tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9259989010975881662024-02-18T18:09:34.128-08:00A Writer's WorldAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-62803532814271793972017-12-12T11:58:00.001-08:002017-12-13T08:21:56.690-08:00Letting Go<div class="MsoNormal">
Welcome guest Carrie Wren, on letting go of her precious pup, Sugar.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Sugar, 15 years. That’s what the handwritten sign on her cage
at the animal hospital had said. Really, I wondered? 15? Had it been that long?
I did the math in my head, and concluded that yes, maybe that was true,
although she’s only been in my life for 9 or 10. We first met her in the Sears
parking lot, my ex-husband and I. We signed the adoption paperwork, shook the
foster mother’s hand, and were on our way. She earned her name on the ride home
in my parents’ loaner pickup truck: Sugar, we decided, because her favorite
thing is to give kisses. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I lift my head up from where it had been resting on her
back. I stroke the soft blanket of fur that cloaks her skeletal frame, and
notice there is a damp patch where my head had been. I am puzzled until I
realize it’s my tears that have soaked her fur. I notice a faint rumbling in my
stomach and remember it’s been hours since I’ve last eaten. It’s been almost a
week for her. I feel guilty about wanting to eat when she cannot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We both drift in and out of sleep, waiting. I pick up my
phone and turn it over to check the time. Only an hour before the doctor
arrives. Time is running out. I suddenly remember the song I used to sing her
in the old house. I recall dancing around the room with her in my arms, the
look on her face somewhere between motion sick and happy to be contributing to
my happiness. I reach for my phone and scroll through my music library until I
find the song. I press play, and immediately am jarred by the peppiness of the
music. Still, I sing along, substituting her name in the same place<i>s </i>in the lyrics that I always had, my
voice cracking the whole time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The phone rings. I answer, expecting the call.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>Hello.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>Yes,
this is she.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; tab-stops: center 3.5in;">
<i>Yes, we’re here. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>Ok.
Thank you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hang up without saying goodbye.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon, the doctor arrives. She speaks in quiet tones that I
understand are supposed to be comforting. She explains that the first injection
will make Sugar feel good, and that the second will make her feel nothing. “Are
you ready?” she asks. No. I could never be ready. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had thought that it would take longer, that it would be a
process. It only takes a minute, maybe two. The doctor places her stethoscope
against my girl’s skin and listens, just to be sure. She is sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you want to spend some time with her?” the doctor asks.
I shake my head, and pull myself out of the bed where we have been curled up
together since picking her up from the hospital earlier today. My body feels so
heavy. There is no “her” left to spend time with. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The doctor’s footsteps are so soft as she walks through my
hallway on her way outside to retrieve the basket she brought to remove Sugar’s
body. It’s like the way you walk when you’re trying very hard not to disturb
someone who’s asleep. I realize that just like her deliberately low and quiet
voice, she intends her quiet steps as a small act of kindness. I stand at my
kitchen counter, awkwardly shuffling papers, just wanting this to be over with.
