Only one week until the essay submission deadline! That said, a few people have asked for an extension, as Spring Break with their children is next week. This is something I am definitely considering, extending the deadline until the end of the month. Would this help some of you with finishing up your essays?
Showing posts with label essays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label essays. Show all posts
The essays keep rolling in--THANK YOU! I am blown away by the range of experiences that you are sharing. I even teared up while reading a few recent essays. Once the show up in my inbox, I scan through them, reformat them to fit my standard format, categorize them to see where they fit in my basic outline, etc. I will work on full organizing and editing after the March 15th deadline. If you have any questions, I will try to answer them as soon as possible.
Your essays are confirming the goal of this project, to bring together a range of Army spouse experiences that NEED to be shared with other spouses. The range of essays varies from newlywed spouses to Army spouses with decades of experience to share with others. It is so exciting to hear that some writers are learning more about themselves as they write, too--yeah! These are definitely essays I would have like to read 20 years ago, and can't wait to share with other spouses. Thank you for sending them in!
If you haven't sent in an essay yet, no worries! There are still a couple of weeks for you to sit down and compose one. If you are stumped for essay ideas, you can read some of the suggestions listed in the blog posts, and on the pages to the right. When I hit a writing block, I pick up the phone, call a friend and we just start talking about what we've experienced through the years. Before I realize it, we've talked over a few good topics for essays! Keeping a notepad around to record those ideas has been very helpful.
Remember to not worry about your writing style--write in your own "voice". I may edit some of what you've written just a little bit (with your approval before printing), but it's important to me that your character comes through in your writing. One of my best friends told my husband that she's worried about her writing style, that it's not "print worthy". I know this gal very well, and I would love to receive anything from her. She knows I would help her with any necessary editing. My friend has lived an amazing life as an Army brat and spouse, and has a wealth of experiences to share with other spouses. If she doesn't send me something soon, I'll have to tell some stories of my own... (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)!
Yes, the most difficult part of writing can be just sitting down and getting your thoughts on paper. I am not grading these essays. I will work WITH you to make sure we put together the best project possible.
Keep sending in the essays! I have been so moved to read what you've already shared, and can't wait to read more!
Your essays are confirming the goal of this project, to bring together a range of Army spouse experiences that NEED to be shared with other spouses. The range of essays varies from newlywed spouses to Army spouses with decades of experience to share with others. It is so exciting to hear that some writers are learning more about themselves as they write, too--yeah! These are definitely essays I would have like to read 20 years ago, and can't wait to share with other spouses. Thank you for sending them in!
If you haven't sent in an essay yet, no worries! There are still a couple of weeks for you to sit down and compose one. If you are stumped for essay ideas, you can read some of the suggestions listed in the blog posts, and on the pages to the right. When I hit a writing block, I pick up the phone, call a friend and we just start talking about what we've experienced through the years. Before I realize it, we've talked over a few good topics for essays! Keeping a notepad around to record those ideas has been very helpful.
Remember to not worry about your writing style--write in your own "voice". I may edit some of what you've written just a little bit (with your approval before printing), but it's important to me that your character comes through in your writing. One of my best friends told my husband that she's worried about her writing style, that it's not "print worthy". I know this gal very well, and I would love to receive anything from her. She knows I would help her with any necessary editing. My friend has lived an amazing life as an Army brat and spouse, and has a wealth of experiences to share with other spouses. If she doesn't send me something soon, I'll have to tell some stories of my own... (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)!
Yes, the most difficult part of writing can be just sitting down and getting your thoughts on paper. I am not grading these essays. I will work WITH you to make sure we put together the best project possible.
Keep sending in the essays! I have been so moved to read what you've already shared, and can't wait to read more!
A spouse told me a last week that she wrote a good portion of her essay, then became discouraged and set it down. A few of days later she picked her essay back up again, scanned through it and decided, "It's not that bad!"
