My friend and crit partner Ali Cross passed on this fun blog award:
It requires I share 10 things about myself.
1. I have this weird aversion to drive-throughs, if I'm driving, but the drive-through at the bank is just fine (and very essential when you're with kids).
2. I did some ballroom dancing and acting in high school and college, and some days I miss doing them (especially after watching Dancing With the Stars).
3. My husband and I love to quote movies in our conversations or to let the other person know how we're feeling. One of our favorite lines (from Remember the Titans) is "You're cookin' my grits, Yost."
4. Though I consider myself an organized person, the thought of planning out every hour of my day (or every detail of my book) makes me squirm. I like looser outlines (or to-do lists), with wiggle room.
5. I've never had a real positive horse-back riding experience, which is ironic, considering I married a man who loves horses and used to train them for racing. (Still need to put training race horses into a book).
6. I LOVE chocolate, but not citrus, cherry, or raspberry-chocolate combinations.
7. I have a fear of heights and sharks - so parasailing over shark-infested water would probably not be my thing.
8. Despite the fear of heights, I rode in a hot air balloon as a kid, which was pretty cool.
9. I get motion sick very easily (in cars, on planes, watching Mario Kart on the Wii). One time my DH and I were at a movie and I had to go sit on the floor at the side of the theater because I was so sick.
10. My great-grandfather, Leslie Turner White, was an author whose books were published in the 1950's and 60's. One of them, Lord Johnnie, I've read and quite enjoyed. And though he died before I was born, we share the same birthday.
And now to pass the award on to Jolene Perry. I'm fairly new to Jolene's blog, but I love the funny honest way she writes her posts.
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Stacy Henrie
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Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Turning Points
Last night at book club we were discussing life-changing moments. I didn't voice a comment - mostly because I couldn't think of much to say - but I've been mulling over today what I might have answered.
I can think of a few obvious life-changing moments: college, marriage, the birth of my first child. Then there's others that are more personal, less obvious: losing a baby, supporting my husband as he started his own business, and writing my first book.
The turning point, the life-changing moment in my writing was that first book. I'd wanted to publish/write a book for a long time, but the year my oldest was born, my husband gave me some plotting software that I used to start writing my first book.
At that point, I'd never been to a writers conference. I knew very little about publishing and even about writing a novel. I read The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel (which is actually a great book) and some other writing books and I learned as I went! I wrote the book and I finished it. I became a writer. That was one of my life-changing moments.
What moments in your writing journey have been turning points for you?
I can think of a few obvious life-changing moments: college, marriage, the birth of my first child. Then there's others that are more personal, less obvious: losing a baby, supporting my husband as he started his own business, and writing my first book.
The turning point, the life-changing moment in my writing was that first book. I'd wanted to publish/write a book for a long time, but the year my oldest was born, my husband gave me some plotting software that I used to start writing my first book.
At that point, I'd never been to a writers conference. I knew very little about publishing and even about writing a novel. I read The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel (which is actually a great book) and some other writing books and I learned as I went! I wrote the book and I finished it. I became a writer. That was one of my life-changing moments.
What moments in your writing journey have been turning points for you?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Those First Stories
Since I'm up to my eyes in revisions (with a deadline for next week), I thought I'd enlist the help of Child #2 for this week's blog post. He's always telling us these funny little stories, so a month or two ago, I decided to type a few of them up while he dictated them to me. This one is my favorite - it's ripe with conflict, action, characters, and an emotionally satisfying ending.
One day we were all in the forest. We saw a bear coming toward us, but it was nice. There was a tiger heading for the bear, but it was bad. It was coming really toward us, but we were not afraid. There was a guy chasing the tiger and he shot the tiger. And the tiger was dead. Then we were saved. But there was another animal—it was an elephant, but it was nice. It let us aboard and it took us back home.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Take a Chance
I discovered an inspirational romance author this year who I really like. Her humor, her writing, her stories make for great reading. On a whim, I decided to e-mail her and tell her how much I enjoy her books. Other than the unrealistic hope that she and I would become best friends, I didn't expect much to happen after I sent the e-mail. A few weeks later I was pleasantly surprised when she e-mailed back.
