Expect the Unexpected!

The beginning of a New Year is always something to look forward to with a fresh new outlook. It’s a time for resolutions, new behaviors, and/or ridding ourselves of the negative ... And preparation time to expect the unexpected.

I recently returned from the States, and I learned not to expect things. While visiting, I had a calendar of expectations, but the unexpected happened. It was a realization that I should always prepare for the unexpected, not just focus on what I want but what could possibly be.    

If there’s one thing I learned during my visit is that everyone is busy, and even though plans are set, the unexpected sometimes pops up. Time doesn’t wait for anyone. It was a wakeup call, and a lesson that while other people’s lives continue on, I also have a life that I must get on with in order to succeed.

When I lived and worked in the United States, my life was completely different than it is now, living and working as a self-published author in Germany. It’s more relaxed, and my husband and I get to spend a lot of time together due to his job and vacation time. I was blessed to get to write full-time and work on my publications, but I also have to admit that I can easily stray from my job—procrastination is one of my weaknesses.

But I feel that 2014 will bring me lots of wonderful life experiences, and writing successes. Like all New Years, I’ve made a few resolutions as a guide. Here they are:

Writing and Publication

1)  I hope to make 2 blog posts a week.

2)  I hope to keep up and follow more bloggers.

3)  If anything, I hope to connect with more writers.

4)  My women’s fiction novel, Fogged Up Fairy Tale will be published by the summer.

5)  I’ll republish my past books under my new imprint.

6)  I will research and learn different ways to promote and market my book(s).

Personal

1)  I won’t be returning to the States this year, but instead, focus on my success.

2)  I’ll get a new domain for my imprint and recreate my website.

3)  Each day, I’ll thank God for something I’m grateful for in my life.

4)  I’ll lose more weight.

5)  This year will be a year of travel.

6)  I plan on getting to know other people in Germany, so I can build a community of friends here.

Have you made any resolutions?

I wish you all a wonderful New Years. May you achieve your resolutions.

Resolutions and the Unexpected,

Bea

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

I’ve received blog awards before, but I’ve never heard of the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers award. It’s a cute name and it reminds me of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants novel. What makes the award special is that I received it from one of my internet sisters, Pat, who shares so many kitchen table stories. Please take the time to stop on over to Pat’s blog, Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom.

The Rules are as stated:

1. Provide a link and thank the blogger who nominated you for this award.
2. Answer 10 questions.

3. Nominate 10-12 blogs that you find a joy to read.

4. Provide links to these nominated blogs and kindly let the recipients know that they  have been nominated.

5. Include the award logo within your blog post.

Since I haven’t been blogging much, and the blogs I follow have received countless awards, I’ll refrain from passing it on and just answer the questions.

Questions and my answers

1. Your favorite color? Red.

2. Your favorite animal? Shakespeare (My Jack Russel/Maltese Mix dog)

3. Your favorite non-alcoholic drink? Water

4. Facebook or Twitter? Facebook. I don’t have the patience to go through a bunch of links. Not my thing. I’d much rather interact with people than read about celebrities, or click on links to blogs, articles, etc. BORING!

5. Your favorite pattern? This is definitely a question I’ve never come across before. I’d probably have to go more with style, which is Modern Country (Pottery Barn).

6. Do you prefer getting or giving presents? I prefer to give presents than receive them.

7. Your favorite number? 7

8. Your favorite day of the week? Actually, every day of the week that I get to spend with my husband is my favorite day.

9. Your favorite flower? Calla Lily

10. What is your passion?  To ‘live’ life, not just be a spectator.

Virtual Sisters and Awards,

Bea

Fogged Up Fairy Tale

I know I’ve been sleeping on the blog, but I have to tell you that it’s because I’m writing. As I mentioned before, I’ve been working on a women’s fiction/chick-lit book, and it’s in the revision stages.

BUT, I finally came up with a title and created the front cover. My current novel is called Fogged Up Fairy Tale and below is the cover.  

I am excited about this book because it is very different from Net Switch, and that alone challenged me. Fogged Up Fairy Tale is slated for publication in the Summer of 2014. If you get a chance, please stop on by my author website, http://www.authordenisebaer.com/, and browse around to check out the changes.

Chick-Lit and Sarcasm,

Bea

Too much, Too Little

I’ve recently read an article about James Franco, which posed the question, “What, Exactly, Is James Franco Doing?” In the article, it talks about his many works in the arts, such as acting, teaching classes, he’s in a band, writes short stories, but because of all his ambitious endeavors, it has left him with a “lack of definition.” He’s done so much, that you wonder just exactly who he is and what he is doing.

I like James Franco. This article made me think about him and his achievements, yet I never really thought about ‘lack of definition’. His movies range from blockbusters to artsy, independent films. He reaches to great lengths to stretch out and embrace his likes. But really, who is James Franco? What mold does he fit into? Would we be surprised with anything else he attempts to do? For me, I’d have to say I wouldn’t be amazed. James Franco hasn’t defined himself as an actor, band member, writer, teacher, so I somewhat lost interest in his continued new attempts in the arts.

Too much, too little. It made me think about writers and genres. If a writer spreads s/he wings and ventures out into several writing styles, do they lack definition? Will readers find it difficult to connect with the author, therefore discouraging interest in their writings?

In some cases, spreading yourself too thin can cause an over-the-top reaction—an undefined overachiever. With writers, I think attempting new styles of writing, such as screenwriting, poetry, and short stories, only enhances their achievements and makes us wonder about other possibilities. It’s a great thing for a writer to move outside their comfort zone and try new genres. Sometimes writing within one genre style can become one-dimensional. Then again, some writers want to be genre-defined. I think other styles of writing help spark the muse, and bring the writer to new levels. A writer showing diversity demonstrates to readers that they are not afraid to experiment, and experiment alone heightens interest because of the unknown—shifting away from the cliché and mundane writing styles of so many.

What do you think? Is too much, too little for writers, or does diversity spark more interest?

Too much and Definition,
Bea