How to Transition and Survive

Change is hard.

And life is full of changes, getting older, moving, job changes, relationship status, health issues, etc. And if you have to go through more than one at the same time, your stress level can go through the roof!

I'm in the midst of several changes, almost all of the above. I'm dealing with it in the best way I know how, but I know I've been snapping people's heads off when the stress gets to me. Then I feel horrible. I try to keep positive, but juggling all these new headaches is making me crazy.

The hardest part has been losing my writing life and missing out on book events. It's hard enough to be a writer, but when you have a good thing going and it falls apart, it's so hard to start over. It's easy to doubt and wonder if this is the part where I'm supposed to give up and move on...

So for IWSG this month, I'm looking for ways to deal with change. Here's what I came up with:

• One thing at a time - It doesn't all have to be done at once. I have to ask myself: What can I handle today?
• Ask for help - I'm so grateful for this community. I got so much help this summer. When you're down, you've got a friend!
• Don't overdo it - I tend to work, work, work until I fall asleep. I feel overwhelmed and rushed, like I have to get everything done ASAP! But I know many of the things can wait, so I decided to shut down at a certain time every day. Then I can relax a little before going to bed.
• Make time for family - they're the ones usually taking the brunt of my sharp tongue. I have to show them I can be nice and fun and still love them.
• Organize the mess - I have several unfinished projects I want to get to, but they are low priority. Seeing them sitting there unfinished is a big stresser. So I write myself a list of the things I need to get to when I make some project time and put the projects away out of sight.
• Go shopping - or sit outside with my dog and a glass of wine or watch a favorite show... just do something away from the stress. The stuff will still be there, but if I'm too irritated, I won't be able to concentrate and get things done anyway.

Setting aside time each weekend morning in August, I was able to type up, then edit down my submission for the IWSG Anthology Contest. I'll let you know if I make it... Probably keep it to myself if I don't. But I'm proud of myself for getting it done!

I'm just trying to get my life back into a groove, then I think things will start looking up, right?

Do you have any advice for an over-stressed workaholic? 

Hope September is falling into place!

The red or the blue?

Loaded question, isn't it? I could be talking about the Matrix or the upcoming elections or a sports team or just which shirt I want to wear. And each choice we make can set into motion a different chain of events, whether catastrophic, terrific, or just a regular day... Which brings me to an exciting new anthology put together by Randi Lee who is now Stay Classy Publishing. And I'm honored to be a part of it!

TURNING POINTS

The Thing That Turned Me

Here is our riveting (updated) cover...

There are so many awesome authors contributing! Check out the trailer:

I had so much fun writing my piece, I made a little image for it...

My story is a lite apocalyptic romance...because I like to put all seriousness aside.
It will be out this summer. I can't wait to read all the stories!

And even though it's January, the A to Z blogging challenge is right around the corner! I better start thinking of a theme  (you don't have to have one, but I find it easier to come up with posts). I also need to decide if I will have time to even do it this year...

Important Dates:
January 25, 2016 – Challenge Sign-Up
January 28, 2016 – Twitter Chats begin
February 22, 2016 – A to Z Theme Reveal Blogfest Sign-Up
March 21, 2016 – A to Z Theme Reveal Blogfest
April 1, 2016 – Challenge begins

Website                 Facebook Page

What's new with you? Ever try your hand at short stories?
Thinking of a theme for A to Z?

BTW - It's my week at the Really Real Housewives - 

I'm talking about yearlies... come on over!

THIS JUST IN!

I just got confirmation for a NEW BLOG HOP!!

Christine Rains, C. Lee McKenzie, and Tara Tyler are hosting A MEME Blog Hop! We want to help chase away the winter blues with some Encouraging, Inspiring, and Funny MEMEs! Join us the week of Feb 29 - Mar 4!

This is a MEME
a picture with words

Easy Peasy "rules"

1. Post a MEME during the week (use your own pic or an easy meme maker app) - and if you can't think of anything, pass on encouraging words from one of your reviews, or an inspiring quote! 
2. Visit others
3. That's it!

Then the awesome hostesses will hop around and Ooo and Ahh and choose one entry each to win an ebook. AND two lucky random participants will win a $20 GC. Enter and spread some warmth!

