The Write Exercise?

Writing exercises our minds but doesn't offer much in the way of bodily activity, does it? Sure, ideas pop up when we're not sitting at the computer. Who hasn't come up with an idea while in the shower or when running errands? The actual writing part, however, usually has us parked at the keyboard.

Moving is essential for good circulation. Even short bursts of activity get the blood flowing, which provides a double bonus - for mind and body. We think and feel better, and have more to offer our loved ones.

What can we do to balance the sedentary aspect of writing?  

• Get ample rest. This is a given, but how many of us ignore this basic advice? I do, and need to take note.
• Eat right. Yup, another given, but when we neglect a proper diet, it catches up with us. You are what you eat. Yes, indeed.
• Exercise. Given #3! From hitting the gym, to walking or running, to the exercise DVD, light weights, and more, there are a myriad of options from which to choose.
• Maintain a "motion mindset". Recognize that in order to achieve our best writing results, regular activity helps keep us healthy and alert.

How can we stay loose and relieve tension when we sit and write? 

• Take regular breaks. Even a trip to the laundry room or mailbox can stretch muscles and get the blood moving. Take a brief walk around the house or yard, march in place, or scale the stairs a few times.
• Stand up. I read an article recently about how standing (versus sitting) is better for optimum  circulation. Consider getting one of those standing desks, or take your laptop or note pad and pen, set it on the kitchen counter, and work there for a change. Stand, or better yet, pace back and forth, when you're on the phone.
• Keep moving, even when sitting. Pause when writing to change position, wave or rotate arms, scrunch shoulders up and down, or turn head from left to right. Or invest in the exercise equipment pictured above. :)
• Be your own masseuse/masseur. Massage your scalp, forehead, or temples, neck, and/or shoulders, using gentle pressure or kneading in a circular motion to relieve tension and increase blood flow.
• Stay hydrated. Did you know that dehydration can cause headaches? Keeping a healthy beverage handy, whether writing or not, is an easy preventative measure. 

Whether exercising our bodies or minds, it doesn't take much to make a big difference.


The Winner! 

Congratulations to Susie Dietze, the winner of last week's book giveaway, Bundle of Joy, by Annie Jones! Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

A Special Event

I invite you to stop by Thursday, April 4 for a special post for Susan J. Reinhardt's blog tour for The Moses Conspiracy. It should be fun; Susan will share a little about her journey to publication.


How is your "motion mindset"? What steps do you take to be an active writer?

Happy writing,

Karen



Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Interview and Giveway with Author Annie Jones

Annie Jones is an award winning author who has dozens of books to her credit. She has a knack for creating heartwarming stories with fun and memorable characters.  I've had the privilege of meeting Annie, as she lives in north central Kentucky too. She is one smart and talented writer! :)

Annie's newest book, Bundle of Joy, just hit the shelves. In addition to graciously answering my questions, she's offered a copy for a giveaway, so be sure and check out the details below.

Welcome to Write Now, Annie. Congratulations on the release of Bundle of Joy!  

Thank you!

The cover is so cute! How much input do you have in the design of your covers?

Actually none. We do fill out forms giving details of characters and scenes for the art department but the rest is out of the author’s hands.

I was reviewing your book titles on Amazon. You are one prolific and inspiring writer. What's your secret for coming up with so many great story ideas? Do you keep a specific writing schedule?

I have so many stories in my head I actually have to keep track of them in notebooks. Most of my ideas come from situations that grow. I think of something  - like what if there was a baby on left at a public place, (as in Bundle of Joy) then ask who would be the two people who would be least likely to want to help but who would benefit the most from getting involved?

I used to have a schedule but now I’ve started working with my family business full time and I tend to write whenever I can grab a minute.

In addition to being a fan of your writing blog, I enjoy your other blog, Dear Helen Hartman. I like how Helen offers "Timeless Advice for Modern Problems with a Vintage Twist". She has such a great sense of humor! How did this modern and vintage combo originate? 

Thanks! I had wanted to write a story about an advice maven called Helen Hartman for years. When I started it and some editors were interested I started a blog to give Helen a presence. I discovered that many other people loved vintage style and images as much as I do. I was having so much fun, and it just took off with a life of its own. That book is half done and I do plan to finish and epub it…when I get the time!

I hope you epub it soon. :) Will we see Helen in future books? I'd love to see her in a series.

I have one book about Helen herself that’s more of a ‘drama-dy’ and one that’s a set up for a series set in the 60s. At least one of them will be showing up in ebook form.

