tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307411032011-12-02T22:45:48.890-08:00Freelancing is as easy or as difficult as you make it.Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.comBlogger2471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-41112010350325605232011-12-02T22:44:00.001-08:002011-12-02T22:45:48.922-08:00

Apparently my designer never actually put my art on my own blog...but her website hence the disappearing graphics. Sigh. One day I'll get this whole blogging thing right.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-42042487203681356672011-09-12T01:18:00.000-07:002011-09-12T01:18:57.648-07:00

I was complaining about my composition students texting in class when a colleague of mine suggested something genius. "I think you should make them write their 7- to 8-page papers on their iPhones or Droids. That should cure it." Oh, if only I could.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-21230727236495216302011-04-03T11:32:00.000-07:002011-04-09T12:22:24.086-07:00

I was reading this article from Mediabistro about Berkeleyside, a start-up new site from a group of journalists (some of which I know!) in -- you guessed it, Berkeley. It made me ponder again why writers/journalists are so reluctant to be entrepreneurs -- including myself. Is it because we are supposed to be skeptical of corporations and can't be tainted by the murky underworld of business? Is

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-33493601838053440102011-01-03T11:00:00.000-08:002011-04-03T11:02:26.953-07:00

Two kitties sittin' in a sink. I posted the last post in December and Lauren Lipton replied in the comments about our "feud." She's very nice and rational there, but she posted a slightly pricklier version the same day to me at my personal account on YouTube: I do appreciate that you liked and posted my first two videos, and I wish you the best of luck with yours. In return, I sincerely hope

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-16368964104417252012010-12-29T01:10:00.000-08:002010-12-29T01:11:12.661-08:00

Yes, you heard that correctly. Writing and I have reached the point where we are definitely an old married couple without a lot of lust involved. Has this happened to you? Perhaps you loved writing, thought about it all the time, couldn't do without it -- but now, your goal is to have an extended vacation away from it? I say these things because they're stereotypes about married couples -- my

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-82226791458002259152010-12-24T09:42:00.000-08:002010-12-24T09:43:09.200-08:00

 My anti-anxiety meds.  I received an odd e-mail the other day from Lauren Lipton, of the "Adventures in Freelancing" animated shorts below, asking me to cease and desist  because of my last post, also an Xtranormal animated short because it was too much like *hers.* She asked me to change the characters and voices so they aren't like hers -- well, one of the three she's done.  Does she

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-69664279092951014292010-12-20T17:59:00.000-08:002010-12-20T17:59:57.131-08:00

An animated feature based on an exchange with my former boss two years ago. At least I can find the humor in it now!

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-91819172351205547402010-12-17T19:43:00.000-08:002010-12-18T01:04:08.715-08:00

Here's my new animation from Xtranormal! All about blogging and the dangers therein. Bloggers beware!

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-11869481612594970362010-12-17T11:04:00.000-08:002010-12-17T11:05:22.581-08:00

I saw this on Mediabistro.com and knew my blog had to have it. Hilarious. See the follow up about the pushy PR person. And everyone's favorite -- the ultra-pushy, annoying PR "professional." God save us!

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-40029958845952639572010-12-04T20:01:00.000-08:002010-12-04T20:01:14.961-08:00

It's a tough market out there. People who tell you otherwise are trying to sell you something. Does that mean there's still money out there? Yes, but it means you're going to have to be a bit more determined and develop a thicker skin for rejection. I know, doesn't that fill you with hope and enthusiasm?!? I'm still working and making money but I've found out that working less is actually

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-67507796249414150332010-07-11T11:06:00.000-07:002010-07-11T11:06:48.959-07:00

I like to think that all my writing is now death-defying since I've come close to the idea of death. Perhaps it will make my prose all the more bittersweet and heartrending, although I doubt that. Working on a blog but it seems a bit more focused on quantity rather than quality -- although what did I expect? Journalism as I know it is gone . . . which makes me a little sad sometimes. The good

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-50505338989817345542010-06-26T20:22:00.000-07:002010-06-26T20:22:39.500-07:00

I ended up having a very bad vacation, including a trip to the hospital. Seeing elderly people in various stages of dementia is not anyone's ideal vacation, nor is a CAT scan. However, I'm doing better and I was released --- and now it feels more like summer vacation. Work is looking up and I'm happy about that. Will keep you posted on what's going on. Should have some good news by next week!

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-8103549097238304152010-06-17T11:20:00.000-07:002010-06-17T11:20:12.765-07:00

That's what I like to call it anyway. It's actually the first day that I don't have anything due or any assignments. And since my blogging gigs dried up I'm pretty free to devote myself to my lesser-paying but more personal ventures like this one. So, what shall I do? Work on my summer school syllabus? Find another job? Or just take a nap? I have to say the latter is sounding very good right now

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-74030686540043129372010-06-09T12:18:00.000-07:002010-06-09T12:18:18.784-07:00

My sweetie, SO, whatever you would like to call him, doesn't believe in "The Secret" or much of the hullabaloo about what used to be called creative visualization. However he does believe in some personal mythology culled from ideas like it.  I admit that I'm arrogant and don't always listen to him. One day he came home and we talked about buying a painting or two by an artist I had been

