The universe played a joke upon me. A couple of days after that post on doing laundry, I've been doing practically nonstop laundry. Why you ask? Not because I love it that much. No, the answer is lice.
Yes, those awful parasites that suck your blood, and multiply. Ick. I kept my kiddos home for a couple of days so that I could de-louse, de-egg and de-nit them completely. Thankfully, it was sunshiny, so we sat outside to do this task. I scraped their poor little scalps so hard, skin flakes were falling onto the books they were reading. But by Sat. the kids were free of these parasites. Just thinking about them makes my head itch. I was surprised that I never came across a single louse.
I remember from my days as a schoolgirl in India that we routinely got lice and we didn't have nice-smelling pesticide shampoos like we have here. Nope. We had industrial soap that left our skin raw. And once I think my mom rubbed kerosene in our hair to kill the critters. Ugh. We would go through each other's heads. I didn't mind popping eggs, but I remember my revulsion at having to squash lice in-between my thumbnails. Double ick.
Needless to say, it's been very busy around here. But after all that's been said and done, I'm finally penning the first chapters of my new book. Woo-hoo! I hardly write more than 2-4 pages a day, but yesterday managed to write a whopping ten. This is very unusual for me because I revise and edit as I go and it's a terrible habit because there are some days I end up deleting everything I've written. This time, I'm going to let my exploratory draft be just that ... a place to explore everything, even though I'm scared half the time to go places.
Such is the writing life at times. They say when life hands you a lemon, you should make lemonade. But what can you make from lice?
*
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Laundry, Liturgy and Women's Work
It's been a balmy couple of days. I'm sure the rains are on their way, but how I love to hang out my clothes every chance I get. I confess that I actually enjoy doing laundry and most "women's work" -- the caring of children, cooking. Even cleaning can give me a sense of restoring order in the home. And my heart is at home. Oh, to be sure, the sheer routine can throw me in a funk, especially when it seems that I'll never, ever catch up. And when that happens, I take a break. But for the most part, it's the very dailiness that keeps me grounded, both in life and in writing.
Nancy Butts, my wonderful ICL Book Course instructor, introduced me to a new author -- Kathleen Norris. I found her slim book: Laundry, Liturgy and Women's Work a work of art. It resonated with me because she sees the spiritual even in humble tasks. I highly recommend this book.
Many of my short poems and stories are about our daily life with young children. Highlights published a poem: April Snow. Ladybug published Matching Socks. Yes, doing laundry has been good for me.
I hope you will all find solace and inspiration in the little things of life.
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Friday, April 17, 2009
A Lemonade Award
Bish kindly awarded me lemons -- I think to make lemonade -- and it reminded me of my childhood when we stored lemonade in large glass barrels. A small child could fit in one. I don't remember how we acquired these two barrels.
One year, we made the lemonade, and let the barrels sit out in the sun. Perhaps it was the way I had moved these barrels, but the bottom cracked without my knowledge. I remember running off to play with my friends. In those hot summer days, once our chores were done, we were free of adult supervision. I came back in time for supper and to my horror, the lemonade was more than half gone. Wherever the lemonade touched the cement, it was clean. I almost wanted to wash the entire cement path with the remaining lemonade, but we couldn't even manage to save the remaining lemonade. All our hard work, squeezing hundreds of lemons ... down the cement path and into the ground.
I have never forgotten the look of lemonade-cleaned cement. It's sparkly. Unlike Bish, who has lovely pictures, I have none. In fact, there is only one baby picture of me, and it isn't very attractive. On the other hand, both my brother and sister have very cute baby pictures that my parents took. I remember asking my mother why there are no baby pictures of me save that of me at two weeks, where I was scrunching up my nose and probably crying, and she said that I was the fourth kid and all babies look the same and besides, the cost of film had gone up.
There you go ... from lemonade to baby pictures to the feeling of chopped liver.
If you have a lemonade story, please share.
*
One year, we made the lemonade, and let the barrels sit out in the sun. Perhaps it was the way I had moved these barrels, but the bottom cracked without my knowledge. I remember running off to play with my friends. In those hot summer days, once our chores were done, we were free of adult supervision. I came back in time for supper and to my horror, the lemonade was more than half gone. Wherever the lemonade touched the cement, it was clean. I almost wanted to wash the entire cement path with the remaining lemonade, but we couldn't even manage to save the remaining lemonade. All our hard work, squeezing hundreds of lemons ... down the cement path and into the ground.
