blog posts! I really want my writing to speak for itself without me having to shout it from the rooftops-

 HEY! I'M A REALLY GREAT WRITER!!!!!!

I'd prefer agents, editors, reviewers, followers, and peers to not have to listen to me gab about myself (which is funny, because here I am preeetty much gabbing away), but instead, be impressed with my ability to bring characters to life on paper.

So, here's my question to you:

In this day and age, when self-promotion seems to be the way to go,

do YOU think writers lose out if they
just don't have the gumption to say,

"Hey, I'M wonderful!"?

 

Okay, so there's that. I look forward to your feedback! Next week, I will announce a fun little contest that I can't wait to host. :) Tell your friends!

Happy writing!

I Ponder... Wednesdays: Should Age Really Matter?

As I have been cruising along in this year of writing and meeting writers, I have discovered something that is definitely NOT talked about within the writing community...

Now, of course I realize we discuss age when it comes to who our intended target is for our books. But we never really discuss how old we, the writers, are. Maybe it's not a politically correct question to ask, but I have been noticing a couple issues regarding it, and I feel it's a topic worthy of a blog post.

I was reading an interesting blog (which will remain anonymous), and the author happened to be talking about the writers of a very popular children's television program. She was saying that the direction in which this iconic series was going was awful, and that it was simply not worth her grandchildren's time; It wouldn't teach them the things that it taught her daughter. The conclusion that she came to was that it was the "young writers of today" who simply "didn't possess the knowledge and maturity that the older generations have".  I was SHOCKED to say the least.

Her followers? Yikes. I've never seen sooo many comments on one post, both good and bad.

The arguments that ensued were ones you can clearly think of yourself. There are great points on both sides! But to me, I don't see why it should matter. Aren't we all part of the same goal? Don't we want kids to learn, read, and feel emotions from books that help them develop well over time?

I, personally, do not share my age with other writers. I have been told MANY a time that I am too young for this business... That I have "plenty of time" to get my writer life in order.

Honestly?


Okay, I'll admit, there ARE some younger writers who might be, shall we say, a tad arrogant. They don't represent all younger writers, but they tend to make those who are- ahem- younger than 30 look like they have a chip on their shoulder. Then again, I look at amazing k-i-d, (yes, kid, as in, CHILD!) writers who have huge followings and fabulous supporters. One specific 10 year-old I know, Erik, has a fantastic blog where he reviews books. He also is participating in 12x12 in 2012, which means he is writing. Awesome, right? He's got a great talent, and no one is giving him guff. I love that!

I'm just curious if the bias for writers to be taken seriously lies in the hands of those who have maybe "lived more life" and might be a teensy bit more experienced.  I don't want to feel that way, but it makes me wonder... Am I crazy?

I can guarantee it works the other way around, too. I'm sure that there are a lot of writers who feel that they are "too old" and that they cannot compete, because new/younger writers are popping up all over the place. They bow out far too soon, instead of sharing what needs to be shared. How sad is that? The truth is, it shouldn't matter if you're 100 years old- if you have a story to tell, by all means!! TELL YOUR STORY! No younger writer should ever, and I mean ever, "take your place".

I understand that on both sides of the debate, there is one word that plays the largest role... EXPERIENCE. Younger writers may not have as much of it (life-wise) as older writers, but older writers might not be able to relate to the things that younger writers see and experience now. I believe that both can create (and should create) wonderful tales to tell.

So, here's my question for you to really sit and chew on, for this week:

When it comes to writing for children, should age really matter?

I am wondering if I am the only one who sees the stigma every once in a while... I absolutely do NOT see it daily, or even monthly! But I have been on one end or another of this issue a time or two, and it always throws me for a loop. To me? Age simply doesn't matter. You're writing to enrich the minds of countless children. In my opinion, I don't care if you're 11 or 121... 

KEEP. WRITING.





I Ponder... Wednesdays: I've got nothin'.

Every week, I sit and ponder. I cook and ponder. I drive and ponder. And while I do not suggest that last one, I do believe constantly wondering about the way the world works is a positive thing.

Unfortunately, for me this week?

http://www.unurth.com

I must admit, my brain has been on overload. We have had crazy things go on here at home, not to mention it's been extremely HOT outside (Bethany and heat do NOT equal friends!).

