How do you work?

Recently, “How do you work?” was asked on the Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others Facebook group. Michelle asked if we have several work-in-progress (WIP) going at once, or do we totally start to finish before going to the next project. The discussion had mixed results. Some do several at a time – like me! Others must complete before starting something new!

Bottom line, it is whatever works! Either way, you are not alone!

I decided to share my WIP list before the world, get it out into the universe. I need to set goals and get them done! There are so many more projects I want to do!

Besides the following major WIP, there are “minor” projects I want to do, like Blessing Bags, Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts), Kennel Quilts, more Prayer Flags, and any Pocket Prayer Quilts when the need arises.

It will be interesting to see at the end of the year what I’ve accomplished…

Carry Over from 2016 WIP:

1.     Camp Quilt – top is ready, need to quilt and bind and label.

2.     Butterflies and Dragonflies Quilt – ordered fabric arrived, need to finish border, then quilt, bind and label.

3.     Nancy’s Quilts – design and create at least 3 more

4.     Charm (Beggar) Quilt – two rows pieced, need total of 6 rows. Cut more 2” squares and stitch together, join rows, quilt, bind, and label. Will be a *Veteran’s Quilt

Block of the Month (BOM):

5.     Secret Garden – catch up on the bi-weekly blocks, add sashing, stitch together, quilt, bind, and label – Will be a *Veteran’s Quilt

6.     Splendid Sampler – half way through creating the blocks. Add sashing, stitch together, quilt, bind, label – Will be a *Veteran’s Quilt

7.     Starry Night – bunches of blocks to make, join together, quilt, bind, label – Will be a *Veteran’s Quilt

  

*DEADLINE on the Veteran’s Quilts – July 1, 2017

Totally NEW Must-Do projects:

THEN: Create at least 6 more Veteran’s quilts by July – to cover veterans that attend the American Legion Post’s Cowboy Breakfast!!!

THEN: replace those quilts for the September’s Cowboy Breakfast

THEN replace those for the Veteran’s Day program at the local school!!!

Projects I want to start for Me, our Home:

The Farmer’s Wife 1930’s Sampler Quilt

Where Forever Begins, ASimple Love Story Quilt

And, two wall hangings for my NEW dedicated sewing room!

Yes. I have various projects going at one time. I love it! I don’t get bored for a lack of something to do!

How do you work?

One project at a time?

or

Several on-going?

Practice Practice Practice

I’m not a professional speaker, but a group representative asked me to speak before an audience of mostly business women! Over two hundred are expected to attend this annual event. Oops! Have I mentioned I’m not a professional speaker?

At least, I am passionate about the subject matter:  my first book, Where Forever Begins, A Simple Love Story. They’ve asked me to give a book review. The author doesn’t usually give their own book review! Oh my!

Every writer knows coming up with a synopsis for agents, or for the back of the book, is much more difficult to compose than the entire book was to write! Even more difficult is writing/giving the balance ~ the enough ~ to pique the interest of a potential reader/buyer without giving away too much!

My time allowed: 20 – 25 minutes.

I finally have something down on paper, now to practice practice practice so I don’t end up “reading” from my notes! But, I’m not going to fret about it if I do end up simply reading it. This book means too much to me to mess up the presentation I want to share. The information I’d like to convey outweighs the need to “perform” – does that make sense?

The way I structured the presentation:

Greetings

What’s ahead

Envisioning the 1800’s

Small glimpse into the life of Jane and Thomas
  that includes two quotes from the book

Three points of inspiration to write the book

A couple of reviews received

A few comments others have shared

Writing Tips

Conclusion

Well, that’s it. We’ll see how it goes!

On my own

When asked to be a speaker before plus or minus 200 women, and a handful of men, I know it’s an honor. I know this. It’s still frightening as all get out! When asked to give a book review on my own book, Where Forever Begins, A Simple Love Story, how or where do I begin?

I’m not a public speaker. In fact, the last time I did something before a much smaller group, I had a panic attack during the presentation! Or, maybe it was a gigantic hot flash? Rather doubt that excuse. No, I realized later I forgot to breathe! Seriously folks!

Last week, I asked my niece for help. Dr. Leslie gives presentations around the world – literally – and I couldn’t think of a better person to ask. My thoughts were all over the place, I needed help getting organized. I needed any tips she could offer me. A specific one she gave: don’t forget to breathe!

I’m practicing.

She also recommended I simply tell my story… not necessarily the story found within the pages of the book, but how/why I even started page one.

All those wonderful, sometimes eerie, memories are starting to come back.

This week I’ve done a little googling. Yes. Googling. I know MSWord it isn’t a word, but it should be. I basically wanted to know what’s included in a “book review” in order to give the organizers what they asked for, first and foremost.

According to Owl Purdue Online Writing Lab:

(I cannot recommend this site enough. I’ve used it over and over again for many years. It’s an amazing resource for any writing. Period.)

A book review gives readers

1.   a sneak peek at what a book is like,

2.     whether or not the reviewer enjoyed it,

3.     and details on purchasing the book.

Well, number 2 is quite obvious. Why else would I have spent four years writing it?

Number 3 is easy.

It’s the number 1 – how much do I share?

The way to good writing is keeping the reader wanting to turn the page, not put the book down at all …. Forget sleeping, eating…

Because the review is on my own book, I need to give just enough sneak peek to peak folk's interest to buy the book, to turn those pages! That’s the fine line I’m walking….

