June 28 -Book reading/signing at Ritzville Library
Date: June 28, 2012
Time: 3:30-5:30 pm
Location: Ritzville Public Library, 302 W. Main Ave, Ritzville, WA 99169
Inspiration
Recently, my daughter and I went to the Write on the River Writer’s Conference in Wenatchee. Charli, just turned 15-years-old and it was part of her birthday present. We loaded our 89′ Volkswagen Vanagon and headed to Wenatchee. Charli spinned tunes on Pandora and we sang along to the songs we knew and chatted through those we didn’t. The two and a half hour trip flew by.
The conference was smaller than I expected. Ideal. Jonathan Evinson, the Key Note Speaker, was a riot. His F-bombs didn’t faze me a bit, even with Charli by my side (I know she’s heard worse). Jonathan told stories of torching rejection letters and burying novels. He wandered and paced the stage, divulging his wisdom. I breathed it in. I smiled and laughed and gave Charli hug. I felt a burning in my soul to put pen to paper.
The Time is Now
Basketball season has been over for a while, so I really have no excuse for falling behind on my writing. But that is life, isn’t it? An ongoing battle to follow ones dreams, even when it’s down a bumpy road.
And the journey toward a worthwhile goal usually is bumpy. I mean, if it were easy to get everything we wanted, exactly when we wanted it, life might be kind of boring. Right? At least I tell myself that. And then I try not to get to angry at myself for putting my writing on the back burner for so long, and then I grab a pen.
It’s time to grab your pen, your gym bag, your resume…your strength.
The time is now.
FRIENDSHIP III – Support
“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ”
~Albert Schweitzer
My husband threw a book release party for the launch of my memoir Back on the Court. (well, he did have help from Heidi and Kathy) Friends and family gathered to celebrate. Models, basketball players & coaches, fellow writers, and friends I’ve met over the years through my kid’s preschool, elementary school and middle school days were there. Even a childhood friend who played with me in the sandbox when I was 3 years old suprized me. I wanted to cry. Okay, I did cry. But it was good to shed those tears and take a moment to focus on the friends that have helped support me through this thing called life.
Take a moment…think about those who have helped support you through life?
Meet Sonya
Meet Sonya
Sonya Elliott’s memoir, Back on the Court: A Young Woman’s Triumphant Return to Life, Love & Basketball, is her story of finding hope in the wake of tragedy after she and her fiancé were hit by a train. She blogs about writing, basketball, and life and is currently working on a Young Adult Novel and a Non-Fiction Coaching book. Stories of her career as a fashion model are woven through her memoir, as both the Soloflex and Easy Spirit Shoes commercials were filmed during that time period, and this unique and intriguing business continues to be a part of her life.
Sonya played basketball at Eastern Washington University and was a starter for the Big Sky Champion team that went to the 1987 NCAA tournament. She coached for almost 25 years and was voted Seattle Times Coach of the Year, Seattle Officials Women’s Basketball Association Coach of the Year, and twice voted Metro League Coach of the Year. She loves the game of basketball and is thankful, not only for her husband and kids but for her ability to continue to get back on the court.
Blog
Monday’s Pen to Paper: Just do it!
Sonya Elliott – Eastern Washington University 1988
Writing is hard work.
Yesterday, throughout the day, I watched my daughter fill up her third composition notebook with words. She is working on a book. I would walk by her room, and peak in and watch her in awe. Then as I’d walk away, I’d beat myself up, “Come on Sonya, pull out your notebook and write.”
On days when I’m not inspired to write, it can be nearly impossible to get myself going. I’ve been fighting a cold and I didn’t feel like doing much of anything, but that is really no excuse. I’d like to say I wrote yesterday, that after my short speech to myself writing prevailed, but it didn’t.
The couch, a walk to the beach and the Seahawks prevailed. All good things for sure, but that is why today it is all the […]
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: FREE gift with purchase
It’s time to gear up and get ready for basketball season! (Or start shopping for Christmas.) Go to www.PeaceLoveBasketball.com and buy a stylish and comfy shirt, sweatshirt or baby onesie, and receive a free signed copy of my memoir Back on the Court: A Young Woman’s Triumphant Return to Life, Love & Basketball, with an order of $15 or more. (Special offer runs November 1 – November 15, 2013)
Monday’s Pen to Paper: Escape
Though I’ve been known to write on my lap in the locker room at the YMCA, it often takes the right environment to get me going. A cozy cafe’, Norah Jones on the stereo, a hot latte’, it’s not always easy, especially because life seems to get in the way.
This morning I’m heating up some red wine and mulling spices on the stove top. Not to drink with my breakfast, but to fill the room with, what to me is, the fragrance of fall. And when I finish this blog I will make a cup of “Constant Comment” tea, turn off my wi-fi, and escape to my writing.
How will you construct an environment in which to write, or create?
WRITING PROMPT: Write about a time when you felt inspired to write, or were simply inspired.
Follow Sonya