But as I sat here in the cool early morning hours, my mind went on a tailspin about having "nothing" on... well... my mind. Is that ever a possibility? It might feel like it sometimes. But it made me realize and understand that the reality is-

I have TOO MUCH on my mind.

When we have too much going on, we put pressure on ourselves. We become exhausted. We shut down. And as a writer, that isn't something you can really afford, can you? I mean, we all understand that not a single one of us get the amount of sleep we need. We all stress about something (whether writing related or not). But having too much on your mind ends up leading to the inability to create. We find ourselves looking for relaxing places to retreat to. But for me, after I've visited that relaxing place and I feel like my mind has cleared, everything that was bothering me or that was left unsolved creeeeeeps its way back into my brain, and not only am I overwhelmed- I feel guilty.

So, naturally, I have been sitting here pondering up solutions to this dilemma. "How do I write under SO MUCH FRIGGIN STRESS?????" And it dawned on me...

I just... don't.

Whoa! Pressure off, right? How creative can one actually be if they're forcing themselves to be awesome? I don't think the almighty San Francisco Giants pitcher, Matt Cain, would have been able to have his Perfect Game a couple weeks ago, if he would have said, "You MUST have a perfect game. You MUST be the first in Giants' history!". You think that would have been possible? Nope. Me either. Well, it's no different for we writers. If you've got nothin', don't force it. It'll be terrible anyway!

So my question to you this week:

What do YOU do, when you simply have... Nothing?

I hope to hear from you on this topic. I believe it's helpful for all writers and creatives (as I call them) to share how they pull through the everyday garbage that tries to bombard us, and wind up coming up with something terrific.

http://walkingasjesusdid.blogspot.com

Happy writing!!

Oh wait, there's more!

Tomorrow I will be sharing about my first Author/school visit, so please come on back! 

I Ponder... Wednesdays: What REALLY inspires you?

I recently Googled "Writer Inspiration", and you know what I got? Over 1.4 million results that included (but was not limited to) images, blog posts, quotes, art, and books.

Should I say that again? 1.4 MILLION!!
Now, some of you might think that that is a neat thing. I agree! How cool! But it got me thinking... Why do we need things to inspire us that are specifically written to inspire us? I'm not sure it's supposed to work that way, is it? Shouldn't we, as writers, already look to the entire world to inspire us?

I think the answer is no... And yes!

Here's what I mean:

I don't go looking for inspiration on my computer. I usually go for a walk, play with my kids, or sit outside one of their bedrooms and quietly listen to their conversations. It does wonders! I love to cuddle by the fire when it's cold outside. I treasure family trips, and the quiet hush that falls over my house when the boys finally drift to sleep. However, I can understand what writer's block truly does to a person. I've been there.

It SUCKS.

So I can get to the place where reading all the wonderful blogs of other people's ideas on what might inspire me, could work. But, I think I'd end up feeling like I was cheating. Was it really MY inspiration that got that character out of me? Am I being a bit pessimistic and strange? Yeah, I know I am. Especially since I disagree with myself!

We are creative thinkers. No, I am definitely NOT crafty (Seriously. Come back for my post this upcoming Friday, where I'll share pics and talk about my first school visit. You'll see what I mean.), but when it comes to other parts of the creative brain, I do okay. There are others who can create an entire life-sized elephant using some Q-Tips and "easy" directions they found on Pinterest. Creative thinkers have the ability and honor for thinking for themselves. And when they get stuck, they turn to the like-minded friends they might have for help and inspiration. And I love that. It doesn't take much to get us going. It's as simple as seeing a font on someones email. Or the motivation that comes from watching a 3 year-old play Beethoven on the piano, like it was the theme song from Barney. Whatever it is, it helps! And it's insane that there are so many things available.

So, what am I saying? I have no clue... Maybe it's that I am so baffled by our need to be inspired, that we search self-help books instead of walking around in the sunshine. Maybe I am, once again, thrilled to have a community that embraces each of our individual panic attacks when we absolutely cannot think of what to do or say... Or maybe it's both. But, either way, I want to hear from you-

What REALLY inspires you?



And, no, I don't want to hear about which blogs are great (though that sounds like a great idea for another post!) or which quotes rock your socks off... I want to know what it is that gets you, or got you, out of a slump. What is it that cut you to the core, and made your frozen creative juices flowing!

Remember- as "Creatives"- we understand that each project
we're on, starts somewhere...

All it takes is one spark of inspiration.

Happy writing!

