The Journey/The Destination

After a super-long hiatus, I'm writing again. My novel is back on my desktop, taking a new direction and perspective. Although at the rate I'm going, I may have grandchildren before it's complete. I try not to think of it that way; I try to remind myself it's about the journey, not the destination.

But the destination can be nice too. It's been 18 months since I began writing an article on mother's circles. Two months after completing it, Mothering magazine retained it for publication; six months after that they released it due to a backlog of articles; six months after that I pitched it again to my favorite online publication, Rhythm of the Home; and today (yes, today!) it debuts in their Autumn issue.

I am so honored and excited to be a part of this beautiful and engaging magazine. So while I know it is mostly about the journey, I couldn't be more pleased about the destination. I invite you to head on over to the latest edition of Rhythm of the Home and browse through all the creative projects and insightful articles inside.

You can read my contribution here:

A Mother's Circle - Uniting Ancient Magic with Modern Motherhood.

I Am Writing :: Almost There

It's been weeks since I've posted an 'I Am Writing' entry. Namely because I am not writing. Summer schedules and family demands seem to have taken priority over here. So is life, and I don't feel bad about it. Instead, I feel like it's been a long period of incubation...and something great is about ready to emerge. I have ideas, you see. My mind is still writing, at every turn. And soon, my hands will follow. I'm almost there.

Speaking of almost there, I do have a little writing news. Remember that article I was writing on Mother's Circles, with the intent to sell to Mothering magazine? Well... they have retained it for publication! No guarantees until it is in print, but I have a good feeling about it. It too is almost there!

I Am Writing :: Against All Odds

I have been home with sick kids, and a bit of illness myself, all week. But despite the fevers, the sniffles and all other array of symptoms, I have been writing. I sneaked in writing time during marathons of children's programming (forgive me) and during tiny snippets of pain-reliever induced play. I ran between my computer and the oven while making dinners. I laid in bed at night composing, editing, drafting.

The result - a finished article, complete with interview quotes, sidebars and accompanying photos.

This article has been a long time coming. This weekend, I shall prepare it for proposal. And hopefully, soon, I can share it with you, in print.

In the meantime, my wheels are turning on a new piece about Mindful Crafting. Anyone want to weigh in on this one?

I Am Writing :: Finally!

After two weeks of being thrown off my writing schedule, I was so happy to have a full day in my home office yesterday, 100 percent dedicated to writing (without babe on lap).

It was a success! I finally completed the bulk of an article I've been working on, A Mothers' Circle: Uniting Ancient Magic with Modern Motherhood. It's just about ready to be sent off to Mothering magazine in hopes of a sale. This would be my first published magazine piece since having babies. It's all starting to come back to me now...

I Am Writing :: Spring Break Style

I wrote a bit about our favorite sandy hangout, Shell Beach, while on location today!

The view.

The kids.

The mamas.

The writer.

It was short lived - but well appreciated. Really, what job could be better than this?

I Am Writing :: Full Circle

I love synchronicity. After three recent (and unsolicited) referrals to books and authors on the subject of women's circles, I knew it was time to begin work on an article I've been writing in my mind for months. And once I further delved into the subject, I realized the strong connection writing this article has to writing my novel. I came full circle.

While researching the history, symbology and benefits of circling, I began to understand the magic that ensues when my mama friends and I gather in circle. We are connecting to the sacred. We are creating community through common needs and experiences. We are women healing, teaching and supporting one another in the same way generations of women have before us.
As for the writing, it is well underway! The article is shaping up to be both heartfelt, tapping into my own real-life circle experiences, and well-researched (I'm wading through many books on the subject- including Women Circling the Earth and The Millionth Circle - as well as a documentary film, BeComing: Women's Circles, Women's Lives).

I'd tell you more, but it might ruin the article for you. So you'll just have to wait for publication. Of course, I have to sell it first...and I will.

In the meantime, I'd really like to know if you belong to a women's circle and what it means to you.

I Am Writing :: On the Brain, Not Paper

This week has been challenging for me to stick to my routine. My writing is on the top of my brain, but I can't seem to find the time to get it out of there.

Lots of thoughts on the book....playing with different narrative points of view. Originally it was going to be first-person, told by me. Now I'm leaning towards a third-person narrator. Both perspectives have benefits & drawbacks. I did manage to get a little bit onto the page. Really, it was so little it should barely count.

My brain has also been working hard on an article idea about women's circles...I think it would be perfect for Mothering.com/Mothering Magazine and that is where I plan to pitch it. As soon as it makes it out of my head... The research for this article keeps falling into my lap by way of friends and blogosphere acquaintances. It's like a sign from the universe saying "write me!" I got it. This article is my weekend goal, above all others.

And there are so many others...

I Am Writing :: Project Bible & Outline Part II

I've been focused on two writing projects this week:

The Project BibleI began creating a Project Bible for my novel. It's a three-ring notebook (decorated with super- cute transfers of birdies) that houses everything I need as reference for my book: lists of facts, character names & descriptions, research findings & sources, etc. Additionally, it serves as a place to jot down ideas, thoughts, words, free writing, etc. when I'm not at my desk. So that way, when I get a great idea while washing the dishes, I can get it on paper and revisit it later.

Outline, Part II (and ongoing...)
Also on my desk this week has been that outline I mentioned last week. I've taken my initial basic structure and began to develop it into a more detailed plan, plugging in dates & themes and creating a basic flow for the story. This has been extremely gratifying work, but it still has a long way to go.

I've also been fixing up my office/craft studio, 'cause you gotta have a pretty, inspiring place to write, right? The re-do should be ready for a big reveal next week!

I Am Writing :: Outline & Routine

Welcome to the first of a new weekly post, "I Am Writing." It's an affirmation, a way to chronicle my journey and a means of accountability.

Outline
I met with The Snail yesterday (my unofficial agent) to brainstorm on my novel. Over a couple of cinnamon dolce lattes we hammered out a structure for the book. It will consist of two parts, 12 chapters each. Did you know an average novel is 400 typewritten pages? So that means each chapter can average about 16 typed pages. Just having this basic composition really helps me get a handle on the enormity of the project. So, with this general arrangement in mind, I'm beginning work on a detailed outline.

Routine
It's become apparent that writing time is not going to magically appear. So I'm working out a writing routine to ensure my creative work is as important as my income-earning work, household responsibilities and mothering duties. I hope this dedicated routine, along with unplanned opportunities, will generate enough time to produce some real work.

I just read that daily chores are a great thinking time for writers. Folding the laundry and walking the baby offer a chance to review plots, develop characters and generate new ideas. I definitely plan to take advantage of this important "non-writing" time, and recognize it as part of my writing routine.