Sierra Writes

Tennis, Anyone?

2010-12-31T06:48:00.000-08:00

I have a real passion for world-class sports, whether it be the Olympics (and I was fortunate enough to attend the Winter Olympics earlier this year), World Cup soccer (or football, depending where you live!), and, most recently, US Open tennis.

There is something spectacular about watching people, athletes, who are the best in the world at what they do. And it’s fascinating to see the different approaches, the different strategies these talented men and women use.

But they all have something in common, something that inspires me…dedication.

An athlete doesn’t show up on game day and hope for the best. They train, they practice, they learn, they change their approach. When things are going wrong, they still have to hang in there, even if the world is watching.

It’s easy to say that someone has natural talent, as if that explains success. Tennis legend Andre Agassi’s father had him hit 2,500 tennis balls per day, equaling nearly one million balls per year. His father believed that if Agassi hit a million balls a year, he’d be unbeatable.

Did Agassi have talent? No doubt. But what lessons did he learn from hitting one million tennis balls a year?

All of us can learn from this.

We, too, have to train, practice, learn, change our approach, hang in there when the going gets tough.

It took me over ten years to sell my first book. There were moments of horrendous disappointment. There were small victories, like awards for contest wins. But the biggest factor in finally publishing was in showing up every day, day in, day out, and doing the work necessary to succeed.

As writers, we can train by reading other great books, by reading how-to books, by doing the exercises recommended by other writers. We can practice and stay sharp by showing up at the computer, even when we don’t want to, when we’re tired, “don’t feel like it,” even when it’s more enticing to watch television or “chill.”

It we want to stay relevant, we have to be responsive to the marketplace and write the kinds of stories that readers want. It may be necessary, published or not, to change our approach, write better, faster, stronger, deeper, with humor, with emotion. What worked in yesterday’s competition may not work in today’s.

Does raw talent help? You bet it does. I’ve seen authors with amazing talent sell the first thing they write.

But I also mentioned that part about when the whole world is watching. If you get a bad review as a writer, you can’t hide. It’s out there on the Internet for the whole world to see, forever.

No matter how much talent we have, no matter how much success we enjoy, we still need strategies to regroup and move forward. Some tennis players will put a towel on their head to block out the crowd and regain focus. For my writing, I use a “whining buddy.” When I have bad news, I’m allowed to whine for twenty-four hours, but only to my buddy. I don’t put it on Twitter or a blog. I then go back to what works…writing, rewriting, revising, learning from the experience, practicing my craft, changing my approach.

I appreciate watching the best of the best. I admire their dedication to do what it take, living it, breathing it, thinking about it, dreaming about it. And I am inspired.

Time to write…

On Being A Writer

2010-07-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

I grew up wanting to be a writer.

I had all these cool ideas of what that meant. Endless pots of coffee, maybe smoking and pacing. It certainly meant living in the Florida Keys. It meant being rich, successful, agonizingly creative. I’d probably be reclusive unless I had to meet my amazing fans at book signings. I’d certainly dress artisticly, maybe even wear tons of jewelry. I considered I might need to also have mood swings in order to be considered “great.”

For the record, I don’t live anywhere near the ocean, let alone the Keys. I wrote ten books in ten years before finally selling my first one. (Talk about the starving artist cliché. Only it isn’t a cliché!) Then, I had this picture that the publisher would want me to open the box under my bed that had all my rejected manuscripts! I’d be an overnight success. Imagine, all those books and my adoring fans! Palm trees and margaritas, look out!

Okay, so all those books were rejected a second time. (It wasn’t painful enough the first time!)

The thrill of signing with a New York agent and that first contract was amazing. The pain of subsequent rejection and iffy cover art brought me back down to earth. Factor in an unfavorable review of my debut novel from a national magazine and I was devastated.

In the amount of time I’ve been a professional writer, I’ve heard a lot of writers (okay, including myself), wondering why we continue to put in the time and the effort, especially when we get knocked off balance by a story that just won’t come together, characters who won’t behave, rejections, or an editorial request for more revisions. Even worse, a book we believe in might see mediocre sales or punishingly bad reviews.

I once heard a multi-published, New York Times bestselling author say, if you can quit, do. Another author who is also now a Times extended list bestseller has packed up her office several times over the years, given away her trusted copy of the Chicago Manual of Style, sold her computer equipment, quit, quit, quit the business.

I’ve had friends walk away for years after painful critiques, after being
unable to deliver manuscripts their editors were satisfied with. Some authors I know refuse to accept multi-book contracts because of fear, of jinxing the next book, of not being able to go to the creativity well and pull out yet one more compelling storyline, for fear that next book might not be good enough.

Some writers wonder why they bother at all.

After all, it’s easier to smile through an eight hour shift and say, “Would you like fries with that?” I waited tabled for five years while I was getting my writing legs on solid ground. Waitressing was difficult, with screaming children and masses of crackers smashed into the carpeting beneath a high chair. But at times, it was easier than being a writer. At least, with a day job, I didn’t stay up all night tossing and turning as an idea remained elusive. I didn’t take a walk on the beach and hear voices in my head. I could turn off a waitressing job. I cannot turn off writing.