I Ponder Wednesdays: What do you value in the writing community?

In April I attended my first SCBWI conference. I thought I'd be nervous. I thought I'd feel out of place. But the truth was, I didn't feel either of those things. Overconfidence? Maybe. Inflated ego? Definitely not. I just felt... Comfortable.

When it came time for our first speaker (lucky for us, it was none other than the sensational LIN OLIVER!), I was downright giddy. I'd met up with my pal, Elizabeth Stevens Omlor (yes, that one!), had a delicious pastry, and I was sitting with my incredible critique group. Now all that was needed was for Ms. Oliver to pass all her knowledge onto me- I mean, us. She spoke about very poignant things that are vital to writers, and gave fantastic examples and quotes that will stick with me forever.

However, in the beginning she spoke about how she got into writing, and how she eventually started SCBWI. She mentioned how she'd written letters to some pretty famous writers (one even being THE Dr. Seuss!) asking their advice after she'd gotten a job writing a bunch of children's stories. She had the audience guess how many writers actually got back to her... Want to know? Every. Single. One.

Cue light bulb moment for Bethany.

"We in the writing community are nice. Plain and simple." she said.

I wrote down a bunch of notes, but I don't remember much of her speech after that. And here's why:

I have been in many situations where I felt sub par. I've felt like the underdog. I've worried about fitting in. But I can honestly say, I have never met a children's book writer who has ever treated me with anything but encouragement, honesty, love, and a whole lot of smiles. I can't say that there are too many industries out there today that are like ours. And maybe that is why at my very first conference, I felt so comfortable and at ease. It wasn't overconfidence (I swear!), it was the few hundred people in the room showing me that I had an entire supportive army standing behind me, should I ever need to call on them. And what made me feel the greatest? I was standing behind them.

My question this week is sort of a twofer (two-for? How do we use the slang, here? Hmmm...). And since we are all so nice, please make sure to not name names or get too specific with the second question:

What is it about the writing community

that you value most?

And

Have you ever encountered a rude writer

that left you discouraged?

As you go today, I'm going to challenge you... Encourage ONE person. Just one, to keep going. Our community is vast, but tight knit as well... But it can't stay that way if we don't continue to hold one another up.

I Ponder... Wednesdays: A World Without Picture Books

I am a picture book author... Duh. But, why? What got me onto this specific branch of the Children's Book Tree? Well the honest truth is, I LOVE picture books... Despite being told it was the hardest genre to get into. I heard it was practically impossible. I heard that picture books were so difficult, in fact, I had a woman tell me that it's not a good idea to start there; She even said, "Get published with a couple novels first, then go for picture books." Wow. Is that everyones' attitude? Surely somebody has to write them.

Okay, yes... Picture books are a trying genre. But, HOLY COW! What a difference they make in young kids' lives. If there were no picture books, do you think the youngest of kids would wind up having a desire to read? In my tiny opinion, I'm going to go with no. There's so much to see in a book already, but then you add beautiful illustrations and BAM! A kids' imagination goes through the roof! Instantly they see themselves fighting off the the Big Bad Wolf, or trying on that glass slipper. If no one writes them because it's "impossible", what would that mean?

"What is the use of a book, without pictures or conversations?"

Now I don't say all of this because I have a soap box hiding under my desk that so desperately needs standing on. I'm actually putting the thought up for discussion. Most of my sweet followers here, write picture books. BUT, some of you write other genres (too), and some don't write AT ALL! I think, though, that all of us have been affected by picture books at sometime in our lives. So here's what I'd like you to ponder...

What would your life be like if there were NO picture books?

How would you, your life, your childhood be different? 

I'd really, really like some deep thought here. For me, I'm not sure I'd be a writer. I'm not even sure I'd be a reader! What do you think?

Happy writing and pondering!

I Ponder... Wednesdays: The Waiting Game

This year, for me, was devoted solely to writing. I joined Julie Foster Hedlund's 12x12 in 2012 challenge at the end of 2011 and made a promise to myself that I wouldn't submit anything to anyone all year long. I really wanted to have an entire arsenal up my sleeve. I wanted to feel like I had something much larger to offer if an agent became interested in me. I wanted to be able to submit multiple manuscripts to multiple editors, so that maybe I'd lessen the odds of being rejected.

Well, I broke my promise.

