Tuesday Monday Meeting, Bouncing off Clouds

Happy Tuesday everyone!

This week I'm learning if I can actually juggle revisions with drafting projects. How do you guys divide your time with writing? I admit that I really do get tunnel vision, which is probably good. But it makes it hard to work on more than on thing at a time.

But, I'm really enjoying where I am in my revisions, and continuing to plug ahead. So, my goals are to  work on more than one project this week. And, in celebration of all the snow we've gotten, and the snow that is supposed to arrive each and every day this week, here is a beautiful folksy song by Dar Williams--February.



And, in case you need something a little more upbeat to start your day, here's Tori Amos, Bouncing off Clouds.



See what she does with the piano there? That's how I'm playing my Works-In-Progress today. Simultaneously. How's your writing week going? Do you have goals? Lay 'em on me!

Friday Feature: Journeys Toward Publication and Beyond: S. Kyle Davis

Welcome everyone! Thanks for trudging through the snow today to make it to my blog. Feel free to dump your snow gear at the door, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and make yourselves at home. And give a warm welcome to S. Kyle Davis.

I have had the pleasure of reading Kyle's current manuscript, and I'm extremely impressed, not only for the fast pace of action and engaging characters, but for his ability to revise. He does a beautiful job. And I'm beginning to think that is the key to it all! He has a ton of wonderful things going on at his blog, so go over and check him out. In fact, today, he'll be tearing apart my query, redline style. Isn't that fun?! He has a very professional website as well. Make sure to head over and check them out!

Kyle, thanks so much for being here!

Thanks, Heather for the opportunity! This is fun!

So, Kyle, tell us a little about yourself.

First and foremost, I'm a husband to my biggest supporter, Wendy. I'm also Dada to Finley and Rowynn. I'm a Christian. I'm a graphics designer. I'm a technical expert. I'm an armchair literary scholar with an MA in English. I'm a foracious "reader" who listens to audiobooks instead of reading them (because of my dyslexia and ADHD). I'm an author.

You wear a lot of hats, Kyle. What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a YA Fantasy Thriller called BLACKBIRD. It's part fantasy, part spy novel, and part cyber punk fun. Sort of Artemis Fowl for the older paranormal/urban fantasy reader.

That's a great description Kyle. And I have to say, that I love BLACKBIRD. What made you start to write seriously?

Well, I actually came at writing first as a musician. I was a songwriter, and loved writing the lyrics to the songs most of all (even if they were really confusing). Lyrics morphed into poetry, which morphed into screenwriting, which morphed into novel writing. When I started working on BLACKBIRD (though with a different title back then), I knew I was on to something good, and started thinking seriously of seeking publication.

You've done a bit of everything. I think that is an excellent idea for a writer. Kyle, what stage are you in, currently, in your journey toward publication? And--how is that going for you? Has anything surprised you about this stage?

I finished my first draft in January of 2009. I'd "revised" as I went, and knew I didn't need to do much to it before I'd get representation requests piling in. Sure, it was a little long, but hey.

The truth? I needed to do a LOT to it. Like a LOT LOT LOT. Oh, and it wasn't a little long. It was 202,000 freaking words!!! That's like... nearly three books! If only I could chop it up!

Finally, I realized how much work I really needed to do on it, and that it wasn't ready. I stopped sending queries out and focused on perfecting my book. So, I'm back in the revising stage and hoping that I'll be "really" ready this time. My goal is to be done before DFWcon in late February. It's going well, but I didn't have any real idea just how much work (read: PLANNING) goes into making a book publication ready.

That is a realization I've come to as well. It's a ton of work! Now, if you had to pick one favorite blog, what would it be?

Yours, DUH! Well, other than the obvious suck-up answer, I'll say Holly Blodger's blog. It's a great resource for writers, and she's always putting up writer's craft tips that I find extremely helpful.

Very cool. And thanks for the sweet sucking up. That gets you many points. :) What is a favorite blog post that you have written?

Well, I have two series (serieses? seri?) I'm pretty proud of, one called "Becoming a Slush Pile Hero" and the other called "Writing that Stellar Novel." People can find them on the right side of my blog. Probably my favorite post, though, is the first one from the "Stellar Novel" series. It's called "The Balancing Act," and it talks about the importance of balancing all the main plot elements in a novel (action, drama, suspence, humor, and romance). I believe that successful commercial fiction should have a balance of most--if not all--of these elements.

What online resource have you found most helpful?