Why had I said that I wanted to be alone for this?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She comes back in with the basket, not needing to knock. She
shows herself back to my bedroom. “Can you please take the blanket at the end
of the bed?” I ask. It’s the one they had sent her home from the hospital in
this afternoon. I never wanted to see that blanket again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She returns moments later, carrying the basket, this time
with Sugar lying inside. The blanket is wrapped around her, soft red and green
plaid. She looks like a Christmas present. I reach out to touch the spot on the
side of her face, where the fur is the softest. The doctor turns to leave,
meeting my eyes. No words are needed. She gingerly walks across the threshold,
closing the door with a soft click behind her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-56389141827093674592016-07-01T11:01:00.000-07:002016-07-01T11:01:23.713-07:00On Finding Yourself Where You Need to BeMy daughter recently reminded me of this blog post in <a href="http://www.wncwoman.com/2014/05/04/on-finding-yourself-where-you-need-to-be/" target="_blank">WNC Women's Magazine</a> from a couple years ago, which I'd all but forgotten. It is a fun one! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-79973515400471830322016-05-02T07:41:00.003-07:002016-05-02T07:44:03.927-07:00AGAINST ALL...FLAWSI truly enjoy writing about writing! Here's my latest post in Southern Writers Magazine about crafting flawed characters without creating a caricature. <a href="http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/2016/05/against-allflaws.html?ref=digest">http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/2016/05/against-allflaws.html?ref=digest</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-86927650481808446872015-04-15T09:51:00.003-07:002016-05-02T07:45:02.570-07:00Thank you, Southern Writers Magazine, for allowing me this guest post in <a href="http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/2015/04/livin-dream.html">Suite T</a>. You rock!<br />
http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/2015/04/livin-dream.htmlAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-49551324078061564092014-08-21T16:50:00.002-07:002014-08-21T16:50:30.438-07:00Living Your StoryAre you ready to cut through the fluff and live your story? Here are my thoughts in this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJsm9mlr3BE">video</a><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-39671969813350733682014-07-10T12:40:00.000-07:002014-07-10T12:40:45.665-07:00Finding Your PlaceWhat my pup Cercie (pronounced "Surcy," meaning "a surprise gift") taught me about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6qoUa1MYGU">Finding Your Place</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-30830431849918414012014-07-10T10:18:00.002-07:002014-07-10T10:18:42.950-07:00Our Cercie is Famous!The Yadkin Valley Living Magazine featured a fun <a href="http://issuu.com/yadkinvalleyliving/docs/yadkin_valley_living_july-august_14/92">article</a> on our Cercie-pup.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-16307849681897522562014-07-07T11:20:00.000-07:002014-07-07T11:20:50.455-07:00A huge THANK YOU to WNC WOMAN Magazine for including my article, "On Finding Yourself Where You Need to Be." Read it here:<br />
<br />
http://tinyurl.com/prcspxt Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-89720391227806473712014-07-02T07:36:00.000-07:002014-07-02T07:36:03.135-07:00I'm often asked why I wanted to become an author. Here's my answer, along with three tips on finding your life's calling. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/kk7wna2">Finding Your Calling</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-32457945583247974782014-05-19T05:38:00.001-07:002014-05-19T05:41:39.672-07:00I'm grateful to Southern Writers Magazine for posting my blog on writing great characters (such as Britt Jordan in <a href="http://www.sheriwrenhaymore.com/#!a-higher-voice/c1k69">A Higher Voice</a> and Hunter Kittrell in <a href="http://www.sheriwrenhaymore.com/#!a-deeper-cut/c1rq7">A Deeper Cut</a>. Check it out:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/2014/05/write-your-characters-to-life.html">Write Your Character to Life</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-42871673522544908792013-11-11T11:53:00.001-08:002013-11-11T11:53:43.332-08:00Stories from Unknown AuthorsConfession time: I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.<br />
<br />
While on a recent retreat with a group of sweet, closely-knit ladies, we were each sharing the details of this particular season in our lives. When it came my turn, I just shook my head and said, "I have a dog."<br />
<br />
And they all know me well enough to laugh and nod their heads in understanding. What those ladies understood was, "I have a dog," was another way of saying, "My life is so upside down right now!"<br />
<br />
Because this is SOOO unexpected and REALLY not part of my plan. We named our new pup "Cercie," meaning, "a surprise gift." Who knew a little furry tyke could bring so much joy?<br />
<br />
