Anyone out there reading...
I had a huge post I was writing today that quickly got put to the side when my children decided to go missing. GASP! Fear not, however. They were found crouched in the empty bathtub playing Hide 'n' Seek (not only did I have no clue we were playing, I had no idea I was "it"!).
I have a favor to ask.
Instead of reading an extremely long post about something odd, transparent, or amusing, would you mind clicking on this link, and voting for my manuscript titled, Waiting for James in a Sea of Pink?
http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/waiting-for-james-in-a-sea-of-pink-by-bethany-telles
It will benefit the elementary school that I attended as a child, by giving it an entire library of books!
All you have to do is "Like" my story (and by all means, feel free to read it!), to make your vote count.
Thank you so much, and I promise to get back to the odd, transparent, and amusing stuff soon!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Writing Weather
It's cold, crisp, and perfect outside. It's not a secret that I love this weather. I find it inspirational and romantic. I see our world slow down, even if only for a moment (despite the insanity of the Christmas rush, that is), and I feel at peace.
It's, without a doubt, WRITING weather!
And, I think, I'm not alone. It's not difficult at all to get wrapped up in the fantasy of sitting by a warm fire, listening to enchanting music, and reading your favorite book. So, why not write in those exact same conditions?? (Just a tip: Don't dim the lights too low! How on earth will you be able to see what you're writing?! Recipe for an odd disaster, I tell ya!)
I like to pretend nine months out of the year that I am NOT a starry-eyed romantic dope. I loathe all things-Valentine's Day, and I generally don't get sappy about love stories. However, there's something about October, November, and December that transforms me into this bizarre mush pot! I'm instantly full of emotions and desires of riding in a horse-drawn carriage in the middle of a soft snowfall.
WHY??
I like to think that it's the writer in me. I have this craving to create. I find myself wanting to write something profound, but rarely have I been able to have the right outlet (I won't lie, our Christmas card "Yearly Update" letter miiiiight be a tad over the top!). Now that PiBoIdMo is underway, I have found that some of the ideas pouring out of me are coming straight from this one-time-a-year soul I seem to have. And that's exciting!!
So as you snuggle up with a good book, song, recipe, or even the love(s) of your life over these next eight weeks , tap into your creative side. If you're a writer, jot down the feelings you are experiencing that EXACT moment. What single word or sentence describes your surroundings? Piece it together, and you'll have something to treasure! If you're an artist, find inspiration in everything around you! If your a musician, drag out that guitar, and close your eyes. Seriously, your heart was meant to explode with creativity in these months!!
But, if you're someone who really has nothing even resembling a creative bone in your body, just stop. Listen. Breathe. You'll be astonished with what you'll hear or feel.
But, if you're someone who really has nothing even resembling a creative bone in your body, just stop. Listen. Breathe. You'll be astonished with what you'll hear or feel.
If you don't believe me, just test my theory. And by all means, share your results.
Happy creating!!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Because you wanted to know what I'm doing... Right?
The next two days are going to be HUGE in my little life... Number one: Tomorrow...
HALLOWEEN!!!!
As most of you know, I love it. I live and breathe the spooktacular essence that surrounds the holiday. One's imagination can set sail, kids have the excuse to run around in the crisp weather gorging themselves on the things we do not allow them to have the rest of the year, not dusting your porch's cobwebs is perfectly acceptable (why buy them, when your friendly 8-legged friends give them to you for free??), and gloomy yet oddly romantic tales fill the airwaves. I. LOVE. IT!
However, this year, November 1st is actually the day where three large events could impact my life in a significant way; Interesting things will (hopefully) begin to happen for my writing career. What are they? I'm glad you asked!
#1- Tara Lazar's challenge of creating 30 Picture Book ideas in 30 days begins (aka PiBoIdMo!). I have accepted the challenge, and will prove to myself that I can be creative within a time crunch! If you see me on December 1st and my hair is a wiry mess, I have black mascara smudged half way down my cheek, and you can quite literally SEE my breath, just plug your nose and give me a pat on the back... Muttering something like, "Job well done." wouldn't hurt either!
#1- Tara Lazar's challenge of creating 30 Picture Book ideas in 30 days begins (aka PiBoIdMo!). I have accepted the challenge, and will prove to myself that I can be creative within a time crunch! If you see me on December 1st and my hair is a wiry mess, I have black mascara smudged half way down my cheek, and you can quite literally SEE my breath, just plug your nose and give me a pat on the back... Muttering something like, "Job well done." wouldn't hurt either!
