If/When/As soon as ... The time to start writing is now. Also, I have the PERFECT gift idea!

Hello from a busy writing desk,

Does the calendar psyche you out sometimes? I relate.

We are more than halfway through NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Did you set a goal? How are you doing? I learned on a podcast that we have only ten percent TOTAL control of our time and schedules. Then my colleague Debbie Patrick (Vision Run Publishing) told me that smart businesswomen schedule only fifty percent of their workdays and leave the rest open for thinking, reacting, innovating, and handling surprises. In my case, that time usually goes to dealing with interruptions from five family members, two cats, and now FIVE hamsters. Anyone need a furry Christmas gift? Or three?

The point is that we make too big a point of TIME, often using nagging demands on our days to procrastinate doing what we feel compelled to do and/or LOVE to do: WRITE. Debbie also shared an article, which I stumbled across in one of my beloved binders yesterday. Author Julia Cameron explains "The Time Lie" and encourages us to stop overthinking and start writing. Make your craft a priority because your craft is an expression of who you are, and you are important. Click the link below and enjoy learning from a fellow writer.

The Time Lie by Julia Cameron.pdf

xoxoxo

Jody

P.S. Let me know about the hamsters:))) 

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Happy Veteran's Day from Crippled Beagle Publishing

 When my son Houston registered for the draft, the gravity of military service hit me hard. Houston's girlfriend Kinzie's best buddy just finished boot camp and will soon be deployed to Poland. Young Emma graduated from high school in June. Last week, she returned to her high school to proudly recruit for the U.S. Army. Kinzie and I barely survived hot yoga Wednesday night, so we are heading to the post office soon to humbly mail Emma a care package.

Not long ago, I had the privilege of helping my beloved cousin, John House, 2LT to Colonel for the U.S. Army, compile family Christmas newsletters that he and his wife Marilyn wrote during for several decades of military and marital life. Their book has been one of my favorite projects, and readers enjoy the comical, realistic peek into the domestic side of military service. You can find his book on Amazon. This is a perfect gift for military newlyweds. The cover picture shows (back then) Johnny and Marilyn during their ROTC years at Auburn University.

I recently began working with another veteran, Laura Follett. What a woman! She now helps families, especially military families, who are faced with PTSD. What a blessing Laura is as she continues to serve Americans but in a different way. If you'd like to know more about Laura's work, reply to this email, and I'll send her contact information to you.

Have you ever wondered why Veterans Day is always on November 11? Here's the answer: https://www.military.com/veterans-day​

Happy Veterans Day from Crippled Beagle Publishing!

Jody

"Heroes get remembered, but legends never die." Books live forever, too!

 When my son Houston was little, he watched The Sandlot every day for months. To this day, I remember the happy and excited expressions on Houston's freckled, blue-eyed baby face. He's twenty now, so we have piles of sweet memories to enjoy and a wide-open future to anticipate.

Speaking of memories and the future, I have a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT.

My Legacy Writing Club is open for registration!!!

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If you feel compelled to write about your life, have family members and friends urging you to write about your life, or know someone who should write about his or her life, I encourage you to learn about this wonderful program. Registration is open now (with an early bird discount) and closes 12/22/2022. We begin writing on 1/1/2023!

FREEBIE: I created a quick guide called 5 Steps to Start Writing About Your Life to help you or your loved one brainstorm (my favorite), daydream, and plan. If you'd like to use the quick guide, just CLICK HERE. Share it with friends and family, too!

For fun, I looked up the video clip from The Sandlot. I hope "The Babe's" counsel inspires you like it did Houston and me so many years ago. Happy writing!

xoxoxo

Jody