Archive for March 2010

In looking for data to use in a story, I came across what sounded like valid data. But it wasn’t enough. The article didn’t say where the data came from. So I searched hard to see if I could find a study or some valid resource to backup the data that I wanted to use. I found zero. This experience compelled me to better remember to “trust, but verify.”

I don’t instantly trust Wikipedia articles because the public can edit them. While I’m sure many Wikipedia editors work hard to ensure its accuracy, it’s a massive site that receives many daily updates. I added an entry for a company making an effort to stick to facts with no promotion. In fact, I used a few other Wikipedia pages as examples. Wikipedia editors deleted the article and all references to the company. I posted several messages in the Wikipedia talk pages to no avail. It’s a harsh reminder that humans are behind the free encyclopedia. And our thoughts and emotions don’t always follow logic.

Leslie A Joy points to a great article on How to Find the Best Resources from The Renegade Writer.

klatsch n. “A casual social gathering, usually for conversation.” Source: The Free Dictionary

So how do you know what online information you can trust?

Yes, It's the '80s

Where else but Texas can you experience four seasons in less than a week? Last weekend, we had five inches of snow here in Plano (skip north of Dallas). Monday felt like spring. The sun shined hard on Tuesday to give us a feeling of summer. It rained Wednesday to bring us back to fall. I played tennis yesterday on a cold cloudy and blowy day: The wind won.

Oh, what’s up with that embarrassing prom photo? Inspired by “When Prom Dresses Go Bad” link below. Fact: My escort later became my husband.

Brain food…

• Why Keep Blogging? I don’t believe in blogging for the sake of blogging and traffic. I also don’t believe in blogging daily. Sure, this brings more traffic, but it also brings burnout faster.
• Self-Promotion or “That Other Whore” Syndrome: Things you may not know about publicity. [Link: Debbie Ohi]
• How to Master a Subject: Become one with your subject with the help from the library.
• Grants for Writers–As Diverse as You Are: It’s incredible what’s out there. C. Hope Clarke has been writing about grants for years.
• 10 Steps to Create the Ultimate Facebook Fan Page for Your Brand: Begins with why bother and then the deets.
• Self-publishing success story: JA Konrath sells 30K Kindle eBooks in 11 months: One advantage — known author, but the rest are great tips.

For fun because we’re allowed…

• 86 Beautiful Book Covers: Feels like a stroll through a museum of books.
• Robots do a sedar: This is one role many would love the robots to take on especially if they work in the kitchen.
• Rubik’s Cube for the Blind: Metal, six materials and Braille.
• Shilhouettes: Powerful images…
• When Prom Dresses Go Bad: Stop laughing at my big hair and ruffles.
• The Things Facebook Causes, According to Google: If you’re struggling with any of these, maybe you need a break from Facebook

The following games will be discounted next week on Game du Jour, the first ‘one-deal-a-day’ website dedicated to indie and casual games:

Mon. March 29th: 50% off on Dark Souls

Tue. March 30th: 50% off on Dark Souls II

Wed. March 31st: 50% off on Kara’s Quest

Thu. April 1st: 50% off on Last Heroes

Fri. April 2nd: 65% off on The Serpent of Isis

Sat. April 3rd: 65% off on Miss Teri Tale 3 – Danger Next Door

Sun. April 4th: 65% off on 1 Penguin 100 Cases

Many professors and writers I spoke with on this subject, and their numbers are too great to list here, all recommend the same thing: Write a draft, correct it, consider correcting it again, turn it in.

Did you see those action items in the middle? Write a draft first. Know that it is a draft, feel that it is a draft.

Be the draft.

Draft means the work is not finished, it is not ready for turn in. It is crummy. A draft is fine piece of writing that is not ready for its close up. A draft gives you job security; you now have something to correct, review and read out loud.

Some writers want their product to be perfect the first time out. We get impatient, even with our own thoughts, certainly with our creative process. Getting it right takes so much time! The best advice, is to get comfortable with writing drafts, bad drafts, crappy drafts and you’ll discover how your writing will actually improve. Why? Because when you give yourself permission to write a really crappy first draft, you simultaneously discard perfectionism and brain cramping and give yourself permission to explore and improve.

