The Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

IWSG DAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017, COMPARING MY WRITING JOURNEY to the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES WINNING SUPER BOWL LII




Hello Everyone,

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

IWSG is a writer support group created and led 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:

Submissions –   None for February 2018




COMPARING WRITING JOURNEY to the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES WINNING SUPER BOWL LII


Sunday, the fourth of February displayed the faith, the resiliency, and the relentlessness of the Philadelphia Eagles. Who would have thought that a team hit with so many setbacks during the season and the years behind them would become Super Bowl Champions? 

As I watched them play, I compared my writing journey to becoming a Champion in the Super Bowl.  To reach your goal, you have to turn yourself into relentless writer, reading those books, writing as much as you can, every time you can, attending those classes and implementing what you learn into your book regardless of whether it is poetry, fiction or non-fiction. You're not cocky; you're not out there doing a hip-hop dance, and you don't examine your competition and measure what their chances are because you don't want to waste your time.

No, you have got your eyes on your goal, and you're looking at your writing.  For example, at the moment, my knees are knocking, slightly trembling, wanting to buckle under, as I complete this final revision of my manuscript so that I can submit it to the RNA, (Romantic Novelist's Association) in the United Kingdom. That’s right.  January 2nd ushered in a new epoch in my life. I was one of the 300 people chosen for the New Writer’s Scheme. We have a deadline of August 31but as usual, I have set myself a deadline for May 31st. I don’t want to wait around until the last minute. So, my Facebook Reader’s Group is busy reading my manuscriptA small group of seven, mixed with writers and readers from all over the western world, I am happy to have them. 
  
So why the shakes? It is like the Philadelphia Eagles and their appearance in the Super Bowl. It takes a quarter portion of resiliency, a quarter portion of relentlessness, a quarter portion of faith, as you learn how to work your vocabulary to create your story, and a quarter portion of joy as you write it from your heartAnd, it is that beautiful purple bow of perseverance  wrapped around those ingredients I mentioned above that hold you together and keep you from falling apart 
  
So, here I am getting ready to catch my first touchdown.  Like the Philadelphia Eagles before Super Bowl LII, I am swamped doing revisions, receiving critiques from different writers and editors, and looking patiently for the right words to give expression to what is in my heart and will paint pictures  through the words I use. I am at the fourth and on the one yard line and  have decided  to  go for what my heart desires, a touch down in traditional publishing. I hope I score and shock the world just like Nick Foles did when he caught that touchdown before the second quarter ended.  People, I was jumping for joy. I believe I woke the neighbourhood here in my German Village, when I shouted, "Oh my gosh," and started dancing. As for me, I’ll let you know what happens when I catch my first touchdown at the end of the year.  

Have a lovely February and be safe as you walk through the month. 

Shalom aleichem,


Pat Garcia 

125 comments:

  1. Great metaphor. We were Eagles fans (only for the Super Bowl - die hard Bear's country here). Very best to you on your own touchdown season this coming year!

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    1. Thank you. I really appreciate it.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  2. Hi, Pat! I've missed you. Hope all is well. What a fabulous post. I'm not an Eagles fan, but I did watch the game. And what a game it was! I love how you compared your writing to SB VII. I've been in writing slump, but your post is inspiring. Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG. Blessings, Eva

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    1. Thank you lilicasplace. All is well and I hope all is well for you too.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  3. Oh well done on getting into the RNA new writers scheme - I've heard they're very supportive, and have aided lots of people with their careers.
    Happy hosting :)

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    1. Thank you. I was so peachy happy. I'm still smiling.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  4. Oh wow, that's exciting. Praying that everything goes well! ^_^

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  5. Yes, it's just like that, Pat!! Great comparison (and great game!). May all your passes connect! Thanks for co-hosting IWSG.

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    1. Thank you, Nancy. I am so excited.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  6. Awesome how you are thinking of writing like football. Agree with all the parts of writing you describe. Thanks for being a co-host this month.