Casey McCormick's Literary Rambles blog, definitely. Her "Agent Spotlight" series is awesome. If you write kidlit, you should follow it. Go do it. Now.

I agree. Casey's blog is wonderful. Kyle, tell us about your biggest trial in writing?

Knowing when it's done. I read it. I think I like it. Turns out it sucks. I fix it. I read it. I like it. Turns out it sucks, but a little less than last time. It's a bit of an endless cycle.

Oh, that hits a chord. So, what tricks have you acquired to make you write or create when you don't feel up to writing?

Have a reserve novel. One without a deadline. Maybe even one you don't plan on ever publishing. Something for you. Something fun. Work on that when you need a break.

Kyle, I love that advice! Do you have a writing schedule? Are you an everyday writer?

I try to write every weekday from 7 to 8 in the morning. Then, I get ready and go to work. Having a routine like that helps keep me motivated and keeps the novel fresh in my mind, without having so much writing in a day that I get burned out.

That's a great system. Tell us about a book that has impacted your writing life.

This is kind of a lame answer, but I think every book impacts my writing life in a different way, because I always search for that one thing the author does really well. Some writers find themselves picking apart novels, finding all the things they'd do differently. This is my way of combating that, and it helps, because there's always something awesome about every one. Take M.T. Anderson. LOVE his voice writing. Some of the best prose in YA in recent history, and Anderson himself is so transparent. The main character comes through without Anderson coloring it. It's incredible. There are things I don't like about Anderson's books, but that's one thing I love, love, love. I try to find that in each novel I read.

What is your practical goal with your writing? Do you have a reach-for-the-stars goal that you would like to share?

I "just" want to be published by a major publishing house (can you say "just" to a statement like that?). Sure, I'd love to be a bestseller with a six-figure advance. I wouldn't say no to that. I'm not crazy. But I think traditional publication is an attainable goal for me if I work at it. I sometimes get lazy in my craft and need great beta readers (like you, Heather) to kick me in the butt, but if I work at it, I think (hope... pray...) I will get there.

I'm always happy to kick butt. You'll get there. :) Kyle, so far, what has been the best part of your writing experience?

The best is the writing itself. Writing is just fun. If it's not fun, why write? There are a lot better things to do with your time. Other than that, I've enjoyed meeting all the cool people. Like you. ;-)

Aww, sweet! Thanks Kyle. I feel the same way. If you could create the perfect place for you to write in, what would it look like?

Probably like any one of these.

Oh, me too! That closet is too cute.

If you could be a character in a book, and live within their world, what character would you be?

I don't think I'd want to "be" another character. I guess I'm too narcissistic for that! Ha! As far as world, though, I'd have to go with Harry Potter. I'd love to be a wizard and go to Hogwarts (or the US equivalent). Or my own world from BLACKBIRD. I don't know that I'd want to go to spy school like Taylor, but I think I'd enjoy studying magical theoretics at Salem Prep.

What other distractions are in your life?

Well, my wife and kids aren't "distractions," per se, but they're the thing I spend most of my time on. I love them all to death, and they make writing worth it.

I love that Kyle! And, just because I'm curious, coffee or tea?

Coffee with two hazelnut creamers and a packet of hot cocoa (the "add water" variety, not the "add milk" variety so the water in the coffee will blend with the powdered milk). It's a recipe I do every morning with my Eeyore mug (reads: "Good Morning. If it is a good morning... which I doubt.").

I love adding hot cocoa to my coffee as well!  Thanks Kyle. It's really great to get to know you!

Thanks again, Heather!

So, everyone, give Kyle a bit of love here in the comments. He'll stop by to answer questions. And then make sure to go visit his blog, and check out all the wonderful features. 

And, please feel free to crit my query over there. I'm trying a new version--you'll have to let me know which parts work. Thanks, everyone!

The Cat Ate My Manuscript

Things My Cat Ate Today:

1. A sticker. Cowgirl had given me a kitten sticker, and I had stuck it on my laptop. I thought it was cute that Pip the kitten was playing with the kitten sticker (you know, instead of playing with MY KEYBOARD). And then she ATE it.

2. The bottom of the treat bag. My sister-in-law had sweetly gotten some kitty treats for all the cats. Pip wasn't into sharing. She ate the bottom of the bag, and then ate all the treats.

3. A piece of glittery boa. For the love of Pete.

4. Old Grey Cat's food.

Growling to scare away Old Grey Cat.