I have never forgotten the look of lemonade-cleaned cement. It's sparkly. Unlike Bish, who has lovely pictures, I have none. In fact, there is only one baby picture of me, and it isn't very attractive. On the other hand, both my brother and sister have very cute baby pictures that my parents took. I remember asking my mother why there are no baby pictures of me save that of me at two weeks, where I was scrunching up my nose and probably crying, and she said that I was the fourth kid and all babies look the same and besides, the cost of film had gone up.
There you go ... from lemonade to baby pictures to the feeling of chopped liver.
If you have a lemonade story, please share.
*
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
SCBWI Seattle Writing-for-Hire / Agents
I haven't been here in ages and missed you all. So, if folks are in the Seattle area, please come and join us Wed. Apr. 8th at Seattle Pacific University - Demaray Hall, Room 150 at 7:00 pm. Please do say hello if you come.
I will be speaking along with two of my critique partners about writing-for-hire. It's an excellent way to keep writing and getting some cash flow. I have updated my website to add my handouts. See: http://www.vijayabodach.com/For_Writers.htm
Here's the blurb from the website: http://www.scbwi-washington.org/
April 8, 2009 Mini-Session: WHOSE BOOK IS IT? THE PROS, CONS, AND HOW-TOS OF WRITING WORK FOR HIRE with panelists Molly Blaisdell, Vijaya Bodach, and Allyson Schrier. A publisher has a topic, a concept, maybe even a title. Now all they need is a writer. How can that writer be you? Our three panelists, who have written over 70 work-for-hire books in total, will share their collective insight in cracking this fun and lucrative market. When you can write to specifications and on tight deadlines, the results can include beautiful fiction and nonfiction books that children read, a real paycheck, and the boost of confidence that comes from being published.
Main Program: HOW TO HOOK A HOTTIE: LANDING THE AGENT OF YOUR DREAMS with Holly Cupala. Think getting an agent is a waste of time? Impossible? How do you find the right agent for you? Holly decided to find out the hard way, the easy way, and every way in between before receiving two offers of representation. She’ll spill her secrets to help you find an agent, too. Holly wrote and illustrated many stories, articles, and crafts for publication before turning to writing for young adults. Her first novel received an SCBWI Work-in-Progress grant, and her dream agent sold it in a two-book pre-empt deal to HarperCollins for publication in 2010.
I will be speaking along with two of my critique partners about writing-for-hire. It's an excellent way to keep writing and getting some cash flow. I have updated my website to add my handouts. See: http://www.vijayabodach.com/For_Writers.htm
Here's the blurb from the website: http://www.scbwi-washington.org/
April 8, 2009 Mini-Session: WHOSE BOOK IS IT? THE PROS, CONS, AND HOW-TOS OF WRITING WORK FOR HIRE with panelists Molly Blaisdell, Vijaya Bodach, and Allyson Schrier. A publisher has a topic, a concept, maybe even a title. Now all they need is a writer. How can that writer be you? Our three panelists, who have written over 70 work-for-hire books in total, will share their collective insight in cracking this fun and lucrative market. When you can write to specifications and on tight deadlines, the results can include beautiful fiction and nonfiction books that children read, a real paycheck, and the boost of confidence that comes from being published.
Main Program: HOW TO HOOK A HOTTIE: LANDING THE AGENT OF YOUR DREAMS with Holly Cupala. Think getting an agent is a waste of time? Impossible? How do you find the right agent for you? Holly decided to find out the hard way, the easy way, and every way in between before receiving two offers of representation. She’ll spill her secrets to help you find an agent, too. Holly wrote and illustrated many stories, articles, and crafts for publication before turning to writing for young adults. Her first novel received an SCBWI Work-in-Progress grant, and her dream agent sold it in a two-book pre-empt deal to HarperCollins for publication in 2010.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Transformation
Dear Readers (all five of you :)
You know that I’m going through spiritual journey. At first I had wanted to shout out everything to the world, but increasingly I feel the need to withdraw, look inward and cocoon. It’s an apt image … because I am literally being transformed. So I need to listen carefully to the voice I need to hear – that of my Lord, my God.
I need to quiet my mind. That means, minimizing distractions. Visiting the Blueboard and reading my favorite blogs is such a fun break but it has the opposite effect of quieting my mind. I get excited about a book or an author, or I want to participate in a conversation about writing. My mind gets filled with other people’s thoughts. So, as of today, I am taking a break from blogging and participating in other online communities. To be sure I will miss you all. And it will take an enormous amount of discipline for me to stay away from my favorite method of procrastination. I may even fail miserably. But I’ve got to try.
A good friend was telling me that what I’m experiencing actually has a term assigned to it: metanoia.
