Tammy Lyn Carbol

I put forth a challenge to my ARWA members to update their websites/blogs and share with the rest of the membership before the end of September 2020, only to realize I myself have not updated my website or blog in almost 2 years.

I think it was a great challenge as I feel quite a lot of us tend to forget the online aspect of our lives, especially since mid-March of this year, when our world was quite literally, changed. Covid-19 changed the way the world did things. We still cannot meet in person yet as our building is still closed to outside meetings.

This year of Covid-19 has been exceptionally challenging for everyone, yet has showed us how to use technology in ways we had thought about, but never implemented. ARWA has gone virtual (for now) until we can meet in person again. Although we will be keeping the Zoom aspect of our meetings for those members who cannot make it out.

Some have written a great deal, and some haven't written a single word. This global historical pandemic has affected everyone, and people are dealing with the stress differently. I was so happy ARWA jumped in with both feet and we had our first Zoom meeting in March, and we have continued two have two meetings every month. 

I needed it. I think we all needed it. It was something we could count on during this incredibly trying time. This group of ladies and gentlemen have had my back for 20 years now. Yes, 20 years! I began in ARWA in 2000, and have never looked back. This group has always been amazingly educational and emotionally there for me. I have learned SO MUCH through my years here, including how to give presentations in front of others. 

Very thankful for that as ARWA hosted a channel during WWC online 2020. I gave two presentations over the weekend (as well as hosted a number of them). What I love about ARWA is the support we give each other. Not just our challenge groups, but our "if you want to learn a subject, teach it" outlook. They are there to support you when you present, and their responses help you grow as a presenter.

I am even starting to feel like I could get back on that writing horse again. It's been a stressful time for me, and I ended up in the hospital for 5 days beginning Mother's Day. I am looking to get back by trying NaNoWriMo this November, but might finish a few edits on a children's book I wrote first to get me started.

I am starting to feel myself again, starting to want to write again, and looking forward to the day when I can meet with my ARWA members and we can HUG, because man, I really miss hugging. A lot.

Write on...

TLC

Well, February was a bit of a rough month. Needless to say it felt like I lost a month and a half of being productive as I had to rest and heal. That being said, I'm feeling better and things are looking up! WOOT! 

February and the beginning of March were also what we were calling "Snowmaggedon" around here, and our Saturday February workshop by MJ Colette on Writing Erotica (to go with our Valentine Social) actually had to be cancelled because of the weather and roads. The ARWA board doesn't take those decisions lightly, but we felt it was best for our members. On the plus side, she agreed to do not only the cancelled workshop, but also her "The Organized Creative" workshop on our Saturday, March 10th workshop - both were fantastic!  She's such a fun speaker to listen to - I got a lot out of both of the workshops - even started my "Project/Process Journal" - thanks MJ!

Though I couldn't dance or write much for the last while, I have gotten a lot of information to work on and move forward so now that I'm feeling better I am SO excited about it! Our February Thursday night ARWA meeting, we had a quick change as our speaker had to cancel due to a family emergency but Jenny Hops was able to jump in and give us a fantastic talk on Audiobooks. Our Thursday night March meeting, Sarah Sades (www.sarahkades.com) gave a fabulous talk on Camp NanoWrimo and getting ready for it. 

I'm pumped! I'm researching and figuring out what story I'm going to write and intend to hit the ground running on April 1st. That being said, life may get in the way and it may go horribly horribly wrong - but if it DOES, I don't intend to beat myself up about it. I will promise to do my best and if thing go sideways, I promise NOT to feel like a failure, because that accomplishes nothing.

By the way, have you SEEN the new cover for Adam Dreece's new book coming out in June - The King's Horse? It's amazeballs! You can pre-order it on Amazon. He also re-released Snappy & Dashing with a new cover (comes in between The Yellow Hoods Books 2 and 3) and it's fabulous as well! If you haven't discovered this amazing author - do so. It's not just because I'm his Assistant, it's because he's a great writer.

I will find out in April if the presentation I want to do at WWC gets put on the programming, and then I'll tell you all about it. I have a fabulous friend who is pushing me get up my VA website (gears towards writers/authors) and that is exciting for me. She wants to help me do it as she believes in me (awwwhhhh). I'm looking forward to the next few months as I am on the mend and feeling more myself. 

It's Spring, the weather is getting better, I'm feeling more myself, and thinking more positively. Looking forward to what's to come...

Write on...

