I Love My Hair

One of the first lessons I learned when I went natural was that I knew nothing about my hair.  I had to learn to love my hair for what it was and not what I wanted it be.  This was a hard lesson because there were so many products out there promising to turn my hair into my every dreams.  Unfortunately it can be an expensive lesson if you don’t learn it early.

I had to learn to love my hair for who it is.  This is my hair, not my sisters, not my best friend, not the lady in the hair video. 

Don’t try to make it into someone else’s hair. 

It will never happen and you’ll spend too much on products that don’t work on your hair. 

Learn your hair instead and you’ll fall in love with what God placed on top of your head.  I learned to listen to what my hair needed and what it didn’t like.  It took time, but I believe we are now on good terms.

My suggestion to you if you’re on this natural hair journey,  ask yourself these questions:

What type of hair do you have?

What does your hair need?

What does your hair like?

What does your hair dislike?

What is your hair like in different seasons?

How much time do you want to spend on your hair?

When you know the answers to these questions you are on your way to having hair you love.

Do you love your hair?

Challenges

I’ve decided to start the New Year with two challenges, an exercise challenge and a personal challenge.  I decided to do both because I wanted to change some of my habits this year.  I needed a little exercise in my life and I thought the squat challenge would be the way to start without feeling overwhelmed.

As you know 2012 was a rough year for me so I signed up for the Starting Over Challenge to see if I could get my mind back on track.  I didn’t know what to expect from this challenge, but I was willing to learn.

We had our first phone call and I realized I was starting on a new journey with this challenge.  One of our assignments was to write out a statement.

I want to lose ----- to gain ----

I didn’t do the assignment because I didn’t know what I wanted to lose or gain.  As I read over the groups posts I realized I wasn’t ready to face what I wanted to lose or gain.  For every other post, someone was ready to lose FEAR.  You know my history with that word.  I wasn’t ready to admit that was my issue too.

After the call, I was ready to admit, that I’d let that word creep back into my soul last year.  It popped up when I received the yes for my historical.  It slowly took over me as I read over the story.  You’re not ready it kept whispering to me.  No one will like this story.  No one will buy this book.  I slowly let the words, stop me from moving forward.  I didn’t want to admit to myself that I was scared, instead I told myself the book wasn’t ready.  I missed my own deadline and almost convinced myself that I wasn’t going to submit it.  Thank God for writing friends, who refuse to let me wallow in my fear.  They kept questioning me on my progress.  I didn’t want to say I wasn’t doing anything, so I kept pressing pass the fear.  I finally submitted it to a reader and I beat the fear.

This morning I decided I was ready to admit what I was ready to lose.

I want to lose FEAR to gain SUCCESS IN WHAT EVER I WANT TO ACHIEVE.

I’m ready for the New Year and these new challenges.  I’m also ready to move pass my fear.  I know it will always pop up in my life, but I also know it is a symptom, that I have to learn how to treat.

What new challenges are you trying this year?

Squat Challenge

If you want to join me in the challenge

COVER AUTHOR: Rochelle Alers

Rochelle Alers has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today’s most prolific and popular African American authors of romance and women’s fiction.

With seventy titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, Ms. Alers is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award.

She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Theta Zeta Chapter and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling.

A full-time writer, Ms. Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.

Sometimes love can take you by surprise ...

Kara Newell has a big-city life that needs a major shake-up. Her dedication as a social worker is unwavering, yet her heart tells her that there is more to life than just work. Kara gets the push she needs when she shockingly inherits a large estate on an island off the South Carolina coast. Now the charming town of Angels Landing awaits her . . . along with a secret family she never knew she had.

After surviving war, loss, and heartbreak, ex-marine Jeffrey Hamilton takes his position as sheriff of idyllic Cavanaugh Island very seriously. So he is the perfect person to watch over the beautiful, confident woman who has turned her new family's expectations upside down-and stepped into the crosshairs of angry local residents.

But soon Kara becomes more than just a job to him, and he begins to need her in ways he never expected. As Kara and Jeffrey confront the town gossips together, they'll learn to face their fears and forgive their pasts in order to find a future filled with happiness in Angels Landing.

READ ROCHELLE's INTERVIEW in the SEP/OCT issue of SORMAG Digital

CLICK LINK TO READ

http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/456931

Some browsers have problems so try this one if you do -

http://issuu.com/sormag/docs/sormag

SORMAG's Readers Choice Award 2012 Winners

Thank you for taking the time to vote.  Here are our 2012 winners.

 

 

Featured Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG

Naomi Chase

Romance Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG

Naomi Chase

Fiction Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG

Keith Thomas Walker

Non-Fiction Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG

Danyelle Scroggins

Children Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG

Gwendolyn Hooks

Young Adult Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG

Shanisha Dodson

Christian Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG

Leslie Sherrod

Debut Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG

Regena Bryant

Featured Blog Tour On SORMAG

Money Can't Buy Love by Connie Briscoe Tour

Time To Vote For SORMAG's Reader's Choice Awards

Voting for the SORMAG's Reader's Choice Awards is open.

Voting will close November 7th.  12 a.m. central time

SORMAG's Reader Choice Nominations are the top viewed posts featured on SORMAG.

The winners are selected by SORMAG reader's votes.

