Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Question on Blogs

I am still debating on doing another blog... On journaling. But, I'm also debating one on patriotism.

Would any of you read either one of them? Let me know. Drop me an email or leave a comment, please.

Thanks!

Journalkeeper

DEEPER THAN A BLOG
Even though a blog is in essense a journal, there are somethings that I personally don't want to put out there on the internet that I know can haunt me for the rest of my life because the internet makes things permanent. My journal is one of those facets. I might share stuff with you, but trust me... My deepest parts are only meant to be shared with my best friend, my close friends, and my journal.

MY JOURNAL, THE KEEPER OF MY MEMORIES AND THOUGHTS

I know a couple people in my life who have problems with their memory. Therefore, I've learned through them how critical it is to put stuff down on paper (or in a computer file) in order to make it a lasting legacy. I don't want to lose my memories. I want them to be carried into other generations. I want my hard life lessons learned to be something they can learn from vicariously and hopefully save the anguish I've had to go through in my life.

THROWING UP ON PAPER
I also journal in order to vent. Sometimes, we need just to get it out and I call this cathartic practice, Throwing Up on Paper. (Please forgive the reference, but it makes a strong point.) After all, there are times once I empty my stomach, I feel a billion times better and probably better than I had in a long time. It's the same with journalkeeping. Sometimes, I just have to get it all out of my system and throw several temper-tantrums with my pen, but them I am far better on the other end. Also, I tend to be less emotional drive those closet to me a little less nuts.

WRITER'S NOTEBOOK
I write my thoughts down on new book ideas, how to break through with old book ideas, and write storyline in my journal.

BLESSINGS JOURNAL
Some call it a gratitude journal. For me, it's where I count my blessings instead of sheep, as the song goes from "White Christmas".

TRAVEL JOURNAL
That's something I'm about to start since I'm going to do a great deal more traveling in my life. Plus, it will document memories and my thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Do You Journal?
One thing I know for sure is my life would be DRASTICALLY different if not for my journaling through the years. I would not be the woman I am, the wife I am, or the writer I am if not for my journals.

So, tell me. Do you journal? Do you want to start? Do you want instruction with journaling? Let me know.

Have a blessed day.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Finished Editing Owen, CCWC, and Dreams

I just finished editing, again, my book: The Murder of Owen Knight. I'm feeling rather triumphant at the moment and will next move to edit two of my fantasy books. (Refer to www.speclitstoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/) I'm also to the point that I cannot wait for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) in Estes Park.

The CCWC is from 3/13 to 3/16. I'm going up for the early-bird sessions and cannot wait to make the drive from Denver to Estes Park. It's extraordinary. The scenery in Estes Park is out of this world beautiful and means that even though it's a conference, and very busy, it's also a retreat. I went last year for the first time. The two previous years, I went to the Writing for the Soul Conference at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

The networking, gaining more friends, the classes, and pitching to publishers makes it all worthwhile and memorable.

Then, after the conference, I'm going on a two week vacation with my husband. So, I'm a rather busy woman at this point.

However, this reminds me of some thoughts about dreams.

Dreams:

I can't help but think of Disney and Jimmy the Cricket and, "When You Wish Upon a Star," when I think about dreams. Dreams are magical--particularly when you have fought for years to make them come true. But, man, do they take hard work, constant dedication, and feeding the fire of the dream to make sure it never dies no matter what adversity comes your way.

What dreams do you have?

Whether it's writing, becoming a mom, getting married, going to college, or anything else of fill in the blank, dreams take work. Lots of it. Hard work. Isn't this the very spice that makes dreams so wonderful when they do come true?

How many dreams have you fought for daily until they finally, after years and years, came true?

Or, have you stopped dreaming because you doubted it and yourself too much or got bored with it? Or, have you grown tired from having to try so hard for so long?

Where are you on your journey?

Fight for them. Strive to make them real. They're worth every sweat bead, every tear, and every cent. Dream big and see how incredible it is when you get to the other side of the fight and start to see the fruits of your labor start to pay off.

You're worth the fight.

Dream. Dream Big. See it through.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Prayer and Support

I hope that this blog can also be a way to help people connect and pray for one another and to support one another. Do you have any prayer requests? Let me know.

Prayer and Support

I hope that this blog can also be a way to help people connect and pray for one another and to support one another. Do you have any prayer requests? Let me know.

Motivation

What motivates you? What keeps you plugging along when times are difficult? What keeps you after your dream?

Let me know your thoughts on the subject.

For me, my faith and patriotism are what make me passionate about life. They help motivate me in difficult times and are what bring me joy when I'm going through a happier time. If it was not for my faith, I definitely would not be the woman I am, doing what I am, or writing what I do.

What keeps me after my dream? My faith and my husband's prodding when I need it.

What keeps me editing when my eyes go blurry? Lots of breaks so I don't miss anything.

Writers

Does anyone want to form an online writing group? Let me know. I would love to start one of our own where it's all led by one another. What do you think?

Editing, Editing, Editing

My blog will be updated later today. I'm in the middle of trying to get editing done in preparation for the CCWC next Wednesday. Thanks for your patience. I hope you had a great weekend!

Thought for the day for Christians: Luke 9:23

For others: Be the sunlight in the lives of those around you. Be a fresh of breath air. Be the bright spot, even when you feel like you have a thunderstorm hanging over your head.

Blessings,

Stacy Duplease