Just one line. . .

Just one line is all I need to make my story complete.
Right now it's close, but not quite done, not quite nice and neat.

I know just what I want to say, but can't type it out just so,
The feelings are clear in my mind and I don't know which way to go.

All I need is just one line, and here I've written more,
Maybe I'll take an average, and even out the score.

My goal is to find that line, and finish it today,
The next step is to revise. . . but first I think I'll play!

Reflections on 2011

2011 was an interesting year.

I watched my children grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and in all other . ..allys imaginable.  I am so proud of all 4 of them!

I saw changes develop in my personal relationships with both family and friends that I never could have predicted.

I have seen my husband grow professionally and take on new responsibilities in his job. He is flourishing!

I have seen myself develop new strengths in a variety of areas of my life, and I am proud of myself.

I have also discovered areas of myself that I would like to change---I hope to work on those in 2012.

I hope that you all can take a few minutes of time to reflect on your 2011, and to think about what is in your future for 2012.

Best wishes, and Happy New Year!

Writer's Block

Normally writer's block wouldn't be a problem, however, today it is really bothering me.  Normally I work very well under deadlines, today it is not happening.  Normally, I can come up with some sort of idea to at least start with, today I am drawing a blank.

I have signed on to be part of a collaborative book with many other authors.  I am writing the opening pages of the book, and I am feeling intimidated.  I agreed to do this because I thought that it would be a good challenge for me.  The opening of a book is very important, it is where you hook your reader.  It is where they decide if they want to turn the page for more. . .or not.

I have a topic, I know what I need to do, but the words are just not coming out right now.  I am worried that I am going to let down my fellow authors.  More importantly, if I let down my readers, they will not want to turn the page and read the works of the other authors and illustrators involved with this project.

I need an inspiration, some sort of 'ah ha!' moment.

I hope that I am up to the challenge. . . . wish me luck!

Sandi Writes Books

This year my youngest children entered first grade, and after 12 years of having some portion of my children home with me every day, we have finally reached a point in the Hershenson household where all 4 children are in school full day.  This was VERY strange for me in the beginning of the school year.  So quiet in the house.  Just me, the fish, and the dog.

I decided that this was the year that I was going to make a full time commitment to writing.  While I have yet to be written a  check for all of my hard work, I am right now viewing this as an unpaid internship.  I have been gaining experience in all aspects of my 'company', Sandi Writes Books.

• product development
• editorial department
• human relations
• social media
• marketing and promotions
• technology
• research and education
• finance (nothing coming in just yet, but money is certainly going out for courses, contests, and books)

Ten years ago I certainly would not have predicted that this is what I would be doing.  I love it, and for now, I wouldn't want to be doing anything differently.

So 2011 is leaving me with a full time commitment to writing, let's hope that 2012 comes in with someone who is interested in helping me share my writing with the world.

Any takers?

Only 3 Days Left to Vote!

In just 3 days the voting round of the MeeGenius Author Challenge 2011 will be complete.  As of this posting, I am in 92nd place for my story, Dear Tooth Fairy,  http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/dear-tooth-fairy-by-sandi-hershenson and 133rd place for I Am Penelope-Mae Pickleberg!    http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/i-am-penelope-mae-pickleberg-by-sandi-hershenson (out of 398 stories)

This has been a fantastic journey so far.  I have truly enjoyed reading the stories of the other authors, and I have enjoyed sharing with my peers what this challenge is all about.  GETTING CHILDREN TO READ!

As a child I always had a book in my hand, in my backpack, in my desk, and next to my bed.  Children today, my own included, don't do this.  They have their iTouches, ipads, and laptops.  If they are going to read, they are going to do it through the means that they are most comfortable with.  That means electronically.  MeeGenius is just one of many ways out there that provides this opportunity for even the youngest readers.

I hope that you have taken a look at the website www.meegenius.com, and read some of the stories (maybe even voted for a few).  It doesn't matter who the winner is.  Just know that some lucky school is going to receive a FREE e-book library for one year.  Hopefully this will catch on, and other schools will find means to obtain e-book libraries as well.

It is our responsibility as parents, teachers, and authors to do whatever it takes to get our children reading!

So I ask you to click on the links above and VOTE.  Whether it by for my stories, someone else's, or both, please VOTE!!

Cybils Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literacy Awards

This is a fantastic list of books.  I have read a few of them, but not enough.  I think that I might print out the list, go to my local bookstore, grab a cup of coffee, and read through them.  Anyone want to join me?

Happy reading to all of you!

http://www.cybils.com/2011-nominations-fiction-picture-books.html

Blog Updates

I have made a few updates to The Write Stuff!  Check out the column to the right!