Make Them Feel Something

I don’t often get choked up when I’m writing unless it’s a personal story about a person/ animal I know and love. I wrote one of those kinds of articles this week and was surprised to find that a great number of people could relate. It’s been one of my most shared articles on Horse Network so far. Many people commented that the article brought them to tears. This wasn’t necessarily my intention, but I did want readers to feel something. 

It’s an incredible yet humbling feeling to know that our words and stories have the power to touch people deeply. Of course, I’ve also written blog posts and articles which have resulted in angry comments (usually about barefoot–you might understand if you’re a horse person!) It comes with the territory though. Not everyone will agree with your ideas and beliefs--nor should we expect them to. 

Originally posted by cinema-boheme

But this is one of the reasons people read articles and books. Not only do they want to learn something (in some cases) and be entertained, but they want to feel something. Call it human nature, I guess, but we’re all looking for that one thread we can grasp onto–that thing which unites us all. Sure, we use our brains, but what drives many of our everyday actions are our hearts.

As writers and storytellers, our job is to latch onto this idea. There are many people who can write beautiful, well-crafted sentences. There are others who come up with brilliant story ideas. (I feel like I’m somewhere in the middle of both talents.) But the key to writing something people will tell their friends about is to evoke emotion. Make them laugh. Make them cry. Make them angry. Make them nostalgic. Or scare the bejeezus out of them. But make them feel something. 

Of course, this is easier said than done, but if we keep this in mind while writing, we’ll at least be headed in the right direction. 

And who ever said writing was easy, anyway? ;-)

Why I Write YA

A question was recently posed by someone on Twitter. It went something like this: If you're over the age of 25, why do you write YA? (that's young adult in bookspeak)

I immediately answered with a series of tweets. I love YA and have for some time, but the question was more difficult to answer than I thought. So today, I wanted to explore the answer to this question a bit more in a blog post.

Why do I really write YA, as opposed to children's books or adult books? Like many writers, I do my best thinking through my hands. So here goes. . .

I write YA because I love to read YA. Yes, I'm 40 years old, but a part of me will forever be seventeen. The angst, the love, the frustration, the confusion, and the excitement of a life stretching before me are memories clearly etched inside my brain. As I stated in one tweet--teenagehood is a pivotal time. One which I think sets many of us on the path to where we are today. Of course, we may be vastly different people than we were as teens, but our teen experiences are what set those changes in motion, most likely.

Originally posted by a-ni

I write YA because I can relate to kids that age. It's why I chose to teach middle schoolers--that awkward age between being a child and not-quite-adult. I'll probably always identify with the whole 'not fitting in' issue which is so common amongst this age. Nearly three decades later, I still don't feel like I belong in any particular group. Fortunately, I've learned to accept and embrace my uniqueness, and even learn to love the fact that I tend to go against the grain.

Originally posted by clowny69

I write YA because I believe reading is important, and I think it's especially important that teens have books they can relate to and love. Reading is a life skill. But it's also more than that--it's an escape, it's a passion, it's a way to connect with the world in ways you never considered before. I remember having students in class who didn't give a hoot about school or anything in it, but they diligently brought their copy of Twilight or Harry Potter to read every day. Speak what ill you may about these two books, but they got kids who'd previously read very little (voluntarily, at least) reading. They sparked a love for books that continued long afterward. I had many a discussion about Twilight with enthusiastic students. It was a common bond between us. For a moment, they saw me perhaps not as a teacher, but as a fellow reader and lover of teen fiction, like them. 

Originally posted by addictedtobookss

I write YA because these are the stories and characters which come to me. Sure, I've had a few ideas for younger or older protagonists, but the ones I've pursued with fervor have all featured teens. I guess you could say I'm just following what both my heart and brain tell me to write. 

Originally posted by har-rison-s

I think some believe that adults only want to write YA because we feel it's our duty to impart our knowledge on to the younger generation. Maybe this is true for some writers, but it's definitely not why I write YA. Yes, I may be twenty-five years older than my intended audience, but it's not my intent to teach them anything. Even as a teacher, I considered myself more of a lifelong learner than a wise educator who was bestowing the gift of my knowledge upon my students. I taught because I wanted to share my enthusiasm for learning. I wanted to share my love of science, grammar and writing. I wanted to share my love of reading.

Perhaps these are also reasons why I write YA. When we're passionate about something, it's only natural to want to share it with the world.

Need a Horse Editor?

Yeah, I know. Weird title. You're probably wondering why anyone would need a horse editor. 

But what I mean is if you're a writer who isn't overly versed in the wonderful world of equines, but want to include them in your book in some fashion, just know there will be hundreds of horsey know-it-alls who will scoff at your totally inaccurate horse scenes.