Sometimes we need to write, take a break, then look at our work with fresh eyes and from a new perspective. Thank you for writing your essays and sending them in--keep them coming!
Sometimes we need to write, take a break, then look at our work with fresh eyes and from a new perspective. Thank you for writing your essays and sending them in--keep them coming!
I received a few more essays yesterday--GREAT! The deadline for essay submission is just under a month from today. If you have any questions or need help with ideas, please don't hesitate to contact me: milspousebooks@gmail.com.
A few people have told me that the hardest part of writing their essay is the act of sitting down and just trying to write. If you're felling stuck, stumped or experiencing writer's block, put the pen down (or fingers off the keyboard), and take a break. Sometimes it helps me to call a friend and start talking about my writing subject. My friend listens, asks questions, and helps bounce ideas back to me. I'll keep a notepad with me and jot down any bright sparks of inspiration, and use these ideas to help me get started when I sit back at the keyboard.
I also do a lot of "research". My military spouse book collection is GROWING all the time. My most recently collected books include books written in the 1960's and 1970's by Mary Preston Gross, specifically for Army spouses. Some of the books were reprinted in the These books are a fascinating piece of history! From what I understand, most officer and NCO spouses at that time had copies of these little books of protocol, customs and courtesy. Reading through these books helps me remember stories from my 20 years of experience, and the lessons that I've learned through that time.
I'm very excited to read the essays as they come in! Remember, do NOT worry about your writing style, just write. I'm not grading your essays. You could scribble something on napkins at a coffee house and I would work with you to pull an essay from those thoughts. Next week I will be doing some "interviews" of people here at Ft Leavenworth. Those interviews will be transcribed and written up in essay form, too. Tomorrow I'll post the basic interview questions, which might help you with your essay ideas, too.
Keep writing! ;)
A few people have told me that the hardest part of writing their essay is the act of sitting down and just trying to write. If you're felling stuck, stumped or experiencing writer's block, put the pen down (or fingers off the keyboard), and take a break. Sometimes it helps me to call a friend and start talking about my writing subject. My friend listens, asks questions, and helps bounce ideas back to me. I'll keep a notepad with me and jot down any bright sparks of inspiration, and use these ideas to help me get started when I sit back at the keyboard.
I also do a lot of "research". My military spouse book collection is GROWING all the time. My most recently collected books include books written in the 1960's and 1970's by Mary Preston Gross, specifically for Army spouses. Some of the books were reprinted in the These books are a fascinating piece of history! From what I understand, most officer and NCO spouses at that time had copies of these little books of protocol, customs and courtesy. Reading through these books helps me remember stories from my 20 years of experience, and the lessons that I've learned through that time.
I'm very excited to read the essays as they come in! Remember, do NOT worry about your writing style, just write. I'm not grading your essays. You could scribble something on napkins at a coffee house and I would work with you to pull an essay from those thoughts. Next week I will be doing some "interviews" of people here at Ft Leavenworth. Those interviews will be transcribed and written up in essay form, too. Tomorrow I'll post the basic interview questions, which might help you with your essay ideas, too.
Keep writing! ;)
Hmmm... Good question. Take a look at the essay ideas on the pages listed in the right column. I have brainstormed some ideas for essay topics, as a starting point for your own essay(s). Below are some more specific examples, based on my own experiences, and those of my friends.
What are some of your first expectations and memories as a military spouse? Why did you have these expectations? How did they compare to the reality that you faced? You could write about how you felt alone, where you found information and support, and advice you would give to other new military spouses.
What are some of the challenges facing your family? How does this affect your readiness as a military family? Maybe you would like to share specific challenges that your family has faced, and how you've coped as an Army spouse. If you've stepped up to help other Army families in some way, possibly as an FRG Leader, maybe you'd like to write an essay about what you learned during that time of volunteer service. Your story and "lessons learned" could very well help another spouse in his or her own situation.