She then dug the can out of the recycling to finish it off.

Poor OGC. I had to sequester her and her food so that she could eat.

5. The corner of the book I was reading. !!!!

6. Various pieces of mail on the counter.

7. And the pièce de résistance? My revisions. Pip tore them to shreds:

Literally. What a menace. I hope your crit partners are more kind. 

Right now, Pip is definitely cutest when she sleeps:

Evidently, my animals are more like small children right now. Have any menaces to share?

Stop by tomorrow for a fabulous Friday Feature with S. Kyle Davis!

Tuesday Monday Meeting, The Most Segregated Hour In America

Happy belated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, everyone!

The Sunday before MLK Jr. Day hosts my favorite church service of the year. I know, it should be Easter. Or even Christmas. It's not.

Martin Luther King said that the most segregated hour of the week in the United States is on Sunday:

We must face the fact that in America, the church is still the most segregated major institution in America. At 11:00 on Sunday morning when we stand and sing and Christ has no east or west, we stand at the most segregated hour in this nation. This is tragic. Nobody of honesty can overlook this. Now, I'm sure that if the church had taken a stronger stand all along, we wouldn't have many of the problems that we have. The first way that the church can repent, the first way that it can move out into the arena of social reform is to remove the yoke of segregation from its own body.

The church to which I belong employs gay ministers, has a sister synagogue, and a partnership with an African Methodist Episcopal church--which was where I was grooving this past Sunday. Can I get an Amen?

We make it a point to make sure that in that hour, on that day, our two churches are least segregated.

This past Sunday, I greeted friends that I rarely see, rocked out to an extremely moving (literally, and emotionally) church service, and understood that just by being there--just by carrying this day in my heart--I was doing something.

Not that it is enough.

How do you celebrate?

On the writing side of things, I am plunging through revisions, and attempting to make a lot of headway this week.  Has anyone tried yWriter? It looks like an interesting program.

With the help of an assistant, I am printing things out today, because, as much as I try to do everything on the computer, sometimes, I need to see the hard copy. Free waffles for all my assistants!

I threw in a few more dollars into the coffer this weekend--happily I might add. It is not too late to join us in our Resolution 2011, if you feel so inspired!!

What are your goals for the week?

Friday Feature: Journeys Toward Publication and Beyond: Carolina Valdez Miller

Welcome everyone, to another Friday Feature. Today, we're talking with the fabulously funny, Carolina Valdez Miller. She's warm and gracious at her blog--I dare you to go over there, check her out and not have a blast. Double dog dare you! Alright, if everyone is back, we'll begin. :)

Carolina, thanks so much for being here today, and thanks for sticking around and answering questions from my blog followers--what a treat! Tell us a little about yourself.  

I write. I read. I play house. Sugar makes me happy. Call me Carol.

Okay, Carol. :) Tell us, what are you currently working on?

Currently working on a YA UF with a bit of a soft SF feel. It’s my third YA manuscript. I’ve never been more excited about a project.

Love urban fantasy. What made you start to write seriously?

I always felt I would write novels, but I never saw myself as a “writer.” I thought I’d be an actress, actually. I won writing contests and awards, and I STILL didn’t see writer as my identity. It was just a part of me, like brown hair. Then I double majored in English (literature) and creative writing, and then in grad school, I taught writing to college students. And STILL, I didn’t know. I was shooting for college professor. I didn’t buckle down and write with the intention of publishing until I stopped writing literary fiction and switched to YA UF in the last couple years.

Sounds like you found your niche! What stage are you in, currently, in your journey toward publication? And--how is that going for you? Has anything surprised you about this stage?

I’m working on a new project while finding a home for an old one. I’ll just say I’ve had some interest from peoples. But yeah, lots of surprising things in this business, at every stage I think. But most of all, I think I’ve surprised myself. I’m a more confident writer than I realized. That’s kind of freaking awesome. 

That is freaking awesome! As is the interest in your work--I'm hoping that you will have good news for us soon! 

Your blog is wonderful, and warmly followed. If you had to pick a favorite blog, what would it be?

You naughty interviewer, asking such a question. Blogs are like ice cream. Who has a favorite? (coffee with Heath) 

Mmmm. Is it too early for ice cream? Carol--tell us about your favorite blog post that you have written.

I haven’t posted it yet. Not sure I will. But it’s called, “Aw, F@#$ Me.”

I know, right?