Her e-mail was gracious and kind--she thanked ME for taking the time to e-mail! Then she asked if I was going to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference this month.
Of course the answer was no. I looked up the conference just for fun and found out it was in three weeks in Indianapolis. The next day I looked up flights - just for fun, remember. But I kept thinking about the conference and what an great opportunity it would be. When I talked to my DH about it, he said, "Go for it." (And yes, I thank my lucky stars he decided to marry me!)
So next week I'm flying to Indiana. I'm thrilled (a bunch of the editors and agents from the inspirational market will be there), but I'm also scared. I don't like flying or being forced out of my comfort zone to meet new people (did I mention I don't know a soul there?) or unfamiliar situations or having to talk about my books out loud. But I'm going!
If I hadn't taken the chance to e-mail that author, I wouldn't be going to this conference. That's taking another chance in itself. But even if the only thing I get out of it is learning to be more bold personally and professionally, I think it'll be worth it.
Her e-mail was gracious and kind--she thanked ME for taking the time to e-mail! Then she asked if I was going to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference this month.
Of course the answer was no. I looked up the conference just for fun and found out it was in three weeks in Indianapolis. The next day I looked up flights - just for fun, remember. But I kept thinking about the conference and what an great opportunity it would be. When I talked to my DH about it, he said, "Go for it." (And yes, I thank my lucky stars he decided to marry me!)
So next week I'm flying to Indiana. I'm thrilled (a bunch of the editors and agents from the inspirational market will be there), but I'm also scared. I don't like flying or being forced out of my comfort zone to meet new people (did I mention I don't know a soul there?) or unfamiliar situations or having to talk about my books out loud. But I'm going!
If I hadn't taken the chance to e-mail that author, I wouldn't be going to this conference. That's taking another chance in itself. But even if the only thing I get out of it is learning to be more bold personally and professionally, I think it'll be worth it.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Don't Panic!
One of my awesome crit partners Sara (who's background in military weapons has come in super handy) brought us these postcards from England where she traveled this summer to study Winston Churchill.
I LOVE this thought and it's applications to so many things in life. For example:
Just found out one of my top agents isn't accepting queries for an undetermined amount of time - keep calm and carry on.
Wishing for more writing time and wondering if the WIP is any good - keep calm and carry on.
School and shuttling back and forth to commence in t-minus two days - keep calm and carry on.
No butter to make our delicious (healthy) oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies - keep calm and carry on.
When faced with challenges/problems, we can slow down, not panic, think things through, and most of all, keep going. Don't give up. Keep calm and carry on!
Check out what my other crit partners said about this: Ali Cross, Elana Johnson, Jenn Wilks.
I LOVE this thought and it's applications to so many things in life. For example:
Just found out one of my top agents isn't accepting queries for an undetermined amount of time - keep calm and carry on.
Wishing for more writing time and wondering if the WIP is any good - keep calm and carry on.
School and shuttling back and forth to commence in t-minus two days - keep calm and carry on.
No butter to make our delicious (healthy) oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies - keep calm and carry on.
When faced with challenges/problems, we can slow down, not panic, think things through, and most of all, keep going. Don't give up. Keep calm and carry on!
Check out what my other crit partners said about this: Ali Cross, Elana Johnson, Jenn Wilks.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Stage Fright
Last weekend I did something out of the ordinary, something scary. I performed a monologue at our neighborhood talent show.
Acting used to be a regular part of my life. I took drama in junior high, high school and college. I even performed this same humorous monologue (about a mother-of-the-bride who's daughter won't come out of the bathroom and get married) in front of a high school auditorium full of people.
But doing acting again after all these years and in front of people I see on a regularly basis really made me nervous. What if I forgot my lines? What if no one laughed? What if they all thought I was weird (most of them didn't even know I'd ever done anything like this)?
I really wanted to back out - big time. Still, I'd already told my kids about it and how I was scared. I wanted them to know grown-ups get scared too, but we can all do hard, scary things.