Why do we have "functions"? These FUNctions range from monthly coffees to Spouse Spur Rides, with the Hail and Farewell and military ball tossed in for excitement. What is the purpose of these activities? The easy answer is: team building. Our military lifestyle is unique, and constantly in a state of change. Attending these functions can help us break out of our box, meet other people who are part of our "team", and build bonds that can be fun, exciting, and a source of support. In which activities have you participated? Whom have you met and what have you learned?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, and I'll try to answer your questions. It has been very exciting to read the essays I've already received. I can't wait to read more!
- I Wanted to Be the Perfect Army Spouse--Then My Ford Escort Died on the Way to My First Coffee (no kidding, true story)
- Life Lessons Wrapped up in ACS Classes
- Hosting the Perfect Coffee: How to Clean Up the Broken Crystal (you know who you are)
- Keeping Sane During Deployments, or Using Earplugs to Lower Your Blood Pressure (think: LOUD children)
- How to Reinvent Yourself at Every Post, Gypsy Living 101
- Pulling Together the Perfect Senior Spouse Welcome...Pulling Together People You Don't Know, in Honor of Someone You Haven't Yet Met
- There is No Such Thing as a "Normal" Kid: How I've Navigated 12 Schools with My 10 Year Old
- Loving the Sands of TX While Yearning for the Green Grass of Washington State
- Mistakes I've Made: What Really Matters and What I'd Do Differently
- I Bought the Gloves, Yet Have Never Worn Them
- Army Wives: Yes, We Really Live Like "That" (not...)
- My How Things Have Changed in 20 Years
- Hostess Gifts Galore
- The Perfect Dinner Party, From Invites to Bribing the Children to Keep Quiet
- Daily Faith--Without Which I'd Have Given up My Gypsy Life YEARS Ago
- Living Without Heat in Korea, and Orange Water from the Faucet...
What are some of your first expectations and memories as a military spouse? Why did you have these expectations? How did they compare to the reality that you faced? You could write about how you felt alone, where you found information and support, and advice you would give to other new military spouses.
What are some of the challenges facing your family? How does this affect your readiness as a military family? Maybe you would like to share specific challenges that your family has faced, and how you've coped as an Army spouse. If you've stepped up to help other Army families in some way, possibly as an FRG Leader, maybe you'd like to write an essay about what you learned during that time of volunteer service. Your story and "lessons learned" could very well help another spouse in his or her own situation.
Why do we have "functions"? These FUNctions range from monthly coffees to Spouse Spur Rides, with the Hail and Farewell and military ball tossed in for excitement. What is the purpose of these activities? The easy answer is: team building. Our military lifestyle is unique, and constantly in a state of change. Attending these functions can help us break out of our box, meet other people who are part of our "team", and build bonds that can be fun, exciting, and a source of support. In which activities have you participated? Whom have you met and what have you learned?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, and I'll try to answer your questions. It has been very exciting to read the essays I've already received. I can't wait to read more!
Last week was incredibly upside down in our house. I was supposed to travel to Ft Hood, but due to weather was home with my children. As much as I LOVE the snow, I found it difficult to keep up with my own personal challenges. This week I am busy playing "catch-up".
Some people have told me that writing anything is difficult for them. I understand that. For me to sit down and write, I need a quiet home, with no little boys running rampant and hunting each other with their Nerf guns. First I clear my mind with some "quiet time", get my thoughts down in a little outline with notes, put on some good 80's background music and write. That's when my phone usually starts ringing. I take the call, then remember to turn the phones OFF.
On my desk you'll find a little timer. I'll sit down on some days and just challenge myself to write 15 minutes. By the end of those 15 minutes I'm usually deep in a thought and spend even more time writing. If the timer goes off and I find myself stumped at the keyboard, I allow myself a little break of treadmill time or tea.
I challenge myself to write every single day. Your personal challenge may be to just write that one essay you have knocking around in your noggin. The deadline for essay submission is March 15th, plenty of time for you to gather your thoughts and get them on paper (or virtual "electronic paper", anyway). I have met many wonderful people in my 20 years as an Army wife; each person has had their own special story and wisdom to share.