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  7. Great post, Pat. I say go for it!! You're close to, if not in the red zone. Make the touchdown. Wishing you much success!!!

    And thank you for co-hosting this month.

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    1. Thank you. I will do all that I can to make that touchdown.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  8. I hope you score too Pat! How exciting!

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    1. I hope I score too. Thank you.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  9. Good luck with your revision, and I'm glad your team won for you.

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    1. Thank you and I'm glad my team won too.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  10. "Eyes on the goal!!" I imagine a coach yelling this at me everyday. Thanks for the great comparison.

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  11. Nice analogy! I needed to read this post today.

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  12. Congrats on being accepted into the New Writers' Scheme. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity.

    Thanks for co-hosting this month - Ellen

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    1. Thank you. It is my very first time and I am excited.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  13. Great analogy.
    Like you, I wouldn't wait and would aim to finish way ahead of schedule. Good luck.
    Thanks for co-hosting today!

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  14. I also thought 'analogy' or metaphor Patricia! You're so right, keep on and on and on, until touch down... that's how we each become Champions.

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    1. Thank you, my dear friend.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  15. So exciting, Pat! I wish you helpful feedback from your beta readers. The Eagles are an inspiration, taking down a juggernaut.

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    1. Yes, the Eagles are an inspiration. The mighty fell on Sunday.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  16. Keep flexing those writer muscles. You'll score a touchdown in no time.
    Mary at Play off the Page

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  17. Yippee! I'm wishing you epic success, and cheese. You've got this.

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  18. I'm cheering for you, Pat. I admire your work ethics. You have a strong desire to prevail, and I know you will. Thank you for co-hosting. Thank you for inspiring me through your posts. You are an honourable mentor.

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    1. Thank you, Joylene. Your thoughts means a lot to me.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  19. I don't know much about football, but I haven't seen a single person online who wasn't SUPER happy that the Eagles won. CONGRATULATIONS on getting accepted to the New Writer's Scheme! Good luck to you and may you get your touchdown!

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    1. Thank you, Megan. Yes, I think all of Pennsylvania was dancing as well as some people here in Europe.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  20. Enjoy the journey! This is great news. Best of luck with your revisions. I, too, am striving for a traditional path in publication and it is a long, tough haul.

    And thank you for co-hosting today.

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    1. Thank you, Tamara and all the best on your journey to publication. Keep striving. You will succeed.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  21. Certainly got me pumped up for the game! Loni

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  22. Love your comparison. Fly, Pat, fly. When you love what you're writing, others will love it, too. Wishing you the best. Thanks for co-hosting.

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    1. Thank you, Diane. So true. Loving your writing is loving yourself and people see the love and love it too.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  23. I agree with all the previous comments! Great Metaphor! You definitely are on your way to a Touchdown!! I'm out here cheering for you. Also, you are a FABULOUS example of a great writer as you KEEP WRITING no matter the shut downs!!

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    1. Thank you, my dear friend. Your words are so encouraging.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  24. We'll be here to cheer you on! Good luck and thank you for co-hosting today. :)

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  25. I like how you handle deadlines! Best wishes ;-)

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    1. Thank you. It wasn't always that way. I had to go through some consequences before I saw the necessity of putting first things first.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  26. Seems like all us writers feel like we're underdogs sometimes. That just makes it all the sweeter when we are successful.

    Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG bloghop.

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    1. Yes, it does. The rocky road makes the success sweeter when it finally comes.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  27. Alles Gute, Pat! Congratulations on your publishing success. Interesting metaphor this month.

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  28. Congrats on being selected. I'm excited for you. Hope you throw a touchdown with your novel.

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    1. Thank you, Susan, and I hope I score a touchdown too.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  29. Fun post, Pat. I actually had about 35 submissions and no takers! Yet.