1. Featured Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG

Angeline Bishop
Jacqueline J. Holness
Chanta Rand
Naomi Chase

2. Romance Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG


Chanta Rand
Angeline Bishop
Nicole Green
Naomi Chase

3. Fiction Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG


Nakia R. Laushaul
Kieth Thomas Walker
Rosyln McMillian
Tamika Newhouse

4. Non-Fiction Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG


Sherman Turner
Jacqueline J. Holness
Danyelle Scroggins

5. Children Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG


Sandra Ardoin
Tony Lindsay
Gwendolyn Hooks

6. Young Adult Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG


Vicky Alvear Shecter
K. Dawn Byrd
Shanisha Dodson
Precarious Yates

7. Christian Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG


Mimi Jefferson
Sonnie Beverly
Leslie Sherrod
Lynn Hernas

8. Debut Author Of The Year Featured on SORMAG


Ruthie Robinson
Regena Bryant

9. Featured Blog Tour On SORMAG


Money Can't Buy Love by Connie Briscoe Tour
Master of Disguises byJames Benjamin Blog Tour
If You Love Me By Claudia Moss Tour

CLICK TO VOTE

How To Finish The NANO From A Person Who Didn't

Last year I participated in the NANO. I didn’t make the 50,000 goal, but I did write 35,000 words, which I was very proud of and I learned a lot about me and my writing habit. My friend Patricia Woodside is blogging about how to be successful in NANO. She has some great tips, check them out HERE

I thought I’d offer a few tips too.

Have a realistic goal

Don't set yourself up for failure before you can begin. Set a goal you can write daily and sit down and write.

Be prepared

Before you begin, do your homework. Write your outlines, plot your story out. This will help you as you work though the book. You can write from the seat of your pants, but it's nice to see the path you want to go. As a panser, I was glad I'd taken a plotting course before starting the NANO. I was able to see where I wanted to take the story and I found it easier for me to sit down each day and write.

Find your time to write

If you don't have a writing schedule, create one. I don't write everyday so it was a challenge for me to sit down and write every day. I found I did my best writing at certain times of the day. I took advantage of those times and I wrote.

Life can step in on your goal

During the NANO I had a family emergency that threw my mind for a loop. I honestly didn't want to write on some days, but I forced myself to keep writing. Be prepared for those days you don’t feel like writing. If you can write passed your daily goal, write because you will have some words stored up if life steps in.

Have a support team

Some days I wrote because my team was working towards their goals and I didn’t want to let them down. On those days I was in a funk, that team was there to encourage me and not let me wallow in my pity.

Write with no editing

Don’t worry about how your writing sounds, write. You will have plenty of time to go over your work to see if it makes sense later. Write and write some more.

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t make the final goal

I was kind of sad that I didn't reach the 50,000 goal. However I didn't beat myself up over it. I reminded myself how proud I was for writing the 35,000 words. The whole reason for doing NANO is to get you writing and completing a book. If you have 25,000 words that’s better than 200 words. Each word brings you closer to a finished book.

I think the NANO is a great way to schedule yourself to write every day. I learned I could do it if I have to. Even though I had a few personal issues, I tried to work through them. I hope this tips are helpful for you.

Writing is hard job, but it’s one I enjoy and I look forward to participating in my next NANO.

Will you be participating in the NANO this year?

Keeping Appointments

I’m pretty good at keeping my appointments with others.  I know how important time is to others so I try my best to make my appointments.

However I don’t keep them with myself.  I’ve been trying to make time to write so I can finish this book and submit it.  I find myself doing other things.  Too tired to read or think.

A writer friend, Shelia Goss told me to make an appointment with myself.  I giggled to myself.  I do that all the time.  I even went so far as to create an alarm on my phone.  It wasn’t helping though because I was ignoring it.  I put something else in place of it.

Sunday I made an appointment with myself to write.  This time I showed up on time and I stayed longer than I’d set the appointment for.  I wrote and it felt good.

What did I learn from this? To keep my own appointment.  I’m important and so is my time.  Appointments are important if you want to complete a goal.  I have a big goal to submit this book by the end of September. I will keep my goal and I will continue to keep my appointments to me.

How are you at keeping appointments for yourself?

Are You Excited About Your Writing?

I love working with Independent Authors.  They are so excited about their new book it's contagious.  They have this vision on where their book is headed and there is no stopping them on the Buy My Book Train.

When I talk to them it makes me more excited about my own writing.  I’m inspired to keep on pushing because I know from their example there is an end to this madness.  One day there will be a published book.

Here are three ways to get excited about your book?

Write often – When you’re writing about your characters on a daily basis you get excited to see what adventure they are going to take you on.

Talk about your story – When you tell people about your story, your enthusiasm flows through. You’re telling someone about what you’ve created and it gets the excitement bubbling inside again.

Believe In your book - Independent Authors knows their book is going to be the next best seller.  There is nothing you can say or do to change their minds.  You can feel their excitement as they share how they are going to reach every book buyer in the world.  They believe in their book.  Do you believe in your book?  Do you see your book on the shelves? 

When I first started writing, I would go to the book store and find the spot where my book would be.  Back then it was under the Cs for Carruth.  Now I’m a little further down in the Hs.  I still can picture it because I believe in my book.

Are you excited about your writing or you in a slump wondering why do you do this to yourself everyday and for what?

Finding Time To Write

You all know I’ve been going through some storms, lost my mother last year, my sister in July and my cousin this month. It’s been rough but I’ve been trying to deal with my grief and not let it consume me.

Finding the time to write when you’re in a funk is not easy. I’m not a morning person however I’ve been getting up an hour before work to work on my SORMAG stuff. It actually worked out well for me because no kids means silence. I can get what I need done quickly and then be ready for work. I usually write for two hours in the evening then go to bed.