#2- I have entered one of my picture book manuscripts into an online contest for MeeGenius' Author Challenge 2011, and the deadline to enter is November 1st. After that, all (ALL?) my friends and family will get the chance to vote on it... Yadda yadda yadda, I could be a published author of an E-Reader picture book!
#3- I will be submitting one of my beloved stories to an agent; and not just any agent, you see. She's THE agent I'm dying to have represent me. I'm nervous, too, because this time I think she's sort of heard about me. HOWEVER, that's all that will be said on the subject!
So, all in all, please pray for me or send me your good thoughts and wishes. It's amazing where your dreams can lead you... Especially if you have a Father who you trust to guide you.
I'll be around! I'll keep everyone posted if I have a brain cell to spare. Between these events, my crazy kiddos, my hard-working hubby, and remembering to brush my teeth, odds are I'll be one blubbering fool during the Thanksgiving festivities.
For now, Happy Halloween!!!!!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Defeat Monster
He's slimy, he's frustrating, and he's heavy. He lurks around every ambition, every test, every goal...
Waiting.
He watches your eyes for that small flinch of doubt, that sigh, that head-in-hands moment, and he attacks. Without mercy or consideration for how hard he is going to break your heart, he rips your self-esteem piece by piece, and stomps on it with his large, muddy, lead boot. His laughter echos down deep into your bones. Getting up, moving on, pushing through... No way. You're not only paralyzed with fear, but you're defeated. You watch your beautiful dream sail away into the sunset of your would-be future.
He doesn't care. His quota was met for the day, and he goes home happy with the pain he's caused. He hangs up his hat, and warms his hands on the warm fire inside his murky, foreboding fortress. He enjoys a good meal and a hearty pint of his favorite brew. He laughs, he cheers, and he boasts about his day to his colleagues. They snicker and applaud him in his victories. He goes to bed content. He even falls asleep with a contemptuous smile. His day was... Triumphant.
You, on the other hand, did not sleep. You tossed, you turned, you cried, you got angry. You blamed, you shook your fist, you reassured yourself it wasn't meant to be.
But, there's a problem.
You're lying.
That ambition, that dream, that perseverance, that drive you possess? That was a gift. You are already equipped with the armor and sword to fight against that monster. You've simply forgotten where you put it. Your goal WILL be met. You breathe deeply when you see the sun make it's way through the darkness of night. Your confidence, your vitality, your belief? It's returned. And now, you know how to fight.
Shocked to see you standing again, he watches you. He studies your face, and is thrown when you smile. He shrieks when you find your passion, and piece back together your self-esteem. He scowls at your happiness. He scampers away in disgust when he realizes he's not got a chance.
He won't win today. Today you will win. And, you will thrive. You will succeed, you will accomplish, and you will triumph. Enjoy today...
He'll be back tomorrow... Waiting for your eyes to flinch.
Waiting.
He watches your eyes for that small flinch of doubt, that sigh, that head-in-hands moment, and he attacks. Without mercy or consideration for how hard he is going to break your heart, he rips your self-esteem piece by piece, and stomps on it with his large, muddy, lead boot. His laughter echos down deep into your bones. Getting up, moving on, pushing through... No way. You're not only paralyzed with fear, but you're defeated. You watch your beautiful dream sail away into the sunset of your would-be future.
He doesn't care. His quota was met for the day, and he goes home happy with the pain he's caused. He hangs up his hat, and warms his hands on the warm fire inside his murky, foreboding fortress. He enjoys a good meal and a hearty pint of his favorite brew. He laughs, he cheers, and he boasts about his day to his colleagues. They snicker and applaud him in his victories. He goes to bed content. He even falls asleep with a contemptuous smile. His day was... Triumphant.
You, on the other hand, did not sleep. You tossed, you turned, you cried, you got angry. You blamed, you shook your fist, you reassured yourself it wasn't meant to be.
But, there's a problem.
You're lying.
That ambition, that dream, that perseverance, that drive you possess? That was a gift. You are already equipped with the armor and sword to fight against that monster. You've simply forgotten where you put it. Your goal WILL be met. You breathe deeply when you see the sun make it's way through the darkness of night. Your confidence, your vitality, your belief? It's returned. And now, you know how to fight.