And who could have ever guessed that writing a little suspense novel, which I thought might entertain about a hundred of my closest friends and relatives, would ever land me on a radio talk show or two?<br />
<br />
I'm sitting here looking at my living room strewn about with dog toys and asking myself, "What happened to my quiet, orderly life?"<br />
<br />
So here we are. The queen of the short answer, the gal whose mind will wander if you don't get to your point quickly because she has the attention span of a gnat--will be chatting on the radio tomorrow at 1 p.m. Or so they say.<br />
<br />
Tune in to Renee Hand's show, "Stories from Unknown Authors," and find out! I'll be as surprised as anyone.<br />
<br />
Here's the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors/2013/11/12/interview-with-sheri-wren-haymore-for-a-higher-voice<br />
<br />
Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-91318449837813761982013-09-12T06:47:00.001-07:002013-09-12T06:47:22.938-07:00Elizabeth Westmark's Experience Reading A Higher VoiceThank you, Beth Westmark, for sharing your thoughts! Here's what she had to say about <i>A Higher Voice.</i><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>READING FOR PLEASURE:</b></span><br />
<br />
How do you select the next book you’re going to read?<br />
<br />
I’m at a stage of life where, in theory, I can spend all day and all
night, too, if I want, tossing back bon-bons and reading books for
pleasure. I’m retired from working for other people, don’t have any
kids, have a healthy self and a healthy spouse — all the time in the
world, right? Except for this pesky fairy godmother writing monster that
pushes me 24/7 to learn and write as though I were on some
externally-imposed deadline.<br />
<br />
I race through writing craft books, highlighting and making furious
notes. I read books outside of my favorite fiction genres because an
author of a writing craft book has suggested a particular writer for
“voice” or “dialogue” or “plotting.” Well, that’s cool, because as a
result I’ve discovered Donald Bartheleme, Graham Green, Elmore Leonard,
Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Neal Stephenson, and a long list of others.
It’s a thrilling treasure hunt, with plenty of pleasure in the learning.<br />
So, I’m reading more widely than ever before, but it’s not sitting in
a lawn chair in the shade of an old oak tree kind of reading. It’s
reading while brushing my teeth, getting in a few more chapters stolen
from sleep, you know the kind of reading I mean. You probably all do it,
too. There’s a sense of urgency, a sense of “I should be finishing my
own novel instead of reading someone else’s!”<br />
When Sheri Wren Haymore’s novel, <em>A Higher Voice</em>, surfaced on
my radar screen, it was a moment of serendipity. You see, Sheri’s
sister, Patsy Conrad, is a good friend of mine, and when she told me
about Sheri’s book, I ordered it as much out of solidarity with my
friend than because I thought it would be a good book. When it came in
the mail, my first thought was, “Wow, nice cover.”<br />
<br />
Sometime later that day, or the next, I started the first chapter
while sitting at my desk. Then, without thinking about what I was doing,
I took the book and slipped quietly upstairs to the guest bedroom,
where I sat for several hours in my late mother-in-law’s blue
upholstered rocking chair, and read <em>for pure pleasure.</em> This is a
novel that strives to explore themes of hope, gratitude, and
forgiveness within a Christian context. Not, however, as Sheri explains,
in a “shove-it-down-your-neck, you have to believe what I believe” kind
of way. Instead, she weaves a tale about Britt, a tormented rock
musician who is losing his voice and struggling with inner demons and a
brother out for vengeance, and Dena, his new-found true love, whose
faith and devotion represent a kind of woman new to his experience. Are
they too different to sustain a lasting relationship? Will they triumph
over previous lives and dark forces that threaten to tear them apart? <em>A Higher Voice</em> explores their struggle within the framework of romantic suspense.<br />
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<em>A Higher Voice </em> is a good story, well-written, with an ending that satisfies. It is Haymore’s debut novel. Her second, <em>A</em> <em>Deeper Cut,</em> will be out this November. It will also be published by <a href="http://wisdomhosebooks.com/" target="_blank">Wisdom House Books</a>.<br />
When you’re ready for a good old-fashioned read that will have you pulling for the main characters, I recommend <em><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mcp2nza" target="_blank" title="A Higher Voice at Amazon">A Higher Voice</a>.</em> Details about upcoming book signings and other projects can be found <a href="http://sheriwrenhaymore.com/" target="_blank" title="Sheri Wren Haymore's website">at Sheri’s website</a>.</div>
<em></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-58831232159613023812013-08-30T11:13:00.001-07:002013-08-30T11:14:28.030-07:00Funny Story Gets FunnierNow that <i>A Higher Voice</i> is in print, every witty comment by a friend is followed by, "Is this going to turn up in your next book?" Finally I was asked, "Do you get tired of hearing that?" and I answered, "No, I don't pay any attention to it."<br />
