Engagement

Please note I will site 2 article links ahead. You may want to read first. Or during. Or after.  http://goo.gl/npS4v and http://goo.gl/xfxpo )

A Good Place to Start

Starting the journey (at least for a year) of seeing where consistent writing and, more importantly, engagement are going to take me is an exciting task that I am embarking on. There is the consistent reminder that has been popping up in my awareness that it is time to start a new vein in life. The main aspect of this I’ve just realized revolves around the word engagement.  As I’m reading through the twitter field this morning I come across this story about a new app called Paragraph Shorts. The article byLaura Hazard Owen on paidcontent.org . ‘Paragraphlaunches an aggregated lit mag for the iPad age’. 

Basically it’s about an app that is going to pull stories from some of the most prestigious literary magazines. It then is able to show you social media information from whichever author you are reading through.  Honestly, I think it would save a lot of time but then on the other hand I’m still going to miss randomly coming across an author that I might not have previously read.  Paragraph Shorts will for sure expose me to new authors.  Possibly. Probably in fact. But then I’m also reading yet another thread that has been spun by somebody else. I have no doubt that I will find something to read through this program but I think I’ll still want to visit the actual publications.   

Up To the Elbows

 

A large portion of this is merely a response to me wanting to be able to truly get in there and dig with my fingers and eyes through the dirt of information for that one story that sparkles for me right then at that second.  Yes I know it’s slightly a juvenile approach to going about information gathering but this is an important aspect of my word-of-the-year. By knowing that a field may be abundant in something considered to be prestigious does that really make that field any more tempting?  Shouldn’t I trust my capacity for discovering the writing that I actually want to read on my own? Or is this also whyamazon doesn’t want us reviewing our own genre?

And There the Canyon

Yeah it’s definitely a tricky area.  And that brings me back to this sense of engagement.  I scarcely read anything like what I write.  That is why I like reading.  Perhaps the most precious sense of where the industry medium lies in terms of its balance is a gently growing sweet spot that is bringing author and audience even closer together.  We all know algorithms are not (or are they?) the answer.   

One of the most important things is that the growing capacity to truly interact with an audience has arrived. Because of this the responsibility to provide something worth hearing isn’t a bad idea. That level of quality means that you owe it to the ‘greater good?’ to step things up.  As both consumer and provider. This might seem daunting but it’s just like any level of exercise.  Keep doing it. Keep pushing yourself. Keep your chin up.This is how we learn and evolve and how we become engaged.

Goals Suck (NaNoWriMo EPIC Fail)

How has your writing been going? 

Mine? Glad you asked. Well. Um. Let's see... EPIC FAIL!!!!

Ok. I got a little shake down. Enough to necessitate a grand reevaluation. Or something perhaps less dramatic.  Needless to say here’s the deal:  goals suck. At least that is my experience with them.  Every time I make a goal I seem to lose track of it and then I’m once again looking at all deals off the table.  Take my mad endeavor (however well-intended) at National Novel Writing Month…completely a bust.  That is of course unless I manage to write practically an entire novel within the next two days.   

Not going to happen.   

Though I have done it all in my head.  And if we are going to follow that path then along with that goal I’ve been doing hundreds of sit-ups and push-ups and gobs and gobs of calisthenics daily.   I’ve also given up eating processed foods, quit smoking, and built a greenhouse for year round fresh organic vegetables.  I don’t know how I managed to do all of that and still find the time to finally piece together that coffee table book, a.k.a the 40 Acre Pond Project.  It looks wonderful.  

I’ve also, thankfully, had the time to make sure that at least every few pages a perfectly sculpted poem blossoms and accompanies the images of the trail that I’ve photographed now for two years.  It’s lovely.  I’ve also decided to hand stitch a few of the books for a select group of near friends.   

While not working on those things I’ve managed to start my own video series, where I play my own twin, and we discuss our latest creations and ridiculous habits that we, as only twins can, are able to admire in one another.  Which reminds me I’m glad I’ve had the extra spare personality help to get all of this done.  In fact, just so you know, I haven’t just written one novel during NaNoWriMo I’ve managed to actually write four. They’ve been a pleasure.  

I’ve also managed to make my own video trailers for these books.  They will be out on youtube soon.  There is also a plethora of short stories I’ve made available now on Amazon for your favorite e-reader.  And then, dear reader, I looked up and November was gone. How had this month like so many before vanished into nothingness?  Nothing to show for a month worth of time.  I can’t even blame it on a drunken social life, or far worse, an isolated drunken abandon.  

