Getting it Write for You

Reaching Higher

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Today is September 1, and that can only mean one thing for me. It's time for me to update you on how I did with the goals I set for myself in a recent post.

So here is what I accomplished:

(1) Educate myself every day to refresh my mind and skills. This was the easy part. Unfortunately, I could read books and articles on writing all day long. This is not a bad thing, but when you do too much reading, that means less writing. I didn't get too carried away with this goal though.

(2) Search daily for jobs. I can't honestly say I've stuck with this one. I have been so busy with other things, I have pushed it aside.

(3) Contact former customers and let them know I am writing again. I have contacted almost all of my former customers and this reaped great results!

(4) Blog twice a week. This was way more difficult than I planned it to be. Obviously, I did not meet this goal.

(5)Work on my writing website. This also did not happen.

(6) Acquire at least two paying jobs. I'm so excited to say I made this one happen. I got two long term positions, and landed an article! Yippee!!!

It was difficult for me to reach all of my goals this time. There have been things going on in my personal life that have made it challenging. One of the biggest problems was that I had to share my PC with my daughter who attends school online. Her computer was down for a couple weeks and she had dealines to meet. That was the priority, so my blogging and website goals had to wait.

I've also been busy getting Chloe ready for kindergarten. I can't believe my baby is ready to start school. I am going to miss her so much, as she has been a huge part of my life over the past five years. This is a new page for her and for me, but it's a part of growing up...a part of life, and it's all good.

Other less important, but very rewarding things I have been busy with are the typical baking and kitchen things that consume a great chunk of my day. In fact, I have been busy canning and enjoying the fruits of the harvest season...pickles, peaches, and peppers...and there's still more to come. Canning is a lot of work, but such a treat to feed my family foods prepared by my own two hands. We are so blessed.

So I didn't meet all of my goals, but I did the best that I could, and still ended up with good results. I am so happy to have gotten some work, but plan to continue setting my goals and striving to reach them every month - always remembering to reach a little higher with each new set!

I hope your week has started out as a great one, and that you, too, are setting goals and achieving all that's important in your lives! Have an awesome day!

New Reading Material

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:37:00 +0000

A couple months ago, a very thoughtful lady gave me a $50 gift card to Barnes and Nobles. I was completely flattered by her gesture, but didn't run right out and spend it. It was fun to know that I had it, and could treat myself whenever I was ready.

Last week, I finally went ahead and used my card. I bought the 2010 Writer's Market, and a subscription to Writer's Digest. I thought they would be excellent tools to keep me motivated toward my writing goals. I believe strongly in keeping the fire fueled.

Since, I had a migraine headache on Monday night, I spent most of yesterday on the couch relaxing with my new Writer's Market. It was so much fun! Who would have thought I'd ever be thankful to have had a migraine? Well, crazy at is sounds, I was thankful...it got me a few steps ahead and ready to do some serious writing!

I hope everyone's having a wonderful and productive week!

Setting Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:11:00 +0000

Back in March of this year, I began setting goals in my life. The first set was for my Avon business. I've sold for over five years, but never really considered it a business, so naturally I never accomplished anything with it. When I changed my mindset, set a few goals and reached for them, it made all the difference in the world.

The results of goal setting have been amazing—for both my business and personal growth. These accomplished goals have shown me what I am capable of (and this applies to everyone) I can do anything if I set my mind to it!

Since setting goals worked so well with my Avon business, I need to do the same for my writing career. So here we are, right smack dab in the middle of August! There’s plenty of time to set some goals for this month. In order to hold myself more accountable, I am going to list my writing goals right here for all of you to see!

• Educate myself - every day I will spend an hour of my time reading to
improve my craft. After a long break, I know I need to refresh my mind and
sharpen my skills.

• Search daily for jobs

• Contact former clients to let them know I am writing again (Thanks for this
one, Kathy!).

• Blog twice a week

• Work on writing website daily

• Acquire two paying jobs

So there we are. Now I have some goals to work toward. I will give you an update in September to let you know how I did! Wish me luck!

Have a blessed day!