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-38825854670586466252010-06-07T10:26:00.000-07:002010-06-07T10:26:46.451-07:00

A lot has been said about the future of books will be digital. I suppose to many it seems that way -- although I can't think of anything stupider than buying an iPad (but what I think doesn't matter, if 10 milion of you out there buy them.) Nonetheless, the new digital frontier of publishing was at the forefront in New York City at BookExpo America. Ultimately, consumers want freedom, said

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-28120373269567432422010-06-03T08:53:00.000-07:002010-06-03T08:54:41.948-07:00

Author Joe McGinnis has moved next door to Sarah (and husband, Todd) Palin to glean more information about a book he's writing about the former Alaska governor. The Palins are debating a move at least for the summer from their Wasilla home. Todd decided to check out the new neighbor and walked over to introduce himself. He and McGinniss had a brief conversation, during which Todd challenged

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-63609568694889009002010-05-23T14:53:00.000-07:002010-05-24T07:55:55.447-07:00

One day, they're going to tape all our interviews and then put them on YouTube. For a peek of that, check out actor Chris Klein ("American Pie," "Here on Earth") audition for the film, "Mamma Mia." He didn't get the part. However, I hope his publicist is booking his appearance on talk shows at least. A viral video that isn't a sex tape, showing him slurring during a DUI, or of him beating up a

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-90354978856703996712010-05-23T12:17:00.000-07:002011-04-08T20:11:31.771-07:00

I cringed a little when I read about the latest publisher to contract with a content mill. I  had read about Yahoo! buying Associated Content and USA Today (Gannett) and other newspaper chains already using the bargain-basement Demand Studios -- but once it hit my marketplace, it suddenly seemed very real. From Erik Sherman's story and the interesting part of the leaked Demand Studios e-mail:

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-32464659861582651282010-05-20T20:33:00.000-07:002010-05-23T12:18:16.030-07:00

Seriously, Kelly Bensimon's breakdown was amazing. If you have not seen it, and you're an actor, you may want to watch to get some pointers about someone going over the deep end. On a real reality note, I had a few job interviews -- one with a company that didn't call when it was supposed to but rescheduled for tomorrow. Another that seemed like it was going to pan out but no word, and yet

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-88565188356411018412010-05-18T17:00:00.000-07:002010-05-23T12:18:59.737-07:00

Yahoo! apparently bought content mill, Associated Content for $100 million. Just think how much freelance content that $100 million could pay for, if they had chosen to hire their own freelance writers? By my estimate -- $1,800 a month for a story 20 times a month -- could pay 100 freelance writers for 46 years. Oh, well.  If I though about how small our writer world was becoming I think I would

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-50755646007032327702010-05-16T01:03:00.000-07:002010-05-23T12:19:22.527-07:00

Apparently my permalance blogging contract is dying in June -- their choice, not mine -- and I'm busily looking for more cash. In the meantime, I'm trying to post more on my other gigs to highlight my work. And all this during finals week! Eeeeek! And that's why I'm crying, "MayDay! MayDay! About to crash and burn!" My goal is to get another sweet blogging contract, but those aren't as easy to

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-77617492282708858702010-04-10T00:19:00.000-07:002010-05-23T12:20:16.777-07:00

What is a Media Star anyway? Who is one? Apparently Business Insider (who?!?) seems to know 25 of them. Apparently they're high-powered journalists of note - who are now working for AOL or the Daily Beast or some other Web site. I just don't understand how one becomes a Media Star or why we would name someone that? They worked in New York? Or made more than $100K? Do I care more about their

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-53362583527354008642010-04-09T00:08:00.001-07:002010-04-09T00:26:59.187-07:00

Someone asked that once. Can you still be a writer and have a day job? Or a part-time job, or a temp job?The answer: Of course! Times are tough and people need money. Few people totally rely on one source of income. Personally, I have a couple of permalance gigs, but I still teach writing and literature classes as an adjunct instructor. I think I'm only going to be teaching one class in fall, so

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-77565269687868154802010-04-08T23:22:00.000-07:002010-04-08T23:48:51.795-07:00

I was writing the last post and then suddenly, it was April! Sorry about that. I'm on Spring Break, after a few months of teaching and God, I needed it. (Is that saying the Lord's name in vain? I've never been sure about that.)I find that I'm getting most of my news from "The Daily Show," since I seem to have no patience for CNN or MSNBC. For whatever reason, I can watch Bloomberg all day, maybe

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-42432056113517807212010-03-05T16:15:00.000-08:002010-03-05T16:53:05.872-08:00

AOL's WalletPop is seeking freelance writers/columnists to join their team. WalletPop, AOL's personal finance site, is a leading Web site devoted fully to personal finance news and advice. For more information, please contact Beth Gladstone at Beth.gladstone@corp.aol.com for more information. In the email please include a cover letter, resume and recent clips (links.) The beats we are looking for

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-35330741070145466312010-03-05T09:32:00.000-08:002010-03-05T16:15:11.188-08:00

Sorry, it's been a while, but I decided to work on things I need to work on. Not that I don't love this blog, but it's just not the moneymaker other things are. (And I'm not saying it's even that much money!)Freelancing is tougher now, don't think it's not, but there's still some work available, especially online. It's just that you have to get through all the $10/article gibberish to get to

