You Just Never Know - ANWA Conference 2016

Two weeks ago, I attended the American Night Writers Association (ANWA) annual writer’s conference in Tempe, AZ.  Many of these women I’ve known for years and years and love them like sisters.  The president Deb Eaton is a world-class hugger and confidence builder.  Her talents and commitment have grown ANWA into a movement of writers who are changing the world.

I attended the first workshops of the morning, 

(This was one of my favorite quotes from the conference: You can not please everybody, you are not pizza.  Thank you Anika Arrington for your great class.)

and after visiting with several author friends, walked in late to lunch.  The room was packed, with several hundred people there.  I scanned the ballroom for an empty chair, but every seat was full.  Near the back of the room, I saw a few empty seats, but as I neared them noticed the table had a Reserved sign.  At the table were the New York Times best-selling authors, literary agents and publishing editors.  Since I am not any of those things, I continued looking for another seat.  Alas, I found another table with two empty seats and as I approached the table, I noticed it too had a Reserved sign, but it was too late.  One of the women at the table had grabbed my hand and offered me a chair.  I explained to her I was not assigned to sit at the reserved tables, but she insisted.  “We’re all here and you need a seat, so join us.”

I looked around the table and recognized many faces.  I introduced myself to the Patricia Nelson, the literary agent who’d been so kind to offer me a seat and got to know her.  My friend Aprilynne Pike was also seated next to me, so we caught up on how our kids are doing and her latest projects. 

I was good, better than good.  This was amazing, the event had already far exceeded my expectations.  My "You had me at hello" moment had happened.  I was on cloud nine.  Nothing could top this

Lunch was served, the energy in the room was exciting.  It was full of creativity and hard work.  Everybody in there had a dream and somewhere along the way, it was written down in a novel, nonfiction or memoir.  Writers really are the best group of people.  Gracious, educated, self-starters, they don’t give up, persistent, visionary, helpful, encouraging, understanding—really, I could go on and on.  These people are superstars. 

I had an appointment with a publisher who was in attendance at the conference, so I was just about to leave when the founder of ANWA, Marsha Ward was recognized for her 30 years of service. You see, it had been 30 years of ANWA and Marsha Ward is the founder.  Her story goes like this:

Over 30 years ago, she was looking to join a writers group.  She called the Mesa Public Library and asked if they offered such. They did, so Marsha attended.  Problem was, while listening to other writers works, she had to listen to explicit scenes and vulgar language.  As a Christian woman and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons), Marsha just couldn’t stomach it.  In her own words, she said “I felt like my ears might burn off.” 

She turned to God in prayer and felt impressed to start a writing group for Mormon women, where she would be surrounded by people who had the same high standards of clean language and G or PG-rated story-telling.  She put an ad in the local Mormon Newspaper called The Beehive and low and behold, my mom author Sarah Hinze saw the ad, called Marsha and asked if she could join.

At the time, the group was called Arizona Night Writers Association, but it has grown nationally, so Marsha changed to American Night Writers Association.  Why night?  Let’s face it, most women are either moms or working full-time, so the majority of our writing gets done when everyone is sleeping and the house is nice and quiet.

So, like I was saying I was just about to leave lunch early, when Marsha walked up on stage.  I’d known Marsha since I was a teenager, so I stayed in my seat to hear her keynote address.  In our group, she’s like the Maya Angelou.

Marsha and I

“I started ANWA with two people,” she said.  “Sarah Hinze and Peggy Hatch.”

I heard my mom’s name.  I knew my mom had been a member of ANWA every since I could remember, but I didn’t know she had been one of the first three members. 

“Sarah is on a mission in London, but her daughter Laura is here, Laura will you please stand up.”

Oh, at that moment did I miss my mom, but as I slowly stood up in the room full of people I love, I was overcome when they started clapping.  They were clapping for my mom because she had demonstrated faith and friendship.  She supported Marsha, encouraged her, believed that there were others who someday, might benefit from a writing group for Mormon women.  Because of Marsha, my mom had another writer to turn to, to receive feedback and encouragement.  Marsha played a huge role for my mom.  

My mom recently released the 15th Anniversary Edition of The Castaways: Real-life Accounts of Aborted Souls.  

My mom would have been thrilled to see Marsha honored, and humbled to be recognized as one of the founding members.  Peggy Shumway was also in attendance and the same applause and appreciation was shared for her.  Thank you, Peggy.

Wow, well that was amazing.  A room of people, the applause, feeling my mom's love, I mean, how many special opportunities can a girl have in a day.  I was set.  I'd probably used all my perfect moments for a while.  Maybe I'd have to get a traffic ticket on the way home to make up for it.

My mom and dad on one of their days off, in front of the building where The Da Vinci Code was filmed.

Afterwards, I did meet with that publisher.  She expressed interest in my manuscript Starving Girl, “This is something I’d be interested in acquiring,” she said and asked if I’d email it to her.   