<br />
Until this week.<br />
<br />
We were traveling in Maine with our friends Don and Carolyn, and Carolyn noticed that the man at the next table in a Searsport restaurant had begun to cry. She wondered what could possibly be wrong. And Don answered with a story that began something like this...<br />
<br />
<i>As Redding Pearce waited in line at the toll booth, he flicked his lighter over and over. An old habit, from his smoking years, but it helped him think. In the backseat of his dark blue '76 BMW</i> <i>convertible was a body zipped up in a black bag, and he needed to dispose of it quickly. When he reached the window, his eyes took in the wavy red hair of the voluptuous operator, and her name tag, which read Gwendolyn.</i><br />
<br />
<i>"Gwendolyn," said Redding, "I can tell you are a beautiful woman. I know I only have twelve seconds, but would you consider meeting me for a cup of coffee after your shift?" ...</i><br />
<br />
Don's story continued throughout the evening, involving the fact that Redding was a chiropractor, Gwendolyn only had one leg, and something about a partially burned body and a mad dash for Shreveport. His tale fizzled at the end of Chapter Five with this sentence: <i>Redding paused, mesmerized by the blue light flashing in his rear view mirror.</i><br />
<br />
Fun, huh? But that's not the end of it. Our last night, in Bangor, we pulled in to a restaurant on the river, and there sat this '76 BMW:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvXI3nk9_6n4Ux84Zq6_HjUtf6h9qo6FOC2KwI62Avv6cdSORAQP2pCwnB-1sWuAx5XO9xi9P5Fiwz9UUARrMsBozjs08n0Zzm_jflNYor1_rFFCouD2d4yh1AMd44gesDjr5jrM3rDPJ/s1600/2013-08-26+18.32.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvXI3nk9_6n4Ux84Zq6_HjUtf6h9qo6FOC2KwI62Avv6cdSORAQP2pCwnB-1sWuAx5XO9xi9P5Fiwz9UUARrMsBozjs08n0Zzm_jflNYor1_rFFCouD2d4yh1AMd44gesDjr5jrM3rDPJ/s1600/2013-08-26+18.32.15.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> </i>"Redding painted his car so he wouldn't attract suspicion," said Don.<br />
<br />
A man caught me snapping this photo after the others had gone inside, and he and I had a brief conversation about why I was taking the picture. That same man sat at a table near us, and Don said it was Redding. "Notice the shoes; he's definitely a chiropractor," Don declared.<br />
<br />
After the meal, the man got up and left. Carolyn excused herself to go to the loo and came back. In a minute, the man came up to our table, put his hand on Don's shoulder, and said, "Excuse me, but I couldn't help but notice that your back is unbalanced. I'm a chiropractor, and I can help you with that." We all looked at each other--Don's eyes were huge. "Really, I am a chiropractor. Remember, you took a picture of my car?" I burst into laughter. He continued, "My name is John Redding," By then we were all laughing.<br />
<br />
It seems Carolyn punked us. When she said she was going to the loo, she actually followed the man and talked him into the prank.<br />
<br />
Good one, huh? Now if I can get Redding and Gwendolyn out of Shreveport, I might have a story...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-90998611758118088922013-08-21T12:17:00.004-07:002013-08-21T12:18:40.626-07:00Live Alive Book ClubThank you to the <b>Live Alive Book Club</b> in High Point, NC! This lively bunch of ladies was most attentive while I read from <i>A Higher Voice</i>, and they asked super questions. A great time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photo" class="img" height="133" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s320x320/536746_635465029820875_1074573338_n.jpg" style="left: -23px;" width="178" /><img alt="Photo" class="img" height="133" src="https://sphotos-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/q71/s320x320/602084_635464653154246_1697236464_n.jpg" style="left: -26px;" width="178" /><img alt="Photo" class="img" height="133" src="https://sphotos-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q71/s320x320/1150852_635464893154222_724376218_n.jpg" style="left: -22px;" width="178" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-26070118847619727962013-08-07T11:58:00.000-07:002013-08-07T11:58:00.168-07:00DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A friend informed me that she had used my story to encourage
her son not to give up on his dreams and talents. I suppose she was referring
to the part of my story where I had talked about becoming a published author
sometime in the previous century, and here, finally, I have succeeded. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, hogwash! Here’s what I would like to tell him: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t quit your day job.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the first place, I like to think that there’s more to my
story than achieving a dream. I would like to think that, if I’m remembered for
anything, it will be for these things: for<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
loving</b> people well; for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">laughing</b>
