My Writing Adventure

Only two more days until the OCCWF Spring Writer's Day and I've caught the cold. Yuck!! But, I am doing my very best to get over this thing - lots of liquids, gargling every 30 minutes (double yuck) and two naps yesterday.

Because of the two naps, I wasn't ready for an early bedtime so DH and I stayed up to watch American Idol. I know - some of you just don't understand the craze. I was a prideful non-AI watcher for years but I've been sucked in. All I can say is, don't knock it until you try it.

Interestingly, there's usually a lot of Christian talent on AI and it's been fun to cheer our brothers and sisters on. However, this season I wasn't all that sure if any of the contestants were Christians or not. Previously, we've had outspoken Mandisa (who I just love!), Chris Sligh and Melinda Doolittle - and that's just the first three names that came to mind. Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood - I could go on and on. But, this season, I just wasn't sure (maybe Kristy Lee Cook?) and, to be honest, hadn't taken the time to find out.

Anyway, we watched our taped version of AI so we could skip all the commercials - well, except the Mac ads, of course. Unfortunately, our DVR missed the last few minutes but it didn't seem to matter much so we almost turned off the TV. But, when we hit erase on the DVR, it took us back to FOX so we went ahead and rewound to see what we missed.

And what we missed left us with our mouths hanging open!! I think I used the word surreal about 10 times. Check it out:



The American Idol finalists sang Shout to the Lord. One of the most famous, if not THE most famous praise song of all time. Go Darlene Zschech and Hillsongs!!! GO GOD!!!!

They did change the first line from "My Jesus" to "My Shepherd" which was a disappointment but other than that, the words stayed exactly as written. I couldn't have been more blown away.

AI has featured a number of Christian songs lately. On Tuesday, guests The Clark Brothers sang "This Little Light of Mine." Then, Jason Castro sang "Travelin' Through" (a quick Google search makes me suspect Jason might also be a believer). David Archuleta sang "Smokey Mountain Memories" and Dolly Parton sang a song about "Jesus and Gravity." Again, I might not agree with the theology in all these songs but whenever Jesus is mentioned on TV as something other than a swear word, then I've got to say
AMEN!

How happy am I? Pretty happy.

So far, The Grocery Game has been a phenomenal success in my house. I'm embarrassed to realize how much money I've been wasting at the grocery store. Now, mind you, The Grocery Game does take some extra time so I'm not sure we would have realized this much in savings if I was working. Also, note that you have to do your shopping on either Sunday, Monday or Tuesday to gain the most savings.

My M.O. is to pick up the paper on Sunday (have you ever tried canceling home delivery of the paper? I'd rather pay the extra few cents and pick it up.) I cut my coupons and make my list on Monday and then I shop on Tuesday.

Here's what I've saved so far (drum roll, please)...

I saved 42% last week on my grocery shopping.

I saved 44% this week AND I got a coupon for $10.00 off my next shopping trip.

WOWEE-WOW-WOW!!

I'm simply blown away. This is totally worth the money.

I didn't have to change grocery stores and I even saved a trip to Target this week because all the household items I would normally purchase there were on sale at Vons. I even got a Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner because Rocks In My Dryer recommended it so highly. And I got it for $8.99. $8.99!!! I would normally NEVER EVER buy something like this because it seems like such a waste of money. But I really don't like cleaning the shower so if this works, then HOORAY FOR ME! If not, I'll let you know.

On a writing note (this is a writing blog, after all), the Orange County Christian Writer's Fellowship Spring Writer's Day (that's a mouthful!) is this Saturday at Mariner's Church in Newport Beach. I'm SO excited!! If you know anything about writer's conferences, you'll know that this is a real value. Top notch talent, big publisher editors, and really friendly people will be there, cheering you on in your craft. If you live in the Orange County area and write or even think about writing, you should plan to attend. Click here for more information and to register: OCCWF Spring Writer's Day.

Okay - that's enough excitement for now. I hope to see you at Spring Writer's Day!!

I can't write if I end up having to get a full time job so I'm researching ways to save money. My husband is the generous type who always tells me to buy something if I need it. That's nice but it's always made me feel a little uneasy. I mean, I don't want us to get behind on a bill just because I thought a new book would be nice to have.

My good friend, Holly, recommended The Grocery Game to me. Because I am the cautious type, I've spent about four weeks researching this program and finally signed up today. I've always cut coupons (thanks Other Mother!!) but have never stockpiled products. Plus, DH and I enjoy eating out way too much to have such a good excuse to eat at home. But, invention being the mother of necessity, I'm going to give this a try.

If you are a coupon clipper or a Grocery Game member, please leave a comment and let me know how it is going for you.

I just finished the last of today's edits to my ten page manuscript and two page summary. God is so amazingly good. I wasn't sure I would make it to this point.

Please pray that I will catch any last second edits necessary before I print and mail the paperwork tomorrow.

Good night!

Finally, the writer writes! I've been talking about writing "the story" for so long that I wasn't sure if I could do it.

I've written every day, except Sunday, for 90 minutes since March 5. And I'm surprised at what comes out. Some of it is almost good and some of it is total drivel, but it gives me something to edit. Thankfully, I know none of it is from me - I'm just a vessel.

With much encouragement from others, I've taken the step of faith to sign up for the Fiction Intensive Workshop at the Orange County Christian Writer's Fellowship Spring Writer's Day (say that five times fast). I must submit ten pages of manuscript and a two page synopsis for receipt on Wednesday (not electronically but snail mail). I'm really excited what I'll learn at the Workshop because it is limited to only 12 participants. They extended the deadline from March 1 to March 12 so I MUST have my paperwork in at the Post Office in a Priority Mail envelope tomorrow. Yikes!!

Just typing the due date made me realize, I've got to get back to work!

The writer's conference I was scheduled to attend this coming Saturday has been postponed until May. At first, I was really disappointed and wallowed in thoughts like, "Fine! This home re-organization has taken on a life of its own anyway. I don't have time to write. It was a stupid idea. See if I care!" Not an hour later, I received an email from the writer's fellowship to which I belong saying that their special fiction workshop in April has extended their deadline and will accept submissions until March 13. Which means, if I really hurry, I could possibly submit my work and participate in the writer's fellowship event, which is much larger and actually a better opportunity. So much for the I-don't-care-anyway attitude.

I happened to run across a website yesterday for author Deborah Raney. I haven't read any of her work but saw that the Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction recently released. I just called Barnes and Noble and they are holding a copy for me right this very moment. I plan to use one of my Christmas gift cards to pick it up tonight or tomorrow morning. Hopefully this book will help me start off on the right track so my two page synopsis and ten pages of writing will wow the fiction workshop leaders.

As for what I'm reading right now, I'm tearing through some books that a friend loaned me. Terri Blackstock's Last Light, Night Light and True Light are really well written and fun to read. I highly recommend them, especially if you are interested in a fast-paced thriller with a spiritual message.

I am truly astounded that it is already February 11. How have the first six weeks of 2008 passed so quickly? Needless to say, my writing adventure isn't off to a very good start. Although my pace is slower, my life has been full of working (handing my job over to someone else), church, funeral preparation for my husband's dear grandmother and the basics of quiet time and exercise.

In my prayer time this morning, I realized that I can no longer use the excuse that I deserve the tv time, extra dessert or the special something I want to buy. Although I haven't had full days to enjoy my freedom, I've had moments and those will have to do because it is time to get to work.

Unfortunately, the writing will be delayed for a bit longer because I have to finish with the company who was hired to help me polish my resume and interviewing skills. I have eleven more days with them and then my time will be more focused on writing.

To actually write something worthwhile is going to take a lot of discipline...