Pick-Up Notes by Jane Lebak

Jane Lebak gave a fantastic talk on character development at the Online Catholic Writing Conference, so of course I had to check out her books. I picked up Pick-Up Notes because it's about a string quartet and I love stories set in a musical milieu. The narrator is a violist and the butt of many jokes, including self-deprecating ones. But it's the second violinist who steals the show--what a great character! And not just because she's an Indian blue-haired, vegetarian, Catholic convert, but because she can improvise on the spot and that's what takes the quartet to a whole new level. The cellist is a stutterer and boy, as a life-long stutterer, did I feel the words stuck in his throat (I speak more fluently now, but stress and nerves can trigger horrible stuttering). The first violinist is the alpha male--rich, spoiled, but talented, generous, and driven. Ms. Lebak has done meticulous research on both quartets and stuttering (I thought it strange the violist was analyzing the celllist's speech--but it's educational for those who don't know anything about it so I'll give it a pass). There's also family drama and romance.

Music lovers, I encourage you to pick up this book for its excellent storytelling. It is difficult to write about music, because as Victor Hugo said, "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." 

Lent

With a storm coming through, I worried that Ash Wed services might be canceled but by late afternoon, it was sunny. We celebrated with a Solemn High Mass. I received my ashes, marking me as a sinner, yet reminding me that I have a Savior. I'm happy to have Lenten Healing--it begins with tackling the sin of sloth. The short daily reflections are a perfection companion to the daily Mass readings. Grateful for this time to walk more closely with my dear Lord Jesus. I sing: A Prayer Of St Richard Of Chichester  

On Healing

I've been on a quest for healing for many years now. I started working with a functional medicine doctor who's helping me detox and it has helped greatly. But we are body-mind-spirit, so I'm also working on my spiritual life. Began a wonderful online retreat offered here: Watch the Path to Healing Our Broken Hearts - Oblates of the Virgin Mary  I'd been waiting to watch and listen to these videos for six months. Got on a wait-list and finally, finally, the email with the links came, during Advent. I thought, no way--NOW? When I'm busy with Christmas concerts and last-minute wedding preparations? The thought of adding something more to my plate was daunting. But after a week, I couldn't resist and took a peek. It was so good. I realized everything always happens at the right time. So I watched in the pockets of free time. They are short and so rich. I cried a lot--they are healing tears. Given that we are ALL wounded in some way, I'm sharing the links to the workshop. You will resist, just like I did, but when you're ready...open it up. It's free. With Lent just around the corner, it just may be the perfect time for you. 

And that is how I discovered Bob Schuchts' books on healing. He's the founder of the John Paul II Healing Center – Transformation in the Heart of the Church I just finished BE HEALED today. Take a look at how the seven deadly sins and our wounds make us believe lies about ourselves, cause us to sin, and remain shackled, but the Divine Physician is ready to heal and we can know we are being healed when the lies are replaced by the truth--that we are beloved. I'd done the smaller retreat book earlier and I loved how easily it was to enter into the Gospel stories of healing. I feel as if I'm being healed from the inside out. I know I have more work to do but I am so grateful to invite Jesus into the difficult moments of my life and experience His Love for me. Although I will have to wait to get to heaven to experience His arms wrapped about me, He's present here in the Eucharist and He can look at me, and I Him. Deo gratias!  

Meeting Online Friends in Person

What a joy it is when you've shared letters and your heart over the years with a dear friend and you finally get to meet her and her beautiful family. Last year Faith and her family stopped by our place on their way to Florida and again on their return trip. We stayed up half the night talking. This time, they planned it so that the four older girls could come to barbershop practice with me. They dove right in. We all had a lovely time. 

It was so great to see how the children have grown over a year. The most apparent changes are in the youngest but in reality it's the older ones who have the greatest changes in store as they prepare to fly the nest. Such a beautiful family. Faith, from the time I knew her (she had two little girls and expecting her third), has taught me so much about living in trustful surrender to God and His plans. She's my Charlotte: "It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer."