So I performed it and the monologue went great! In fact, I even won second place and a chance to perform at the next stage of the competition.
As I prepare to query my third completed novel in the next month, I think this will be my mantra - I can do hard, scary things! Because you just never know how they'll turn out or what you really can do, until you try.
Acting used to be a regular part of my life. I took drama in junior high, high school and college. I even performed this same humorous monologue (about a mother-of-the-bride who's daughter won't come out of the bathroom and get married) in front of a high school auditorium full of people.
But doing acting again after all these years and in front of people I see on a regularly basis really made me nervous. What if I forgot my lines? What if no one laughed? What if they all thought I was weird (most of them didn't even know I'd ever done anything like this)?
I really wanted to back out - big time. Still, I'd already told my kids about it and how I was scared. I wanted them to know grown-ups get scared too, but we can all do hard, scary things.
So I performed it and the monologue went great! In fact, I even won second place and a chance to perform at the next stage of the competition.
As I prepare to query my third completed novel in the next month, I think this will be my mantra - I can do hard, scary things! Because you just never know how they'll turn out or what you really can do, until you try.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
All Roads Lead to Rome (or Dublin)
As a teenager/young adult I dreamed of visiting England. So after completing junior college in Idaho, I signed up for a three-week study aboard to visit Ireland, Scotland, England, France, and Belgium. Then disaster struck.
I lost my passport right before I was supposed to leave. I went to the airport on the day the group was to depart (without me) and talked to the directors. Once I got my new passport, I would fly alone to Ireland, and the group would pick me up at the airport in Dublin. But I would miss the first three days of the trip.
Being somewhat of an introvert, I was not thrilled with the idea of traveling across the ocean alone. But I did it, and the rest of the trip was amazing.
Was my experience aboard any better or worse from anyone else's because I came late? No; it was just different. Traveling by myself helped me gain courage for other life experiences to come. And though I only saw Ireland from the bus window, I apparently missed having to spend the night in the least desirable accommodations of the trip because I joined the group later.
All of us have dreams, some of us even have similar dreams, but the way we get there is totally unique. It's not necessarily better or worse than somebody else's journey. It's just different, because it's your journey.
I lost my passport right before I was supposed to leave. I went to the airport on the day the group was to depart (without me) and talked to the directors. Once I got my new passport, I would fly alone to Ireland, and the group would pick me up at the airport in Dublin. But I would miss the first three days of the trip.
Being somewhat of an introvert, I was not thrilled with the idea of traveling across the ocean alone. But I did it, and the rest of the trip was amazing.
Was my experience aboard any better or worse from anyone else's because I came late? No; it was just different. Traveling by myself helped me gain courage for other life experiences to come. And though I only saw Ireland from the bus window, I apparently missed having to spend the night in the least desirable accommodations of the trip because I joined the group later.
All of us have dreams, some of us even have similar dreams, but the way we get there is totally unique. It's not necessarily better or worse than somebody else's journey. It's just different, because it's your journey.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Don't Knock It Till You've Tried It
Seven years ago, sans children, my husband and I went with my family to Maui. One of the things we got to do was hike to some waterfalls to swim. When we reached the first waterfall, I didn't go into the water. Not that I'm scared of water (okay, maybe I'm a little nervous about swimming in the ocean - but that's what Jaws will do to you); I just don't like cold water.
So I sat on the shore for an hour, working up the gumption to go in and watching the rest of the group having a great time swimming underneath the waterfall. Finally, I mustered up enough courage to wade in the shallow part and then I dove in. Soon after, it was time to go, but now I didn't want to get out. I was having too much fun!
Sometimes in life there are things we want to do but don't because they look too hard, too scary, too big, too (fill in the blank). But you'll never know what you can do - write a novel, travel to a new place, learn a language, make a change within yourself - until you try.
Too often we let our fears (particularly fear of failure) get in the way. The title of a book I read several years ago, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, says it all. Feel the fear, but don't let it paralyze you. Maybe you'll write the next bestseller, or turn into an amazing chef, or simply become a better person. You can't know until you try.
