Scrapbook Your Writing Journey
If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine the story an entire scrapbook could tell. As writers, we put our fingers to the keyboard to create masterpieces that will have editors and agents begging for more. Okay, maybe not.
Writers travel the writing road filled with potholes, roadblocks, and signs directing us. Imagine the stories we’d have if we scrapbooked those writing journeys.
As a former Creative Memories consultant, I’ve seen hundreds of stories being told in pictures. Each of these album makers share a common thread—passion for the craft and sharing their stories with others. Sound familiar?
Writers share a passion for the written word. Scrapbooks that depict your writing journey allow others to have a better understanding of what it means to be a writer and a better understanding of you.
When I write, my characters become real to me. I cry when they cry. I laugh when they laugh. I cheer when they reach their goals. Same with my real family. I’ve documented years of laughter, tears, successes, and yes, failures.
Scrapbooking isn’t gender-specific. Nor is it limited to preserving holiday photos, vacation pictures, or the wonderful milestones of your children or family pets. By scrapbooking your writing journey, you’re preserving memories for years to come. It’s time to move beyond the comfort zone of those beach vacation photos and open your heart for others to see what drives you.
Your scrapbook can be used as a promotional tool and displayed at your next book signing, writers conferences, and speaking engagements to share your journey with readers and fellow writers. Check with your accountant to see if your album can be written off as a business expense, especially if you use it as a promotional tool.
Anything that represents you as a writer should go in your scrapbook—rejection and acceptance letters, notes of encouragement, autographs from favorite authors, reservation cards, ticket stubs and other writers conference mementos, contest certificates, and finally photos.
Photos could include:
- your personal or favorite writing space like that cozy coffee shop where you can hide and write
- writers group meetings
- critique partners and colleagues
- book publication parties
- book signing events
- places you’ve visited for research
- authors and industry professionals whom you have met or inspired you
- friends you’ve met at conferences
- writers conferences
- writing students or clients, if you are an editor, agent, publicist, or other industry professional
- award banquets, especially if you have been nominated for an award
Consider motivational quotes on each page of your album. These words of wit and wisdom could be from favorite writers, famous people, Bible verses, definitions of favorite words, or even sentences from your own manuscripts. Add a snippet of dialogue from one of your favorite scenes.
Once you have gathered memorabilia for your album, head to a craft store to purchase supplies—an album and basic supplies—cutting tools, adhesive to attach your photos and memorabilia to the pages, assorted papers and stickers, and writing tools.
Invest in a quality album. They come in several styles, sizes, and colors. Check the manufacturer’s label to be sure the album is acid-free, lignin-free, and contains buffered pages. Acid found in paper products will discolor photos, causing them to become brittle and deteriorating your pages. The edges may appear cracked or ragged. Lignin is a natural pigment found in trees that causes photographs to yellow as they age. Buffered pages contain a photo-safe coating that allows the user to add photos and memorabilia on the same page without the acid from the memorabilia bleeding into the pictures.
Unless the manufacturer claims the album to be archival or photo-safe, avoid those magnetic albums where you pull back the plastic, slap your photos on the cardboard backing and press the plastic back in place. The plastic overlay often contains PVC—polyvinylchloride, a chemical that will cause pictures to age and deteriorate. Pictures encased in these albums tend to yellow and age at a more rapid rate.
If you’ve never scrapbooked, consider attending a workshop at your local craft store or search online for scrapbook sites to learn how to care for your photos, create album pages, and use the tools safely. Ask friends who scrapbook to lend a hand…and their tools to help you get started. Many magazines on the market are devoted to the craft of scrapbooking. Invest in a couple or borrow them from the library and see where your creativity takes you.
As writers, we never seem to run out of words. Journaling in your albums allows you to share your experiences with others. Journal about the highs and lows of a writer’s life, the turning points in your career, the feelings you experience from reading letters and reviews from readers, your future goals, career intimidations, trying to balance career and family, the feelings you experienced when your name was called for winning an award…or not called—anything that speaks from the heart of who you are.
Even though this is an ongoing project, consider setting aside time each day or each week to work on your album. You will be surprised how quickly you can create an album by spending fifteen-thirty minutes a day working on it.
When scrapbooking your journey, take time to savor the blank page. You’re not querying or submitting a proposal to seek anyone’s approval. This is all about you—a personal time of reflection and a tangible record of how far you’ve come in your journey. Each accomplishment represents another milestone along the way. Remember, writing is not arriving at a destination, but the journey you take along the way.
Bio: Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature both comes naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, will be released in November by Love Inspired. Her second novel, Lakeside Family, will be released in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for over twenty years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn’t writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit her at www.lisajordanbooks.com to learn more about her writing.
Back cover copy: Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won’t run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he’s still able to stir up Lindsey’s old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he’ll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again. Read an excerpt of Lakeside Reunion
I’m holding a scavenger hunt and lakeside photo contest to promote my Lakeside Reunion release. Plus, blog commenters on my blog hop will be put in a drawing for fun prizes—breakfast basket, Love Inspired Authors basket, autographed copies of Lakeside Reunion. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.
The token for this blog is a scrapbook.
