Hammer and Chisel by Linda S. Glaz

  Yes, it had to start somewhere.

   Hammer and chisel, reed pens and papyrus, quills on parchment, pens on paper, typewriters, word processors, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and I-phones.

   We have come a long way.

   And the message is the same. An individual has a story to tell. And so he must.

   Still and all, what prompted the first man or woman to make up a story and tell it?

   Storytelling has certainly evolved. Early man passed along family and societal information via stories. Some spoken, some written. But at one point, an imaginative person took a simple idea and wove a tale. That might have been the first release of voices in the head.

   The next natural step was jotting down ideas and sharing them.

I laugh when I think of the first story I wrote for a class on an old typewriter. Then, one needed carbon paper if they wanted to keep a copy. And sending off to an editor meant copy after copy after messy purple copy.

   We’ve come a very long way and all for one reason: to tell our stories.

   Whether we chiseled them out of rock or made copies on our printers, we have stories to share. Ideas in notebooks in the middle of the night. Quick summaries on a computer. A scribbled note at a stop light.

   The stories must be told. Whether or not a writer uses a keyboard or a pen and legal pad, or whether or not the story is ever published, if a person is called, they must write.

   So chisel, or type, or share with a friend, but do tell your story.

Get Back Up and Fight! By Linda S. Glaz

I was reminded recently how I seem to be a “disaster” magnet in the month of December. I’ve had a lot of disappointments and family disasters in my life, almost always happening near Christmas.

There was a time when I thought it would be wonderful to land a publishing contract as a Christmas gift. I’ve heard clients say the same. But more often than not, disappointment shadows that type of thinking. If only my birthday brought a contract, if only I got a St. Patty’s Day offer. And on and on.


And while the nos aren’t exactly the disasters I was talking about, they still hurt. They continue to leave us waiting and wanting.

In fact, the disappointments smack us down, knocking the wind out of us.

Artists such as actors, musicians, writers, and the like all seem to need the validation that comes with success. So we are always looking for the next “Good for you. Job well done.” And as often happens, we don’t get it each time.

December or January through November, we all ache for moment that we think will define us. And we don’t necessarily get it.

What’s a person to do?

Get back up and fight! Never say die. Never quit.

Here I am, the December disaster magnet. Bad news always seems to happen this month in my family. But Christmas is my favorite time of year. Each year I rally around. Expect it to be better than the year before. I get smacked again! But I don’t stay down. I love Christmas, the whole month of December. It is filled with snow, pure and white. Homemade fudge, yummy and made with love. Presents…that I LOVE to buy and give. Ahh, yes. December is awesome.

Are you the same? Do you get smacked around but stay on course? Because the victor is he or she who gets back up, brushes off the muck, and forges ahead.

Which are you? Victor or failure.

Does Christmas Bring You Joy? by Linda Glaz

Ribbons, bows, packages, and lights. Stars, snowflakes, and downtown Santas. That’s right; we’re in the Christmas season. And I love it. I admit to being a Cmasaholic! Of the absolute worst kind. I love it. I smile more, laugh more. I’m simply happier at Christmas time.

But writing scenarios tend to slow down this time of year. Way down.

And when I do hear from an editor, it’s generally a big no. Not always, but for the most part. Needless to say, I don’t care for negative outcomes to invade my Christmas cheer.

Still, I have to keep working, have to keep getting the word out on fabulous clients or my newest release. It isn’t easy. I want to be able to call a client and give them the best Christmas present ever. A contract! Or to read my sales numbers and find them through the roof.

So what’s a girl to do?

I guess it’s time to remember the actual reason for the season. Jesus. Time to reflect on His birth and the actual reason for the smiles, ornaments, and pine trees.

Time not to worry about books and contracts. Not check my email every five minutes in case an offer comes in. It’s time to remember why I smile more, laugh more, and feel happier than I have a right to be.

How about you? 

Does Christmas bring you joy for all the right reasons?