Out Sick
Nice to see you again! Join in the discussion!Down with the flu. Regular posts will resume next week. Stay well, everyone!
RIP Sir John Mortimer
Friday was a bad day for the art world as well as the literary world. Not only did we lose the great artist, Andrew Wyeth, but we lost a great writer, Sir John Mortimer.
I enjoyed Mortimer’s Rumpole works. They were so personal. You felt as if you were sharing a glass of plonk with Rumpole, discussing the events of the day, his stellar victory with the Penge Bungalow Murders.
His humor was spot on. You have to laugh every time he refers to Hilda, his wife, as “she who must be obeyed.” Many husbands could relate, I’m sure. Hearing his inner thoughts made you feel as if you were his confidant.
These writings are the epitome of what a writer wants to achieve–this instant rapport with one’s audience. At this, Mortimer achieved, excelled. RIP, Sir John Mortimer. You will be sadly missed. Photo by markhillary
Research Before You Buy
I’ll be sending out my book in the next few weeks. To reward myself for this milestone, I’m going to get a new computer. Writing taught me all about research. So that is what I’m going to do, research before I buy.
Typically, I’ll consult several sources. PCWorld is always a favorite for anything technical. Their reviews tend to get to the heart of the matter, with all the techy bits. If you’re like me, you also want to hear from others, the real scoop on the street.
I stumbled upon Acobay in my quest for the true story. It’s like a social networking site, but people share their opinions and reviews of different items like computers. A computer purchase is a big deal. I want to get a quality product, but I also want to know what people’s real experiences are. I’ve narrowed my choice to a few different ones. Now comes the fun part–deciding on a purchase. I certainly know one thing though; I’m not getting one with Vista.
This is an important buy too not just because of the money. I accomplished one of my life’s goals. I’ve written a book. Even if it doesn’t sell, I still can say that I’ve succeeded. And I’m thrilled.
Save Time — Go Local
In my quest to be more productive, I’m always on the hunt for ways to save time. One way I’ve learned to use successfully is to budget time.
With my GTD (get things done) method, I allocate what I think each task will cost time-wise. It’s a way to help me get used to working under deadlines. As I work on my book proposal, my deadline has me finishing my writing next week. Then the fun begins — locating some markets. First, since my book has regional appeal, I’m going to go local.
Local.com, I found is a good site for finding just that–local businesses. A search on publishers gave me a rather extensive list of options. From there I can do my homework and research my shortlist.
I apply that strategy to other tasks. A local search is a time saver. It doesn’t have to end there though. My next work is also a candidate for such research. The setting is place that I’m quite familiar with, but nevertheless doing research on this area will help me brainstorm ideas. The Internet is such a marvelous tool, isn’t it? Anyway to save time.
Non-Writing Goals For 2009
Along with my goals to get my work published, I have other, non-writing goals for 2009. More for me, I want a healthy lifestyle.
As I’ve become more engrossed in my work, I’m finding that my whole day is in front of a computer. I get a lot done. However, my lifestyle is becoming sedentary and that is not good.
I’ve made a few additions to my everyday routine to help out. First, I have a timer running on my computer. Every 30 minutes, it will dutifully remind me to get up. I do some chores around the house, whatever it takes to get me moving. My focus, in turn, is a lot better once I return. I force myself to break away from the task that is threatening to overwhelm my day.
In addition, I’ve educated myself about healthy eating. Phytolife.com has been a great source of information. As writers, we know that research is key. I do my homework when it comes to making good choices. My healthy choices include phytonutrients or plant-based nutrients.
I cook most all of my meals. I like to know exactly what I’m eating. Again, probably the mystery writer in me is talking at this point. There will be no opportunities to do away with me with some poison-laden soup this go around.
So as I enter this stressful time of trying to sell my book, I’m going to keep an eye out for me and spend a little time on those non-writing goals. Healthy lifestyle, here I come!
Back To School
As a kid, of course, school was at best okay. With the clear vision of an adult, I can say my best decision was going back to school.
As an adult, I appreciate knowledge for knowledge’s sake. I think this is key to my decision to write. I am a writer because I embraced learning.
I didn’t go to school right away after high school. There were a few years at the school of hard knocks first. I don’t regret it because when I did go back, it was because I wanted to do so. That made all the difference.
I remember thinking about how long it would take. A change of reasoning put me on the right track. Instead of thinking wishing I had done it three years from now, I thought three years from now I could be thinking I’m glad I did that.
As writers, we need to stay in touch. We need to nuture our education. No time? Make time. This is your future, after all. No money? There are plenty of opportunities for free scholarships. If you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.
Take to heart Henry David Thoreau’s wise words on the subject:
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Writing Tip Of the Day
I wanted to share a writing tip that has worked for me. To stay proficient at something, you must practice.
Write every day,
but not just the same writing every day. Challenge yourself. Work on your latest. If not that, pick up your blog. Having a cruddy day? Journal it and let off steam, an added benefit.
Exercise your mind and write in a different genre, means every day. The mental gymnastics improve your vision, hone your skills for a variety of writing challenges. As the old saying goes, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Enjoy the pleasure of writing, any writing, for writing’s sake. Photo by ilco
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