For all the novels I’ve written, all the years I’ve stayed up night after night writing, this was the moment.  Finally, someone interested in reading, even publishing what I’ve written, but Starving Girl is my story.  It’s my memoir.  I need to maintain all the rights, but what beautiful validation that it’s worthy of a publishing contract. 

Well, it was almost too much.  Was I going to grow wings too?  I mean, I was just a girl, but it looked like about every positive experience that could happen to me had happened.  After all of this, I didn't deserve a birthday present or Christmas present, like ever!

The conference was a busy time and later I met James A. Owen, Michelle Wilson, Janette Rallison and J. Scott Savage.  There classes were amazing.  If you’re interested in joining ANWA, here’s the link. 

Starving Girl is in the last stages of review and formatting on Amazon’s CreateSpace.  

Here's the cover we are working on.

I’ve had the best team; two wonderful editors, BETA readers, cover design, layout, book formatting, proofreaders, technical support—seriously, this is so intense.  This is the moment.  With four unpublished YA novels under my belt and 7 years of blogging, I’m so thankful I kept up with writing, even when I felt discouraged.  If it was all for me to be prepared to write Starving Girl, it was worth it.  I’ll post a link as soon as everything is up on Amazon and Kindle.  

Celebrating with the kids this weekend.  They have been so supportive.  I could have never written this book without them.

Much love and gratitude.  

The Broken Hinge Blessing

Last weekend, I finished a few more chalkboards.  This one is my favorite!

And painted a beautiful dresser to take down to Merchant Square.  

What a beauty!

I also painted a folding closet door to used as a backdrop for hanging all sorts of trash, 

a vintage garden rack for display 

and all sorts of trashy things.

I started to pull out the massive dresser from my truck when pop – the cabinet door hinge just broke in half. 

The dresser was literally halfway out of my truck, somewhat teeter between me and the large appliance wagon.  I wasn’t sure what to do when the gentleman helping me suggested we bring the dresser in anyway.  “You can run to Home Depot, buy a new hinge and I’ll help you put it on.”

We took the dresser into the shop and placed it in my booth (#73).  

The new trash I brought in was not priced and everything was a bit disheveled, but I ran out looking for the hinge.  Before I knew it, it was past 5:00.  Merchant Square was closed. 

The following day was Saturday and Merchant Square had scheduled an event called “Let’s Make A Deal.’  The event invited all merchants to man their booth for the day so customers could meet the artist.  Because my Saturday’s are pretty hectic here at the house, I hadn’t planned on attending the event, but with a broken cabinet door and all sorts of unpriced inventory, I knew I needed to get down there.

Saturday at 7:00am, the doors opened just for vendors.  I was able to meet some amazing people.  I’m telling you, there is so much talent inside that store.  The creativity is addictive. 

Well, the hinge I had purchased at Home Depot didn't fit the cabinet from the dresser, so I was out the door again, running to Ace, then a custom cabinet shop.  Finally, I made it back to Merchant Square right at 9:00am.  The shop opened for customers and I finished up pricing this and that when I a woman with the sweetest smile approached me.  She introduced herself and we became instant friends.  

Deb has been a follower of My Dear Trash, plus a member of ANWA (American Night Writers Association), a writing group I’ve been a member of for years.  We hugged and laughed, realizing we know so many of the same people, but what fed my soul was Deb encouraged me to keep writing, complimented me on my blog and shared sunshine in the form of true friendship.  She is amazing.  When she left I wondered “What if I hadn’t been here to meet her?” 

The event at Merchant Square was so much fun.  I spoke with all sorts of wonderful customers who had questions about decorating, painting furniture and the fun of this vintage craze that seems to be taking over the world.  Later, I walked from booth to booth meeting even more vendors – all because of a broken hinge.

P.S., I’m still looking for a matching hinge so wish me luck.

Throwing Sticks at Sleep

One of the most interesting ordeals of being a writer is sleep, or lack of it.

I try to step away from my mind so I can sleep, but it seems to constantly be there.  I am forever creating plots full of conflict, personal struggle and intrigue; most especially when I lay in a dark quiet room listening to the sound of the counselor’s steady breathing.

Not being able to sleep started out as an annoying habit, but has turned almost debilitating. 

I’ve never been one to take drugs, but I’m seriously considering it.

Anyway, since I’m already here I thought I’d check in and say hello.

Hello, my friends.

I received a box of 100 books today, titled The Memory Catcher, a revealing true story of how author and researcher Sarah Hinze gathered accounts of spiritual visitations of unborn spirits and became a champion of their cause in a society that rejects them.  This is my mother’s life story and it was such a privilege to write it with her. 

I am beyond thrilled to hold a book I’ve worked so hard on and believe in so much.  I can’t wait to read it, again.  I will be taking it to the gym and reading it as I bounce up and down on the elliptical machine. Order your own copy by clicking here.