Long Road to Ruin

As we enter the final days before Christmas (12 to be exact!) I offer you this game to take a break from all the madness. I found it at J. Lenni Dorner's blog. I had fun doing it and thought you all might too, tho I shortened it for those of us who have less time for games!

It's worth a few minutes and easy, I promise! If you like, post it on your blog to share and pass around. I haven't played a good game of tag in a while. This is how to play:

1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
These Days by Foo Fighters

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Been Caught Stealing by Jane's Addiction

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Let's Get it Started by the Black Eye Peas

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Hammerhead by the Offspring

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Paralyzer by Finger Eleven

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Burn by Ellie Goulding

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Mysterious Ways by U2

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
The Walker by Fitz & the Tantrums

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Paradise by Cold Play

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Not Your Fault by AWOLNATION

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
No More Love by God Lives Underwater

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
The Fixer by Pearl Jam

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
The Great Escape by Boys Like Girls

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Problem by Arianna Grande

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Welcome to Paradise by Green Day

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Price Tag by Jessie J

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Long Road to Ruin by Foo Fighters

I had a few minutes and got a few laughs at the answers - and now I pass it on to anyone who has time and inclination. Make sure you let me know if you do it!

This is also my week to post at the REALLY REAL HOUSEWIVES - Reasons for loving the Season (Mon), Party picks (Wed), and What to do with the kids for two weeks (Fri)

And lastly, I'm excited to say I won 2nd place in a speculative fiction Christmas short story contest. My story was published at Geekdom House with a really cool picture. Here's the link if you'd like to be uplifted by A SUPER CHRISTMAS! Joy to you!

Dear me!

Guess what!
Today, I got to go back in time and give my teenage self some advice over at Dear Teen Me! Check it out, if you need a laugh today =D

I was also honored to be a part of The Writer Diaries post "What We're Looking Forward to in September" by SK Anthony. She's such a sweetheart!


I also am happy to give a shout out to... Katie Teller, who recently put a new chapter on Wattpad from DANCING IN THE ATHENIAN RAIN. Do any of you guys use Wattpad? I heard it's the latest thing for putting your writing out there... Was wondering if anyone found it helpful? I'm putting a short story on it to try it out - a horror-comedy, just in time for Halloween! I'll share the link when I get it done...




And speaking of short stories... In case you hadn't heard, the IWSG is supporting its members yet again. This time with a cool short story contest! I just so happened to have an outline of a story lying around and typed it up over the long weekend. The theme for the anthology is "alternate history/parallel universe" and my story fit right in! The funny thing is, a few A to Z challenges ago, I came up with some alphabetical titles and blurbs, and this story is one of them! It's called Quakes on Q Day of all letters!

I encourage you to enter. It's a great way to get those creative juices flowing!

What advice would you give yourself as a teen? What are you working on? Entered any contests lately?

BFF

Auntie Tara's Short Story Prompt - Writers for Animals

BFF

This cage is no fun. I want to run, run, run! So much barking, I can’t understand a word. The other dogs scare me. I wonder what happened to my brothers and sisters. One day we are playing and nipping, the next I’m in this cage. And humans keep looking at me. I don’t like it one bit. Whimper.

A human pulls me out and puts me on the floor. Good, I have to go.

“No! Oh, well. He’s just a pup.”

“He’s so cute! Do you have a name for him?”

“Yes. I picked his name when I decided I would get a black lab puppy as soon as I could move into a house with a yard. It's Cody. Here, Cody!”

She seems friendly. I’ll go sniff her.

“See? He knows his name already! Don’t you, boy!”

“His paws are huge. He's going to be a big dog. And he has a tear on his ear. Are you sure about this?”

My brother did that. But I got him back.

“He’s perfect. Let’s go home, Cody.”

õõõ

I like my home. Now that I’m two years old my human lets me do more. I’m a good dog. She tells me all the time. She’s so nice. She gives me lots of treats for doing the silly tricks she taught me, especially for pooping outside. I didn't know that was a trick. Humans are so easy to please! And I can make them laugh just by carrying all my toys around in my mouth. Humans are weird.

Life is good. Me and my human do all sorts of fun things together. I love to ride in the car. We go hiking, to parks, and visit friends. I never know where we’ll end up, but there’s always new scents to discover and new dogs and humans to check out. She lets me roam the huge backyard too. It has a creek and is full of tall trees with so many interesting smells. I haven't caught a rabbit yet, but I will!