~~~~~~~~~~
Today Seekerville will be giving away a copy of Lakeside Reunion (print or Kindle) to one commenter. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.
I have to say I started scrapbooking when I was little by cutting out pictures of Barbies and cars to put in a book I had received from my gram one Christmas. I still have that book somewhere but I'm sorry to say I haven't attempted scrapbooking as an adult. With as many photos as I have it definitely sounds like something I need to do. Thanks for the tips Lisa!
ReplyDeleteXOXO~ Renee
Thanks for sharing this Lisa. I am a scrapbooking freak. Purchased a die cutting machine and went wild. Even made handcrafted baby shower invitations for my first grandson's pending arrival. I like the idea of making a book for my book. Especially since I've collected some nice photos that represent some of the places I've included in my fictional towns. So the project is there waiting for me already! Never thought abt taking those photos out of the folder and putting them into a dedicated album. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the book. Very exciting!
LyndeeH
Thanks for the visit, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteGood tips for those who scrapbook.
Just put in a hard day.
Consisted mostly of staring at the page.
It's called writing a synopsis.
Coffee's ready.
Helen
Hi Lisa:
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your headline I thought you were talking about making a scrapbook for your hero and heroine. That would be a character bio full of emotion and highly visible.
Do you make scrapbooks for your major characters? I think it would be a great help. Imagine a fifth grade report card for the hero! (F's in Conduct.)
I have to try this.
Thanks,
Vince
Please consider me for a Kindle version of your book.
vmres (at) swbell (dot) net
Lisa, what an interesting idea! I love scrapbooking. I even have one of those scrapbooks from way back when, you know the brown paper kind we taped stuff in?
ReplyDeleteI have saved most of my little delivery confirmation receipts and pasted them in a memory calendar. I've thought about printing off notes from editors and agents but I had no idea what to do with them when I did. I love this idea.
Y'all have fun today, I'll be heading to Women of Faith in the morning. I have to say I'm not looking forward to missing my Seekerville time.
WHAT?? Married for twenty years? You must have been a child bride, you look sooo young!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to scrapbook but I think I was born without the creative gene, sadly.
I've never thought of scrapbooking my writing journey. I've scrapbooked the big events in my life like my wedding and enjoy looking back on the pictures and my thoughts. How neat it would be to do the same for my writing journey. Thanks for the great idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting blog post this morning. I never thought about scrapbooking but it makes sense if a person scrapbooks things in their life why not their writing journey?
ReplyDeleteSmiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Helen, spew alert needed! How's that page coming????
ReplyDeleteLisa, I think scrapbookers are born. Like Virginia said, I missed the gene-pool on that one.
I am not going to show my scuffed up three decades old boxes of pictures this lovely message.
I'm going to HIDE IT so my kids don't know how grossly neglected they are. And I'm so defensive about my writing time, that nothing, not even gentle memorabilia, gets in the way, but I love the intrinsic differences in writers. That's what makes a library work!
I read Lakeside Reunion on the plane going to Kansas City. Charming. Just charming. Good job, kiddo!
Hey, I'm leaving a delightful Panera breakfast today because it's Friday, I love food, and I'm dying for one of those stuffed egg thingies.
You know: the breakfast in a crescent things. Eggs. Sausage. Ham. Cheese. A little onion. All wrapped in a crescent-type crust.
Do not tell me calorie or carb content. Please. I do not want to know.... I just want to enjoy!
Lisa, thank you for being in Seekerville today!
Hi Lisa we have one think in common we were both CM consultants. I loved the product but didn't have the customers.
ReplyDeleteIm not a writer but the idea of scrapbooking the journey is a good idea.
Ruthy you know you dont have to be creative to scrapbook. its about putting the photos into an album and writing the story. I find alot of places go for fancy pages with maybe one photo on a page and its got all this other stuff. But you dont get the story. The albums that are simple and have a little decoration but mostly the photos and the story are the ones that are the most treasured.
says me who hasn't done any for almost 3 years now (but I do have the stuff to do them infact I have about $3000 of stock here I never sold!)
Good morning Seekerville.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Lisa, on your debut and your gorgeous cover.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteInteresting...a scrap book on a signing table would be a great conversation starter....
And what a great way to hold the memories, scrapbooking, gee instead of the bit and pieces of paper I have here and there in my office.
ReplyDelete:)
Helen....
ReplyDeleteI laughed out loud at your comment.
Hope today goes better for that synopsis! They are NOT my favorite either.
What's a die cutting machine?
ReplyDeletePoor Helen, I so feel your pain. I did that LAST weekend.
ReplyDeleteArrgh.
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteMy daughter-in-law, Amanda, has gotten me into scrap booking. My youngest graduated from HS in May and I made a scrap book of his tennis journey.
So I think you've got a great idea. I can't wait to tell Amanda about your blog today.
Thanks for the great idea!
Jackie Layton
And don't forget Lisa!! We want to hear your call story!!! We love call stories.
ReplyDeleteRight up there with what you are working on now and sharing your writing schedule. Details!!! Details!!
I've avoided scrap booking like the plague - I know myself well enough to know that I don't need another craft project to sit around half done!
ReplyDeleteBut you've intrigued me, Lisa. I love to look at other people's scrapbooks, and the idea of having one as a promotional tool is a great one.