Everything happens for a reason, in its own time.

This time last year or the year before, or before it, had I received this invitation, I would not have accepted. This invitation is timely and fits within my Twenty13 goals to get out from behind my sewing machines & laptop, and become more involved in the community and meet challenges!

Yes! I can do this!

I'm practicing!

Sixth Day of Christmas – Books written by Lanetta J. Sprott

Never did I think this statement would be true: “Books written by Lanetta J. Sprott”! Never did I aspire to become a writer, or ever think about writing a full-length novel. It was not until one day I was standing in my kitchen and a young girl, that I didn't know, came into my mind's eye. My breath caught in my throat as she flooded my mind with the entire love story of Jane and Thomas. The reader will never know it all came from Lauren because she played a minor role in Wherever Forever Begins, A Simple Love Story. And, she continues to speak to me, telling me what happens in their Journey through Forever, the sequel that’s a loving work in progress.

Trust me, I’m not going crazy with hearing voices! Other writers know exactly what I’m talking about!

It took four years writing their love story, in between working full time, helping to take care of our cattle ranch, and researching for the fine tune details. Then sending to different editors and beta readers, making their suggested corrections, and receiving multiple rejection letters later, I decided to self-publish. It's green to self-publish anyway! Since the release of Where Forever Began, a mid-1800’s historical romance set in the New England area (with a little bit of Texas time thrown in, of course), I’m overwhelmed with the positive feedback I continually receive.

Finding Closure, a contemporary fiction, is totally different from my first book. Lindsey’s story cannot be considered a “romance” by the industry’s standards. Although she did have Chase come into her life – for a while – her story is more one of empowerment, the power she finds within her own self. The “why” behind writing Finding Closure, I haven’t a clue. I just knew I had to share what happened to Lindsey and how she handled all the tragedy life threw her way. The only “who” was Lindsey herself talking me through the writing process. I also have appreciated readers' positive comments on Finding Closure. One especially I'll never forget: "Way to go Lindsey!"

Several other works of fiction are in different stages of completion. All the characters are in my head, waiting their turn, some not as patient or quiet as others.

Madison is the loudest. Next Time Around ~ a romance in the truest sense of the word ~ will depict her story. Ella is a close second on the noise level scale! I had to put her story down for a bit because of the unsettling nightmares I began having while writing it! Yeah, it’s a murder mystery that I may have to lighten up a bit for me to finish!

I've never approached writing a novel with first seeing a picture for the front cover! Knowing it will be perfect when I saw it, I bought the photograph and obtained rights to use, but the storyline has yet to develop! I have faith Left Behind will come when I least expect it! Maybe "they" are waiting for me to clear my head from everyone else!

This is the awarding winning "Left Behind" photo by Beverly Powell, and future cover for the novel, Left Behind:

It just speaks volumes to me!

A while back I began writing a non-fiction, something a little different than what's already on the market. Finding Elbow Grease is a project I’ll finish in time for Christmas. Which Christmas, I haven’t a clue! A beta reader has read what I’ve written so far and continues to encourage me to finish it! I will, I will!!!

Although books written by Lanetta J. Sprott are published at lulu.com, I’m very disappointed (and embarrassed) with the changes to their site. I have no control over how it looks or the content format. This is another reason why I offer both books (and will future ones) through Lanetta’s Creations at the same bottom line price (after their shipping & handling)! Plus, I can autograph the copies before mailing! Win-Win!!!

Use coupon code 6thday at checkout until January 6th (one per customer) and receive 20% off the signed book of your choice! Free Shipping & Handling, too!

What to take?

This Saturday I'm doing my last arts and crafts show (for the year) INSIDE the County Courthouse in Lampasas. The space will be very limited, without the normal "booth" arrangment because many vendors are stationed along both sides of the wide hallway, along benches within the actual courtroom, and wherever else they can stash us. Of course, I have no idea where I'll be! Therefore, I know I won't have room for all my items. So, with this in mind, what do I take?

I sold more doll clothes for 18” dolls than anything else in the last arts and crafts show. They are going for sure.

I'm thinking, because the aprons were displayed on a garment rack & folks had to thumb through them to see, is maybe the why they didn't sell as well. I know models Ethel and Lucy won't be there Saturday to feature any aprons!

But, this is the only way I have to display them right now ~ plans are underway to create a better system for next year’s arts and crafts show in which I may participate!

Anyway, I'd like to offer my lovely aprons because stores like Dillard’s, Macy's, Sur La Table, Pier 1, Williams-Sonoma, Walmart, etc. only sell imported aprons. My prices are comparable ~ within range ~ and I’m always hoping more people will support Made in the USA – especially Handmade in Texas, by me!

Maybe this demographic area isn't the right market place for aprons... but I thoroughly enjoy creating them, so will continue!

I also have small priced items, perfect for stocking stuffers, that I don’t list in my ArtFire shop. I love it when children come into my “booth” and are able to buy something for mom or granny. Seeing their faces light up with the empowerment it brings them to buy on their own warms my heart. I must make room for these items, indeed!

Then there are my bags/totes
              and beaded bookmarks
                      and Christian Prayer Beads
                                  and the books I’ve written…

Nope, can’t take them all.

What are your thoughts? How would you decide?