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-45805900811350422442010-01-20T16:26:00.000-08:002010-01-20T16:53:46.863-08:00

OK, I performed a rookie move. Let's see if you can spot it. (Names have been changed.)---Hi, Editor First Name:Thousands of condos were built in San Francisco and the East Bay by developers hoping to cash in on the real estate boom. Unfortunately many of those same buildings opened in 2008 and 2009 and are now facing low, if any, demand. This has led to many cash-strapped companies renting and

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-16607265671922526782009-09-17T12:01:00.000-07:002009-09-17T12:15:53.280-07:00

I have been neglecting you, all of you. (And I know it's thousands, millions of you, right?!?)Anyway, I'm back from Southampton and the Squaw Valley Writers Conference, where it was weeks filled with booze, affairs and writing. (I didn't partake of affairs, but hey, others did!) I have to admit, though, even though I though it might be a huge waste of time, I found myself energized and even

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-20921866675554503202009-07-03T10:27:00.000-07:002009-07-03T10:44:59.119-07:00

Yes, it is...good news is that I'm heading to the Southampton Writers Conference! It's the first step of my Summer of Writing.I figure now that I'm out of my MFA program, I need whatever excuses or support possible to keep me writing. Selfish? Perhaps.I also was accepted into the Squaw Valley Community of Writers Summer Workshop! I'm very happy about that and will be going with a classmate. It

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-54954915810995345682009-05-02T09:32:00.000-07:002009-05-02T09:46:59.820-07:00

I know it's really May 2, but it rained all of May 1, too....so the title still works, right?I'm working on my thesis this weekend because it's due Monday. So I'm spending the weekend locked up in my "tower room" writing my last 20 pages and rewriting the other 65 pages. Throughout all this, I was reading Katherine Boo's "The Marriage Cure," which is amazingly, beautifully good. Although written

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-77911420202437703412009-04-27T01:14:00.001-07:002009-04-27T01:15:39.811-07:00

OK, remember how I have to have the book done by the end of the month? That's in three days, right? Yes. And I just spent how many hours watching bad Sunday cable TV? Yes, six hours. I'm a dead woman.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-25180730676483826582009-04-10T00:36:00.000-07:002009-04-10T01:03:21.675-07:00

Isn't it weird when you finally decide to write a book and you're more than half done? Now, it's as if every sentence is painstakingly pored over until I want to give up. Got my 8th chapter done, but can't come up with an ending that works (esp. since I'm trying to get this published before the book comes out.)Pitched another two stories, one was rejected, the other is being mulled over. I guess

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-77479774979136933462009-03-24T11:17:00.000-07:002009-03-24T11:48:48.315-07:00

One editor I recently worked with said he paid on publication. Well, the issue came out March 2009 and I still don't see a check. Is it time for the friendly reminder e-mail? Yes, I think it is.OK, all done. So far I'm now a permalancer for a major media company which keeps me in sort-of employed. Taxes on this, however, really killed me this year. I'm going to look into the quarterly payments

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-23845837228823619652009-03-23T08:54:00.001-07:002009-03-23T09:16:18.330-07:00

I could spend my entire post saying that I was in the process of moving and working with contractors for the last three months and everything -- and I do mean everything -- kind of fell by the wayside. I'd like to think that I'm much more organized than that, but let's face it, one big wrench gets thrown in to the works and everything can fall apart.Does that mean I've been writing? Not much. I

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-58138278802774023912008-09-06T15:50:00.000-07:002009-03-23T09:06:24.936-07:00

For FIVE DAYS in a row, the Weather Channel has reported highs in the 80s. It was been 100 degrees or above each day. Perhaps they should change their name to the "We Don't Know" channel. Because you can be wrong for a day, but FIVE DAYS straight? Come on!

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-25918237252671846852008-08-26T09:51:00.001-07:002008-08-31T09:12:50.069-07:00

It's good to be back and my jet lag is minimal now after taking midafternoon naps for three days. I couldn't yesterday because one of my cats barfed on my bed and I spend the next 90 minutes washing and drying sheets. So in essence, her vomiting put me on schedule.I watched "Coach Carter" when I came back and enjoyed this quote, which was adapted from Marianne Williamson.Our deepest fear is not

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-15427122335205489382008-08-22T11:40:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:13:15.594-07:00

Hey, finally back and sweating like crazy. It's in the 80s and humid, so you know me in my Northern California petite flower way, that I am dying.It was interesting, from the beauty of Ireland to the attitude of New Jersey airport workers. It's good when it smacks you in the face, huh?On to San Francisco in only 3.5 hours......oh, how I miss you.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-1259710632844246542008-08-12T08:48:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:14:00.038-07:00

Mostly Northern Ireland, and a short trip to Glasgow. It's a vacation and we hope it's calm, relaxed and rainy.While most people don't like rainy, if you're from a place where it's sunny 11 months out of the year, rain is a pleasant change.I saw this blog post from Marci Alboher at the New York Times, which talks about how journalists must be more enterpreneurs because they have to be. You can

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-47134920141737899452008-08-06T08:50:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:14:57.336-07:00