And since I'm at the very beginning of my career, I don't have to sort through boxes and files of stuff to find things to put in it!
I'm looking forward to reading Lakeside Reunion, and I'll be hopping over to the contest page after I put in a hour of revisions.
What a wonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Seekerville, Lisa! Congratulations on your debut. Lakeside Reunion sounds terrific!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your expertise on scrapbooking our writing journey.
I rubber stamp greeting cards--fewer now with deadlines. But I'm more of a stick the pictures in an album--yes, I do have writing related albums--or a box. Still, I'm sentimental and save mementos so who knows, maybe one day. :-) I love the scrapbooks my daughter created. All of them gorgeous memory triggers.
Janet
Lisa, welcome to Seekerville and congratulations on the sale of Lakeside Reunion! I am the proud owner of a copy and it's rising to the top of my TBR pile!
ReplyDeleteAnother NCIS addict. Bless you.
I love scrapbooking. All the gadgets and papers and embellishments! Oh be still my heart!
I have a scrapbook going that captures each ACFW conference I've attended. Love the memories.
Great idea to scrapbook your first sale journey. I have a box filled with my ups and downs during the years leading up to my sale and then the first year.
It's time to shape it into a baby book. Thanks for tips and I will add mentioning the scrapbook as a promo tool to my accountant.
Great advice.
Congrats again, Lisa!!
Tina, die-cutting machines are to die for, LOL. I drool over the Cricut models everytime I walk into Michaels.
ReplyDeleteHelen, why don't you start with "It was a dark and stormy night..."
ReplyDeleteLOL!
I feel your pain, girlfriend!
Okay, for the 2nd day this week Blogger has said "too bad" when I posted my comment and then ATE it.
ReplyDeleteSo let's try again.
Great ideas, Lisa! I've never gotten into scrapbooking, but I do keep a slant-D-ring binder with clear toploading sheets. In it I house cover flats, special reader letters, book marks, newspaper clippings, book signing notices, Seeker & Love Inspired ads, etc. Top loading sheets are the lazy way of scrapbooking. :)
I have never started a scrapbook before but I have seen some great ones! Our neighbor got pictures from my mom of my brother and gave him a scrapbook when he graduated high school. It was really neat! I love the idea of author's scrapbooking their writing journey. What a neat way of looking back! Your book sound great and I have added it to my wish list.
ReplyDeletefantum2004ATsbcglobalDOTnet
Jenny.
ReplyDeleteJenny.
Jenny.
I'm sneaking away because I am that much of a slacker. Does loving gardening get me out of trouble for not putting pics in, like... anything safe?
Shoe boxes don't do it for you guys? Really????
But I drink coffee with the best of 'em!
NCIS...
ReplyDeleteMy weekly temptation, along with Castle. Done on DVR so I can fast-forward to save time.
And I will say that my TWEENS and I enjoyed the heck out of Once Upon a Time... A clever twist of the Sisters Grimm, Enchanted and Lost....
What a great, well-put-together show. Love it.
So when you're scrapbooking a novel and you fill every page with your Gibbs-type hero, how do you keep hubby from getting slightly annoyed and burning the book?
Just thinking out loud.
Lisa, what a great idea! I've never thought about scrapping my writing journey. Not that I'd have much to "scrap" right now. :) But that probably means this is the best time to start, eh?
ReplyDeleteSo enjoyed your post today. Thanks for sharing all the great info on materials and ways to help the scrapbook pay for itself! (i.e. promotional tool). Loved this today. :)
I've been scrapbooking my writing journey for awhile now. Which is funny because I don't scrapbook anything else. But I love picking out papers and embellishments for each new book.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new release. I'm so happy for you!
Lisa, what an awesome idea!!! I really got into scrapbooking until my now 6 year old found his feet. Haven't been able to hop back in to it since. Would love to. Still have lot's of papers and supplies, though the ink may be dried out by now. Thanks for sharing such a neat idea with us along with all the wonderful tips! Would love to be in the drawing! :D
ReplyDeleteI was a scrapbooker before I began writing. I've not done much scrapping since then, but I'm eager to prepare a scrapbook showing my writing journey. I think it would be a fun item to have on display at my book launch coming up this summer.
ReplyDeleteI've never been a scrapbooker, but this is a great idea! I was hoping to see a pic of yours. :)
ReplyDeleteThe trouble (for me) with scrapbooking, beyond the sitting down and actually doing it, (which is a big problem) is that once it's done....once I've created a scrapbook (which because I am the queen of impatience and shortcuts so it's NEVER as lovely as my vision) then....well....once it's done then you have this SCRAPBBOK!
ReplyDeleteIt's kinda like home movies or slide shows. You have to sit down and watch them. Which you don't. So then you have to leave them on a shelf and they get dusty, and they stare at you and make you feel guilty for never looking at them. But of course when you need space on your shelf you can never throw them away.
Scrapbooks become this emotional burden that frankly I'm just not up to.
So when I come across meaninful little bits that should probably be saved for posterity. I just burn it.
I bought a scrapbook template once. I thinks it's under a cabinet in the den. Empty, of course.