The Praxis of Prayer site defines it: METANOIA: This is the original term in Greek (often translated as "repent") which is at the root of the Christian message. As opposed to the idea of repentance which carries with it much moral and emotional connotation, metanoia signifies a turning or re-orientation of being and mind to an altogether different reality from the one we are used to. Precisely it means an inward reorientation of being and consciousness from the horizontal dimension to the vertical.
I do so love it when someone can articulate precisely what I’m blathering about. Thanks, Janel. Adios, my friends. You know where to find me if you need to talk. I’m still here. Just not *out there*.
God Bless You.
*
You know that I’m going through spiritual journey. At first I had wanted to shout out everything to the world, but increasingly I feel the need to withdraw, look inward and cocoon. It’s an apt image … because I am literally being transformed. So I need to listen carefully to the voice I need to hear – that of my Lord, my God.
I need to quiet my mind. That means, minimizing distractions. Visiting the Blueboard and reading my favorite blogs is such a fun break but it has the opposite effect of quieting my mind. I get excited about a book or an author, or I want to participate in a conversation about writing. My mind gets filled with other people’s thoughts. So, as of today, I am taking a break from blogging and participating in other online communities. To be sure I will miss you all. And it will take an enormous amount of discipline for me to stay away from my favorite method of procrastination. I may even fail miserably. But I’ve got to try.
A good friend was telling me that what I’m experiencing actually has a term assigned to it: metanoia.
The Praxis of Prayer site defines it: METANOIA: This is the original term in Greek (often translated as "repent") which is at the root of the Christian message. As opposed to the idea of repentance which carries with it much moral and emotional connotation, metanoia signifies a turning or re-orientation of being and mind to an altogether different reality from the one we are used to. Precisely it means an inward reorientation of being and consciousness from the horizontal dimension to the vertical.
I do so love it when someone can articulate precisely what I’m blathering about. Thanks, Janel. Adios, my friends. You know where to find me if you need to talk. I’m still here. Just not *out there*.
God Bless You.
*
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Reading
Andrew Clements is a favorite author in our home. I recently picked up two of his books for teens: THINGS NOT SEEN and THINGS HOPED FOR because I saw the second one reviewed on Marcia's blog. And I rememberd that Patti Gauch (the editor) had talked about it in a workshop once. The entire scene came flooding back to me ... the girl playing her violin in the dark. Both these books are amazing. I loved these passionate, intelligent teens and their stories.
I've also been reading a lot of Dick King Smith's books. He's famous for BABE (most people have seen the movie). But all his other animal stories are just as delightful and whimsical. We especially love MARTIN'S MICE and GEORGE SPEAKS. They are excellent read-aloud books as well.
For Christmas, my daughter received Kate di Camillo's GREAT JOY with illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline. Today she picked it out again to read. Brings tears to my eyes every time.
I also just finished SALVATION IS FROM THE JEWS by Roy Schoeman. Much food for thought in this book. And I am hungry ...
I'm feeling too lazy to make a link to all these authors and their books. But I hope you'll check these books out.
*
I've also been reading a lot of Dick King Smith's books. He's famous for BABE (most people have seen the movie). But all his other animal stories are just as delightful and whimsical. We especially love MARTIN'S MICE and GEORGE SPEAKS. They are excellent read-aloud books as well.
For Christmas, my daughter received Kate di Camillo's GREAT JOY with illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline. Today she picked it out again to read. Brings tears to my eyes every time.
I also just finished SALVATION IS FROM THE JEWS by Roy Schoeman. Much food for thought in this book. And I am hungry ...
I'm feeling too lazy to make a link to all these authors and their books. But I hope you'll check these books out.
*
Monday, February 2, 2009
New Books
I've had the pleasure of reading these new books that are coming out this month. Thank you Fiona and Jenny for the opportunity.
Winnie's War is a historical novel set in Texas during the Spanish Flu (1918). The spunky heroine, Winnie, at first seems quite typical, chafing over the instructions her grandmother gives, but very soon, we learn her fierce love for her sisters, her friends, her father and where it leads her. It's a story with depth and layers.
I cannot top the review that Kirkus gave, but all I can say is that Bubble Homes and Fish Farts is an amazing romp through the world of bubbles, how various animals use them. The writing is classic Fiona, and I should know because I kept running into her articles all over the place -- in Odyssey, YES, Highlights, and pretty soon, if I saw the name Fiona Bayrock, I knew I was in for a treat. Bubble Homes and Fish Farts is no differet. The writing is always lively and the beautiful pictures Carolyn Conahan has painted bring all the critters and their bubbles to life.