That was a question I got the other day as I heard some colleagues telling me about their freelancing projects. "But aren't they cutting back their budgets?" someone asked."Oh, no. They've gotten bigger because they cut all their staff," the colleague said.It was interesting because "Time Out New York" had this article about how to escape uncertainty and a dead-end job, by freelancing. I think it

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-50845249919502421112008-08-04T18:48:00.001-07:002008-08-31T09:15:56.470-07:00

Yes, it should be obvious what kind of books I've been reading lately-- career guides!The Adventures of Johnny Bunko turned out to be worth the $6 and I'll probably give it to one of my colleagues after I read it one more time. It's really aimed at Gen Yers and a little light, but gets to the point. Which is: 1. There is no plan.2. Think strengths, not weaknesses.3. It’s not about you.4.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-84970685809003692022008-07-31T21:45:00.000-07:002011-04-08T20:24:03.995-07:00

First of all, I know the interviewer, and he did this celebrity interview of Kathy Griffin absolutely wrong. He: Said he wasn't a fan (somewhat emphatically) Admitted to doing little or no research Proceeded to ignore his subject. When I used to do celebrity interviews with the likes of Benicio del Toro, Ellen DeGeneres and various soap stars, I always did my research. In fact, doing your

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-39304100467252088372008-07-30T14:14:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:16:50.713-07:00

Mika just makes me happy. Any video I watch I guess I look and think, "Yes! I want to be that happy!" Weird that he's my mentor, but there are worse ones. Like Dean Singleton perhaps.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-91061817280599765732008-07-27T16:21:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:17:24.825-07:00

Yes, I am. Laid off isn't fun, especially when you consider the alternative -- making money and have health insurance.My severance package give me healthcare until Halloween...isn't that an odd date? I know. I guess because it makes it a scary, scary time to not have health insurance.Meanwhile, I have applied everywhere and not a peep from anyone. OK, that's not true, I got one missive that said,

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-55191784870971012742008-07-22T01:36:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:17:50.497-07:00

I hear so much about how print journalism is dying (or committing suicide, as my old editor liked to say.) I have to say that it is true....but why is it? Is it because of the general decline in reading? Or the idea that people can get all the news they want "for free" on the Internet?I'm pondering that myself. Is there a different model to use? Is there something different out there? Perhaps a

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-18519204380370512632008-07-15T22:39:00.001-07:002008-08-31T09:18:16.502-07:00

I have had two days off and I don't know what I did with it besides work on my blogs (hence the new ads and Google Analytics finally works!) but it just took up hours.I've decided to start writing again. I figure three different projects will get me to be creative but not within a small box of 1920s Mexico or the 1990s Pacific Northwest. I just need to do more, let myself go and expand, something

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-22431637398796666072008-07-13T11:10:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:18:54.429-07:00

I was laid off from my full-time media job, so now I'm a full-time freelancer again. Not bad, at least something I know I can do and not freak out about. Still, I'll miss the camaraderie. Sigh.Queried the New York Times on a food/travel piece and hope it works out. If not, I will survive. I also have to work on a travel piece about the Oregon Wine Country, which churns out my favorite wine ever!

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-34555863854771406512008-06-24T18:43:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:26:32.349-07:00

Man, I read that last post...what a whiner! Sheesh. Sorry, kids.Been busy and trying to pitch a "Choice Tables" article for the New York Times travel section, but trying to come up with an awesome pitch. I know what I want to do, so I've done a bit of research online and narrowed down a few restaurants, now I just need that delicious tidbit that will push the editor into saying, "Yes!"We love

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-37331542013839094422008-06-19T00:22:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:26:50.002-07:00

I don't know, I've been feeling so low and bad lately, like I have no self-confidence. I put off and put off pitching until finally I sent a query letter on Tuesday. It was assigned that day, but I was so lacking in confidence I really wonder why I bothered.I'm just feeling so low right now. I wish I knew what to do to make it stop. Perhaps it will come to me in a dream, or if I do spiritual

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-9223937748869741832008-05-30T08:42:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:27:32.885-07:00

Maile Meloy is the American author of "Liars and Saints" and "A Family Daughter." (From The Telegraph.)As a child, Meloy was a voracious reader, devouring Joan Didion, James Salter, Tom Robbins, John Cheever and Evelyn Waugh. "But I never would have thought of writing as something I could do or make a living out of." It was only in her early twenties, while working as a river ranger for her uncle

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-19403067579594838472008-05-19T00:14:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:31:29.431-07:00

The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair.—Mary Heaton VorseNow that my school semester is coming to an end, I really have no excuse not to be pitching story ideas. Good ones, too, but ones I've been putting off because of school work and ... dare I say it? ... fear of rejection.Don't you hate when your insecurity makes you freeze up? Oh, but it

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-35828123132429166322008-05-15T23:48:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:44:14.462-07:00

It's hella hot. Hella! This is why I left the desert for the Great White North. Anyway, after sweating through watching "The Office" I retreated to the one room with a teeny airconditioner -- which means about 30 minutes of sweating before it cools down enough to sleep.I'm working on a list of ideas for the next few months, pitching to the New York Times, Washington Post and others. I hope it

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-82171441747290314442008-05-02T17:40:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:43:47.795-07:00