Sounds great! Keep us posted, okay? When you aren't writing, what do you like to read?

I read nonfiction to relax. When I read fiction all I can think is how I would have done it, or why it’s so much better than mine or why did this book get so much more support than mine or…you get it. So non-fiction takes me away from all that. I do read fiction but not as much as I wish I could. 

Yeah, I do get it. For the record though, I've read a good handful of your books and they were great. They stand up to everything else I've read. You're a wonderful storyteller. Thanks so much for stopping by, Annie. Wishing you much success! 

Thank you, and thanks so much for having me! 

Here is Amazon's description of Bundle of Joy:  

Never, Ever Trust A Cowboy...Like the wind, Jackson Stroud plans to blow through Texas ranch country and never look back…proving Shelby Grace Lockhart's motto correct. But the former Dallas detective doesn't walk away from ladies—or infants—in distress. So when he discovers an abandoned newborn and a woman looking for a fresh start, Jax knows he came to this special town for a reason. Shelby Grace is just as determined to learn why someone left a baby on her doorstep. As their quest leads in surprising directions, Jax starts to believe he's finally found a place to belong. What will it take to convince Shelby that this is one cowboy she can count on? 

Bundle of Joy is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book sellers.

Stop by and visit Annie at the following links; she'd love to see you!

• Annie's Writing Blog
• Annie's Amazon Author Page
• Dear Helen Hartman Blog
• Twitter 
• Facebook
   

 
The Giveaway 

Annie's giving away a copy of Bundle of Joy to one of my followers. Here are the details:
 

• You must be a Google Friend Connect follower and leave your email address with your comment. 

• Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please total your entries and include links with your comment.

• Open to residents of the United States.

• Deadline to enter is noon EST Friday, March 29, 2013. Winner will be chosen by random.org, notified via email, and will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, April 1, 2013.

Do you have any questions for Annie? Do you have any famous writers in your writing group?

Happy writing,

Karen 

P.S. Congratulations to last week's giveaway winners! Gift #1 went to Barb Snyder and Gift #2 went to Jeanette Levellie. Thanks to all who participated!

Conference Sunshine

More Conference Goodies

During a panel discussion about the world wide web, author Annie Jones stressed the importance of having an online presence to expand our reach. It is a good marketing tool, she said, but also a vital community. Why do we need a community? Building connections, and more importantly, friendships, she says, provides support and brainstorming opportunities, among other things, that aid our journey.

I'd met Annie before (she and I belong to the writer's group that sponsored the event), but it was nice to hear her insight in more detail. Annie's blog for writers can be found here. Annie's other blog,   Dear Helen Hartman, offers fun and timeless advice with a vintage twist. 

Author Virginia Smith shared how her experience in the corporate world helps her writing. Writing full time now, Virginia stressed how crucial it is to understand the business. Get to know markets and genres, find your niche, and note trends, she encouraged. Have a detailed plan - or at least work on developing one as you go, and maintain a "planning mentality". Every ship needs a rudder, after all. 

I thought it interesting that Virginia's mysteries dictated her transformation from Seat of the Pants to Plotter. I learned too, that she lives about 20 minutes away from me, so it's possible that we could bump into each other while shopping. Maybe I should keep a list of questions in my purse in case I see her at Starbucks. :) For more info on Virginia and her books, stop by her site.

 

It was great meeting all the speakers, but it was an especially fun treat to meet Ann Gabhart. You might recall the interview and giveaway I did with Ann back in March. Well, she's just as nice in person as she is in a blog interview. Ann's latest books are historical fiction; she discussed her research and the interesting things one can discover in the process. Primary sources, of course, are the mainstays, but journals, interviews, and even family memories play a large part as well. Her goal is to generate the flavor of the period and people to create a good, memorable story. 

Ann feels that it is okay to take some creative license, within reason, since it is historical fiction, after all. My current WIP is the same genre, and while this flexibility seems inevitable, it's nice to hear it from a real live author. More of Ann's wisdom and info can be found at her site or on her blog.

So that's my conference adventure in a nutshell. I highly recommend attending one, large or small, every so often. It's a great experience!

Oh and one more thing...

The new site find of the week is E-Junkie.Info. Okay, so I had a guest post there too this week, (thanks to all who stopped by to read it!), but it features an assortment of posts, from stuff for writers and artists, to info of a techie nature.

Have you found any new sites lately? What's going on in your neck of the woods this weekend?

Have a great weekend,

Karen

Photo credit: Columbine http://www.sxc.hu/photo/926811