And with a final push despite that hideous stomach flu (which reappeared once since my last post), we ended the year at AWANA with a bang ... and some cupcakes.I have truly enjoyed every single Sunday night I had the privilege of spending with the red team. Admittedly, there were fewer than usual. The year I had my knee surgery, I missed two meetings all year. (I always miss the second one to go to ACFW's conference.) Last year, even with the divorce, I missed only one or two. This year sickness took me out at least five times.
But my kids, both in my group and in my home, pushed through the obstacles and made impressive finishes. Andrea and Joshua both finished the top books for their grade levels. Though we're all looking forward to the summer break, I'm sure they'll be ready to hit it hard come September.
To all my fellow Sparky leaders, it's been great serving with you another year!
Should I change the name of my blog to Journey Through Sickness??? Seems to be all I write about lately!
Last Thursday afternoon I added a seven-month old to our household for a short term foster placement. There were huge reasons why I didn't say No, and you know what they are if you know who else is placed in my home...
Friday was amazingly fun. Single mother of FIVE? No problem, at least with the awesome kids I have. Let's review the ages one more time, shall we? 11, 9, 3.5, 23 months, and 7 months.
Saturday I woke early to a dream of retching. Got in the shower and tried to wash the dream residue away. When that failed to work, I wondered, Am I really sick? Turns out I have the gift of prophecy. In my dreams.
So my mother ended up being a single mom of five all day long while I slept, over a bucket, to avoid feeling the poker-like pain in my abdomen until 5 that night. But Andrea had a Red Cross Babysitting Class ALL day long, and Josh had a baseball game in the middle of the day, so she ended up with fewer helpers and more little people. Two of whom always wanted to be held at the same time.
By the time I felt well enough to do the mid-night feeding of the baby, Mom had gone down with the sickness. The nastiness bug proceeded to take our family out one by one.
Long story short, I've yet to go a full day without some kiddo spewing and I haven't had a full night's sleep since Wednesday of last week. One ER visit (today) later, and I believe everyone's stomachs have found their acidic norm once more. Praise God. I was about to put lamb's blood on the doorjamb and ask the Lord to pass over!
The little one returned to her parent on Monday. Maybe the sickness was a blessing as I haven't had time to miss her yet. Speaking of ...
May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month and I was asked to write an article of the local papers. Even though I'm anonymous on it, you all know who I am. (Unless it's just been TOO long since my last blog ...) I tried to answer the #1 question people ask when they find out I'm a foster mother.
Writers, would you like to make money doing the thing you love most? If so, then this announcement should be of interest to you!
Janice Hanna Thompson, author of over fifty novels and non-fiction books, would like to announce the debut of her writing course for freelancers titled “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer,” available at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. The purpose of this course is to strategically train freelance writers so that they can earn top dollar with their writing.
Currently, there are ten lessons available, but the site will continually grow. New, fresh material will always be added. If you’ve been looking for creative and exciting ways to earn money with your writing, your time has come! Please visit www.freelancewritingcourses.com and sign up for the newsletter, or write to Janice at booksbyjanice@aol.com for more information.
What writers are saying about Janice’s course:
“I've taken a number of classes since starting on this journey of writing, but Janice's course on freelance writing has been the most helpful. Full of tips, suggestions and her own writing experiences, Janice's course has something for everyone. If you are considering signing up for her writing lessons, I urge you to do so. You won't regret it!” – Edwina Cowgill, American Christian Fiction Writers member.
I've not only had the pleasure of taking online classes from Janice, but also attending seminars. I love the practical working knowledge she teaches because I was able to put much of it into practice immediately. From the classroom to real life in a snap, Janice Thompson gives the steps, the encouragement, and the simplicity to help any writer become self-sufficient. Would I tell you to take her courses? ABSOLUTELY! You will grow the ability to earn money with your writing! Every writer's teacher, Janice Thompson. -
Angie Breidenbach, Author of Creative Cooking for Colitis, ACFW PR Officer, Mrs. Montana International 2009
I participated in Janice’s online course in January of ’10. I found her to be very thorough and very concise in her explanations. She also took pains to offer lots of feedback and make it interactive. I know her classes will be great! – BK (Brenda) Jackson
Janice, could you tell us a little about your new venture?