Shocked to see you standing again, he watches you. He studies your face, and is thrown when you smile. He shrieks when you find your passion, and piece back together your self-esteem. He scowls at your happiness. He scampers away in disgust when he realizes he's not got a chance.
He won't win today. Today you will win. And, you will thrive. You will succeed, you will accomplish, and you will triumph. Enjoy today...
He'll be back tomorrow... Waiting for your eyes to flinch.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Expiration Dates
You see them everywhere- on cans of food, on milk, on Tylenol bottles, and even on car seats. Have you ever stopped to look at what they hold?
To expire means, To come to an end; terminate; cease. Put an actual date on such a term, and it's a blatant warning! I see them in a different way. I am more challenged by them. I don't mean that I deliberately make a box of instant rice just because it's going to "go bad" tomorrow, but I do see an opportunity to allow my imagination run wild, and for an availability for growth.
The Imagination Side
I see a date on a can of tuna. It might say, "3/18/15". My first thought is, Sheeeesh! Tuna lasts a long flippin' time!
But almost immediately I think, Wow. That's the day before Renn turns 8. I wonder what kinds of things we'll be talking about that day? I realize how strange this concept might be, but asking questions that provoke complex thinking, are my favorite: Where will we be when this can of chili is officially inedible? How different will our lives be? What challenges will we be facing?
I once wrote down a date from a can of green beans, when I was 16. The date was "3/12/05". I distinctly remember writing in a letter to my friend, "I wonder what I'll be doing that day. Do you ever think about these things? I mean, what if it's some huge important day in your life, and you're getting a glimpse into it's importance??"
My friend simply wrote back, "Why do you focus on weird things? No wonder you're failing this class!"
Turns out, 3/12/05 was a big day. It was my wedding day.
I might be weird, but I know I don't focus on the fact that things end. I day dream about what's to come. I try my best to be a live-in-the-moment type, but when I see a future date, the possibilities are endless.
The Growth Side
Are there other reasons to pay attention to those "Sell by" scribblings on the tops and bottoms of your all-important necessities?
I guess the date on the milk in your refrigerator should get a consistent glance or two. That's not a fun mistake to run into in the middle of your peanut butter binge! I am notorious for ignoring the dates on Advil bottles, and condiments. For example, I can say with utmost sincerity, that we kept the same bottle of Italian dressing for 3 years. It went through- count them- 4 moves with us! I know, completely gross. But when I see a specific date, I also think about my own mortality. The great thing is, it's nothing I'm afraid of.
I believe in a God who promises that only our days on Earth have expiration dates. Those who believe in, trust in, and honor HIM, live forever. Not everyone pays attention to this incredible gift, and much like with overdue milk, they get hit with a life altering, chunky, sour slap; one that cannot be undone once they've expired. I take the date, and very much try to imagine where my relationship with God might be. IF that's my last day on Earth, will I still be holding true to HIM? How can I focus all the goals and intentions I have for now, and shape them into how He'll want them by then?
So, what's the importance of this? (Besides letting you all in on a tiny bit of the crazy I hold onto so desperately?) I think it's just, we all have our own expiration dates. I'm lucky enough to know and understand that it's merely my earthly expiration. I know that I will live forever... In Heaven. But, the expiration dates that we see on a daily basis pass by without thought. They come and go, and we either consume, use, or throw away our products in time, simply to save ourselves a headache. What if we paid more attention to them? Would we challenge ourselves to have some forethought? Would we second guess the lifestyle we're living?
I know we all read them at one point or another each day. I challenge you to picture yourself on that exact date.
What do you see?
To expire means, To come to an end; terminate; cease. Put an actual date on such a term, and it's a blatant warning! I see them in a different way. I am more challenged by them. I don't mean that I deliberately make a box of instant rice just because it's going to "go bad" tomorrow, but I do see an opportunity to allow my imagination run wild, and for an availability for growth.
The Imagination Side
I see a date on a can of tuna. It might say, "3/18/15". My first thought is, Sheeeesh! Tuna lasts a long flippin' time!
But almost immediately I think, Wow. That's the day before Renn turns 8. I wonder what kinds of things we'll be talking about that day? I realize how strange this concept might be, but asking questions that provoke complex thinking, are my favorite: Where will we be when this can of chili is officially inedible? How different will our lives be? What challenges will we be facing?