New Beginnings!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:46:00 +0000

This summer I watched my husband, Nick, use all the strength he had to accomplish something that many people, including myself, could never even fathom. At the last minute, his uncle asked him to go down to VA and participate in an adventure run. The run included mountain biking, canoeing, and running for over 24 hours. It was the most grueling race he had ever participated in.

Nick, who is an avid biker and runner, was not adequately trained for a race of this nature, and never realized how difficult it would be. In the beginning he wanted to quit more than anything else in the world, but he refused to let his team down. Instead, he readjusted his attitude and did the best he could. It took their team about 26 hours to complete the race.

I didn’t go to VA with him. I stayed home and literally prayed the entire weekend he was gone. I worried about his physical safety…mountain biking, canoeing, mixed in with rain and thunderstorms can be dangerous. But after it was all over, I was able to sit back and reflect on what he had really accomplished…his body was more than capable of doing what he did, but most impressive to me was that he overcame the biggest mental mountain in his life!

It made me wonder what kind of stuff I am made of. Introspective questions began surfacing in my mind. For example, how would I cope if tragedy struck my life, or am I capable of actually setting realistic goals and really sticking with them?

Inspired by my husband, I decided that though I am physically capable, I need to do some inner strength training! I have challenged myself to try and overcome some of the mental challenges in my life in order to be a more successful individual. I have two main goals for my life right now. I will do something physically good for my body every day, because for me that’s a mental thing. My body can easily run three to five miles a day, or do Pilates, or ride a bike. It’s my brain that tells me not to!

My other goal is to really focus on my writing career again. It’s a challenge for me, not because of overcoming mental stuff, but because I have to learn how to balance my life better. A 14-year-old, a five-year-old, and a toddler can really take a toll on one’s ability to organize and structure life. But it’s not impossible. In fact, moms and dads all over have found great success with their freelancing careers. It’s all about how much they want it, and what they are willing to do to accomplish it.

I suppose this is about self-esteem in a sense. Not that mine is unhealthy, but isn’t it great to know what you’re made of? Nick does. What he did amazes me! I will probably never participate in a race like that, but it’s the daily race of life that we all participate in! Shouldn’t we strive to be the best we can be?

An Irresistible Story!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Have you ever read a book and began to mourn its ending because you were almost done reading it? The kind where there are no sequels, so it's as though you have to say goodbye to the new friends you've made...special friends that you became very attached to in a short period of time. When you read that last page you know it's over, and you grieve the loss of interesting, fun, and exciting people.

I just finished reading "In Her Shoes" by Jennifer Weiner, and that's exactly how I felt when I closed the book for good. I picked it up at a garage sale for a quarter thinking it would be nice to read books by authors unfamiliar to me. For only a quarter I figured I couldn't go wrong. Wow! And believe me, I didn't.

"In Her Shoes" was not an intellectual read I suppose, but in it Weiner packed it full of human emotion, real life tragedies, and issues like body image concerns that affect women and people every day.

The book has three main characters. The first two that we meet are sisters, Rose and Maggie, who lost their mother at a very young age. They appear to be completely opposite in every way, but as the story progresses we learn that they have a lot more in common than originally thought.

The third main character is Ella who had been estranged from her grandaughter's lives for many years. She is a gentle soul, who like Rose and Maggie did not live her life without pain and adversity.

The plot emphasizes life's troubles... troubled families, relationships, and the personal challenges everyone has to overcome. Life is not picture perfect. But when it comes right down to it families, troubled though they may be, tend to stick together through all the imperfections.

What I enjoyed the most about this book was the way Weiner was able to bring her characters to life, with their flaws and shortcomings, and she makes us fall in love with them. In "in Her Shoes" Jennifer Weiner creates realistic characters that people can relate to in one way or another - those who are hard to say goodbye to, and the kind of book that's hard to close for good! If you are looking for a fun summer read, be sure to check it out!

Free Software You've GOT to Try!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:21:00 +0000

Usually, the conversion from the harsh cold months of winter to the much awaited warmer spring weather seems to happen suddenly - sometimes even over night. But this year, I really kept my eyes on things! I payed attention to the grass as it turned from dingy to the most lush shade of green that can only exist in the early weeks of spring. I have watched closely as trees have begun to bud and as the flowers have popped up in the cool, moist earth! I love it! When people ask me what my favorite season is, how can I tell them when I'm really not sure myself! Every season holds a special charm. Right now, my favorite season is Spring!