a lot; and for doing my dead-level best to live the life God gave me with<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> intention</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if anyone should examine my story, I hope that the
lesson they might take away is this: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">There
are seasons to life</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of those seasons are fun and creative—be grateful and
don’t waste a moment!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some seasons are just plain hard work— balance making a
living with living life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been through some seasons, and I’ll bet you have to,
that were downright sucky— find perspective, learn what you need to, and be
ready to move on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, in every season you will find opportunities—if only
you will look for them—to use your talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The season you are in right now may not be the season for you to publish
your book, paint your masterpiece, sell your song, climb Machu Picchu (or
whatever dream you may hold), but you can live every day well. You can lay down
your life today in small ways, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">live
in expectation</b> that every act of goodness is part of a plan that is bigger
than yourself.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Because we’re all created for a purpose, and we’re all
creative in many, many ways. So <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">don’t
quit your day job. </b>Walk well the path you’re on right now, in this season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But get ready, my friend, because <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">seasons change</b>!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-76510200740023132302013-07-31T07:51:00.000-07:002013-07-31T07:51:36.817-07:00My Rock Star Past...<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Here's
what transpired over lunch this week with two long-time friends. First,
Melissa pointed to my succinct bio and asked, "Is this a joke?" At the
end of our two-hour visit, Jan mentioned that she'd been asked to speak
at a small church. "I don't guess you've ever heard of it," she said to
me. "I have--I've sung there," I answered. "I used to sing in a
Christian rock band." Melissa sputtered, "And it never occurred to you
to mention that in your bio for a book about a rock star?!" So there you
go, folks...my qualification for writing about a rock star--I used to
be one! (not!)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-22945213011062409322013-07-30T07:58:00.000-07:002013-07-30T07:58:27.451-07:00TalentAnyone who knows me can tell you I'm not much of a chit-chatter. I'm a get-to-the-point kind of gal. In fact--and this is an embarrassing confession--if you don't get to your point pretty quickly, my brain has left the building.<br />
<br />
I tell you this so you'll understand the conversation I had yesterday with a friend who has known me since second grade. She pointed to her copy of my novel, <i>A Higher Voice</i>, and asked, "How did <i>you</i> (of all people, she implied) write a novel this long?"<br />
<br />
I just shrugged and answered, "I can't explain it."<br />
<br />
Which brings me to my definition of <i>talent.</i><br />
<br />
Years ago, my husband hand-carved a couple of carousel horses, and we had one for sale in my gift shop. Customers would come in and rub their hands over the fine contours of the sculpture, exclaim over the beauty of the horse, and invariably ask, "How long did it take him to carve it?"<br />
<i> </i><br />
I never gave anyone a straight answer to that question. In all likelihood, if I had answered truthfully, then they would have complained that the price was way too high.<br />
<br />
Because the truth was, it was shocking how <i>little </i>time it took him to carve it. And you can't put a price on talent, right?<br />
<br />
Now that I have a novel in print, people, naturally curious, ask how long it took me to write it. I side-step the question. My friend, Gay, knows exactly how long it took me to write that first very rough draft, and that shall remain our little secret. The better question, I tell readers, is--How long did it take me to re-write it? So far, folks just stare at me. I can see the wheels turning in their heads.<br />
<br />
Just last week at our church's monthly free meal for our community, Carolyn said the secret to the delicious chicken salad was that she used four quarts of her homemade pickles. I just stared at her and finally said, "I've never even made four quarts of pickles, let alone given them away!" To which her sister quipped, "And I've never written a novel." So there you go. <br />
<br />
<b>My definition of <i>talent</i> is this: If there's something that you do, that you can't explain how you do it, and possibly it would shock people to know how quickly you can do it, then that may be your talent.</b><br />
<br />
My talent is not making pickles. Nor is it hand-carving a wooden carousel horse. Nor is it chit-chatting, for that matter.<br />
<br />
