tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77776421930896958072024-03-05T00:43:09.711-07:00Claudsy's CalliopeClaudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-84876151611824610572019-08-24T18:42:00.000-06:002019-08-24T18:42:23.152-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Found out today that this blog is still up and running. It's been years since I last posted here.<br />
I'd moved on to other things and have since expanded and grown. So much so that now, I've gone into declutter mode. Have no fear. I've rediscovered quite a few things since I entered the world of releasing the past to make room for the future.<br />
Perhaps that's why I've suddenly come across this blog and my access to it. Whatever the reason, it seems fitting that I do this now.<br />
I hope all of your journeys into future endeavors take on growth elements that achieve more than merely minimizing your clutter.<br />
My only suggestion is to take a small amount of time to recall why you kept something before you let it go. It's part of the process of ridding oneself of emotional ties/considerations as well as the physical object (s).<br />
<br />
Have great life and take only what you love with you on that road.<br />
<br />
A bientot, my friends,<br />
Claudsy</div>
Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-2269375975872693322012-12-04T09:55:00.000-07:002012-12-04T09:55:08.476-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6SZnJpa4bSfs_TA-XKVjCY-wS6i935Y1yAqF3Dc_LSyUFO7uzoYYTbbl_W35uXy9HhZ2XENL5Qhbi9r0VZGoZX5bsHB_PVTbgY7bVemgzhg9wlxGMsH5gP1KwsvaC3HkgzCRIdnOGJY/s1600/Carved+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6SZnJpa4bSfs_TA-XKVjCY-wS6i935Y1yAqF3Dc_LSyUFO7uzoYYTbbl_W35uXy9HhZ2XENL5Qhbi9r0VZGoZX5bsHB_PVTbgY7bVemgzhg9wlxGMsH5gP1KwsvaC3HkgzCRIdnOGJY/s400/Carved+Door.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2voices1song.com</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello there, readers--</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll bet you thought I'd forgotten you, left you out in the cold, or slipped away without leaving a forwarding address.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Wrong! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What I did was get a website where everything I do can come together in one place. Meena Rose and I now collaborate on a website labeled Two Voices, One Song.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Over there you'll find Claudsy's Calliope, Claudsy's Blog, and much more. The rooms there are spacious and attractive. We can branch out into fiction, reviews, profiles, inspiration pieces, poetry, travel, etc. It's like a department store for readers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Why did we do this? We both felt the need to expand and test our wings in other skies. We also had some fun doing it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Right now we're coming out of NaNoWriMo. For those who've never done it or seen the insanity it brings, know this; very little else gets accomplished during November. Couple NaNo with the November PAD Chapbook Challenge over at Poetic Asides and you have manic novel writing episodes leavened with poetry created to someone else's tune.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We've moved into the bigger holiday season, which means we'll be posting more regularly than during November but not as often as in months previously.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are also other reasons for the slowdown. We've both got major projects in the works right now and the push is on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We so enjoy having friends and neighbors drop in for a look-see. Please come whenever you like, stay as long as you like, leave us a note if we're not home to let us know you popped in for a visit. We certainly don't mind. We do return the favor and visits.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now you know why you see nothing new here. Several of you have stopped by to see me here and found me gone. I hope you'll move your viewing pleasure to the new digs. I've missed seeing all of you. I think you'll like what you see there as much or more than what I presented here. Try it. You may really like it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The address is: 2voices1song.com/ You can't miss it. It's the big place on the corner of Dreams and Motivation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">TaTaForNow</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Claudsy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-90952165257271709572012-09-07T15:29:00.000-06:002012-09-07T15:29:27.996-06:00New Home, New Post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've posted a new piece on Calliope at its new home at www.2voices1song.com/<br />