I'll keep my eyes peeled for that one! What online resource have you found most helpful?

Honestly, I usually keep Thesaurus.com up while I’m writing. I have a poopy memory, and I’m often wracking my brain for the word that eludes me. I can usually come up with a similar word, so I’ll look it up and check the synonyms. I always know it when I see it.

I like that tip. And laughing about your 'poopy memory'. What has been your biggest trial in writing?

OCD probably. I’m an obsessive writer. I have SuperFocus, and it’s easy for me to tune out the rest of the world and do nothing but write. I’m surprised anyone talks to me anymore. I’m trying to be better about it, though—especially after I looked up from my laptop and realized my children were a year older than I remembered.

That sounds like a very useful 'trial' to have. What tricks have you acquired to make you write or create when you don’t feel up to writing?

I don’t really have that problem…so, I don’t know. I guess my advice would be to pick up writing as an addiction, like crystal meth. My less psychotic piece of advice might be to watch movies. For some reason, that makes me REALLY, REALLY want to write. It’s like an aphrodisiac for writing. 

Another great tip. It's nice to be able to watch movies and call it research! Fun! Carol, do you have a writing schedule? Are you an everyday writer?

I write every day, if you count editing. Actually, I normally write every night. During the day, while the kids are at school, I usually try to catch up on blogging comments or other blogs or…well, okay, sometimes, I’ll write then, too. Who am I kidding? I write all the time. It’s just at night no one’s allowed to bother me. They do anyway, but delusions keep me sane.

LOL. Tell us about a book that has impacted your writing life.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. My husband read the whole LOTR series to me while I was ill. It was the first fantasy story I’d consumed, and for the first time, I realized fantasy wasn’t lame. It took me a few (lots) of years to realize I could write it, but it planted the seed.

He sounds like a sweet husband. What a wonderful inspiration. What is your practical goal with your writing? Do you have a reach-for-the-stars goal that you would like to share?

Riches. Oprah.

My reach-for-the-stars-goal involves Jared Leto. 

Carol, so far, what has been the best part of your writing experience?

Falling in love with my characters. Meeting other writers and publishing people comes a close second.

I agree--there are some wonderful kidlit people out there! If you could create the perfect place for writing, what would it look like?

I’m thinking some cabin in the woodsy mountains with my muse Jared Leto in a hot tub.

LOL. If you could be a character in a book, and live within their world, what character would you be?

I don’t think I’d want to be my characters. They’re teenagers and angst sucks. So does acne. 

What other distractions are in your life?

Blogging. Driving. Sex.

It’s hard to do while writing. 

I'll say! And, just because I’m curious, coffee or tea?

Tea. Yorkshire Gold with a splash of milk.

Thanks for having me, sweet Heather! I had a blast!

Aww, I'm blushing. You're sweet too! Thanks, Carol for the great interview--I loved hearing more about your writing life! 

Everyone, please be sure to leave a message or question for Carol in the comments--she'll stop by to answer them. And, visit her blog on your way out. She's chock full of fun and encouragement over there!  Thanks again, Carol! 

Tuesday Monday Meeting: Waiting on Snow

We're waiting on snow. I have to admit--I no longer (if I ever did) believe the newscasters. They hype up a storm, and then only a few flakes fall. Our last snow storm produced about 9 inches, when we were promised twice that. I just heard an anchorwoman say that tomorrow's snow will "rage". That it will "cripple" us. Maybe they need to revise their story. Pick their words more carefully. Seriously.

Speaking of revision--I'm finally back to it. I owe $4 for my charity over the last 10 days. When that number starting creeping up this weekend, I decided enough was enough. So yesterday, I opened up my MG work-in-revision, and realized that I hadn't actually revised since July. July! Too long. Time away was good for me, and I needed the creative breath of fresh air of starting two new novels. But really. So, I jumped in, and realized (again!) that I like this novel. I'm ploughing through eight inch snow drifts of novel.

Thanks for all the great questions and comments on Terry Lynn's Friday Feature! Terry and I consulted an unbiased third party, who proclaimed Natalie the winner of a copy of Dogsled Dreams!  Natalie's comment:

Thanks for the great interview Heather and Terry. I mostly read fantasy but I can't wait to read Terry's book. And here's why: her blog. I follow it and really encourage everyone to. She shares her amazing adventures in the Canadian wilderness. It's all stuff I would never be brave enough to experience but it's wonderful to see her gorgeous pictures and read her stories. I know her book will be another way to experience the adventure.