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    1. Thank you, Jacqui. Don't give up. Keep submitting.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  30. Hi Pat! I feel like there are so many football analogies I could get into if only I understood football, haha. :) Congratulations on being part of the New Writers' Scheme. :)

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  31. Congratulations, Pat, as you go for that touchdown! I enjoyed your post. It was refreshing and fun. I was excited about the Eagles winning too. We watched the game at a beach bar on Waikiki with a mix of fans for both teams. It was raucous and lots of fun. Thanks for co-hosting today! Enjoy!

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    1. Wasn't it great. And Nick Foles was for me the hit of the day. A very humble man.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  32. Great comparison between your writing career and the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl. You've created a terrific support system. You will score a touch down and I'm positive you are already leaving footprints in the literary world and beyond.

    I wondered about the time difference between the comment timestamp and my time (CDT). THEN I read your profile and realized you are an ExPat American living Germany (currently). I'm an ExPat, too. I'm in Mexico. Thank you for co-hosting this month. That's how I found you.

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    1. Yes, I'm an ExPat living in Germany and hoping to move one day to sunny Italy.
      Hope you and your hubby are doing well.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  33. What a fantastic post! I couldn't agree with you more. It is a journey and when you catch that football and gain the touchdown with your writing, I hope you do the biggest celebration dance because you've earned it! :)

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    1. I plan on doing a gigantic celebration dance of praise to the God I believe in.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  34. Believe me, no one wants to see me dance at all, hip-hop or otherwise. :)

    Fingers crossed for you! Good luck!

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  35. There is no doubt in my mind that you'll make it. Remember to dance once you've made the touchdown. ;-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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    1. Thank you and no worries. I'm going to be dancing for weeks or at least until I tire out.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  36. So much goes on behind the scenes in prepping for any big moment or goal. Just keep after it.

    One of my best friends is a die-hard Eagles fan and I was so happy for her when they won.

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    1. Thank you. I am so happy that I didn't know what happened behind the scenes in writing a book and the prepping, when I first started this journey nine years ago and started taking my writing seriously.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  37. My Daddy was a huge football fan. You go girl. You can do it.

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  38. Hold on to that resilience. Be positive and attentive. You'll get your touchdown!

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    1. Thank you, Lynda. Your words means so much to me.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  39. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and offering your words of encouragement.
    I'm not much of a football fan despite my Texas heritage, but I was really happy for The Eagles.
    All the best of blessings with your manuscript. I'm sure the RNA will be happy to confirm your touchdown when the time comes.

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    1. Thank you, Toi. I hope they will be more than happy to confirm my touchdown.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  40. Hey Pat, you keep your eyes on the goal. Your writing is top notch. You're going to kick a winner!

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  41. So exciting! Good luck to you! I look forward to seeing good news all about your touchdown.

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  42. I did not watch the Super Bowl this year, but I really like your analogy. I'm ready to cheer for you when you make your first touchdown :)

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    1. Thank you. I need all the cheerleaders I can get.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  43. Hi Pat!
    I love the analogy in your post!
    Good luck with the RNA submission. You have such a wonderful writing voice, one which paints beautiful images... you can do this!!

    Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG this month.

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    1. Thank you, Michelle. You've made my day with your compliment on my writing voice.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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    2. The Prophet and The Child... that did it for me!

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  44. Congratulations on being chosen for the New Writer's Scheme! Wishing you the best of luck as you prepare for this touch down!!

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  45. Congrats Pat! You've got this.

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  46. Great sports analogy, Pat. So great that you have that Facebook group available as a resource, both to read your work and give feedback but also to help keep you motivated. Keep your eye on that prize. Thanks for the post, and happy writing to you.

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    1. Thank you, Kathy. My FB group is fantastic.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  47. Awesome job! Sounds like you are working very hard so I'm sure you will come out victorious! Good luck to you!

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  48. Good luck! I love your analogy. We have to stretch, right?

