Hey, Ladies, I found Barbara White Daille running around on a blog tour and I made her detour back here for a visit. The woman has COWBOY books coming out this year with Harlequin American. The Rodeo Man's Daughter is new, as in just out, and I am beside myself with excitement. You are sooo gonna love this book and the books before and the book due out in August 2012. 
Everybody Needs a Hand Sometimes
Hi, all. I'm happy to be back here with the Pink Fuzzies!
And I'm here to talk about scary times and frightening situations.
Like starting a new book. LOL Yes, that's just where I am right now. And though I always think it's going to get easier, somehow it doesn't. That blank page is still a pure white page—whether paper or computer screen—and it's as hard as ever to put the first word on it.
The good thing is knowing I'm not alone. Many writers feel the same way when they begin a story or screenplay or novel.
And that feeling translates to so many things in our lives—big things that require a lot of time and that we're not quite sure we're up to tackling. I imagine you've run across projects like these, too.
Studying for an exam. Prepping for a speech. Rehearsing with a choir or orchestra for a concert. Practicing for a sporting event. Perfecting your newest recipe for a cook-off or for Grandma's eightieth birthday party or for the first dinner party that includes your in-laws on the guest list.
The good thing is you're not alone, either. But sometimes it feels that way, doesn't it? For me, too.
Remember all those writers I mentioned, who have been in my shoes—or I should say, have sat in my chair—when it's time to begin that book. Well...(gulp)...when I look around my office, there's no one in it but me!
Everyone needs a hand sometimes. Everyone needs a little support.
I get mine in many ways. By filling my journal with things I'm grateful for. By plastering my bulletin board with positive quotes. And by decorating my writing space with items that inspire 
and encourage me.
Everyone has his or her own source of inspiration. What works for one person might mean nothing to the next. But I'll share one thing that inspires me. That pushes me into action and then keeps me going.
And since we're still in that Valentine's mood, I'm choosing to share a gift from my husband. A little marble statue of a bear with his arms outstretched, ready to give me a supportive hug.
Okay, many of you will get that. You'll understand how looking at that statue can make me smile. You have your whatever-it-is that makes you want to grin, too.
Others of you—those not into Teddy bears and tchotchkes—just rolled your eyes, right? You think it's dumb. Or maybe crazy. But I'll bet you have something that gives you that same I-can-deal-with-this feeling.
I'd love to hear what gives you a hand when you need it! Who knows, it might work for the rest of us, too.
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To be entered in the drawing, leave a comment or question for her by Friday night, February 17th. Check back here at the blog on Sunday to see if your name was drawn as the winner.
And please stop by to visit with Barbara at the following online locations:
Website & blog: www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Facebook & Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhitedaille and https://twitter.com/BarbaraWDaille
THE RODEO MAN'S DAUGHTER - February 2012
HONORABLE RANCHER - August 2012
***On Internet tour for THE RODEO MAN'S DAUGHTER - check website for blog tour stops.***
Good morning, Barbara!
Hi, Barbara! So glad you could stop by. I, like you, have signs posted in my office. The one right above my computer simply says "BELIEVE". And sometimes I just need to see that to keep going! Happy Wednesday!
Good morning, Mary!
And thank you for inviting me back to the Pink Fuzzies! You know I love to visit here.
Readers - I'll be around, and Mary and I really want to know: what gives you a hand when you need it?
I'll be in and out over the next few days--so let's chat!
Hi, Judy - Happy Wednesday! It's a pleasure to be here.
Love your one-word quote. Thanks for sharing!
Sometimes, the simplest things are the best, aren't they?
And I don't know about you, but when I'm the most stressed, those little phrases (or a single word or two) are the easiest to focus in on.
Welcome, Barbara! I'm excited you joined us. I don't think I'd make it through the day if I didn't have words of wisdom to inspire and encourage me. My mantra is IF IT'S TO BE, IT'S UP TO ME. I recite those words to myself as a reminder that I'm in control of my life. Achieving my dreams means I have to sit my butt in front of that blank computer screen and write.
Good luck with your new release. It sounds like an exciting read.
