Ain't no goals like pirate goals!

Today is officially the last day of my Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life writing challenge, and the day before Camp NaNoWriMo and month 2 of my YAB Bootcamp begins.  I think it is incredibly important as a Teacher-Librarian, as well as a writer-in-progress to push myself to keep growing my passions.  It means I'm walking the walk I ask my students to walk.

So, it looks like it is time to set a few new goals.  For the month, and smaller for the week. Here goes:

Month of April:

• Now that I've completely revamped my POV and my MC I need to start.completely.over on my WIP.  This is GOOD news, and I'm pumped about it. Time to make some magic.
• By magic, I mean:  actually write.  Since receiving some really helpful feedback I've been working on some important pre-writing stuff like figuring out how the heck this new version begins.
• April is a busy month.  A very busy month. For one thing, I will be gone for several days to the Texas Library Association's conference, with zero writing-on-my-novel time.  I am SO excited about this conference---and believe me, I'll be taking notes and I'll be doing plenty of people-watching (and also picking the brains of published authors every chance I get!) but I'm going to do myself a favor and NOT set myself up for failure by creating a massive word count for this week.  Ain't. gonna. happen. and I'm okay with that.

1st week of April:

• Write EVERY day this week.  Move the story forward.  Get this first chapter rewritten. 
• I'll be giving the STAAR test 2 days this week.  This gives me plenty of think time.  Might as well put it to good use, right?  While I can't actually write anything down until after the testing, I can do plenty of working things out in my head while I'm pacing the room like a tiger in a cage.
• Since my YAB bootcamp team captain has mentioned creating a new BINGO board for the month of April.  Bingo goal?  Get one this week!

Let's do this!

Mrs. S

My #whylib

I'm pretty hooked on Twitter, y'all.  I mean, seriously---some of the BEST PD I get, I get from my tweeps. I love the sharing, the collaborating, and really, just the awesome people I "meet" there, in general.

This morning before the kids woke up I was perusing my Twitter feed and came across Andy Plemmon's #whylib tweet.  I followed the link and read his story and was immediately inspired.  Back to Twitter, with my mug of coffee in hand, I began to see more and more of this #whylib hashtag.  Of course, anything that comes from the gurus involved in thinking up this cool idea is fabulous, so I just had to join in!
 (seriously--I mean @MrSchuReads, @plemmonsa, @dmcordell, @libraryreeder, @actinginthelib, and @LibraryFanatic---who WOULDN'T want to be associated with anything they are creating, right?)

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's story--we librarians sure are a diverse and amazing group, aren't we?

Time to add mine to the mix!

I come from a family of readers and story-tellers; from a family of preachers and teachers and folks who loved the rhythm of both language and music.  I cannot remember there ever being a time when my home was not filled with the magic of words and story---from listening to Wicked Wilson Picket on my parent's vinyl records, to my uncle reciting Poe at family get-togethers; from the sermons my Papaw wrote and preached to my mother reading aloud to me from the beginning of my life (Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb-dum-ditty-dum-ditty-dum, dum, dum!); from the gentle cadence of my grandfather telling me about that 'ole lion that was in his den just waiting for Daniel to be thrown in to the sound of my grandmother's laughter as she told me funny stories from her childhood, the power and magic of words has always been a constant in my life.

As my brothers and I got older we looked forward to our every-Saturday trips to the public library in town. How I loved reading fairy tales from all around the world and when I was a bit older I loved reading biographies from the glamour days of Hollywood.  I was the kid that fell asleep reading nearly every night.

With that being said it may seem rather strange that it never occured to me that I should consider becoming  a librarian.

I was an elementary ed major in college (Interdisciplinary Studies, they called it then).  I graduated early and became a kindergarten teacher, eventually teaching every grade at some point or another in elementary schools.  I adored my work until testing started to rise in importance.  The day my sweet 3rd grader, Nathaniel, came to me in tears over his test anxiety is a day I will carry with me forever.  Here was this beautiful little soul--this smart, quiet, hard-working kiddo with tears in his eyes telling me he wasn't good enough because of some stupid numbers on a stupid test that reflected nothing of who HE WAS, but rather how well he tested that day---and something within me realized that I could not be a part of that . (Let me be sure to say here that I realize there are many great teachers out there fighting the good fight every day despite these exact circumstances--I am in no way saying I have anything over you, and I am SO grateful that you are out there---what I AM saying is---that this is when I realized that despite my love for kids, for teaching, and for making the world a better place--that the regular classroom was not meant to be my niche any longer.

