Book in a Month

I've done it. I've officially entered Tristi's Challenge to write a book in a month. Although I have already started this manuscript, I want it finished. So beginning July 1 to July 31 I will be writing 1,000 words a day until my Day of Fire story is finished. Then I will continue to edit and revise through the end of the month. Hopefully, it will be ready for my critique group to see and also for Tristi to edit.

I've got my work cut out for me, but I'm excited about the challenge.

If you are interested in doing the BIAM, click on my title and it will take you to her blog post.

Validation, It's a Good Thing

I spent the entire week last week at the BYU Writers and Illustrators Conference in Provo. Karen and I had a fabulous time. It is such an intense conference and so worth the money and the time. Each year I have attended I've come away having learned a great deal and feeling absolutely wonderful. The workshops are fabulous and the break-out sessions, informative. I loved my class this year. The members were great critiquers and since they are starting a critique group, I am really gratefully handing over my manuscripts for them to read.

Lisa Wheeler was our presenter and she was awesome. I got great feedback from her. She was a delight.

The most fun thing was associating with other writers and enlarging my group of writer friends.

The experience helped me hone my craft, develop fabulous friendships and receive some validating experiences with those "in the know."

I am still walking on clouds.

Fun in the Sun

We took the kids to Banbury's Resort to go swimming in the hot springs. It was a blast. Just look and see!

Here's the picture of me and my professional pedicure. It's the only picture I would allow of me.

Birthday Fun

Today was a really fun day. My children, sister and niece went to Idaho to visit my parents this week. We have had a really enjoyable time just relaxing. Today, however, was my mother's birthday and so my sister and I took her to a day spa to get a massage and a pedicure. We relaxed in style. It was fabulous! Then we shopped for my son's birthday, which is Saturday, and we went to the barber/beauty supply to pick up hair and nail supplies at a really nice discount. My sister and I made my mom a homemade german chocolate cake with coconut pecan frosting and fettucine alfredo and a delicious green salad with roasted pears and walnuts. It was deeee-licious.

My daughter also made her first short film on her new camcorder of which I made my debut. Of course, I was amazing. Ha Ha. We had a very fun time.

My mother also got on the Wii Fit and discovered that her Wii Fit Age is 54 and she is 70 today. She was one happy mom.

What a great day!

I must be a real writer.

I have finally gotten business cards made. They are actually more purple than magenta, but I still think they look good. So, I must be a real writer now, eh? If anyone sees them, let me know what you think. I quite like them myself. And, of course, I must give all the credit to my designer, Jill Swensen, who is the most fabulous, most creative, smartest, funniest person on the planet--who also, by the way, is at the top of my list of favorite blogs.

My very first blog post.

Wow. Here I am with my very own blog. I have thought about it for a really long time, but have been busy with school and haven't done anything about it -- until now. I enjoy reading my friend's blogs and seeing what's going on in their lives, yet I don't know what to write in my own. Hmmm . . . this is going to take some getting used to. I'll think on it and get back tomorrow.