Wednesday, September 07, 2005

I Know Your Name...


I was watching the news last night and they talked about how newscasters often referred to people as bodies or victims, unemotionalizing the situations. But then they spoke of the fact these people were relatives, sisters, brothers, children...even family pets. How right they are.

Being a member of an organization like RWA isn't strictly about policies and procedures...it's about connecting with our fellow members. Nothing has brought that more clearly into focus than a time like this. It's about knowing and recognizing others need our help and support. And it's about knowing the names of those people. The help may be small or large, a prayer or a package, $5 or $500, you are in everyone's hearts--and we know your name.

Do you find that knowing the identity of someone makes you want to go that much further, give that much more? Seeing the face of a distraught child on television tugs at your heart. Seeing a family pet abandoned without the companionship of its owner makes me want to reach out.

These people may feel forgotten, but they are not. The need is overwhelming...and we know your name. Getting what you need to you may take time...but you are in our thoughts and prayers. And there are those working at the front who will make sure we don't forget your dire needs, nor who you are.

And in knowing your name, you have tied us irrevocably to your need. We are a country who supports each other. We will reach you. Our hand is outstretched to you. From this corner of Washington to the borders of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and on...one hand reaching for another, building a strong link of connection, and holding on tightly. We will do all that we can to pull you into safe arms. You are not nameless.

I wish I could do more, but, still, I know your name...and I will not forget.

Friday, September 02, 2005

I'm Okay Now...

My website is backup and running nicely with a new host, I had a new story come out last month, and another new one will be coming out later this month. Things appear to be fairly peachy right now. But let's not say that too loudly.

Several days ago I finished writing the first draft of Jebediah's Promise. I'll be working on edits this weekend for that one. I have a few questions in to my "expert" help on titles and positions and things. I'm a little nervous on this story because it is sort of a special one. More on that another time.

I was pleased when I woke up this morning to find I have a handle on another story I'll be working on shortly. I often find I need to let them simmer for a bit and then the veils sort of peel away and allow me to see where I need to go next. That happened with a scifi romance I'll be working on in the next month or so. I have the outline written but getting into the characters takes some time. One face of the relationship fleshed out for me. I really like when that happens.

Sometimes by writing the outline and setting it aside, it removes some of the stress. Think of it as gathering all the basic ingredients together, putting them in a pot to cook, and putting them on slow simmer. Every now and then you check it, maybe add a little more seasoning, and set it back to simmer. What results is a perfect melding of the flavors to create a soup, sauce, or whatever, that tastes devine. I guess that's what I do to bring my story together. It works for me.