The universe was telling me it was time to make a change.

A little voice in my head kept whispering...what about the library? but I kept squashing it down.  After all, I was loud, for Pete's sake. Even my laughter is loud--and I do so love to laugh. I was a theatre person.   Yes, I loved books, I loved reading and recommending books to everyone I knew---but a librarian? Naaaaa.

I've read with a bit of jealous longing about those that became librarians because they had such amazing experiences with their librarians growing up.  I wish that was my history, too. But sometimes the truth isn't that pretty---and folks, I had some scary school librarians during my growing up years.

My elementary school librarian struck fear in the hearts of all who knew her.  My biggest memory of going to the library in 3rd grade was being yelled out for getting the wrong copy of the book she was making me read.  How was I supposed to know there were 2 different books titled Big Red? Clearly, I came back with the wrong one.  Properly shamed in front of my entire class, I finally found the right copy and checked it out, fighting back my desire for both tears and foot-stomping.  I never even bothered opening that book. (I remember what I was wearing that day, y'all, if that tells you anything about the depth of this experience.  A red and blue dress with white polka-dots, in case you were wondering.)

My middle school librarian was frightening enough to me that I read all of Dicken's by the time I was in 7th grade (these were shelved fairly close to the library doors and to the circ desk, which made for the quickest trip to the library possible--the good news?  I loved Dickens. )

I never felt welcomed.  I never felt wanted.  I never felt important.

I'm not sure exactly what made me begin to listen to that little voice---maybe it was the sheer persistence of that little seed of an idea.  What about the library?  I do know that when it finally dawned on me that I could take everything my students and I loved about my classroom and apply it to the library as the librarian that I became truly excited about signing up for library school.  My ultimate library goal?  EVERYONE that walks through the library doors will feel welcomed and wanted and important.  Readers will feel that way.  Non-readers will feel that way.  Students, parents, faculty and staff, community members and guests will ALL feel that my library is their library, because the truth is...it IS our library.  It is both a haven and a hive of learning.  Whether my kids come in because they need a book they already have in mind, or want a recommendation for a great read that suits them, or they need to work on a project or print something for a class, or they want to play a quick game of checkers after school, or they need a bit of a respite from the loud cafeteria, or they need a hug in the midst of a no-good-very-bad-day, I want the library to be that place for them.

This year is my 14th year as a school librarian.  I can truly tell you I am joyful about my work because it is my passion and my calling.  I continue to seek to learn and grow, to be mentored and to mentor.  I received my Master of Instructional Technology in 2009 because I have a strong desire to stay on top of all that libraries and librarians can be and do for our patrons.  I follow amazing folks on Twitter and other social media for the same reason.

Why did I become a school librarian?  Because it encompasses EVERYTHING magical and wonderful about the power of words and story that I loved growing up and combines that with my love for working with and helping others grow in every form of literacy.

Because, in short, it is the best.gig.ever.

What's your story?  #whylib?

Writing--follow your passion!

Today YA author ViVi Barnes visited my school to speak with some of our 8th graders about following your dreams and about writing.  I have to say, she inspired me as much as she inspired the kids----to not give up when it gets tough, to work hard, to find your passion and follow it with all you've got.  

She is the author of Olivia Twisted, a YA modern retelling of Dickens' Oliver Twist.  She is also a Nacogdoches native, which made her visit really inspiring to our kids.  They can see themselves in her, and if she can live her dreams coming from little bitty ole Nacogdoches they can, too, right?  Right!

This week, as I embark on the last week of my Two Writing Teachers Slice-of-Life challenge and another week of my YA Buccaneers spring bootcamp I feel a renewed energy.  Between ViVi's visit, and my beloved alma mater's Cinderella story visit to the NCAA championships (Axe 'Em!) I am reminded that anything is possible if you are willing to work for it.

This is a life lesson that is so important for my students to hear andfor me to be reminded of personally.  

Today was a GREAT day.  Let's rock this writing thing.  

Mrs. S

Poetry in the library display

It's time to celebrate poetry in the library with a few special displays!  The bulletin board area is now completed---I'll post some of the other fun things we've added once we've finished them!

We added the Rainbow Dash My Little Pony (my daughter's newest Build-a-Bear) when the students saw it in my office and commented on how cute it was---seriously, these middle school kiddos are loving this retro plush on my display!