That has all changed because school is back in. This year I have a high schooler, a seventh grader and a kindergartner. My hour earlier goes to my high schooler because she has to be at the bus stop by 6. I’ve been trying getting up at 5 to do what I need to do and it’s been crazy because she’s up and asking questions, wanting breakfast and I’m not being very productive.

I’m getting the SORMAG stuff done, but my writing is suffering. Getting up this early means I’m exhausted doing all my mother things after work. By nine my mind is fried. I’m not writing. All I want to do is crawl in the bed and not move.

I have to figure out something because I can’t finish revising this story is my mind is fried. I plan on working this weekend to get some writing done. I try not to write on the weekend because those are my free days to hang with the family and do my chores.

However I see I’m going to have to sacrifice that time and my sleep if I want to complete the revision and meet my September deadline.

Writing and real life can be tough at times. Sometime you have to make sacrifices but I do believe in the end it will be worth it to see my name on the book cover.

How do you make time to write when life is pulling you all over?

Can I help you create an online marketing plan?

I know marketing can be a pain in the butt.

I’m here to ease a little of your pain.

Let me create an online marketing plan tailored just for you.

I will give you ten things to do each month to take the guess work out of how to promote your book online.

I will make it fun and all you have to do is execute the plan.

Does this sound like something you would like to do?

Contact me at writerlch@yahoo.com for my rates.

I look forward to working with you.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman

The Next Grief - Part 5

On July 6th my second oldest sister was hit by a car and died. I couldn’t believe it. I was back where I was a year ago in the grips of grief. This time I told myself I was not going to let the pain engulf me. I numbed myself to it. I don’t recommend this because it just builds up for a crash.

I crashed the next day after the funeral, my whole being felt like someone had run me over.

It’s better to grieve than to try to not to. I had experienced that type of pain of losing someone and I didn’t want to feel it again. However with grief you don’t have a choice. The pain is there and it’s not going to go away.

I did learn that I can get through the pain, so that helped a lot knowing the days will get better. Yes I will miss my sister and I will cry some days and somedays I will wonder how I will make it with out her. This time I know I can. I can get up everyday and thank God for another day. I can thank him for having a sister and I can thank him for the time we shared together. I know her spirit lives on in us, her children and her grandchildren.

I don’t think I would be able to be at peace with her death if I hadn’t experienced my mother’s death last year. Those 365 days helped heal me, mold me to be a compassionate person and show me that I’m a lot stronger than I thought. Even though my mother and sister are no longer here with me, the love I had for them will forever live in my heart.

Grief is a longtime learning experience. Each day you learn something new.

I did a series on grief. If you’re going through it right now please read. I hope it gives you some comfort.

http://lashaunda.blogspot.com/2012/02/dealing-with-grief.html

ME JOURNEY - I failed the T.V. Fast

For the month of June I vowed to give up t.v. during the week. I thought I’d tape my shows and watch on the weekend. I also thought since this is the summer only reruns would be on. I could handle no t.v. during the week.

I made it past the first week. The second week kicked my butt. Too many new shows came on and a few of my favorites started their new season. What was I thinking? I’m so addicted to the t.v.

I have two more books to read as an award judge, so I’m focusing on them and I am editing my YA book, SORMAG work never ends, which means I’m working on my summer goals. I refuse to not make them because I can’t leave the t.v. alone.

Drop Dead Diva, Jane by Design, Single Ladies, Master Chef, Tia and Tamera, and the new Dallas have me glued to the t.v. screen this summer.

What are you watching this summer?

It’s My Anniversary

Twenty years ago, I had my first day at my job. I honestly thought I’d be here for a year and then move out to California and write for the soap operas. Yes I was a naive 25 year old of grand dreams of being a writer.

Fast forward to now and I will say that I don’t have any regrets of staying in St. Louis and working here. If you’re going to have a job you work at for 20 years, this is the job to be at. I have wonderful co-workers and we have become a family.

Now I dream of retirement, however I’m not old enough to retire so that’s a few years away. I’m OK with that because I know this job is always an adventure. I look forward to the next twenty years.

THE BUSINESS JOURNEY: Networking Tips from LaShanda Henry

When networking online or off line ask yourself these questions:

Why am I here?

What can I share?

Who do I want to meet?

Are you hoping to share your solutions and areas of expertise with others in need?

10 Things Learned At Romance Slam Jam 2012 - Part 2

6. Give out business cards and get their business card

Most of the people I met were readers, so I didn’t take my own advice and have them sign my notebook. However I did give out a lot of business cards and asked for theirs in return. I know next time, that I will carry a journal with me so I can capture more names and emails. Don’t forget when you return home to put those names into your mailing list.

7. Sit at different tables 

I will admit I learned this little tip when I did Mary Kay. Mary Kay said to meet people you have to get out of your comfort zone and sit with people you don’t know, not with who you know. You never meet people that way.

Every day I sat at a different table. I tried to meet everyone that was at the conference. I enjoyed the conversations I had with the different people I met.

8. Get out your comfort zone 

I do a lot of things online, so most of my interaction is through the internet. It’s easy to hide behind the computer sometimes, so this year I decided I would do more face to face workshops to get out of my comfort zone. When I was asked to present a workshop at Slam, I was a nervous wreck, but I moved passed the fear and decided to accept the position.

When I stepped into the room, I prayed and calmness came over me. I knew the Lord was guiding my tongue and everything would be fine.

9. Be prepared for changes 

I woke at 4 in the morning thinking what if my workshop is filled with writers instead of readers. I know promotion, so this would be their chance to ask me questions. Instead of going back to sleep I got up and wrote down some notes, just in case my audience changed.