<br />
This post reports on the marvelous lecture I went to last evening with Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, Tibetan mond and founder of Ewam: Garden of a Thousand Buddhas in Arlee, MT.<br />
<br />
Please stop by and read about this man and his mission. And please investigate the links provided for additional information.<br />
<br />
Thanks, all<br />
<br />
Claudsy</div>
Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-67544809238706843642012-08-26T10:23:00.000-06:002012-08-26T10:23:30.672-06:00Getting a New Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVYyxEaC3dhjupgH0b8ZeCms7ejGjl2RIz1JEC9c65etfQifzVsGsdoBUmSn8opZCh1zNS7-JTFvPhFm23XlEYEh_LD2R_5SqA9NVomMwqk1cTD7x0aS9DkNNj5t4_n4JmYPm95Ogroc/s1600/DSCN4348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVYyxEaC3dhjupgH0b8ZeCms7ejGjl2RIz1JEC9c65etfQifzVsGsdoBUmSn8opZCh1zNS7-JTFvPhFm23XlEYEh_LD2R_5SqA9NVomMwqk1cTD7x0aS9DkNNj5t4_n4JmYPm95Ogroc/s400/DSCN4348.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for a move?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sad as I am to say it, there's excitement, too. Claudsy's Calliope has moved to a new locale with new sights and sounds and adventures galore.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Regular readers know that it's been difficult for me to keep up with Calliope and Claudsy's Blog, plus Two Voices, One Song, in recent weeks. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That aspect is, hopefully, going to be remedied with this move. Calliope and Claudsy's Blog have found a new home within the body of Two Voices, One Song so that readers and I can have a bit of one stop shopping for things to read, learn, and enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For instance, you'll be happy to know that I did, finally, get my office quasi-organized. I'll be giving a complete report on that in a few weeks or so. I found my whole desk area. Soon I'm going to completely redo my room so that I'll have an entirely new work space. I really do need to do the Feng Shui thing in here and I'm looking forward to it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm going to do some serious work on getting manuscripts out the door to agents/publishers. I have two nearly ready to go and will have to concentrate on them more than I've done this past month. That's the main purpose in moving the blogs to Two Voices.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And there you have it. I won't be any more difficult to find. There will be more there to read on the entire site, and who knows, you might find even more to see and do while you're there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All of the readers of Calliope deserve a hearty thank you from me. THANK YOU ALL. You've been coming here for a long time and I appreciate your loyalty and attendance. I hope you'll take your viewing time over to Two Voices, One Song as well. The address is easy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">www.2voices1song.com/</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hope to see you there. Until then,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Claudsy</span></div>
Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-65556547190368447992012-08-16T17:34:00.000-06:002012-08-16T17:49:55.201-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IMNTYLAVWbhKVLXxo4BTCiLdp7FS9tK-pn1_w857Gmbwb2axIHZFyOOhCG5tcoLJ444f8LMVcjdDmw1f4TAkcsU-GNiAiovdl8BY78ybgjB8GHXQbrHSUyQ2SgYQxTZPKIZcnOLH0t8/s1600/P7140499_01+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IMNTYLAVWbhKVLXxo4BTCiLdp7FS9tK-pn1_w857Gmbwb2axIHZFyOOhCG5tcoLJ444f8LMVcjdDmw1f4TAkcsU-GNiAiovdl8BY78ybgjB8GHXQbrHSUyQ2SgYQxTZPKIZcnOLH0t8/s400/P7140499_01+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today is a look forward, back, and side-wise. It is a speculation on a future as yet unformed. All of the past ceased to exist when the present moment came into existence, and all of tomorrow can never exist for this moment in time is all that can exist. Embracing this truth means knowing that everything before this breath reaches the bottom of my lungs has faded as fog to the morning sun, and all that I can be, have, do, think, and will must be chosen within the space of that breath. That knowledge is mighty and terrifying in its entirety, for I must choose well or continue to hide from disturbing consequences that greet me each moment of the rest of my life.</div>
<br /></div>
Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-41070821513548370142012-07-31T13:16:00.000-06:002012-07-31T13:18:03.724-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7-zo93jJG72SoUN047c_nsbYWFe0V9lNk4Ydtg14bWWQ-4H4AsLqE7J-Pi0C03wlKmMnYkPjD255O9B-fUnUD2YPGmy_itxLqjL7HOP7pCuhYjCIfoJWvGn4MvDXj7MDrOpXIC-3tV4/s1600/DSCN5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7-zo93jJG72SoUN047c_nsbYWFe0V9lNk4Ydtg14bWWQ-4H4AsLqE7J-Pi0C03wlKmMnYkPjD255O9B-fUnUD2YPGmy_itxLqjL7HOP7pCuhYjCIfoJWvGn4MvDXj7MDrOpXIC-3tV4/s640/DSCN5159.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm playing again today, trying to decide how many of these I can create for a wee chapbook. Let me know what you think. The feedback will help me determine which goes in and which stays out.<br />
<br />
Thanks for giving your opinion on 1.) whether poem is accentuated by this photo, 2.) whether placement of poem should shift to a different position or take on a different color font, or 3.) should I give up the idea of doing a chapbook of this type.<br />
<br />
Waiting for opinions,<br />
<br />
Claudsy</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-35522593692888403022012-07-19T19:00:00.000-06:002012-07-19T19:00:13.275-06:00Days of Learning, Days of Growing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwu1W0qWh7iyZ2DynYRbCMhIU2xI9YOFXVu4ssfKCX277L-ZD4p4iAWX9XiL5sCLaYDKKXCNxuSMu2ZXSsItapa2QITZQ0hW5E9GZLbuH8xclpiz5YDMpAf9bkaNWX36XTdytu7NiSts/s1600/DSCN0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwu1W0qWh7iyZ2DynYRbCMhIU2xI9YOFXVu4ssfKCX277L-ZD4p4iAWX9XiL5sCLaYDKKXCNxuSMu2ZXSsItapa2QITZQ0hW5E9GZLbuH8xclpiz5YDMpAf9bkaNWX36XTdytu7NiSts/s400/DSCN0428.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of BJ Jones Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">This past couples of weeks has been interesting.
Have you ever had a time in your life when you seem to have gone back to
school, but you don’t go to class? It’s as if everywhere you go, everything you
encounter are lessons of one form or another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">What do you do with the experience of meeting a
person casually who begins telling you their life story at that moment, for seemingly
no other reason than because you happen to stand next to them? And what do you
do when something in what they say “clicks” in your head audibly, telling you
that this bit of information, this insight is something that must be
remembered?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Here’s another example. I’ve been concentrating on
several small projects lately aside from the blogs and website. I send out at
least two, sometimes three, submissions each week; poetry at least once and
fiction. I’m putting together a growing list of submission markets for both
genres.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">My biggest project at present is my book of poetry “The
Moon Sees All.” It’s out with my beta readers. It’s being poked, prodded, and
evaluated for necessary/suggested changes to make it absolutely irresistible to
publishers. That’s an enormous step for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">My rejection rate is decreasing. Don’t get me wrong.
I’m not complaining. I’d just like to know the reason. In the meantime, I’ll
accept this change and the blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Life seems more settled for me in many ways right
now. I actively write less, but produce better, given the acceptances lately. I
don’t feel harried any longer, which is another blessing. On top of all that,
these tiny lessons in changing my thoughts, attitudes, aspirations, etc. have
begun bearing fruit in small but effective ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Perhaps, in the end, that’s really the take-away for
life. Small changes—choosing to spend the day enjoying the outdoors and
appreciating those natural gifts we can only experience where they live—repay us
with fresher minds and hearts. Our spirits are rejuvenated because we focused
on something outside ourselves for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Doing the dishes allows for quiet thinking time. It
isn’t the task that’s so important, it’s the time you spend with yourself,
considering and pondering those caches of thoughts tucked away in mental
closets that you’ve not had time for lately. Mundane chores, while necessary to
a tidy household, are also opportunities to review, renew, and reconnect with that
piece of yourself that you’ve neglected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">At least, that’s what I’ve concluded. For instance,
a few weeks back I showed everyone my office area and how bad it was in the
disorder department. I’m about to get
radical with it. I’m clearing out those things that don’t grow corn for me
anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">About half of the items occupying my space will be
eliminated in the next few weeks. I am simplifying my life, my work, and my intentions.
