MJ Wallace

Never in my life have I used the excuse, “the dog ate my homework”. Have I been tempted to? Yes, of course! I’ve just never actually had the guts to say it (whether it be for fear of lying to my teachers–or more likely, not wanting to portray my sweet pup in a poor light).

That all changed when I began editing my middle grade novel.

Now, I am more than happy to command, “Chow down, Rizzo!” I begged. I pleaded. “Please eat my manuscript, Rizzo. Get it out of my sight!” As you can see, he seems to be asking my permission to do just that, right?

If I’m lucky, my dog just might eat my homework!

He didn’t try to take a nibble… he didn’t even attempt to sniff it! Perhaps I’m imagining all this because I’m hoping that he’ll eat it and then I won’t have to keep “tightening up” my novel!

One thing is for sure–this editing thing is hard!

No matter when or how you choose to do it, editing is never an easy step of the writing process. I’ve been told many times that I should just “let the words flow” when I first sit down to write. “Don’t worry about grammar, wording, or typos,” they say. By the way, who are they… and how come they know so much about my writing habits/needs/practices?

I digress.

Anyway, I’ve never been relaxed enough to just completely let words flow. I think that a person’s writing style matches their personality quirks. For example, I tend to be a teensy bit too uptight to just ‘let-er-rip’ when it comes to my writing. As with most things in my life, I’m always trying to get done today, that which could truly be done tomorrow. Then–when I do start writing–there inevitably seems to be ebbs in the “flow” of my words as I hop back to add a comma or change a character’s comment. On occasion, it even feels as though my characters are telling me to do this.

Essentially, I guess the proverbial ‘they‘ have gotten into my head, but my intrinsic need to to “fix things on-the-spot” prevails in the end. Thus, no matter how hard I try, I always unconsciously perform edits as I go. Funny thing is: even with constantly overthinking each word and contemplating every little detail of a sentence, it still doesn’t make the revision process any easier or quicker. No matter how strategically you approach the editing step, there only seems to be one consistent outcome…

Revise, revise and edit once more!

P.S. – Rizzo never did eat the manuscript. I edited it. It was painful, and it took quite awhile–but you know what? Looking back, I am so grateful for process. It was all worth it!

#TheDogAteMyManuscript #Editing #Writing #Manuscript #EasierWrittenThanSaid
#Dog #Puppy #Author #AmEditing #AmQuerying #WritingCommunity #TheDogAteMyHomework #Details #MiddleGrade

I have never been a resolution kind of gal; however, I have always been goal-oriented, and I can honestly say that the year 2020 has presented me with a bit of a conundrum.

On the one hand, I feel compelled to make an extensive list of all the things that I want/must/need to achieve in 2021 based solely on the fact that 2020 was so CRAZY. On the other hand, it is that very craziness that reminds me that I am not (nor will I ever be) in complete control. Sure, I can set personal goals for myself, but I cannot simply stop there. I have no choice but to place those goals in God’s hands because I genuinely believe that He is in control.

In all truth, I can’t imagine navigating 2020 without this outlook on life.

I will most definitely set writing goals for myself this year, and I will most definitely hold myself to their achievement. I have peace, however, knowing that God gave me the ability to write, and I will (or will not) become a published author when he sees fit. Don’t get me wrong, I would absolutely love to have my works published, but I know it all comes down to timing. It is much easier to surrender the anxiety about when it will happen, and instead adopt an attitude of looking forward to whenever it happens.

I have no doubt that removing this constant pressure of wondering “when?” will allow me to write more freely, while still maintaining realistic–but flexible–goals for myself.

I’ve had an epiphany.
I want to have drive without being driven.

I’d like to enjoy the writing journey without the weight of an unyielding goal. I am learning to embrace the fact that life is much sweeter for me when I remember that, ultimately, it’s not all up to me. I can loosely set goals, while resting in the knowledge that God will make the final revisions and edits, and they will be perfect!

Happy & Healthy New Year to all!

MJ Wallace

There was a time I was described as “the woman who could even find the silver lining in her father’s death”. Once considered an unabashed (and occasionally nauseating) optimist, I have come to the realization that I am, in fact, an idealist. This personality trait (or curse, depending on your perspective), has admittedly been a tremendous asset during the rollercoaster ride that is this pandemic. 

As a writer, I have had the unique opportunity of participating in virtual writing conferences from around the nation, many of which would have been nearly impossible for me to attend in the past. In all likelihood, I probably wouldn’t have even heard of them pre-pandemic. The experience has been so enriching to my professional life.

As a wife, I have been afforded so much more quality time with my husband. As a mother, I have spent so much more time talking and interacting with my children (and praying for them). As I grieved the loss of my mother on March 1st, I was able to find the silver lining by recognizing the immense blessing of the timing of her passing. If she had died even a few days later, she would have been completely alone. Instead, she was in the loving arms of her children as she closed her earthly eyes for the last time.