I've been doing a lot of rambling just to get to my point. With spring finally here, I've been doing some major spring cleaning, and I have to say that I am very thankful to a friend of mine. Mig from eWritings - Online Public Relations contacted me via email asking me to try out some awesome software that one of her clients recently developed. I've known Mig for a few years now and trust her explicitly. Her desire to keep children safe on the internet has been an ongoing crusade of hers for years. And honestly, it's a desire I share with her. Of course, I downloaded the software.

It's FREE and it's called KIDO'Z and believe me, it's a lifesaver, maybe even literally! It allows your children to play on the computer without having to worry that they might see or get into something that is inappropriate. Everything is parent filtered and it's ads-free, too! I can't tell you how many times one of my girls clicked on ads before using KIDO'Z, thinking it was something legitimate only to find out it wasn't.

I LOVE KIDO'Z and my children do too! Let me tell you one more thing. Several months ago, our family had a very scary incident involving my oldest daughter and a potential predator. Since that time, I have restricted all of their activity online. My oldest daughter still needs it for school, but I restricted my five-year-old completely. I simply didn't want to risk something horrible happening to them. Now, I don't have to worry. KIDO'Z is safe. My children can play all the games they enjoy and I don't have to worry - and I can do all the spring cleaning I want!

If you have children you should truly consider downloading KIDO'Z and give it a try! It was developed by a father - a loving parent, just like you, just like me - who wanted to keep his children safe on the internet. Spread the word and let all of your friends who have children know all about KIDO'Z. Let's keep our own "Kiddos" safe while they get to enjoy plaing games that enhance learning on the internet!

Download KIDO'Z for FREE here: http://kidoz.net/

Let the Creative Juices Flow!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:02:00 +0000

A lot has happened since my last post - back in March! I have enjoyed this last year of just being a mom, wife, and homemaker. But now it's time to move on to other things. Oh I still have every intention of being a stay-at-home mama, but I'm ready to move into the "Work At Home Mama" role. I am ready to write again, and I'm also dabbling into the home business category, as well.

Some of you already know that I sell Avon. In fact, some of you have even shopped at my online Avon store - thank you so much for your business! I've actually been an Avon Independent Sales Representative for over five years, but it's really been just a hobby. Now that my children are older I am treating it as it really is: my business.

One month ago, I set the goal to become a Unit Leader and double my sales. I've already met those goals, and plan to keep forging ahead, looking for customers who are interested in great products at affordable prices, or for those who are interested in learning more about becoming a representative themselves. Please let me know if you might fit into either category, or take a moment to visit my store and see for yourself the great bargains you can find! There's even a men's line!

As I said earlier, I plan on writing again. It's a part of my life that I can't stay away from forever. It's difficult to find the time with three children, but you are all such great inspirations to me! Many of you have children of your own and blog on a very regular basis. I will work on being more efficient and productive with my time and I will keep you posted on that journey!

As for beauty blogging, don't worry, I will not be doing that here! This blog was created in order to be "A blog of encouragement, learning, and inpspiration for writers of all genres." That will not change, but I will be creating a blog especially for my Avon business. So if you are interested, there will be more information coming up on that soon!

I truly hope that you are all doing well! I have missed you and all of your wonderful comments! You have been as much if not more so of an encouragement to me than I could ever be to you - I thank you for that! Take care, and I will be back soon!

Housework Rules!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:18:00 +0000

Here is just a quick update of what I am doing! As you all know, I haven't been doing too much writing lately...Well, ok, I haven't been doing any writing lately...Sorry. I promise more some day, but I have just been so busy in other creative avenues.

I have been scrapbooking, reading, reading, reading, raising three lovely girls, growing closer to the Lord, and working on home improvement projects. The pictures above are of the stenciling I have been doing on my kitchen. It's a time consuming project because I have a very large kitchen and the details take time, but it will be so worth it in the long run! I can't wait to see the finished product! But here is a peek at what I've done thus far!

Hope everyone is well! I miss you all! I truly do!

