Learning Curves

On By K.L. HaleIn Uncategorized

Curves and I go way back. Hordes of twists and turns merge in my mind.  From those thrown while at bat, to the backroads, and to the more aggressive forms like extreme soul switchbacks   One time I couldn’t hang on during a fast curve to avoid another hit.  But most times I’ve learned to lean into them.  Yes, leaning into them seems to keep me more balanced.  

Did I tell you I’m writing a children’s book series?❤ I had time “in the hole” getting to know my team. Walked “on deck”, watched, and tried to learn.  I’m in the “batter’s box” now.

Sometimes my swing is way off.   So, I just step out of the box, take a deep breath, and practice a few. I’ve felt tempted to run back in the hole. Stay in the box, Karla.

I’m starting to grasp some groundbreakers, digest details, and clutch some confidence. 

Here’s what I’m leaning into right now:

  • Writing courses (since January)- offered by Write for Kids (I’ve taken several and LOVE them).  I proudly display the Children’s Book Insider banner as a member.  Currently my curves are self-publishing, marketing, and writing for magazines. 
  • One-on-one weekly ZOOM sessions with a literacy coach (thank you, Lisa).  It takes time to prepare and propel this learning.
  • Social Media-tricky and tight curve (almost nauseating😉, but necessary).  I’m not on Facebook.   My only platforms are Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.  It’s going to take courage for me to self-market. It’s my least favorite thing to do.  I’ve completed a course on self-marketing for non-marketers. It was excellent!
  • Writing, writing, editing, and editing-you wouldn’t imagine a 32-page children’s book would be that difficult.  My niche is creative non-fiction and I’m dreaming BIG.   As a self-editor I’m constantly reviewing, nit-picking, deleting, and adding.  There are so many angles to revise and review.   I’m hoping to meet local peer editing groups (anyone wish to join? 😉).
  • Time management-this is a big one!   Several writers I follow have offered schedules, tips, and advice. My best formula is: one day on marketing/classes, one day using those tips to reach out for sponsorship, create IG posts and stories (it’s very curvy to me-almost nauseating lol), one day for WordPress, one to write and publish, and the rest of my time taking care of all other needs and nature time!  I love my new work week.  But it’s difficult to stay on schedule when I’m tightening the belt on the curves.  But it’s well worth it! 
  • WRITE EVERY DAY!
  • Awesome announcement📣 I have an illustrator!  To say this has been a challenge is an understatement.  The illustrators have such a HUGE task of bringing the book to life.   Considering the time invested in creating Flannel with Faith, coupled with my amazing WP friends, I’m very leery of beginning a whole new author’s website.  Instead, I’ll create a new page on this site dedicated solely to Finley River Publishing and the series, “Faith and Finley—Finding the Nifty in our 50!” (Off the Grid Series).  Plus, you’ll get to meet my tremendous illustrator!

This journey of life is not always a straight road as we all know.  I’m not traveling in the fast lane either.  Although I love staying active, I’m staying on a steady course in my lane.   To avoid being added to any more injured lists, I’ll don a helmet and strengthen my grip. 

Friends, are you ready?  Keep your eyes on the ball at bat.  Lean into the curves as your travel.  Stay in your lane.  Life levels our playing field. I’m elated to be on your team.     

Afterword: I spent many days at a ballfield. That’s probably why I love dirt. Mom would watch with all the other wives. Us players’ kids formed family-like relationships. My Dad was the fastest man I’ve ever known. He could pull off a triple off with a left-handed bunt. Dad handled the curves. Mom has too.

“An outstanding leadoff hitter, Hale had great speed, a knack to get on base, and was a threat to steal a base at any time. He played first base and the outfield and his states include twenty state, twelve regional, and fifteen national championships. He also was selected to the US Sports Festival in 1979. He was a first team All-American in 1974 & 1975 and his teams won seven state and eight regional titles.”