Thank God I did, because my audience wanted to know about promotion. We talked about promotion and I was ready.

10. Have fun 

This past year has been HELL, so I was in dire need of some fun. I knew the Slam would provide fun and more fun. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much. I enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.

Sometimes we get so caught up in attending all the workshops, we forget to take time to have fun. So miss a few workshops and enjoy hanging with your friends and have some fun.


If you attended the Slam, what did you learn, please share your experiences.

10 Things Learned At Romance Slam Jam 2012 - Part 1

1. Checklist should include everything you need for trip 

I’m one of those people who need lists to get things done. I always make a trip check list to make sure I have everything I need for the trip. Since most of my trips are personal, I didn’t realize I was leaving vital information off my checklist (promotional items for SORMAG).

This was a working trip and I forgot all my promotional items on my table in the hallway. I’d planned on putting them in the side pocket of my luggage. Never happen, so I will be updating the checklist for future work trips.


2. Roommates can make or break a conference.   I have been blessed to have some great roommates when I attend Romance Slam Jam. This year was no different. The two ladies I bunked with were the perfect roommates. One – Eboni (Kiana Alexander) and I have been roommates before and Kathy ( Regina Bryant) a new roomie for us both. We were like best friends in the room. We didn’t drive each other crazy and we even shared clothes.

Make sure you have the right roommate when you schedule a conference or you could have the roommate from hell who snores like a freight train.

 3. Pick the workshops you want to attend the night before.

The last thing you want to do is run around looking for your class only to find out its full because you weren’t ready the next day.

Also going over the schedule will let you know what workshops have changed or what workshops have been added.

4. Be a prepared presenter 

Always be professional when you are being a presenter. Have your notes ready. Have your presentation ready. Don’t wing it; believe me it will show and the last thing you want is to lose your audience because you’re not ready.

If you have notes and no copies, offer to send copies to those in attendance. This is also a great way to add those in attendance to your mailing list.

5. Have a way to stay in contact with those you meet. 

If you’re a presenter, have a notebook/journal or sheet of paper to capture those in attendance of your workshop. Let them know you will add them to your mailing list if they give you their name and email.

I met a few writers who didn’t think about this small but important part about coming to a conference, networking with those in attendance and building relationships.

If you attended the Slam, what did you learn, please share your experiences.

Do you have a mailing list?

I attended the Romance Slam Jam in Little Rock Arkansas last week, talking about a fun time. I will have to give a review later.

Today I want to talk to the writers.  I hosted a workshop at the Slam and during the workshop I asked the question, do you have a mailing list?

Many of the writers didn’t.  They said it was too time consuming.  I agree it is very time consuming if you’re doing it all yourself. 

As a writer your main goal is to reach new readers.  You also want to keep those readers in what I call your community.  Having a Facebook page and twitter account is great for networking, but you want those readers to join your community.

1. Your community is your own.  FB and Twitter belong to someone else.  If they crash tomorrow, do you have anyway to contact those friends or followers?

2. You want to know how many you have in your community.  This is a good selling point if you’re going the traditional publishing route.  You can tell them you have 5000 readers in your database vs none.

3. If you’re doing any traveling you can use your community as starting point.  If you have a lot of readers in a certain section of the country.  You might want to visit them and you can contact them and let them know you’ll be in their town.

4. You always have someone to tell about your latest book.  You don’t have to recreate the wheel every time you release a book.  You can start with your community and they can help spread the word.

5. Your community are the people interested in you and your books.  You don’t have to worry about spamming those who aren’t.  This is an opt in group and they want to be on your list.

There are different ways to start your community.  I recommend having your own spreadsheet of readers and having an online database.

I use Constant Contact however there are many more that offer their services.  Do a google search and find the one that fits into your budget. 

Yes it is time consuming, but once you have it in place you can send new readers there to join and not have to worry about it.

Lessons Learned

Last year I attended two conferences that I learned a lot from.  I wanted to share with you what I learned, but life got in the way of me writing the posts.  The information I learned is something that is still informative now, so over the next few days I will be posting what I learned from each conference.

THE BUSINESS JOURNAL: The SistaSense Power Circle Webinar Series / TeleSummit for Web Women Entrepreneurs

I’m so looking forward to attending this telesummit today.  Its an all day event.  I learned so much from last years MP3s.  I didn’t attend last year, and refuse to miss this one.

If you’re a business woman online, I highly recommend you learn about Lashanda Henry.  This woman is dynamic.  I’ve learned so much about taking SORMAG to the next level from her and her products.

Pick up the MP3 for this summit.

WRITING JOURNEY: FINISHING YOUR GOALS

One of my biggest issues is finishing. I get all excited about a project then something else comes up and I'm off on that one. This month I decided I wanted to finish then move on to the next project.

I’m currently working on a manuscript and I’m doing the final read through before I hand it over to my beta reader. I’ve let everything get in front of it and before I knew it, January was over and I’m now into February.

The other day I read a post from Michael Hyatt who wrote about prioritizing your to do list. He offers some good advice that I used last week and it really helped me see what I need to do first and what I could work on later.

First you write down your to do list, then you go down the list and mark it with the following.

A – Urgent and Important
B – Important Not Urgent
C- Urgent not Important
D – Not urgent or important

This helped me a lot to see where I was messing around with and what I seriously needed to tackle. I thought I’d share it with you.

Do you have a system that works for you on completing your goals for the day?