I once wrote down a date from a can of green beans, when I was 16. The date was "3/12/05". I distinctly remember writing in a letter to my friend, "I wonder what I'll be doing that day. Do you ever think about these things? I mean, what if it's some huge important day in your life, and you're getting a glimpse into it's importance??"
My friend simply wrote back, "Why do you focus on weird things? No wonder you're failing this class!"
Turns out, 3/12/05 was a big day. It was my wedding day.
I might be weird, but I know I don't focus on the fact that things end. I day dream about what's to come. I try my best to be a live-in-the-moment type, but when I see a future date, the possibilities are endless.
The Growth Side
Are there other reasons to pay attention to those "Sell by" scribblings on the tops and bottoms of your all-important necessities?
I guess the date on the milk in your refrigerator should get a consistent glance or two. That's not a fun mistake to run into in the middle of your peanut butter binge! I am notorious for ignoring the dates on Advil bottles, and condiments. For example, I can say with utmost sincerity, that we kept the same bottle of Italian dressing for 3 years. It went through- count them- 4 moves with us! I know, completely gross. But when I see a specific date, I also think about my own mortality. The great thing is, it's nothing I'm afraid of.
I believe in a God who promises that only our days on Earth have expiration dates. Those who believe in, trust in, and honor HIM, live forever. Not everyone pays attention to this incredible gift, and much like with overdue milk, they get hit with a life altering, chunky, sour slap; one that cannot be undone once they've expired. I take the date, and very much try to imagine where my relationship with God might be. IF that's my last day on Earth, will I still be holding true to HIM? How can I focus all the goals and intentions I have for now, and shape them into how He'll want them by then?
So, what's the importance of this? (Besides letting you all in on a tiny bit of the crazy I hold onto so desperately?) I think it's just, we all have our own expiration dates. I'm lucky enough to know and understand that it's merely my earthly expiration. I know that I will live forever... In Heaven. But, the expiration dates that we see on a daily basis pass by without thought. They come and go, and we either consume, use, or throw away our products in time, simply to save ourselves a headache. What if we paid more attention to them? Would we challenge ourselves to have some forethought? Would we second guess the lifestyle we're living?
I know we all read them at one point or another each day. I challenge you to picture yourself on that exact date.
What do you see?
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
What's on my mind... right now.
I have heard time and time again that the Children's Book market is a rough place. It's not so much lonesome, as it is painfully hard to swallow. You tend to get rejected often; That's the cold, hard truth. But I guess the benefit is that you make friends along the way. I am a member of a neat community called, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and through them have found many, MANY other people in my situation:
Tons o' stories, and no one to publish 'em.
So, what to do? Apparently, you JUST. KEEP. WRITING. You soak up ideas while you sit and watch your kids play at the park, you draw inspiration from every living and non living creature you see around you, and you get reallyreally good at predicting postage as you send out yet another manuscript. I also hear you should get into a critique group so your self esteem doesn't plummet. So, that's on the schedule for next week. I'm looking forward to having unbiased ideas about what I am doing, and where my stories are going. Most often I hear that my stories are "really good." or that I have a "real talent". I'm waiting for someone to just look me in the eyes and say, "Sheesh, Bethany. Not a fan."
Just so you are aware, I have a difficult time calling myself an author, or even a writer, just yet. It's just like while one is going through their Doctorate program, they don't say they are "Dr. So-in-so". They haven't been given those (what I'd imagine are) beautifully peaceful and relaxing initials at the end of their name!
So goes it for me, I think.
While I do, in fact, write children's stories, I am not an author because I haven't been published. And yet, I want to cringe and retreat to a dark, abandoned cave somewhere, anytime I tell someone I am "trying to make it in the Children's Book world." YUCK! The looks I get are so painfully audible... Like, "Aww, sure you are hunny." even though what comes out of their mouths are, "Well, good for you!"
Bleh. Gag. Moving on.
Today's goal? Positivity, whilst looking for a publisher who will take un-agented, first-time writers, OR an agent who'll take on an unpublished, never heard of, first-time writer! It CAN be done! And, as I have now heard from fellow "authors", it takes up to sixty or seventy rejections before you get an acceptance letter; I'm at a mere sixteen. Besides, how many rejections did the amazing Dr. Seuss get? Or even J.K. Rowling? (I heard even Scholastic told her Harry Potter was a waste of time or something. Ha!) Think about that- someone passed them up! Can you imagine how silly those people feel now??