Hi, Pamela - thanks for the warm welcome!
You are *so* right. That's a great quote.
And really, our attitude is half the power of many quotes--*we* choose the ones that work for us, and they show us that *we're* in control. Or we can be, if we accept the challenge.
Thanks for the thoughts!
Barbara
And Pamela, p.s. - forgot to say thanks for the kind comments about the book!
Good morning Barbara. Nice to have you here with the PFS. Your book sounds yummy. My helping hand is listening to my piano while I try to get that first word on that white page.
Hi, Nightingale - thanks for the comments about the book. Much appreciated.
I like your idea of using one creative outlet to stimulate another! It seems to logical, but how many people think to try that?
Thanks for sharing.
I have the worst time about halfway through the story when I know the beginning and the end, but how to get there is the problem for me!
I have to find something to give me a hand. Maybe a bigger brain!
Mary R - LOL
If you find a bigger brain, let me know! ;)
That middle-of-the-book issue is one I think many of us struggle with. I try to get around it by keeping a working outline file on the computer.
Basically, it's a copy of the original synopsis. While I'm working, I add to it comments about anything new I think of that might fit with the book. Possible scenes, lines of dialogue, etc.
My two cents. Anyone else have a suggestion?
Hi Barbara,
Sounds like you have a wonderful husband! It's amazing to think we can still get intimidated just doing our job when we do it on a daily basis. I don't frighten easily and I love to just jump right in and figure it our as I go along. It's half the fun of the journey! LOL.
Patrice - yes, sometimes those jumping-in points are great.
Other times...oh, well.
Not everyone feels the fear to the same degree. Or even at the same places in a journey!
Oh, and yes--I do have great husband. ;)
I love that bear! What a wonderful gift! An indie author on the same journey as I am usually email each other every day. That helps a lot.
Hi Barbara. They let me come here on Monday and now you're here on Wednesday. I'm thinking if let the two of us in on the same week, they've lowered their guest standards, huh? LOL LOL
I have a heart hanging over my desk that has "Believe" on it. That helps.
Starting a new book...do you start with the characters or the story? if it's characters, who comes first? The hero or the heroine?
Edie - he's a cutie! ;) Thanks.
And that's great to have the daily e-mail support. Sometimes just touching base with another person in the same boat helps keep you sane.
Cyndi - I dunno. I was kinda thinkin' they let me in with some good company. ;)
I like your heart. I'll bet Judy does, too!
As for the books, I usually start with the characters. It used to be pretty evenly divided, but I gotta say, these hot heroes keep talkin' to me. And I like to listen--even though they've got lots of troubles. LOL
Like Edie, I've got my cp to turn to when I need that support. Plus a ceramic dragon I got from my daughter, a hot wheels copy of the Back to the Future Delorian from my oldest son, and a pewter knight on a horse I got on my trip to Italy with my brother this past fall.
Anyone considering picking up a copy of The Rodeo Man's Daughter? I read it, I loved it, and I highly recommend it!
Stacey - I can just see all those "helping hands" on a desk or in an office. They might not speak to anyone else, but I love them.
Thank you so much for your kind comments about THE RODEO MAN'S DAUGHTER. I'm glad you enjoyed the story and am touched that you shared that.
Word-of-mouth about a book is always the BEST! Thanks again.
Barbara, I have CPs and my other close peeps who keep me going. An email to the GIAM loop will get me support in a few minutes and for a day or 2. That's the reason I have you and Cyndi here!
Barbara thanks for stopping back by to visit with the Fuzzies. I'm looking forward to reading your new story.
Mary - ah-ha! Now Cyndi and I know the real reason. ;)
You've got to hang onto those friends who keep you on the right road. (cliche alert!) They're worth their weight in gold.
Scarlet - you're very welcome, and thanks for the compliment to THE RODEO MAN'S DAUGHTER.
I'd love to hear how you liked it!
Hi Barbara,
A belated welcome to the Pink Fuzzies, and thanks for MM for inviting you.
Sorry I'm too late for the contest, but wanted to let you know I wish you great success. I love a good cowboy story.