(The Missouri A.S.A. Hall of Fame induction description, March 9th, 2002, Clarion Inn, Springfield, Missouri).

As a Mom I enjoyed EVERY trip to the fields of any kind to watch my own sons. Now, I walk dirt paths and enjoy the the scenery of nature’s curves. I’ll enjoy the future of watching my grandkids kick up some dirt whether on a field or when they’re outdoors. What a journey. 🤍

Have faith💚

60 thoughts on “Learning Curves”

  1. love this K.L!
    “But most times I’ve learned to lean into them. Yes, leaning into them seems to keep me more balanced”. Right on to this which is what life is all about.
    How exciting with your children’s book.
    Sooo exciting!
    Couldn’t agree with you more here “Social Media-tricky and tight curve (almost nauseating😉, but necessary). I’m not on Facebook”
    Wow kudos to your Dad~!!!!
    Does your literary agent specialize in children’s book?
    I’m in need of a writing weekly group,
    Love you song pairing… Great post!👏👏❤️and delivery!

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    1. Cindy, thank you so much for such a thoughtful response. ❤️💚🦋 I was hoping this would resonate with many and I’m so glad it did with you. I do not have an agent. I’m a free agent lol {sticking to sports lol}. I got my 2nd Covid shot this morning and writing today has been good for me. Thank you for compliment to Dad. I’ll pass it on! I hope you’re doing wonderful. Thank you for stopping by and supporting me. ❤️❣️💚

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      1. You are sooo welcome K! It sure did and I’m sure you’ll get more. Oh good for you that you got your shot. They pushed mine out a week… grrrr. Next Friday. Hope you feel ok!
        Please do pass it on… he and my dad would be kindred souls.
        Kitten sitting at the moment..oh the fun never stops. 🤣🤣🤣

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      2. Yes, Cindy I’ll pass this message to my Dad for sure. All was well with shot until about 1. Yikes. I’m responding since my medicine helping bring down the fever and extreme body aches. But it’s doing what it is supposed to. It will pass soon I hope. I probably needed to slow down a day anyway. Sorry you’re got pushed out. Happy Friday to you and the kittens 🐱 ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Oh awesome, I’m sure he’ll enjoy.
        Yikes is right and sorry to hear but hope it runs through your system quickly. You’re so right, it’s working and this too shall pass!
        Not Fri-Yay funday didn’t get written for the first tine cuz I’m too busy taking care of them all!
        Take good care and rest up. 💖💖💖🤗

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Pam, thank you so much. ❤️ it’s wonderful when things start taking shape. But I’m ready for any curves too. “The curves we travel every day help to form our characters.”…wonderful! 💛💚

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  4. I love, love, love reading your weekly journeys. Read my blog post about the balancing act. We are two peas in a pod girlfriend. Love your analogy of the writing ball game. Great advice. And beyond humbled for the gracious shoutout. Girl bosses!!

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    1. Thank you so much 😊 I am going to your place now. I’m so glad to be on this journey with you! I appreciate the feedback and you are most welcome for the shoutout. ❤️

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      2. Thank you so much, Martha ❤️💛💚 I’m a bit out of commission today. I got my 2nd Covid shot yesterday. All was well until about 1am. Fever 101, body aches, chills,….Finn and I laying low today. But that all means it’s working! I’m expecting to get stronger each hour. Or at least 24 lol. 😷💛💚

        Liked by 1 person

    2. kriddy70

      Lean into it all, you got this, Sista!! I love how you put everything I feel to print. And the book??? I CANNOT WAIT to read it. I am already excited for your journey. Remember, the first 50 is family alone.😘 lastly, what an incredible tribute to Daddy and Momma. We are so proud of you and love you so much it hurts. Keep on going, we love to see it all.
      Kriddy❤

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  7. atimetoshare.me

    The curves and bends in the road sometimes seem insurmountable, but it f we don’t step outside of church he box occasionally, we’ll never know what we missed. Kudos to you fir taking a risk or ten. You’re amazing Karla.