So, why do we do it?
Maybe because no one else on planet earth has that story to tell. No one else comes up with those characters, those conflicts, that plot line.

We have almost all experienced someone developing a similar plot line or an identical title. But no one puts together the same characters, same conflict, same plot at the same time in the same way.

We have stories to tell that no one else can.

I remember being in a hospital waiting room with a book. The book took me away from the pain of waiting, of not knowing. It made the hours somewhat more bearable. And more than anything, maybe that’s why some of us continue to do it, despite the lack of benefits, uncertain income, long hours, potentially bad reviews.

Our stories can take people away. We can make them laugh, make them cry, make them care, even if only for a little while. Each story will continue to be unique because we are.

We write not only because we can, but because we have to.

I Am Woman…and I Am Grateful

2010-05-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

I was having a glass of wine with a girlfriend in Olde Town, Arvada, a quaint historical area near my Denver-area home.

We were talking about how fortunate we are to be Western women. In many parts of the world, we wouldn’t be allowed to go out to a café alone, sit back with a cabernet, enjoy the sun, and talk about whatever we wanted to. We had serious discussions, and we laughed, and we counted our blessings.

One of the biggest freedoms we sometimes take for granted is the opportunity to live in a more enlightened age than our ancestors. (And here’s to future generations who will live in an even more enlightened age.)

Did you know…?

In 1873 Congress passed a law that banned birth control information as obscene.

That well into the 1960s, most US states had laws against contraception?

Margaret Sanger, after having lost her mother at age 50 (and 18 pregnancies!), decided there had to be a better way. Sanger was arrested for mailing out her magazine, the Woman Rebel. The magazine discussed contraception and there, was illegal. The troublemaker went on to open America’s first family planning clinic. It was shut down within ten days.

It wasn’t until 1938 that a US judge lifted the obscenity ban on birth control. But contraception remained illegal (even more married couples!). Believe it or not, it wasn’t until 1965 that that the Supreme Court of the United States overturned laws that prohibited contraception among married couples.

Are things perfect now…? Definitely not.

Women continue to struggle and fight. Some are still being rebels and writing aobut things that would have formerly been banned.

We are women, we are resourceful. We will continue to talk and educate ourselves and our sister friends. We are part of the leading edge who encourage others to ask for what they want and be bold in it!

That rebel, Margaret Sanger, outlaw writer and pioneer that she was, went on to form the American Birth Control League (which eventually became Planned Parenthood).

I feel fortunate to be a Western woman in 2010. Here’s hoping that the continued efforts of brave men and women everywhere will make it better to be a woman worldwide…soon.

What's That Voice Trying to Tell You?

2010-03-26T05:17:00.000-07:00

One of my passions is encouraging others to pursue their passions. It’s way too easy to get caught up in everyday minutia, the nitty gritty details of work, family, housework, shopping, always on the go, always doing for others. (And not to say we shouldn’t do for others—especially if it rewards us!)

But is there a still, quiet voice inside you, urging you to do something? To try something new? To think in a new way? I’ll be honest, it’s not always a still, quiet voice inside me. Sometimes it’s this screaming, raging monster, demanding a release.

Whether you’ve got that quiet voice or the screaming monster, what’s it telling you?

I was feeling as if I was in a rut, eating at the same restaurants (and the same foods at those restaurants!), going to work, coming home to write and coach. The little voice in me knew it needed new experiences, a new take on life. So I started saying Yes to a whole lot of new experiences

I said Yes when I had an opportunity to go to the Olympics and experience all the sights and sounds of being among the best in the world. I say Yes to skiing at Whistler. I said Yes to a chance to visit San Francisco.

Recently, I’ve begun eating foods I’ve never tried before. I’m trying new restaurants, actively seeking out places I’ve never been before. (Last week, I ate octopus for the first time—“cooked” in lime juice. In January, I sucked down oysters on the half shell—and I don’t mind admitting that it took a glass of wine to work up the courage to get that first one into my mouth!)

I’m training for the insane Warrior Dash—an out-of-this-world even put together by the crazy minds of people who thought it might be fun to combine Navy SEAL training, American Gladiators, and some beer.

I’m also taking risks with my writing, trying to see where I can push the envelope.
I decided to go “cold turkey” with the daily news and talk radio. I haven’t turned on the telly since the Olympics. I haven’t listened to talk radio in weeks. (In fact, I now have Sirius in the car. I’m learning about classical music in a way I haven’t before, and I’ve actually tried the 40s channel!)

If you were to take a few deep breaths, shut off the television, put away the newspaper, step away from talk show entertainers, unsubscribe from the news services, what might you hear?

