Reiview of THE ADOPTION NETWORK quoted on author's site

What a follow up from yesterday's post. It's like God is confirming me in small ways.

My review of Laura Christanson's book The Adoption Network is quoted on her website Exploring Adoption and published in full on Title Trakk.

Can I just say I'm loving the Christian writing community? Christian writers go out of their way to promote, encourage and support one another. No fear of idea stealing in this circle.

Check out my review by clicking on the imbedded links above!

Somebody thinks I rock!

I opened my inbox yesterday.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that my blog - the litterbox was chosen for the "Rockin' Girl Blogger" award!

Wow!

Not something to brush off when I share the honor with mega-blogs like ragamuffindiva, relevantblog and gracereign! I mean, those gals are REAL writers as in PUBLISHED folk.

Okay, so I'm published...

but not books...

yet.

I guess I'm still not considering my self a "real" writer. I've been writing steadily for over a year now - articles, blogs, book & CD reviews.

Why am I hesitant to list myself among the legit?

Precisely, what defines a bonafide writer?

Someone who can spell? Someone who can diagram sentences while making monkey bread? Someone who can quote classic prose in the security line at the airport? A person who gets PAID for melding words and phrases? A hermit, holed up in a drafty cottage with a rickety Smith-Corona?

I'm none of those things. I do drink coffee.

My hang up is the money thing. How can I call myself a professional writer if I very rarely get paid for what I do best?

I'm under a lot of pressure from the budget powers that be to either start making $$ from my writing, or find a "real" job.

To me, "real-job" = something I'd hate doing.

Been there, done that. Hated every minute of it.

Yet I struggle to write.

What if I can't sell this? What if it takes years to find a home for my book? How am I going to pay off my student loans? I've deferred them as much as I can, and need to find the money two months ago...

I'm discovering that worry, and lack of faith are biggie creativity slayers. Also, my fear of naming myself as a writer...

Ahhh, there it is... fear.

If I call myself a writer, I'm under the belief I must succeed. I must become the next JK Rowling (after all, Harry's done come August). If I fail... then what?

Been on that gnarly path before...

Here's my prayer today: Jesus, I believe you called me to be a writer. Help me with my doubt.

I am the only me!

As I was reading through the ACFW e-loop, I came across a post with this website:

www.howmanyofme.com

it's run by the census people. You plug in your first and last name and immediately, the site tells you how many people share your names! How cool is that???

I'm unique!

I entered my maiden and married names and both times, I was the only me. My sister is the only her as a married woman. There are 20 of John.

I kinda like being truly one of a kind. I'm sure my friends and family are glad I'm the only me.

Kyle's the only him.

So, there you have it - a one-of-a-kind mom with a one-of-a-kind baby.

I'm back

I've been gone for two weeks - vacation to the East Coast including lots of Mom-mom & Grampa time for the Booger.

When John downloads the pix from his drive, I'll post some cool shots of Maine, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Boston - oh lots of cute Booger and Pumpkin (Daniel) shots too!