Have been getting quite a bit done lately - and I'm fairly pleased with myself! During our ARWA Saturday workshop this month, we had Dwayne Clayden in to speak with us about Poisons.  It was incredibly interesting! The best was he had to say "so if you are looking to poison someone...IN YOUR WRITING"...<snicker>

We looked at poison through the ages and it was truly very interesting with what and how they would poison folks. He was an entertaining speaker and we left with a LOT of information...for our writing, of course.

During ARWA's Thursday night meeting, the fabulous Sarah Kades was in to discuss Building Your Author (or Editor) Website. Many of us either have websites that need updating (completely!) or none at all, so the information was helpful.

So, I was a good student and updated pictures and also some of my writing in my website. Thought about updating the template, but I kind of love my typewriter, so it stays. Also going to make sure I keep blogging at least once a month (hey, considering I sometimes go months or a year without updating, I think that's a healthy goal).

My website for my hardtobeagoddess.com domain I purchased last summer (at the urging of my ARWA tribe)now has a plan. I believe after Sarah's discussion, I now know what it will be for. Planning to get it done before end of February.

Doing some Virtual Assistant work for Adam Dreece and Katherine Dell, two local Calgary authors who are fabulous people who write great books! Loving it and looking forward to helping them both with some of their administrative needs. I love beta reading and editing Adam's books and audiobooks as well - it's a great deal of fun! Also helping an up-and-coming author get their non-fiction book put together - and I look forward to her publishing it this year.

Have also offered to beta read a friend's Western - which I had no idea they even wrote! He said it was just something he had done, so I told him to send it over.

During all of this, I actually got some time to do a BIT of writing (I've started writing by hand again as I feel it just flows better when I do that and not when I'm typing a story into a computer). This approach seems to be working, so I'll continue finding time to get some writing in each day, even if just for 15 minutes. Getting to work on scrapbooking as well, which I'm finding very relaxing to do and I enjoy putting what I want into it.

Overall, January has been a frustrating, yet fulfilling month and I look forward to what February has to bring. I'm enjoying all the ARWA workshops and meetings we've been having and the information I've been getting from them - it's great! I seriously love my writer tribe, both in ARWA and outside of it. We have a tremendously supportive writing community in Calgary, and I'm extremely thankful for that.

Write On...

So wow...almost a year since I was "going to write all the time" in my blog. Well, that didn't happen (obviously). It's been a year of flux and changing my entire life around.

In March we had to make the decision for me to become a full-time-stay-at-home mom. I hadn't been able to obtain employment - an average of an interview a month, but no job. EI was running out, and daycare was $1400/month so we talked about it and decided I'd stay at home.  So notice was given to the daycare and as of May 1st of this year I've been at home.

Luckily during this transition (mostly since August) I have:

So I have kept busy. During May - August, little monkey and I were outside A LOT enjoying the summer and then he began school. Being home I can walk him to school and pick him up each day (it's amazing the amount of time they AREN'T in school!). So I do really count myself lucky. I am the co-volunteer coordinator at his school as well, so I help the volunteers and I volunteer myself. It keeps me active with his school and getting to know the teachers, parents and kids - which is a wonderful thing.

I am enjoying doing some work for the authors and it brings in a little bit of income. I am thrilled being back teaching as I have truly missed it. Finally, becoming President of ARWA again and being able to represent such a fantastic group of writers and authors is so incredibly rewarding. 

Only, I'm not writing anything :(

Although, Sue Bergman from ARWA gave us a spectacular presentation to our members on Scrivener - so I have the program and intend on trying to find some time to write. Honestly, I will try.

In the meantime, I will cut myself some slack and continue doing what I'm doing.

Write On...

Well...I have had both a craptastic, and sometimes good, last few months.  The biggest thing affecting my life was the sudden passing of my father in May.  It has hit both myself and my twin sister hard and I struggle daily to move forward.  I know dad would have wanted that and would be pissed if he knew how bummed it makes me sometimes, and for the most part, I'm pretty good.  I still just have moments where I think of him or see his picture and my eyes well up - but then I try to suck it up and move on.  The first week after it happened I was a hot mess.

Grandpa and David

 

I have done no writing since his death. None. I just....can't.  I know it will come back and I think (and hope) it does when I attend When Words Collide August 8, 9 and 10th... http://www.whenwordscollide.org/program.php I'm even listed in the program now as I will be a panelist on the "Writing Hot" panel (I believe that's what they are calling it).  I am still looking forward to it as it will be my first writer conference - but trying to get my sparkle back...yay know?