As a coach, I encourage you to do a “media fast” for one week. (C’mon, it’s only seven days!) Shut it off…yep, the TV, the newspaper, the stereo (except for motivational/inspirational stuff that encourages you to go for it!), even the bad news on the Internet. Ignore politics—it’ll still be a raging fight when you get back, I promise.

If something winds you up, step away for seven days. Instead, listen to that quiet voice inside you, the one that says maybe you should focus on getting fit, or planning a vacation, or eating better, or writing a book, or trying a new experience, or going to the spa, or even sleeping in a bit more.

What can you learn from yourself?

You’re the wisest one around you. You know what you want, what you need. Is now the time to listen?

Going For It!

2010-02-25T08:56:00.001-08:00

Greetings from Whistler, BC, the site of the 2010 Olympic downhill skiing events and Sliding Center!

It's been an amazing experience to be here at the Olympics, watching people chase their dreams. We came out to support luger Ruben Gonzalez, competing for Venezuela.

As you know, the unthinkable happened. A young Georgian luger tragically died on turn sixteen at the Whistler Sliding Center while pursuing his Olympic dream.

I was impressed by the way the other athletes were undeterred--shaken, but not stirred to quote a famous character.

And I learned a lot from the experience of watching others.

A couple of days later, I took an impressive fall on one of Whistler's magnificent ski runs. (I felt much better when I saw an Austrian Olympian crash on the same run!) I landed chin first and ended up with whiplash from the impact.

I was lucky. First of all, I wasn't seriously injured. Second of all, I was skiing with a coach who knew all the right things to say to get me headed back down the slope. My confidence took as much of a beating as my ego and my body. But deep down, I wanted to go for experience completely, totally.

I skied the next day, as well, not wanting to pass up the opportunity to ski in a part of the world I may never get back to. The Canadian Rockies are majestic and impressive

We all have places in our lives where we want to go for it, to experience life fully. We may experience fear (I certainly did after my ski crash), but we shouldn't let fear deter us. We need to be smart, make sure we cover our bases (helmets, protective gear, taking lessons, etc.), but when we have a dream, we should chase it, whether it's writing a book, taking a trip, racing a car.

I'm happy to report that Ruben slid well. I'm happy to report that I'm feeling a whole lot better (thanks, Coach!). And what was the take-away from watching others chase their dreams...? I'm planning a trip to the Olympics in London to be inspired all over again.

Being around people who are inspired is inspiring.

So, if you want to write, find other writers. If you want to be the best, find a coach and others who are doing what you want to do.

Bottom line...? Chase your dreams!

Is The Time Right?

2009-12-25T06:49:00.000-08:00

Is the time right...?

This week has been exciting, with the debut of Avatar. (Wait, this is not a movie review. In fact, I've yet to see the movie!)

What this is about is going for it.

James Cameron had the idea for Avatar at least a decade ago. He wrote the treatment for the movie back in the 90s. (Yeah, last century!)

Until now, technology didn't exist to create his vision.

So, what dream have you had on the back burner because the time wasn't right? Perhaps techology didn't exist that would help you create what you wanted. Perhaps you didn't have enough time or money. Maybe you were just paralyzed by fear.

But you have a dream, an idea, something cooking on the back burner. And I'm asking...is the time right now?

One person responded to this question by saying he'd leave the country, maybe via a cruise, for the first time. Another said he wanted to take a trip with his wife, the honeymoon they'd never had. Another is actually going to start writing. Another is going to complete a web site. One person said this is the year she pays off the last of that credit card debt.

I'm not talking about a resolution or a new habit, something you might beat yourself up about later.

What I am talking about is a dream, something intense and real, something you want to create.

And I'm asking, again, is the time right?

If so, here's to you, here's to "going for it," here's to your Avatar!

Outsmart Your Brain!

2009-11-25T09:11:00.001-08:00

It’s definitely that time of year, when we start to think of resolutions, of new habits. This will be the year I finally…

Well, unless we understand how our brains work and harness that energy, that change may be more difficult than we counted on. In less than a month, we’ll be back to our old ways and dreaming of next year.

Changing our behavior is challenging, but it’s not impossible. And the rewards make the effort more than worthwhile. Think of the feeling of accomplishment of meeting your goals. Think of the empowerment, the rewards, and the impact on your self-esteem.

First, let’s understand the challenge. We don’t change without first having the thought that we want to change. The desire attached to that thought determines whether the change we want will actually work for us. As Napoleon Hill says, "Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything."

The region of our brain called the basal ganglia controls cognition, learning, voluntary movement, and movement coordination. This is the place we “store” repetitive behavior, such as driving a car, so that we don’t have to consciously think of each step when we get behind the wheel.

Here’s the tricky part. New skills and ideas, as well as information, has to go through the prefrontal cortex. We move skills, ideas, info into the basal ganglia through repetition. Sounds easier than it actually is. Since the prefrontal cortex uses a lot of energy, our brains resist this. It’s easier to do what we’ve always done. (This explains why we give into temptation and sleep in on a Saturday morning instead of getting up and going to the gym!)

So how do we outsmart our brains? Repetition, repetition, repetition.

