A New Year, A New Opportunity

One thing I appreciate about a new year is the opportunity to focus on what we want to do with our time and energy. Writers need meaningful goals.

Promoting my latest book, BUGS ON THE JOB, tops my list. Working with critique partners is another. Meeting readers is a must. Those are lofty, doable, and meaningful.

Then there’s writing, another must. I’m working on a manuscript with a so-so ending, not one I want to use. Last night or maybe early this morning I woke up, at least semi-awake, and the ending popped into my brain. Later in the day, I remembered the new ending. It works. That’s happened to me a few other times, but not often. I consider it a gift from my muse, or maybe my brain needed time to process the information. Either way, I’m thankful.

The world of writing is filled with many opportunities to make us thankful. A book contract is exciting, but little things we encounter on the up-this-hill-and-down journey sustain us. Kind words from a critique partner or editor, a fan who wants another book, hearing a phrase that’s inspiring, writing a page or more of a manuscript….

What is on your thankful list?

 

Here's a fun activity for writers of all ages:

Writing activity

New Bug on the Loose

You are a bug detective and have just discovered a bug no one has ever seen. Your job is to give it a name and describe it. Also, draw a picture to show the world your discovery.

Bug Name:

Describe the bug’s appearance.

Where does it live? (Example: in wood, underground, in trees)

What does it eat?

How does it hunt?

Draw a picture of the bug.

         A week ago, I attended the Kentucky Book Fair. After months of isolation, I was a 

bird finding my wings. This was a day of sharing on so many levels.

          Talking with other authors gave me the chance to learn what they’d been writing and discuss my upcoming books. Forging professional relationships with authors is instrumental in developing a career. Fun, too. Viewing their extensive collection of books juiced up my creative flow. Now I’m ready to tackle my next manuscript with vigor. How’s that for a win-win!

          I met friends I hadn’t seen in a couple of years, longer for some, and filled the time chatting, laughing, reminiscing. How’s that for a treat!

          Making new friends and meeting fans is another opportunity offered by a book fair. We instantly connect through a common bond: the love of books. How’s that for a slice of happiness!

          Here’s a win-win writing treat that’ll make your words happy.

Each student will write one “What if” question on a strip of paper.

Examples: What if my cat could talk? What if people could read my mind?

Students will fold each question and place it in a bowl.

Each student picks a question out of the hat and writes about the topic.         

Note: I’m using the word “student” loosely in this context. Students of writing come in all age groups. This activity works equally well in a writer’s group.

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 50 children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY. Check out her blog at www.nancykellyallen.com

BUGS ON THE JOB, Nancy’s latest picture book will be available in January 2022.