Within the last week I submitted, and submitted, and submitted. It was a rush, I tell ya! I had been doing so much research, I had gone to a fantastic conference where I had been given better opportunities to submit to the unsubmittable, and I had been told I had a product worth looking at. So, I sent out those emails with great pride, diligence, and a teensy amount of unshakable fear. 

Umm... Now what, Bethany?

Ah yes. Now I remember this part. The part where you sit and think of nothing else except 800 million what-if scenarios. The part where you literally put everything else on stand by so that you can check you emails. The part where you chant- "They said four to six weeks... They said up to three months... They said four to six weeks... They said up to three months..." Yeah, THAT part.

Crap.

I've heard of the waiting game as a slow killer of creativity. I'm not sure who said that, but I suppose it could be true. I DON'T WANT IT TO BE TRUE!!!!!


Okay, so I decided I would stay off my computer for nearly a week. I decided that I would focus on the manuscript I have going on for this month that I just cannot seem to find an ending for, and I would concentrate on the other four trillion things I have to do... Like, um, LAUNDRY! Yes, laundry definitely will keep me busy... Right? No? Double crap.

So I turn to you, my faithful, knowledgeable, helpful friends:

When you're stuck in the inevitable waiting game, what do you do to pass the time?

What do you concentrate on? How do you handle each passing day?

Right now, I think I'll take up a new hobby. Underwater basket weaving, anyone? No? Nah... Me either. I think I'll sit here, with this gal...





 http://postadaychallenge2011.com/
2011/12/03/weekly-photo-challenge-waiting/

Happy writing!!

I Ponder... Wednesdays: How do you want to be remembered?

Yesterday was a sad day for all of us in the kidlit community. Mr. Maurice Sendak, author of over a dozen Picture Books, passed away. To me, he was someone I didn't understand until I was older. I was one of the stranger kids who grew up actually not liking Where the Wild Things Are. But when I had kids of my own, and when I began my adventure of writing, I understood him. He wasn't a fan of the sugary-sweet, cookie-cutter stories that many of us think we need to write. He told things how they were, and any interview with him only proved that point. To say he thought outside the box, is a gross understatement. And I cherish him for that.

He once said, "Children have ferocious fantasies." How true is that?! I really think that when HE wrote, he crawled into the exact mind frame of a child. He understood them. He understood what made them imagine. He got it.

All day long yesterday, I was kind of in this distraught, melancholy state. It's been a hard week for me, started by the awful passing of Adam "MCA" Yauch last Friday. He, too, was a great part of my childhood and teen years. But I started to think about the things people have been saying about both of these talented men. Mr. Sendak had a reputation to be brash, frank, and a little obscene (for a children's author) in his interviews. But, he also was seen as a creative genius. He wasn't what you'd picture a writer of children's books to be like. He was simply... Maurice.

"The children know. They have always known. But we choose to think otherwise: it hurts to know the children know. If we obfuscate, they will not see. Thus we conspire to keep them from knowing and seeing. And if we insist, then the children, to please us, will make believe they do not know, they do not see. They are remarkable--patient, loving, and all-forgiving." -- Maurice Sendak

Thinking about his life and what he contributed to my own, I started to ponder what I might be remembered for one day; Would it be my ability to offer help to others in really crappy situations? Would it be my mothering (in)capabilities? Would it be that at one time in my life I was a strange gothic child? Would it be my love of popcorn or my terrible fear of balloons? Or would it be my books, even?

I think it'd be grand to be remembered as a writer who loved all things peaceful and bizarre. I'd want my books to hold a special place in someone's heart, even if that means just in my childrens'.

So, reflecting upon Mr. Sendak's life, answer this:

As a writer, how do YOU want to be remembered?

Thanks for stopping by, today. Happy writing, reflecting, and reading. 

And Mr. Sendak, may you forever be known as KING of all wild things.



I Ponder... Wednesdays: What does Sarah Perry ponder?

Maybe you noticed, maybe you didn't. Last week I was absent from the blogosphere and so was the I Ponder post. Why?? Well, ask my thumb. It decided to completely dislocate itself and make things complicated for me! HA! All is good now, and I will save last week's post for another time.

Today, I am so thrilled to say that Sarah Perry has a question for you to Ponder. She is the winner of last year's MeeGenius Great Author challenge. Her book, PAJAMA GIRL, is totally cute. She is also the queen blogger over at The Restless Writer (she even interviewed yours truly!).

