Wednesday, July 11, 2012

TKP - Stronger and Wider

Okay, so I had this great idea for my Kindness Project post this week! All my fellow posters (below) are always so inspirational and moving and great, and I'm usually floundering.

So I was in church Sunday night, and the speaker talked about David and achieving a hard-earned success. (When he became king at last.)

She said when people achieve success, they often changeBut the change isn't always good.

(Argh. I should've saved the program because now I'm having a hard time remembering exactly how she put it.) 


Basically, she said something like for some, achieving a level of success means becoming more removed or distanced from others because the new role takes more time, or there are more responsibilities...

I felt like I could see how that could happen. Perhaps there's even an element of, "I did it. Now I have to work even harder to stay here." I don't know.


But she admonished us to do like David did. She said once he became king, his embrace grew stronger and his arms opened wider. (Then a few years passed and he kind of got off track, but that's not the point here.)

This is about when good things start happening, when you achieve that level of success, don't forget to keep looking around. Don't change. Keep looking for ways to help others and keep spreading the love.

Very Kindness Project, right?

I'm still working toward my level of success, so I'm still excited to tell folks about great writers I've encountered. (Honestly, I don't ever see that changing.) Below are three 
great editing clients I've worked with this year who you will LOVE:

#1-Alex Clermont came to me from ... I don't remember where. But he wanted to make a book from a series of blog posts written during his time as a teacher in South Korea.


I have to confess, I wasn't sure if what he was sending would hang together. But the truth is, it does.

Alex's book is soul-bearing, it's painfully honest. He's not afraid to tell the truth, even if you might get mad at him. And it's so good. I smiled, I cried... You will love this book.

Get it here:
-Amazon (link)
-Barnes & Noble (link)
-Website (link)

Mary Pax is one of the most fun science fiction storytellers I know. I'm not kidding. I look forward to getting her manuscripts to edit, despite the creatures who populate them.

I don't like creatures, and I'm always cheering for hers!


M. Pax
She's the self-publishing heir to Star Trek: The Next Generation

Get your fix here, FREE:
-Amazon (link)
-Barnes & Noble (link)
-Website (link)

Finally, Elle Strauss was my first editorial client. I was so touched that she supported my little editing business right away, and she still sends me clients.

For a contemporary YA romance writer, Elle can write the absolute most amazing war scenes.

(I know, right? And we thought she just did YA romance.) But I'm not kidding. The first book I edited of hers was set during WWII, and it was engrossing.

Anyway, she's got a new (non war) book out, and for now, it's FREE! Here's the blurb:


Elle Strauss
A teen swim athlete discovers a merfolk world that threatens to keep her out of the ocean forever.

Dori Seward can’t wait to get out of Eastcove, a sleepy fishing village on the border of New Brunswick and Maine. She bides her time by hanging out with friends, attending swim club, and holding her biggest competition, Colby–who wants more than just friendship, at arm’s length. 

Then Tor Riley comes to town and he has everything Dori dreams of in a boyfriend–looks, athleticism and mystery.

But Tor also has a tantalizing secret and Dori is determined to find out what it is. The truth is crazier than her wildest imaginations and more dangerous, too.

Dori has new fantastical enemies , and they will do anything to get to her.

Her life, her dreams and her love for Tor are all weighing in the balance. Will Dori risk it all in order to have it all?

Get it here, also FREE:
-Amazon (link)
-Website (link)

Finally, the BONUS, is one of our fellow posters, Megan Spooner (link), has a new book SKYLARK coming out, and she's got a contest going where everybody wins.

No lie. Everybody. Go here for more information (link).

That's it for me, kids. I'm so sorry I've been absentee lately. I'm revising like a mad woman, the girls are home from school, and we've been visiting relatives out of town. All of this equals me having a hard time getting around. But trust me, I miss you more than you miss me.