As Nathaniel Emmons says, “Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters.” We’ve heard it takes twenty-eight days to establish a new habit, and that’s a great place to start.

To really create new neural pathways, we need to do something for sixty to ninety days. And guess what? It takes up to 180 days (yep, half a year!) to have the information stored in the basal ganglia.

The good news is, by then, the new habit, the new strategy is second nature. Even better news, we can do this with several items at once. We can learn new eating habits, new writing discipline, and begin a savings plan, all at the same time.

With a goal, with the desire, with the determination, and with understanding how our brains can be outsmarted, success is within reach!

Here’s to YOUR success!

You: Good And Getting Better!

2009-09-25T20:49:00.001-07:00

If you’re like me, you don’t have enough hours in the day. Do you ever wonder what you could do with more energy, more pizzazz? Could you accomplish something really great, set the world on fire? Or if that’s a stretch, would you settle for being able to get out of bed without hitting the snooze button half a dozen times? There are days I’d be happy to make it through the day without dragging my rear end to the finish line.

But I’ve learned there are tips and tricks for managing our energy and being more effective.

As women, we have even more challenges. We get to deal with hormones and cravings, along with juggling multiple responsibilities. (Oh joy!)

First of all, ladies, taking care of ourselves needs to be a priority (otherwise we’ll continue dragging our butts all the way to the finish line, never mind setting the world on fire!).

When you’re looking at your energy level, pay attention to the great science being uncovered in this area. We need 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep is where we rest, rejuvenate, heal and help our hormones balance—and this can help with us having a healthy weight.

Fueling our bodies with healthful foods makes a huge difference in our energy level. By eating every few hours, we don’t end up overly hungry and making choices that don’t support the demands of our busy lives. By eating healthy, we can help our blood sugar levels and avoid spikes and crashes. Darn it, I’ve learned I feel better after a breakfast of a scrambled egg with spinach and a multi-grain English muffin than I do after a cup of coffee with French vanilla creamer.

Regular exercise, including cardio and weight-bearing activities, are a huge help. (Of course, see a doctor before you get going on an exercise program!)

We all need breaks from stress, too. What rejuvenates you? A bath, a fun magazine, a long walk, a chat with my daughter, getting outside, are all things that fill my tank.

Just as we have a daily cup of coffee (or whatever your beverage of choice is) we can establish habits around choices that support, rather than drain our bodies.

Why not start with the rejuvenation piece? You can add more when you’re ready. But for now, can you build in a daily re-charge? If you did, what would that be? How can you set the world on fire? I’d love to hear from you!

--Supporting you…Sierra
SierraCartwright.com
sierracartwright@gmail.com

One Step At A Time!

2009-07-06T19:37:00.001-07:00

I posted a few days ago that I was going to climb a 13-er...a mountain over 13,000 feet tall, in preparation for this weekend's 14er.

The mountain had about 2,800 feet of elevation gain. When you consider a flight of stairs has an elevation gain of about ten feet, you get some sort of perspective.

The hike itself was, round trip, eight miles.

And the strangest thing happened...we had awful weather for the climb.

You name it, horrific wind, freezing (literally) temperatures, rain, icy rocks, fog, even hail. For the majority of the hike, the mountain ahead of us was shrouded with fog. Near the top, I was blown backwards off one rock.

On many trails, the way is marked by piles of rocks, called cairns. We were literally unable to see past the cairns. We weren't sure if we were on the trail or not for most of the final assent.

What I learned from this experience...once you have set the goal, focus on your next step. Make sure you're stepping in a sure-footed way, but take your next step.

If I had been able to see the summit, I'm not sure I would have attempted it that day. The conditions were more than adverse. But I didn't keep looking. I kept moving toward the goal. (Keep in mind, I'm not advocating doing things that are stupid or life-risking. I am advocating taking smart, considered risks, but moving forward toward your goals.) Sometimes, by focusing on small steps, rather than the end result, we can achieve even greater things.

Here's to you reaching your summits!

Celebrate Your Independence!

2009-07-02T18:53:00.001-07:00

On this side of the pond, we celebrate the Fourth of July, otherwise known as Independence Day.

It's a day rich in tradition, with barbecues, picnics, watermelon, homemade ice cream, family, friends, and firework displays.

But we can make this day into our own special celebration of independence. And you get to define independence anyway you want to.

I'm celebrating my independence from lethargy by climbing a 13-er (a mountain that's over 13,000 feet tall. Mount Audubon, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area.) And next week, I'll continue the celebration by climbing a 14-er, Mount Bierstadt.

One of my friends is celebrating her indepenence from that extra five pounds she's been lugging around.

Another is celebrating her independence from too much debt.

Another is celebrating her freedom from the 9-5 grind. She's now working for herself. It's a struggle, but she says she's never been happier.