Okay, so maybe that’s a little harsh. But it’s true. I’ve put down many a book for this very reason. It’s not that I don’t want to read about little Amy trotting Sundance over the barrels at her Hunter Jumper show, it’s that I literally can’t. My brain just can’t function after trying to envision such a thing. (and if you don’t know what’s wrong with the above sentence, you definitely need a horse editor, ASAP!) 

Originally posted by gameraboy

But I still want horses in my book! you may be saying. And that’s totally fine. You don’t have to be a horse expert to write about horses. Just do your research! Better yet, hire a horse guru like me to edit your horse-centric scenes.

I plan to add this to my other editing packages on my website, but my intent is to offer a couple very reasonably-priced packages to authors who want accuracy when it comes anything horse-related in their book. 

And when it comes to needing a horse editor, here’s why I’m your gal: 

1.) I’ve had horses all my life. 

2.) I’ve done tons of research when it comes to horses. 

3.) I write freelance articles for horse publications on a weekly basis. I make it my business to know about horses. 

I haven’t decided exactly what I’ll charge for these packages quite yet, but I plan to do a “Basic” Horse Expert-Approved Package, which will only entail editing specific horse scenes, as well as a “whole book” package, which will include a basic beta read with comments/ edits on anything horse-related. 

As I previously stated, the fees will be very reasonable for both packages (but won’t include anything other than horse-specific editing). 

I’m really looking forward to doing doing this! Because if there’s anything I love as much as writing about horses, it’s reading about horses. Plus, I’ll be helping authors add another horse-accurate book into the world for everyone (including horse know-it-alls) to love. :-)

The Truth About Success

This past weekend, I was reminded of something that, deep down, I've known for some time, but tend to forget nonetheless:

The path to success is often a long and winding road.

I'd like to illustrate with a story.

My nearly lifelong best friend, Summer, was in town this past weekend for a barrel race (well, not literally in town, but in Oklahoma, at least). And like the good friend that I am, I went to watch her compete. :-)

She and her horse, Tulsa, made a beautiful run, and out of nearly 300 competitors, they placed third overall, taking home a nice chunk of change. I was thrilled for her. I don't often get to watch her run these days, and this was by far the best run I've seen her make.

But I'd like to back up a bit.

Back when I started barrel racing in my teens, I had the good fortune of inheriting my mother's ex-racehorse, Dee. I trained her on barrels myself, but what I lacked in knowledge, Dee made up for with natural-born speed. It wasn't long before we had our first taste of success. I would go on to get another race-bred horse, and then a third. Make no mistake, I worked my butt off trying to achieve my barrel racing dreams. It was anything but easy. And though I never joined the ranks of professional barrel racers, I did meet my goals. I won numerous belt buckles, a saddle, a rodeo, and even a horse trailer at one point.

Summer has also shared many of the same barrel racing goals, but due to life circumstances, was a little slower to set about achieving them. She married and had a baby young, and it was nearly a decade later before she bought a horse who could help her on her way. By the time she began barrel racing regularly, I'd already moved away from the sport.

Tragically, Summer would lose the horse she'd built her dreams on, but she didn't let that stop her. She bought another prospect (Tulsa), and worked hard to get her new horse going. It was obvious from the start that Tulsa had talent, but it would take a couple years for the two of them to get completely in sync. They began doing well at local jackpots, and even at the occasional big race or rodeo. Then, last year, Summer found out she was pregnant again and of course, had to take some time off from riding and barrel racing.

But after giving birth to her adorable baby girl, she jumped right back into the saddle, determined to pick up where she left off.  It's taken a few months, but they've definitely found their stride and have even become more consistent, placing in big rodeos and jackpots such as the one I watched her at this past weekend.

To the outside observer, it might appear she's just lucky. That she found the right horse and is now winning the big bucks (ha ha!). But of course, I know this to be anything but true. For over two decades, Summer's worked diligently to be where she is today. It's no stroke of luck, but rather some of the hardest work you can imagine which has gotten her to this point.

It's the same with writing, of course. Success is no easy feat.

As the entrepreneur, John C. Maxwell said, "Dreams don't work unless you do."

It's one thing to dream up a book idea, but it's quite another to actually write the darn thing. And even if you do, by chance, complete it, publication is by no means, a guarantee. In fact, I'd liken getting your first book published (via the traditional route, anyway) to the proverbial camel fitting through the eye of the needle. Probably not gonna happen.

But here's the thing to keep in mind. Success never looks like what we expect.

And everyone's path to success will look different.