Have a great week, reader- and writer-friends! Please visit the other TKP posters listed below~ <3

Alina Klein                             Katharine Owens 
Andrea Hannah                      Len Lambert
Barbara Watson                     Liza Kane
Carolina Valdez Miller            Lola Sharp
Christa Desir                          Lindsay Scott
Claire Hennessy                     Matthew MacNish (available Jul 16)
Elana Johnson                        Michele Shaw
Elizabeth Davis                      Sarah Fine
Elizabeth Poole                      Sara Larson 
Erica Chapman                      Sara McClung
Jessica Corra                         Sophia Chang
Leigh Moore                          Tracey Neithercott

56 comments:

Sarah said...

All of those sound good, but Eating Kimchee and Nodding Politely really stands out to me! Awesome title and fascinating topic.

Regarding this idea, I think it's easy, once success comes your way, to believe the hype a bit. I think it takes effort to step outside of oneself anyway, and maybe success makes it more challenging. But it also creates more opportunities--and then posts like this are possible! :)

Stina said...

There is nothing worse than getting caught up in your own hype. You're right, Leigh, that is the wrong kind of change you should strive for.

Thanks for the book recommendations.

Meagan Spooner said...

It's so true that people often change as a result of their successes. And I think it's something that you really have to fight, because there's a difference between learning and growing and changing the way you react to your environment as a result, vs. changing YOURSELF simply because you can.

(And thank you so much for the contest love! <3)

Anonymous said...

What a great message, and something I was JUST talking about with a colleague-->a true measure of success is supporting others to be successful to ("success" being a relative term, but you understand!)

And cool recommendations! I'm always on the lookout for the next read (AND I SWEAR I'll return THIS BURNS MY HEART and review it on my blog--summer activities are unexpectedly kicking my butt!)

Michele Shaw said...

I hate when I see people changing right in front of me and becoming something they never intended...yet. Well, who knows. Something happened. That said, I don't like or wish for something bad to happen to bring them down, but sometimes it does. If everyone kept their heads clear to begin with, the lows wouldn't be so bad. Great post and love the book recs.

Barbara Watson said...

We have it within ourselves to be in charge of the way we're going to change. Great reminder.

Pat Hatt said...

wow that was very kind you get big props from my little rhyming behind haha.

Sara {Rhapsody and Chaos} said...

This kind of reminds me of that quote "be the change you wish to see." I think it applies to those who find success. Remember what you've seen others do--learn from that, hold on to it, and rise above by staying down on Earth. :)

Patti said...

I totally agree with you. I've seen that a lot. And I love Sara's quote. That's awesome.

Unknown said...

I love what you had to say about David and not letting success change you in a bad way.

Thanks for the shout out about Seaweed. and btw, I'm back at PWM, re-writing and revising. I got good feedback on some authenticity issues I was having. Hope to have it out by the end of the year.

Matthew MacNish said...

Alex's book sounds fascinating. Added.

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

You know, I've seen this happen with a lot of people. As you climb that ladder, the rungs seem to get smaller and smaller, you know? Less room for others to stand on. That's why that embrace has to get bigger, holding on to all those who have been a part of your life along the way. But, too, you know what they say in Spiderman--with great power comes great responsibility. As we become successful, our influence grows--it's up to us how we'll use it. It's heartening when I see those who find success turn around and help others do the same.

P.S. All of these books look pretty dang fantastic!

Lindsay said...

I love what you said about not letting success change you in a bad way. Success is wonderful, but we should always strive to be true to who we are. Who we are gets us where we strive to be in the first place. :D

M Pax said...

Always looking for ways to give back is a great thing for us all to hang onto.

Thanks for the mention, Leigh. I'm madly scribbling to finish up the next one. Fewer creatures ... but some. lol

Carolyn Abiad said...

These books ALL sound interesting. I'll have to add them to the TBR for the fall, because summer is kind of hectic around here.

DL Hammons said...

I truly hope that success gives its best shot at changing you...because you deserve the success!! :)

Lydia Kang said...

I have to read that Korea memoir--it sounds so good. And I love kimchee.

Great post!

Theresa Milstein said...

I love the idea of using success to help others. Wonderful kindness post!

Christa Desir said...

Hold your arms wider and embrace tighter. Yes. This. And I know of your clients, they are very good ones;)

walk2write said...