Many of us Western women celebrate our independence, literally. I was on a writing retreat with a dozen talented female writers. One night, we all climbed into the outdoor hot tub, beneath a canopy of stars. From our vantage in the Colorado mountains, we could see the Milky Way. And our conversation drifted to the fact that in parts of the world we would not have the freedom to gather sans men. In certain places, we would not be able to spend a couple of days away from home, frolicking in our bathing suits, getting massages, and talking the night away.

So...what do you want to be independent from? How do you want to live your life? What does freedom mean to you? (Even if you're in Europe or half the world away in Australia, or celebrating Canada Day, how can you make this holiday yours?)

Cheering for you...

Love, Sierra

The Power of Focus

2009-06-24T18:03:00.001-07:00

I've been learning a lot about the power of focus as we're trying to get things done.

We live in a world of multi-tasking, and I'm guilty, guilty, guilty!

At the gym, I jump on the exercise bike, plug in my headset to the television monitor, scroll through until the Travel Channel shows up, start pedaling, then dial in the workout I want, sit back and open a magazine, well, I sit back after I check my BlackBerry to make sure I haven't missed a text, call, or email in the walk from the locker room. (If I have, I respond!)

When I get home, I power up the computer even as I open the refrigerator to look for something to cook for dinner.

I was grateful when cell phones became readily available, that way I was able to extend my work day another half hour while I drove home.

One drawback I've found...I'm not always as engaged as I could be in what I'm doing.

Yesterday, I shut off the phone and concentrated on a project for an hour. And something amazing happened...I finished the project. I had allotted four hours to the job, but I accomplished it in 60 focused minutes. Without distractions, I was able to finish a job in a quarter of the time it usually takes.

I will probably not stop multi-tasking anytime soon. But I've learned a powerful lesson about the power of single-minded focus.

So that leads me to my question for you...what could you accomplish in a focused, laser-like hour? (I bet you may even astound yourself!)

Hugs, Sierra (who only answered one text message while writing this!)

Taking Your Own Advice

2009-05-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

As a business and personal coach, I'm living the dream, all day, every day. I am fortunate to spend hours with people, talking about their hopes and dreams and goals. Once my client has honed in on the things he or she wants to achieve, we formulate a strategy for achievement.

We'll spend the next sessions focusing, honing, refining, sometimes changing the course, but always we keep the end in mind. We strategize together, talk about "what if," imagine what life will be like when that goal comes tue. Nothing is off limits; thinking big is encouraged!

After a call last week, I hung up feeling strangely dissatisfied. My client was happy; she had a plan and a goal. She was energized, she was creating something new. But I realized I wasn't taking my own advice!

I didn't have a plan of my own, let alone something fabulous with action steps outlined. I wasn't spending time thinking about what I want to accomplish!

Like a cobbler whose children need shoe repairs, I was a coach without a coaching plan in place for my own life. Whatup with that?

And it occurs to me, as a woman, as a busy professional, I, too, get caught up in the 'doing,' rather than exploring, dreaming, thinking, creating, imagining "what if?" I'm so busy on the treadmill that I forgot why I climbed on the machine in the first place.

So my question to you...

You're a brilliant person. Absolutely brilliant. People call you for advice. People come to you with their problems, people listen to you.

You give good advice.

And I'm wondering...what advice are you giving others that you should be taking yourself?

(If you're brave, share it here. I dare you.)

Lotsa love, Sierra

Celebration!

2009-04-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Happiness!

Loose Id is bringing out "Hawkeye One: Danger Zone" in paperback!

I'll have more deets soon, but this is exciting news!

In the meantime, if you're looking for the e-book...http://www.loose-id.com/prod-Hawkeye_One__Danger_Zone-812.aspx

Achieving Your Dreams

2009-02-26T07:28:00.001-08:00

I'm a big believer in setting goals, thinking about what you want, dreaming about it, listing all the ways your life will be better for reaching your goal, talking about it with trusted friends and advisors, being single-minded in your determination to achieve...

But, what next?

Er... Action.

That's a part most of us don't really think about, much less do.

I can think about writing. I can dream about it. I can list all the great things that come from writing, seeing your name in print, looking at the gorgeous cover art, getting a royalty check. I can even attend writers' groups and conferences. I can blog about writing a book. I can talk about it with my friends. Most certainly, I can make a list of the ways my life will be better if I write a book.

But until I sit myself in a chair and put my fingers on the keyboard day after day, hour after hour, missing out on opportunities to go out with friends, skipping activities I enjoy, I can never achieve my goal.

Several years ago (okay, maybe five), I set a weight goal. I did all the things I talk about in my coaching. I made the lists, I talked about how great things would be once I wore a smaller size, I dreamed about it.

But I actually didn't get to the fitness club all that often. And I didn't significantly change my eating habits...until I had an issue with my knee last fall. I ended up in physical therapy. In order to keep up my regular activities, including hiking, I had to make changes.

I hired a personal trainer to teach me to get fit. Since I had to pay in advance, almost a thousand dollars, I had a real commitment to show up for my three-times a week sessions. Then, because I wanted to get the most out of the sessions, I changed my eating habits. (I even learned how to cook brown rice and started steaming fresh veggies every day.)