She's awesome... Take it away, Sarah!

****

Everyone hears about the solitude of writing. The tortured soul, up late into the night, all alone at their desk, tearing their hair out as they stare at the blank screen. Ah, writers! Those poor lonely creatures slaving away while the rest of the world gathers to play.


But, does it have to be that way? After all, didn't the YA Golden Boy, Jay Asher, and the charming Carolyn Mackler just write a successful novel together? Another YA novel I loved, but was completely under the radar, Rob&Sara.com was beautifully written by P.J. Peterson and Ivy Ruckman. Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler write together. So the creative process doesn't have to happen all alone.


Which brings me to my question:

Have you every considered collaborating on a writing project with someone? Do you think it would be easier or harder than writing alone?

I know, as I continue to grapple with just the write ending for my YA novel, I wish someone else could just come along and work on that instead. Voila! Collaboration. If only in my dreams.

****

Thank you, Sarah! What a wonderful question... Let's share, friends! Happy writing!!!

I Ponder... Wednesdays: What does Jennifer Young Ponder About?

Hi, y'all!

So, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. You might know her- she's getting famous!- it's...

Jennifer Young!!

We met through... Wait, what did we really meet through? For me, it started when she was my competition in the first round of the MeeGenius Great Author Challenge. I read her book, and I said (completely out loud!), "Oh CRAP. I'm so out of my league." She finished 9th that round, and me? *whispers* 57th... Anyway, I ended up sending her a message on Facebook asking her if she was a finalist in that challenge. Long story short, we both went through that loooong ordeal together, and now we're pals! She's awesome and she just got her first book published (have I mentioned that 100 times yet?!)- but I'll get to that later. For now, Jennifer... the stage is yours!

*****

I feel so honored to be here at your blog today Bethany. To top it off, you want me to be a guest ponderer!!! How fun is that?! I always love hearing what you have to say on Wednesdays. So here's a big THANK YOU for having me on. I will try not to disappoint and to stay in true likeness of your fabulous feature.

I have always had goals set for myself.

Graduate college- check,

Get married – check,

Have kids- check,

Yes, there's more that I won't bore you with. But, when it came to my writing I didn’t set up a long term goal plan. I think it was because at first I wrote in hobby form (a little here and there). I'm good at short term goals and I know I will always write but I’m still not sure how much.

So I find myself pondering-

When I imagine myself older, many many decades from now…okay maybe just a few, I imagine myself as a writer but I wonder what level of writing I want to be at? Will I look back at my life and be happy with having only a few stories published or will I be disappointed I didn’t take time out to write more? Will I be satisfied creating hundreds of stories and publishing dozens of them? Will I become a full-time writer, part-time writer, or will my writing still be a hobby? These are the questions I wonder about myself.

Are you a goal setter when it comes to your writing or
do you sometimes wonder about your writing life, like I do?  If you do set goals, what type are they and do you make them easy to obtain?

*****

Thank you, friend!

Guys, Jennifer's debut eBook , Poison Apple Pie, is available now! Please go check it out! Also, she has a fantastic blog that you can get to be clicking HERE.

I Ponder... Wednesdays: Celebrity Perks?

WARNING! This post is two-fold, and the end might end up looking a little like this:

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akhadnkajhkjfhagbjdyrik47reoe9diwl2m3nhrugof!!!!!!!!!!

***

More on that, later. Anyway, the first part is, have you noticed my blog's pretty new makeover?? I feel so special! The illustrator responsible for my beeeeautiful banner is none other than the amazing Valerie Parker! Isn't it great? Round of applause for Valerie!! She is an emerging illustrator whom I have encouraged to join SCBWI. She's all signed up, and ready to learn! Please welcome her to our incredible community!

 Also, the I Ponder... series has an official badge! One of my dearest, sweetest, most selfless friends, HANDMADE this for me. The tree is made from scraps of very meaningful bits of text... She even threw an elephant somewhere in there! So, it is literally a picture of her fantabulous craft (I hope to have it framed and put on my wall soon!), but the simplicity and elegance of it makes me happy and proud. Thank you, Laura Fay!!!

Please feel free to take the badge to your own site...

Your thoughts are valid here, so you deserve a badge for sharing them!!

Alrighty, time to get to this week's thoughts. Deep breath...