Nope.   

I’ve been ridiculously dry and pathetically un-social.  Perhaps I could chalk it up to the beginning of my hibernation cycle.  After all, it is winter arriving.  But yes, I know, the truth is…well the truth is just that I’ve been frozen by a parasitic assault on my productivity front.   

The thoughts are all there. Swimming around and gelling and congealing and all that artsy-fartsy poetic dumbness that is merely an excuse for not getting things done.   Time to freak out on myself. Time to hold me up in the room until things are finished (or at least adequately begun!)  Did I mention the internet connection has finally arrived here?  Oh boy.  Now comes the real time for self-discipline! And they say the end of the world is coming! The new official goal is an un-goal. The thorough folding into the batter of this life a heavy helping of absolutely no goal.

10 Steps to Help Writers and Creators

     As November continues to carry the burden of winter’s promise of solitude, coffee, and long hours reading and writing, I find myself having a difficult time nailing down which of the many projects I want to dedicate to.  I realize one of the best ways to get things done resides in the premise of actually working piece by piece on a project until there is a whole.  But there seems to be this nagging pulling that comes from me in terms of which story to tell.   Each of my beloved characters are very near to my heart and each of them wants their own little stage.  They stand around me wondering and asking, “When do I get my ten minutes of fame?” Unfortunately I do not always have the answer.  For starters, trying to find the time for writing doesn’t seem to be one of the questions that plague my existence.  If anything it is the exact opposite.  I have nothing but time to write.  (Yes I know this sounds a bit pompous, and I’ll admit it: horribly swaddled in ‘poor-me’ syndrome).  

      Time to write, however, is more often dedicated to figuring out how to keep myself on some sort of structured plan.  Here is an example of how I balance my waking hours between work, work, and more work.

      

1. Wake Early 

                                            This I have found to be crucial.  Never wake up 15 minutes before you need to do something.  That  first hour or so in the morning (for me it is sometimes 3 hours) is some of the most important time to reflect and consider things from a refreshed state of mind.  I also enjoy reading something like the New York Times or perhaps whichever poetry collection happens to be around.  Either way it helps my brain begin thinking with words. For a good perspective on this check out Mary Oliver’s “Why I Wake Early.” She is also the one that brought me to the mind frame that it is best to work on my own special projects and building my spiderweb long before I dedicate time to ‘making money’ or ‘working for the weekend'.
      

2. Proper Caffeine Levels

                                            Yes, it’s true. Those of us that enjoy caffeine very commonly refer to needing coffee intravenously. I use to drink lots of coffee myself.  Sometimes I still can. But mostly I have learned that too much caffeine can begin to react in a manner counterproductive to my focus and determination.  Caffeine actually releases cortisol in the bloodstream. This I’ve learned after years of being a Sport’s Nutrition Writer (this I’ll touch on more at another post.) Long story short: Too much of this ‘stress hormone’ can lead to sluggishness, decreased motivation, and cause unnecessary weight gain.  Definitely not the thing we want from a cup of coffee.  My solution:  One cup of coffee then switch to green tea, then switch to decaf.

3.       Ok. Now we have covered the basics for that precious wake up time.  The next important thing, and perhaps above and beyond all else:  

      

3. FOOD! 

                           We need food.  Even if it is something small like an apple or banana.  The mind needs this fuel. I have found that a protein rich breakfast suits my needs better than carbs.  Whatever works for you just don’t forget to at least eat something.  Oh, I almost forgot, try to do that eating thing every few hours.  Like every three hours.  Remember quality exceeds quantity

4. Water   

                       Hydrate or die!  Need I say more? 

 5. Dollar Dollar Bill Ya'll (hopefully!)  

                       One of my favorite things to do is hunt for work.  Every freelancer needs this, or an agent, or a different profession. Some of my favorite places: Odesk, Elance, and Journalism Jobs.    Spend at least an hour looking through these a couple times a week.  Make sure to apply as soon as you see something you find even remotely interesting.  The window that these jobs are open is usually pretty small.  Plus you have now entered the realms of global competition.  Don’t sell yourself short.  Or as I was always learned: Don’t shoot yourself in the foot 

 6. Roll Up Them Sleeves 

              Now after job hunting for a bit, I feel excited about the freelance work I do have.  This is one I tear into it with ruthless abandon.  These next few hours fly by

7. Brain Breather

                

Old Journal. Watercolor Apple.