I had spent years visualizing the scale at that ideal weight. I pictured shopping for smaller clothes. I talked about eating healthier. I strategized how I would achieve my goals. I told people about my determination. I wrote affirmations.

But I took only half-hearted efforts to achieve my goals. For example, I'd eat well for two days, and then have a Coke and chocolate the next. I'd go to the gym once a week, maybe twice if I was feeling ambitious.

Until I made a consistent effort, I held my own, but I didn't make progress.

I'm happy to report that, as of last week, I have achieved my weight goal. (Now I'm going to set another!)

I learned through this experience that dreaming, thinking, wanting, affirming is not enough. To achieve, you have to take action.

What do you really, really want that you haven't taken action on?

Be honest with yourself.

If you want to be a writer, do you write every day? (Or do you only think about it and dream about it?) If you want to be a size smaller, have you checked with your doctor and made a game plan? If you want better financial results, have you made changes to your spending, saving, investing habits?

Where can you take action to have the life you dream of?

Believing in you...

Sierra
(who has a story out in the new, fabu Night of the Senses anthology from Total-E-Bound. Yes, I skipped fun activities in order to see my name on a book. Some sacrifices are definitely worth it!)

Keep On Dreaming!

2009-01-25T17:37:00.000-08:00

Last month, we talked about the importance of setting big goals. If we don’t take the time to think about what we want and dream of it, we might possibly never achieve it.

Unbelievably, the first month of 2009 is already behind us. We’re settling in after the holiday insanity. For many of us, real life (RL) has already intruded on our beautiful, bright, shiny new 2009 goals. Some of us may have already resumed some old habits we swore we were giving up in the giddiness of a champagne toast and New Year’s resolutions.

So what do I want for you?

It’s time to restore the luster to your dreams!

I want you to pull back out your 2009 goals. If they’re already dusty, dust them off! If you haven’t opened the file on your computer since last year, open it up.

Re-read your list of dreams, goals, the vision you had for 2009.

And for each of those dreams, I want you to write three to five reasons why you want to achieve that goal.

For example, if you wanted to lose a bit of weight, you might say, I want to live longer. I want to have more energy. I want to feel better. I want to wear a smaller size.

If you want to write a book, you might say, I want the feeling of accomplishment. I want to see my name on a book cover, etc.

Your dreams are yours. They’re personal. Your reasons for wanting those goals should be personal, too. Feel free to write more than five reasons, but please, do write at least three reasons you want to achieve each goal or dream.

Here’s to you and a re-energized 2009!

Until next time,

Sierra
www.sierracartwright.com

Happy New Year!

2008-12-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

New Year's!

As we move from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, a bright, shiny new year awaits!

As a certified coach, I encourage you to take a few minutes to think about what you'd like out of 2009. Life happens at warp speed, whether we're ready for it, or not. If we don't focus on what we want out of life, we generally don't get what we want.

As you decide what you want, I suggest you write it down. The very act of writing it out engages the left side of the brain. The right side, the more creative side, is the side we tap into when we're dreaming, when we're exploring the possibilities that lie ahead of us in 2009.

At least once a month, and preferably once a week, look at your list. Hold it. Read your dreams out loud. The feel of the paper (or the "touch" of your fingers on the keyboard if you wrote on your computer) and the sound of your voice all work together to help anchor your wants, dreams, and desires.

But it all starts with the very first step, dreaming, wishing, hoping, thinking...

Next month, we'll talk about the crucial next step...

Until then... Happy New You!!

Cool New Website!!

2008-12-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

Check this out!!!!!!!!

http://www.ticklesandtingles.com/

My friend and I are very excited about this site! We provide high-end and luxury adult oriented items where you are center stage. Fun stuff, exciting stuff, provocative stuff from the United States and Europe.

Please visit us.

A Great Big Juicy Bite

2008-10-25T10:37:00.001-07:00

In this part of the world, it's time for a celebration of the harvest! Pumpkins, squash, apples... Fun!

And while it's a celebration of abundance, how about a time to celebrate you? And how about taking a moment to slow down and think about taking a great big, juicy, delicious bite of...life?

Is there some adventure your soul longs for? I'm not talking, necessarily, about jumping out of an airplane (although I'm game if you are!) or bungee jumping or even racing a NASCAR. I'm talking about a big, juicy bite of something that appeals to you!

That could mean painting a wall or a picture. Writing a book or penning a journal. It could mean traveling somewhere new and exciting, or even trying a new place for dinner or a drink. It could mean taking up a new sport or a new hobby. It could mean baking something new.

For me, my great big, juicy bite is about...owls! Tonight, I'm heading out to "band" Northern Saw-whet owls. I have no idea who else will be part of this adventure. I have no idea how you do it. The only thing I do know...it will be cold in that part of the Rockies at night, and it will be dark. And it's something I've never done before. I'm excited and nervous.