Oh Blessed and Bountiful Life!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:18:00 +0000

I am a mother, wife, writer, knitter, singer, homemaker, exerciser and user of the creative gifts God has given me. I am healthy. I am not bored. I am greatly blessed and reveling in the good and bountiful life He has given me. I had to tell you this.

My very best friend and life partner!

Two of three pumpkins of my own!

The little gal who keeps me young at heart!

I love this one more than words can say! Isn't she sooo precious!

"Honestly, Mama, do you have to take a picture?"

Canning peaches is so rewarding!

Using and enjoying the fruit God gives us is a blessing unto itself!

What I have posted here is a mere drop in the bucket of the rich life I am experiencing right now. For those of you who have inquired as to my absence, all is well. All is better than well. Life and circumstances can change overnight. That's a reality that I am aware of, so I have simply been enjoying the abundent life I have been blessed with. You all are a part of that life and I truly hope and pray with all my heart that your lives are as full and blessed as mine.

Invigorate Your Writing - the Figurative Way!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:14:00 +0000

Yesterday, over at Middle Zone Musings, Robert Hruzek announced the August What I Learned From... group writing project. He gives us a definition of a simile and metaphor, and offers great examples of each one. After taking care of that important matter, he tells us that this month he wants us to write about what life is to us in metaphor form.

Robert's writing prompt got me to thinking about how important using figurative language can be to your writing. Why should you use it and what purpose does it serve? Using figurative language, a simile or metaphor, has the potential to make abstract, general, or unfamiliar ideas easier to grasp. It breathes new life, meaning, and depth into a dying sentence.

What is a simile?

A simile is figurative language in which the writer says that two things are like each other - usually using the words like or as.

His eyes were as cold and stony as a piece of granite.

Her heart felt light like a feather.

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is the use of figurative language in which the writer says or implies that one thing actually is another. The element of comparison that is present in a simile is not there in a metaphor.

My daughter is a real pistol when she is angry!

After running three miles, my body begged me to stop and rest.

You probably already know that my daughter is not literally a pistol, or that my body does not beg me to do or not do anything. Metaphors and similes give the reader something that you don't get by simply saying, "My daughter can get real angry," or "I was so tired I wanted to stop running." You get a real visual, a more intense and interesting feeling and a much better read.

Give it a whirl. Practice with your figurative language and watch it spice up your writing!

Until next time, have a blessed day!

Toadally Cool, Huh?

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:36:00 +0000

While my family and I were away on vacation, we visited a beautiful park in Warren, PA called Jake's Rocks. If you have a fear of heights, this is not the place for you. Its gorgeous views can be hundreds of feet up in the air in certain places. But it was truly spectacular--so spectacular, in fact, that my camera really didn't do it any justice.

I think the picture of the toad ranks up there as one of my favorite pictures ever. He was camouflaged so well, that I almost didn't see him. Really. My husband said, "Hey! Look at that toad," and I looked for a full minute before I spotted him hiding amongst the leaves.

We spent much of our vacation time outside this year--reconnecting with God, His gifts, and for me my creative side. I've decided to write a book. As many writers do, I have a fear that this is something I am not capable of doing. Give me an article topic to research, or a press release announcing a great new product--those I feel confident about, but a book? Fiction? Am I that creative? Is it possible that I can pull it off? I'm not sure, but I do know one thing for certain: I never will know unless I try. So wish me luck on this one, friends! I'm going to need it!

Take care and have a wonderful day!

Tuesday's Tips and Tidbits

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Today we are talking about A Writer's Time Out. Sound's sort of stern doesn't it? A writer's time out is what I call a commitment to doing something every week that helps you get to know your "inner writer" a little bit better. It isn't stern at all, but it can be scary because it reflects a commitment to writing that should move you closer to your writing goals. This is a scary thing--committing yourself to a goal that you aren't even sure is attainable. Julia Cameron refers to this as the "Artist's Date," a more romanticised notion of the same thing really.

According to Julia this date is an important contributor to your writing muse. In her book, "The Artist's Way," she compares writing to a relationship that needs nurturing. Counselors encourage spouses to spend quality time with each other in order to reconnect and they need to have fun together in order to do that. It only makes sense that writers should do the same thing to stay connected with their "inner artist."