Dealing With Grief Part 4

Grief Never Ends

Did you know there is no deadline on grief?  Yes it will get a little easier each day, but from everyone I’ve talked to, the grief is still there, five, ten, twenty even fifty years later.

It kind of makes me feel ok to know that my grief is fine.  Some days I get out of bed and I’m fine.  I think a happy thought about my mother and I keep on stepping.  Today wasn’t one of those days.  I got in the car and I thought about her and the tears began to flow.  I welcomed them because I hadn’t cried in a few weeks.  I thought I was doing good. 

I missed her today.  I wanted to call her up and hear her voice.  I think that’s the hardest part about her being gone.  When I was in the Navy my first time away from home, I would save up my money so I could call home.  I was in Guam before cell phones.  You had to pay for long distance calls.  I couldn’t wait until Saturday morning when I’d call home and hear my mama’s voice.  Then I’d know everything would be alright.

There’s just something about your mother’s voice to let you know, life isn’t so bad.  I miss that tone.  I miss our catching up with each other.  I miss our sharing gossip and her telling me what she bought on QVC.

I know it will get a little easier, but I still miss our conversations.

It’s Ok to feel like this some days.  It took me a minute to realize this.  I wanted to get over these feelings and move on.  That’s how I handle things.  I don’t let stuff keep me down.  I try to stay positive. 

Grief isn’t like that.  You can remain positive, but you also have to deal with the grief.  You have to let it out or it will consume you. You’ll find yourself on the couch and never moving.

No it doesn’t end, but you can live with it.  I do it everyday and I will continue to do it because I loved my mother and I know she’d want me to continue enjoying my life.  So today I’m going to think happy thoughts and get through my grief.

What do you miss about your love ones?

I did a series on grief.  If you’re going through it right now please read.  I hope it gives you some comfort.

http://lashaunda.blogspot.com/2012/02/dealing-with-grief.html

THE BUSINESS JOURNEY: What’s In A Name?

When I decided to discuss my business journey I wanted to share my mistakes as well as my successes.  One of my mistakes when I started SORMAG was not having a vision.  I talked about that in a previous post. 

I never dreamed SORMAG would be online for 12 years.  I figured it would be a fun project.  I never dreamed I would make money from it or go past the first year.

If I’d known about vision I would have known to look beyond what I see right now and think about the next five – ten years.

Had I known I’d still be here. I wouldn’t have named the magazine Shades of Romance.  When I started I was about promoting multi-cultural romances.  Many of the writers I promoted moved on to writing mainstream fiction which meant I began to promote mainstream fiction.

I will admit I tried to change the name to Shades Of Reading, but my readers refuse to adopt the name, as a matter of fact, they stopped calling it Shades Of Romance and started calling it SORMAG to my disbelief.  I wanted to use the acronym SORM but sometimes you have to listen to your readers. 

My advice to you:

·         Give the name of your business serious thought.

·         Is this the  name you see for your business 5 – 10 years from now?

·         Is this the name your business can have as it advances in the future?

·         Is this the name your customers will use?

The name of your business is important and it should be created after much consideration.

My last bit of advice, if you plan on being online; make sure you secure your domain name before someone else does.  If you have a long name, like Shades Of Romance, use the acronym – sormag.com

When I created SORMAG someone had shadesofromance.com so I had to come up with something else. Thankfully sormag.com was available and was a lot easier to remember than shadesofromance.com.  Sometimes mistakes work out for the best.

What’s the name of your business?

THE FAMILY JOURNEY: Squirrel Invasion

This weekend we had a visit from a squirrel.  He came in and decided he didn’t want to leave.  Of course we didn’t want the uninvited guest.  We tried to drown him by placing a bucket of water underneath the hole he created in our ceiling.  However he outwitted us and came down without dropping into the water.

We cornered him in the kitchen and thought if we opened the side door, he’d run out.  Oh no, not this crazy squirrel, he runs into the front room and hides behind the bookcase.  We finally get him back in the kitchen.  We open the kitchen door and the side door, thinking this time we got him, he’ll run outside.  The kids and I are ready to get him out.  We get him to run and we think he’s run out the side door.  We go outside and there’s a squirrel in the front tree.  We think it’s him.  We cheer, yeah! Thinking we got him out the house.

Two hours later, my daughter, says, “I think the squirrel is still here.” Sure enough he’s behind the bookcase again.  By this time the hubby is up and he’s ready to get the squirrel OUT.  This time we get out the leaf blower and we open the side and back door and we’re ready.  I get the squirrel to run toward the kitchen, but this time he hides in the hallway, refusing to move.

The kids close off the front room with a blanket and I poke at the squirrel with a stick to get him moving.  The hubby uses the leaf blower to blow him toward the side door and finally we’re able to get the crazy squirrel out of our house.  You’d thought we’d won the super bowl the way were yelling and cheering.

We’re praying that’s the last squirrel we have to deal with in our home.

Have you ever been invaded by an outside animal?

THE FAMILY JOURNEY: Meal Planning

I’m not great at meal planning.  It is probably one of the things I hate doing as a mom.  Not because I don’t like to cook, but because I have four picky eaters and it’s hard to try something new with them.

I like trying out new things, unfortunately I live with four other people who aren’t into new.  They want the same thing, which drives me crazy.

This week I’m taking a meal planning challenge.  You can join me if you like.

What are you going to Eat & Meal Planning Calendar Kathi Lipp

www.kathilipp.com

Here’s My menu for this week.