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    1. Awww Kathy, such wisdom and support. You are so right. I’ve definitely stepped out at times to play in other games. I’m praying this time I’ll get on base {or even a home run!}. Love and hugs sweet lady. ❤️💛💚

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  9. Engaging post! Your intro reminds me of the Road to Hana in Maui. Crazy scary drive! Best wishes on your book and goals. It appears you are following a helpful course of action to get there. Enjoy the process. 💗

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    2. Good morning sister, yes! Stay in the batters box and keep swinging. Love this. And please find me on IG @jayjule03. Not sure if we are connected there?

      Have a blessed day. Whether you hit and miss or a single, double, God is leading you exactly where He wants you to be✝️❤Love, Julie

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      1. Good morning sis 💛❤️💚 you stay in your box too. You have a full plate indeed 🤗🤗. Your response is lovely and I know you’re being led exactly where you should. I will go find you on IG. I have a personal account and a professional account. I’ll find you from both. Love, Karla 💛🤗

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  15. Vicki

    Awesome as always! Have had covid shot #1 get the 2nd on the 21st. Hope you get to feeling better. What magazines do you contribute to & what age group is your book series targeted to? Love the motorcycle & ball references. Life can be quite a ride! Your childhood & family make me envious on a very positive way! Please let me know when you publish. Can hardly wait to see you & hug you! June seems a loong way off! 💗💞💖💕💝☕😊

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  18. Karla, you have a busy, but satisfying schedule. Thanks for sharing more about your writing and publishing journey. I am warming up to the idea of publishing an anthology of Christian poems. I just need to stay in the batter’s box and swing away!

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    1. Thank you, Jane! It’s a children’s book, creative non-fiction, and the beginning of a series where we travel state to state in the RV. A far difference from what is in my “deep” adult realm of writing. But nonetheless a great learning experience. I appreciate your support always! 💛

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  20. This is brilliant. I love reading, and though I’m not ‘local’, I’d be keen to read any writing and offer constructive, hopeful words. The way you’ve identified some of your sticking points and put in place the plans to overcome them is so inspiring. And look at you go with all the work you’ve put in already! Well done on finding an illustrator. Well done on writing every day, it’s one of the biggest successes when any writer can say they do.

    I am worried about self-marketing, and whether any editor or publisher will think the story within my book has any merit as something marketable. I can write and edit until the cows come home but have no idea about publishing and marketing – yet.

    I’m almost through a first edit of the novel I’m working on, and it’s starting to read well. At least I think so! Self-editing is a tough job, and other pairs of eyes are helpful to point out possible improvements. 😊

    Keep on keeping on being awesome. I love hearing about your progress, and the little steps forward. 💛

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    1. Hamish, thank you so much my friend. Although it’s a series for children, I find that my research and editing is just as tedious. It makes me a bit nervous to do my own editing. Yes, I have other eyes on it too. My interests are in children and adults. I want to use my anecdotes to create a devotion. My email is karlaharris70@gmail.com if you ever want to send your writing for other eyes. It seems I might have a cover soon for my first book. The classes are helping me tremendously. I’m beginning a new class this week on magazine writing. I think article writing is in my wheelhouse for sure. Prayers and blessings as you progress. I like your hopeful word…”yet!” That’s where I remain and stay rooted. Hard work with heavenly hope is a combustible combo! Peace and blessings ❣️

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  21. I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! (Incase you hadn’t figured that out through the ALL CAPS clamour!!) I promise to continue to CHEER YOU ONE loudly from the stands as you hit a home-run through your determination and mighty efforts!! HUGE HUGS for being so bravely!!! 🏆🏆🏆

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    1. Awww Dawn!!!! I just love you my friend. I hear you cheering. And I thank you for your confidence in me! Huge hugs back to you my sweet friend. You’re an encouragement!! 💛💚🤗♥️💜

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  23. Pingback: Learning Curves — Flannel with Faith – Nicoty

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