Amazon.com: tara michener

Amazon.com: tara michener

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Who I Am Not What I Am!

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Who I Am Not What I Am!

Making Time to write

As author of "Who I am not what I am" I spend lots of time at signings and events. My calendar typically is filled with meetings, workshops, classes and other book promotional agenda items. The hardest thing to do as a writer is write. I know that it sounds funny considering that's what I am and what I love to do. In order for me to be able to write on a regular basis I have to allow time in my day just for writing. I typicallly use a timer and turn off all of the distractions and just let my fingers tap the keys on the board until I have written works on my page. If you are aspiring to be a writer but feel that life is too busy to start your book or finish your poem... try a timer. It is also really helpful to make yourself a haven and let the thoughts run wild on your paper. Make sure those who live with you know not to disturb you during your writing time. Use a do not disturb sign for your door if need be. Being a writer is hard work and this is mainly because it takes a great amount of discipline and effort to actually get the writing done. Try these tips today if you are having a hard time finding space in your day to write. This Saturday I will be in Westland Mall (Walden Books) signing from 1-3 and remember the Creative Writing Workshop is coming to an end soon. The last class for the year is December 13th from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. I hope to see you there! Have a great day and take the time to write!

MAKE YOUR CREATIVITY WORK FOR YOU!

One of the best things to me about facilitating writing workshops is the chance to inspire and be inspired. Everyday people encounter great story prompts. The child at the grocery store who is crying could be a great topic for a story or poem....the man who is at Starbucks everyday in the same seat alone could be the beginning of the best novel. When we begin to use our minds to see the potential in ordinary details the story is in the middle. I had such a great time last night at the Creative Writing Workshop (Eve) session. I am always amazed at the talent that develops from these meetings. Many people start off by saying "well I'm really not that good". These are the same people that evoke emotion with their works. The workshops are great because they help the attendees to think about writing in a different way. It is a fun community of people with the determination to see what their creativity can say out loud on paper. The next and last one in this series is December 13th from 10a-12p at the Novi Civic Center. This week I will be doing a children's program and signing at the Madison Heights Library...from 2-3. Next week I will be at Westland Mall on the 22nd of Novembe from 1-3 at the Walden Books store. I hope to see you soon and remember to read something good...and then write about it:)

A sincere Thank you!

In the past six months, my life has changed dramatically! "Who I am not what I am" was published in April of 2008 and my life went from ordinary to extraordinary. This is because of my readers and supporters. I have been able to sign many books for schools, libraries, churches but even more important I have been able to personally sign books out to my young readers! It is such a gift to be able to have a child look at me and realize that the stories they write in their notebook can one day become published. I have talked with so many aspiring writers who love to read and want to write one day. It is a true joy to share with them that my hope is to have them sign a book for me one day. I acknowledge that my success is from everyone who loves Janelle and her story of embracing self-esteem. I do not take my readers for granted. Those of you who believe in the message of my book are my cheerleaders, promoters, publicists, and teachers. When you tell someone about my book ...you help me to grow as a writer and person. You teach me that one person can truly make a difference. I have so much fun teaching the creative writing workshop and watching authors- to- be appear before my eyes. It is so much fun to see people who claim that they are not good at writing deliver a master piece to the class and hear praise from everyone. Writing has opened up so many possibilities for me. The best one is getting to engage with people and be vulnerable with my story as I listen to theirs. You have a story inside of you....make sure that you get it out. I'd love to see you tonight at the Creative Writing workshop from 6p.m.-8 p.m. at the Novi Civic Center. If you can't make that one the next one is December 13th from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. I am also signing books in Madison Heights for a children's program this Saturday.

As always...read something good!

Tara Michener :)

IS IT FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS...OR LEADING YOUR FUTURE?

When I decided to take on writing full-time many people congratulated me on following my dreams. I thought this was a nice thing to say (and I still do). However am I following my dream or leading my future? I have always wanted to write full-time. I enjoy people and I've had it on my heart to have a profession path that enabled me to speak to all types of people for a living. I am doing that now. The thing that is funny is that my dreams are a yearning but my decision to make writing and speaking a career was my choice. Dreaming is so important but it takes more than just a thought or a hope to make a career. It takes tenacity and a tough skin. Many people may think I've taken a big risk by writing I believe that it is much more uncertain to let someone decide your destiny for you. Today if you have a dream....plan a action agenda to make it become a reality. You may have people that question your motives...that's good! You get to answer their question with the success ahead. Speaking of preparing for the future if you have any interest in writing I invite you to attend my workshop tomorrow in Novi at the Civic Center from 6-8 p.m. Email me if you need more details at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com I'll also be signing books in Madison Heights this Saturday. Next week I will be signing books in Westland Mall...get a book for someone special and don't hesitate to take control of your future:) A dream is a goal waiting to be obtained!
Read something good!

The best gift

When we think about gifts it is so easy to have visions of wrapping paper and bows. The holidays are near and everyone is checking their budget for the best gift to give to those they care about. When I think of some of my favorite gifts that I received as a child....I remember anticipation of pretty dolls with perfect hair and painted faces. I also remember reading stories from brand new books. The pages full of beautiful illustrations and the story living in my heart after the book is closed. My goal is to give a gift with my writing so that when I am no longer here my words still speak. I hope that even though dolls are pretty and dainty that kids realize they don't have to look like plastic figures to be accepted. Some of the gifts given this year will not be as new as some of the books that I received when I was young but they will be worth so much more than the price on the back cover. If a book can help a child to understand someone who is different and to embrace the unique qualities that they have inside of themselves that book is priceless even if it has a tattered cover. Read something great!