Writing on Writing

I have decided to take my writing seriously and after many months of searching for a reputable and fairly inexpensive online degree that even hinted at creative writing, I gave up.

Then someone told me he'd joined CWG (Christian Writers Guild) and started their 2-yr Apprentice Writing Course.

I checked it out, it appealed and so I joined. I'm in my 10th week (5th assignment) of the course and I am enjoying it. It gives me purpose, keeps me writing and also gives me a goal to work towards.

I have a mentor who has been assigned by CWG to guide me over the next 94 weeks. I certainly need all the help I can get especially after reading a novel I started 4 years ago that represents bad writing in so many ways (back then I thought it was pretty good!) Another key incentive to completing the course: I am penalized over $300 if I don't finish so that is motivation enough to get through it!

Jerry B. Jenkins (JBJ) is the founder and owner of CWG and who wrote the "Left Behind" series. Two weeks ago I received an email from the guy who organizes various speaking events for JBJ. The email was an invitation to a reception given on behalf of JBJ. It was held at CCU (Colorado Christian University for those who not from around these parts) and it involved food! Of course I was going to go!!

It was a cozy reception the food was good. JBJ was introduced via a segment from ABC's Nightline and it was a great interview because it focused on his heart for lost people and the reason for writing "Left Behind". Then JBJ got up and spoke about writing (he's had over 170 books published), how he started out, who he wrote about (non-fiction), etc. I was interested to find him a softly spoken and humble man.

Now I am not one to swoon over celebrities or other famous people (although their lives fascinate me as do many non-famous people) but I decided to get JBJ's autograph because I have one of his books "Writing for the Soul".

I took my camera with me to the reception but chickened-out about asking if I could have a photo with him. (What was I going to say? Can I have a photo with you, not because I'm a huge fan but because I need it for my blog?) So I downloaded his photo from the CWG website instead!

Every February CWG has a Writing for the Soul Conference and its fairly expensive. There are agents, publishers and authors at the conference, giving advice and looking for new talent. I dropped a hint in Warren's ear that sending me to the conference next February would be a great 40th birthday present!

(Next year Writing For The Soul Conference at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Who wouldn't want to go just to stay there regardless of whether you attend conference or not?!!)

...And Then 2 Hours Later...

Jordan's soccer game was 2 hours later than Cullen's and by then the snow had stopped falling and it had warmed up to where the kids didn't have to wear their winter coats while playing the game.

Being the wuss that I am, I was still huddled in my chair with my coat on and a blanket over my legs. Warren ref'd the game which was good because he usually sits next to me and shouts various encouraging words to the players which hurt my right ear (he sits on my right most games).

Jordan's game has got much better. He's a natural defender and tends to hang around the back of the pack but this season he's been getting into the middle of the game. He's got a good foot on him and kicks really hard and far so the team relies on him to get the ball up the field. Its interesting how the players take on various positions quite naturally.

After watching 30 min of the "ADHD Kids", it was fun to watch Jordan's game. They were up against a strong team but they still managed to beat them 1-0. Go Dragons!!!

Soccer In The Snow

Today we woke up to beautiful skies but there was a chill in the air. We ignored it because if you ignore something, it tends to go away (like assignments deadlines, tax deadlines, etc).

Cullen's soccer game was scheduled for noon. We stood on our back deck 30 minutes before the game and decided that it was probably going to snow. Well, we first checked the weather forecast but you shouldn't believe everything you read or hear.

So we dressed for a winter's day and I am so glad we did because it was tortoise-go-back-in-your-shell-cold on the soccer field. We hauled chairs, snacks (I was on snack duty), camera, coats, soccer ball, dog and kids to the field and set up camp.

Warren realized we'd forgotten the after-game drinks for the kids and I was thankful to get back into the car and drive home with the heater turned all the way up. I found the cooler with the Caprisun drinks sitting at the back door (I blame Warren for leaving it there) and also grabbed a wollen hat for Cullen on the way out. As soon as I got back to our freezing camp, I ran onto the field (mid-game) and shoved the hat on Cullen's head.

Cullen's team games aren't good because most of team seem to have ADHD and we're thinking of changing the team's name from "Transformers" to "ADHD Kids".

As usual the "ADHD Kids" lost the game but our Cullen actually managed to get boot-to-ball 3 times and we were elated! Cullen was too.

We don't think soccer is Cullen's game - our first clue came last year when he started doing twirls and handstands during the game instead of chasing the ball. Then he started with hand shadows on the grass, chatting to the opponents while running alongside them. Our final clue was during the game last week.

He sat down in the middle of the field and burst into tears and declared he'd had enough. I've signed both boys up for a week's soccer camp in the summer so he's either going to come around and love the game or hate it even more. (My hunch is that it'll be the latter).

The coaches decided that 15 min for each half of the game was plenty and the torture of sitting in the freezing wind and watching the "ADHD Kids" lose was over in 30 min.

Thank goodness Starbucks is located a block away from the soccer field. We all enjoyed our hot chocolates on the drive back home.