As a child of God and woman of faith, my relationship with Him has deepened tremendously. I am reminded daily (sometimes hourly) that God is in control, and for this I am so incredibly thankful!

My heart aches for all that have been touched by this pandemic. So many are suffering at the mercy of this terrible virus and the resulting hardships left in its wake. Many have lost loved ones. Many are fighting for their lives. Many are suffering from prolonged isolation and separation from loved ones. Many have lost their jobs, livelihoods, and homes. Please know, I have no intention of minimizing the immense pain or the horror that engulfs our world right now; instead, I am merely encouraging you to seek out the “silver linings” that have arisen from the events of 2020. In light of the struggles, what positive aspects of your life are you thankful for today? I pray for us all as we attempt to navigate through these difficult days with grace.

Hi Y’all!

I’m greeting you Texas style, because like my main character Samantha Willis, I have fallen in LOVE with San Antonio, Texas! As some of you may know, the main setting for my upcoming middle grade novel, Sam’s Movin’,Groovin, Cookin’ Club is in good ole’ San Antone. So, it made perfect sense for me to visit the Alamo city and do some extra research at the Culinary Institute of America campus AND the Rio Plaza! Both sit on the beautiful River Walk along the Rio (river). San Antonio is rich in history, culture, and the culinary arts.

I have visited the Alamo city before, but this trip in particular was all about the culinary aspects of this wonderful town, and I can assure you that it did not disappoint! Many thanks to Bernadette Lewis, former Marketing Manager of the Culinary Institute of America, and Melanie Planas, Events Director at the Rio Plaza (elegant private event venue on the River Walk)! Both accomplished women shared with me an authentic behind the scenes “taste of the city”. Not only were their personalized tours of each venue extensive and extremely informative, but their guidance and joy in being “San Antonians” was positively contagious as well! 

Pictured below is the Culinary Institute of America’s Texas campus.

Bernadette Lewis is a self professed “military brat” (Lackland Air Force Base is one of the largest bases nationwide) who has come to call San Antonio home. Her elaborate tour of the CIA campus included a visit to its restaurant SAVOR. As part of their studies, San Antonio students prepare all of the food, and the aspiring pastry chefs actually have to run the whole show from accounting and advertising to menu selections and food prep for a day. These budding chefs learn all sides of the business and graduate truly prepared. The CIA has four campuses – the main campus is in Hyde Park, New York, two locations in California, the San Antonio campus and one in Singapore. Since the San Antonio Campus located in the Historic Pearl district has the only Latin Kitchen (including the nation’s only Mesa machine), there is a mandatory two week stint in the Latin Kitchen for every campus that must be completed here on the River Walk. It’s obvious that the culinary education here is exemplary!

Historic Pearl District

A mile or so down the riverwalk, you will find the statuesque Rio Plaza. Melanie Planas introduced us to this regal representation of the Spanish architectural grandeur of San Antonio. This gorgeous venue with its elegant stone exterior hosts events from showers and weddings, to graduations and Quinceanera celebrations and even corporate events. 

See the pictures captured at the breathtaking Rio Plaza below

Spanish architecture, mosaic tile, native woodwork, and Texas grandeur abound in their seven private spaces which accommodate 20 to 200 guests and pay homage to the rich traditions of this city set on the river. The obvious respect and admiration for the history of San Antonio and the River Walk in general is apparent. Standing on the River Walk, mere feet from the famed Selena Bridge, it’s impossible to avoid being swept away by the nostalgia of the past and the peace that comes with residing on the San Antonio river as you gaze upon the water from the rooftop terrace.

I simply cannot wait to share the splendor of San Antonio and its rich traditions with you in the future, via Sam Willis in Sam’s Movin’,Groovin’, Cookin’ Club!!! 

As always, I would greatly appreciate if you spread this and let your friends know! I can’t wait to share my work with you all, but I need followers to do that! You can stay up-to-date on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Thank you, friends! Stay tuned…

@Rio_Plaza @sariverwalkfun @thesanantonioriverwalk @PaseoDelRio @theSARiverwalk @CIASan Antonio  @theculinaryinstituteofamerica @culinariasa @ritasontheriver  @ChoppedJunior @FoodNetwork @duffgoldman @MasterChefJrFox @masterchefjrliv @epicurious @CookWithAmber @Wolfiesmom  @COSAGOV

#CulinaryInstituteofAmerica #RioPlaza #Riverwalk #SanAntonio #selenabridge #riverwalk #ChoppedJunior #MasterChefJunior #epicurious #RVGKids #KidsCookOff #starkids #KidsBakingChampionship