ReplyDeleteBut I have to say I admire those with the discipline to put together such wonderful collections of memories.
Great Post, Lisa.
I was a CM consultant for a few years. I love to scrapbook. I'm slow but I love it!! The best ones are the 8x8 size. They are fast and simple to do. You could minimize anything letter size you wanted to include. Even I can do one that size in no time!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I so admire you for your dedication to scrapbooking! This sounds like a marvelous idea for collecting and preserving our writing memories!
ReplyDeleteBut...like Ruthy...(oh, my, did I just say that in print???)...I did NOT inherit the scrapbooking gene.
I promise I did try it. Once. Even took a class. And I've been coerced into making a page or two for family members who were putting together a special memory book.
And I enjoy browsing other people's gorgeous scrapbook works of art!
But alas, as Mary confessed (a bit easier to admit she and I have a few things in common), all my old photo albums and not-so-fancy scrapbooks from a hundred years ago are languishing in the storage compartment of a window seat.
Still...I love your idea in principle! And if you bring your scrapbook to a conference sometime, I will thoroughly enjoy looking through it!
"Clouds resembling curdled milk smudged the morning horizon."
ReplyDeleteLoved that line from the excerpt you posted on your site. Loved the story, too. My curiosity is way high about what happened between the h/h. Can't wait to read it all. BTW, your back cover had sold me even before I read the excerpt (I'm taking notes).
Scrapbooking seems not to be in my genes either as soom of the others have said, but I can see the allure of capturing the personal story behind a writer's journey. Any such book displayed would definitely catch my attention. I'm a sucker for how-I-got-where-I-am-today stories.
Congratulations on your success.
I would love to win a copy of Lakeside Reunion.
gilliach(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh, speaking of NCIS! We just watched this week's DVR'd show, and I spent half the show wracking my brain trying to remember where I'd seen that evil Homeland Security agent before.
ReplyDeleteBy the end of the show I was convinced I knew him in another incarnation as a character named "Robbie," and he was someone's brother.
Finally found him online, and I was right. He was Robbie, the little brother of Dr. Sydney Hansen on Providence. Anyone remember him from that show?
Tina,
ReplyDeleteI use a Cricut 'die-cutting' machine to cut out all the little designs I want for my page. I purchased the cheapest model I could find (abt $90 at Michaels) and I share my cartridges with several friends. The idea is to cut your own designs in your own color, paper, plastic, whatever, so I don't have to buy the pre-cut packaged items that can become costly depending on how much you scrap. Over time, a rabid scraper can save money this way. But more than saving money, I like the creative freedom it affords.
LyndeeH
Well I guess our guest of honor slept in today.
ReplyDeleteBut we can still chat and drink coffee. I have homemade marshmallows for you hot chocolate peeps. Ever have hot cocoa with caramel and sea salt?
What's your favorite -while I am writing and reading-beverage??
Lyndee can you use it for things like making 3-D business cards? Thank you notes? This sounds like it may have author possibilities.
ReplyDeleteNCIS is still the number one show in it's time slot.
ReplyDeleteAmazing.
Gibbs still has what it takes@!!!!
Myra and Mary, what you do with old photos is go out and buy a photo album for each kid. Divide up as many pictures as you can and make them take the album home with them.
ReplyDeleteYup, I agree with Tina about the sending the albums away. My sister has started scrapbooking and she makes special books for certain occaision like the birth of a child or father's day. And those are the sweetest gifts!!
ReplyDeleteLet me clarify about not receiving the creative gene: if anyone lets me get in a scrapbooking store, I will buy EVERYTHING. It all has potential for me! I think I can make all those rivets and dots and stickers and doodads into beautiful works of art!
But I can't. So, maybe I was given the creative YEARNING and missed out on the actual ability! I've taken a few classes and I'm all thumbs. I can fake it, I just can't make anything by myself! :D
Ugh. Synopses. The only good thing about a synopsis is that after you write two, you get to use the cool plural version.
Yes, NCIS every week. It's programmed on my DVR! Gibbs is the man.
ReplyDeleteUSA has reruns on at 4pm here - and I make sure I'm folding laundry or some such thing right about that time once or twice a week....
And Castle. Love that Becket/Castle thing.
Favorite writing beverage? Celestial Seasonings Antioxidant Max Blackberry Pomegranate Green Tea, hot or iced.
And of course, with caffeine!
Otherwise Walmart's version of Crystal Light with stevia, Raspberry Lemonade flavor, and lots of ice.
Or just plain water.
3-D business cards with thank-you notes to match? Yes, this Cricut thing has its possibilities.
And Mary, they won't guilt you into doing any more than give them away.
Unless you're like me and the presence of thank-you note cards sends you into a guilt-ridden downward spiral.
But chocolate always helps....
P.S. I've always made my own baby announcements, too, but I use small tools. That Cricu thing looks crazy complicated!
ReplyDeleteOoh, scrapbooking! I used to do it regularly, but alas, work and writing have taken over a lot of that time. I'm still planning on scrapbooking my wedding...from five years ago.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of doing a theme, like my writing journey. I don't have much to "scrap" yet but that's perfect, right, since I don't have to hunt for that memorabilia?