I have been annoyed, no, mad, no, FLABBERGASTED, with something I see growing in serious popularity amongst the kidlit community. I know that you might be too, so I can't wait to hear your thoughts. I am appalled by just exactly how many CELEBRITIES have picture books out there! Good grief! You name a celebrity, odds are they have a children's book. I looked at a list last night, and some names like Jewel (coming later this year, I believe) make sense! She's a well known poet and songwriter. So I get that. But, Terrell Owens? Joy Behar? JAY LENO?? And believe me, these are just to name a few! These people are great at their day jobs- there's no doubt! But the fact that they are rewarded the opportunity to write something that we put our blood, sweat, and gallons of tears into, based on their NAMES alone, seems absurd.

Steven Colbert did a spoof with Where the Wild Things Are Author, Maurice Sendak. Mr. Colbert jokingly (I hope!) talked about how it's not hard to write a Picture Book. All you need is to be a celebrity. Of course they go off on a billion different tangents, but the point is still made. As long as you have a name that people know, YOU can write a book!

It had me rolling on the floor! Here's part 1:

Funny, right? Okay, back to business!
You know what is worse? Most of the books that celebrities write are GOOD. Have you read Billy Crystal's I Already Know I Love You? Tear-jerker-city, I tell ya! And there is no doubt in my mind that ANYTHING written by the insatiable Dame Julie Andrews is perfection. But I can't imagine that Snooki's inevitable children's book will be anything to line up for (no, any legal team out there... I am NOT saying that Snooki has a book deal. However she will be having a baby this year, so she's qualified, right?).

Yes, I'm a bit peeved. Yes, that is unlike me. And YES it squashes my sense of creativity (going back to last week's post). I sit here and struggle to get attention from agents, publishers, and even my own children for crying out loud! Pity Party, table for one?

Calm me down, friends. Tell me, what do you think?

Do the celebrity perks of writing bother you,
 or do they motivate you to work harder? 

Alright. I'm off to take the chill-pill my 3 year-old has just invented (ingredients include- but aren't limited to- sandwhich crust, carrots from the floor, and bits of napkin). I've been informed that the sound of my angry fingers on my keyboard can be heard down the hall. I think that's my cue to take a breather!

Happy writing, everyone!

I Ponder... Wednesdays: What Deflates Your Creative Balloon?

I cannot believe it's already Wednesday, and then again, I can't believe it's only Wednesday. This last week has been filled with so many ups and downs, I do not believe that even the most dangerous, terrifying, or insane roller coaster on the planet can even compete. All in all, we had some really bad news sucker punch our family in the gut on the very same day I found out that I had gotten published. It made Friday, March 23, 2012 feel like it was a two-month period in the mere 12 hours the sun was in the sky.

When I have a lot happen at once, I tend to stand firm. I stay strong for those around me who might otherwise not be able to continue to walk. It's my natural defense mechanism. My one of many, really. But while I stay strong on the outside, my insides are constantly trying to figure out my next move. Always the ponderer, I lay all my "what-ifs" on the table, and I solve them one by one with the most viable answer I can come up with. Survival instinct? Maybe. Crazy lady syndrome? Most assuredly! I can't even imagine the facial expressions people catch me with when I'm lost in thought!

I ponder... I calculate... I plan.

There's only one problem. There is ALWAYS someone lurking in a deep, dark corner looking to destroy your plans. And when it comes to creativity, that Defeat Monster is the worst. For me, what really gets me down is doubt. Anytime someone (or even my own self) doubts what it is that I am doing, I feel like, well... an idiot. I tend to assume that the whole wide world knows more about life than I do. Almost as though I am perpetually 10 years old. What's the sad truth? I feel that way even when it comes to my OWN ideas and creative juices! Like, the ones that need NO ONE else's opinion! Doubt... It's an awful, terrible enemy of Bethany's.


So, my question for this week:

What deflates YOUR creative balloon,

and what do you do to inflate it again?

I don't want this to get dark and depressing, so please share how you stay on track, too.

As for me? I simply turn off my computer, pray, and REALLY sit with my boys and play. I wrestle. I fight with the ever growing amount of lightsabers and wear the Star Wars costumes we now have in abundance. I bring back... Me.

And eventually, the Defeat Monster moves on. 

I Ponder... Wednesdays: What must it be like?

We've all read them... Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games...