*
Winnie's War is a historical novel set in Texas during the Spanish Flu (1918). The spunky heroine, Winnie, at first seems quite typical, chafing over the instructions her grandmother gives, but very soon, we learn her fierce love for her sisters, her friends, her father and where it leads her. It's a story with depth and layers.Some tidbits that I especially enjoyed:
A most unusual first kiss.
Stealing Vicks VapoRub.
Love between older people.
*
Have I whetted your appetite yet? Get thee to a bookstore this month and look for these beautifully made books. And there are so many more!
*
Friday, January 30, 2009
Free Books
One good turn deserves another.
I have one extra copy of each of these books from ICL:
The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books by James Cross Giblin
Book Markets for Children's Writers 2009
Searching: A Research Guide for Writers
From Inspiration to Publication
Essentials of English
You can see the descriptions of some of the books here:
If you'd like any of these, just leave a comment specifying which one you want before the end of this month. I'll draw lots on Monday.
Edited to add: All the books have found good homes, folks.
*
I have one extra copy of each of these books from ICL:
The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books by James Cross Giblin
Book Markets for Children's Writers 2009
Searching: A Research Guide for Writers
From Inspiration to Publication
Essentials of English
You can see the descriptions of some of the books here:
If you'd like any of these, just leave a comment specifying which one you want before the end of this month. I'll draw lots on Monday.
Edited to add: All the books have found good homes, folks.
*
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A Student Again!
Today, the much awaited box arrived from ICL ... I'm taking the book course! Been meaning to do this for a while, but there never seemed to be a good time. But I'm making a committment. I'm going to trust the process and start fresh.
I have two novels in different stages of progress. The historical YA is 3/4 done and the other is just a messy first draft. My hope is that I will finish this new book that's been rattling in my head for quite some time.
Although I'm good at taking time to study by myself, nothing beats having a teacher hold your hand, and push you when you need it. I find I stretch and grow so much more in a classroom than when I work alone.
So ... wish me luck! I've a lot to juggle. And I'm excited and terrified all at once.
*
I have two novels in different stages of progress. The historical YA is 3/4 done and the other is just a messy first draft. My hope is that I will finish this new book that's been rattling in my head for quite some time.
Although I'm good at taking time to study by myself, nothing beats having a teacher hold your hand, and push you when you need it. I find I stretch and grow so much more in a classroom than when I work alone.
So ... wish me luck! I've a lot to juggle. And I'm excited and terrified all at once.
*
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Goals, Chinese New Year, and TV madness
It's almost the end of January. How's everybody doing with their goals? I've heard that it takes a good three weeks to settle into a new pattern. It's true for me.
*
So far, I've been able to do all the things daily that I wanted to, except on the weekends. I find it difficult to find writing time with everyone at home. I can't get quiet enough to focus. So either I get up early and write or accept that some days are going to be too full. Haven't decided yet.
*
*
But it's the beginning of a New Chinese Year ... so you can start anew now, if you've been having trouble keeping up with your goals. I think it's not wise to beat yourself up about not meeting your goals. Better to say, I will try again tomorrow.
*
I'm so happy that Grace Lin will be coming to our local SCBWI conference. I love her picture books and she has penned charming novels: "The Year of the Dog" and "The Year of the Rat." All the little girls I love will be getting a set of these books for their birthdays this year. They are gems. And I do believe they are somewhat autobiographical. So check them out.
*
On a completely unrelated topic. I happened to tune in to Michael Medved's show and I thought he was joking when he said our government was postponing the digital TV transition to June. First of all, I am baffled that our govt. is actually giving out coupons to have converters. As though the ability to watch TV is a basic human right. Jeepers creepers. I mean, this has been planned for years, and frankly if people couldn't watch TV for a while, it wouldn't kill them. Again, I cannot believe that with all the things going on in the world, that giving converter box vouchers so that people can watch digitized TV is a national priority.
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In all fairness, I admit that I haven't watched TV for the past 20 years, so I don't know what amazing things I'm missing. Yup, I gave it away when I was in graduate school. Two years ago, our 15-year-old computer monitor died and we decided to replace it with a TV monitor. We do like to watch movies and it is nicer to have a bigger screen. My husband turns it on to watch sports at times, but our children never think of turning it on. They haven't been raised on it, and they have cultivated so many other interests. It's been a wonderful thing not to have a TV.
*
I was shocked to hear that the average American spends 30 hours a week watching TV. That's almost like having a full-time job. Imagine what you could do with all that time. Write a book?
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