Student aides created some spine label poetry for the display area, as well.  I thought they did an amazing job on them.

Walking the Plank, or A bit from my current YA WIP (YABbootcamp challenge)

Tonight's post is a bit scary to post---
BUT I firmly believe in stepping out and doing what drives you despite your fears (and, since we ask students to do this ALL.THE.TIME, I think it is important that we walk our talk, too.)

As part of my YABbootcamp challenge, I am posting a small portion of my current WIP (work in progress) on my blog tonight.

I'd love some feedback on it.

Background: this is the opening of my YA historical novel.  The story moves through time a bit as different strands of it are told from different points of view. It is 1943 in this chapter.

One of the most exciting things to me about working on this story, in particular, is that it combines several of my loves--history, genealogy, and writing.  This book will be somewhat loosely based on my grandfather's family.

I've included a photo of my great-aunt Jackie.  Wasn't she a beauty? She is the real-life just older sister of my character Celia---and I imagine Celia looked very much like this, although to date I have not been able to locate a photo---still working on that!

My daddy is a grey-eyed devil.  I swear he is.

Lord, but I can see him there on the front porch watching me come home from Bud and Neva’s.  He stands, immovable and solid. I can’t see those eyes from here, of course, but I feel them as they watch me.  

Daddy’s face is a mask; his eyes are wet stones, revealing little of his mood, his mouth unsmiling.

This isn’t good---most times, if he’s laughing you’re safe.  If he’s drinking, he’s not laughing—and no good can come of it.  I hear some folks are happy drunks.  Not my daddy.  Not happy at all.

The near constant worry that I mostly manage to keep pushed to the back of my mind tugs at me now making it harder to breathe.  Sometimes the weight of it is just so heavy that I can hardly bear it.  Now, despite the utter gorgeousness of this beautiful spring day I am suddenly left low and worn and weary.  

It happens just like that.  One second you’re whistling a happy tune, feeling just fine, and the next you’re looking at the unsmiling face of a mean old man filled to the gills with cheap gin and bitter frustration.

When you live with a drunk, and when that drunk is your daddy, you learn a second language.  A language without any words.  A language of signals that give clues to the madness around you. Clues to what level that madness has descended at any given time.

 If you’re one of the lucky ones, this keeps you safe; mostly.  If you’re one of the lucky ones.

YAB Spring Writing Bootcamp 2014 (SOL 2014 Day 16)

I'm late to the party, but have just joined in the YA Buccanneers Spring Writing Bookcamp (March-May) and couldn't be more excited!  So March will be filled with not ONE, but TWO amazing writing challenges.

I've been added to Team Denali (the Great Ones!) and although I've come in late, my team captain has been incredibly helpful and supportive.  I actually wrote nearly 1000 words on my YA novel-in-progress today during a word sprint she posted via Twitter!  My goal is to actually reach that magic 1000 number for a total word count today.

Yes, writing (finishing) a novel is important to me (publishing one--or several!--- someday is also on my bucket list) so moving forward in my goal is lovely, but what really makes this is extraordinarily valuable to me is that when I'm pumped about writing, I can pass that energy along to my students and colleagues who also write.  We grow stronger by boosting one another up.  THIS is the type of competition I enjoy--the kind that makes us ALL better. In fact, the power of these challenges is so apparent to me now that I intend to create some challenges in the same vein specifically for my students---for both reading AND writing.

Keep reading.  Keep writing.  Keep moving forward!

edited to add this great bootcamp BINGO that outlines some of my goals!  

a huge thank you to Heidi Sinnett for all the inspiration!

Home again, home again (my SOL Day 15)

photo from thecolorofsunshine.wordpress.com via Google images 

We are coming to the end of spring break.  It has been a chilly, rainy Saturday and we spent the bulk of it on the road coming home from a short visit with my mom.  Four hours on the road.  In the rain--at times torrential downpour in nature, at times gentle and sleepy.  

One of my brothers and his family live in Mom's area, and it is always so much fun to get all the little cousins together for some special family fun time.  We shopped, we cooked together, we ate, we played.  A house filled with 5 children, however, is never quiet.  At least, in my family.  :)  Did I mention 3 of the 5 are 4 year olds?  And 2 of those are twins?  Yeah, quiet is not the word here.