Book looks awesome, Lisa!
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteHow do you manage to write AND scrapbook!? I used to scrapbook before I started writing. And I have done the odd project - an album for my aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary and a family album for my mom. But my album, of course, is only partially done. Seems I only work well on a deadline. I wonder if my writing is like that? LOL.
Thanks for sharing. And don't enter me in the draw for your book. I just got it in the mail this week. Looks so good!
Cheers,
Sue
I never thougt of scrapbooking my writing journey, that is a neat idea, Lisa, one I really like! Thanks for that. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't do scrapbooking, I spend my spare time reading. YOur book sounds wonderful and I would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteScrapbooks and photo albums are the insurance policies that can bring comfort and encouragement during the dark days of our soul. And if we are fortunate enough to never need them, then our lives were still brighter because they were there.
ReplyDeleteNANO: 9966 at start of day.
Buddy name: VincePlato
Keep on Keeping On!
Oh my goodness, Lisa, you have an in-home childcare business? God bless you. You are a saint.
ReplyDeleteI started scrapbooking when my 13-yr-old was a few months old and loved it. I felt driven to get those memories down, journal about my pictures, etc. Then a few years later I started writing, and I felt even more driven to write! So I gradually stopped scrapbooking, but I hope to make time for it again some day. My second child doesn't have nearly as many of her pictures scrapbooked and journaled. More mother-guilt.
I am sick today. I went back to bed after getting kids to school. Felt like I was dying. But I'm feeling a bit better now. Praying I don't end up at the doctor. It feels like the infection I had last year when I literally wanted to die, my throat hurt so bad. Had to take antibiotics to make it go away.
Tina-
ReplyDeleteThe perfect writing drink is a caramel apple spice from Starbucks, especially when its cold and wet outside.
For summer, a Starbucks mocha coconut frappuccino or whatever my heroine is drinking.
My husband commented the other day that the author of the book he was reading must love food, because every other scene describes their meals in great detail. I didn't say much, because I was thinking my characters do WAY too much baking of brownies, cookies and pies in my story!
LOL, Mary! You crack me up! I totally get what you're saying. Unfortunately, I'm a sucker for emotional baggage. :D
ReplyDeleteVince said:
ReplyDeleteScrapbooks and photo albums are the insurance policies that can bring comfort and encouragement during the dark days of our soul. And if we are fortunate enough to never need them, then our lives were still brighter because they were there.
LOVE this!!!
I'm about halfway through Lakeside Reunion now, so don't enter me for the book, but I had to stop by and wave to Lisa. Have I said congrats? I have? Then let me say it again: CONGRATULATIONS!
ReplyDeleteI'm soooo not a scrapbooker.
Scrapbooking! Love the theory. Application... not so much... I have lots of stuff downstairs should I ever decide to apply myself to it. Will have to make sure to do it with books because I LOVE the idea of having it on the table at a signing [I would LOVE it as a reader].
ReplyDeleteI'm feeding my son sugar cookies for lunch. Or rather he's feeding them to himself.
I won't be scrapbooking that. It's bad enough I'm putting it out here for all posterity.
I wrote 16 words last night and then fell asleep in my chair.
Got my back adjusted this morning and feeling much better. Hopefully that'll help.
2829 for the month. My 10yo is at 1186. Her goal is 5K. She's putting me to shame.
I'd love a copy of the book!
Carolmoncado at gmail dot com
Myra Langley Johnson, shame on you!
ReplyDeleteOf COURSE it's easy to identify with me.
Isn't it?
Really?
Not even a smidge????
And worse.... Oh, so much worse... Is saying publicly that it's EASIER to identify with Connealy.
I'm throwing up, right now. Just a little.
Now, Ruthy, I only meant that I would never in a million years compare myself with your ebullience, your brilliance, your natural dynamism!
ReplyDeletePlease, honey, don't throw up in front of our guests!!!
And I LOVED this week's eps of both NCIS and Castle!
ReplyDeleteTo quote my 4yo re: Gibbs, Fornell and the ex...
Awkward!
I used to scrapbook, but haven't in years. I never thought about scrapbooking my writing journey.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your debut release!
Stephanie, I used to be guilty of meal overkill in my books but found a way to cut back. I created an Excell spread sheet with each scene and I put a heart if the hero and heroine are together in that scene and a fork and knife if they are eating. It really helped me visualized if they are separated too long or if they are eating way too much.
ReplyDeleteLOL.
Welcome to Seekerville Ally!!
ReplyDeleteCarole, your daughter quotes NCIS?
ReplyDeleteI had to stop watching it live. It was always when I was sitting down to eat. And they always have a dead body up front. I watch it DVRd now.
VINCE and the rest of you NaNo-ites. Congrats on your progress!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't you LOVE people who say don't enter me in the draw..I already have the book
ReplyDeleteSweet words!!!
Tina,
ReplyDeleteYes, the possibilities are endless...even with this scaled down economy model that I own. The shower cards I made included beads and feathers, and a mother bird looking into an empty nest. And I provided companion Thank You cards that featured the baby bird in the nest peeking up at his mommy bird. They were a big hit with everyone. I made them 3D by using a thicker piece of cardboard behind the baby bird.
