IWSG meets the first Wednesday of every month. A community of brilliant writers led by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Visit the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website and database! You’ll find everything from writing to marketing, along with encouragement and support!
I’ve learned a valuable lesson recently. The unforgiving mistress of time management has dealt yet another backhand of reality, forcing me to reassess my priorities. With Ash Wednesday now upon us, I’ve decided to surrender something I enjoy immensely that will appease the fickle forces of time.
No, it’s not coffee — that would be blasphemous and barmy. Our society doesn’t need another non-functioning citizen in its corner. I’m talking about distractions. You know, the shiny new ideas, fun flashers flash fictions, virtual social gatherings with an open tab and cheeky challenges that polish your banter. I really enjoy all these tempting diversions. They pair nicely with my cup of motivation coffee. But, they don’t help me accomplish my main objectives.
In the wise words of the brilliant composer team, Robert Lopez and his wife, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, whose enchanting song “Let It Go” took home an Oscar:
“It’s time to see what I can do,
to test the limits and break through.”
Which, roughly translated from Disney-speak, means it’s time for me to let go of shiny diversions and really focus my abilities on bringing to life an exciting novel series — the details of which, I’ll be releasing on March 21st for the A to Z Theme Reveal.
Why am I participating and helping out with #TeamDamyanti in this year’s A to Z Challenge? Aside from the incredible, meaningful connections that were made during my first challenge last year, it was the driving force behind my first novel. I’m channeling that same passion this year into an even bigger project! The Challenge is far from a distraction — it’s incentive to capture the imaginations of a global audience. Daily interactions with readers and fellow authors fuel my desire to deliver a unique and memorable experience — to push the boundaries and see what I can do!
Speaking of incentives, I have a special prize for those lovely folks who help support the much needed relief efforts in the Philippines and leave reviews for the Composers for Relief collaborative ebook, “Beyond the Binding“, by April 1st. One lucky reviewer will be awarded immortality! And when I say immortality, I mean capturing your likeness and name as an enduring fictional character in my current novel! Trust me — you’ll want to be a part of this!
Available on Amazon & Smashwords in all ebook formats and listed on Goodreads
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How do you focus on your main objective and avoid distractions? What’s your motivation behind joining the A to Z Challenge? Are you interested in being immortalized in fiction by leaving a review?
Eager to see your theme then!
That first Challenge four years ago changed my blog forever and I will always be a big supporter.
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It’s the one social engagement that’s NOT to be missed! I’m eager to reveal it! *the theme, that is*
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Push those boundaries. =) You never know how much you can accomplish until you try, and I’ve always been particularly fond of the saying, “I shot for the stars and hit the mountain tops. Good thing I wasn’t aiming for the mountain tops.”
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Thanks, girl! Love that saying! Considering I’m surrounded by mountains, that’s especially relevant.
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Now I’m jealous. You’ve got mountains around? I miss my mountains.
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Giving up distractions is a good way to go. I’m going to try to do the same, but oh, my, it’s going to be tough. Look forward to theme reveal day.
Silvia.
SilviaWrites
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It will be tough! But not as rough as giving up caffeine–that would be damn near impossible. I’m pulling for ya, Silvia!
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That’s an amazing prize!
I’m too shy to go for the prize, but shall do my best to spread the word.
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I’m glad you think so, Damyanti! I’ve big plans for this novel series–lots of fun characters to play with!
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Hey Samantha,
Wow, that’s a very kind offer. It seems your theme is a Novel idea. All the best and as usual, I share your posting.
Gary 🙂
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Being immortalized in my world will be quite the adventure, Gary:) Penny is also eligible, should she leave a pawsitive review:)
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Can’t wait to see what your theme is! It’s going to be a great year! So glad you’re on board with Damyanti’s great team!
Tina @ Life is Good
A to Z Team @ Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014
Co-hosting the IWSG
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I’m always so distracted. Maybe I should give that up for lent too.
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We can keep each other strong in the face of diversions:)
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I’m a huge supporter of the Challenge and am so grateful I signed up for my first one a few years ago. Looking forward to the theme blogfest!
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It’s the best party around! Looking forward to your “Reveal”!
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Thanks for reminding me I MUST get that post ready for the 21st. ! I keep losing that note to myself. Arrg! Here’s to giving up something as long as you’re wise enough to know it can not be coffee. 🙂
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See, this is why I adore you, Lee:)
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Isn’t Lee just too cute? ❤
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May I quote the two you to my family?
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You have my permission to do so Lee. I’m sure Sam will agree?? 🙂
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Absolutely!!
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The A to Z challenge holds a special place in my heart. I fell in love with the challenge in 2011, and this will be my fourth one.
I’m looking forward to the Reveal Hop on 21st March… that should be fun!! 🙂
Writer In Transit
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The Challenge certainly appeals to my gregarious nature:) Oh, the fun we shall have!!
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I keep saying I will give up distractions but I get… distracted! 😦 God for you for following through. X
shahwharton.com
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That song meant so much for me, I shuddered when I heard it for the first time. Go work for your dream and write your novel! Dragon and dwarves will be cheering for you. 🙂
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Distractions definitely have a way of keeping us off task, and when there are so many things to get done at times, that’s not very good at all. So glad you’re helping with A – Z and looking forward to your posts.
MJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Writing Tips
Effectively Human
Lots of Crochet Stitches
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Hello, and I can not wait to see what all you cover and more about your super hero.
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