We had a great time, and I remembered something very important.  Even though my writing goals and challenges are very important to me, and even though I love writing every.single.day, sometimes that must be set to the side.  Rather than feeling frustrated or melancholy about that I will embrace these fleeting moments of childhood cousin fun (and chaos!) and be IN the moment enjoying it as well.  

I'm behind in my Slice of Life challenge, but we sure had fun!  

Dream a little dream....or a BIG one (Slice of Life Day 12)

I was hanging out on Twitter a bit earlier this evening when I came across a tweet by a fellow slicer, Deb Day with a link to her newest slice.  The scariest one to write, yet, she said.

I was intrigued.

I agree, Deb.  I agree that it must have been scary to put yourself out there, but also scary to dream this big---and I couldn't agree more with your ideas.

Other than teaching at Hogwarts, I can't think of a better description for a cool learning environment than you've described.  (okay, but Hogwarts would be flippin' AMAZING, right?)

I've done a lot of thinking and dreaming recently about what my dream library would look like, feel like, sound like, smell like, and be like.  Keeping ONE thing in mind (student learning) and creating a Learning Commons around that ONE thing is exciting to think about.

Picture this: areas of quiet and semi-solitude for those who need time for quiet reflection, contemplation, dreaming and thinking as they write, plan, research, read as well as working-noisy areas for brainstorming and collaborating with others in small (or large) groups with smart boards.  ebooks and various types of amazing technology as well as traditional books and print magazines.  A holodeck/skype/facetime center so that students can seek out experts in the field virtually at any given time as well as old-school real folk being available. A cozy fireplace with comfy chairs and the warm smell of coffee wafting through the air---perfect for book discussion groups.  Multiple areas for interactive display.  Moveable walls and bookshelves for ease of reconfiguration as needed.  Dimmer switches on lighting, by area.  Lamps.  (need I say plenty of floor electric plugs?) Charging stations for students.  iPad bars.  Makerspaces complete with 3-D printers and a mini-graphic design studio to help students really make their projects POP. Lunch and Learns that are student-centered, and student-driven.  book trailer stations (remember the old kiosk-type stands in music stores that you could preview the new albums on?  I'm thinking THIS, but updated).  A mini-conference room that looks like the TARDIS (because everyone needs a touch of whip-smart whimsy) and plenty of natural lighting.  If I'm going big then I'm also going to include a great coffee/tea/hot cocoa bar with warm scones (we have a culinary arts department AND....who can think creatively with a growling tummy?--just adding that in my lovely dream nothing is ever spilled and students always clean up after themselves.)

I could continue...but it is getting late and I have a drive to Austin tomorrow.
Before I go, though--just one more thank you to Deb and her amazing post.

Let's all dream big and move forward and see what magic we can make!

Read on, Gentle Readers; Read on.

Mrs. S

A trip to the library (SOL 2014 Day 11)

image from hliba.blogspot.com via Google images

Among the joys of spring break?  A trip to the public library with my 4 year old.  I always enjoy seeing her excitement as she browses the children's section for just the right books.

Of course being in a library is nothing new for her---this is, after all, her mama's profession.  But I work in a library for "big kids" and so my E for Everybody section is smaller than she would like. When she walks into the great-big-to-her public library's picture book section her eyes light up at the world of possibilities that are before her.

And my eyes light up at the possibilities THAT will open up for her as she grows.

Read on, Gentle readers; Read on.
Mrs. S

Diva Book Club (SOL Day 10)

Long ago and far away in a time before grad school and my 4 year old, I was lucky enough to belong to an amazing book club.  We met one evening a month, took turns hosting in our various homes, and read some great books.

Then life happened and I had to leave the group in order to maintain some level of sanity (seriously my husband and I were both in grad school, each working full time, raising our 6 year old and pregnant with our second all at the same time.  Something had to give!)

Now, I probably don't have to tell you that I read a lot.  A. LOT.  I'm sure I would even if I wasn't a librarian (because to tell you the truth I was that kid who fell asleep with the lights on while reading more often than not), but over the past few years I haven't really read many books outside of my for-middle-school-students reading until the amazing women I eat lunch with every day (the 7th grade teams at my campus)and I decided to create a lunchtime book club this year.

We have really had a great time and bonded in a whole new way.  Sharing books will do that. Some of us were even able to get together today for a movie over spring break and the conversation *of course* turned to our newest selection, Tina Fey's Bossypants.   I'm so excited! I just got my copy and haven't had a chance to start it yet, but I guarantee I will read it this week because we are all just so excited to have the chance to discuss it when we get back to reality next week.