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    1. Thank you, Donna, and indeed we have to stretch.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  49. Wonderful post and comparison, Pat! It sounds to me that you got it all figured out, every...step...of...the...way! Or, should I say, every yard of the field? :-)

    Congrats on having been chosen for the New Writer’s Scheme. So nice that you have a supportive team behind you as well. And, smart to put a tighter deadline in place. Wishing you all the faith, resiliency, relentlessness, and joy needed s you reach the end zone! Thanks for co-hosting!

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    1. Thank you so much, Liesbet. I don't have it all figured out but I am still going for the goal.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  50. Congratulations, Pat! What a wonderful experience! I'm sure you'll get those edits completed in plenty of time. We'll be here to do a victory dance with you when you share your touchdown with us!

    Thanks for co-hosting!
    Jen

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    1. Thank you, Jen. It is a lots of work but I am going to keep on pushing toward my touchdown.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  51. Thank you, Karen.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G

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  52. Congratulations on your accomplishments. It must feel wonderful! Thanks for being one of the co-hosts for this month's topic, too. What keeps you disciplined in your writing routine? I need a bit of inspiration! Thanks. http://www.dianeweidenbenner.com/iwsg-what-do-you-love-about-the-genre-you-write-in-most-often/

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    1. Thank you, Diane. You asked what keeps me disciplined in my writing routine. Well, it is a combination desire and loving the fact that I can write, and knowing that I have something to say, or people to reach through what I write. The desire is anchored in me wanting to fulfil my purpose in life. When I am down or find it difficult, then I sit before my computer and start writing in my journal why and the inspiration sneaks up on me. Suddenly, I can work on what I need to work on and usually I work late into the night or get up and work early in the morning. And I have to admit that when I finally started taking my writing seriously, I admitted to myself that writing was a part of my heart. I hope this helps you.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  53. Wow, congratulations on your successes, and I love your approach to the deadline--with plenty of room for adjustments, shall we say? I'm impressed!

    Thanks for being a co-host :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Rebecca. I'm working hard to keep it.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  54. I admire your optimism, Pat. We should all think like you: that some day, our writing would have its great victory. I'm sure, with the attitude like yours, your victory is coming soon.

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    1. Thank you, Olga. I have to admit I am waiting, and sometimes very impatiently, for my big day to spring into existence.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  55. It's good to "see you" again, Pat, and to see you're still plugging away at writing. May that fanfare and cheer fill your ears soon

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  56. Hi Pat, yes the Philadelphia Eagles were resilient and all of the rest. Resilient is my word of the day and it is serving me well. Great post.

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    1. Same here, Stephen. Resilience and relentlessness are twol of my favourite words.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  57. Congratulations, Pat. I hope you score a touchdown. I like your metaphor--and your "ingredients" for success (I'm more of a cook than a sports person". And thanks for hosting #IWSG this month.

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    1. Thank you, Susanbruck. I too hope I score a touchdown. I love that you are a great cook. I'm not.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  58. What a cool analogy. And what a super win they had, so I wish the same for you. I haven't heard of the group RNA you talked about or the New Writers Scheme. I'm in France right now and hope you're fairing well with this wonderful weather we're having! Thanks for co-hosting!

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    1. Hello Lisa,
      How are you in good old France? You can check out the RNA by googling for Romance Novelist Association in the U.K. They offer a new writer scheme every year.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  59. I've only submitted one thing this month, and that was an article to a Christian magazine. I'm concentrating on my novel, then I will submit some more.

    Interesting idea to compare your writing journey to the Eagles.

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    1. Keep at it Rosemary. Don't stop submitting. I haven't submitted in January, but I started again this month by submitting to the WEP which takes place every two months. It might be something for you.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  60. Resiliency is the perfect word for a writing path. Thank you for co-hosting!

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    1. Yes, indeed it is. A writer has to have more than a triple portion of resiliency.
      Thank you for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat G

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  61. Congrats on being chosen for the New Writer's Scheme. Is it a workshop or conference or...?

    Wonderful to meet you, Pat. Thanks for visiting my blog this month. I wish you the best of luck with your goals. Go, Eagles!

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