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This post is a paid advertisement for Martin Worldwide
This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.
Dry erase board on easel in corner
I have set up an easel, like the kind that you would put a painting on, over in the corner of my office. I am using this to hold dry erase boards on what would normally have been a dead space in the corner. This way I can use the corner space as additional layout space for writing projects.
And, by storing additional dry erase boards under the easel, I can swap the boards out based on the project that I am working on at the time. This gives me a collection of projects that are able to be stored away under the easel and ready to be worked on or updated as I get stuff done.
And, by storing additional dry erase boards under the easel, I can swap the boards out based on the project that I am working on at the time. This gives me a collection of projects that are able to be stored away under the easel and ready to be worked on or updated as I get stuff done.
Office walls too blue for ceiling?
I painted the walls in my office, but as I kick back and study the soft blue tone I am made aware of the fact that I also need to paint the ceiling. I'll have to come up with a good color, but the dark eggshell that it is now just does not fit in with the sky blue color of the walls. Trouble is, what color *does* go with sky blue walls?
Maybe I should consider repainting the walls in here when I paint the front room this summer. Blue seemed like such a good idea, but I think it would be a much better color for a bedroom than for an office and now that this room no longer serves a dual purpose of bedroom and office the blue just don't look right. Maybe a dark cream tone? Or perhaps do a faux wood paneling effect on the walls?
I like the thought of wood, although as a fantasy writer I wonder how it would look to go with something that looks a little more like the inside of castle walls? That might be something to consider. I do have an old template set around here for creating false stone and brick work. Maybe create a few areas that look like there is stone showing through the walls? LOL
I would like to create an effect of being surrounded by the world of my novel. Kind of get into the settings and feel like I am sitting in the dark passages of the palaces and dungeons I write about. The only trick then is getting the poor old abused laptop to not go down and error on me losing half a day's work. LOL That's why I have this pretty though, huh? It's better behaved than the laptop that keeps refusing to turn on, has a busted keyboard and shuts off without permission at random points. Very frustrating at times. Makes me want to beat on it, but I do love it.
Maybe I should consider repainting the walls in here when I paint the front room this summer. Blue seemed like such a good idea, but I think it would be a much better color for a bedroom than for an office and now that this room no longer serves a dual purpose of bedroom and office the blue just don't look right. Maybe a dark cream tone? Or perhaps do a faux wood paneling effect on the walls?
I like the thought of wood, although as a fantasy writer I wonder how it would look to go with something that looks a little more like the inside of castle walls? That might be something to consider. I do have an old template set around here for creating false stone and brick work. Maybe create a few areas that look like there is stone showing through the walls? LOL
I would like to create an effect of being surrounded by the world of my novel. Kind of get into the settings and feel like I am sitting in the dark passages of the palaces and dungeons I write about. The only trick then is getting the poor old abused laptop to not go down and error on me losing half a day's work. LOL That's why I have this pretty though, huh? It's better behaved than the laptop that keeps refusing to turn on, has a busted keyboard and shuts off without permission at random points. Very frustrating at times. Makes me want to beat on it, but I do love it.
Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change [paid ad]
Capella University is known as an accredited, fully on-line, university offering graduate degree programs and bachelor's degree programs in fields such as business and information technology.
Now, Sara Orem, PhD, e-learning faculty member of Capella's School of Business and Technology, has co-authored a book on coaching managers, executives and others that are in a position to effect change within a company.
The book, ‘Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change’, is co-authored by Sara Orem, PhD, Jacqueline Binkert, PhD, and Ann Clancy, PhD.
Published by Jossey-Bass, a non-fiction book publisher based out of San Francisco, the book is described by Orem as guiding the reader through four stages - "Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny." This is intended to inspire them to empower themselves and their future.
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This post is a paid advertisement for Capella University.
This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.
Now, Sara Orem, PhD, e-learning faculty member of Capella's School of Business and Technology, has co-authored a book on coaching managers, executives and others that are in a position to effect change within a company.
The book, ‘Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change’, is co-authored by Sara Orem, PhD, Jacqueline Binkert, PhD, and Ann Clancy, PhD.
Published by Jossey-Bass, a non-fiction book publisher based out of San Francisco, the book is described by Orem as guiding the reader through four stages - "Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny." This is intended to inspire them to empower themselves and their future.
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This post is a paid advertisement for Capella University.
This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.
Time in / time out dry erase board
I created a time sheet for tracking what my work schedule is. I set up a dry erase board by the office door, just above the light switch, and mounted a clock up over top of it. A line drawn down the middle divides "time in" and "time out" - now I can mark down when I am starting work and when I leave the office to do something else. Just a few seconds pause at the door keeps accurate count of just how long I am not working during the day.
I know that I am working since I wake up to when I go to bed, but now I can make a better guesstimate of just how much of that time is spent sitting and working.
The only flaw in the system is that it won't be tracking things like yesterday when I was out of the office and took my little portable office with me on the road to work in the car and while waiting for appointments. I will need to track them things in a small notepad my portable office.
I know that I am working since I wake up to when I go to bed, but now I can make a better guesstimate of just how much of that time is spent sitting and working.
The only flaw in the system is that it won't be tracking things like yesterday when I was out of the office and took my little portable office with me on the road to work in the car and while waiting for appointments. I will need to track them things in a small notepad my portable office.
Plan to make bulletin board slides
I've got some bulletin boards that are the same size, and I plan to get some long boards that I can mount along the wall where the bulletin boards will go so that I can create a layered series of sliding boards that allow me to have one or another visible as they are needed. That way I can work on several projects at a time with each hidden when not needed.
I am still planning just how the best way to create the layout will be, but I think I will run boards behind the book cases so that they can be tucked back out of the way or pulled forward when needed.
I am still planning just how the best way to create the layout will be, but I think I will run boards behind the book cases so that they can be tucked back out of the way or pulled forward when needed.
Botox injections [paid advertisement]
I am continually amazed that some people will go out and get botox injected into their lips and around their eyes. Places such as Puremed Spa, which is a leading day spa service in seven states, specialize in botox treatments and botox injections.
Botox appears to be very popular in places where exposure to the Sun has caused early aging of the skin. In fact, you can easily find places that offer injections of botox Los Angeles and other cities in California and Nevada.
Botox, used primarily by those seeking to fight the effects of aging, works by relaxing the facial muscles at the point of injection - diminishing lines and wrinkles.
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This post is a paid advertisement for Puremed Spa.
This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.
Botox appears to be very popular in places where exposure to the Sun has caused early aging of the skin. In fact, you can easily find places that offer injections of botox Los Angeles and other cities in California and Nevada.
Botox, used primarily by those seeking to fight the effects of aging, works by relaxing the facial muscles at the point of injection - diminishing lines and wrinkles.
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This post is a paid advertisement for Puremed Spa.
This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.
How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author
I've been reading "How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author" by Janet Evanovich. I love the book, which is a compilation of questions and answers that she has had asked and answered through her website over the years.
As soon as I started reading the book I knew that my friend in the lower 48 needed to read it as well, she picked up a copy from Amazon and has been reading it and agreed that it she can see just why I said she had to read it and is, last I heard, enjoying it as much as I am.
Janet Evanovich writes the Stephanie Plum series, about a woman bounty hunter, and this book discusses a lot of things about how those books were researched and how the author decided to make the lead character a bounty hunter. The information on just how much (or little) one needs to know about writing a series about bounty hunters was what caught my eye on the book. My friend and I have been working on a book featuring a bounty hunter and both of us have been feeling uncertain about how much we really had to know about it to write about it.
