The Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

IWSG Day - January 4, 2017 - Pacing 2017




Hello Everyone,

Happy New Year!

It is the first Wednesday of the month, and IWSG Time. 

IWSG is a writer support group created by Alex Cavanaugh. It is a big help to many of us who do not mind sharing our insecurities, our successes or giving encouragement and help to others. 

So, if you are interested and would like to join, the link below will lead you directly to us:

My report:

I am the winner of the 2016 WEP DECEMBER CHALLENGE UTOPIAN DREAM. YEAH!  I have linked the story, The Woman and Her Dream  to this blog post if you would like to read it.

Rejections: I finally heard from Diverse Voices Quarterly after nine months. My piece was rejected.

Submissions still out:
Wordhaus. Haven’t got an answer yet.


JANUARY 4TH QUESTION: What writing rule do you wish you’d never heard?

Answer: Show, don’t tell. Why? Because most teachers can’t explain what it means.








 PACING 2017

I closed out 2016 sailing.  Chosen as the winner of the 2016 WEP DECEMBER UTOPIAN DREAMS CHALLENGE, the first thing I did when I read the email notification was cry, and I am not ashamed to say it.

2017 opened with me as a judge in the Winter Writing Contest sponsored by Becoming Writer. Also, twenty-eight minutes after midnight, New Year’s, morning, I received an email and read a superb analysis from a writing coach/editor on my essay for an anthology.

Needless to say, being a judge entails much work I could not imagine because I have always been a submitter. This is my first time participating as a judge. Along with my writing, my music, and other responsibilities, my plate is already overflowing.

Therefore, I am learning to pace myself by using an Excel workbook for every piece of writing I write with actions I need to undertake.   I am learning to love my calendar, and I am making myself take the time to record commitments or things that need taking care of because I FORGET. Frustrations will be written in my journal more quickly when storms come into my life, and I have decided to stick with Scrivener until I have it down pat.

I do not want to lose my momentum by September, so I have two study tools, which are going to keep me going, and I meditate and use them daily. So, my morning begins with Declaring God’s Word by Derek Prince, and my day ends with Clinging to God by Lynda R. Young.

I am only four days into the year. In December, I will let you know if pacing worked for me.

Wishing all of you a praeclara 2017.  Please, walk safely through the year.

Shalom aleichem,













Pat Garcia

67 comments:

  1. Here's to pacing and peace this year Pat! Reading your story again I am struck at its power. Congratulations again on this worthy prize! Love, Susan

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    1. Thank you, my dear. Power to you also for 2017. Wishing you an awesome year.
      Shalom aleichem,,
      Pat

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  2. Congratulations, Pat! Hope pacing works for you.

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    1. Thank you, Ronel. All the best for you in 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  3. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. It's wonderful to get such exciting news. Great reads for this upcoming year.

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    1. Thank you, Jennifer. Yes, it is a great feeling. Especially when you don't expect it.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  4. So thrilled that you won, and yes, being a judge is very hard work, but so gratifying too! You'll do beautifully!
    Happy 2017!
    There are instances when showing works much, much better. I'm a visual learner too!

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    1. Thank you, my dear. I wish you also an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  5. Congrats on the win!!! Well done :)

    Good luck with your pacing in 2017 - sounds like a good plan

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    1. Thank you, Jemi. All the best for you in 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  6. Woo Hoo! Many congrats on your win!
    I agree on tracking and listing commitments.
    When I get overwhelmed I make a list of even the simplest things I need to do, start going down it and check off jobs completed.
    Here's to 2017.

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    1. Thank you, Sandra. I am finally getting into my Excel workbook. It is fantastic. Don't know why it took me years to realize that. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  7. Congrats on winning!

    Judging is not easy. Sometimes, there are some really good entries and deciding which ones make it is almost heartbreaking.

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    1. Thank you. You're so right. Judging is not easy, and especially when you have a large team, but it's working beautifully.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  8. You are starting and ending your days in the best way - and you've got a lot going for you in between. Full steam ahead!

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    1. Yes, I do, Nicki but it feels so good. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  9. Oh Patricia I SO COMMEND you for all your work. Your story is vivid and amazing. Congratulations on winning! I don't know where you find all your energy to do as much as you do. I take my hat off to you.

    I finally remembered today is Wednesday. I initially wanted my post for another group that I joined. Maybe they will accept it since I have posted it on my blog.

    You are a SPECIAL and incredible lady, but don't burn the candle at both ends as you may make yourself sick. Take time for you TOO, my Dear Friend! Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you, Gwynn. I am taking care of myself and visiting my fitness center twice a week. That is a Must by me. I wish you an awesome 2017, Lady.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  10. Congratulations on your story! I will be reading it while eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwich during lunch. You are so wise to center yourself in the morning and evening with the devotionals. Then plunge into the midst using your plans for pacing and remembering. Best wishes for a blessed and productive Happy New Year!!
    JQ Rose

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    1. Thank you, J.Q. Without centering myself in the morning before I start work or in the evening when I close out my day, I would be lost.
      Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  11. Some lovely things to start the New Year in a positive way. Isn't it so easy to forget things when we get busy? Glad to hear you have found a system that works for you.

