Friday, November 26, 2010

Quintessential Quotes

Quotes from others inspire us to reflect upon our lives and become better people.  Words are a powerful tool, whether written or spoken.  When I hear or read  inspirational quotes, it helps me focus on the important things in my life and motivates me to improve as a person.

Have any quotes had this affect on you?  Maybe it's the words of a famous person, politician, or just a friend or co-worker that creates an impression.  Share your quotes and how they've had an impact on your life.  Don't forget to give credit to the originator.

Don't have a favoite quote you'd like to share?  Search for one and become inspired. http://brainyquote.com/

Closet Time Machine

One of my favorite things to do growing up was play dress-up with items from my mother's closet.  I would act so grown-up wearing oversized dresses, scarves, hats, jewelry, and, of course, the high-heel shoes.  When feeling adventurous, or when mom wasn't looking, I'd even experiment with her makeup.  I was in such a hurry to turn the clock ahead and act like an adult.

Now that I am "all grown up", I look at my nieces and the children I teach and admire the clothes they wear thinking, "I wish they made something like that in my size".  If only it was possible to go into their closets and play dress-up, only this time turning the clock back rather than ahead. 

It makes me wonder, is this just a case of wanting something I can't have.  Yes, I love clothes and trying on different styles when I shop, but I think this is about more than just fashion.  When young, we wish our lives away, wanting to reach those milestones.  When older, we realize life was simpler when we were younger and we didn't even appreciate it. 

Well, I appreciate and cherish the memories of my closet time machine.  It was a fun, exciting part of growing up.  I am thankful I had an active imagination that allowed me to travel to another time in my mind.  If only I could do that same thing now, but in reverse.

Monday, November 22, 2010

The Metamorphosis of a Manuscript

     One of my favorite insects is a butterfly.  Writing a story is similar to the stages this insect goes through to become the beautiful flying creature.
     *The egg- this is the first stage where you discover the concept of your story.  The idea is hatched and the work begins.
     *The caterpillar- in this stage your story is crawling along, developing and growing until you've finished your first draft.
     *The chrysallis- your story is now ready to be changed through editing.  At this stage, your piece may go through so many changes that you don't recognize it as the original piece when you're finished.     
     *The butterfly- that brings us to the final stage of writing, where your story is ready to spread its beautiful wings and fly off for the whole world to see.
     It's sometimes difficult to go through these stages to arrive at the final result, but all are necessary to develop your story into a stunning creation.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

It Takes A Village To Write A Book

You've heard the saying "it takes a village to raise a child".  Well the same concept can be applied to creating a manuscript that is worthy of being published.  Think of all the people who work to get a story to that point.  Behind the author who wrote the words are the people who directly or indirectly helped.  It may be a loving spouse, a brutally honest critique group, a supportive parent, or just a close friend who saw you through to the end.  Regardless of who contributed to the final product, it was not done by one person alone.  A story is a creation that takes time and hard work to become a piece that is ready to greet the world and make its village proud.