As soon as I started reading the book I knew that my friend in the lower 48 needed to read it as well, she picked up a copy from Amazon and has been reading it and agreed that it she can see just why I said she had to read it and is, last I heard, enjoying it as much as I am.
Janet Evanovich writes the Stephanie Plum series, about a woman bounty hunter, and this book discusses a lot of things about how those books were researched and how the author decided to make the lead character a bounty hunter. The information on just how much (or little) one needs to know about writing a series about bounty hunters was what caught my eye on the book. My friend and I have been working on a book featuring a bounty hunter and both of us have been feeling uncertain about how much we really had to know about it to write about it.
Slates for keeping brief notes on
I picked up a trio of slates at a second hand store in town yesterday. Paid $1.50 each for them, but they are very nice real slate slates. Each one is a bit over 8.5"x11" including the wooden frame, with a good 7"x10" of slate surface on it.
I have not seen genuine slate slate boards for a long time, so I was thrilled to get them for my rock collection if nothing else. LOL
I then picked up a small bucket of chalk at Wal-Mart for a dollar. It's a hard chalk, so it won't work on the painted chalk boards, I'll have to get soft chalk still for them, but it works great on the slate boards.
I am using the slates to make fast notes rather than go through so much scratch paper on notes I only want for a few seconds. The boards each have two usable sides, so that gives me six pages worth of area to write in with chalk. It's working great.
Last night I leaned a couple of them up in the keyboard tray on my computer so that the notes was right there when I got up today and I remembered what I had needed to do first thing this morning. Very handy little office tools that everyone - especially writers - should get. Now I just need to get one of those click pen things that you put chalk in, but Wal-Mart didn't even have a chalk board eraser so I will have to check Fred Meyer or probably go to a hardware or automotive store since they should sell those click pen things in them.
I have not seen genuine slate slate boards for a long time, so I was thrilled to get them for my rock collection if nothing else. LOL
I then picked up a small bucket of chalk at Wal-Mart for a dollar. It's a hard chalk, so it won't work on the painted chalk boards, I'll have to get soft chalk still for them, but it works great on the slate boards.
I am using the slates to make fast notes rather than go through so much scratch paper on notes I only want for a few seconds. The boards each have two usable sides, so that gives me six pages worth of area to write in with chalk. It's working great.
Last night I leaned a couple of them up in the keyboard tray on my computer so that the notes was right there when I got up today and I remembered what I had needed to do first thing this morning. Very handy little office tools that everyone - especially writers - should get. Now I just need to get one of those click pen things that you put chalk in, but Wal-Mart didn't even have a chalk board eraser so I will have to check Fred Meyer or probably go to a hardware or automotive store since they should sell those click pen things in them.
Shop For Weddings
There is nothing like a personalized touch, and when it comes to wedding favors nothing could be truer. The seasons are shifting toward summer and brides in flowing gowns. It is also the time for shopping online for wedding favors and those special little somethings that make that perfect day memorable. Whether you are looking for cheap wedding favors, personalized chocolate bars, or wedding themed disposable cameras, you can find it at Shop For Weddings
Shop For Weddings is described as the Internet Wedding Superstore, shop online there first to find cheap, personalized wedding favors as well as groomsman and bridesmaid gifts.
Shop For Weddings is described as the Internet Wedding Superstore, shop online there first to find cheap, personalized wedding favors as well as groomsman and bridesmaid gifts.
This post is a paid advertisement for Shop For Weddings
Everyone's a critic - even Harry Potter
Okay, I have been trying to work on my old manuscript, but I keep getting criticism on it. I like to think that he is just yawning, but then, I have to wonder just why he is yawning while apparently reading my novel? I think maybe it would be better if he was chewing me out. But then... laughter is always an option. I think it's time for me to get a new editor.
Yup, that's Harry Potter again. Laying beside the manuscript that I was working on and apparently giving me his two cents worth on what he thinks of my writing skills.
Yup, that's Harry Potter again. Laying beside the manuscript that I was working on and apparently giving me his two cents worth on what he thinks of my writing skills.
Writing Prompt - A New World
Write about the first space craft to reach 581c. What do they find? Is there liquid water on the planet? Perhaps even some kind of life? If there is life what kind of technology do they possess or are they primitives? What consequences does humans arriving have? Do they cause intergalactic war for invasion? Do they accidentally bring some kind of disease?
Simmons Jannace & Stagg
Writer's love books. There are no two ways about it. We get into writing because the feel of a novel in our hands is a comfort. It is a form of soothing security blanket we can wrap about our imaginations and sink into the warmth of. I'm guessing that I am not the only writer that has considered the possibilities of just buying my own publishing company - am I? A place where you can publish your novels and the novels of your friends and other struggling writers.
This would yank you out of the writing desk and drop you into being a business owner in ways you never imagined and such a step demands that you get guidance from a law firm that has experience with helping businesses large and small. You don't just want any law firm, you want a law firm that has dealt with Fortune 500 companies.
You want a law firm like Simmons Jannace & Stagg, LLP, who has clients that includes names such as Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., Bank of America Corp., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Staples Inc., and Circuit City Stores, Inc.
Simmons Jannace & Stagg have earned the highest peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which rates legal ability and ethical standards, and the loyalty of their clients, for their service and commitment to their clients.
This would yank you out of the writing desk and drop you into being a business owner in ways you never imagined and such a step demands that you get guidance from a law firm that has experience with helping businesses large and small. You don't just want any law firm, you want a law firm that has dealt with Fortune 500 companies.
You want a law firm like Simmons Jannace & Stagg, LLP, who has clients that includes names such as Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., Bank of America Corp., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Staples Inc., and Circuit City Stores, Inc.
Simmons Jannace & Stagg have earned the highest peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which rates legal ability and ethical standards, and the loyalty of their clients, for their service and commitment to their clients.
This post is a paid advertisement.
U Comment I Follow - Feel the link love!
I now follow comments at A Writer's Life. This means that if you make a comment here, and I approve it as not being SPAM, then your link will be followed by search engines. This link love is my way of saying "Thank you!" to my readers when they leave comments on my blog.There is a bit of a movement going on to remove the nofollow tags in blogs so that commenter's can benefit from leaving comments. You can find blogs that have joined this movement by looking for the U Comment I Follow images like the one in this post.
Joining the movement is easy, you just remove the nofollow tag from your blog's HTML code and add in an image letting your readers know that if they comment, your blog follows. For more images go to Randa Clay Design. You can find a variety of colors and more about this movement.
A Writer's Life will be moderating comments, and I will approve comments every night before I go to bed. This allows me to filter out the spam and let the honest comments be given some good old fashioned Link Love like they got before the nofollow tags were adopted to fight comment spam.
Writing Prompt - The egg
You are walking home through the park late one night when you find an egg laying at the base of a tree by the pond. You search the branches of the tree for a nest, then search around the base of the tree by the water. No nest to be found anywhere. Taking pity on the abandoned egg, and feeling a little curious on if it can still be hatched, you take it home and set it up with a heating pad and everything needed to hatch an egg (researched online perhaps?) - what happens when the egg hatches? What is inside it?(okay, I could not resist using the above picture by dinosk at SXC. You can use that as a prompt [alien egg anyone?] or just use any old normal egg.)
Web forms
Do you have a website that you want to create forms on? Maybe you want to be able to let your visitors compete in writing contests or have order forms you want to make for selling your self-published novel? You can get a Web form even if you are not adept enough with HTML to create the forms you need for your website.
Forms4Free lets you create an HTML form for your website without knowing HTML, then for a one time fee of $19.95 download the Formmail file which enables your website to process the form and send you the results of the form in an e-mail.