Monday – Spaghetti

Tuesday – Crock Pot barbeque chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans

Wednesday – Taco

Thursday – breakfast food

Friday – Tilapia, fried potatoes, corn

Do you plan your menu for the week or month?  Can you offer me some tips for picky eaters?

THE BUSINESS JOURNEY - Vision

January is usually the month new businesses get started.  I thought I shared a few tips with those interested in starting their own business.

When I started SORMAG I honestly didn’t think of it as a business.  It was my way to say thanks to the many authors I enjoyed.  I thought it would be something fun to do for a little while.  I never dreamed it would grow into something wonderful or that I could make money from it.

So I’ll begin with my first tip:

VISION

Before you began your business, have a vision for what you want, what you want to achieve and what you want to do with your business.

This is very important because if you plan on being in this for the long haul you need to know where you’re going.

As I admitted before I didn’t have a clue where I wanted to take SORMAG, I just winged it.  Something I don’t think anyone should do going in.  Its hard not knowing where you want to go or what you want to do with your business if you don’t have a vision.

I highly recommend you dream big.  Imagine the wildest and make it happen.  I’m learning to let my imagination flow because I want only the best for SORMAG.

Here a few links to help you with your vision statement:

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/businessplanning/a/writevision.htm

http://internetindependence.com/your-vision

Are you thinking about starting a business this year?  Do you have a business, tell us about it?

P.S.  I wanted to share a link to a conference I've been attending this week.  Some excellent advice about driving your business.  It ends Monday, but there is still time to check out what you missed - www.SolopreneurSurvivalSummit.com.

Me Journey - Reading goals for 2012

Since I received my kindle last year, I’ve downloaded tons of books but I haven’t had a chance to read them.

This year I want to make a dent in those books.

Last year I started a Kindle Bookclub.  We pick a different book to read on the kindle.  This year I moved the books up to two because some of the members love to read, so two books are nothing to them.

I would like to read two fiction books a month and one non fiction.  Most of the non-fiction will probably be writing related.

I’m sure if possible I’ll read more but that’s the goal I’m working with this year.

What’s your reading goal for the year?

Natural Hair Journey - Know What Type Of Hair You Have

My first mistake was thinking I would get a curly look like the curl I use to wear in the 80/90s.  I wanted those Shirley temple curls flowing down my back.  If I’d thought back to when my mother use to press and curl my hair, there was never any Shirley Temple curls to begin with.  Why did it take me two years to realize this.  OK I wanted to live in lala with my curly Qs in hair.

Learning the type of hair I have really made me understand it more.  I’m a type 4 which means for me to get the curls I want I have to manipulate my hair.  I have to twist/braid it or pin it to get waves or curls.

I’m ok with that because I now know I will never have the Shirley Temple look naturally but I can achieve it with rods and a long wait und the hair dryer.

Four years later I’m still learning my hair, but I’m not fighting it like I use to.  Now I listen to what my hair needs.  It tells me when its too dry. My scalp is super itchy.  It tells me when it needs moisture it looks dull. 

I still have my bad hair good hair days.  I know with hair you will always have those days.  However I’m learning to deal more with the bad hair days.  Those are the days I rock those cute earrings, so I can feel cute with my ugly hair.

Do you know your hair type?  Here's a link if you don't.

The Writing Journey - Is It Ever Finished

On one my writing groups the question was asked When do you know when it is finished?

I have to admit, this was my problem for years. I didn’t know when the manuscript was finished.  I’d re-edit and re-edit.

I learned that my fear of rejection kept me from sending it out, so I never could find out if it was finished or if it was on its way to finish.

Now I’m moving forward and giving myself deadlines, which helped me a lot.  I’ve wrote other books instead of just working on one book for years.  I didn’t want to be a one book writer.

I’ve learned that the book is never finished, there is always room for improvement, however you have to let go.  Let someone else read it, take in their suggestions and then send it out.

When do you know your book is finished?

The Writing Journey – FINISHED MY GOAL

I completed my 2011 writing goal January 6^th.   I wanted to finish editing my manuscript so I could send it to a beta reader.  My goal for December was to finish the read thru.  A week later I was done and pleased with the story.  I saw few things I wanted to correct, but over all I thought it turned out to be a good story.  Here’s hoping the reader feels the same way.

Natural Hair Journey - Stick To Your Budget

If you’re thinking about going natural because you think it’s inexpensive, think again.

When I started this journey, I figured I would drop the stylist bill off my monthly budget.  NOT.  I still go to a stylist every now and then. 

I was like everyone else when I started this journey, a product junkie trying to figure out what works in my hair and what didn’t.

I was trying every product my friends or natural websites suggested.  I went from the most expensive to the least expensive.  I had stuff I used one time because it made my hair hard.  I don’t like the hard hair.

I paid for stuff that promised wavy curls and all I got was goopy hair.  I know I came off a few hundreds before I realized that I needed to listen to my hair and not what others said.

This year I've decided to share more about my natural hair journey in hope I can ease your pain if you're trying this new path and hopefully be an encourager in your journey.

My advice for anyone going natural before you start trying every product, listen to your hair. 

1. Know what type of hair you have.

2. Know what you want your hair to do.

3. Know what your hair looks like happy.

Each Monday I will talk about my journey.  Stop by and share with me.


Did you stick to your budget or go overboard like me?

Favorite Books For 2011

I enjoyed a lot of books this year, so it was really hard to narrow them down to my top ten.  I decided to go with the ones that I talked about the most and stayed in my head the longest.  To me that’s what make a good book, you’re thinking about the characters later.   Most of these aren’t Christian fiction just in case you’re wondering.  I read all over. They are also are not in any type of order.