 

I've known many people who have died.  Death sucks. A parent's death, however, I'm finding especially horrific.  I am thankful I have my husband and son to keep me busy and sane - I think if I didn't have them I would curl up into a little ball and cry.

 

Not to bore you with this posting, but I'm finding it cathartic to write about it - perhaps putting it INTO a storyline would help me get through it.  That is a thought I have considered. <sigh> ugh. 

 

Not sure how to put it into a storyline that would fit MY normal genre of writing, so perhaps I will have to step outside my comfort zone for awhile and put pen to paper, and just give 'er.

 

Might just be what I need to help the hurt, and move forward more quickly than I currently seem to be. 

 

One thing my husband did that touched me more than words ever could, was I came home from being out with my sister, and he had placed the iron dragon my father specially-ordered for my 40th birthday into the front garden of our home.  He even secured it so it couldn't be stolen. (my sister also got a specially-ordered iron sculpture of an eagle sitting on top of the world with his wings spread - it's beautiful).  Every time I come home and see it, I smile and think of Dad.  He and I talked a lot about the dragon and bird because he had spent a long time deciding which ones to get us because he wanted our 40th birthday prezzies to be special.  Well done Dad, well done. 

 

I love you. I miss you.  You will always be with me.

 

 

 

Sooo tremendously excited!!! My fabulous husband has agreed to watch our little monkey the entire weekend so I can attend When Words Collide, here in Calgary August 8, 9 and 10, 2014 at the Carriage House Inn!

 

If you don't know, WWC is a Readercon!!! It's a festival for readers, writers, artists and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, Childrens books, and Poetry.

 

Special Guests are:

 

 

Very excited to be attending as an ARWA member - AND since Diana Gabaldon is my sisters FAVOURITE author (the "Outlander" Series) she is coming with me!!! I not only get to attend, but I get to hang out for a stint in the ARWA hospitality suite, help out at the ARWA information table, AND I have been asked to sit on the "Writing Hot" panel! (frankly, nervous about that one, but hey, what the hell!)

 

If you are dying to know the program - see this link!!! Lots to do for both writers AND readers!  Fantastic weekend planned!! hmmm....I know I should dress nice, but still debating if my sister and I will be wearing these gems...

 

I've never attended a Readercon before and I'm very excited! I love ARWA and it's members are a constant inspiration for me.  Even though I can't always make the meetings now (hard to find a babysitter during the week!), I keep up to date with ARWA's Twitter page, Facebook page, and website. 

 

My goal this year is to submit TWO of my manuscripts in - I have GOT to do it - I have to take the plunge (well, technically, I have to finish them first!) and just trust in the Universe they will find their way to where they need to be!!!

 

This summer I intend to spend lots of time outside in my backyard - so while little monkey is playing...Mommy be writing.  I found a picture of my DREAM backyard, which frankly, I couldn't have in the Calgary climate year-round anyway, but thought I'd share. 

Now tell me...wouldn't YOU feel like writing romance novels if YOU were in this backyard? <sigh> I just absolutely LOVE this backyard.

 

And, I must add a pic of my little monkey...who was tremendously excited to attend a giant book sale with Grandma, Auntie, Cousin and Mommy this past weekend.  Can't you tell?

 

Although he IS sleeping, he honestly DOES love his books, and he is only 20 months old! He loves for Mommy or Daddy to read to him OR he will just sit there with a book in his lap and turn the pages while studying it most seriously.  It IS rather adorable and I am hoping he enjoys books as much as his parents do as he gets older! I think he will!!!

Here are some of the key points I used - oh, and did I mention my presentation was peppered with pictures of Antonio Banderos (from Zorro), the newer version of Pride & Prejudice and that FABULOUS scene with Louis and Armand from Interview With The Vampire? Oh...yeah...those helped <wink>

Then I was SUPER excited!!! I finally got off my behind and signed up for When Words Collide (August 8-10, 2014) here in Calgary! Checked with the hubby if he wouldn't mind me basically being gone for 3 days in August - took an afternoon off work - and there ya go! www.whenwordscollide.org

It is for both readers AND writers, and when my sister saw Diana Gabaldon was coming (who just happens to be her FAVOURITE author) - oh yeah - she had me sign her up with me! Should be a fun and interesting weekend!  I know ARWA will be involved in numerous panel discussions, and I *think* we are having a panel discussion all our own.  You should TOTALLY come check it out!!!