Forms4Free lets you create an HTML form for your website without knowing HTML, then for a one time fee of $19.95 download the Formmail file which enables your website to process the form and send you the results of the form in an e-mail.
This post is a paid advertisement for Forms4Free.com
Writing Prompt
Okay, here's a writing prompt to help with spreading the link love around some. How about a challenge to use certain words and combinations of words in a short story?
I challenge you to figure out a short story (10 to ??? words) that includes the following words. It has to be a true effort at creating a story, or at least a scene in a story, and can be any genera you desire. I'll even allow fanfic.
Here you go - your selections. You must use them all:
I challenge you to figure out a short story (10 to ??? words) that includes the following words. It has to be a true effort at creating a story, or at least a scene in a story, and can be any genera you desire. I'll even allow fanfic.
Here you go - your selections. You must use them all:
- comment
- Link Love
- No Follow
- show me the love
- spam
Soon you will feel the link love in comments at A Writer's Life
Soon A Writer's Life will be encouraging reader comments and participation through comment link love. Yes, that's right. I will be turning off the nofollow tags in my comments so that when you leave a comment you get link love.
I'll post again when I have disabled the nofollow tags, but be warned that I will be moderating the comments, so if you are going to try spamming me it won't work. You can comment on the stuff I post or add your own insight on being a writer or play in the writing prompts I create, but there is no SPAM allowed (you know what SPAM is, it's them things where there is nothing worthwhile in the comment, just a "nice blog! visit me!" link).
Stay tuned and I'll tell you when I have no follow disabled.
I'll post again when I have disabled the nofollow tags, but be warned that I will be moderating the comments, so if you are going to try spamming me it won't work. You can comment on the stuff I post or add your own insight on being a writer or play in the writing prompts I create, but there is no SPAM allowed (you know what SPAM is, it's them things where there is nothing worthwhile in the comment, just a "nice blog! visit me!" link).
Stay tuned and I'll tell you when I have no follow disabled.
Protect your important documents with SecureZIP - The next generation of ZIP
There are some things that just need to be kept secure. Things such as bank statements, medical records, tax records, and passwords. Then there are the things that you want to ZIP and keep secure for your own peace of mind, such as hard drive backups and copies of novels you have been working on.
SecureZIP provides desktop data security and provides integration with Microsoft Outlook for secure e-mail transferal of sensitive information. If you are looking for a desktop security solution to fit your need, then you should take a look at SecureZIP - The next generation of ZIP.
For a limited time you can get a free download of SecureZIP by going to www.securezip.com and entering a valid e-mail address.
Don't risk all of the hard work that you have put into your writing, get it zipped and backed up today.
SecureZIP provides desktop data security and provides integration with Microsoft Outlook for secure e-mail transferal of sensitive information. If you are looking for a desktop security solution to fit your need, then you should take a look at SecureZIP - The next generation of ZIP.
For a limited time you can get a free download of SecureZIP by going to www.securezip.com and entering a valid e-mail address.
Don't risk all of the hard work that you have put into your writing, get it zipped and backed up today.
Started work on Shadowlord's Gambit
Okay, I have started work on Shadowlord's Gambit. I'm starting out on Chapter two since I have lost chapter one. I know that the first chapter is in the house somewhere, but I'll be durned if I can find it. So, I will just start with what I have and work my way through it.
I'm going scene by scene and using yWriter to enter it back into the computer since all I have is a printed copy of it from when I had first wrote it on an old Macintosh. So this will be a long process.
Shadowlord's Gambit
Current Chapter: 2
Today's Word Count: (100 and counting)
Chapter Word Count: (100 and counting)
Total Word Count: (100 and counting)
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: getting other work done and looking for food.
I'm going scene by scene and using yWriter to enter it back into the computer since all I have is a printed copy of it from when I had first wrote it on an old Macintosh. So this will be a long process.
Shadowlord's Gambit
Current Chapter: 2
Today's Word Count: (100 and counting)
Chapter Word Count: (100 and counting)
Total Word Count: (100 and counting)
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: getting other work done and looking for food.
Surfs up! Catch the wave at Surfer Girls
Relaxing is an important way to get the muses to relax, and what better way if you live near the beach than by hitting the surf. One misconception that people seem to have about surfers is that they are all guys. There are plenty of surf girls out there too. In fact, they have a website to help them find the perfect wave on an endless summer. Check out Surfer Girls, a website dedicated to the surfer girl and helping new surfer girls catch the wave.
Surfer Girls can help you locate a good surf camp where you can learn the ins and outs of surfing and find out everything you need to know to ride a wave. Whether you are into longboard surfing or prefer the shortboard, you can find information to help you out at Surfer Girls. They also have jewelry, videos, clothing and more.
Surfer Girls can help you locate a good surf camp where you can learn the ins and outs of surfing and find out everything you need to know to ride a wave. Whether you are into longboard surfing or prefer the shortboard, you can find information to help you out at Surfer Girls. They also have jewelry, videos, clothing and more.
This post is a paid ad for Surfer Girls
Business cards
Do you have a business card yet? Business cards are a great way to advertise your business, and can act as the first means of introduction to new clients. The cards should not be made from those perforated cards you can get for making a business card though, since the perforations make those cards appear cheap and unprofessional - that's the last thing you want clients to think of about your writing business. Invest in some good looking quality cards that have a classy business look to them.
yWriter - highly recommended writing software
Have you tried yWriter? It is a great program for writers and is available for free. (Just do a quick Google for it, you'll find it at the Space Jock website.) yWriter is one of my favorite programs to use for the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and for novel writing in general.
It has a lot of good features and is very user friendly. And you can print out your manuscript with outline noted and such included so it's easier to go through and edit the novel drafts.
It has a lot of good features and is very user friendly. And you can print out your manuscript with outline noted and such included so it's easier to go through and edit the novel drafts.
Mechanic school directory [paid post]
Writing not going well enough to make the rent? Or maybe you are looking for some hands on research for a novel you're working on?
If your looking for something in the mechanics industry check out the variety of mechanics fields at the Mechanic School Directory. They can help you find schools in the field of mechanics. Whether you are looking for something on aircraft mechanic schools or maybe a Welding School, you can find a list of schools to check out. You can search schools based on state, or get suggestions on the top schools in each industry.
They say to write what you want to know, and there are few ways better for learning what you want than by finding the right school to teach you.
If your looking for something in the mechanics industry check out the variety of mechanics fields at the Mechanic School Directory. They can help you find schools in the field of mechanics. Whether you are looking for something on aircraft mechanic schools or maybe a Welding School, you can find a list of schools to check out. You can search schools based on state, or get suggestions on the top schools in each industry.
They say to write what you want to know, and there are few ways better for learning what you want than by finding the right school to teach you.
This post is a paid advertisement for Mechanic School Directory
Seeing eye.... mouse?
Okay, I found this picture over at PhotoBucket and it just begs for some sort of story to be written around it - don't it? LOL
The seeing eye dog that relies on a seeing eye cat that has a seeing eye... mouse? LOL Definitely a story in there somewhere. Huh? Note, the picture was Photoshopped by someone, but I still think it is great muse food.
The seeing eye dog that relies on a seeing eye cat that has a seeing eye... mouse? LOL Definitely a story in there somewhere. Huh? Note, the picture was Photoshopped by someone, but I still think it is great muse food.