Of course! Thanks for asking. On April 20th, 2010, I debuted my new writing course “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. The sole purpose of this venture is to teach struggling freelance writers how to earn money with their writing. Here’s how it will work: students can purchase one lesson (for $24.95) or all ten (for $199). They don’t have to feel compelled to buy the whole package, though they will get a package price, if they do. Each lesson will include an audio file and a video power point presentation of me teaching the lesson (available with just a click of the mouse), a corresponding audio script, a downloadable worksheet, a bonus feature, and full access to the site’s forum, where I will meet with authors for some group mentoring (at designated times). Right now there are ten lessons, but eventually those ten lessons will become ten separate categories with multiple lessons in each. For example, the current lesson on magazine article writing will eventually have multiple other lessons underneath it—all meant to teach writers how to make money writing articles. People who take these courses will have the benefit of meeting other freelancers in the forum and can also chat with me about their projects. Best of all, the site will continually grow. New, fresh material will always be available. (I’ll be recording new lessons routinely.) I’m so excited, because I know that struggling freelancers can and will learn how to make money with their writing.
What prompted you to set off on this new adventure?
For years I’ve been writing novels and non-fiction books. I’ve been so blessed to have over fifty books published, as well as dozens of magazine articles and even a movie script. It’s been quite a ride. . .and it’s not ending anytime soon! I’m currently contracted through 2011. The longer I’m in this business, however, the more I’m aware of the basic need of the average freelance author to make “better” money. Sure, many of them eventually sell books. They get advances and royalties, (though, not often in the range they had hoped). As a full-time freelancer, I’ve faced this myself. Several years ago, I found myself hollering, “Where’s the money?” I made up my mind to find as many creative ways as I could to bring in money as a freelancer. I’ve learned so much since then, and want to share what I’ve learned with others, so that they can benefit, too. Tell us a little about your own writing.
As I mentioned above, I’ve written just about everything! Most of my writing is for the Christian market, so my stories have a clear faith element. Lately I’ve been writing romantic comedies, (most recently the “Weddings by Bella” series), but I also enjoy writing mysteries, kid’s stories, historicals and more. I continue to write magazine articles, because they provide a great financial supplement. I’m also very excited about my many write-for-hire projects, because a huge chunk of my income comes from those. To learn more about my books visit my author site at www.janiceathompson.com. Books can be ordered directly from the site.
What has it been like, supporting yourself full-time as a freelancer? Is there really money to be made?
As I mentioned, there was a time (back in 2007) when I wasn’t sure I could do it. At that time, I hadn’t set any real goals for myself. That all changed in the fall of 2007 when I began to strategize about the future of my writing. Instead of worrying about the challenges I faced, I got busy and put together a plan. I began to look for non-traditional ways to earn money with my writing. . .and it worked! That’s not to say I’ve “arrived,” but I have managed to support myself full-time from that point till now.
If you could list one of the biggest frustrations that freelance writers face, what would that be?
The biggest frustration of all is this: Some markets don’t want to pay. This is especially true when it comes to the Internet. It’s so challenging to make a living when you can’t figure out who pays and who doesn’t! But that’s why I created this course! There are so many markets that do pay, and many of them are relatively untapped. Freelancers can earn money. . .they just have to discover where the money is! (And I plan to help them in that journey!)
You’ve said there’s money to be made. . .but where? What avenues are available to freelancers?
At www.freelancewritingcourses.com, students will explore multiple areas where they can earn money with their writing. Lessons include:
· Setting Career Goals
· Magazine Article Writing
· Write for Hire Work
· Marketing and Public Relations
· Becoming a Public Speaker
· Becoming a Creative Writing Teacher
· Making Money as an Editor
· Writing and Selling the Non-Fiction Book
· Writing and Selling the Novel
· Secrets From the World of the Pros
Each lesson will cover a host of possibilities and will give real, practical suggestions.
You’ve mentioned other lessons that aren’t yet available. Could you share a few here?