SCBWI Message Board is Down

People are asking me about the SCBWI boards. I don't know when it will be restored--I'm just a lowly moderator. Please direct your inquiries to SCBWI. You can use the green help button at the bottom of the page. And I do encourage you to ask what's going on. There's no update on the main website. 

Verla has another craft board. However, children's writing would be off-limits due to conflict of interest with SCBWI at this time. But it is a place to gather if you so choose to maintain our friendships and share other crafts: Verla Kay Creations Forum - Index 

When requesting membership to the craft board, be sure to mention you were on the SCBWI message board. It will speed up your acceptance and give you access to an exclusive Message Board Alumni group. Of course, it's open to all who enjoy crafts.

Do any of you remember this? I use this bag for my barbershop music. I added the Sing/Pray after I got religion :) I learned that Verla Kay used to sing in a barbershop chorus as well. So fun!

Conference Recordings

I'm sharing tidbits but if you want to listen to even some of the lectures with handouts, this is a great offer. 

Missed the Conference? Get the Recordings for $35! Use code 2025replayCWG.

Buy access to the CWCO2025 recordings

Not a Member Yet? Need to Renew?

Join the Guild Today

Conference Raffle Books and Tidbits

Look what I won at the conference! Not one, not two, but THREE books! Thank YOU, Maria Riley! I've only read the first one so far and it's so well-written. Joshua is a newly adopted child in a family with two children already in the family and he struggles to believe he's loved as much as the other kids. The three kids get to time-travel back to the Nativity and get to experience how St. Joseph, foster-father of Jesus loves Him. Children will really connect with the saints in this series. 

I'm still not caught up on the conference videos because I've been working on pitches and proposals and polishing my manuscripts for submission. But here are some tidbits from the wonderful speakers. I hope you will discover some new authors and editors here that will help you on your own writing journey. A BIG THANK YOU to all the organizers and volunteers for making this possible.  

Powerful Not Preachy: Crafting a Story with a Message. Good stories are balanced between engaging both mind and heart. If a story is all heart, no mind, it can become sentimental. And the opposite, it can become more about an idea and the plot/characters can feel contrived to fit an agenda. Share truths, not propaganda. Powerful stories pose questions and explore them through character development. Trust your readers; they're allowed to come to a different conclusion than you, the writer. Let God work. Don't meddle. ~ Sister Allison. 

Publishing Industry Red Flags. Learn the different paths to publication. Have realistic expectations. Practice discernment. ~ Anjanette Barr, . It was good to listen to an agent. I've been thinking that once my historical is ship-shape, I might query agents again.

Instagram: So Much More than Likes or Follows. Use Instagram as an online business card. ~ Kate Frantz. This talk made me realize that I could try Instagram. I am visual and this medium would suit me.

Serious Popular Fiction. Calibrate the Mind to Reality. Remember Plato's example of people living in a cave, only see shadows. It's a false reality. Once they go outside, they see as things truly are. A well-calibrated mind is less prone to being deceived and is able to assess new ideas wisely. With stories we can both experience and reflect at the same time. We can judge the moral weight of an action. Serious fiction is fundamentally moral, not because it teaches morality, but rather creates experience of facing a moral dilemma. ~ G. M. Baker. This was one of the best talks that integrated writing with philosophy. Looking forward to reading his books.

Why the World Needs Catholic Romance Novels. Be countercultural, break stereotypes. ~ Gerri Bauer. I love romance and have toyed with a couple of ideas and this talk inspired me to revisit them.

Incorporating Biblical Themes into Fiction. We are authors of words...and Sacred Scripture is the inspired Word of God. Why not let the two intersect? Let the Bible inspire your fiction. Some topics to consider: sibling relationships, parent-child relationships, priesthood, purgatory, angels, sacrifice, chosen people, outcasts, barrenness/infertility, brokenness, healing. ~ Allison Ramirez. It's funny, but even as an atheist, I ended up incorporating some Biblical themes in my work because it's true.