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    1. Thank you so much. Yes, it was a nice way to end and start another year
      Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  12. Ha! We both hate the same rule. I knew I liked you. And btw, congratulations on winning the WEP in Dec. That was wonderful and you deserved it.

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    1. Thank you, Lee. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Pat

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  13. Congratulations on the win!

    Your pacing plan sounds excellent. Good luck with it!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, and I wish you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  14. Congrats on winning WEP. I love your organizational plan. I'm doing better on mine too so far but it's early yet.

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    1. Thank you so much. Let's stick with our plans and keep a tally until the end of the year to see how far we've come. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  15. Congrats on your win of Utopian Dreams. Being a judge is a challenge, and I wish you luck with it.

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    1. Thank you. To say judging is a challenge is an understatement. I now appreciate every person who judges a writing contest. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  16. Congrats on the win! =)
    You're the 3rd person I've seen mention show don't tell as the rule they don't like.

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    1. Thank you, Patricia. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  17. Congratulations on winning WEP.
    Apparently I need your notebook. I forgot one of our contest winners in my post today.
    Happy 2017!

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    1. Thank you, Alex. I understand. You can't think of everything. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  18. Again, Pat, congratulations on your win. You're so organised with your pacing plan! I wish you every good wish and blessing for 2017. May you have many more wins!

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    1. Thank you, Denise. I too wish you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  19. Congrats on winning the December WEP Challenge, I got a badge myself and I'm very proud. Organization is important so it's great that you're working on that Pat. Happy 2017. Glad to be your co-host check in.

    QueendSheena
    2017 IWSG January Co-Host

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    1. Thank you and congratulation on your badge. Isn't it wonderful! wishing you an awesome 2017 with more badges.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  20. Congrats, Pat!!!
    And wow, I'm honored you end your day with my devotional. You made my day.

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    1. Thank you, Lynda. Today, is January 15 and all I can say is Wow too. It is so uplifting to read the daily devotional by you. I say thanks for the words that comfort, build up, motivate, inspire and encourage.
      Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  21. Congratulations on your win at WEP and Happy New Year! Sounds like it's starting out well. Cheers!

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    1. Thank you, Debbie. Yes! My year ended beautifully and started out full of promises. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  22. Replies
    1. Thank you, Juneta, and I wish you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  23. Congrats on your win! Pacing is important and I'm planning to work on it, too. I'm organizing my daily schedule based on high and low energy points. I'm also reading through Clinging to God this year.

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth. I hope you are enjoying your Clinging to God. I know I am. It is a wonderful book. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  24. Pat, I find the best selling authors do a lot of showing rather than telling. It's a balance of both. Sometimes it just makes sense to simply say Phil went to the corner market for a loaf of bread and a half gallon of milk.

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    1. Thank you, Stephen. You're so right. The majority of the best selling authors do a lot of showing. I've noticed that too. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  25. What a newsy, delightful post, Pat. Congrats on your award--and on judging the contest. Those both are a testament to your skill.

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    1. Thank you, Jacqui. I wish you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  26. Wow! So happy for you. I was so delighted to see you'd won the WEP challenge. I'm happy your New Year is starting well and glad to know that pacing is an issue. Better that than writer's block. I to am reading through Clinging to God. I feel blessed by it already. Thanks so much for encouraging words on my blog and thanks always for sharing.

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    1. Thank you, Toi. I agree. I have already been blessed by reading Clinging to God before I fall asleep. I sleep better. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  27. Congratulations on the WEP win. What a wonderful way to start the year. Being busy as a judge is also another reward on all you've accomplished as a writer.

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    1. Thank you so much. Wishing you an awesome 2017, my dear.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  28. Congrats, Pat, on the win! Go you!!! Sorry about the rejection. Isn't that life? Up one moment and down the next. We know you're a good writer. It's time the rest of the world did, too.

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    1. Thank you, Diane. I wish you an awesome 2017, lady.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  29. Congrats on your win, the great crit, and being a judge. I use an Excell worksheet too. Lifesaver for my sanity! Have a great week, Pat!

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    1. Thank you, Lexa. Isn't Excel absolutely fantastic. I don't know why it took me so long to recognize that fact. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  30. Congratulations! What a great way to start out the year. Here's to a wonderful one for all of us. :)

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    1. Thank you and yes indeed. Wishing all of us an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  31. Happy New Year, Pat!!! May it be filled with lots more successes, happiness and good health. Congratulations on your win!

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    1. Thank you, Nicola and the same I wish you. Lots of successes for 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  32. Congratulations on your win. That's great! Rejections just put us one step closer to a "yes."

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    1. Thank you so much, Stephanie, and you have said it just right. Rejections just put us one step closer to a "yes." I so agree. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  33. Thank you, Karen. Yes, the last day of 2016 and the first hour of 2017 were both awesome experiences for me.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat

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  34. Thank you, Jen. It is so good to know that someone else experience similar feelings when they have success. Wishing you an awesome 2017.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat

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  35. I hope you're still doing okay with your pace, and HUGE CONGRATS!!!! Yay! I'm so, so happy for you.

    Whew! I wish you the best with the judging. So much work, but your efforts will be greatly appreciated I'm sure.

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Your comment is waiting approval. Thank you for dropping by. Shalom, Pat Garcia