What a great post! Don't neglect those arms, though. Let them relax once in a while on the massage table:) Maybe tension was the ratcheting key to David's undoing.

Anonymous said...

I just downloaded The Backworlds. Looking forward to reading it this weekend!

Sara B. Larson said...

Great post. I hope someday to have the kind of success that I will have to make an effort not to be changed by. :P But seriously, it's a good point. And sometimes LACK of success needs to have the same caveat--that one doesn't get jealous and bitter, and can stay kind to those who succeed around them.

Also, I love Elle! She's a wonderful person. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi, Leigh! Great post.

LTM said...

@Meagan--You're welcome! Good luck w/the book! And as for changing, I'm hoping that a measure of success allows me the opportunity to breathe! :D <3

@Liza--You know, I think that's why this online writing community is so great. There's so much support and encouragement and help! And no worries about the book! Glad you liked it~ :o) <3

Old Kitty said...

I think I've changed the older I get. More mellow, same fiery ambitions but am more at ease with failures! Change may be cathartic and good - if done properly of course and when continuing to spread love all around!

Take care
x

PK HREZO said...

What a great movement! I think it's so important for those who achieve success to remember. Really and truly it's the ones who do that seem to maintain their success and not lose it.

Anonymous said...

I knew about Mary's book and am adding SEAWEED toute de suite to my TBR! That sounds like my kinda book.

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

I love Elle and her new book looks crazy awesome. I didn't realize you edited for her! #coolnesscompounded :)

Jennie Bailey said...

One of the things that I love about the writer community is that everyone seems to open their arms wider when they get there. Everyone that gets published helps as much as they can - contests, advice, critiques, etc. It's like a whole network of Davids (before he got off track - that comment cracked me up).

Jennifer Shirk said...

I LOVE that message! Great reminder.
Those books are new to me. Thanks for sharing. :-)

LTM said...

@Liz--It's on my Kindle now, and I can't wait to read it (I didn't actually edit that one)! Hope you like it! :o) <3

Ella said...

Wonderful post!
Yes, sometimes success alters people s view.
We have to remain true to ourselves.
Thank u for your kindness. ; ). <3. 555

Lindsay N. Currie said...

Awesome post! Inspiring and so great how you're supporting fellow writers by posting about them. You're kindness personified:)

KM Nalle said...

I love the story of David. Sometimes, like after a big life altering moment (aka success), change comes easy. But, in some cases, that is when we need to work the hardest to remain who we are.

LTM said...

@Lindsay--I was kind of going for that as a backup. Spread the word, spread the love. Thanks, girl! :D

Alina Klein said...

I love this, Leigh. Changing in response to success is nearly always an unfortunate thing. And you are so lovely to support your clients and your friends in this way, always. Such a kindness and inspiration. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Eating Kimchi sounds brilliant. It's now on my TBR list... as are the others already. So many books to read!!
Have fun with your revisions.

RaShelle Workman said...

Hi, Leigh!!!

I've read "Seaweed" and loved it.

The book from Alex Clermont sounds intriguing. I'll be sure to check it out.

Hope your Monday is going well. *hugs*

Lola Sharp said...

Oh yes, I've seen success go to people's heads many times. Ego is a weird thing. But, fortunately, I've seen the opposite happen as well, where a person hits on some real success and still remains gracious and warm and down to earth.
Dude, I struggle with the time thing terribly. Summertime is SO BUSY...and the holidays. What's that leave us, late winter/early spring to poke our heads out? *sigh*

Hugs,
Lola

Janet Johnson said...

Great advice about the not changing thing. There are so many bloggers out there who are great examples. Hopefully I'll follow in their footsteps (assuming I ever get the chance). ;)

And P.S. I just saw the PM for your book. Congratulations girl!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Lost in the crowd here, but my little voice adds to yours in that we should be kind to each one we meet, for everyone is having a harder time than they appear. (In fact, it is #1 in the 8 personal rules I live by.)

May your book hit the stars in sales, Roland

Claire Hennessy said...

Great post and I love all your book recommendations. My Kindle is overloaded with great books to read ... now, if only I could find some time to read them!

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