I could easily have said "No" to the call to adventure, after all, it's a long way from home and it's cold and... You get the picture. There are always a dozen, legitimate reasons not to do so something new, something outside your comfort zone. But if you were to set aside that reluctance and to take a great big, juicy bite of something, what would it be?

Let me know what you decide!

Have to run now...I need down gloves and a headlamp for tonight's adventure. Let's hope it's a hoot! (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

Love, Sierra
Sierra Cartwright
http://www.sierracartwright.com/
http://sierracartwright.blogspot.com/

Too Exciting!!

2008-10-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce I'll be participating in the "I HEART NY" series from Loose Id!

The other authors are superstars, and I'm honored to be in their presence!

The series will start around Valentine's Day and end with St. Patrick's day!

Of course, my heroine has an Irish background. (Write what you know, right? LOL) Her name is Bridget (thanks, Mom!) and she has red hair (and I wonder where she gets that??)

Life is good, yes?

Unbelievable

2008-10-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

I cannnnnnnot believe it!!

"Signed, Sealed, and Delivered" was nominated as one the best erotic romances of the year!! Thank you, Night Owl Romance!

Will you please vote for "Sierra Cartwright Signed, Sealed, and Delivered?" Thanks!!

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/norawards/fall2008norawardseroticebooks.asp

Updates

2008-10-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Cool stuff is coming as fall approaches!!

Time to curl up with a hot book!

I'm thrilled to announce that you can get my latest book, Danger Zone, from Loose Id, on October 14, 2008! What a fun way to celebrate my birthday.

S-s-s-sizzle!

2008-09-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

Wow!

Talk about fun in the sun!

I just returned from the International Lingerie Show in Las Vegas. The weather was hot, the evenings sultry, the excitement palpable, the energy level high, the food abundant and delicious. Excitement and expectation were everywhere. The atmosphere sizzled.

There were beautiful young women, and some hunky men!, modeling for various lines. The highlight of the event was a fashion show on Monday evening. Drinks flowed from an open bar (what’s better than a glass of Merlot, but a free glass of Merlot?!). The music was techno, so it had a great, energetic beat. The choreography, staging, and lighting made the package complete.

The whole event started me thinking about fantasy, about creativity. Every piece of lingerie on the models (and some of the pieces were itty-bitty!) had been designed by someone. Then there’s color and fabric. In its way, creating an event like the International Lingerie Show is not terribly different from writing a book.

You begin with nothing, other than an idea. Then you craft characters to sweep away the reader and create a fantasy. Words become a writer’s canvas. Plot provides the nuance of color, dialogue, the music. Conflict is the fabric, be it sheer and daring or sturdy and opaque. Pacing is the backdrop, the staging.

If a writer has done her job well, then we’ve been entertained. We’ve been swept away into an alternate reality that allows us to forget our problems and concerns. We’ve escaped to a place that is real, but doesn’t really exist.

Our senses have been fed. We’ve laughed or cried. We’ve rooted for some characters and shouted boo-hiss at others. We’ve been moved emotionally, turned-on in an elemental and thrilling way. Maybe we’ve been provoked to think about our own lives in a new or different way. We’re excited, as if a techno beat had provided a staccato to energize us.

Writers have created a sizzle that satisfies. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Love,

Sizzlin' Sierra

www.sierracartwright.com

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered from Total-E-Bound Books

Coming Soon: Danger Zone from Loose Id www.loose-id.com

Summertime!

2008-06-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

It's summertime!

Green leaves, flowers blossoming, sultry nights, birds singing, birth, renewal....

What do you need to renew?

What do you need to re-connect with, re-connect to?

What's is YOUR passion?

What makes you feel alive?

What quickens your heartbeat?

This is the absolute perfect time of year (at least in the northern hemisphere!), to sit on a chair outside, or maybe curl up in a hammock, bask on beach.

And when you do, don't forget to connect.

Dream while a lazy, fat cloud saunters across the sky.

And it's okay to ask yourself some questions that will sustain you in the shorter months of fall and winter.

Questions like:
If I had my ideal day, what would it look like? What time would you get up? What time would you go to bed? What would you eat? Where would you live? What would you do (if anything!) to earn a living?

Who would I like to connect with? (Is it time to send a formal written invite, or maybe an email or -- gasp! -- pick up the phone! and invite a friend to lunch, dinner, even a glass of wine at a rooftop cafe?)

What will summer of 2009 look like? (Will there be a great holiday to the ocean, or will you rent a cabin in the mountains for some blessed cool?)

What are my plans for this year's first cold snap?

What do I want to accomplish the rest of the year?

Regardless, this is a fantastic chance for you to picture your perfect life.

After all, what are daydreams for?

Here's to you and your dreams!

Muah!

Book Release Day!

2008-04-21T10:44:00.001-07:00

It's book release day! YAY!!

Here's a link to my latest book...

http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?s=Ys2w49236071&strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=247

Taking Care of You!