I have been using my lunch hours the last little bit to get some writing done, and that has actually been working out well.  I'm getting more and more excited (heh heh) as I'm moving forward in this book.  In MY mind, it's fabulous - but hey, that's just me.

I shall continue to slowly plod along and get my writing done.  Little by little is better than none at all, and I will celebrate my "little bit" rather than torture myself when I don't write at all - it's the only way I'll stay sane.

If I stopped in frustration over having days where I didn't have time to write, I'd never move forward - so I will continue to write at lunch and IF time affords me, and I can write at home, I will do so.  As Dory says "just keep swimming...just keep swimming" (yes, yes I DID happen to watch Finding Nemo...FIVE times this past weekend)

I love the ARWA ladies and our meetings - www.albertaromancewriters.com - we always have a fantastic time with lots of giggles, and inappropriate comments (usually coming from me, but still).

I'm very happy that this month, my mom has offered to come play with David all night so I can go to my ARWA meeting (as my husband also has a meeting on that night)

Don't get me wrong, I love my little monster...but I love me my ARWA gals too!

Well now, it HAS been quite a week this past 7 days or so!!! Mind you, it has been quite a Fall/Winter season, and being the lazy ass that I am, I haven't updated my blog OR my website (with current information and pictures!).   I will now remedy that.

 

Well, after the talk we had from Justin Perry at Breathless Press last Thursday night(breathlesspress.com) at our Alberta Romance Writers meeting - I believe I finally got the kick in my ass to start doing some writing AND some "marketing" of myself.  Ironically, it was the day before that my best friend and I decided I should finish my manuscript this year and she would complete a course she wanted to take.  When it all falls together - the signs come from everywhere, don't they?

 

So...super quick update on the non-writing...finished our stint as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of our Order of the Eastern Star Chinook Chapter 133.  I am still an officer this year but Roger is not so he gets a break and will stay home with David when I have meetings this year.

 

I believe we did an okay job as WP and WM, and even held our Chapters 50th Anniversary Party (see fabulous shot of us here). 

 

It was a good year but we were quite worn out at the end of it - it was David's first year and we almost always had him with us at the meetings.  We are thankful that the ladies and gentlemen of Chinook Chapter all love David and would vie for babysitting duties! Our Chapter is fantastic and accepted David into the meetings with no problem, and for that we are eternally grateful!

 

On Thursday, January 23, 2014, we had Justin Perry from Breathless Press come to speak to the Alberta Romance Writers Association.  It was a very eye-opening experience and I was thrilled to find out he was based out of Calgary, with employees all over the world.  He spoke not only about the genres they publish, but also information on marketing (meaning the authors need to market themselves as well as the publishing houses).  Again - please go check out their website for both e-books and print books!!! breathlesspress.com

 

I thought he was fantastic and very informative, and after the heart-to-heart talk with my bestie the day before about our "plans" for ourselves for 2014, it felt like the final nudge to get me off my ass and writing again. 

 

I find it extremely hard to write at home when I'm with David because frankly, wouldn't YOU rather play with this adorable face than write? I know I like to - and he LOVES books by the way.  He can't read yet, but sometimes he lets Mommy read them to him and other times he's like "yeah, you are taking too much time" and just wants to turn pages, but he WILL sit down and turn pages for like 15-20 minutes.  I am hoping that is a sign that he will love to read.  That's what I'm going to believe...

 

Anyway - I have made the promise to myself I will use my lunch hour to write at least 2 or 3 times per week.  At least!  This way, I am not distracted by a wonderful full gut giggle and large smile - AND I can concentrate for that one hour and "get 'er done".

 

I started last week and I am already making a forward motion with my manuscript - I will concentrate on taking one day at a time and just keep writing.

 

Lastly, oh I HAD to talk about the wonderful Robbie Burns Night we attended last night, held by St. Mark's Masonic Lodge (was at a legion). Such a fantastic site seeing all the Scotsmen running around in their kilts - I really think my husband should get one.  He's not Scottish, but come on!!!

 

The Toast to the Haggis was phenominally done and I gorged myself on Haggis and triffle (for dessert).  Such a wonderful evening spent with really good-hearted and loving people.  I have ever yet to attend a Masonic event I didn't enjoy. 

 

I also will do my best (and with the kick in the ass my best friend will give me) update my blog FAR more often, even with the "I'm sucking and can't write anything right now" posts...gotta take the good with the bad, right?

 

2014 is my year.  I just need to do the hard work to make it successful - because it's not just going to come sit in my lap!