Sure! Each of the ten topics listed above will eventually become its own course (with multiple lessons in each). I’ll be heading back into the recording studio soon to cover the topic of magazine articles more thoroughly. I’ll also record lessons covering all aspects of fiction writing. We’ll talk about passive vs. active writing, plotting, characterization, and much more. I’ve also got a host of lessons coming up related to non-fiction books. We’ll delve into specific topics related to write-for-hire work (my favorite!) and will share a host of lessons on marketing and PR. Hang on for the ride! Participants in these various courses will get the tools they need to work as a pro in the industry.
How, exactly, will these courses work?
When participants sign up and pay, they will be granted access to the “inner sanctum” of the site, where they can view the various components of the lessons, (the audio file, audio script, worksheet, power point and forum). I would suggest folks start with the first lesson (Setting Goals) and go from there. They can print up a copy of the worksheet and follow along with the audio and power point presentation. Then, at a designated time, participants can meet with me in the forum to discuss the topic at hand. I love the fact that this is all so user-friendly and participants can work at their own pace.
If you could tell beginning freelancers one thing, what would it be?
Don’t give up. Keep going and keep looking for creative ways to make money. Examine new markets. Learn all you can about the industry. Become friends with editors. The potential for money-making is there, but much of it is relational.
Why do you feel so strongly about stirring up the gifts?
There’s a scripture I love where the apostle Paul speaks to his young protégé, Timothy: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (II Timothy 1:6 NIV) The King James version uses the words “stir up the gift” instead of “fan into flame the gift.” The idea is the same. Gifts need stirring and fanning. As a published author, I make it my goal to “stir the gifts” of those hoping to be published (or hoping to be published in more markets). I know that these lessons will stir people up. I could sense it as I recorded them. Changing lives. . .and encouraging writers. . .what could be better?
Janice, where else can people find you on the web?
My freelance writing courses site: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com
My book-related website: www.janiceathompson
My blog: http://janicehannathompson.blogspot.com/
My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson?ref=profile
My facebook reader’s page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Hanna-Thompsons-Readers-Page/303537684650?ref=ts
I haven't read it yet, but I've heard great things about Gina Holmes' debut, Crossing Oceans.
Synopsis:
Nothing deepens a stream like a good rain . . . or makes it harder to cross.Jenny Lucas swore she’d never go home again. But life has a way of upending even the best-laid plans. Now, years after she left, she and her five-year-old daughter must return to her sleepy North Carolina town to face the ghosts she left behind. They welcome her in the form of her oxygen tank-toting grandmother, her stoic and distant father, and David, Isabella’s dad . . . who doesn’t yet know he has a daughter.
As Jenny navigates the rough and unknown waters of her new reality, the unforgettable story that unfolds is a testament to the power of love to change everything—to heal old hurts, to bring new beginnings . . . even to overcome the impossible.
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“Beautiful and heartfelt.”
Charles Martin, NYT bestselling author of Where the River Ends
“Poignant and unforgettable, CROSSING OCEANS will break your heart — and then put the pieces back together again. This is an uplifting and inspiring tale that reminds us to live every day as if it’s our last.”
Tess Gerritsen, NYT Best-selling author .
“Moving, heart-rending and poignant, a stunning debut. Holmes returns us to what matters in a too-short life—what it really is to come home.”
Tosca Lee, Author of Havah & Demon: A Memoir
“Gina Holmes explores the beauty, tenderness and tenacity of mother-love in Crossing Oceans with marvelous skill and insight. An outstanding debut from a gifted storyteller. Bravo!
Susan Meissner, Author of The Shape of Mercy
Ended up in the ER tonight because of tightness and pain in my chest. If I allowed myself to think of it, I became claustrophobic. Felt like someone was standing right below my neck.
At first the doctor thought I might have had the misfortune to catch one virus after another, but narrowed it down to probable atypical pneumonia, gave me heavy duty antibiotics and Vicodin.
Doing illegal drugs, or using legal ones inappropriately, is no laughing matter. However, doing Vicodin on a doctor's orders to stop the cough IS a laughing matter. I think my kids even had fun with me. About 30 minutes after I took one, I was pain-free for the first time in a month. And quite loopy.
(If a video doesn't appear above this on facebook, click here.)
A newlywed editor and author, I manage to stay sane--somewhat--even with the mixing of two families and five kids! My debut novel, The Familiar Stranger, finaled for a Christy and won the Carol Award in 2010.