When you consider everything else involved with dragging a manuscript to the publishing finish line, the draft is the best part. Drafts are fun, divergent, exciting, pointless and filled with authentic writing. Enjoy the process of bringing a novel, report or idea to life. This is the fun of writing, as you suspected, everything else is revision, not so much fun.

All papers for school, business, grants, even the family holiday newsletter should, at the very least, have two versions. (If you want to succeed in business without really trying, review emails at least once before sending.) A paper should have three phases of evolution, draft, corrected, final.

That draft? It will be the most fun you’ll have.

About the Guest Author: Catharine Bramkamp holds two degrees in English, published hundreds of newspaper and magazines articles, a handful of novels and two essays in the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. She is an adjunct professor of writing for two colleges and is a successful writing coach. Visit her at www.YourBookStartsHere.com.

Meryl’s Young’un and the Sloppy Copy Experience

Meryl here. This article is perfect timing for my almost seven-year-old son. His school has a PTA-run program called “Bronco Press.” It gives children the chance to write and illustrate a story. I asked him if he wanted to do it. He did and wanted to get right to work. So he dictates his story while I type it. Here’s the first part:

I am a bird. I am black, white and a little tan in the middle. I can fly real high. I can swoop with my tail. And I can fly down and go up really fast like whooooooosh! I can fly really fast and slow, too.

My landings are real good. I can peck really good.

He says he can’t think of anything else. So I tell him to tell me a story involving this bird he described. Take the bird on an adventure. He continues:

Then one day when I went flying I crashed into a jungle because I saw a lion. I didn’t get hurt. The lion was coming towards me and said, “Roar.” He wanted to make friends with me. Then we heard a big roar from a tiger that scared them.

I tried to whoosh by to get the tiger confused. Then the tiger was about to eat me. But lion came by and pushed me out of the way. The lion saved me. Lion pushed away the tiger and we never saw the tiger again.

Again, he tells me he’s done with the story. I explain to him that it’s a good first draft. (I found out from his teacher they call it “Sloppy copy” — I love that!) And we will review it again another day. He wants to be done, finished, wash his hands of it. (My older son does this, too — works on a project for five minutes and declares finito.)

I asked him, “You know I’m a writer?”

He nods.

“Remember what I taught your class (career day)? That we need to brainstorm and keep editing our stories. The first one is never the final story.” I said.

The stubborn little guy pushes back. We’ll see if I can get him to revise it. But hey, he’s only in first grade. Still, they teach them to do a draft before a final at this age. Next time we discuss the story, I’ll remind him that this is a “sloppy copy.” I just hope he doesn’t take offense to that or think I expect perfection (of course not!).

Don’t you think writing is rewriting? How do you handle the first draft? What happens after the first draft?

The following games will be discounted next week on Game du Jour, the first ‘one-deal-a-day’ website dedicated to indie and casual games:

Mon. February 22nd: 65% off on Million Dollar Quest

Tue. February 23rd: 60% off on Amazing Pyramids

Wed. February 24th: 50% off on Leeloo’s Talent Agency

Thu. February 25th: 65% off on Shutter Island

Fri. February 26th: 65% off on The Dracula Files

Sat. February 27th: 50% off on Amazing Adventures The Caribbean Secret

Sun. February 28th: 65% off on Mystery of the Lunar Archipelago

Ga

“What the …? Julius Caesar?” OK, I used St. Patrick’s Day last week so it’d appear before the actual day. Easter and Passover (Eastover? Passter?) are not until next week. OK, so the Ides of March as mentioned in Julius Caesar comes before St. Patrick’s Day, but I was outta ideas. Since we’re talking Roman dates, this could be the XIX edition. So is this my Seinfeld post for the month where I talk about nothing?

Brain food…

• Wordoid: Creative naming service for product names, web sites, domains and whatnot.
• PaperRater: Not just for college students. Free resource to help students improve their writing. (Writers, too!) [Link: BitRebels]
• How I’d Negotiate with Clients Wanting oDesk “Features”: Great response to one writer’s experience with oDesk.
• Book Summary Template: How to Get the Most from a Book: While it’s best to pick a few books and read them often to better grasp and implement new knowledge, some of us like to read a variety. This template will help you make the most out of a book.
• How Writers Can Manage Federal Income Taxes: Don’t. Shoot. Messenger. Also, 5 tips for filing your taxes easily.