On typing styles
I was talking to my friend about how I type, and trying to explain that my fingers tend to just hit whatever key they are closest to with no respect for the normal divisions of the keyboard. Some times the left hand hits the T and some times the right hand hits it. About divided on that actually. Then there is the B, a key that seems to be hit more by the right hand than by the left even though it is, I think, supposed to be on the left hand's side of the board when typing properly.
My friend said something about the typing style not causing repetitive strain injury and I had to laugh. I told her that was one of the questions that the reporter asked me.
"With that much typing, how do you avoid Carpel Tunnel?"
I had told him that I spend so much time getting up and going away from the computer that I guess I just don't build up the repetitive motions that cause the injury. Thinking on it now I guess that the best answer I can think of would be that I never let anyone beat me into believing that you *have* to put your fingers in a set place for the brain to recall where things are on the keyboard. I can type just fine without having my fingers in a set position.
I am sure if I learned the proper way to type I could probably get faster at it, but I think that I would need a smaller keyboard since I have short fingers that hate to stretch into the positions that you have to for that.
My friend said something about the typing style not causing repetitive strain injury and I had to laugh. I told her that was one of the questions that the reporter asked me.
"With that much typing, how do you avoid Carpel Tunnel?"
I had told him that I spend so much time getting up and going away from the computer that I guess I just don't build up the repetitive motions that cause the injury. Thinking on it now I guess that the best answer I can think of would be that I never let anyone beat me into believing that you *have* to put your fingers in a set place for the brain to recall where things are on the keyboard. I can type just fine without having my fingers in a set position.
I am sure if I learned the proper way to type I could probably get faster at it, but I think that I would need a smaller keyboard since I have short fingers that hate to stretch into the positions that you have to for that.
SLDA's Three Stepping Stone process for landscape design
SLDA utilizes a Three Stepping Stone process to help you define and achieve the yard that you want in your Landscape Design. Starting with a two to three hour visit to spend time in your yard, SLDA gets to know your vision of what you want it to be and what makes the yard unique on it's own. Natural shade, the path of the sun, and other factors go into making a plan for what your landscape will require.
Working within the budget you specify, and following basic guides for what your preferences are (stright or curved lines?) they will present you with a finished agreement. Detailed drawings explore different angles and perspectives amd a CAD design and sketches let you make changes on the computer using 2-d and 3-d images. Once the design meets your satisfaction, SLDA will begin supervising and constructing your dream yard with a hands-on approach. Daily updates to you-in person as well as a customized client work in progress section lets you view the weekly notes and photos of your landscape.
Working within the budget you specify, and following basic guides for what your preferences are (stright or curved lines?) they will present you with a finished agreement. Detailed drawings explore different angles and perspectives amd a CAD design and sketches let you make changes on the computer using 2-d and 3-d images. Once the design meets your satisfaction, SLDA will begin supervising and constructing your dream yard with a hands-on approach. Daily updates to you-in person as well as a customized client work in progress section lets you view the weekly notes and photos of your landscape.
This post is a paid advertisement for SLDA
I need a travel desk for my writing
I've decided that I need a travel desk for my writing. I've had a few over the years, but I want to design this one to fit my needs, not get what fit someone else's needs.
Although I would not mind having a antique travel desk. lol
Anyway, I want to be able to stockpile it with what I need, and then toss it at a moment's notice in the car or on the back of my ATV and take off cruising with my noveling stuff along for the ride.
Still plotting the basics, I'll let you know what I end up with.
Although I would not mind having a antique travel desk. lol
Anyway, I want to be able to stockpile it with what I need, and then toss it at a moment's notice in the car or on the back of my ATV and take off cruising with my noveling stuff along for the ride.
Still plotting the basics, I'll let you know what I end up with.
The Dictionary of Imaginary Places
Okay, I found a book I want. This is now on my must order list for my writer's reference shelf.
Presented as though it was a real place, this book covers everything from Tolkien's Middle-earth to Harry Potter's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Limitations on what is not included in this reference are: "no heavens or hells, no places in the future, none outside the planet Earth, no pseudonymous places such as Wessex or Manawaka."
Definitely a must have for my reference shelf.
Presented as though it was a real place, this book covers everything from Tolkien's Middle-earth to Harry Potter's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Limitations on what is not included in this reference are: "no heavens or hells, no places in the future, none outside the planet Earth, no pseudonymous places such as Wessex or Manawaka."
Definitely a must have for my reference shelf.
Symark PowerBroker and PowerPassword-User Management Edition (UME) access control solutions
Inherent security gaps that exist in over 30 versions of UNIX and Linux systems were addressed by Symark Software's PowerBroker and PowerPassword-User Management Edition (UME) access control solutions. These solutions will help organizations safeguard their proprietary information and comply with federal and industry regulations.
Bob Farber, COO of Symark Software, said "We look forward to working with our customers as they upgrade their IT environments with HP’s new offerings.”
Symark PowerBroker enables granular delegation of administrative privileges while restricting UNIX/Linux root account access. And you can decrease weaknesses in your heterogeneous IT environment using the security strengthening power of Symark’s PowerBroker and PowerPassword-UME identity management and access control solutions. This provides you with Privileged Access capability. These new HP Integrity servers combine best-of-breed functionality with ease-of-use.
Michelle Weiss, vice president of marketing, Business Critical Systems, HP, says; “Running Symark Software’s PowerBroker and PowerPassword-UME on HP-UX 11i v3 ensures a robust, enterprise-class solution that has built-in security features to lock down and protect customers’ IT environments.”
Bob Farber, COO of Symark Software, said "We look forward to working with our customers as they upgrade their IT environments with HP’s new offerings.”
Symark PowerBroker enables granular delegation of administrative privileges while restricting UNIX/Linux root account access. And you can decrease weaknesses in your heterogeneous IT environment using the security strengthening power of Symark’s PowerBroker and PowerPassword-UME identity management and access control solutions. This provides you with Privileged Access capability. These new HP Integrity servers combine best-of-breed functionality with ease-of-use.
Michelle Weiss, vice president of marketing, Business Critical Systems, HP, says; “Running Symark Software’s PowerBroker and PowerPassword-UME on HP-UX 11i v3 ensures a robust, enterprise-class solution that has built-in security features to lock down and protect customers’ IT environments.”
This post is a paid ad for Symark
Writing challenge: mystery box
Here's another challenge to get your muses going, since mine are being so productive today.
Suppose your hero, or maybe another character, not everything has to revolve around the hero after all. How about the stable boy that always cares for the hero's horse? The stable boy gets a mysterious box, maybe he found it somewhere or maybe someone gave it to him.
What should he do with it? What does he do with it? (not always the same as what he should do with it.) If he opens it, what does he find inside? If he does not open it, might someone else take it and open it?
Suppose your hero, or maybe another character, not everything has to revolve around the hero after all. How about the stable boy that always cares for the hero's horse? The stable boy gets a mysterious box, maybe he found it somewhere or maybe someone gave it to him.
What should he do with it? What does he do with it? (not always the same as what he should do with it.) If he opens it, what does he find inside? If he does not open it, might someone else take it and open it?
Who are you?
That is a question that you need to get into the habit of asking your characters. Find out who that are. Not just the ones that feature prominently in your stories, but the bit players that walk into and out of the scene with hardly a notice of their existence.
They are noticed, however, and that is why you need to ask them "Who are you?" An in depth interview is not necessary, save that for the characters you will have in the action the most. Just ask a basic mug-shot profile of the wayward wanderers and then create a mugshot file for them.
Record a general description such as:
They are noticed, however, and that is why you need to ask them "Who are you?" An in depth interview is not necessary, save that for the characters you will have in the action the most. Just ask a basic mug-shot profile of the wayward wanderers and then create a mugshot file for them.