Read books.
Share books.
Make friends.
(movies & food are good, too!)

Rainy Saturdays SOL #8

Saw this on Pinterest, and had to Pin it---and then follow the link to the etsy shop.  Sadly, this item is no longer available, which is a crying shame because I love it.  It describes my perfect day, well...perfectly.  

Right now I can hear the rain gently falling outside.  There is no thunder, no lightning, just the soft soothing drops of rain.  I have a STACK of books to read this week with no rush, no hurry, no must-get-it-done-now.

It has been a wonderful Saturday and a beautiful start to my Spring Break .

March 7th

Today I write my Slice of Life in honor of two very special women who were each born on March 7th.  

My paternal grandmother, Neva Almeda Shaw, born March 7th 1919.

She was a pistol, my grandmother.  She was proud and she was sassy.  She was a spitfire.  She stood not even 5 feet tall, but she wasn't about to take any mess from anyone.  She was an excellent cook---oh, her chocolate pies--be still my heart--and she loved us mightily. 

"Though she be but little, she is fierce"

-Shakespeare from A Midsummer Night's Dream

And her mother-in-law, my great-grandmother Nettie Ethel Mae McCrary, born March 7, 1898.

Grandma Watwood was so sweet and so gentle and so good.  Despite a hard life she was filled with joy.  That smile in the photo?  I don't remember ever seeing her without it.  Her children (all 9 of them), her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren (of which I am one) treasured her.  Let it be known that to date, I have never had sweet tea that was nearly as good as hers.  

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength."

-St. Francis de Sales

I wouldn't be here without these women.  I exist because they existed before me.  I am a strong woman in part because I come from a long line of strong women on both my maternal and paternal lines, and I am grateful for the gifts and lessons they each passed on to me.  

Although they had very different temperments, they were each strong in their own way.  

They got up every morning and lived---in a time when life could be exceptionally hard.  

They each experienced in their lifetimes multiple wars and the heartbreak of losing loved ones (even children) and the daily grind of keeping things running for their families in a time without today's conveniences.  

Happy by Pharrell Williams (author's purpose lesson)

For my 8th grade lessons on author's purpose/Figure 19/inference (or any ole time you need some happiness!)
Clap along.
;)

image link


*CHART for understanding.

What is going on here? Who are these people? 
What have they been doing?

What is going on here? Who are these people? 
What have they been doing?

TEKS

Everything's coming up roses

image from: http://countrytraveleronline.com/

Today has been an altogether lovely day.  I really needed it to be, as it has been a bit tough lately and I'm ever so glad the planets aligned or the gods were smiling, or whatever happened happened to make it so.

It is getting late, and I still have to finish prepping my lesson for tomorrow's 8th grade classes (on author's purpose, in case you were wondering) so today's slice will be a simple list of today's awesomeness.

1. Late start.  Beautiful thing--most of the greatness of a "snow day" without having to make it up in June.  
2. Made an IHOP-worthy breakfast for the family (see #1) of hash browns, scrambled eggs, biscuits and bacon.  Delish.
3. Before I even made it to the library doors this morning I was stopped by a student who "just had to tell me how amazing the third book in the Unwind series is" and thank me for getting him started on them. Music to my ears.
4. Having students in the library all day long who are excited to read.  Students that were there to stock up on necessary reading material before spring break.  
5. My student who quietly came to my office during his lunch just to check in with me and let me know he is struggling with a couple of classes right now.  He trusted me to take him seriously and help him work out a plan to speak with his teachers about getting caught up.
6. Writers on the Storm (my writers group) met tonight.  These are seriously some of the best people I know and I love to gather and talk writing (and life) with them. 
7. We met at a Tex-Mex place here in town.  My fave.  Chips and salsa AND writerish talk? What can beat that, I ask you?
8. Coming home to a roaring fire in the fireplace and then taking a lovely hot bath (with some yummy smelling and oh-so-relaxing spearment and eucalyptus bath salts).  Ah, what a way to wind down. 
9. My daughters were actually SWEET to one another tonight before bed.  Joy, indeed.
10. Time all to myself right now.  Just me--sitting in my favorite chair---fire still crackling and warming the room--writing. Bliss!

just too much

image from http://mrg.bz/evBl5j

Despite how stressful some days feel for me, basically I'm doing okay.  Sure we have some busy nights that "require" fast food in order to get everyone where they need to be when they need to be there, and of course I wish I never had a moment of less-than-stellar patience with my children after a long day.  There are nights when my husband would much rather sit in front of the computer than read the girls a bedtime story...but he does it anyway.  