Julia says, "Your artist needs to be taken out, pampered, and listened to." She points out that excuses concocted to evade this time together are far too easy to come up with, but that all excuses are nonsense. These excuses are simply the "fear of self-intimacy," she says. I think it's also the fear of the unknown and perhaps even success?

Your date need not be expensive or extravagant. It is only important that the time you spend enables you to tap into a deeper part of yourself that helps you to grow as a writer. Your date might include sipping iced tea on the veranda of a local restaurant, watching and listening to children play at the park, or hiking a nature trail near your home. Whatever activity really strikes your fancy...or actually whatever strikes your inner writer's fancy!

So my tidbit for better writing this week is to suggest that you put yourself in a writer's time out, or if you are feeling less self-deprecating take yourself out on an "Artist's Date--it's all in your perspective, my friend! I think I'll take the date!

Have a blessed day!

Tuesday's Tips and Tidbits

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:09:00 +0000

Well, we are back from vacation. We had a wonderfully relaxing time, but no matter how enjoyable time away is, there's nothing quite so nice as sleeping in your own bed again.

While we were gone I was able to spend an entire day devoted to doing nothing but reading. I devoured a couple issues of Writers Digest and enjoyed it immensely. In fact, one of the articles I read was about software for writers, and honestly I had never even given it any thought before.

My first inclination was to think that I would never use such programs and that it's cheating in a sense. But why? Don't these programs basically teach you all the same things that you learn while taking a writing course? That's not cheating it's improving your craft. I decided to check out their list of recommended software and here is a review of three that I looked at:

(1) WriteItNow - is a program for story development. Their website was very informative and easy to use. The WriteItNow registered software costs $49.95, but they offer a free demo and while you can't save or use add-ons it still has the potential to draw your story out.

(2) NewNovelist - also a site for story development. This program costs $54.99, doesn't offer a free version, but does offer a demo. I personally didn't care for their demo because you don't have any control in what you read or how fast you view it. I like to be able to read something and then move on, but that wasn't an option. I didn't make it through the demo.

(3) Character Pro - a program for character development. The registered software is $69.99, but the site itself has some free articles, tools and tips that are very useful when it comes to character development. There is even a page you can go to that helps you develop a quick character for free!

So there you have it. My quick review of three writing software websites - take it for what it's worth!

Take care and have a wonderful day!

Summer Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:07:00 +0000

It's finally here: Summer vacation. My 13-year-od has been enjoying it for almost a month already, and now my husband gets a little piece of freedom, as well. He works at a shop and is on "shutdown," a mandatory vacation, if you will. He has two weeks off, and hopefully after he gets caught up on all the odds and ends projects he has to do around the house, he will spend some leisure time fishing and doing whatever he might like to do for fun.

In the mean time, I will be devoting my spare time to him and the rest of my family -who also happens to be sick :(. I probably won't be blogging too much until he goes back to work. Isn't this truly one of the perks of being a write at home mama?

I will be back soon to "Get it Write for You!" Until then, take care and have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Words Are Not Enough

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:17:00 +0000

I yearn to be more like this earthly man, this hero, whose love for his son knows no boundaries--this man whose love is more like Jesus than any example I have ever seen...This man is a poetic example of our awesome and amazing God .

Tuesday's Writing Tidbits

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:55:00 +0000

Writer's block? Well, yes, I have to admit I have a touch of this dreaded writing dilemma. It's not that I don't want to write. Why just this morning I woke up with the sun shining in through my bedroom window, and I felt so inspired I took my handy dandy notepad and half cup of coffee out to my back patio to do some writing. I wanted desperately to pour my heart out onto the paper and write something eloquent and worthwhile! I couldn't get started. I think we all have days when writer's block gets us, so here are a few tips on overcoming it when it strikes:

(1) Get up and move somewhere different. Writing from a new spot may help renew your creative juices and help you view things from a new perspective.

(2) Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Start out with fun writing--like freewriting or journaling. These are great opportunities to both come up with new ideas, and to get rid of the stuff that's cluttering up your mind.