Record a general description such as:
Bum in streetThis kind of "Who are you?" questioning can be helpful later on when you decide out of the blue that you want to have the hero attacked by someone with a gnarled hand that they know from somewhere. You can look back through your character cards and find the beggar and expand on that character to create a living figure that your readers will remember from earlier in the book or series.
Held grubby hand out to hero, eyes were grey-blue in color.
Unkempt hair was a dirty straw color.
Had a scar on his hand that made it look gnarled as he held it out and begged for a copper halfpenny.
United Vacation Network ?
I went to investigate United Vacation Network, who claim that they have a staff of professionals that have the training needed to help you plan your next vacation. They describe themselves as a travel fulfillment company, and say that they can help clients both big and small with cruises, resorts, airfare, rental car, and other aspects of travel.
According to them either tour or individually prepared vacation packages are available through them at the best possible price thanks to the connections that United Vacation Network has with major travel providers, consolidators, and wholesalers.
At this time I am unable to confirm any of these claims, however, because the United Vacation Network website appears to be offline. What I can find is little more than a tour of links around various free membership sites with the same information and links on each of them.
According to them either tour or individually prepared vacation packages are available through them at the best possible price thanks to the connections that United Vacation Network has with major travel providers, consolidators, and wholesalers.
At this time I am unable to confirm any of these claims, however, because the United Vacation Network website appears to be offline. What I can find is little more than a tour of links around various free membership sites with the same information and links on each of them.
This post is sponsored by United Vacation Network
The Scribe - my answer to my own challenge
My offering for the last post. A bit of writing using a red pen that is out of ink, a plant, a coffee mug, something made of crystal, and the number 5.
The Scribe
The quill pen tapped on the blotter again, trying to coax just a little more ink down to the nib. Red ink was expensive, so every last drop was to be used to its fullest worth, but the pen had run dry. And with no more ink in the well there was nothing to be done but give up on the transcriptions for the day.
Cursing softly under his breath, the old scribe pressed blotting paper to the page he had been working on to make sure that the ink already on it was dry. Satisfied he placed a cloth bookmark in place and closed the large tome, setting it back on the shelf. He would finish his work in the morning, after he had purchased more red ink.
For now, he would sleep. It was late and his bones were weary. Ink stained fingers lifted a small watering can and poured a carefully measured amount of water into the soil of a pot setting on the edge of the desk. The plant that grew in the clay pot was a graceful looking thing with wispy branches that supported full perfectly shaped leaves of frosted green. A few words were spoken to the plant. Quiet murmurings of how beautiful it was, then the aged scribe set aside the watering can and picked up his cracked ceramic coffee mug.
The liquid within the mug was more tonic to warm his aged bones than coffee, but winter was setting in and the years had made joints ache more with every passing summer. A bit of tonic in his coffee now and then felt good. Slowly he finished off the remaining bit of warm liquid. The mug set back on the desk the old scribe picked up a small crystal bowl and poured the remaining milk from his supper into it. Delicate criss-cross cuts in the crystal caught the candlelight as he set the bowl on the floor and called out to the kittens that had fallen asleep in corners of the room.
One by one the five young cats made their way from slumber across the room to investigate the bowl they had been offered. Quietly saying good night to each purring kitten, the old scribe collected the low burning candle and made his way up the staircase toward bed.
~~~
The Scribe
The quill pen tapped on the blotter again, trying to coax just a little more ink down to the nib. Red ink was expensive, so every last drop was to be used to its fullest worth, but the pen had run dry. And with no more ink in the well there was nothing to be done but give up on the transcriptions for the day.
Cursing softly under his breath, the old scribe pressed blotting paper to the page he had been working on to make sure that the ink already on it was dry. Satisfied he placed a cloth bookmark in place and closed the large tome, setting it back on the shelf. He would finish his work in the morning, after he had purchased more red ink.
For now, he would sleep. It was late and his bones were weary. Ink stained fingers lifted a small watering can and poured a carefully measured amount of water into the soil of a pot setting on the edge of the desk. The plant that grew in the clay pot was a graceful looking thing with wispy branches that supported full perfectly shaped leaves of frosted green. A few words were spoken to the plant. Quiet murmurings of how beautiful it was, then the aged scribe set aside the watering can and picked up his cracked ceramic coffee mug.
The liquid within the mug was more tonic to warm his aged bones than coffee, but winter was setting in and the years had made joints ache more with every passing summer. A bit of tonic in his coffee now and then felt good. Slowly he finished off the remaining bit of warm liquid. The mug set back on the desk the old scribe picked up a small crystal bowl and poured the remaining milk from his supper into it. Delicate criss-cross cuts in the crystal caught the candlelight as he set the bowl on the floor and called out to the kittens that had fallen asleep in corners of the room.
One by one the five young cats made their way from slumber across the room to investigate the bowl they had been offered. Quietly saying good night to each purring kitten, the old scribe collected the low burning candle and made his way up the staircase toward bed.
~~~
Muse on the loose
Okay, here ya go, I am going to shoo a muse out of the open cage in the writing office. Yes, that's right, the door on the cage of muses in my office stays open. I believe in leaving it up to the muses rather they stay or fly off. They seem to be more inclined to stay when extended this courtesy.
So, here's a muse for you, catch it if you can.
Write a brief story, your chosen genera and length, that includes the following:
And good luck in all your writing endeavors.
So, here's a muse for you, catch it if you can.
Write a brief story, your chosen genera and length, that includes the following:
- A red pen that is out of ink
- A plant of some kind (wild or houseplant, even just a piece of a plant such as a flower in a vase or a pressed leaf - a fossilized plant imprint maybe?)
- A coffee mug
- Something made of crystal (a chandelier, figurine, quartz point, whatever you can devise as long as it's crystal)
- and since it's 5 in the morning as I write this I am making you use five things in this story, the last one is the number 5. Whether it is used as the time, the number of something, how often an important fact is repeated, a string of the same word said five times in succession... again, use your imagination and have fun.
And good luck in all your writing endeavors.
Cold coin investment - no digging in the sand required
The first mate sighed as he settled down beside Captain Pete, "The men're starting to get discouraged, Captain." Captain Pete scoffed softly in response, his attention never wavering from the map he was studying. "They want to find the gold coins sir," said the first mate, "they're starting to mutiny."
"This map'll guide us to them," growled the captain, annoyed to be questioned.
"Yes, but then what?" asked the first mate. "We dig and find out someone found the gold coins before us? We have money to invest-"
"I want gold coin!" snapped Captain Pete.
"We can have cold coin, Captain. Monex Deposit Company has American Gold Eagle coins available."
Captain Pete's one good eye narrowed. "Are they legal tender?"
"Aye, legal US tender. One ounce gold coins, each of them worth $50 dollars. And .9167 fine gold they are."
Captain Pete scrubbed at his beard, considering the other man's words. "Fine gold coins," he said, looking sideways at his first mate, "an' no digging in the sand? I hate them sand fleas, nasty buggers get everywhere."
"No digging in the sand," said the first mate, nodding. "We just take the money we have and invest it in gold coins, easy as that."
"But how can we be sure this Monex company will give us a fair deal?" asked Pete, still doubtful that it could be that easy to get gold coins with no digging in the sand.
"Captain, the Monex Deposit Company has been in business for over thirty years," said the first mate. "They have a staff of hard asset professionals committed to serving investor's needs."
"Cook was thinkin' he'd like silver better'n gold," mused the captain, liking the idea more. "Maybe if they had more than gold..."
"They do," said the first mate, nodding. "Gold, silver, even platinum."