What's your story? What have you learned? By sitting down and getting those thoughts out on paper, your story and experiences may very well help another spouse who may someday walk in your shoes. I challenge you to schedule some time to sit down and work on your essay sometime soon.
Remember, I am not grading what you write--JUST WRITE. I am here to help you edit your essay and bring what you have learned to others. ;)
Some people have told me that writing anything is difficult for them. I understand that. For me to sit down and write, I need a quiet home, with no little boys running rampant and hunting each other with their Nerf guns. First I clear my mind with some "quiet time", get my thoughts down in a little outline with notes, put on some good 80's background music and write. That's when my phone usually starts ringing. I take the call, then remember to turn the phones OFF.
On my desk you'll find a little timer. I'll sit down on some days and just challenge myself to write 15 minutes. By the end of those 15 minutes I'm usually deep in a thought and spend even more time writing. If the timer goes off and I find myself stumped at the keyboard, I allow myself a little break of treadmill time or tea.
I challenge myself to write every single day. Your personal challenge may be to just write that one essay you have knocking around in your noggin. The deadline for essay submission is March 15th, plenty of time for you to gather your thoughts and get them on paper (or virtual "electronic paper", anyway). I have met many wonderful people in my 20 years as an Army wife; each person has had their own special story and wisdom to share.
What's your story? What have you learned? By sitting down and getting those thoughts out on paper, your story and experiences may very well help another spouse who may someday walk in your shoes. I challenge you to schedule some time to sit down and work on your essay sometime soon.
Remember, I am not grading what you write--JUST WRITE. I am here to help you edit your essay and bring what you have learned to others. ;)
Welcome to the Military Spouse Books web page!
(Check pages at right for more info, Pictures and Q&A.)
This website was set up as a source of information for Military Spouse Books. This project has recently changed. I am now collecting essays from all Army spouses, in these three categories:
- From Single to Military Spouse and a New Way of Life
- Family Readiness and How You Fit In
- Coffees, Socials and Building the Team
The change in the focus of this project came after some input from a few amazing military spouses, aka: “The Sisterhood”. My original plan was for a simple project, working on something I’ve had in my mind for many years. The wisdom and insight from a few other spouses has helped reshape my project to better reflect the whole Army, and the strength of all our spouses.
The deadline for essay submission is
March 15, 2011.
March 15, 2011.
The Army has changed a good amount in the 20 years I’ve been married to my Soldier. How have you changed in your time as an Army spouse? What have you learned? What would you like to share with other Army spouses? What advice would you give to a spouse who might walk in your steps someday?
For more information on submissions, please see the pages listed to the right. Check back often, as pages will be added/updated on a regular basis. You can also keep updated on the Facebook page: "Military Spouse Books" (click "Like" on the FB page).
If you would like to submit an essay (or two or three?), please email: milspousebooks@gmail.com for more information and release forms. You will need to complete and return hard copies of release forms before the essays are published.
I've been hearing from spouses who are excited about writing their essays, and from many other spouses who can't wait to read what we all have to share. Yeah!
Army spouse bloggers have definitely been stepping up to this challenge. If you have a blog, please share this information with other Army spouse bloggers. You can link to this page and/or post the flier .jpg file (listed in the right sidebar). Each publication will have a section for bios of submitters, and a chance to share your blog title, address and brief description. What a wonderful way for military spouses to share and learn from each other. You are all a very motivating group of spouses!;)
Army spouse bloggers have definitely been stepping up to this challenge. If you have a blog, please share this information with other Army spouse bloggers. You can link to this page and/or post the flier .jpg file (listed in the right sidebar). Each publication will have a section for bios of submitters, and a chance to share your blog title, address and brief description. What a wonderful way for military spouses to share and learn from each other. You are all a very motivating group of spouses!;)
