Rainy days with Russo

While I was out shopping, I saw a double rainbow. A sign of good things to come. Too bad, that seconds later, I knocked over yet another display with my freaking-big purse.

U.S Army Ranger

According to the U.S. Army website, a Ranger is a highly trained soldier. A Ranger's specialized skills enable him to be employed in the most dire of situations. You wanna make your dream happen? You gotta fight like a Ranger. The road to your dream will be exhausting. You need people at your side to support you. In training, a Ranger is told to always look after your buddy. Find your support system. There's gonna be pain and self doubt when pursuing a goal. You've gotta push through the exhaustion. At Ranger school, there are days when the soldier will get only 3 hours of rest. Sometimes their bodies and mind are pushed so hard, they fall asleep while standing up. Ranger's call that 'droning.' There's no droning when fighting for your dream. When in the battlefield, not giving up is a matter of life and death. You cannot worry about tomorrow. If you do, you won't make it. Just focus on today. Work hard, like a Ranger.

3 cheers for Melissa

Our dear writing friend, Melissa Hernandez Seron Richardson has been entered into a photo contest~ We are so excited for her as this pic is the shiz nit.

Go vote for her 'cuz in Melissa's words, "Discovery Gateway brings joy to kids of all ages."

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147879665222844

How poker skills help you acheive your dreams

When writing, we are spending our life and energy on a gamble. We're essentially gambling on ourselves. Every day I wonder, will I succeed or won't I? And the fact of the matter is, you can't listen to the random (negative) musings of the mind. To succeed, you have to go all in. You can't hold anything back-the pain, money, swollen fingers, tears. As a dreamer, you have to believe you are worth it. You have to go all in on your goal. If you don't take yourself seriously as a champion, who will? Go all in. ~Make it or Break it~

So This is Writing a Novel

August Challenge: Writing a novel

Ten years ago, I saw myself as a fashion buyer. Shopping for a living? In my mind, there couldn't be a better career. First step was my internship with Disney. I nailed my interview. A summer in Florida, so there.

But then life happened. I fell in a hole while hiking with my sister and snapped my foot in half. My brother joked that if you touched even an inch of the skin my foot would jiggle like jello.

So began my road to writing. Although, I didn't see the path forming yet.

I had to have a metal screw placed in my foot to hold the bones together. Nine months later, I had yet another surgury. This time on a hernia.

I wish I could say that I handled the trials well. But I didn't. I fell into a heavy depression. The one thing that saved me was writing. What's so funny is that I am the girl that always fell asleep in English class. But now, words are my lifesaver.

Most days, I am content to sit at the computer and edit my story to Death. The journey more often than not is a joy to me. Oh, who the world am I kidding? Lately, I have been peeved at my story. To the point where I just stare at the closed laptop. I know where the plot is going, I see it like a movie in my head. But lately I have been too riddled with fear to care.

Yes, I realize that my voice is a gift. One that I don't take lightly. I know that my manuscript will one day be on a bookshelf--right next to Janiel's and Maegan's novel. Okay, maybe not right next because paranormal romance is in its own wacked-out section of the book store.

When that day happens, I understand that I will need to give back and big-time. Because writing saved my life. Literally.

How writing is comparable to being a doctor, lawyer or scientist

A lil wisdom from my momma

For the past few weeks I've had a knock down, drag-out time getting my toukus to the computer for some time to write. I'm frustrated at my story and this process called writing.

I thought I would share my mom's words for me because she's a genius.

"Regarding the dream you are pursuing with writing. Well, my dear, you could not have chosen a more difficult dream to pursue. Writing is one of the most challenging paths you could take as I believe it is right up there with MD, Lawyer and Scientist. Why? Because no matter how hard you study, prepare, review and edit-the outcome is unknown.

Why do they call it practicing Medicine or Practicing Law? Or even Scientists must experiment for the perfect outcome and we still haven't found a cure for the common cold. Writing is a fickle profession as some great books don't catch on and some very stupid ones become best sellers.

And not everyone is baring their soul to critics and editors-begging for a chance to have their manuscript read. Your strengths will get you to where you need to be. You cannot hide your gift or live in fear of what may happen."

Well said, Momma-cita. Time to get over myself, as my dear writing teacher so said, and get to work.

Guest Blogger Alert!

While our lovely Maegan is away on a trip to Wales that we are not jealous of, Lizz Miller, newly launched-into-life daughter of Me, will fill in. Lizz will post on July 26th, August 9th, and August 16th.  (Maegan will post from across the pond on August 2nd, for our Challenge of the Month.) This is Lizz's first foray into the blogosphere and we are happy to have her. Be nice.