So I sat on the shore for an hour, working up the gumption to go in and watching the rest of the group having a great time swimming underneath the waterfall. Finally, I mustered up enough courage to wade in the shallow part and then I dove in. Soon after, it was time to go, but now I didn't want to get out. I was having too much fun!
Sometimes in life there are things we want to do but don't because they look too hard, too scary, too big, too (fill in the blank). But you'll never know what you can do - write a novel, travel to a new place, learn a language, make a change within yourself - until you try.
Too often we let our fears (particularly fear of failure) get in the way. The title of a book I read several years ago, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, says it all. Feel the fear, but don't let it paralyze you. Maybe you'll write the next bestseller, or turn into an amazing chef, or simply become a better person. You can't know until you try.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Been There, Done That
Another fun story from Child #2. He was telling me a couple of weeks back about when he was six. "But I thought you were three, almost four," I said. He replied, "I grew back down to three." My youngest sister did the same thing as a kid - talking about all the stuff she'd done when she was older.
We as writers do something similar. For example, I was watching Flyboys last night (James Franco used to be my movie crush), which takes place in France during WWI. One of my novels takes place in the same country three years later. But as I watched the show, I kept thinking how familiar it felt. Though I didn't live then, I've experienced that place, that time period through my story and research.
As writers (and readers) we get to be "six" before we even turn "four," or visit London in 1868, or rescue a runaway stage out West. I think that's one of the cool things about being a writer - how real our stories, our characters, our settings can become.
We as writers do something similar. For example, I was watching Flyboys last night (James Franco used to be my movie crush), which takes place in France during WWI. One of my novels takes place in the same country three years later. But as I watched the show, I kept thinking how familiar it felt. Though I didn't live then, I've experienced that place, that time period through my story and research.
As writers (and readers) we get to be "six" before we even turn "four," or visit London in 1868, or rescue a runaway stage out West. I think that's one of the cool things about being a writer - how real our stories, our characters, our settings can become.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
What I Wish I'd Known
I started this summer with great plans: a schedule of jobs for the kids, time to practice school stuff, and a way to cut down on the TV viewing, Wii playing, etc. And while I still think those things are still important, I got to thinking last night about how I might feel differently in the Fall. Would I wish I'd been less rigid, because once school starts things naturally have to be more structured? If my future self could talk to me now, would she say "let your hair down a little this summer?"
Then I started thinking about my writer self. What do I wish I'd known back when I first started writing? If I could talk to that girl then, what would I say? I think I would tell her to enjoy the writing journey even more. It's harder to write now - I like the end result more than the writing of it, but back then, I was more into the process.
What would my future writer self tell me now? (Like on The Office when Jim sends Dwight faxes from Future Dwight!) I hope she'd say that publishing is closer than I think and to not give up - the dream will be realized. I think she might say again to enjoy the journey, the process, a little more. This is the time in my career when I can write what I want, explore, hone, and take the time.
Then I started thinking about my writer self. What do I wish I'd known back when I first started writing? If I could talk to that girl then, what would I say? I think I would tell her to enjoy the writing journey even more. It's harder to write now - I like the end result more than the writing of it, but back then, I was more into the process.
What would my future writer self tell me now? (Like on The Office when Jim sends Dwight faxes from Future Dwight!) I hope she'd say that publishing is closer than I think and to not give up - the dream will be realized. I think she might say again to enjoy the journey, the process, a little more. This is the time in my career when I can write what I want, explore, hone, and take the time.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
My Reading List
Here it is:
I've read Sarah's Key before and really enjoyed it. And no, I haven't read The Hunger Games yet (probably one of the few writers who hasn't). Isn't that a beautiful pile? Maybe a tad heavy on the historical fiction side, but hey, that's what I like to read and what I write. Can't wait to dive in!
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- Stacy Henrie
- I'm a stay-at-home mom to three kids and an author of inspirational historical romance. I love laughing with my family, reading, interior decorating and chocolate.