Newsletter Marketing. A newsletter is the most stable and long-term marketing tool. Make it worth the reader's time. Be authentic. ~ Stephanie Landsem. I've been told this over and over to write a newsletter. Maybe this is the year I begin. I have loved Stephanie's historical fiction.

Author and Editor Relationships Panel. Editing is also where you allow another into the creative process. Education is an investment. Publisher brand should match your sensibility. Rebecca Martin, Colleen Pressprich, Michelle Buckman, Roseanna White, Marybeth Giltner. Really enjoyed listening to the publishing stories. 

Tips for Writing Your Nonfiction Book. Simplify. Evaluate your writing space, your commitment and fitness for writing, your writing itself. Write with Jesus! What is God's vision for me? If it's from God you will overcome all obstacles. Discern. What are your ruts, your killer thoughts? A big one is fear. It stops you from writing. So change your thoughts. Thoughts-->Action-->Behavior. When you are overwhelmed, PRAY! ~ Belinda Terro Mooney. I really loved these tips on pre-writing. 

I'll stop here. More tidbits later. Happy reading and writing. Look at these newlyweds in their cosy little home! Michael and I had a very rich Chef's Kiss dinner at New Realm last night. And we have leftovers. Yum! And it is because HE first loved us that we can even manage to love a little. A happy and blessed St. Valentine's Day to you and all yours. 

Focusing on Writing Again

I had a burst of creativity last fall and then things got busy with Christmas concerts and Masses and wedding. All good things. I'd manage to scribble a few thoughts. And just as I was getting back into my stories, I got sick with the worst flu, which I've not had in decades. Ugh. Fever. Chills. Cough. Cold. Headache. I couldn't even read much, let alone write. But now that I'm on the mend, I signed up for the Catholic Online Writing Conference. It's starting tomorrow. I'm so excited. This is just the shot of inspiration I need. And I encourage anybody else who is even thinking about writing to register.