But now with The Memory Catcher published, I am working again on my other passion; Young Adult Fiction.  The best writing advice I received was at an ANWA (American Night Writers Association) Conference.  I apologize, I don’t remember what author spoke such fine wisdom, but the advice suggested good fiction writing was like putting a dog in a tree and throwing sticks at it.  What does that possible mean and should someone call the Animal Abuse Hotline?   No, because it’s just a visual as to what needs to be happening in a writer’s storyline.  If the conflict starts to lift, throw another stick at it.  Keep up the turmoil, the chaos and dysfunction; a.k.a think The Hunger Games. Now that’s throwing sticks at the dog!

  

I’ve started a new YA novel that has taken over my life.  My Dear Lucy is the working title.  The story is of a girl named Lucy who lives in a time when reading is illegal.  Lucy is a reader, hiding her skill and on the run from a variety of different rotten people.  Let’s just say, she’s having plenty of sticks thrown at her.  I can be so mean, but make note I love Lucy.  So far gypsies are trying to kill her because they think she’s a witch, a mysterious book she’s been hiding her entire life is about to be discovered by the wrong people and she’s falling in love with the man who’s kidnapped her.  Eventually, with a few twists and turns in the plot, she’ll not only find out how her gift can bless her nation, but she’ll play a vital role in helping Martin Luther start the protestant revolution.

My gift for my 40^th birthday, the gift I wanted to give myself was 40 pages of my new manuscript.  Writing a book is like trying to lose weight; it’s a numbers game.  Sometimes the numbers speak louder then they need too, because what they represent is some sort of progress.  Well, like my never-ending weight loss goals, I did not reach my goal, but am happy to report today I was able to write to page 40. 

 

My Dear Lucy is going incredibly well and I’m pushing myself to finish it in the next few weeks.  Something I learned from writing The Memory Catcher is books are started and eventually, books are finished.  I have a publisher I love working with, which is another bonus I never had before. 

I feel I have a grasp of how overwhelming this whole process can be, minus the sleep problem of course.  So, my dear friends, I wish you a good night, or a good morning where ever you are.  I will open my manuscript and work until my eyelids start to droop and sleep finally kicks in.  

American Night Writer's Association Annual Conference

Last week I had the privilege of attending the American Night Writers Association Annual Conference named Write Here, Write Now.

I’d been looking forward to it for several months; partly because I love what I learn and who I meet, but also because I knew I was that much closer to the end of my pregnancy.

The weekend got off to a great start when my publicist and dear friend, Doug Johnston and his colleague Anne Anderson met me for lunch. Now keep in mind, I’m a sophisticated woman, writing books and trying to save the world and all, but there’s something so very humbling about being 8 ½ months pregnant and trying to be the least bit impressive in a professional setting. It just doesn’t work. There’s nothing suave or cutting edge about a woman carrying an extra 25 pounds who’s trying to look like she’s comfortable and cool. Either way, I loved spending time with them and we had a wonderful lunch discussing books, publicity, writing and Joe’s homemade root beer.

Doug recently lost 60 pounds and wanted to look extra sharp while speaking to a hundred or so writers at the ANWA conference. It’s no secret I love to shop, so I offered to take him to my favorite shopping hole for some new clothes. We hit T.J. Maxx and scored. Doug made a few suggestions that Anne and I entertained.

Eventually a Michael Kors tie, DKNY shirt and Perry Ellis pants won out.

Doug has a gift. He makes things happen. He believes in his abilities and those of his clients. Working with him has greatly blessed my life and I’m a much better writer because of his influence, plus we both think we have ADD and that makes us very cool. J

The conference started Saturday morning and I arrived a bit late (pregnant women have that luxury). Throughout the day, I met so many wonderful people.

April Lynn Pike, author of New York Times best-selling book, Wings, gave a great lecture on the highs and lows of writing.

Being balanced and centered keeps a writer focused. She displayed a pattern of stairs, each representing different emotional stages a writer enters. I totally related and was intrigued by her story to publication. It had a happy ending, but my goodness, the things writers go through to get published. It’s a bit frightening.

Nancy Turner, author of the New York Times best-selling book These Is My Words, spoke on common mistakes writers make and how to keep our writings sacred. She discussed common spelling and grammar errors and gave ideas to overcome writers block.

J. Scott Savage, author of The Farworld Series, was dynamic and educational. The audience couldn’t get enough of his advice and sense of humor. He spoke mainly on writing a query letter and how to approach agents and publishers.

ANWA was started by author Marsha Ward in 1986 to assist and develop the talents of LDS (Mormon) women writers. It’s a niche that I and hundreds of other women fit into.

Seeing author Janette Rallison was a treat for sure.

My mom, Sarah Hinze, author of Coming From the Light and Life Before Life and my sister-in-law Heather also attended.

Meeting Cindy William, author of Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today.

I had a great time and met so many new friends. Thanks for all who attended and Doug, I’ll see you next year at Joe’s.