We are among the lucky ones.  Truly.  

I am married to a great guy---he makes me laugh every single day and I feel loved and safe and secure in our relationship.  We are not yellers nor screamers.  

My girls feel safe and secure in our home and in our lives.  They know the expectations in our home.  They know we will have electricity and running water.  They do not know what it is like to go hungry or not have the proper clothing.  They know Mommy and Daddy love them unconditionally.  

In our house hugs and kisses and I-love-yous are normal.  In our house we play and laugh together. We have more books and crayons and drawing paper and writing utensils than you can shake a stick out, and we have bikes and bows and arrows, too. 

I do not take these things for granted, nor do I feel superior because of them.  We live in a rather modest home, we drive old but paid-for vehicles.  It isn't about the money, although I'm grateful to fall into that "middle class" section and not below because I recognize that life is more difficult the harder money is to come by.  

With all that said my heart is heavy tonight because most of them don't have those things in their lives.  Some of the conversations I've had with my students have been very difficult ones.  In the past week alone I've had students who are going through so much in their personal lives---not to mention the inordinant amount of test stress they are feeling this spring as the state exams loom ever-closer. 

*Jimmy is exhausted every day because he works from the time he gets out of school until around midnight every night helping out his family.  His mother is disabled and his father is in jail.  He is 13, and he struggles with school--especially reading, but doesn't have the time to spare to stay after school for tutorials.

*Katherine says she hates to read, but does read the paper every night.  She reads it to her mother, who cannot read at all.  

*Leo's mother tells him he is ugly and that she regrets ever having him.  "You ruined my life," she says.  He tells me movies that show bedtime stories are "fake" because "no one lives like that."

*Larissa is worried sick about her father who, on a trip to visit family in Mexico, has been abducted and is being held for ransom.  They have 3 more weeks to come up with the required money or he will be executed. 

*Shanda ran away with her boyfriend.  He is nearly 30.  Her friends are worried, and don't know what to think.  "This just isn't like her,"  "She is a sweet girl--she wouldn't do this,"  "He must have taken her against her will."

Of course all names have been changed to protect the students---but the stories are real.  Our kids are hurting.  Their lives are stressful.  

I have no answers, but a thousand questions.  

In the meantime, I will create the warmest, most wonderful library I possibly can.  It will be a haven, a safe harbour, a happy place. I will greet my kiddos with a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye, and the comforting smells of coffee and books.  

If nothing else, I will let them know that this place--OUR library--is strong and steady and true---and that I SEE them. I HEAR them.  

I care.

Poetry ROCKS!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!  

I'm SO stinkin' excited that I can hardly contain myself.  

I am thrilled beyond thrilled to share that I am among the 5 librarians (2 school librarians) who have been chosen to participate in the upcoming Texas State Library and Archives first-ever Google + Hangout, entitled Poetry Matters!  We will be chatting with State Librarian Mark Smith on Thursday, April 17th from 1:00-2:00 pm CST.

I've always loved poetry, and am grateful for the opportunity to share that love with others in this way.  It will be so much fun for all of us, but I'm especially excited that my fellow #TXLchat co-moderator Michelle Cooper will also be on this Hangout----she is one AMAZING library diva and am looking forward to working with her on this project.

I hope you will tune in if you have a chance---and don't worry, I'll send you a reminder in an upcoming post!  ;)

March 1st has arrived

March as arrived and with it the Slice of Life Story Challenge! Although this challenge has been around for a while, it is my very first time to participate.  For the past few Tuesdays I've been "slicing" to prepare...but now the month-long daily writing challenge has actually begun and I must say I'm equal parts excited and nervous.

I love writing.  I always have.  I just get nervous wondering if I'll be able to keep up the pace. Gonna give it my best shot anyhow and that has got to count for something, right? I'm hoping that this will help me to create a very positive habit of daily writing that will eventually help me to finish one of the two novels-in-progress I've been working on for quite some time.

I'll end today's post with a wish for good luck for all of us who are participating in the challenge!