Here are the details! When: Friday, January 31 – Feb 2, with pitch practice on Feb 3 & 4, and pitch sessions Feb 10-13 Cost: $65 for nonmembers $45 for CWG members (find the coupon code in the #online-conference thread) More information at https://www.catholicwritersguild.org/online-conference/ This year’s speakers: ·        Powerful Not Preachy by Sr. Allison Regina Gliot, FSP ·        Tips for Writing Your Nonfiction Book by Belinda Terro Mooney ·        Instagram: So Much More Than Likes and Follows by Kate Frantz ·        Panel: Balancing Practicing the Faith and Writing about it by Allison Gingras ·        Mary as Muse by Maria V Gallagher ·        Substack by Danielle Bean ·        Publishing Industry Red Flags by Anjanette Barr ·        Incorporating Biblical Themes Into Fiction by Allison Ramirez ·        Newsletter Marketing by Stephanie Landsem ·        Fairy Tales and the Catholic Writer by G. M.(Mark) Baker ·        Why the World Needs Catholic Romance Novels by Gerri Bauer ·        Website Building by Sophia Lebano ·        Panel: Author/Editor by Rebecca W. Martin ·        Practical Uses for AI in Writing by Karina Fabian ·        How to Create a Well Rounded Character by Jane Lebak ·        Spiritual Warfare In Our Craft by Maria Riley ·        Compiling Your Best Writing Team by Caitlin Bootsma ·        A guide to Traditional Publishing by Rebecca W. Martin ·        Unpacking the AI Art Dilemma by Jillian Chapman ·        Panel Historical Fiction by Rhonda Ortiz ·        Great Escapes from Common Pitfalls in Writing for Kids by Sr Maria Grace Dateno, FSP ·        Dialogue Details by Lisa A. Wroble ·        Making Your Story Meet a Need; Nonfiction Spiritual Writing by Heidi Saxton ·        Let's Talk about Speaking by Allison Gingras This year’s publishers that are hearing pitches: ·        Dr. Sebastian Mahood, OP, EnRoute                             ·        Anjanette Barr, Dunham Literary                       ·        Jane Daly, Elk Lake Publishing                    ·        Karen Ullo, Chrism Press                    ·        Rebecca Martin, Our Sunday Visitor                                      ·        Dr. Joe McAleer & Chris Sparks, Marian Press                    ·        Sr. Maria Grace & Sr. Allison Regina,  Pauline Children ·        Sr. Marie Paul, Pauline Adult Where is it held? We use BigMarker web conferencing software. It works similar to Zoom, but you don’t need to download anything. Just click the links that will be provided in your email the day of the conference. What do I need to attend an online conference? A computer, good internet, and time. What if I can’t make it to all the presentations? No problem! We’ll be publishing the recordings after the fact, so you can watch or rewatch at your leisure. Often, our presenters give us their slides or handouts to share with attendees afterwards as well. Will I have a chance to talk to the presenters or other members? Of course! We program in extra time for Q&A as well as chatting. Naturally, private chat is also available—just don’t PM a presenter while they are presenting. Does the conference really help a writing career? Absolutely! We get feedback every year from people who have completed their books, been inspired for marketing, or gotten a book contract as a result of their participation in the conference. In fact, CWCO has launched an estimated 50 or more careers since its inception. I don’t have a book written yet. Come anyway! Start laying the foundation by learning more about writing or marketing (which needs to be started while you’re writing).Start networking with other authors and editors—often, a book contract comes through knowing the right person rather than a cold submission. Plus, the conference is very motivating. I don’t write fiction. I don’t write nonfiction. I don’t write religious stuff. No problem. We cover all genres of fiction and nonfiction, plus the business side. While we talk about how faith influences our writing, we do not require anyone to write religious-exclusive works (in fact, three of the people hearing pitches accept secular works). We are a Catholic conference but we are also a catholic (universal) conference. I went last year, why attend again? We have new speakers and new topics, plus the chance to meet writers, editors and publishers. We have people who have attended every year and come away with something new—sometimes, even a new book idea, a new writing buddy, or a new book contract. I’m not a member. Can I get a discount? We have filled our need for moderators this year. However, if you join the Guild ($40/year), you get a $15 discount on this conference. Plus, you get discounts on later conferences and on a multitude of editorial and other services—not to mention, the intangible benefits of Guild fellowship.

Register now

My Mom's Death Anniversary

The years are flying by...and it's been 38 years since my mom died. I needed a picture of myself circa 1980 for publicity so I was going through my album and picked out these last few pictures from 1986. My sister came over in the fall with her little girl to help take care of my mom so that I could finish my undergraduate studies. What a joy it was to have this imp in the house. Our home was always filled with little ones because my mom started a babysitting business after her divorce. It would've been too sad if it were just the two of us trying to manage everything on our own. It made for a happier home life to have my sister and my little niece. My brother came home with his fiancée and they were married at home by the deacon. My mom was too frail to leave home. She died just a month later. I have so many happy memories of our time together, sad ones too, when we were exhausted, but what a privilege it is to accompany the dying. Now, I dream of meeting her and all the loved ones who've gone before me in heaven. Pray for us, Ai! Pray for us, St. Paul! 

Snow!

Tuesday evening it started to snow! We haven't had this magical white stuff since Jan 2018. We went for a walk the following day--it was so pretty and crispy cold. 

We've been enjoying other people's snowmen. Note the beer can--it's happy hour!

So Dagny did get her wish for a White Christmas! I'm so glad it didn't happen around her wedding with so many people travelling. She sent me pictures around her neighborhood of Christ our King Catholic Church. So beautiful.

I hope everybody is enjoying snow days and getting to play! Happy New Year!!!