 

(Okay- wait. HUGE confession, and PLEASE don't hate me, come knock down my door, and throw me into the firey pit of Mount Doom. I just never got around to Mr. Potter; plus, teenage vampires just really aren't my thing, and neither is the thought of a post apocalyptic world filled with teens killing one another.)

Bethany doesn't belong here!

ANYWAY, I've been thinking that these mega popular books-turned movies have all been written by women. As I am NOT a super feminist, I AM still proud of of my fellow ladies. What an accomplishment, no? I mean, Ms. Rowling has more money than the Queen of England, herself (or so I've heard)!!! I digress...

Though I've not read these books, and nor do I even write these kinds of books, I can't help but wonder what it must feel like to get the phone call that your book(s) has made the New York Times Best Seller List... and then one that asks permissions that your book(s) become a major motion picture... and then to see the merch, the billboards, and the thousands of people lined up to see that movie.

You see, I did not get involved in writing so that "one day" my book would be greater than... a BOOK. I wanted to write so that children could one day fall in love with reading because they happened to love what I'd written. However, I won't lie and say that the "Hollywood thought" hasn't crossed my mind! I mean, the what-if factor can get blown up to giant proportions, can't it? But, I think if you allow it, you'll lose sight of your original purpose. So, this week, I give this thought for you to ponder...

Do you allow yourself to fantasize (to have the "Hollywood Thought")?

 Does it help, or hinder your creativity?

I'm curious about this one. I once had someone tell me that they worried it would jinx what they were writing. I doubt that Ms. Rowling, Ms. Meyer, or Ms. Collins EVER thought that their ideas would take them to the heights they're soaring to. But then again, maybe they always knew.

I Ponder... Wednesdays: Are your characters about YOU?

I was in the bookstore not too long ago, and while I was searching for God-knows-what, I found myself in the Biography section. I am not a person who is fascinated by Biographies, Auto or otherwise. I mean, yes, they are quite interesting! But, I get board pretty quickly. Anyway, as I looked around at the hundreds of titles, I started to wonder what I would say in my own, lengthy explanation of how I got to where I'll be when I'm 75 (which is the age I think one should be when writing such a book!). Then that made me wonder if anyone would dare write their bio in Picture Book format. How fun would that be?

Of course, THEN, my semi-ADD mind went into another direction. Out of the stories I have written, how many of the characters that I've created have actually been me in disguise? And the truth is, not a one. Sure, I have several stories based off other people and incidents in my life. But, none are about me. I began to wonder if there was a reason for that.

Now, don't underestimate me. I could be a fun, long-haired, super sleuth elephant, if I wanted to! But I've never felt that personifying something with characteristics that I carry, would benefit anyone.

 That got me pondering...

How many characters in the fiction stories  you write
(picture book, chapter book, etc.), are

 based off of... yourself?

It's a random, quirky, and probably silly question, right? But it's one to think about. Every story is inspired by some event, or someone that you've come across. Sit back in your thinking chair or quiet space, and if you don't have any stories based of YOU, I'd love to know, plus I'd love to know why! If you create characters based off of the things you've done or the way you, personally, feel about life, please share. It would baffle me to know that I am the only one who doesn't do this. But it would also encourage me to maybe think that the "real" Bethany has some good stuff to offer!

Happy writing, guys. Feel free to be YOU, today! As for me? I will spend my day being...

... her. :)

I Ponder... Wednesdays: Would you write better without social media?

I have seen a lot of posts on various social media sites this week that have complained about how distracting social media sites are (yes, I see the dilemma there, too). It's a catch-22, really. We, as writers, need to write constantly. We also need to research, and that is where the Internet is wonderful. The whole world is at our fingertips!

Including... Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.

On these sites, we have an availability to "meet" other authors, interact with editors, publishing houses, and learn our craft from so many who have already walked the path we've just begun to walk. But, the downside is, I find myself getting caught up in it all and I often lose the time I'd saved to write.

That got me pondering...

If social media sites weren't available, would my writing be better or worse? Would you be less distracted? Would you have more time to write?

Seems like a simple answer could be given. But, give it some thought! I have found tons of confidence, stability, and ideas all through social media sites. I admit, I used to use my imagination more, when creating my stories. Now I notice that I am looking through popular trends to find what could be my next story. I don't think the quality of what I write has suffered, I just wonder how much more I could get done, if not for the constant posts and messages I just HAVE to read.

Who knows?? Double edged sword, maybe? Tell me your thoughts!

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!