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• The Lost Art of Handwriting: Embroidered email designs. Who knew such embroidery and email could be moving.
• Intranet Secrets: Who knew the intranet could be funny?
• Evolution of Tech Companies’ Logos: How did I ever miss Apple’s original logo? First I’ve seen it.
• Sketch a Move: I’ve seen something similar where you draw the move and the car follows your drawing or maybe it was a robot? [Link: Mark Hurst]
• Paradoxymoron: Cool painting of bookshelves by Patrick Hughes. [Link: Mark, too]
• Paris 26 Gigapixels: Take an interactive trip around Paris. No plane ticket needed. [And Mark again!]

I did not set out to become a professional writer. Instead, serendipity had a large role to play in my career. But my choice of profession did not surprise people who’ve known me since my school and college days. They expected it all along, given that they saw me acing essays and winning poetry and short story competitions.

They saw traits of a natural writer, someone who felt comfortable with words and who did not have to strive hard to come up with a decent essay or story even at short notice. People recognize a writer through a few essential traits especially the following.

1. Writers are voracious readers: I’ve been a bookworm since the time I was six when I discovered the wonderful world of books. I devoured any written material I could grab. Even today, I would rather curl up with a book than watch a movie or flip TV channels.

Most writers love to read. Their love of books makes them want to write, and the more they read, the better writers they become. Reading as much as you can about varied subjects, topics and viewpoints is the best way to stay current and improve your writing. Good writers know and understand this unwritten rule.

2. Writers are intuitive thinkers: Good writers are able to think deeper about any subject and delve into it instead of skimming through it on a superficial level. They know that without a good understanding of any topic or niche, then they cannot write comprehensively about it. So whatever their chosen genre or niche, they work to stay up to date and understand it thoroughly.

3. Writers are observant bystanders: A writer’s sub-conscious is always on the lookout for story ideas. They look at situations differently from others in their quest to find an interesting article or book.

They also know how use their creative instincts and spin a story the right way. For example, if the style is serious, they don’t cloud the narration with flashy language. If they have the liberty to spin a yarn, they do it to the best of their ability. In short, writers’ brains work overtime when they sense a story in any situation. They don’t rest until they sort through the idea and transform it into words that lead to a good article or book.

4. Writers are diligent researchers: A writer needs strong research skills consistently achieve success. You may know your subject well, but any story or article has to be thoroughly researched and the facts double-checked to avoid making mistakes and losing your credibility. Good writers know they must have the patience to plod through their research. Otherwise, they won’t achieve the kind of success that they want.

This guest post is contributed by Anna Miller, who writes on the topic of online degrees. She welcomes your comments at her email id: anna.miller009@gmail.com.

Celia Rivenbark has a great guest post here about Fighting the Green-Eyed Monster that describes how I feel once in a while when I let my amygdala (the caveman brain) do the leading instead of the hippocampus (the developed brain). I’ve heard it all:

• Jealousy wastes time and energy…
• Don’t compare yourself to others, measure your own progress…
• We don’t tell others we’re jealous of them, so I bet some folks are jealous of you and you don’t know it!
• Forget them, focus on you!
• List your accomplishments.
• Keep practicing… keep doing…

Love this quote.

“Jealousy is all the fun you think they had.” Erica Jong

We can be logical all we want about jealousy, but that doesn’t stop our caveman brains from pushing all logic out the door. So I asked fellow writers how they deal with it.

“I think jealousy is a natural part of the process. There are two choices. A. Become bitter. B. Continue to hone skills.” Maureen Wood

“Not ‘jealous’ but MOTIVATED!” Mary Jo Campbell

“Jealousy is a huge waste of time. It should be a quick peek at the scoreboard then get back to thinking/writing.” Jim Canterucci

“I mutter vulgarities under my breath and tell myself I’m way better looking. ” Roberta Rosenberg

“Everyone focus on your own work, please. Less time watching what others are doing, more time doing what you are doing. Oops, sorry, that was Christina the teacher talking. How do I do it? Hmmm…well, I guess it’s true, I’m only jealous of others if I’m focusing on them instead of me. If I focus on me, then I’m in my own process and there is no room there for jealousy. Plus I’m feeling good about what I’m getting done.” Christina Katz