2008-04-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

As writers, we’re told to write what we know. So, for this blog, I will. I’ve learned, the not-so-easy way how important it is to take care of myself.

As a coach, writer, parent, manager, always looking out for others, you’d think I’d look out for myself, too, right? Er, not so much.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve done what might be termed a “crash and burn.” And it’s not pretty. I caught a nasty virus, had my energy level drop to nearly nothing and haven’t had a lot of interest in things that generally energize me.

So, darn it, I’m going to have to practice what I preach and write what I know.

When I coach my clients to take a sheet of paper and divide it into seven sections (one for each day of the week), and write out their ideal schedule, that means I need to do the same.

When I instruct an employee who has been working too many hours that they need to take a refresh and rejuvenate day, I need to recognize my own limits and take some time to rest and rejuvenate, too.

When I tell my daughter (who’s certainly old enough to know better!) that sleep is the mighty healer and that things will look better in the morning, I should tuck my tired self into bed and remember that things will look better in the morning. After all, I’m definitely old enough to know better!

When I coach clients to list the things that jazz them and to write a top 100 list of things to see, to do, to have, I need to do the same thing.

Getting a regular massage isn’t just for those around me. Eating nutritious foods that aren’t loaded with sugar are for me, too, not just others. Moving my body so that I look and feel better and have more energy to make it through the day (to say nothing of releasing endorphins and regulating serotonin levels) is something I should do every day. After all, I do know about the Law of Inertia. (An object in motion stays in motion, right?)

So, here I am, making a public commitment to taking better care of myself. Starting with a bubble bath, a good night’s sleep, and packing my gym bag for tomorrow’s work out.

What advice do you give others that you should take yourself?

See you again next time…when I have some progress to report!

Please, feel free to let me know what you’re doing to take care of you…

OMG!

2008-04-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

OMG! OMG! OMG!!

I have really great news, and...and...and, I can't share it yet!!

Stay tuned!!

Dreaming

2008-04-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

www.sierracartwright.com

"Follow your bliss and doors will open where there were no doors before." -- Joseph Campbell

Follow your bliss...

Easier said than done!

So many of us are caught up in the daily grind, get up, peel back our eyelids, brew a cup of coffee or tea or crack open a can of soda (who cares, as long as it has caffeine) go to work, or drag the kids out of bed and get them ready for the day. Then, with our responsibilities to our relationships, our jobs, friends, homes...

We're so tired, how would we even know what our bliss is, let alone to follow it? But you know what, it's there, somewhere, niggling. It's those random thoughts that dart through when you're busy doing other things. Maybe it's a book you see advertised, and you think, "One day, when I have more time, I'll read it." One day, I'll take a long vacation. One day, I'll go back to school, get a puppy, do that volunteer work I've been thinking about.

One day...

Maybe, if you're like me, you get ideas at the most interesting times. When I'm in the bathtub, when I'm driving, drifting off to sleep, or going for a walk. But all those times have something in common...they come to me when I'm either alone or being quiet. It's in those moments that I get that whisper of what my bliss might be. But it's what I do with those moments that matter. Do I ignore them until they go away? (Yeah, more times than I care to admit! LOL)

Or do I do something with that urge? Do I follow it? Do I book a trip somewhere fabulous? Do I do a little research into a new job I might like to have? Do I scribble down a few words for my new book?

In the quiet, and, thank God, sometimes in the chaos, ideas, thoughts, inspiration come to us. What we do with them is up to us. What were you thinking about as you read this? What came to your mind? And now, what are you going to do with it?

Here's to you, and here's the the urging of inspiration!

Simple Pleasures

2008-03-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

www.sierracartwright.com

….Deep breath in. Another out…. There. Doesn’t that feel better?

Not that I’m one to talk, LOL.

As a coach, writer, business manger, I, like you, wear a dozen different hats, sometimes more than one at the same time! (You know what I mean. It’s when you are at work and you’ve got your cellular phone pressed to you ear because you’re getting a call from home. Oh, wait! There’s call waiting buzzing, telling you an important client is ringing.)

And it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives…phones, shopping, cooking dinner, running the kids to school, checking email…

By the time you get to the end of the day, you fall into bed exhausted. Then the alarm shrills and you drag your still-tired body from bed only to do it all over again.

Sometimes it feels as though our lives are roller coasters where you’re strapped in. “Please stay seated until the ride comes to a complete stop.”

Well, guess what? It’s not easy, but we can stop at least part of the insanity. How? This may sound counterintuitive, but we can enjoy our lives more by scheduling some fun into our day.

As a coach, I know that time for fun doesn’t magically appear in our lives.

It has to be planned. At least weekly, maybe even monthly.

You’re kidding, right?

I have to plan even more than I already to?

If you want to enjoy life more, yes.

My suggestion? Call your BFF and put a dinner date on the April calendar now. Schedule a ‘date’ night with your SO. Buy tickets to that show you’ve been dying to see, even if it doesn’t open until July.

By having things to look forward to, we brighten our lives.