Saturday, August 29, 2009

Welcome Home by Kimerley Woodhouse

We are pleased to announce Kimberley Woodhouse will be speaking at Mile High Scribes on Monday, September 14th. Though we typically meet the first Monday of the month, we are moving our meeting date back one week to accommodate Labor Day celebrations.

Kim graciously agreed to answer a few questions for my writing friends here on Mile High Scribes.

1. When did you first hear the call to write?
About sixteen years ago. I didn’t tell anyone for years though.

2. How did Kayla’s diagnoses change your writing direction and/or focus.

I realized that I didn’t have to have all the answers, because I knew the One who did. He calls us to be willing vessels. Several years ago if you would have asked me if I wanted to write non-fiction, I probably would’ve laughed. The thought simply had not crossed my mind. But the Lord loves to use you in those unexpected ways. Sharing our story with all the pain, heartache, joy, and triumphs – was so hard, but it has blessed and encouraged so many people already. I’m thankful for what God is doing through the book.

3. Do you have any tips for juggling home schooling, household responsibilities and writing?

I’m a planner – sometimes to my own detriment. I think a balance between setting goals and being flexible is the key. In my home - Everyone has assigned chores that help keep the household rolling every day. Our regular schedule consists of 5-6 hours of homeschooling (I do all the teaching and prep), and 5-6 hours of swimming. I’m learning how to get writing and “business” stuff done during my kids’ swim-team practices. Then there are days when TV and radio interviews intervene and we have to be flexible. I’m still learning day-by-day how to roll with all the stuff that comes my way. My life is crazy, but I wouldn’t trade a day of it.

4. How can we pray for you and your family as you move forward in your calling?

First and foremost, please pray that the Lord is glorified through all of this. Second, please pray for the readers. The Lord knows who needs it at what time. And for us as a family, we always appreciate your prayers as we continue to deal with Kayla’s disorder and our own “normality.” We are also really praying for the book to sell well. It would be wonderful to be able to afford some kind of medical coverage for our family.

Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER. Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases from Tyndale House Publishers September first. In addition to her non-fiction, she also writes romantic suspense and children’s books. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home.

Want to hear more? Come hear Kim speak:

September 14, 2009
7:00 PM
Barnes & Nobles by Park Meadows

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Write Out - August 17th 11am-4pm


Write Out
*On The Border*
11am – 4pm

8555 S Quebec St Littleton

CO 80130-3604


Please RSVP


Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Planning a Write Out Day

Recently, I was lassoed into a Write Out at the Broadmoor with my WFTJ writers friends. I must admit though, it didn’t take a lot of convincing. Spending the day with my favorite people is incentive enough, but when you throw in the Broadmoor , I’m hooked.

I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of work I accomplished. As social as I am, I didn’t anticipate a highly productive writing day.

“We have to do this more often,” I reflected aloud as my fingers flew over the keys.

“Um hmm,” they muttered into their laptops.

The creativity was flowing so freely, I thought of asking for a ‘to go’ box, or at the very least, another couple of days.

Convinced yet? Ready to plan your own? Below are a few tips.
What to bring to a write out:

* Laptop
* Cord for laptop
* Lunch money
* Water
* Chocolate
* Idea’s
* Camera
* Pen and paper
* Light jacket
* Reading glasses
* Ipod


Other tips:

* Turn off your cell phone -Leave your family problems at home. They'll survive without you.

* Make a plan – stick to a schedule

* Drink plenty of water

* Take several projects so you can chose one that inspires you

* Go somewhere away from home

* Be prepared to socialize – but not too much.

Reasons to Plan a Write Out:

* Spend an entire day writing, free from distractions
* To bounce ideas off each other
* The creative energy is palatable