I know people with immense talent for encouraging others. For hand-writing notes. For humor. For listening. For gardening. For fixing things. For fixing people. For teaching. For carrying on the face of adversity.<br />
<br />
And every single one of those talents is every bit as important as writing a novel. Probably even more so.<br />
<br />
So what is your talent? I guarantee you have at least one. Celebrate that today. Better yet, <b>use your talent</b>!<br />
<br />
Have a lovely, productive week, whatever your endeavors, friends!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-33523179514754988442013-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:002013-07-22T13:26:06.144-07:00GRATITUDEAaahh...I'm finding that the work has its rewards.<br />
<br />
I'm talking about the many sweet people who took time from their very busy schedules to come to my booksignings this past weekend.<br />
<br />
Several had finished reading <i>A Higher Voice </i>and came in to get their copies signed and purchase more for friends. This makes me happy.<br />
<br />
Melanie, who had read the manuscript before it was published and steered me toward the perfect title, purchased an extra copy just to have one to loan out. She didn't want to risk losing her signed copy. I like that!<br />
<br />
Here are just a few of the folks who stopped by:<br />
<br />
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I am hugely grateful to these readers plus so many more who have taken the time to tell me how much they enjoyed <i>A Higher Voice. </i>Your encouragement means the world to me!<br />
<br />
Your scribbling friend,<br />
Sheri Wren Haymore<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-46656868084551697232013-07-09T10:51:00.002-07:002013-07-09T10:51:38.316-07:00CONVERSATIONS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Sunday afternoon we were off on an adventure with our good
friends, all six adults crammed into one SUV. The men in the group have this
knack for grabbing onto the most innocuous thing I say and teasing me
unmercifully. Exasperated, I fumed, “I don’t know how I manage to talk myself
into these predicaments every time!” From the seat behind me came my husband’s
voice, “Maybe it’s because you can’t write both sides of this conversation.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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How correct he is! That is the privilege of being a storyteller.
I get to write and re-write both sides of the conversation until I get it right.
My character might have a clever comeback or she might interject a word of
wisdom. Or he might just keep his mouth shut. Whatever the response, it will be
appropriate for the occasion, and it will advance the story toward its
satisfying conclusion.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Not so in real life, huh? We don’t get to re-write our conversations.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here are a few examples of times when re-writing might have come
in handy:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> The blunt comeback. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>In my role as chief communicator for my
husband’s woodworking business, I had been in an email conversation with a
woman concerning a complicated custom coffee table she was considering. This had
been going on for over three month. Yesterday I received a succinct email from
the woman’s husband stating that he couldn’t tell any difference between the
last two designs I had sent her. I didn’t like his tone. In fact, I concluded
that if he was that displeased, after all the hours I had put into this
potential project, then by golly, he could make a decision today or forget the
whole thing. I didn’t quite answer his email that bluntly, but I was pretty
blunt.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
a few minutes, here came another email from the man—an humble apology. He had
intended that email for his wife. He was not displeased, apparently, with our
designs; he was aggravated with his wife’s indecision.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ho,
boy. Yeap, that’s one <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">conversation I would
like to re-write</b>. Can you relate?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Closed mouth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Not only was yesterday a hectic day, but I’d
been on antibiotics for a week and was generally draggy and achy. Not in the
mood for my yoga class last night. I entered the room closed off, in my own
little world, not really interested in interacting with anyone else. While sitting
on my mat in that non-yogic frame of mind, a sweet fellow student approached. In
her hand she held a copy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Higher
Voice, </i>asking for my autograph. I was able to make grateful words come out
of my mouth, but honestly, would it have killed me to enter the room in a
grateful frame of mind? Just having a body that is capable of breathing and
moving is enough to make me weep with gratitude. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If I could re-write most of my