I think my favorite thing to do is get a bath. That’s right, I said bath. I love water! I have my own little pool to splash in and afterwards I get to attack the water from the hose. It’s tricky! I chomp it and chase it and bark at it. I could play with it all day. Then my human gets out the towel to dry me. More fun and games. Hide and seek and tug o war. And I love that rrrrrip sound!

Yeah, life is good.

õõõ

My human has a mate now. He’s fun, too. He plays rougher than my girl human. He's great at fetch and wrestling. We all have more adventures and more car rides. Longer drives to visit more humans. And we have moved homes a couple of times. It’s hard to mark all the new territory, but exploring it is fun. As long as they take me and my food with them, I don’t mind.

õõõ

I’m six to my human and really liking this new home. There’s a cute girl next door named Cali and lots of free space to run around.

My humans also got a tiny new human pup. I have to be quieter, which is hard, especially with so many visitors ringing the doorbell. Woof! But I'm easy. The pup is cute. And it’s special to my human, so I care for it and watch over it. We are a family.

õõõ

We moved again and got another baby. That’s what they call it. I miss my friend Cali, but I have a new friend Cyrus. He’s smaller and not as friendly, but he’s okay.

I like the colder weather here. Lots of lickable white stuff. And the yard is a good size, even though it’s fenced. The older human pup likes to play chase with me. I go slow because he is still wobbly. And making him laugh makes me happy. I love my family.

õõõ

We moved again. I hope we don’t anymore. I’m tired of figuring out the rules of new places. There’s no fence here, but lots of houses. I'm not allowed to roam here. The humans keep me chained up when I go outside, even though I wouldn’t go very far.  Some of the other human pups are afraid of me, too. Imagine that. I wouldn’t hurt a human. Especially a pup.

And my humans had another baby. They should have just had a litter to begin with. I said humans are weird.

I don’t get much attention anymore. The human pups require a lot of supervision. They all play with me when they can and we still have our bath time. But mostly I like to just lie with my humans more now anyway. I know they love me.

õõõ

A couple more years have passed. I’m really feeling my dog years. I’m so tired. My food doesn’t go down like it used to. And I’ve been to the V-E-T more lately.

My human cares for me and does her best to make me comfortable. I’ve had a wonderful life. Couldn’t ask for more.

Don't be sad, human. It’s okay to let go.

Auntie Tara's Short Story prompt - March

Now that we've warmed up our short story brain juices, let's try submitting for publication!

I found this worthy cause at Madeline's blog Scribble & Edit. (It has Heather's name written all over it!) It's called Writers for Animals - they are looking for true or fictional, heartwarming animal stories for an anthology to raise money for animals. 1000-4000 words. Your chances for acceptance go up if you write about animals other than dogs (oh, well, mine's about my last doggie) The publication is in Great Britain, but we are eligible to enter from over here. Published is published! And the deadline is March 31. Purrrfect!

Mine will go up Thursday. As always, post a link in the comments here to your story or an excerpt from it. And if you want the details on submitting, email me and I'll forward them to you! (taratylertalks = at = gmail = dot = com)

Looking for some interesting tails, I mean tales =)

Mrs MacAdoo Goes to Post

Here is my short story for Auntie Tara's February prompt. I know it's a busy month, but if you have time and an idea for the prompt "secret admirer" go for it!

Mrs. MacAdoo Goes to Post

“There, there, Winnifred. Mummy will be back soon.”

Mrs. MacAdoo pet the cat as it arched its back and hissed.

“Ooo. See a mouse, do you? Go for him!”

The cat ran off.

“Silly cat. Never catches a thing.”

Mrs. MacAdoo walked outside with a carefully wrapped parcel and her green umbrella. You never can tell about the weather.

At her mailbox down the walk stood the postman.

“Hello, Charles. Lovely day.”

“Yes, Mrs. MacAdoo. Off to deliver a parcel?”

“How observant of you, Charles,” she said with a raised eyebrow. “No junk mail today, please,” she added, pointing her umbrella.

“You know I can’t tamper with the mail, Mrs. MacAdoo.” He smiled and ducked.