"Platinum?"
"Aye, platinum."
"Set sail for Monex me matey!" cried the captain, slapping his first mate on the back. "We is investing in our gold rather'n digging for it."
"Monex Deposit," chirped the parrot that had been watching the exchange, head bobbing as he swayed on his perch. "Eeeerp Monex Deposit has the gold!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking for an investment for your future? There's no need to dig in the sand, with the sand fleas, to find gold coins. You can buy legal tender American Gold Eagle coins from the Monex Deposit Company in units of ten coins. Each gold coin is one ounce of .9167 fine gold with a U.S. face value of $50 and they are available now for personal delivery.
The Monex Deposit Company has been providing investors with competitive precious metal prices for over 30 years, and gives investors a convenient market to allow them to purchase precious metals for either personal delivery or deposit into an independent bank or depository.
"This map'll guide us to them," growled the captain, annoyed to be questioned.
"Yes, but then what?" asked the first mate. "We dig and find out someone found the gold coins before us? We have money to invest-"
"I want gold coin!" snapped Captain Pete.
"We can have cold coin, Captain. Monex Deposit Company has American Gold Eagle coins available."
Captain Pete's one good eye narrowed. "Are they legal tender?"
"Aye, legal US tender. One ounce gold coins, each of them worth $50 dollars. And .9167 fine gold they are."
Captain Pete scrubbed at his beard, considering the other man's words. "Fine gold coins," he said, looking sideways at his first mate, "an' no digging in the sand? I hate them sand fleas, nasty buggers get everywhere."
"No digging in the sand," said the first mate, nodding. "We just take the money we have and invest it in gold coins, easy as that."
"But how can we be sure this Monex company will give us a fair deal?" asked Pete, still doubtful that it could be that easy to get gold coins with no digging in the sand.
"Captain, the Monex Deposit Company has been in business for over thirty years," said the first mate. "They have a staff of hard asset professionals committed to serving investor's needs."
"Cook was thinkin' he'd like silver better'n gold," mused the captain, liking the idea more. "Maybe if they had more than gold..."
"They do," said the first mate, nodding. "Gold, silver, even platinum."
"Platinum?"
"Aye, platinum."
"Set sail for Monex me matey!" cried the captain, slapping his first mate on the back. "We is investing in our gold rather'n digging for it."
"Monex Deposit," chirped the parrot that had been watching the exchange, head bobbing as he swayed on his perch. "Eeeerp Monex Deposit has the gold!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking for an investment for your future? There's no need to dig in the sand, with the sand fleas, to find gold coins. You can buy legal tender American Gold Eagle coins from the Monex Deposit Company in units of ten coins. Each gold coin is one ounce of .9167 fine gold with a U.S. face value of $50 and they are available now for personal delivery.
The Monex Deposit Company has been providing investors with competitive precious metal prices for over 30 years, and gives investors a convenient market to allow them to purchase precious metals for either personal delivery or deposit into an independent bank or depository.
This post is a paid advertisement for Monex
Poor Harry Potter can't take the taxes
Well, taxes are in the past now, time to think on the taxes for next year. Of course, when I told Harry this he went into a very theatrical death and flopped down twitching on the tax papers.
Silly old tomcat, he can get so theatrical at times.
This is one of the pictures I took the other day, he had apparently decided that it would be easier to sneak up on the pen if he looked at it upside down. ::shakes head:: I thought it made a great image for his reaction to hearing that I was going to be working on getting ready for next year's taxes.
Silly old tomcat, he can get so theatrical at times.
This is one of the pictures I took the other day, he had apparently decided that it would be easier to sneak up on the pen if he looked at it upside down. ::shakes head:: I thought it made a great image for his reaction to hearing that I was going to be working on getting ready for next year's taxes.
Harry Potter corrects my business taxes
I was working on my business taxes and Harry decided that he needed to look them over for me...
It's bad when your cat has to take a red pen to your taxes. ::shaking head:: Now he's wanting to check over my manuscripts for me too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The above amusement began by my spying Harry lying half out of his cat bed, so I did what any cat mommy would do and I took his picture. I then thought how cute he'd be splattered out by the taxes I was working on, so laid them down by him with a few pens. He took interest in the pens and I soon had a few good shots of Harry working on my taxes for me.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 19
Today's Word Count: 0
Chapter Word Count: roughly 500 handwritten
Total Word Count: unknown
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: letting my cat work on my taxes for me
It's bad when your cat has to take a red pen to your taxes. ::shaking head:: Now he's wanting to check over my manuscripts for me too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The above amusement began by my spying Harry lying half out of his cat bed, so I did what any cat mommy would do and I took his picture. I then thought how cute he'd be splattered out by the taxes I was working on, so laid them down by him with a few pens. He took interest in the pens and I soon had a few good shots of Harry working on my taxes for me.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 19
Today's Word Count: 0
Chapter Word Count: roughly 500 handwritten
Total Word Count: unknown
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: letting my cat work on my taxes for me
Peter Belisi, of Being Belisi, is on MySpace
Belisi started out bartending in Palm Beach, where he began emulating the style of his high-end clientele. It was not long before the comments of friends and family led him to the decision to begin a business selling a line of luxury fashion accessories inspired by the Palm Beach Lifestyle. Belisi's ties and scarves (and soon handbags too) are defined as the start, not finish, of designer inspired looks. Belisi believes that the right accessories can transform any garments into a winning style.
Something that I want to look into more is the program that Belisi talks about: "Every time you purchase a Belisi product, you’re making a difference for someone in need. How? We give a portion of every purchase, no matter how large or small, to the cause of your choice. Just look for our Luxury with Meaning program at Belisi.com."
Got chapter 19 outlined and ready to write
I've got my start for chapter 19 going in a notebook. So far two pages of and written outlines about what I plan to be writing in the chapter, but it should take me all the way through that chapter and probably be broken up so that it starts off chapter 20 also.
I plan to get to writing on it as soon as I have got past the taxes. ::shudders:: I had meant to be through with taxes by now, but they have not yet been finished. ::pounds head on desk:: The past week just was not a good one for getting work stuff done.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 19
Today's Word Count: 0
Chapter Word Count: guesstimate at 350 to 500 words hand written outline
Total Word Count: still unknown
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: Could doing taxes be considered a "favorite" method?
I plan to get to writing on it as soon as I have got past the taxes. ::shudders:: I had meant to be through with taxes by now, but they have not yet been finished. ::pounds head on desk:: The past week just was not a good one for getting work stuff done.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 19
Today's Word Count: 0
Chapter Word Count: guesstimate at 350 to 500 words hand written outline
Total Word Count: still unknown
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: Could doing taxes be considered a "favorite" method?
Book published? Why not go spend a little time in a villa in Orlando? [paid post]
They always ask people that have reached some great moment "What will you do now?" and the traditional answer is.... "I'm going to Disneyland!"
I'm not sure just where that started up, but I have always figured that when I get a best seller novel, I'm going to Disneyland! Well, okay, I've been to Disneyland, so let's make it Disney World instead. Okay? I've been wanting to check that place out most of my life.
In fact, Orlando Florida in general is a great destination for a vacation. They have something like 54 theme parks and a slew of dinner adventure things.
Lowery's, UK based with offices in Kissimmee Florida, has a website called Thinkflorida that provides many services for anyone interested in a Villa in Orlando, such as: rental car, ticket and online booking for Private Pool Homes, Condo’s and Town Houses in the Disney area. Each unit is separately featured with 15-20 pictures, floor plans, all amenities and 360 degree tours of all main area’s, inside and outside, of the property. And Thinkflorida promises that “The unit you choose is the unit you get!”