I'd venture to guess that many people give up when their course takes that first downward plunge.
But you can't do that! Just like life, the journey to fulfilling your dreams will have many ups and downs. Persistence and dedication to your craft is the only way to push through.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm trapped somewhere in the midst of all those squiggly lines, but I just have to remember back to a previous time in my life, when I wanted barrel racing success nearly as bad as I now want writing success. And I also think about Summer's journey to where she is now.

It might not always be pleasant, and in fact, sometimes, things can get downright ugly, but the only way out (and up) is through.

Keep going, my friends. I know you, too, can achieve your dreams.

#Pimpmybio Pitchwars 2017

It’s hard to believe this will be my 3rd year to enter Pitchwars. So much has happened since the first time I entered–I’ve completed two more books, I’ve met SO many wonderful writers, and I’ve personally come a long ways as a writer. I’m excited to meet more great people this year, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the third time just might be the charm!

This year, I’ll be entering my contemporary upper MG book, THE EVOLUTION OF EVIE. Here’s the basic pitch:

Originally posted by psychlover93

Just kidding! Change of plans. . .

I recently blogged about writing what scares you, and my third novel, SEEKING SARA STERLING, has been a lesson in this very idea. Coincidentally, I began writing it while waiting on results from #Pitchwars last year. I finished it earlier this summer, and since I recently received agent feedback on my upper MG novel (and have subsequently planned major revisions for it), I’ve decided to give this newest one wings to see if she’s ready to fly. 

Entering #Pitchwars with this manuscript might be even scarier than writing the dang thing. Though my local critique group has been hearing excerpts of SSS for a few months, it’s not been read by anyone, in full. (Just sent out to three beta readers though.) But at this point, I figure I have nothing to lose. I’ll either make it into Pitchwars, or I’ll grow. Either one will be okay (though, I’d REALLY, REALLY love to make it into Pitchwars!)

So with that said, here’s a little about SEEKING SARA STERLING:

Eighteen-year-old Sara Sterling has always sucked at making big decisions, mostly because she’s afraid of the possible consequences. This abruptly changes after her long-time boyfriend dumps her just one week before high school graduation. Angry, and with no clue of who she really is anymore, Sara immediately goes on the rebound and becomes involved with a hot Latino waiter from the restaurant where she works. She finds temporary bliss in Alex’s arms, but realizes she’ll never find herself while clinging to some guy. 

Desperate for a drastic change, Sara does the last thing anyone would expect: moves to Colorado to work at her uncle’s dude ranch for the summer. There, she’ll have to face the animals she’s feared ever since one nearly bit her finger off ten years ago--horses. But Sara figures if she can learn to start facing her fears, she just might find the girl who’s been hiding somewhere beneath her skin…

Just a few reasons why I think this book is awesome:

* Alex (hot Latino guy)

* horses

* stunning Colorado scenery

* it’s about a badass girl who strikes out on her own

Originally posted by foreverfraternity

And now, a little about moi…

I’m a former middle school science and English teacher, but after the birth of my second child seven years ago, I opted to become a stay-at-home mom. This allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a writer, and now, I work as a freelance writer and blogger, specializing in horse health. I’m also just getting into some freelance editing as well. I regularly write for The Horse and Horse Network. I’ve also been published in Natural Horse Magazine, Country Extra, and have an upcoming article in TeenEquine.

I have two blogs, but my ‘job’ blog is called The Naturally Healthy Horse. I recently hit a big landmark–reaching 10,000 Facebook fans, which was super exciting!

On a more personal note: I’ve been married to the most energetic man on earth for eighteen years. He works as a full-time firefighter and has his own construction company. We have two beautiful, spunky, creative children. My son is ten, and my daughter, seven. I’m also a mom to many fur and feathered children. We have four horses, two dogs, five cats, and nine chickens! 

                                 (Lee Lee and a few of my chickens)

Aside from writing and horses, here are a few of my favorite things:

* YA books

* the outdoors 

* quotes 

* movies (especially YA books turned into movies)

* Dancing with the Stars

* dancing

* music (I like a wide range including classical, country, and pop)

* cats

* chocolate

* old farm houses and old barns

And I’ll wrap up with 5 random facts about me:

1.) I’m a former barrel racer. (I outgrew my love of competing, but not horses.)

2.) In high school, I was the only student to hold a membership in both FFA (Future Farmers of America) and French Club. What can I say–I like to be well rounded!

3.) My favorite vacation was to the Florida Keys. Key West was the best!

4.)  I’m certified in equine acupressure (which is similar to acupuncture, only without needles).

5.)  I’ve had the same best friend for thirty years. We met in 5th grade and were drawn to one another because we both loved horses. Go figure!

Visit the Pitchwars blog hop here.