Virgina,
I can guarantee it's not that hard to use the machine. If it were, I certainly wouldn't own one, lol. I'm very technically and mechanically challenged. Sometimes an envelope stumps me, haha.
I'm a mocha frap light drinker in summer (4 pts grande) and a mocha cap non-fat (4 pts grande) in winter. I supplement with my homemade iced coffee and also make my own lemonade year round.
LOL! No.
ReplyDeleteHe just goes around saying 'awkward' all the time...
Ah, meal overkill...
ReplyDeleteBeen there. Done that. Now I forget to make them eat and my heroes are literally STARVING TO DEATH...
It's sad, really.
And the heroines are wasting away. Of course they're all thin... Or slender... Or delightfully curvy....
We need to start a facebook fan page like the Kill Sunbonnet Sue quilts.... Macabre humor, but I think it's understandable....
We could think of different ways to kill off gorgeous heroines and appear innocent while doing so.
Wait. I might be off topic. I blame Myra... My stomach is still queasy thinking Mary is preferable to me.
Although I'm REFUSING TO SIGH about it. Because yes, I'm that strong.
Ally, hey! Welcome aboard.
Myra, do you have antacid, dear? That might help.
Tina, my kids won't take them. they're too smart.
ReplyDeleteRenee, I started scrapbooking about 12 years ago, but I'm still so far behind. My adult son's baby album isn't even finished. I love the idea of digital scrapbooking because there's no clean up and it goes where you go, but it still demands time I don't always have.
ReplyDeleteThanks, LyndeeH!! I bet your book would be beautiful and terrific inspiration if you get stuck on a story. :)
ReplyDeleteMyra and Ruthie,
ReplyDeleteTomorrow I'm teaching a class at my writer's group on voice. What is it? How do I find mine?
You're comments to each other made me think of this. Talk about unique voices! Seekerville is filled with them! :D
LISA!!!! LOVE the cover of your book, my friend -- I absolutely want to sit on that bench reading YOUR book, no joke!!
ReplyDeleteWELCOME TO SEEKERVILLE, girl and you said, "Anything that represents you as a writer should go in your scrapbook—rejection and acceptance letters ..."
LOL!! In my case, I'm not sure there's a scrapbook big enough for my rejections letters ... ;)
BUT ... I like the idea of having a scrapbook at book signings that chronicles the writing journey, so VERY cool!!
Hugs,
Julie
Let me get my bottle of Maalox out of the cupboard, O Great One. How big a spoon would you like?
ReplyDeleteLinnette, if you provide hotel and air fare--oh, and chocolate--you might persuade Ruthy and me to come for a live performance at your next writers group meeting.
Great post, Lisa - - and what a great idea to scrapbook our writing journey (even for those of us who are as yet unpubbed!). Your statement "Writing is not arriving at a destination but the journey you take along the way" is wonderful!! (Yes, I wrote it down by my computer!). ~ Your new book cover is beautiful, and the story sounds fascinating. Thanks again for visiting today, and enjoy the Georgia Peach Upside-down cake I brought (warm from the oven). Whipped cream too, for anyone who likes it on warm cake. ~ Blessings from Georgia, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, welcome! We're really glad to have you here today! This is a great idea. Something I never would have thought of. I'll have to look into digging up all the old rejection letters. That might be a challenge, though. I never routinely put them in a file or the same place. I often shoved them out of sight and tried to forget them. (or, okay, I admit, slung them aside in a fit of tears) :)
ReplyDeleteHelen, I feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteDonna, LOVE the idea of an 8x8 scrapbook. You're right, that could be accomplished quickly.
ReplyDeleteVince, what a great thought about scapbooks comforting our souls during the dark seasons.
Congrats on your NaNo numbers. On my "revised" NaNo (goal: write 50K words on my current wip), I'm a little over 10K. Not done writing yet today. I hope. :)
Tina, my favorite drinks for reading are hot chocolate or coffee, ideally with a couple of pumps of caramel in it. :)
Melanie, did you catch what your daughter had? SO sorry you're sick. Sigh.
Melanie I hope you feel better quick.
ReplyDeleteRuthy Gardening is good (want to come help me?)
and I have lots of my photos still in a box or two. I use to be up to date with my cricket photos but not now. I should do some and will eventually but it cuts into my reading time.
Sorry Tina and Virginia...I forgot to sign my last post re my Cricut machine.
ReplyDeleteLyndeeH
forgot to say I love NCIS also.
ReplyDeleteROFL!!!
ReplyDeleteMYRA! I'd LOVE to have you guys here! Unfortunately, we're all poor and can only afford free speakers. Hence, myself. :D
Linnette:
ReplyDelete’Voice is the DNA an author leaves on her words.”
Tina:
It’s the NaNos you don’t hear from that you have to watch out for. Worker bees. (Now at 12189 and AWOL.) Cheers to all NaNos.
Jeanne & Linnette:
Family albums, that no one looks at, become priceless photos once the tornado blows them away. Watch any aftermath newscast. I lost much in a flood and the loses that hurt most are the ones you can never replace.
Lisa:
You on to something very important here. Thanks.