Good luck Terry. You answered my question about how you started out the dogsledding. And your experiences with your agent and publishing in general have been helpful. Good luck!

All the comments and questions were wonderful, as usual. It was hard to pick a winner. Natalie--email me your address, and I'll send out the book!

I'll close with a batch of inspiration, for anyone waiting on a storm, whether in writing, or real life. Check out Christine's take on Resolution 2011. How awesome is that? And, I love this idea that if it won't fit on a post-it, it won't fit in your day. And, Kris shares an inspirational video, organizes a real life get-together for writers in Massachusetts, and shares her recent delivery of a box of her books!  Congrats, Kris!

And, check out Lee Wind's amazing interview with Lois Lowry. Oh, and Casey brings to light Leigh Bardugo's amazing success story. It does happen! (Okay, not normally in 37 days!)

What are you working on this week? Are you waiting on anything?

Friday Feature: Journeys Toward Publication and Beyond: Terry Lynn Johnson is PUBLISHED

Okay, seriously, this is my favorite kind of Friday Feature. An update of the most impressive kind!  Terry Lynn Johnson's book, Dogsled Dreams, is out! Published, and awesome!

I've invited Terry back to tell us about how things are going for her, in her writing world. And, remember to leave her a question or comment here--not only will she be back to answer, but the best commenter will WIN A COPY OF DOGSLED DREAMS.  You know me--there's no such thing as a free lunch. You've got to do something to win something at Edited.

If you want to catch up on Terry's journey, here is her first Journeys Toward Publication interview, where she talks about getting her publishing deal, and here is an update, revealing that she snagged an agent. Click through--we'll wait.

Buy Dogsled Dreams

Welcome Terry! You have had a long and interesting journey to get to this point in publication. Why don't we pick up where we left off. You had landed your wonderful agent, and was in the publishing mix with Dogsled Dreams.

Tell us.  How is the process different for you, now that you have an agent?

So far, the process is a lot less stressful. My agent has ICE DOGS out right now. I can relax in the knowledge that she sends it to the best places for that story. And she knows the best TIME to send it, which I think is key. She is the advocate for the book, so I can let a professional worry about what to say about it. Also, if I have any questions, I have someone who knows the industry at my finger tips. It is very, very nice. What hasn't changed is the waiting. Well, the first couple of responses were quick. But now, we wait. And if we do get an offer, I can trust her to help with that. Really, the best part is not feeling alone in my journey.

That's the most convincing argument for having an agent that I've ever heard. Terry--what surprised you about the publication process?

I've learned from the debut group, The Elevensies, that this is true for most everyone - the fact that I'm the last to know about anything. I never knew what was going on behind the scenes. I learned some things through google alerts. It was a mysterious and murky industry before I got my book deal. And it still is. Even with an agent! Even trying to figure out Amazon sales ranking is beyond my comprehension!

Urgh. Frustrating. And great tip about google alerts. Now--about the BOOK. How much of Dogsled Dreams comes from your experiences with your own team?

Pretty much all of the adventures in the story actually happened to me. At family gatherings, I was usually the entertainment - acting out my latest misadventures with the dogs. My mother kept saying, "you should write this down!" And I finally did. The dogs in the book are all the same dogs that I owned, with the same names and personality quirks. They were very easy to write about!

It sounds inspiring. I was so exhilarated by the dogsledding passages in Dogsled Dreams, that I would love to try dogsledding. What a wonderful job you did painting that picture for your audience! Great job, Terry. What's next? What are you working on now?

I'm writng a YA canoe adventure, working title, WOLF RIDGE, that's a little slow going with all the excitement during the release of Dogsled Dreams. But I'm starting to really love it. It's just been brought to my attention - I hadn't even noticed this - that all three of my novels have beavers in them! The first one was a beaver attack (and a true story).The second one had a little about beaver trapping. The third has a few young beavers that are being cared for by a wildlife rehabilitator. I guess that's my Canadian signature.

Yay, inside scoop!  Now we know what secret stuff to watch for in your upcoming books. Terry--congrats on the wonderful book, and I can't wait to see Ice Dogs in print. I'm crossing my fingers for a quick offer!

Now, I would love it if everyone would take a moment to pop over to these three reviews of Terry's book, Dogsled Dreams, and here are some places to buy the book: in Canada, and in the U.S.