“Ah, well. Must be off.” She opened the gate smack into his knees and the postman fell on his rump.

“Oh, Charles. You should be more careful,” she said and passed by him.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. MacAdoo!” her neighbor called.

“Hello, Mrs. Canopy. How is Melvin?”

“Recovering quite nicely. Thank you for asking.”

“Excellent news, my dear.” As Mrs. MacAdoo walked on, she waved her umbrella which brushed a tree, causing a bird to fly out and into Mrs. Canopy’s window. Quite a squawking ensued.

Mrs. MacAdoo reached the bus stop just in time. She got on and searched her purse for the fare. When she found a coin, she aimed for the slot.

She missed. The coin rolled under the driver’s feet. Mrs. MacAdoo got down on hands and knees to find it.

“It’s okay. Just leave it.”

Mrs. MacAdoo got up, smiled and put it in the slot.

The driver sighed. Mrs. MacAdoo took a seat next to a spikey-haired young man and rambled on to him about the dangers of drugs, until she noticed she had missed her stop. She stood up, pushed the button, and knocked the lad under the chin with her umbrella.

The bus driver gladly let Mrs. MacAdoo out.

When she reached the post office, there was a long line.

“My, this parcel is burdensome,” Mrs. MacAdoo said.

“Marvelous! You should go ahead,” the lady in front of her said into her phone.

“Why thank you. How nice.” Mrs. MacAdoo stepped ahead of her.

“Excuse me. Do you have the time?” Mrs. MacAdoo asked the next man.

“2:15, Ma’am.”

“Oh, that will never do,” she said and poked the floor with her umbrella. But not the floor.

“Oww!”

“Are you all right?”

“Yes, Ma’am. Why don’t you go ahead of me.”

“Thank you, kind Sir.”

Mrs. MacAdoo continued in this manner, straight to the front.

“Ah, Mrs. MacAdoo. Another special package for Arthur?”

She blushed. “Yes.”

After paying, Mrs. MacAdoo left, with more commotion and outbursts in her wake.

“What an odd bird,” said the next customer.

“Sweetest lady. Sends a hand knit sweater to her neighbor every month.”

“Why doesn’t she just give it to him?”

“She is his secret admirer,” he said with a wink.

Auntie Tara's Short Story Prompt - February 2012

Welcome to Auntie Tara's Short Story Prompt!

On the second Tuesday of the month, I offer a prompt of some sort or other to write a short story about. Thanks again to last month's participants: JA Bennett, Christine Rains, Keru (Manny), and Heather!  The wide range of stories blew me away - such imaginations!

To participate, here are Auntie Tara's requests:

1. put a link to your story in the comments
2. link back here to let others know about the challenge (feel free use the pic)
3. keep it clean =)

Prompt for February:
Considering the month, the challenge before you is to write a short story between 250 - 500 words about a SECRET ADMIRER.
Challenge ends February 29. I'll put mine up on Thursday. If I get at least five participants, I will offer a prize of a query or first five pages critique to my favorite story.

This is more for our benefit to get writing! I know this is a busy month for blogfests and campaigns, but I'd love to read your stuff! Results announced first week of March.

A Princess Story

Here is my offering for Auntie Tara's Short Story Prompt.

A Princess Story

Once upon a time, a beautiful opening if ever there was one. And upon this once, there lived an erudite king and devoted queen who ruled from a glorious castle, set in a cold land of the North. The castle had many spacious rooms for playing, small nooks for hiding, staircases for bouncing, sliding, and running up and down, and the greenest, grandest grounds in the whole kingdom with a wondrous waterfall that never went dry. And it was all mine.

I was the elder princess and I really ran the kingdom. I knew how to get everything I wanted. Spoiled, you say? Nay! I used my wits and did what was right and was rewarded for it. And we were happy.

But trouble soon came, as it always does. The evil rulers from across the way envied our castle. Though we fought courageously, they drove us away.

After losing our castle, and therefore our kingdom, we joined the middle class. Not many listened to the princess anymore. But still, we made the best of it and we were happy.

As a good princess, when I grew up I sought my fortune. I did very well on my own and found a resourceful Lady in Waiting to advise me. But as a princess, I felt I had a responsibility to my honorable, dethroned parents to rebuild our kingdom. To do that, I needed to find a prince, within an allotted time.