(3) Get focused. After you've found yourself a new sweet spot, and gotten a chance to do some fun writing, direct your attention to what you really want or need to write and then, as that clever Nike slogan says, "Just do it!" Start writing and you will be amazed at what you can get accomplished!

What's your most useful advice to overcoming writer's block?

Oh My Gosh! Too Cute!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:08:00 +0000

One day Baby Amara woke up feeling incredibly happy, "Oh! Life is so wonderful," she thought.

Suddenly, she became very somber. "Something's just not quite right here..."

...until Mama came along and plucked that white thing off of her head. She breathed a sigh of relief, smiled and thought, "Now life is truly good!"

You know, I often find myself wondering if Einstein's hair started out like this...Just a thought!

Hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Tuesday's Writing Tidbits

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:08:00 +0000

You got me! It's not Tuesday...it's Wednesday. I apologize. You know how life gets away from you sometimes? Well, life got away from me...but you'll be happy to know I got it back again!

Anyway, I thought that this week's "tip" would be about group writing projects. I participated in my first one last week and thought it was such a great experience that I really think everyone should give it a try. Here are several reasons why:

(1) First and foremost, I thought it was great fun, but most importantly, it was a wonderful learning experience. What a fun opportunity to learn something about myself and a life event that I might not have ever thought about again! Not only that, but there were many lessons to be learned from the other participants. Who would think you could learn so much from animals, but you can!

(2) The contest opened my eyes to new people and new blogs. When I read the other entries in the project, I also checked out their blogs. I found a bunch of interesting stories, talented writers, and tons of useful information. Bloggers tend to be a helpful bunch!

(3) It brought new visitors to my blog. I love seeing new visitors, and I enjoy their comments even more!

(4) It was a great excuse to write. I would even have to say that it brought me a little bit out of my comfort zone--probably because the story was a glimpse into a past that is very personal to me. But doesn't that stretch us as writers, and human beings?

So if you've never joined a group writing project, then give it a try. You might be surprised just how much you stand to gain! I know I learned much more than I figured on, and that's simply awesome!

Have a wonderful day, and see you next time!

No Ordinary Park Pigeon!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:03:00 +0000

For most 12-year-olds, summer vacation is a time of carefree play. Going to friends' houses, visits to the beach, and vacations to new and unexplored places were eagerly anticipated events that made summer even more enticing.

For me it was different. Most of my time was spent outside and I wouldn't change that for anything in the world. I roamed our 62 acres of land in all seasons, but summer held its own special beauty. Right about the time school let out, wild strawberries came in to season. I would wander through the meadow until their sweet aroma gave their secret location away—usually hidden among patches of orange hawkweed and wild mustard plants. I spent hours picking them so my Gramma would make us wild strawberry jam--an unbelievably delectable treat when spread on homemade buttermilk biscuits.

And for as many hours as I spent picking strawberries, and roaming the meadow, that many more (and then some) were spent at the little pond that I called "my special spot." It was there that I went to think, to be happy or sad, or just to watch the sun glisten off the surface of the water as it said goodnight to the world. It was magic to me.

Despite the joys I found in nature, I still often found myself lonely. I was denied the fun activities a normal girl my age got to participate in, and was even excluded from all family fun. Naturally, I yearned for companionship--someone I could talk to; someone I could love and who would love me back and value me for who I was and wanted to become.

I prayed for a friend and in the late weeks of July, God answered that prayer in a most unusual and unexpected way. He sent me a bird. A pigeon I named Millie to be exact. She looked like any other pigeon you might see while sitting on a park bench with some bread crumbs in hand, but believe me, she was no ordinary bird.

She came to me one day while I was singing and riding my bike around the yard. I noticed her right away because I always had a fascination for birds. I spent hours concocting ways to catch one, or at least convince one that I was safe and would find him lots of worms. So when Millie landed on a branch only a few feet from my bike, I was careful not to move too fast so as not to scare her away. Slowly, I got off of my bike, stood underneath her branch and continued singing to her.

It wasn't long before she moved to where she was low enough that I could almost touch her. While crooning my song, I gradually raised my hands up to where she perched and to my surprise she let me catch her. Excitement surged through my body like electricity, for cupped in my hands was the reward for all of my patience.