So, with that, I press forward in this unconventional, painstaking, reaffirming, but tremendously wonderful path I have taken. One day, my grandchildren will hold one of my story picture books. They'll giggle at it's sillyness, and marvel in the fact that their grandma wrote it. For now, I will keep creating characters and story lines.
JUST. KEEP. WRITING.
Tons o' stories, and no one to publish 'em.
So, what to do? Apparently, you JUST. KEEP. WRITING. You soak up ideas while you sit and watch your kids play at the park, you draw inspiration from every living and non living creature you see around you, and you get reallyreally good at predicting postage as you send out yet another manuscript. I also hear you should get into a critique group so your self esteem doesn't plummet. So, that's on the schedule for next week. I'm looking forward to having unbiased ideas about what I am doing, and where my stories are going. Most often I hear that my stories are "really good." or that I have a "real talent". I'm waiting for someone to just look me in the eyes and say, "Sheesh, Bethany. Not a fan."
Just so you are aware, I have a difficult time calling myself an author, or even a writer, just yet. It's just like while one is going through their Doctorate program, they don't say they are "Dr. So-in-so". They haven't been given those (what I'd imagine are) beautifully peaceful and relaxing initials at the end of their name!
So goes it for me, I think.
While I do, in fact, write children's stories, I am not an author because I haven't been published. And yet, I want to cringe and retreat to a dark, abandoned cave somewhere, anytime I tell someone I am "trying to make it in the Children's Book world." YUCK! The looks I get are so painfully audible... Like, "Aww, sure you are hunny." even though what comes out of their mouths are, "Well, good for you!"
Bleh. Gag. Moving on.
Today's goal? Positivity, whilst looking for a publisher who will take un-agented, first-time writers, OR an agent who'll take on an unpublished, never heard of, first-time writer! It CAN be done! And, as I have now heard from fellow "authors", it takes up to sixty or seventy rejections before you get an acceptance letter; I'm at a mere sixteen. Besides, how many rejections did the amazing Dr. Seuss get? Or even J.K. Rowling? (I heard even Scholastic told her Harry Potter was a waste of time or something. Ha!) Think about that- someone passed them up! Can you imagine how silly those people feel now??
So, with that, I press forward in this unconventional, painstaking, reaffirming, but tremendously wonderful path I have taken. One day, my grandchildren will hold one of my story picture books. They'll giggle at it's sillyness, and marvel in the fact that their grandma wrote it. For now, I will keep creating characters and story lines.
JUST. KEEP. WRITING.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Well, here I am.
To tell you the truth, I didn't actually know the purpose for having a Blog until last night. I had always honestly thought that "Bloggers" were people who got paid to write about specific topics, or were people who loved themselves entirely too much and felt they had to share their love with the world. However, through various emails regarding how to get my name out into the world, I came to one (apparently) obvious conclusion: I needed to start a Blog.
So, here I am...?
What do we discuss? Politics? Umm... No. I can promise that I won't be covering that end of the writing spectrum. I don't fancy arguing with highly opinionated people too much. Do I share about my 2 year-old's potty training adventures? Hmm... Maybe. That's sure to get a good laugh, or a few "Been there, done that." comments. But maybe, I'll just write, and see what happens. I don't feel that I am particularly interesting, but one never knows, I guess.
Please know that I am going to be focusing on my Children's stories. I do have a lot of wonderful people who know me, personally, that may desire to comment about the ridiculous things I have amounted to doing in my daily life. But, this will be used for my one-day "professional" (HA!) career. So, be nice!
Love to you all, and here's hoping this launches me into something, somewhere. For now, I am off to fight the kids over the television...
More to come!
So, here I am...?
What do we discuss? Politics? Umm... No. I can promise that I won't be covering that end of the writing spectrum. I don't fancy arguing with highly opinionated people too much. Do I share about my 2 year-old's potty training adventures? Hmm... Maybe. That's sure to get a good laugh, or a few "Been there, done that." comments. But maybe, I'll just write, and see what happens. I don't feel that I am particularly interesting, but one never knows, I guess.
Please know that I am going to be focusing on my Children's stories. I do have a lot of wonderful people who know me, personally, that may desire to comment about the ridiculous things I have amounted to doing in my daily life. But, this will be used for my one-day "professional" (HA!) career. So, be nice!
Love to you all, and here's hoping this launches me into something, somewhere. For now, I am off to fight the kids over the television...
More to come!
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