Vince
P.S. Linnette: if you, Ruth and Myra do a live workshop, I want to be there. Give us plenty of notice.
Linette, that's such a stinkin' good point. Your 'voice' should be distinguishable, but not so much that all books sound the same.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's tricky when you stay in one genre, right?
But I love your take on that, how Seekerville is FILLED with voices. That's so true, and that can be a great clue for people trying to find their niche.
Maalox???? Wait, I'm a Pepto girl! ;)
And what is Mary saying about her kids????? Move over, Connealy, I need to congratulate our NANOWRIMO guys and gals.... Vinceplato... Oh, I love that my philosophical friend!
Patti Jo brought food. She's my favorite BY FAR. I'm so hungry right now...
ReplyDeleteLisa, I feel better now that your kid's baby album isn't done and he's in college, right?
Phew. Now THAT'S normal.
But see, how does the KID feel when we get the writing one done, and not theirs????
Oy. Pandora's Box!
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThis was a lovely post and enjoyable to read. This would not be for me but your enthusiasm is contagious and your passion for your subject shines through.
I agree with the sentiment, it is the writing journey that is meaningful. However, I will be most pleased if the journey ends in publication. :) Do you feel that way, or did you enjoy all the steps? Just curious if it is sweeter looking back, now that you are contracted.
I'd love to win the book.
cathy underscore shouse at yahoo dot com
Oh dear. I have visions that if I let myself do this I'd spend way too much time scrapbooking about the book that wasn't being written. I'm bad that way with avoidance.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea in theory, but I have to say, I'm with Mary. At this point in my life I'm working on decluttering - which means throwing out lots of things. It helps when memory starts to fail because then you forget what you threw out anyway. ;)
Thanks for visiting today, Lisa. I'm really looking forward to reading your book.
Thanks so much for spending the day with us Lisa!! We wish you continued success with scrap booking and your writing!~~
ReplyDeleteNow, Mary C., that's my fear. I have to really focus my efforts on writing to accomplish and deliver. And you will never hear me complain about that because I've waited all my life for it, but if I got involved in time-soakers, I'd get nervous that I wasn't doing my best at the keyboard.
ReplyDeleteDoes that make us Type M personalities??? "M" for Moron????
:)
But I do love to garden now and again, that's my therapy. Weeds don't talk back.
Helen, synopsis writing can be a challenge. Keep at it!
ReplyDeleteVince, that's a great idea--a character scrapbook. I haven't done that yet, but it would be a great way to get to know your hero and heroine.
Christina, I love Women of Faith. I hope you have a wonderful time!
Virginia, I'm 42, married 22 years. :D As far as the creativity gene, I'm a great copycat. It's a challenge for me to come up with layouts, so I borrow others'.
Cynthia & Cindy W., writing is a big event in your life, especially when you sell your first book. Document it!
Ruthy, I'm so glad you enjoyed Lakeside Reunion. You were an important part of helping me get started on my journey!
Jenny, I loved the products, had the customers, but lacked time. Now I have tons of stuff, but not enough time to do it.
Tina, thanks and thanks for inviting me to Seekerville.
ReplyDeleteRose, you're right about it being a great conversation starter!
Jackie, sounds like you're making wonderful albums for your family! Keep it up! They'll enjoy them as they get older.
Tina asked for my call story--I almost blogged about that, but I know you have had several guests recently who told about their call stories and I didn't want to burn out readers.
ReplyDeleteI have been writing for over 10 years. I finaled in the 2009 Genesis contest, which garnered the attention of Tina James and Rachelle Gardner. Once it was ready, I submitted my full manuscript to Rachelle, who offered representation a week later. My dream agent!
She submitted my manuscript to Tina, but due to a glitch, Tina never received it. She sent it again. The manuscript had been given to Melissa Endlich to read. She read my book in 2 days and offered a contract. On January 7 at 3 PM, my agent called with the news. I cried--blubbering sobs to the point Hubby thought something tragic had happened. So my characters, Lindsey & Stephen, found their happily ever after.
On September 7, I sold my second book to Love Inspired. Lakeside Family comes out in August 2012.
Currently I'm working on book 3, which I'm calling Lakeside Promises. I'm trying to get the rough draft done during Nanowrimo so I can get that one sold soon too.
Jan, I love looking at pictures too. I need to make more time to get mine into albums. I hope you enjoy the Lakeside Reunion contests.
ReplyDeleteSherri, thanks!
Janet, I have a friend who does a lot of card making. It's a lot of fun too. And you're right about the albums being gorgeous memory triggers.
Audra, NCIS marathon on Sunday followed by a new Mark Harmon movie Sunday night!! I love the idea of your ACFW albums. I'm doing a digital scrapbook of my My Book Therapy retreats. Thanks for buying Lakeside Reunion. I hope you enjoy it!
Glynna, your binder is a great way to keep those memories together! Maybe you're a scrapbooker in training? :)
Laura, thanks! I believe scrapbooks tell a story and I learn a lot about a person through seeing their albums.
Jeanne, I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Scrapbooking your journey helps you to remember milestones you've achieved as you continue going.
Erica, how fun to choose things for each book. I'll have to keep that in mind.
