Oh, Christmas Tree(s), Oh, Christmas Tree(s)

We wanted to keep up our Christmas tree tradition and replant our live potted trees in our new yard. The only problem was, we couldn't find any potted trees the size we were used to in California. So we settled for three little ones--the tallest being 42".

Unfortunately, none of the branches are strong enough to hold any ornaments. But I love our little section of Woods (pun intended) just the same.

I wouldn't make a good arsonist...

Being from California, I am not used to a real winter. I was also not aware that North Texas would get below freezing cold. Eee-gads! And turning the heater above 60 degrees is out of the question due to the fact I still haven't found a job and TXU is the most expensive electricity carrier in Texas.

When we first looked at our house, we were excited for a fireplace. In the back of my mind, and coming from an insurance background and fearing the effects of fire damage, I only thought I'd use it as a mantel for displaying nick-nacks and hanging Wilbur--I'll introduce you to him later.

Anyway, I quickly changed my mind after the first frost and agreed we should use the fireplace as intended by the builder and any smart homeowner. Unfortunately, with my wonderful hubby not here to keep the embers burning and my butt warm, making a fire was up to me.

This is something I truly suck at and, as hard as I try, all the logs do is smolder. If I wasn't so cold, I'd peal off the four blankets, find my cell phone and post a photo of my pathetic fire.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip

One of the first friends I met in Texas, Jennifer, has two children. On my last trip to California I bought two Micky Mouse suckers and for her two oldest children. Here they are enjoying their treats.

Recently, Jennifer went in for some tests because the doctor is worried about a possible serious illness. Please join me and keep her in your prayers. 

I love the website goodreads

I didn't realize I could create an account of this wonderful website. I feel it gives me a better opportunity to share all the wonderful books I've read and love. Below is a link to my list of favorites:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/25100986

Dear Editor Contest

Deborah Halverson, author and editorial professional extraordinaire, is having a contest on her Dear Editor website. I suggest this website, along with Deborah's book Writing YA for Dummies, to any would-be, wanna-be, and already-are writers.

Even if you don't enter the contest, Deborah's archives offer a plethora (I learned this word from The Three Amigos and use it whenever I can) of information, so take advantage of her knowledge and read the posts on whatever topic you may be struggling with as a writer.

Here's the link so click on it: http://deareditor.com/2013/11/04/newsflash-free-critique-giveaway/

NOW!

My Goals As A Writer...

My Mission Statement:

I will be professional, realistic, and use my skills as a writer and human being by engaging myself in acts of service, as I define them, and always be willing to grow, adapt, and learn.

My writing career goal:

Write meaningful literature for children.

On my path to reach this goal I will:

1. Continually seek knowledge.
2. Learn and listen to the opinions of industry professionals and critique peers
3. Read books on the writing craft and incorporate the information into my personal AUTHOR'S VOICE
4. Read  books in the genre/age group I am writing for
5. Never be discouraged by the process of re-writing.

My purpose as an author is:

To let teens know they are not alone, by showing my characters have the same emotions and experiences as they have; although, my readers may not handle their problems in the same way. Hope is universal.

• There are so many authors I've grown to know and love as I read their novels because I bond with the struggles of their characters. God Bless Sarah Zarr and her accurate portrayal of dysfunctional families, or Jacquline Woodson and her sincere glimpses into an inner city kid's experiences, or Ellen Hopkins taking me into the emotional state of her characters as they process their life experiences and figure out why they want to live. Each one of these books and about a thousand others by just as wonderful authors that offer HOPE to their readers. 

I want to reach teens when they are ready to read/hear my message. For me this is now, but for some future teens it may be ten years after my book is published. I want the experiences of my characters to live forever. In each generation of youth, someone, somewhere will/has felt the way my characters feel.

• An example of this is in the classic John Hughes movie The Breakfast Club. I loved this when I was a teenager, and last night my fourteen-year-old daughter and I watched the movie on DVD. Although there were no smart phones and IPads when the movie was made, the human experience of the five characters touched my daughter as much as it did me over twenty-five years ago. 

THIS IS HOW I WANT TEENS TO EXPERIENCE MY NOVELS.

Social Media

Yesterday, I attended a North Texas SCBWI class taught by author and social media guru Matina Boone. The information she shared was important, informative, and scary as all heck--I am a technotard squared. Some of things she spoke about felt like they were directed to me personally, like setting goals and creating a social media presence.

This is not something that is not new to me. Over the years, I've heard many authors, agents, and editors speak on this topic at SCBWI events, but was never broken down in the way Martina explained it.

How do I build ME as a Brand? I'm just Joanna. I have a few college classes under my belt, but I suck at math, I don't always appreciate my husband and children, and I swear to much.  How can I believe I should be marketed like a name brand soft drink or a kids' cereal?

Then Martina said, "Good material won't reach anyone by accident."

I've always known the message in my book is valuable. It's been an eight year journey of learning how to convert my storytelling into story-showing--which I'm still perfecting. However, if I want my book/message to reach the audience I would like it to reach, I MUST BELIEVE I'm as worthy of as much product placement as an expensive automobile.

How do I get there? I need to set goals, which Martina broke down for me. As she talked I wrote my goals down, which I share in my next post.

P.S. Social media still scares.