I'm not sure just where that started up, but I have always figured that when I get a best seller novel, I'm going to Disneyland! Well, okay, I've been to Disneyland, so let's make it Disney World instead. Okay? I've been wanting to check that place out most of my life.
In fact, Orlando Florida in general is a great destination for a vacation. They have something like 54 theme parks and a slew of dinner adventure things.
Lowery's, UK based with offices in Kissimmee Florida, has a website called Thinkflorida that provides many services for anyone interested in a Villa in Orlando, such as: rental car, ticket and online booking for Private Pool Homes, Condo’s and Town Houses in the Disney area. Each unit is separately featured with 15-20 pictures, floor plans, all amenities and 360 degree tours of all main area’s, inside and outside, of the property. And Thinkflorida promises that “The unit you choose is the unit you get!”
This post is a paid advertisement for Thinkflorida
Competing for the best chair in the office
Every time I get up to go out of the office, rather it is to get some coffee or because I was called to do something, whatever the reason, I get back to find that I have been evicted.
Harry gets up into my chair and makes himself comfortably at home and with his hurt paw the cat wins the battle every time. I gently slide the comfortable office chair outta the way and pull over the less comfortable one for me to sit in while he gets in a comfy catnap on his favorite chair.
I'm a dog person, why do I put up with this cat evicting me from the comfortable writing chair when I am working? ::shakes head::
Harry gets up into my chair and makes himself comfortably at home and with his hurt paw the cat wins the battle every time. I gently slide the comfortable office chair outta the way and pull over the less comfortable one for me to sit in while he gets in a comfy catnap on his favorite chair.
I'm a dog person, why do I put up with this cat evicting me from the comfortable writing chair when I am working? ::shakes head::
Heir notes
Alright. I'm working on two projects related to Heir tonight. One is to get a rough outline of what I am writing for chapter 19 done so I can start typing on it, the other is to at last get a word count on what I have write so far.
I know, I know, I should have had that word count all along, but I lost track along the way and don't even think I have Heir on this computer which means I'll have to get the laptop and move it off there and onto this computer.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 19
Today's Word Count: 0
Chapter Word Count: 0
Total Word Count: unkown
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: being too braindead to think straight
I know, I know, I should have had that word count all along, but I lost track along the way and don't even think I have Heir on this computer which means I'll have to get the laptop and move it off there and onto this computer.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 19
Today's Word Count: 0
Chapter Word Count: 0
Total Word Count: unkown
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: being too braindead to think straight
Forget a retreat, why not rent a condominium to finish that novel? [Paid post]
Want to find a place to get away and work on that novel? Maybe looking into the possibility of renting a condominium somewhere? If you want to look into the rental opportunities for Boston Condos, or a condominium anywhere from the Florida Keys to Seattle, check out the condominiums at CondoCompany.com.
And with their recently launched "Building Specialists" section you can find luxury high rise condominiums perfect for writing that novel you have been dreaming about. Live the life of that high class character living life in a high rise condo - at least for a month or two as you work on the rough draft, or final draft, of your novel.
And with their recently launched "Building Specialists" section you can find luxury high rise condominiums perfect for writing that novel you have been dreaming about. Live the life of that high class character living life in a high rise condo - at least for a month or two as you work on the rough draft, or final draft, of your novel.
This post is a paid advertisement for CondoCompany.com
A Writer's Life is in the Anchorage Daily News
The Anchorage Daily News ran an article today titled Online journals share Mat-Su life with the world. It is a look at four bloggers from the Mat-Su Valley here in Alaska and includes profiles of the featured bloggers - one of who is me. ::big grin::
This don't count as my name in print as far as being a writer goes, does it? LOL
Anyway, A Writer's Life is one of the blogs that they list in the profile for me. Very kewl. They even pulled a quote from it for the profile (my grousing a while back about making my character freeze in the cold since I was cold).
Check out the article, and check out the other bloggers they feature, just don't look at the picture of me. ;-) LOL
This don't count as my name in print as far as being a writer goes, does it? LOL
Anyway, A Writer's Life is one of the blogs that they list in the profile for me. Very kewl. They even pulled a quote from it for the profile (my grousing a while back about making my character freeze in the cold since I was cold).
Check out the article, and check out the other bloggers they feature, just don't look at the picture of me. ;-) LOL
TriggerStreet.com will soon allow uploading of novels and short stories
TriggerStreet.com, known for providing online exposure and feedback for screenplays or short films, will soon allow members to upload their novels, plays, and short stories as well.
You can sign up now at their website (TriggerStreet.com) to be notified when the section is made live. I signed up just a few minutes ago so that I can check them out as a possible place to get feedback on Heir to Magic when I am ready to submit it to be critiqued.
Field fresh flowers for the office [paid post]
Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate it than with flowers? Dot Flowers has flower gift ideas and gorgeous gourmet gift baskets that are perfect for making any office feel more cozy and helping you to battle those wayward muses that seem to be fickle when you are trying to think.
Dot Flowers offers same day flower delivery on Florist Direct flower arrangements designed in your local floral shop, or Field Fresh flower delivery straight from their growers’ farms to anywhere in the United States.
Know a hard working writer that needs a little pickme up as they spring clean their office? Flowers make the best gift to give them and are a perfect addition to any office from romance writers to sci fi writers - even sports writers.
Dot Flowers offers same day flower delivery on Florist Direct flower arrangements designed in your local floral shop, or Field Fresh flower delivery straight from their growers’ farms to anywhere in the United States.
Know a hard working writer that needs a little pickme up as they spring clean their office? Flowers make the best gift to give them and are a perfect addition to any office from romance writers to sci fi writers - even sports writers.
The preceding post is a paid ad for Dot Flowers
Article worksheet
I have been making up sheets that can help me with plotting out articles easier. These are printouts that show the working title, the target market, type of article I am writing, what my topic is, the angle I am writing it from, what my opening is and then has space for notes on the body of the article and references I have used for it.
So far it seems to be working good. When I have revised it a little more and have it how I want it I'll get it up on The Writing Office as a downloadable PDF file.
So far it seems to be working good. When I have revised it a little more and have it how I want it I'll get it up on The Writing Office as a downloadable PDF file.
Character profiles on 3x5 cards
I have an old library card catalog cabinet that I had moved into the basement when I was putting the office down there. I am going to be moving it back upstairs later tonight and setting it up in the corner of the office so that I can create 3x5 cards for all of my characters in my stories. This way I can track things that tend to change, such as Marcus having green eyes in one chapter and brown in another. ::pounds head on desk:: Hate it when I read back through chapters and find things like that. I guess it's better than one day getting a letter from a reader pointing it out, huh?
Small business phone systems for collaborative writing [paid post]
Xpander Communications has phone systems that are perfect for any small business that has employees spread out across the country. With their small business phone systems you can have free 4-digit calling between all of your teams home office locations so that you can build a group writing company of freelancers from across the country and everyone's home office can share the same phone system on the same private list of extensions.
Imagine being able to collaborate with several other writers on a book project and have easy 4-digit dialing between everyone. Distance is no longer a barrier for your collaborative work, allowing you to work with friends and colleagues no matter where in the country they live.
Imagine being able to collaborate with several other writers on a book project and have easy 4-digit dialing between everyone. Distance is no longer a barrier for your collaborative work, allowing you to work with friends and colleagues no matter where in the country they live.
