I really struggled with what to say for this first post of the New Year, meaning I’ve sat here, writing, deleting, writing, deleting. What to say? How to encourage?
Oh, the pressure, the pressure.
So I decided to tell a story.
Years ago, I worked for my church as the Children’s Ministry Director. It was my first year. My goals were small. Running a big outreach kind of ministry was but a speck in the distance.
The pastor’s wife suggested Vacation Bible School.
So I directed my first and only VBS.
I put in my hours researching and chose what to this day I still consider the best VBS curriculum available.
I planned. I organized. I joined forums. I learned shortcuts.
I signed volunteers. I delegated as much as I could but did most of the work myself.
Let me tell you, I put on an incredible VBS. I memorized all the songs and the actions. I bought materials. I took pictures and created a slideshow.
I was exhausted. But I did it right.
I learned a lot from that experience. Life lessons that carry over to today. (The biggest one being – when to say no.)
Many things will change for me in 2012. Good things. Terrific things. Scary and inspiring things.
I’m researching. I’m planning. I’m organizing.
I will be self publishing this year. My YA novel. (Some of you already knew this.)
And I’ve never been so inspired.
Going back to my VBS experience, I thrive on a challenge and organizing. I thrive on doing something the right way. I thrive on learning.
It’s been a whirlwind. Taking new author photos. Accepting an invite to a new indie and self-published author blog – The Indelibles – to launch in January.
And writing a short story from the pov of my male lead for an anthology.
IN HIS EYES will release on February 14th. A bunch of fantastic writers all sharing a piece of their stories with you. Check it out on Goodreads.
I hope you find your mojo this year. Your inspiration. Your goals. Whether succeed or fail – even failure is success if we learn and keep forging ahead.
I invite you on this crazy journey with me because I know I can’t do it alone.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I’m choosing my next Plot Busters novel. Middle grade, I think. Commercial. Funny. You’ll have to wait until next Monday!
Hi Laura. Awesome post and I really am looking forward to its release.Happy New Year!
I’m so excited for you, Laura! How exciting that you’re going to publish!! And I love the new picture.
How exciting, Laura! I’ll be following along to see where your journey takes you. I love the insights you share about what you learn.
Thanks. It really will be a bit of a roller coaster ride this year, but an exciting one!
What great advice!! Good luck on self-publishing, Laura, I’m sure you’ll do an excellent job. Best wishes for 2012.
Picture is gorgeous. Love, LOVE that you’re part of the Indelibles (with me!). But mostly, I’m so excited for you to be on this journey to publication!!
2012 is going to be an awesome year. 🙂
Valentine’s Day! Good choice. And two weeks before my next book.
Learn to say no – I think about that at church sometimes when people volunteer for things they didn’t want to do and then sport a bad attitude about it. Just say no, folks. God can’t use you if you do it in the wrong spirit.
it’s an exciting time for you! And I love the new picture!
As for finding inspiration, hmm… I don’t know. I guess just thinking about what I’d rather be doing or what would make me happier. And then realizing the answer is, “Nothing.” 😀
Here’s to a fantastic, successful 2012!
Congratulations Laura! How exciting! I wish you all the best with this journey. I am sure it will be fabulous! 🙂
Best truth I’ve read all day: “even failure is success if we learn and keep forging ahead.”
Mojo! I’ve always loved that word.
~ Wendy
I can’t WAIT to buy your book! You’ve been such an inspiration to others as well as for me when it comes to plotting the best book possible. I’m so excited for you!
I am very excited for you! I am sure all of your research/organization will be put to good use!
Happy 2012.
Shelley
Good luck with your new book! You sound so motivated and so inspirational… happy new year to you and yours.
I find inspiration in the simple things – a sunset, a smile, a corny line in a movie…
It’s usually right there in front of me and I’m struck.
Happy New Year, Laura! Best wishes on you novel. I look forward to it.
Good for you for taking the plunge, Laura. I know you’ll rock it! And yes, knowing when to say no is still a lesson I’m learning. 🙂
Sounds like your well prepared for the road ahead of you. Good luck with it, I’ll be eagerly watching your progress.
Woo Woo! Congrats, Laura…wondered what the great new pic was all about.
Already checked out the new blog 🙂
Go, you!
Congrats, Laura. I can’t wait to read your book and see what 2012 holds for you!
Becca @ The Bookshelf Muse
Thanks everyone! I don’t know about being fully prepared. Can we ever be prepared for something we’ve never done? Either way, I’ll learn a lot I’m sure.
I love that when you do something, you do it well. That is a quality I really admire in others, and one that I try to have myself.
Good luck with everything you have going this year – can’t wait to see how it all works out!
I know you are going to have great success in 2012. Best wishes and fingers crossed for you!
Happy New Year, Laura!! Wow, congrats to you on self pubbing, and your new blog! Sounds like this year will be pretty amazing for you! Good luck!!
Laura!! AWESOME!! I always find it so interesting when people take this plunge. Let me know how I can support you and your book!! 🙂
Congratulations! I had no idea. That’s fantastic news. All the best to you.
Thanks everyone! I’ll keep you all updated on the journey!
Congratulations, Laura!
I have to tell you that your blog has been a great source of inspiration (and information) for me. Whenever I get a notification that you’ve posted a new blog entry, I’m quick to pop on over here to see what you have to say. Thanks for that!
I also find inspiration in reading really great books. If I finish a book thinking, “Wow, that was fantastic!” it makes me want to be a better writer and, more importantly, to keep soldiering on.
Happy 2012!
I have so many good memories of Vacation Bible School — loved it! 🙂
You are gearing up for an exciting year — best of luck to you!
You know how much I love your Plot Buster series so I’m looking forward to your post.
I’m looking forward to working with you this year and learning more about your books.
Hey! New picture for you too? Looking good.
Happy New Year, Laura!
Congratulations Laura! I’m looking forward to the release. Love the new picture.
I look forward to hearing about your self-publishing journey! How exciting. Encouragement is a big part of keeping me inspired.
Wow, Laura! What exciting news. I can’t wait to read your short story and your novel. And your new picture is fabulous, though I didn’t recognize you at first on Twitter. 🙂
This is going to be a fun year. Can’t wait to read all about your journey!
So exciting!!! Can’t wait 🙂 If you want to visit my blog to promote, let me know – I’d love to help 🙂
I’m going to start with CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! *blows horn* I can’t wait to read the whole book. And might I just say to anyone else reading this that if the rest is as good as chapter one… WOW! Also – I LOVE the new pic!
Congrats on self-publishing your book this year! Looking forward to reading it. 🙂 I love the story you shared and that line about failure still being success. I wish you a happy 2012!
Great news to kick off the New Year! I thrive on learning too but not so much organization. 🙂 Its neat to see you reach this point after your excellent posts on self-publishing and brand and other big topics over the past months.
I think all those posts on the industry this past summer was all my research leading up to my decision. 🙂
Congratulations!!!! Are you publishing your YA or your MG work?
Wow. I can’t wait to follow your self-publishing adventure. The Indelibles sounds intriguing. Can’t wait to check it out.
HOLY COW!!! Laura, I’m SO happy for you! I’ll be closely watching your publishing experience, and for sure cheering you on all the way. YOU are an inspiration. When you need help with reviews or marketing, just holler!
Congratulations, Laura. What an exciting way to start a new year. I love how we can draw on seemingly unrelated experiences to help us with a new one.
Love the new blog photo!
I’m late to this party, but wanted to offer a hearty hooray! Please keep me in the loop when you plan your blog tour/launch party. I’m happy to help any way I can.