conversations, I wouldn’t keep my mouth shut as much. I would open it more, and
pour out words of hope and gratitude and encouragement</b>. Wouldn’t you?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
finally, there’s the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">late word.</b> I
learned just this morning that a friend’s mother had passed away last month. In
my defense, it happened while we were on vacation with no internet. I’ll have
to find a way to express an appropriate <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">late
word</b> of comfort. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Higher Voice,</i> communication, or the
lack thereof, is a major issue between Britt and Dena. They both keep important
information to themselves until their <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">late
word is almost too late. Have you ever put off a conversation until it’s almost
too late?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b>In our conversations this
week, let’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">write our stories well</b>
as we go along. Let’s tell our stories with the best, most timely, words possible!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Namaste.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925998901097588166.post-55249524190565207492013-06-28T06:10:00.000-07:002013-06-28T06:10:50.587-07:00Hard Work<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Writing a good story is fun! The storyteller gets to
visualize characters and events of her own creation. I mean, I had a rock star
hanging out in my head for a time. It was a little weird, but still very cool.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Re-writing, on the other hand, is just plain hard work. All
those romping good words must be picked up and examined, held to the light, and
either discarded or glued back in. Think sculpting and then re-sculpting a
chunk of clay. It is excruciating, but all part of the process of writing a
better story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few things I learned along the way:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trust your instincts</b>. You know what it
takes to write a better story, now don’t you? When you hold your life up to the
light and give it a good close look, you know what to keep, and you know what
needs to be cut. Sometimes we’re afraid, or maybe just plain lazy, and we
refuse to submit to the process.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
I’m thinking of all the scenes that I ultimately whacked
out of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Higher Voice. </i>One scene in
particular might have allowed you, the reader, a better glimpse into what I
perceived to be the hard edges of Britt Jordan’s past. In the end, though,
Britt’s story was better told without it.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trust the
process. </b>Imagine my shock—sometime after writing what I just knew was the
best novel ever written—when I picked up my perfect story and realized, well,
it wasn’t so perfect. And so I set about to re-write the story, to the best of
my ability, and I was pretty pleased with the result. I sent it along to a
trusted friend and author who said, basically, “You’ve got some problems, here,
girl.” Ouch! I learned the lessons I needed from her, and I moved on. I
re-wrote the story yet again, made it even better, and I found a publisher. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
Isn’t that true in life? Just when you think you can pat
yourself on the back, you find out there’s still a lot to learn. It’s all part
of the process of writing a better story, my friend. Learn what you need to,
and move on.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trust the
dream. </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I thought re-writing was
hard work, I didn’t know squat until I got to the editing process. Good Lord!
It was confusing, and intense, and pure magic. Imagine creating a work of art,
and then having a master artist go back over it with a fine brush. Yet even
then, it wasn’t perfect. The editing process had left dangling words, a
sentence here and there that no longer worked. It had to be brushed over again.
And again. Even on the day I held the long-awaited Proof copy in my hands,
could touch the book’s cover and smell the print, my publisher sent along yet
another round of changes: “This semi-colon needs to be a comma, and this hyphen
removed, and this phrase italicized.”</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
Can you guess what I said? “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I don’t care! Just let it go!” </i>Because my dream had been to write a
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">better story</b>, not a perfect one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thus it is with life. Every day, we can write, and re-write,
a better story. We can live, with intuition, joy, and gusto, the best life we
know how to live. It may never be perfect, but who cares? Your story is all you
have…write it well, my friend!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17444703444775819267noreply@blogger.com2