Monday, November 24, 2014

THE BABY IS HERE!



If you are an author then you will identify with what I am saying. Writing a book - any kind of book- is like being pregnant and finally delivering. You go through all the aches and pains, changes to your lifestyle, and fears.
There are some days you are delighted others you are depressed. Some months are hope-filled, lovely with butterflies and bluebirds. Other had hopeless, dark and gloomy when the negative editor within you wails that 'you will never get this done,' it is impossible and senseless.

But all that changes with the first galley proof. You see the errors but you forgot how good it sounds. Did I really write this? Is this my book-child that I envisioned? Where did this knowledge and wisdom come from?

If you think I sound a little crazy, maybe I am but the blues I have are not the depressing kind. (see book cover) Thank you to all those who never gave up on me, those who challenged me, who supported me, who listened to me whine, and kept me going. Love you all, S

For a look at the cover, pricing, and mailing information: visit www.13decisions.com

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Writing is a Decision

Writers make many conscious decisions every day.  Will I write today? What will I write?  Who is my audience?  Will my words be uplifting and helpful?  How much of myself will go into the work I produce? 

The tough thing is that once the words are in black and white - they are harder to recall, edit, or correct at least when you push the print or send button.  Creating is only the first step.  Editing, reediting (multiplied by10) and the final draft come later.  Writers decide to allow fresh eyes view the piece or put it in the drawer until we have recovered from it.

Until this year I never realized how much writing is like giving birth.  You have the conception, the idea for a narrative, an essay or a book.  Then there are further steps of nurture where you design, lay out, outline, or cluster ideas for your masterpiece.  You draft, redraft, query, write, and do it all again.  You pray and worry.  You plan, change your mind, and return to the draft.  Then a miracle occurs when an agent, editor, or publisher says yes and you give birth to that little darling that has made you so miserable but now gives you so much joy.

My little darling is due out this month.  Watch for 13 Decisions That Will Change Your Life.  I believe this book will be a blessing for you to read as it was a blessing for me to write.

Sheila

Friday, July 11, 2014

Decisions that make a Difference


There are times in our lives when we wonder, what difference does it make?  When this happens to me I ruminate about "the road not taken."   What if I had gone to college here?  married this person?  Had more children?  Joined the military?  And on it goes.

Just one glance around my office lets me know that what I have is precious.  I can't imagine any other life than this one.  With my loving spouse, wonderful children, and extraordinary grandchildren I can only say thank you to the One who entrusted me with this gift.

13 Decisions That Will Change Your Life will only enrich your circumstances.  Look for it to challenge, uplift, and maybe even help you decide to take that risk or change that behavior.  


Monday, March 3, 2014

Decide to Surrender

https://www.facebook.com/

Why do we have such a hard time with this one?  Raised in the South, I am aware of how stubborn, set in our ways, hard-headed, and opinionated people can be.  I alas suffer from some or all of these maladies.  Laying down my will for another's is hard - but the pain comes mostly from ego.  I, of course, think I know best and impose that knowledge whenever I can.

But what happens if the situation is not one I can control.  And I must, gulp, leave it in another's hands?  If that Other is God, it should be no problem.  Yet even in prayer, I find myself asking for what I want instead of what may be for the ultimate best.

Surrender comes with a price tag.  Every decision does.  But some costs are easier to pay than others.  Surrender to God.  You will never regret that decision.