                    My favorite brain breather, or brain break, involves making some sort of art.  This may be making a letter for somebody, creating digitally, or even decorating a journal.  One way or another, this special time of the afternoon allows me to bridge the gap between writing for a job and writing for myself (or the characters in my stories, however you slice it)

8. Time for the real Work! 

              Depending on what stage of the process I am at, this is the time when I get to really work on all those 'other' projects. You know the ones.  They are the ones that got you to quit calling them hobbies and start taking them seriously. I either write, edit, submit, or prepare for digital trade (as was the case recently when I released Oats Wild). 

You can order it here! (or through your favorite ebook store)

9. Slow 'Er Down  

 

                     A light night cap of any fiction work usually does the job. It's books not booze Crockett!

10. Good Rest   

 

                      It might not always be 8 hours (in fact it seldom is) but I resist trying to burn the ‘Midnight Oil’ or stay up till the sun rises.  Sometimes my circadian rhythm flips the script on me and I’ll suddenly be on the night shift. For the most part though, I allow my body to get the rest it needs, whenever it needs it. 

So there are my simple 10 steps.  I realize some of them are no-brainers.  But if you are anything like me, some of those simple things, such as remembering to eat and sleep, just sort of fade away when in the wonderfully delirious throws of your personal muse.  The point is to stay calm and productive.  Not manic, anxious, and stressed.   I also try to alternate.  Some things are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. While other things are only Tuesday and Thursday.  If variety is the spice of life, structure provides all the different utensils necessary to get the job done.  Happy writing....catch up with you all on the flippers!

New November plus NaNoWriMo Kicks Off

After spending much of yesterday taking a few extra long breaks contemplating the fact that I was less than 24 hours away from the big kick off of NaNoWriMo, the day has finally arrived. For those of you that may not be familiar with NaNoWriMo it stands for National Novel Writing Month.  It is held each November and followed by something like 300,000 people. 

The exciting aspect about it for me is the entire notion that there is a collective all actively pursuing this self-imposed deadline. While I would like to think that my own allegiance to the goal is completely devoid of my inner masochist the truth is naught.  However, it is a fun journey and I'm looking forward to the process.  I've never attempted it so this shall definitely be an adventure.

I was so glad this bird posed for the shot. Makes me a bit sad though.

Along with being a novel month for myself, it also marks the beginning of this new blog. I have attempted blogging before and have failed miserably at being able to continually set standards of achievement with my productivity.  The goal this time is to actually blog.  It's pretty hard to actually have a blog if I am too busy cleaning cupboards or organizing my desk.  I hereby deem this month as New November.

As your resident 'blogger' I will try my best to make sure that I keep this blog: up-to-date, relative, informative, and useful.  Above and beyond all of these things though I am going to embed it with as much honesty as possible.  Honesty, whether you know it or not, can be one of the toughest things to moderate. 

It is so easy to tell somebody one thing or another just to make them feel good.  For instance, the other day a friend of mine was singing to me a song that she had written.  Kudos for her.  I'm happy she is writing and singing.  The song however was the same searing overly dramatic cry for attention from her unrequited Beau that she had been unknowingly singing every time she opened her mouth for the previous 6 months. On top of everything she was singing just like she were Adele.  If you want to sing like Adele all the more power to you, I had thought to myself, but I refuse to standby and watch a friend try to get on The Voice just because she can sound like Adele.  Adele can sound like Adele. I like Adele. I do not like my friend trying to claim that her Adele-like method of articulation is an original expression of her feelings.  It wasn't easiest being honest with her. 

It's that sort of honesty I think that can be the hardest to give.  It is difficult because you aren't really trying to hurt anybody's feelings. Or destroy dreams.  But why all the eggshells I ask myself?  Yes I know I'm totally opening myself up to anybody that reads this.  Clearly I'm inviting all sorts of tirades against me.  You can't dish it out if you aren't willing to take it.  But the bottom line I'm getting to though is that I promise I will do my best to remain honest with myself and all readers.  It may not be the best writing, it may not always be quirky and funny, it may not always be sensitive and caring.  It will not always be ranting, it will not always be intelligent, it will not always be dry. But it will be truthful.

This is my new Hub. (a clever play on words, I do say).