Follow the evolution of the Writer Knapsack (and even participate and help make decisions) as I create the face and materials of a new and different take on helping writers in this crazy world of publishing. Join me from the beginning and watch the website change as I work on sketches to a final logo, offer tips and tales toward final production, and develop an array of materials for those living the writing life...all to fill the pockets of your own writer knapsack.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Life is Too Short Not to Follow Your Dreams

I feel a little like I’m about to pass out right now—sort of like when you're used to singing in the shower or alone in your bedroom, holding a brush as a microphone, dancing in front of the mirror, and giving the most ultimate performance ever, and then you’re out with friends one night, and they somehow convince you to get up on the karaoke stage, in front of everyone, and…uh, uh, uh…  Yeah, like that.

It's a big step, putting yourself out there.

Well, I’ve had this project in my head for years, something that combines all my passions—writing, editing, art, and helping writers reach their dreams. Over the years of editing, I kept (and still keep) coming across many things both new and published writers struggle to understand and/or find material to explain those concepts. Thus, the spark began. And grew and grew as I thought of a different take on and unique and fun ways to do a series, not just to help with writing, but that would encompass the various aspects of the writing life. But I never really talked about my ideas or shared them with anyone. Never found enough time to devote full focus to the concept. So, when I stole a few moments to research or sketch out ideas or make notes, it was my time, my little horded dream where absolutely anything could happen. And as it does, life throws detours onto the highway—kids, family, jobs etc., so I kept shrugging my shoulders and told myself, Someday. 


Lately, however, it’s been like the universe has stuck a few new sign posts on the side of the road. First, my sister gave me this cool journal for my birthday with a saying I have always appreciated, and I started thinking…hmmmm, what if?  Then, I was reminded (sadly a number of times over the last couple of months) that some don’t get the opportunity to make it to their “someday.” That life is far too short.

So this time, when all those thoughts of “it’s too hard, too much, will take too long” came up, instead of falling into that doubt pothole yet again, I had an idea…what if, instead of working all alone and waiting until the writing, editing, sketching, digitizing, proofing, finalizing, publishing, etc., etc., etc. were complete, what if I shared the journey right from the beginning? Share not only the experience but some of the content, my thoughts and sketches, tips, tales, triumphs, and terrors? What if I could help writers along the way as I worked on my passion project? All to the final product…a dream for me, and hopefully, a dream builder for others.

Maybe that's why I feel as if I’m standing up there on that karaoke stage, having a hard time breathing and staring out like a [rein]deer caught in the headlights…because, not only is this venture an exciting kind of scary newness, but by doing so, I am making myself fully accountable to make it happen. While still all mine in my head, my passion project could be worked on whenever...or not at all. But now, I am making a full out statement of Here I am and here’s what I'm doing. Now. No more excuses, no more hiding behind the bedroom door with a stylus pen as a microphone and singing at the top of my lungs while editing manuscripts (okay yes, admittedly, that does happen on occasion.)

Exhilarating, petrifying, breathtaking, and yet…I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me! 

So, what you can expect:

~ Blog posts with everything from content from the drafts of  material I work on together with excerpts of the other fun pieces I have planned to (hopefully) amusing antidotes of the writing life to special guest bloggers and interacting with other writers.

~ Sketches of designs and logo ideas that I hope you will help me decide for branding and other art/writer related ideas.

~ Writer inspiration to keep you motivated.

~ The changing face of the website as I put all of the above into play.

For now, how about a quick tour of the current site? To the right you will see various “pockets” I will fill regularly. Feel free to share the Twitter Pocket. Fill your own writer knapsack with titles from the Book Pocket. [Such as the one up there right now. Not only do I highly recommend anything by Stacey Joy Netzel as a great read, but she is donating all the proceeds of this title for the month of December to her local animal shelter. So, have a cozy break reading this holiday romance while knowing you are giving an animal an opportunity to be all warm and cozy this holiday season, too.There is also the Promo Pocket below where I will add events that pop up from time to time such as the Christmas Blog Tour happening next week by the Trans Canada Romance Writers.

I plan to blog every Tuesday with a few extra or special posts thrown in here and there—like an added one this debut week on Thursday, wherein I plan to share a few sketches and the grouping of materials I will be working on as the first part of the Writer Knapsack.

What about you?  What is your dream?  Are you working on it now or is it percolating in the back of your mind like mine was?  If so, is there maybe something you can do, right now, to start moving forward on your dream's path?  Could just a few minutes a day working toward it make a difference? The answer to the last one is a definite YES!  [In a future post, I will be talking about just that!]

Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this somewhat longer than expected initial post and listening to my dream. And please, if you like the concept don't hesitate to pop back and visit often, and feel free to share the link to this website www.writerknapsack.com with your friends and writing groups!


27 comments:

  1. Good luck with your new project, Stacy. Your blog sounds like a fun place to visit!

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  2. Love this! Warm wishes for success, Stacy!

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  3. Excellent decision. I'm so happy for you. It's not easy to put your dreams out there. Best wishes.

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    1. Thanks Eliza! No, not easy, but today, with all the encouragement, I am so happy I did.

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  4. I'm looking forward to the journey, Stacy! Wishing you all the best and can't wait to see where you go with it. :) (and thanks so much for sharing Mistletoe Magic!)

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    1. And thank you so much for being my debut "Book Pocket." We found our Riley dog at a shelter 12 years ago and he was the best dog, friend and writing companion ever.

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  5. If you're up on stage singing Karaoke,then I'm in the audience giving you a standing O. Good for you taking on this project. It sounds exciting and a great place to visit.

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  6. Congratulations, Stace! As a co worker and an author who has benefited from your expertise, I'm so glad to see you doing this. Best of luck!!

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  7. Wishing you much success and lots of writing with your new venture!

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  8. Your idea sounds intriguing and good for you for jumping onto that stage and being willing to share.

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    1. Darlene and Linda, thank you so much! And looking forward to being on the Trans Canada Romance Writers Christmas Blog Tour with you both!

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  9. This sounds like it's going to be very exciting and helpful!

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    1. Thanks Mariah...and thanks for the extra Tweet shout out, too!

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  10. It's like a first date....Exciting, the possibilities are unlimited. I am certain you'll get your HEA.

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  11. Congratulations on your new venture, Stacy! As an author who has won awards and hit the lists because of your guidance, I'm thrilled to know you will reach and help many aspiring authors. Best of luck!

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  12. It means so much to me to have you all visit and support something so important to me. Thanks to each and every one of you!

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  13. I'm so excited for this, Stacy. You did an amazing job on the site and I already know how incredible you are. This will be so helpful to so many people. I'm already hooked.

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    1. I appreciate the vote of confidence! Thanks Inger!

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  14. Congrats Stacy! Your site is amazing. I'm excited to see what the future holds for you. You've helped me so much, I know this site will be a success.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Lori! And thanks Sherri, I can't wait to see what happens with it, too. I never realized how much just putting it out there would inspire the creativity to work on it that much more.

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  15. Looking good, Stacy. Congratulations on getting this started.

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