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.***