The goals remain the same. It’s the approach that needs a clean sweep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">And there you have it. Part of my studying has led
me here. The rest comes from lessons encountered willy-nilly in unexpected
places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Things should get really interesting before long. I’m
looking forward to it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Now, let me ask you again. Have you been given
surprising lessons lately? Leave a comment and tell me about them. We all have
them. It’s whether we recognize their delivery or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Until later,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-47318260919571844122012-07-03T11:14:00.002-06:002012-07-03T11:14:56.297-06:00Taking Stock<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n300w6jaF_Z58tAvjytE_r7hcc95nOvar-A9GuXobgX4Ay_ttyQBTgEeIfa6Jo7XQnfgyNIcE0YEapN_oOWX70wCbXbvEoIBxeziNh0TeEqkLjWjiuR4AfTqjJ1kVoof-SGnSkqQc3E/s1600/Ocean's+Coral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n300w6jaF_Z58tAvjytE_r7hcc95nOvar-A9GuXobgX4Ay_ttyQBTgEeIfa6Jo7XQnfgyNIcE0YEapN_oOWX70wCbXbvEoIBxeziNh0TeEqkLjWjiuR4AfTqjJ1kVoof-SGnSkqQc3E/s400/Ocean's+Coral.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Once in a while, like everyone, I have to pause long
enough to take stock of things that are going on in my life. This past week has
been a really good one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Two of my poems were accepted by the literary
journal, Four and Twenty Short Form Poetry; one “Moon Paths” for the July 17
issue, and one “Seniority” for their online promos. I couldn’t be happier with
this news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">The past couple of days I’ve been working to finish
the final edit on my book of poetry “Moon Sees All” before sending it off to
beta readers. I put out a call yesterday for those readers and have received a
marvelous and enthusiastic response. As soon as I get the finishing touches on
the manuscript and get it reformatted as a PDF, I can send it to those lovely
readers on Thursday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Since I’ll be incommunicado from Friday through Sunday,
I have plenty to get set up for my working week beginning on that absent
Sunday. The editorial calendar is in place for Two Voices, One Song and will
take effect on July 8<sup>th</sup> as soon as Meena and I both return from
trips elsewhere. That puts work onto my plate for the next three days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">What work? Oh, research for profiles, some flash
fiction, themed chat and brainstorming ideas. I’d like to have several finished
posts for all my blogs in place and ready for auto-downloading before I leave
for a few days. That takes some of the pressure off for next week, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Along with that work is my attempt to catch up on
all of my coursework. I’m a few lessons behind and would like to start fresh
when I return. Whether I make it or not depends on a few things; mainly whether
I make it harder on myself than it needs to be, which is often the case. I
really have to work on that tendency of mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">I’m also beginning to take better care of myself; a
plus in anyone’s book. I came close to the crash and burn scenario a couple of
weeks ago. Having been in deep doodoo before with that scenario, I’ve chosen a
much healthier avenue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">A half an hour of yoga will begin my day, followed
by my recumbent bike workout. At that point, a need for sustenance will take over;
giving me an opportunity to continue with health consciousness and to choose
something that will aid my body to get healthier. Meditation will follow later
in the day when I really need a break from everything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">I know. I tend to make full schedules for myself. It
could be my age, you know. I’m at that stage where each minute seems to need
some purpose, even if it’s only to be still and live within the silent moment.