And, please make sure to leave a wonderful comment or question for Terry in the comment section, she'll be by to answer them, and the BEST comment or question will win a copy of Dogsled Dreams. Woo-hoo!! And let Terry's journey inspire you to FINISH that draft/those revisions/that query letter.  Thanks Terry, for the awesome interview, and wonderful book!

Ready, Set...Comment!

I had this other post all thought up for today, but you know.  It's blogging.  It's a whimsical thing.  Today's post will be a hodge podge, I think.

I want to point to Lee Wind and Mother Reader's Comment Challenge, which is starting this Thursday.  The idea is to comment on five kidlit blogs a day to make this community stronger.  I found some writing best friends (I'm not at all kidding) during this last year.  And there are prizes!!  I encourage you to check it out. It somehow makes the kidlit blogosphere seem like a small and cozy place.

Speaking of small and cozy places, Kris has beautifully organized an IRL get-together. You're all cordially invited to Drink (and Dessert) Night.  It will be at the Westford Grille in Westford Ma, on February 15th at 7pm.  Anyone want to fly in for it, you can stay with me. LOL.  RSVP to Kris.  And, if you know of librarians, writers, or industry kid-lit-ers, please pass on the word.

This Friday, I hope you'll stop by HERE for a chat and interview with Terry Lynn Johnson.  Her excellent book, Dogsled Dreams has just been released, and I'M GIVING AWAY A COPY to the person who leaves the best comment or question on Friday for Terry.  YAY.  Congrats Terry!

And, finally, I wanted to, you know, update you on my actual writing.  The dollar-a-day charity resolution experiment is going well.  But I have to qualify what writing is.  Monday was a brainstorming day, and didn't literally forward any of my writing.  I think that was a dollar to my charity.

Because, while brainstorming did great things for my writing this week, I could think about writing all day long, and if I don't write, I don't WRITE.

Jon (you know, one of those people I met during the Comment Challenge last year) and I are currently exploring other types of writing--picture books, short stories, screenplays, and more--as an exercise in learning, and it's been enlightening.

And, I've been writing forward on my NaNo novel, and thinking about revisions for my MG.  So, I have been writing busy.

How about you?  What are you writing/working on?  Hope to see you here Friday!

Resolution 2011: Monday Meeting

Pip watches over my writing resolution calendar.

Ah, the first Monday Meeting of 2011.  There are so many things I love about the New Year. The fresh start. The excitement of the future, which is happening RIGHT NOW. 2011!! A whole new year rolled out in front of us, waiting to be filled with whatever we want.  You know, kind of like a blank page. A blank year.

I'm resolved to fill it with more writing. Even though I've never been a big fan of resolutions.

But I am a big fan of accountability (see The Practice Room), competitive writing (see the Tour De Writing), and the writing momentum of the masses (oh, if every month could be a NaNoWriMonth or WriteOnCon!).

To kick off 2011, we're doing resolutions competitively (kinda), with accountability, and with camaraderie. Jon and I came up with a plan to actually be successful with our resolution--successful even if we fail.  Intrigued?  We invite you to join us!!

1. Pick a writing resolution.  Any writing resolution.
Mine?  To write every day.  That's it.

2. Pick a charity.  Any charity, close to your heart.
Ours?  Room to Read.  Room to Read builds LIBRARIES and gets BOOKS into the hands of impoverished children.  We have a page set up to track our donations, and you are more than welcome to be a part of our Resolution 2011 over there.  We'd love you to chose our charity if you don't already have one in mind!

3. Each and every time that you don't meet your resolution, donate to your charity.
Since I'm planning on writing every day :), I'm donating $25 to start, and will finish the year with a donation as well.  Each day that I don't write, I pledge $1 to Room to Read.

4. Blog about your resolution and charity, and check out the other writers rocking Resolution 2011:

• Jon Arntson is donating to Room to Read
• Dianne Salerni is donating to Joy2theWorld
• Marisa Hopkins is donating to First Book
• Tina Laurel Lee is donating to St. Stephens

I'll keep updating the list as people post about their wonderful goals and charities.  You can join in any time!  Please email me at hegkelly at gmail dot com with a link to your post about your Resolution 2011, or with any questions.

And please join me here on Friday for an excellent and exciting Friday Feature update about Terry Lynn Johnson's newly released book, DOGSLED DREAMS. Congrats, Terry!! I will be giving away a PRIZE too!!

Does anyone know where I put my coffee?  What are your writing resolutions?  How were your holidays? Do you have goals for this first week of January?