Little did I know at that moment that it was no fluke that Millie let me catch her. She became a fast friend, and as long as I sang to her, she followed me wherever I went. For a month, I was like the Pied Piper, and she my faithful follower. I was never so happy in my life, all because I had a little bird to love, and the best part was that she loved me back.

Summer ended quickly with a friend to spend my days with. My first day back to school was fun and exciting, but I couldn’t wait to get home to be with Millie again. I hopped off the bus, filled with the anticipation of seeing her and singing to her after a long day apart, but when I called for her she didn’t come.

I went inside and asked my mom if she had seen Millie. She told me she made a trip into town and hadn’t seen her since she got back. I went back out and began looking, calling, and singing for her to come. She never did. I found her sprawled out underneath the wheel of the car. My mother figured Millie must have been sunbathing in the driveway when she came back from town. She didn’t see her, and tragedy struck in our driveway.

My spirit was crushed when Millie died, but I managed to recover from my loss and even learn something from my little feathered friend. I learned that there is nothing better in this world than to love someone or something unconditionally, and to have that same love returned to you. I learned that death is a part of living, no matter how sad or difficult it can be. Most importantly, I learned that no matter how small the being, or how brief the encounter, if the situation is right, the impact on another’s life can be huge. Never underestimate the importance of the little things in life. These great lessons are proof that Millie was no ordinary park pigeon.

This post is my entry in What I Learned from Animals at Middle Zone Musings and High Callings Blogs.

Tuesday's Tips and Tidbits

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:59:00 +0000

Choosing a Topic

There are times when freelance writers don't have a choice as to what they are going to write about. Journalists, magazine writers, and even those who do web based writing are forced to write whatever their editor or client wants or needs. Of course, there is usually some amount of flexibility regardless, but what if you get to choose your own topics? This is often one of the many perks of freelance writing, but how do you come up with ideas and what should you keep in mind?

Pick a topic that is of strong interest to you and that you already know something about. This will help you in a few different ways. First of all, let's use a scrapbooker as an example. A "die-hard scrap-booker" is going to come up with ideas for a scrap booking article much easier than someone who has never scrap booked before. Maybe she has created a fun and easy page to record a child's first birthday and she would like to share that with her readers in a "how to" article format. Or perhaps she would like to share in essay form why she is passionate about pictures. Regardless of the topic, her love for scrapbooking will help her come up with a plethora of article ideas.

Not only will the ideas come easier with a topic close to your heart, but that first hand experience is only going to enrich your article. Our photo friendly junky is already going to know what tools to use to make her pictures look fancy, which glues work the best, and how to keep organized. All of this is useful and real information that is sure to give her article an edge--one that won't come quite so readily with a topic that's foreign to her.

Finally, what you already know gives you a head start in your research. The information foundation will already be there, and your job will be to build upon that, to learn more about a topic that interests you, and to write an eloquent article.

So go pick a topic that inspires you and write an article that people will be driven to read!

Tuesday's Tips and Tidbits for Better Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:31:00 +0000

Word Choice

Choosing the correct words for your content is one of the smartest things you can do for your writing career. Proper word choice will make your stories and articles entirely more persuasive. Conversely, putting the wrong words in the wrong place will only help you to lose your credibility, and unfortunately your readers too. So here are three common mistakes to watch out for when you write.

(1) All ready, and already: Use all ready when all refers to things or people:

The writers were all ready to write the best story ever!

Use already to refer to "by this time" or "by that time."

I could hardly believe her book already made the best seller list!

(2) Can hardly, can't hardly: Can hardly means virtually the same thing as cannot or can't:

My daughter can hardly wait until the end of the week, and the beginning of her summer vacation.

Can't hardly is improper grammar and should never be used in any context!

(3) Moral, morale: A moral is an adjective meaning ethical or virtuous.

The moral of the story is that if you use good grammar your writing will be more credible.

Morale is a noun meaning spirit or attitude.

The coach's positive attitude kept up his team's morale.

I hope you found these tips and tidbits useful. I will be back next week with some more!

Have a wonderful day!