Wow, this is my first-ever request. Love them! I guess I have more to do this weekend than finish a fictional short story, a nonfictional short story, read the rest of Mary Roach's Stiff, write a freelance piece on home decor and possibly go to a house auction.OK, I may have time to at least go through a few posts. But not a whole year. I'm an Aquarius with Gemini ascendant, I can't do outlines

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-41726119721744468422008-04-29T22:44:00.001-07:002008-08-31T09:42:59.622-07:00

If you missed this piece on James Frey while drooling over Miley Cyrus photos, I will forgive you, barely. Read it, it's interesting, especially about his hate mail saying they hope he gets "ass cancer." That's graphic and nonfiction. Love it!Also, goodbye to Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough ... now they can smooch without being contractually obligated. I also accidentally erased a troll post. "

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-76760144343317186062008-04-29T08:46:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:42:11.832-07:00

Well, I'm excited anyway!After a harrowing week, I'm back in the Bay Area and eager for some more rejection! Time for pitches! And sending out paper invoices because I'm old school. And what do those invoices need -- yes, stamps.For those freelancers who don't know --- the price of postage is rising on May 12. Yes, didn't it seem like only yesterday the price was raised to 41 cents? Well,

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-21901299633018102292008-04-25T17:29:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:41:42.429-07:00

In the boxes, there are photos of us all growing up, but it’s Aunt Lou’s beehive that always garners gasps of awe from strangers. It sits on her head, easily 18 inches high with densely-packed, graduated black curls resembling the shako worn by the Queen’s Guard.I think sometimes people remember their peak, when they felt they looked their best and then try to make time stand still. Hers was the

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-62577583481204177382008-04-20T00:45:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:37:27.539-07:00

"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."The arctic winds were blowing today as I watched the SO rip open the ground with a pick-ax and tiller. I watched as parents walked with their children swathed in parkas they probably wore maybe once before. After an hour, I was freezing and had to go inside to warm up.In late April, you say? Apparently the biting wind even made my

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-75752873560929412672008-04-14T08:57:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:36:57.212-07:00

OK, so you think it's not hard writing personal essays. You're right, it isn't. You just talk about yourself, right?But the best personal essays are those heartwrenchingly honest pieces that really deliver for the reader. The ones that your poor blood into, that you break your heart over.Well, I tried to do that. I tried to write a piece -- humorous, no less -- about my cardio problems. After I

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-10720326734867155172008-04-12T01:15:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:36:12.022-07:00

Just something I thought I would share:My Mother in Two PhotographsI call the first photo “the glamour shot.” It’s my mother at 18 and visiting from college. She selected this photo and wanted me to use it in class. I almost thought about using something else and then realized that it tells more about her than I could. There she is with her cousin on the left and her sister on the right and she

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-63915007350273873422008-04-10T20:40:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:34:26.075-07:00

Man, it's late and I had a sugar feast in class today. Chocolate chip cookie, an orange and homemade chocolate toffee. Who makes homemade chocolate toffee, I ask you? Who does?!? Apparently people from Maine do. Thanks, Terri Ann Bourke! I am now prediabetic.I got my check from the NY Times! Another $1,000 goes to buying a house. Yes, all my freelance goes into my "Buying a House Fund." I won't

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-25566016884891643832008-04-07T18:02:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:33:48.147-07:00

Q: OK, how do you balance freelance, full-time work and graduate school? Are you a superhero?A: Why thanks! I am pretty amazing.Seriously, the first semester was the toughest. I found I could always do two of the three relatively easy, but once the third factor came in, it became extremely difficult.Right now, I pretty much work 40 hours a week and school takes up about 20 hours a week of my

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-31199893423217387182008-04-05T16:34:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:33:29.069-07:00

Story is finally out! Loved visiting there, it was so beautiful even when it hailed like crazy and everyone ran screaming to their cars/hotels. Even the flood/mudslide warnings weren't deterring me from keeping my French doors open so I could hear the waves as I typed away on my laptop.Today I had to get my blood drawn because my cardiologist is deciding whether or not I am a candidate for CHAD (

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-80236702625524445152008-03-27T00:20:00.001-07:002008-08-31T09:32:32.264-07:00

Yes, finally my New York Times article is coming out -- April 4, I'm told. I'm happy it's running, period! You will get to read all about my trip to the Central Coast!My teeth are killing me from various dental procedures and I'm popping Advil like candy (yes, probably not a good idea -- goodbye, kidneys! I'll miss you!) and I'm just not writing like I used to. I feel horribly burnt-out. The

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-67922360835502511602008-03-06T21:50:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:32:06.781-07:00

If you're like me, you get scared bothering your editor in case they may decide not to buy your story. Weird, I know, and unlikely, but I guess I have low self-esteem. Sometimes you can't believe people pay you to write!I always enjoy the whole, "Oh, you're a writer, huh? So how do you make any money?" and I tell them I get paid for writing articles and they act as if I'm from Planet Makebelieve.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-23520227181909685562008-03-03T08:31:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:30:46.528-07:00

Yes, she is. I changed my appointment last minute and she was not happy about it. Why? you ask. Because it feels weird at work and I don't want to miss much work especially when they're deciding who to lay off. I don't think it's me, but hey, corporations are corporations, and media corporations lay off.I'm on antidepressants right now, sertraline, and I'm not sure they work, but I use them

