Writing

I'm trying to streamline my writing process-or, at least, get it going on a regular schedule. I just cleaned-off the desk in my bedroom and set it up with the tools I need for writing. Of course, I have pens, pencils, reference books, a desk lamp and space for my computer. But I also have a few things that inspire me: three antique books, my Baby Ben clock, and some hand-made items from my kids.

I picked-up a book called Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer by Moira Allen. Of course, I have been doing some freelance writing for a while, but nothing that could be considered close to living wages. When I paged through the book, I saw many things I already new about (such as writing query letters, basics of writing articles, etc.). However, I also saw a few subjects I could use some improvement on (finding timely subject matter, exploring the market), as well as others that I had previously not considered (for example: strategies for marketing articles).

I am hoping that, by blogging about this process, I will encourage myself to continue and not give up. Perhaps, it will encourage others as well.

What I'm Reading: Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

It's written in a different format than standard novels. And the story is interesting and keeps my attention. 

What I'm Reading: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Personal musings, etc.

All week, at work, I think there are so many things I want to say-to blog about. But the weekend comes, and nothing. I just end up relaxing or running the kids around. It's like my brain is drained by the end of the week. I miss writing regularly on my blog.

Well, right now I am reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. I'm in the middle and it is starting to get interesting. I also started working on goals to accomplish by July 1st 2011. I got the idea here from Blade376. I only have about 12 things on my list, but I am pretty excited about it. I will share them on here, I don't have the list readily available at the moment.

On June 5th I had my gall bladder taken out. It was my first surgery, and it went fine. Just figured I'd mention it here. I am back up to 100% now.

What I'm (re-)Reading: Watchmen

Watchmen by Alan Moore. I first read this in college. When I saw the preview for the Watchmen movie (coming 2009), it made me want to read it again.

What I'm Reading - Pattern Recognition by William Gibson

Pattern Recognition by William Gibson.

What I'm Reading: Benjamin Franklin Vol. 1 by Carl Van Doren

Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 1 by Carl Van Doren

What I'm Reading: Marley and Me by John Grogan

Marley and Me by John Grogan

This book is cracking me up! I thought my dog was unruly! A great book for any dog lover, surprisingly funny.

What I'm Reading

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
by Walter Isaacson

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Photos

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Photos
posted on imdb.com

What I'm Reading: The Approaching Storm

The Approaching Storm by Alan Dean Foster

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci - Arounder - Milan - Da Vinci Code

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci - Arounder - Milan - Da Vinci Code

You can click on the picture and zoom-in. (I don't recommend doing this unless you have high-speed internet.) For one thing, there are at least 5 cups clearly visible on the table.

What I'm Reading - Wizard and Glass, Freakanomics

Wizard and Glass (Dark Tower, Book 4) by Stephen King

Freakanomics

A Million Little Lies - January 8, 2006

A Million Little Lies - January 8, 2006

Say it isn't so! I am incredibly disappointed! I liked this book, despite the bad writing and lack of punctuation. It somehow gave hope that someone as bad as James Frey could turn himself around, and without a Twelve-Step Program. I don't know if any of what he wrote is true. I spent a few hours reading the above article at the Smoking Gun, along with the supporting documents, including police reports. You have to read this article for yourself, if you are a fan of the book.

What I'm Reading

Amazon.com: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West: Books

What I'm Reading - Redbird Christmas

A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg

What I'm Reading

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

What I'm Reading

Religion Explained by Pascal Boyer

Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence (Paperback)by Joe Dominguez, Vicki Robin

Long time, no blog

Wow, I haven't written in a long time. I have been under a lot of stress this week with all the back to school stuff going on (I have kids in three different schools). I am reading Sidetracked Home Executives and I started putting together the 3x5 card box. I figured I would try the system and see if I can get it to work for me. I have tried the Fly Lady, and never really got past polishing my sink. :)

I have a cub scout school night to help run tonight. So, I will definitely be tired when I get home. Then, I will probably throw some laundry in the washer and watch the CSI premier on the dvr.

What I am reading

I am reading "How We Believe" by Michael Shermer.