My Three Beautiful Girls!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:31:00 +0000

Life has been particularly busy this week. We've had doctor's appointments, time off for the holiday, and all sorts of other busy stuff. So instead of a lengthy writing post, I am giving you a glimpse of my pretty girls. I am so proud to say that they are every bit as lovely on the inside as they are on the outside!

What's more precious than a sleeping baby?

Looking to the future...

Beautiful ballerina...

Well, I hope you all have a great weekend and I will be back with a writing post next week.

Why "Blog Surfing" Makes Me a Better Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:59:00 +0000

Since returning to the world of blogging and freelance writing, I have been taking the time to visit and catch up with some of my favorite blogs. I have even added and visited several great new ones. I used to think that "blog surfing" was leisure activity and that this was nonproductive to my writing career. I have decided that was the wrong sort of thinking. Here are a few reasons why:

(1) Reading other writing blogs helps you learn more about your trade. Just visit Matt Keegan's The Article Writer, or Lillie Ammann's A Writer's Words, An Editor's Eye, and you will find out just how much you stand to learn from reading the blogs of other professionals. They have spent hours upon hours creating posts that will help you find success in the freelancing community. These people, and many others just like them, care about what they do and they care about your success.

(2) Reading other blogs exposes great resources-- whether its a potential job or a website to increase exposure. Michele Tune of Writing the Cyber Highway recently invited me to join ChicksWhoClick, a private network for women in media, creative arts and girls' & women's advocacy. What a great resource for meeting fellow writers and finding (as well as sharing) information to make the writing journey a little easier for others.

(3) It's a fantastic way to meet awesome and amazing people. I cannot tell you how many inspirational stories I have read on other people's blogs. Stories of overcoming abuse, beating cancer, raising children with disabilities, and fighting online internet pedophilia touch my heart and remind me that bloggers are real people who care about real life issues. What an honor to be acquainted with such people.

(4) Reading these same blogs inspires me to write more, and most importantly, to be a better woman. I read what others have gone through. I see what causes they stand for and support, and all the good they are doing in the world. Reading these blogs inspires me to use my writing gift to do the same. I want to write more, get involved in community causes, and grow as a woman and a human being.

Yes, I have decided that taking the time to visit other blogs can only enhance my writing career, and encourage the kind of growth as a human being that will make me a better writer. So don't feel guilty. There's something to learn from everybody. Take the time to visit some great blogs, and get connected with some wonderful people--I guarantee that remarkable things will come of it!

Tuesday's Tips and Tidbits for Better Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:24:00 +0000

The Cliche

Cliches are old phrases that once made a strong impression, but have been used so much they no longer make an impact on the reader. They come to mind easily, and seem to make writing sound more interesting. But using them too much is poor writing etiquette.

Overuse of cliches might look something like this in a story:

Billy always enjoyed getting under his mother’s skin. It was his sneaky way of cajoling her into letting him do what he wanted. He'd simply climb the walls until she would get all worked up and say, “For Pete’s sake, Billy, go over to Johnny's house to play!”

Perhaps this is an entertaining story, but the cliches are too much! If you spot one in your writing there are two things you can do: (1) Give it a new twist. An example I like is, "Halfway up the ladder of success, she found several rungs missing." (2) If you can't give it a new twist, simply replace it with a more fitting word or phrase.

So be sure to read the writing on the blog, and avoid the old cliche in your writing.

Have a wonderful day!

Writing Technique's and Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Vella) — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:40:00 +0000

The most avid readers understand the rewards of reading something that touches our senses and flows with the beauty of nature itself. People will return again and again to a writer who knows how to connect with his readers in this manner. Good writing is stylish, and stylish writers are successful.

The exciting thing is that you can accomplish writing style by many different means. The usage of good grammar, how you apply different writing techniques, and plenty of practice all help you create your own unique voice. These are all qualities a stylish writer applies to his writing.

Every Monday I am going to post on the topic of "Stylish Writing." It may be a post about something as simple as common word usage errors, punctuation, or maybe it will be a little more complicated. Whether simple or complex, it is guaranteed to be good information to help you (and me) to become a better writer.

Deep down inside, don't we all want others to read and enjoy our writing? Hope to see you Monday!