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-29266040651265010042008-02-27T19:29:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:19:22.546-07:00

I forgot to mention my meeting with Ms. Sweeney went very well. She really liked my stuff! Too bad I didn't have a book to give her yet. Maybe next year!Life is good. I'm still writing and just finished something for the New York Times, so hopefully I will get an edit and check soon! (It seems to take about 30 days for that, though.) No problem, though.My company is having financial difficulties

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-40769335802543788152008-02-17T17:28:00.000-08:002008-02-17T17:39:24.227-08:00

The new excitement?!? I'm meeting with literary agent Emma Sweeney tomorrow. I have no idea what to wear, what to bring or what to say. So if anyone has any advice to give, please give it!Other than that, my MFA has restarted and only one student seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. I think that's a good thing because she didn't seem like she really wanted to be there. And if you

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-70175810574820299862008-02-11T19:15:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:40:51.341-07:00

Oh, man, I wish I could be the poster girl for activity and determination, but lately I'm the poster girl for -- *procrastination*.Why do I do it? I don't know. I prefer to sit surfing the Internet until 1 a.m. or watching bad reality TV (I know, kind of an oxymoron) instead? Apparently, I 'd rather do anything than writing about my trip to the coast or about lighting options for the home? See, I

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-23542930461508851562008-01-15T19:25:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:40:15.504-07:00

I have cried bitter tears these days, for Tatiana, the young tiger cut down in her prime. -- Susan Crawford, My Wild HeartI think many people love animals more than people. I mean, think about it -- they don't talk back, they're usually a blank canvas that gazes up at you, are really good listeners, don't care if you gain weight or lose your hair, and can only leave the house when you want them

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-78227111162882098762008-01-07T22:43:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:39:42.147-07:00

OK, pretend I haven't been neglecting this blog. Fine? Fine. Now we can go on.Someone asked how I got started freelancing. Hmmm, there really was no rhyme nor reason to it. I guess if I had known how hard it was I may not have started.I'm a journalist, a newspaper reporter by trade, and my first freelance pieces were sold to CitySearch.com, on a city I knew. I sent a e-mail cover letter and a

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-45520460097460018462007-12-02T08:43:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:38:45.782-07:00

If you don't know who Laurie Notaro is, then you should find out.I bought her first book several years ago when I was shopping in Target and saw it on the book rack. I found, "The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club" pretty hilarious. She's written several books since but none quite as good as the first. Or maybe I was in my 20s and found drunken stories of single women in their 20s a hoot.Either

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-60178547779791231732007-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:38:02.606-07:00

Another month of pitching to editors who may or may not be on vacation for three weeks! Yay! My favorite!So far, one pitch and an assignment from a long-standing client. Not big money, but definitely good Xmas money (althought I probably won't be paid until January.) That's cool, thought.Weirdness upon weirdness -- I think I'm going on antidepressants. Thing is, I don't know if it will help.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-45098546447660397042007-11-26T01:00:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:30:00.139-07:00

I forgot to mention, after a long period where I thought a client lost my invoice for travel -- they found it and sent me my check! I was very happy to see it.Turns out, someone did have it somewhere in their office and it was processed. So there is still a light at the end of the tunnel for any writer with a misplaced invoice (which I'm sure will multiply now that the holidays are on us.)Good

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-48446907674794397172007-11-26T00:51:00.000-08:002008-08-31T09:29:40.522-07:00

It's like freezing now. Or something close to it. I used my awful wall heater in my Victorian and it smelled like burnt dust/dirt. Kind of a gritty feeling lodged in the back of your throat.With the draftiness of this old house, it's like being in a meat locker and without a blanket. You feel like never getting out of bed, which if my current state is any indication, I may not. Except for that

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-90607954656056081902007-11-10T09:55:00.001-08:002008-08-31T09:28:45.808-07:00

I'm meeting another agent today, my third in a line of agents. Can this one work out? Man, we hope so. Too bad the houses are so ugly. (See house I have posted here.)How is my life? I don't know, sometimes I feel a bit lost about work and think I'm going to be fired, since that's what a psychic told me about a year ago, "I see you leaving your job in November 2007." I guess we'll see how accurate

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-23592601457686788202007-11-02T07:49:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:28:04.606-07:00

The SO's been in the UK and the days are getting shorter, it feels like I should just hiberate. Oh, that sounds so good right now!Life's good, slightly strange and surreal (isn't that redundant?) and I wrote this for my workshop class. Hope it sings (at least a little.)Jason was ESPN2’s prime audience. Into heli-skiing, rock-climbing, extreme anything that involved creative facial hair, sports

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-18682948683795880772007-10-22T17:45:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:25:23.191-07:00

Interested in learning more about East Bay Real Estate but without the National Association of Realtors spin? Well, I might be able to help you out.Check out writer/journalist Barbara Hernandez's Property Lines, which incorporates original reporting, newsgathering and Web surfing to bring you highlights of the East Bay Housing Market:By the way, bank-owned properties rarely go for less than 30

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-81810660606321928092007-10-16T19:55:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:26:06.934-07:00