The preceding post is a paid ad for Xpander Communications
Moving on to Chapter 19 of Heir to Magic
I've started into a new chapter. :::waits for the applause to die down:::
I'm officially on chapter 19 of Heir to Magic. I decided that I will move the scene for Richard and his friends to be lost and staggering around in the frozen mountains back into the middle of chapter 18, getting them to the tribes by the end of the chapter and am going to pick up chapter 19 with them getting to know their new hosts and sorting out talking to folks. I still think my best bet on the language SNAFU is to have an old shipwreck survivor have been living with the tribes, so I am not scrapping that after all and it's to start out chapter 19.
Outlining has began in the notebook and I am glancing back at where I had left them in chapter 18.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 19
Today's Word Count: 0 so far, I don't count what's just rough broad strokes of description
Chapter Word Count: 0
Total Word Count: I still don't know. Will figure that out some time
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: Work... work... more work... ::sigh:: can I sleep yet?
I'm officially on chapter 19 of Heir to Magic. I decided that I will move the scene for Richard and his friends to be lost and staggering around in the frozen mountains back into the middle of chapter 18, getting them to the tribes by the end of the chapter and am going to pick up chapter 19 with them getting to know their new hosts and sorting out talking to folks. I still think my best bet on the language SNAFU is to have an old shipwreck survivor have been living with the tribes, so I am not scrapping that after all and it's to start out chapter 19.
Outlining has began in the notebook and I am glancing back at where I had left them in chapter 18.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 19
Today's Word Count: 0 so far, I don't count what's just rough broad strokes of description
Chapter Word Count: 0
Total Word Count: I still don't know. Will figure that out some time
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: Work... work... more work... ::sigh:: can I sleep yet?
To write, rather for fun or pay, is incurable
"Many suffer from the incurable disease of writing and it becomes chronic in their sick minds" -Juvenal (AD60-130)
I think that every writer would love to kick back and make all their money through the writing of novels. To catch a muse and let it lead them along a dizzying whirlwind of excitement that stirs their readers like the work of JK Rowling when she captured the imaginations of so many children and adults with her popular Harry Potter series. Only a very few can manage to catch that dream. Most of us have to work on the novel of our dreams in our spare time and spend the remainder of the time working on other kinds of writing.
We turn our creative hands to advertising, newsletters, business plans, non-fiction articles, sports articles, or whatever else someone will pay us for. Writing anything we can that will put food on the table and ink in the printer.
If you're like me, it does not matter what it is that you are writing, just so long as you are writing. I can't imagine not being a writer, it is what I love, what I want to be doing, even when I am relaxing and taking a break from working I am writing.
Does writing pay all the bills? No, far from it, but it pays enough to offset them and make it possible to survive day to day and as long as it can do that then I will never give up on my desire to spin tales that show the world through my eyes and open others to the wonders of worlds that none have seen before. One day I'll get Heir to Magic and Shadowlord's Gambit ready to go... maybe Mars Station One will be picked back up, I keep thinking about that story and even though I am not a SciFi writer, I do dearly love that story and everything Mars.
Where will my writing lead me? I don't know, but it's going to be one heck of a fun ride finding out.
I think that every writer would love to kick back and make all their money through the writing of novels. To catch a muse and let it lead them along a dizzying whirlwind of excitement that stirs their readers like the work of JK Rowling when she captured the imaginations of so many children and adults with her popular Harry Potter series. Only a very few can manage to catch that dream. Most of us have to work on the novel of our dreams in our spare time and spend the remainder of the time working on other kinds of writing.
We turn our creative hands to advertising, newsletters, business plans, non-fiction articles, sports articles, or whatever else someone will pay us for. Writing anything we can that will put food on the table and ink in the printer.
If you're like me, it does not matter what it is that you are writing, just so long as you are writing. I can't imagine not being a writer, it is what I love, what I want to be doing, even when I am relaxing and taking a break from working I am writing.
Does writing pay all the bills? No, far from it, but it pays enough to offset them and make it possible to survive day to day and as long as it can do that then I will never give up on my desire to spin tales that show the world through my eyes and open others to the wonders of worlds that none have seen before. One day I'll get Heir to Magic and Shadowlord's Gambit ready to go... maybe Mars Station One will be picked back up, I keep thinking about that story and even though I am not a SciFi writer, I do dearly love that story and everything Mars.
Where will my writing lead me? I don't know, but it's going to be one heck of a fun ride finding out.
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I've got a plan for moving ahead on Heir
Okay, I am officially back onto working on Heir to Magic. I may end up with it turning out like Shadowlord's Gambit and in desperate need of rewriting, but at least it will be written and on the pages and ready to go so I can rewrite it.
I've decided to go back to an old ply I had before on how to deal with a part I don't know what to do with, something that I remembered as I was reading back over the novel looking for inspiration. I am going to just place a note in it saying "Do this here, and this and this..." and then skip to the next scene.
I can write that scene when I do draft two and not worry about it until then.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 18, but moving to 19 YAY!
Today's Word Count: 0 so far
Chapter Word Count: unknown
Total Word Count: unknown
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: contemplating a long hot bath before I start writing
I've decided to go back to an old ply I had before on how to deal with a part I don't know what to do with, something that I remembered as I was reading back over the novel looking for inspiration. I am going to just place a note in it saying "Do this here, and this and this..." and then skip to the next scene.
I can write that scene when I do draft two and not worry about it until then.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 18, but moving to 19 YAY!
Today's Word Count: 0 so far
Chapter Word Count: unknown
Total Word Count: unknown
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: contemplating a long hot bath before I start writing
Drats, map in wrong room
As I try to think what to do to get Heir to Magic moving again, I have been going between the new office and the library room (okay, it's not a library yet, but it's turning into one - too small for much else), and I have come to a conclusion. I painted my map in the wrong room. Before the basement stairs went in it made sense, but now, that is to be the library and here I am in a room with a HUGE wall and no map. ::sigh:: I guess I could transfer it into here, but I am thinking that I would be better off to build the blank wall into a layout area for my novel and leave the map in the other room, building it into the library as the library takes shape.
Definitely need to plan things more carefully in the future when I am going to paint something that massive though, LOL, not as easy to move to another room as the desk and computer are.
Yes, I suppose I could move the computer back in where the map is, but that is a TINY area and for working I need to spread out more than I could in there. So, I suffer with walking between the rooms to confer with the map. Good thing I have a smaller version in the notebook.
Definitely need to plan things more carefully in the future when I am going to paint something that massive though, LOL, not as easy to move to another room as the desk and computer are.
Yes, I suppose I could move the computer back in where the map is, but that is a TINY area and for working I need to spread out more than I could in there. So, I suffer with walking between the rooms to confer with the map. Good thing I have a smaller version in the notebook.
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Is that movement I see in the shadows?
I know I have been a little scarce around here lately, but it's the first of the month and that is always a bit crazy. And being April that means that one of my nephews has a birthday at the start of the month (tomorrow), so that makes it even more hectic.
I've also got some news to share, but not yet. :-x It's good though, just wait a few more days then I'll spill the beans, promise.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 18 (and does that surprise anyone?)
Today's Word Count: 0 (again, no surprises, huh?)
Chapter Word Count: (do I even have to admit I don't know this one?)
Total Word Count: (you know the drill.)
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: Being too busy to think
I've also got some news to share, but not yet. :-x It's good though, just wait a few more days then I'll spill the beans, promise.
Heir to Magic
Current Chapter: 18 (and does that surprise anyone?)
Today's Word Count: 0 (again, no surprises, huh?)
Chapter Word Count: (do I even have to admit I don't know this one?)
Total Word Count: (you know the drill.)
Current Favorite Method of Procrastination: Being too busy to think