Something Old, Something New by Beverly Jenkins

Wading Home by Rosalyn Story

Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins

Zen Cooper Woman – Child Ghetto Genius by Angelia Vernon Menchan

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Delilah by Shelia Goss

A Good Excuse To Be Bad by Miranda Parker

Heart Revealed, A: A Novel (Winds of Change) by Julie Lessman

The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 1: The Witnesses: A Novel by Sharon Ewell Foster

Never Dead by Jumata Emill Jones

Revisiting Goals For 2011

At this time of the year I try to revisit my goals for the year. I had high hopes for this year. I had a book I was working on and two books I wanted to complete. I thought I would be attending the ACFW writer conference for the first time, and presenting at conference.

It’s good to have goals because you have some sort of road map to move you forward.

Life was wild this year, but I did a lot more writing than I expected. I did two challenges this year. One was the Bible in 90 days and A Novel in 30 days. Both pushed me to my highest limits. I finished one and didn't finish the other.

I'm glad I did both challenges. I always wanted to read the whole bible but I would get half way through and stop. This challenge let me read small chunks of the bible until I finished it. I will admit it was a hard challenge because it made me realize that I needed to make time for my bible reading, something I had a hard time doing. I'm still working on it, but I'm getting better at it.

The Novel in 30 days was an amazing challenge because I honestly didn't think I could write 50,000 words in 30 days. I'd never committed myself to writing that much or on a daily basis. I usually write when the muse hits. I have that luxury because I don't have a deadline hanging over my head.

I finished the challenge with 35,000 words to add to my WIP which was fantastic because I was on my way to completing one of my goals for the year.

Before I started this post I went in search of my goals post and realized I didn’t write one for this year. I did write my goals in my journal I keep.

2011 GOALS

Complete Purple Kids
Final edit Trust/Wait
Blog (2 times a Week)
Column (2 times a month)
Attend the ACFW Conference
Attend the Write The Plan Conference

I believe I completed Purple Kids when I finished the Novel in 30 days challenge. I’m still working on the edits for Wait and Trust but I believe they will be done by the end of the year.

I didn’t write in my blog the way I wanted but I’m getting better at it. I learned that I need to pick a day and write my posts instead of just writing when I feel like it. I found Sunday evening works for me, so I’ll use that day in the future.

I completed my column goal which helped me create what I hope will turn into an eBook, How to create an online marketing plan.

I didn’t attend either conferences, one due to my budget and the other one was cancelled. However I did attend two amazing conferences. The Fall Into Literacy conference held here in St. Louis in September. I learned so much and look forward to next year’s conference. I might even present a workshop. Need to come up with an idea.

I also attended the Show Me The Blog –Social Media and Blogging conference in October. It also was held in St. Louis. I learned a lot about blogging and I will be attending this conference again next year. I definitely will be getting my ideas together for this to be one of its presenters.

I do believe this year my writing started on a new path. Now that I’m able to see the vision for my writing, I’m no longer stumbling on my path. I have a course I’ve set for myself and I look forward to seeing what’s down this new path.

Did you complete your goals for 2011?

Lessons Learned This Year – 2011

You Don’t Have To Be Alone

I started the critique group last year and we continued this year.  I looked forward to our monthly meetings.  Sharing our writing, writing successes and failures helped me a lot.  I also found a community online when I attended an online writing course.  We posted daily our writing goals and encouraged one another.

I also have a new writing mentor, Dr. Linda Beed, who has been a blessing to me spiritually and mentally on this writing journey.  Her weekly encouragements have helped me to complete my editing.

Writing On Schedule

The Novel in 30 days taught me about writing on a schedule and knowing how much I can write if I have to.  When I set a scheduled time, I write and don’t let anything interrupt me.  I found that I can write for an hour and write about 1500 words.  That’s not bad for an hour.

Know Your Budget

I was excited to know the ACFW conference was coming to St. Louis and I really wanted to attend.  However when the date started to get closer and I had to make a decision.  I had to sit down and look at my budget and think about if attending the conference was a good idea.  I hated to admit it, but at the time it wasn’t.  My budget had taken a major hit with my mother’s death and other family emergencies, I had to let that goal go.

I learned that when I’m planning my schedule for next year to look at the costs of each event. What will I get out each event and to also look locally.  I was able to attend two conferences this year and the prices were very reasonable. I was able to do a lot of networking, which was worth the admission.

I also attended an online writing course on plotting and character building.  I learned so much in that course, it helped me be prepared to accept the challenge of the Novel in a Month.  This was a free course and I hope next year to find a few more courses to attend.

You’re Never Prepared For Death

I started the year out with a mother and I’m finding it very hard to know I will end this year without my mother.  I don’t care how sick someone is, you’re never ready for them to die.  It is probably the hardest thing you have to handle in your life time.  I can honestly say after my mother died, I think I went into a cocoon.  I was living on the outside but inside I was growing in ways I never knew I could.  Her death taught me not to take life for granted and to stop talking about what you want to do and do it.  My mother use to tell me that all the time, but I wasn’t willing to come out of my comfort zone.  My biggest regret is that she’ll never see my published books.  I know it will happen mainly because of her loyal support.  She saw my books before I did.  So in her honor I will make sure I get to see them too.

I also lost a writer friend this year, Leslie Esdaile or L.A. Banks.  I was still grieving over my mother when I learned of her death.  It hit me hard too.  She was an amazing writer who supported SORMAG since day one.  She is the reason we were mentioned in Essence Magazine.  It hurts my heart to know she will no longer grace the earth.  However her legacy to me is to follow your dream and write your butt off.  Leslie wrote in different genres and she made it work.  She inspired me to branch off into something new.  I’m so glad I did.  I am truly blessed to have known Leslie.