The thing I don't like about my MFA program is that it's geared towards literary fiction/nonfiction. And while that's great and all, I want to write chick-lit. I want to make money. And why is that wrong?I say that all the time in my classes and my classmates laugh as if I'm joking. I'm so not.I thought about what book really made me laugh out loud and the last book I bought where I immediately

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-25886275652204857192007-10-12T18:58:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:24:56.859-07:00

After a week of kind of blindly bumping into walls and the like, I have the weekend I need to recoup. Maybe even go to the gym, maybe? Ah, I need those endorphins released!I feel slightly bad because I wasn't giving my all in anything this week. Classes, relationships, work, life. I was just on auto-pilot. I kind of feel bad about it -- but don't you just hit a wall sometimes? Everything is

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-39414677879910650072007-10-08T13:48:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:24:13.915-07:00

I have almost all my checks! Only waiting on the expense check. Still important, though.I am analyzing data over the past month and my results are more than 100 pages. Man, it's like slogging through . . . well, data. There's just so much, I feel like it will take me a month to go through it all. Too bad I only have two weeks. Still, I think I'll make deadline.Meanwhile, I have to come up with a

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-33646565472883740212007-10-05T18:55:00.001-07:002008-08-31T09:23:44.462-07:00

Hey, despite my summer and golden/peachy Web site it is starting to turn cold in the Bay Area and we have our first frost advisory of the season! I broke out my space heater (and I don't mean the multi-colored, four-legged and furry ones that eat and poop constantly) and one of the eating, pooping machines wedged his entire body up against it, thus singeing his fur and making sure no one else

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-62153575618865324512007-10-01T00:45:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:22:41.576-07:00

Apparently, I am so stressed out that I'm getting migraines again. With work, graduate school and occasional freelancing I'm stress-eating, not getting enough sleep and feeling so angry I could rip someone's arm off.The last time I had migraines was during undergrad. When I look back, those were less stressful time -- well, not really, because they made me take math and physics. Now I just write

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-59299972968468110232007-09-25T17:56:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:21:54.087-07:00

I have another week!! *Little dance* Oh and it's almost all done already. I'm excitedly happy. School blew because I still feel like an outsider but I will soon be $1,000 richer. That helps, right?And on that note, it's time for --- yes!--- another Mika Moment.Mika - Love Today

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-34136819145886719722007-09-24T20:51:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:21:22.661-07:00

I do.I turned it in a month ago. And he wants to do a quick and dirty edit before it runs this Saturday. Couldn't he have looked at it a few weeks ago and we could have ironed this out rather easily? Nope. Last minute and I can't answer all the questions in the few hours I have from work.I really wanted to write about travel and he's the editor that can decide that. I hope I didn't screw up my

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-58489228974002157352007-09-21T18:01:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:20:49.364-07:00

I have survived a month of graduate school and a full-time job! Rock me, Amadeus!I was checking this out on the Los Angeles Times Web site, this debate on what obesity really is. I agree with Paul Campos. Be active, try to eat a balanced diet and leave the rest to nature. Get off everyone's chunky back.I think I appreciated that Campos brought up what so many of us already think:Needless to say,

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-53537589712407094562007-09-17T19:05:00.000-07:002008-08-31T09:20:26.628-07:00

You know, the "e-mail." The one where I basically say:Hi, XX:It's been a little while and I haven't receivedmy check for my work on your magazine. Normally, I would wait a month before writing but your company is normally so efficient and prompt! Is there anything I can do to speed things along?Thanks,MeOf course when I say, "Is there anything I can do ... ?" I really mean "you," but you need to

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-10045518677033612302007-09-15T13:04:00.000-07:002007-09-15T13:41:47.450-07:00

I like weekends, where I basically raid the neighborhood grocery store deli of fried goodies and pasta salad. (Hence picture of fat pandas in China.)I went to look at an overpriced house today. It's a buyer's market, but sellers don't seem to be agreeing to that. Plus, as we all know from Freakonomics, real estate agents want more for their house.So, she wants $629,000 when her house is worth

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-21121464759122520782007-09-13T23:25:00.000-07:002007-09-13T23:49:59.008-07:00

Well, two checks, but one's not due until the end of month.Today was good, or maybe it was because I was so busy I didn't have time to be self-conscious and weird. (I usually have too much time on my hands to be both!) I really, really want to pitch a story but feel I might be biting off more than I can chew. Maybe if I just do a lot of work in December?Actually, in my experience, December is a

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-36340937067425478902007-09-11T19:44:00.000-07:002007-09-11T19:48:59.462-07:00

A professor that doesn't understand the concept of full-time work, a boring class, going back to work and a SO that doesn't get it and refuses to get it. I'm unhappy and cranky.What can I do about it? Nothing but accept it, I guess. And do my homework. My least favorite options.Only one person said "hi" to me today. I felt distinctly pissed off about it.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-16748778137494429202007-09-10T21:59:00.001-07:002007-09-11T00:28:24.791-07:00

A lot of my grade is based on "classroom participation," that kind of murky, ambiguous phrase meaning showing up to class and talking in class discussion as we dissect the bejesus out of a five-page essay. Two hours on a five-page essay, you ask? Yes. A lot.Anyway, in one of my classes the professor seems to be annoyed at my frequent contributions. It's kind of irritating, the way he points his