Linnette, you can buy ink refresher to moisten those older ink pads. Scrapbooking does take up time. If you have a place where you can leave it out, it's easier to stay on top of it....most of the time.
Keli, you should! Readers love to learn more about their favorite authors, and I know you're going to be a favorite.
Jessica, after I sent in my post, I realized I didn't include pictures of my albums. I'll post them on my blog soon so you can see.
Mary, LOL! Your post made me smile.
Bridgett, thanks! Pull out that template and get started.
Donna, with the 8 x8 page packs, I could do a mini album in just a few hours. Definitely the way to go!
ReplyDeleteMyra, I'm not as dedicated as I was due to lack of time. Maybe once I'm not juggling two careers, I will have more time to scrapbook. I'm moving more into digital, which is much lighter to transport. Maybe I will have it ready for next year, and I will look for you.
Cara, your words touched my heart. Thank you!! I hope you get the chance to read the rest of the book and enjoy it.
Tina, so sorry I wasn't around sooner. I have had a crazy busy day getting ready for my book launch party tomorrow.
Stephanie, thanks! Do a page as you get memorabilia, then the scrapbook won't be so overwhelming.
Sue, I hope you enjoy Lakeside Reunion. I don't manage to scrapbook and write right now. I haven't done more than a page or two this year since receiving my book contract. I'm hoping to get back in the groove where I can at least do 1-2 pages a day.
Casey, you're welcome!
Virginia, thanks. If you get the chance to read it, I hope you enjoy my book!
Vince, I love that quote about scrapbooks and photo albums!
Melanie, not saint--more like crazy in the head. :-) I haven't even started my youngest's baby album yet and he's 18! I'll get to it eventually. Hope you feel better.
Patricia, I hope you're enjoying Lakeside Reunion, my friend!
Carol, feeding sugar cookies for lunch is definitely scrapbook worthy!! I can picture the page now--"That's the way the cookie crumbles"
Ally, thanks!
Julie, I love the bench on my cover. I just want to curl up on it too.
CatMom, I'm so glad my words inspired you. And the cake sounds delicious!!
Missy, I'm always so glad to hang with the Seeker girls and guy(s).
Vince! LOL! You got it! If I could Ruthy and Myra or any of the Seekers here, I'll be shouting it out! Actually, Myra is no longer very far from me. And Missy-girl isn't terribly far away, either. Hmm... :D
ReplyDeleteCathy, I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. I do adore scrapbooking. It's a constant stroll down memory lane. I had times in my publishing journey when I wanted to be published so badly that I didn't wait until I was ready to submit. I enjoyed the later years more than the earlier years. Once I found my voice and my focus, it became more enjoyable for me.
ReplyDeleteMary C, it's all about moderation. If you get a chance to read the book, I hope you enjoy it.
Tina, thanks so much for inviting me. Again, so sorry I wasn't around earlier today. I'm excited for my book launch party tomorrow, but looking forward to doing nothing on Sunday except spend time with my Gibbs!!
Ruthy, you're absolutely right! And that statement helps me see a little more clearly why your voice was... honed in the last series. :-)
ReplyDeleteActually, Miss Julie was a tremendous help on the subject when she did that post on rhythm. I do think rhythm and voice a different, but maybe two sides to the same coin? Anyway, it made things a little more clear. I hope my lesson will be helpful! :-)
Lisa!
ReplyDeleteIf you could see my house! LOL I'm married with four boys - three are teenagers. We live in a 3 bedroom house that's about 1000 sq feet. Room to leave it out? *grinning* It's a wonderful suggestion, though!
Tina! that is SO funny about the spreadsheet and knife and fork!! I always forget ot make my characters eat, which is silly bnecause everyone eats and it's a great sensory bit and eating is very filled with emotion sometimes, etc. I DID have my characters cooking a lot. :D But not eating. Had to fix that...
ReplyDeleteLisa, I LOVE call stories! I hope I get to tell one some day. but not the blubbering part. (Please God, don't let me sound unhinged.. Just let me say thank you and get off...)
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea. I've saved tons of stuff from my writing journey, and maybe someday I'll organize it into a scrapbook, although I've never scrapbooked before.
ReplyDeleteI love LOOKING at other people's scrapbooks though.
Great idea, Lisa! I'm thinking one of those cute journal books at the bookstore. Thanks for your inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa, Thanks for being here with us in Seekerville. What a great post.
ReplyDeletesorry I'm a bit late, but it looks like you had a great day.
Have a blessed weekend.
Journaling & Scrapbooking seem to be making quite a comeback, and reaching into places its never been before. I like that. I keep a journal myself, have for years, and I love to "illuminate" them. :) Thanks for your neat article.
ReplyDeleteI love scrapbooking and now I love writing. However I would never have put the two together. Thanks so much Lisa for the tip.
ReplyDeleteJodi
I loved this idea. I love to scrapbook but I hadn't thought about a scrapbook of my journey. Thank you that was a real blessing to me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Parker
http://glendaparkerfictionwriter.blogspot.com
I am a recovering Scrapbooker. There I wrote it. Great article for those who don't have an issue with scrapbooking in moderation, Lisa. And congrats again on your new debut release! Many Blessings! Carrie
ReplyDelete