There was no shortage of suitors. But in the cruel world, many are selfish and not so charming. Some were deceitful, wanting my money or my title or just a quick bit of fun. At one point, I thought I had found my prince. But the one that stole my heart was on the wrong side of the law so I had to give him up. Unworthy as King material.

I mended my heart and continued with my duty. I endured outings and sifted out truth from lies. It was maddening! I am not one to waste time. I had a kingdom to perpetuate!

So I held a contest.

I made an announcement. “Any subject who wants my hand will make a plea at my balcony. The speech that moves my heart will win my hand and become ruler of a new Kingdom.”

My list of requirements was lengthy, as choosing a future King is not a task to take lightly. He had to be pure of heart, a hard worker, God fearing, patient, firm, kind, respectful, strong of conviction, from good family, jolly, and handsome, of course.

No suitor could give me all of those things, or remotely close. The deadline for continuing the kingdom was fast approaching and I had found no viable candidates from the crowd of suitors. Forlorn!

Enter random sojourner, knocking on our door, seeking shelter from a storm.

Though against the better judgment of allowing a strange man to abide with us, my Lady in Waiting and I took him in.

Never fear! We were skilled in the arts of self-defense and kept our wits about us and our eyes open to any trickery the stranger may have tried.

But the handsome knave, yes, he was pleasant to look upon, proved himself a gentleman. With each passing day, he showed a new attribute of chivalry. Helpful, considerate, honorable, dutiful, etc.

Meanwhile, I still listened to pleas of dull suitors. I still waited for my one true prince.

Until my eyes opened and saw our boarder as more than a boarder. One day, as I sat playing my harp while our guest catered to my pet, I realized. This is as good as it gets! Right under my nose!

Now being a gentleman, our guest had never propositioned either of us in the slightest. Thus it would be up to me to bash him over the head with my club of sweet gentility. Once the door was open to him, he entered willingly. And that was that.

Today, the new Kingdom is alive and thriving with more princes to carry it on.

And though at times we have trouble to deal with, we are happy.

Auntie Tara's Short Story Prompt - Pilot

Pilot, as in seeing how this first episode goes.

Welcome to Auntie Tara's Short Story Prompt!
On the second Tuesday of the month, I will offer a prompt of some sort or other to write a short story about. Now a short story can be as short as a few hundred words or as long as a couple of thousand. I will stipulate word length with each different prompt, thus adding to the challenge.

To officially participate, here are Auntie Tara's requests:

1. put a link to your story in the comments
2. link back here to let others know about the challenge (feel free use the pic)
3. keep it clean =)

On to January's prompt!
This month, the challenge before you is to write a short story of 750 words or less including these four words: EVIL, CROWD, HARP, WATERFALL

Challenge ends January 31. I'll put mine up on Thursday. If I get at least five participants, I will offer a prize of a query or first page critique to my favorite story and add a linky link next month to make things easier. But this is more for our benefit to get writing! Results announced first week of February.

And in case you want even more writing practice, Sonia offers a monthly writing challenge as well. She's been at it a long time and has great articles on writing. You should at least stop by =)

Kick start 2012!

Just another Monday, right?
Never! 2012 is the year I get published! I guess that's my big writing resolution. Hope everyone is ready to get back to work and write. I've already sent out 2 queries! I know the agents are thrilled! And there are many events coming up, here are just a few:

• 1/4 is the first Wednesday of the month when we share writing woes with the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex - all are welcome!
• Next week at Unicorn Bell I will be talking about critiquing if you'd like to stop by...

• Christina Rains reminded me I should write more, so I am starting a new feature Tuesday 1/10 - Auntie Tara's Short Story Prompt, I'll put a linky link and see how it goes, once a month or so
• As I searched for a writing convention, I found the Erma Bombeck Conference in April - but it's already sold out! So I'm just entering the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition (Jan 3-Feb 14) It's got great prizes in 2 categories, Humor and Human Interest for only 450 words or less. Think about it!
• In case you hadn't heard, Alex is having a launch party for CassaFire next month. Woot!
• Then the annual A to Z challenge comes back in April. I love that blogfest!

So, what is your #1 writing resolution? What's up for you this year? And have you heard about any writing conferences or workshops? Ohio is lame in this category, or I'm lame at finding them!