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-62823123607579565882007-09-01T09:35:00.000-07:002007-09-01T23:29:45.940-07:00

Oh, man, I've had a long week. I can feel myself aging as we speak. I'm workshopping a piece I wrote about my father that I thought about sending to Modern Love, but now I'm not sure I want to do that and instead make it part of my anthology. So I'm "girding my loins" to the criticism sure to follow.Grad school seems like you just analyze the crap out of every sentence and thought. Sometimes I

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-744263767404596642007-08-26T20:59:00.000-07:002007-08-26T21:15:06.098-07:00

I learned that today as I walked around campus during my orientation today. I hiked up a hill and was sweating like crazy. Man, embarrassing sweat. It made my hair look like I hadn't even used a curling iron (and don't you hate that!) I felt better than the girl wearing high-heeled cork mules, but that's not saying much. So we hike up this trail into a clearing of redwoods where there's some

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-77961273637131029772007-08-25T18:35:00.000-07:002007-08-25T19:33:13.834-07:00

Did anyone notice "Masters of Science Fiction" was on ABC at 10 p.m. on Saturday? Well, for those of you who liked Showtime's "Masters of Horror," then "Masters of Science Fiction" is much better. Too bad you only have one more episode -- tonight:The series concludes with "The Discarded" (SATURDAY, AUGUST 25), based onthe short story by seven-time Hugo Award winner, three-time Nebula Award winner

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-21361011564539329282007-08-20T19:58:00.000-07:002007-08-20T20:06:46.382-07:00

I am attempting to read the entire summer reading list in a week. OK, about six books. I'm doing a survey of the summer reading. All suggested by our professor as a good place to start for his class with the 25-page paper. Yay! (Sarcasm.)So, I have Virginia Woolf, T.S. Eliot, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, William Blake and Gustave Flaubert to get through by Aug. 28. Think I can make it? Hope so!

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-82532649737903661632007-08-18T15:41:00.001-07:002007-08-18T15:53:10.198-07:00

Wow, there I was watching four episodes of "Mad Men" on video-on-demand Thursday night while I stayed up until 2 a.m. Friday finishing some copywriting (hey, I guess I needed my inspiration!)I got up at 7:45 a.m. and staggered around before doing a quick rewrite before work, do spell-check and send it off. I stupidly told her I would send it before noon on Friday.This morning I got up at 8 a.m.

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-72962558875379164622007-08-16T08:38:00.001-07:002007-08-16T08:44:25.173-07:00

Oh, thank God my story is done. Why am I a freelancer again? I'm constantly under pressure and stressed out and hate the whole process. Then it's done and suddenly I'm up for future punishment!I am a masochist.I only have one more assignment -- due Friday AM, before I stop freelancing until December (graduate school starts Aug. 28.) I figure I should have less pressure on me as I attend college

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-29510300247881417622007-08-12T11:04:00.000-07:002007-08-12T11:10:05.034-07:00

Don't you hate when you're almost done with a story except you forgot one thing? Yeah, that's me. Trouble is that I called her and rechecked her story then *forgot* to ask her occupation. Getting a second call with a regular person for a story is a rarity. I'm a dork and broke the three cardinal rules 1) Name, 2) Age and 3) Occupation.I feel badly now that I was so brain-dead, but I have to turn

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-49462326719887671132007-08-09T12:13:00.000-07:002007-08-09T12:20:27.214-07:00

I'm getting old. I enjoyed Semiahmoo so much because I didn't have to do anything. I ate at their restaurants, enjoyed the view, loved my ocean front room and just lazed around. If you want a lazy, lazy vacation filled with spa treatments by the sea -- it's for you.Anyway, aside from the drunken Canadians, "Ah need to eat, Ah'm aboat to pass oot!" it was perfectly fine. I did think I would like

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-31935454647234469232007-08-05T09:29:00.001-07:002007-08-05T09:50:51.066-07:00

Beaches in the Pacific Northwest are different. Darker sands, loads of seaweed and mud flats to go clamming (crabbing starts later in the month.) After two days of staying in a very "rustic" (i.e. yuck) beach cabin, we're off to the more miraculous spa and resort (OK, I planned poorly on this trip) for a one-night stay with television and spa treatments!The slumlord/innkeeper here charges $425

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-9921922717431304792007-08-02T07:57:00.000-07:002007-08-02T08:19:21.539-07:00

If it seems like I've been ignoring you, Blog, I haven't. I have been thinking of you! Trouble is, I have a journey to make and my work environment is changing drastically so I've been a bit preoccupied.Luckily my plane flight leaves tomorrow and at least I will have a couple things off my plate -- or is that on my plate? Anyway, it should be fun. Sitting on the beach holding my boy's hand. And

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30741103.post-52077519972893387312007-07-29T17:32:00.000-07:002007-07-29T17:38:02.840-07:00

I'm feeling my age today. Maybe because everyone's telling me my biological clock is ticking and I so don't want to hear it. Maybe because grad school begins in a month, maybe because the world seems so out of whack. And all I can do is stress about it on a Sunday afternoon when I don't even have air conditioning.My whole thought process is getting my dating column done. Maybe my priorities suck,

Ms. Writehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212770964898516807noreply@blogger.com0