“I figure there was a reason they got to and I didn’t. Then I look for that reason. It may be I’m not ready yet, or my path leading to publication is different (subject matter, or angle, etc.) I also congratulate them if I know them, or try to connect with them if I don’t (if I can find something to ask them), or help promote them… again, there’s a reason their perspective is in the world, so at that point someone must be able to benefit.” Christa Miller

“I admit that they beat me to it because I wasn’t quick enough off the mark, congratulate them and try to learn from the experience. I don’t usually feel jealousy.” Sharon Hurley Hall

“I know I have a place and a purpose; I keep my heart and eyes focused on the goals I have set for myself. Rejoice with those who rejoice!” Dawn Herring

“Look at all the things that you have been blessed with…..and remember to appreciate God’s gifts. You have no way of knowing how good or bad the other person’s life has been or may be in the future.” Kristen Clark Baldridge, one of my bestest friends ever since the age of five.

“Jealousy is a waste of energy. I try to read Lifebook every day.” Jeffrey Johnson, a former coworker and a lifetime friend who left Texas for Tennessee.

“Write the sequel!” Eileen Martell, worked with my mom when I was a young’un.

Excellent advice. Next time, cavegirl brain decides to bonk me on the head — I’ll read these.

P.S. It’s coincidental that St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow. Nothing to do with the good kind of green!

How do you deal with ol’ greenie? Why do you think rears its ugly head?

© Copyright Paul O'Farrell and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons License

My family doesn’t have a drop of Irishness in our blood — that we know of, anyway. But that never stopped my dad and me from wearing green on March 17th. Dad went the extra mile by wearing a dark green suit to work with some silly button like, “Kiss me, I’m Irish.” Obviously, he liked to have fun and I am sure some folks today would say the button is harassment. No matter, count on my wearing green.

Brain food…

• 8 Must-Have Twitter and Facebook Add-Ons: Oh yes, add-ons go beyond browsers and blog apps. The article forgot to point to the scripts (all use Greasemonkey), which can you find by searching userscripts.org. Facebook Purity explains how to install scripts for other browsers.
• Synopsis Tips for Writers: Excellent short post. [Link: BubbleCow]
• 10 Turnsoffs Keeping Readers from My Blog: These are the unwritten rules I tend to follow… at least, I hope I am.
• 10 Amazing Life Lessons You Can Learn from Albert Einstein: Not a single one has anything to do with relativity.
• 33 Writing Terms You Should Know: When WIP on an ms, be sure to stick to DL while following GL [Link: BubbleCow -- awesome resource... follow @bubblecow!]
• Research Tip: Finding Crutch Words: Do you keep using some words repeatedly? I try not to, but with all that I write… it can be tough. Current challenge is to avoid that and which. Not easy! [Link: @elizabethscraig]
• Top 100 Sites on the Internet: Very cool interactive graphic. [Link: @kirstinbutler]

Image from jimbowen0306 / CC BY 2.0

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• 10 Coolest Foosball Tables: Aww… My husband just has an ordinary table.
• 70+ Examples Of Beautiful Night Photography: Breathtaking… [Link: Ruhani Rabin]
• 40 Outstanding Mascot Designs: I’d love to have one… but not sure it would fit this site’s brand. Or what. My favorite mascot: Fort Worth’s TCU Horned Frogs. I found many horned toads in my backyard while growing up. [Link: bkmacdaddy]
• Junkyard steampunk Yoda: Serious, I am.
• 5 Browsers and the Modes of Transportation They Resemble: Pretty darn accurate.
• Top 10 Japanese Etiquette Mistakes: I love reading about cultures and etiquette even though I never get to try them (or avoid them). I learned about #2 from my husband and I have used it.
• Friday Funnies: Words Shape Your Existence: Great way to kick off weekend (and Spring Break for some of us). [Link: @alexkaris]

The following games will be discounted next week on Game du Jour, the first ‘one-deal-a-day’ website dedicated to indie and casual games:

Mon. February 15th: 50% off on Born Into Darkness

Tue. February 16th: 65% off on The Clumsys 2: Butterfly Effect

Wed. February 17th: 65% off on Evoly

Thu. February 18th: 50% off on Many Years Ago

Fri. February 19th: 65% off on Farm Mania 2

Sat. February 20th: 65% off on Azteca

Sun. February 21st: 65% off on Green Valley – Fun on the Farm