These are a few of my lessons I’ve learned over the year.  If you’ve been reading my blog you’ve seen a few more.  If this is your first visit, take a moment to read some older posts. I shared a few other lessons.

What lessons have you learned this year?

Seeing the Vision

I wrote my first book at the age of 16.  I wanted to be the Black Jackie Collins.  I didn’t have a clue.  I dreamed of being a best selling author, but asking me how many people read my book?  My mother and her bestfriend, who took my hand written story and typed it up.  She couldn’t believe a 16 year old could write a hot romance.  What did I know about love.

I worked on that book for years.  Then I joined the Navy and created another story that I worked on for years.  I began to learn the craft and I submitted my story but at the time they weren’t taking African-American stories, so I continued to work on it.

As I look back over the years of my writing, I realized that I never had the real vision of a published book.  It was cool to say I was writing, but I wasn’t submitting, so there was no hope of seeing it published.

I think I’ve talked about fear a lot here and how I’ve let it take over me.  In October I attended a blogging conference and I will say it opened my eyes to a lot of things.  I had a discussion with someone and we discussed seeing the vision.

For the first time I could see my vision with my writing.  I know where I want to go with my writing and I know what genres I want to write.  I can see the books with my name on them and I can see the readers taking them off the shelves to purchase.

I like knowing where I’m going.  Believe me being out there not having a vision is hard path to go.  I don’t recommend it for anyone.  Take time in 2012 to see what your vision is for your writing.

Do you have a vision for your writing?

How To Have A Successful NANOWRIMO

Do you plan on participating in the NANOWRIMO for 2012? I’d like to offer a few tips to help you have a successful NANOWRIMO.


SET REALISTIC DAILY WORD COUNT - If you write 1500 words a day don’t set a 3000 word goal and stress yourself out trying to reach it. All you’ll end up doing is shutting down and not completing your goal.

PLOT OUT YOUR BOOK – I recommend you do this before you start the NANOWRIMO, maybe a month before. It’s nice to know where your story is going and you won't get stuck trying to figure out your plot as you write.

LISTEN TO YOUR CHARACTERS – I plotted out the story, but my characters decided to go a different way. Instead of trying to stay true to the plot, I let the words flow and was surprised by how the story developed. Sometimes the characters know best.

LIFE HAPPENS – Life still goes on as you write, so be prepared for emergencies or happy events. If you have the time, write extra words, because there will be some days you might not feel like writing or something happens that prevents you from writing. You’ll have those extra words to help move you forward and you won’t be so behind on your writing goal.

HAVE FUN – If you’re not enjoying the writing, you won’t meet your goals. It will feel like you’re forcing yourself to write. This won’t help your story and you’ll probably end up dropping out. Have fun with it; let your imagination go free.

REWARD YOURSELF - One of the things I looked forward to was my reward for my commitment.  I had two rewards for myself. One if I completed the 50,000 and one if I finished the 30 days.  I saved a copy of Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins as my reward for staying the course of the NANO.  The 50,000 reward will be saved for another goal.

These are just a few tips I learned in my journey last month.   Hopefully they will help you on your journey.

Please share what you learned or share a recommendation to help others make their 2012 goals.

I DID NOT WIN - NANOWRIMO 2011

I signed up for the NANOWRIMO in hope of adding more words to my young adult WIP. If I made the 50,000 goal that would be fantastic, but I wanted to commit myself to writing everyday.

No I didn’t win this year, I finished with 35,000 words. I’m excited about those words, because it moved my story from 26,000 to 61,000 words. I think that’s great.

I want to share a few things I learned last month.

LIFE DOESN”T STOP - If you expect this, do not sign up for NANOWRIMO. Life doesn’t stop. Sometimes it throws you a few curve balls. Mine were a few tough ones. My God son was shot and was in intensive care (he is still in intensive care) my grandmother died. Yes some serious stuff.  I honestly had a few days that I didn’t want to look at the computer screen or think about my story. I felt bad about this but I realized you can’t force the muse.

WRITE EVERYDAY – Even if you write a 100 words, you’ve added to your goal. I tried to write something everyday even on the bad days I found myself writing something. I might not have met my daily goal, but I wrote something.

DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP – The goal of NANOWRIMO is to write. If you don’t write everyday this might seem foreign to you, but you have to get out of your comfort zone and write. Don’t worry about if the words are perfect or make sense, write. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t make your goal move forward to the next day and write. You might surprise yourself and exceed your goal.

WEEKENDS ARE HARD – I found the weekends were my hardest time to write because I normally wrote on my lunch break and at night. On the weekends, life takes over and it was so hard to get time to myself to write. Sometimes I could get up early and write, but with a teenager in the house, that was rare.

MOTIVATION – I highly recommend joining a group or do NANOWRIMO with a friend you can check in with daily.  This so helped me to stay motivated and not give up. I loved reading how well they were doing in reaching their goals. It helped motivate me to continue writing.

I want to say that I’m glad I did NANOWRIMO this year.  It helped motivate me to finish the story I was working on.  It introduced me to some amazing writers who I look forward to reading their books one day.  It showed me that I can commit to this writing and reach my goals. 

Stop by Thursday and I will share my recommendations for a successful NANOWRIMO.

Did you WIN this year? Share your experiences in NANOWRIMO.