Over the past few months I’ve come to appreciate stillness and the inward view
as a way of coping with self-imposed work demands. I’ve reduced those demands
to help compensate, as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">And there you have it; my recap and taking stock for
the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">I hope everyone has a great holiday tomorrow and fun
rest of the week. If you need to, pause to take stock of your own days and what
you choose to fill them with. What’s happened lately that improved your
attitude, gave you reason to ponder an important question, or encouraged you to
push just a bit further in pursuit of something you really desire?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Feel free to share here. I love comments and knowing
what’s happening with others. Now I must return to the editing table. Take
care, all, and God bless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-50616431540336586172012-06-30T12:07:00.001-06:002012-06-30T12:07:31.650-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrLKSgg386r7J1GhOckJKtRPpP5BfSULfZaDhc6MEYLJgz1gzcUpnGL4cYfp5Ag9D_qw-eE5g0MUeNyfAiTA8vIOiydMc6cCcVy1U3dkduD8hD3XqIuZdICz1fZYIyYOMwVAKyvwYWcQ/s1600/DSCN5379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrLKSgg386r7J1GhOckJKtRPpP5BfSULfZaDhc6MEYLJgz1gzcUpnGL4cYfp5Ag9D_qw-eE5g0MUeNyfAiTA8vIOiydMc6cCcVy1U3dkduD8hD3XqIuZdICz1fZYIyYOMwVAKyvwYWcQ/s640/DSCN5379.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Today's sandbox at my poet's playground. I hope you enjoy it. Be sure and let me know if there are types of images or poetry that you'd like to see, or not, and I'll try to accommodate at least once a week.<br />
<br />
Claudsy</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-81124316004089375582012-06-19T18:12:00.000-06:002012-06-20T11:42:40.627-06:00An Alphabet of Life’s Daily Events: “A” Through “M”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBETHW03SSA9zm8bnOnpaC7KEoaYh6Ke7nxH3eoMQXSwM-dQHKg6Mn2T1sV4KKpoiTHh7z0N7YgRIzxlu6PwUzXEhSgNvWRdhgb6IK28qJR0JyJvwIdW5LS0Uyc8ZQ10DWiknsFyWnIQ/s1600/DSCN1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBETHW03SSA9zm8bnOnpaC7KEoaYh6Ke7nxH3eoMQXSwM-dQHKg6Mn2T1sV4KKpoiTHh7z0N7YgRIzxlu6PwUzXEhSgNvWRdhgb6IK28qJR0JyJvwIdW5LS0Uyc8ZQ10DWiknsFyWnIQ/s640/DSCN1067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">A</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
few days ago I was reminded of family duty of communication. Work and daily
life chaos had prevented me from calling on of my aunts for far too long. I was
reminded periodically, but “things” got in the way. She took the initiative to
call me, never chiding, but reinstating my obligation to keep in touch more
regularly. I’m to keep that in mind came the unspoken instruction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Break</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
to when I got off the phone. Questions swirled in my brain. How often do we
change course in our lives through such a soft-toned reminder that someone
worries about us when they do not hear from us often enough? And how often do
we voice the same concern over one who’s been silent too long?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Causing</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
people distress isn’t something I indulge in purposely. Yet, as it does for so
many it happens occasionally through social interaction and family dynamics. Somewhere
there must be a mechanism for the prevention of the effect of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Direction
</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">came
from<b> </b>my Creative Muse as she let fly
with one of her spurts of healing juice. I discovered within me the unstoppable
need to put poetry to picture for Claudsy’s Blog. This process takes as long as
writing a blog post and is not something done to save time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Examination</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
of suitable photos takes nearly as much time as writing the specific poem that
will hold court in that image. Sizing the photo, getting Sister’s copyright
with proper placement, and sighting the position of the text box, all take up
time. I’m fussy. Everything must be just right before I hit the save button,
and if it isn’t, it hits the trash bin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Fortune
</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">smiled
for me, I had the exact photo that fit my mood. Muse wrote the poem through my
fingers. Et voila, a poem photo is produced and posted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Gathering</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
other images for use with poetry kept me moving that day, along with my other
writing obligations. Stretching my writer’s fingers has become a full-time
occupation lately; one which keeps me growing and moving forward. The
experience is a good one, albeit exhausting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Here</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">,
in my small office space does magic occur. I don’t concern myself with whether
someone will lift my new creation for their own use. I’m sure some already
have. I think of these personal triumphs as ambassadors, carrying part of my
purpose with them on their travels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">In</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
the time it’s taken to write this short piece, something I’ve created from
nothing more than a thought and a supposition has taken flight to destinations
unknown, to ask questions, offer solace, lift a spirit or simply offer beauty.
That is its only obligation and my only concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Jumbled</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
within our daily exercise of life, should we not take one hour to create
something for no other reason than to share it? Should one have to desire more
than that revelry in order to enjoy the process of creation? Must we have other
agendas?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Knowing</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
the soul’s purpose for creation is, I learned, absolutely necessary or there
can be no joy in it. If the act of creation causes dis-stress, pain, confusion,
tension, and a sense of never being good enough, it becomes the destroyer of
the one creating; its own antithesis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Longing</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
to free Muse from a stagnant prison empowered me to begin writing, to make a
serious effort toward publication and the writing life. My hard work led to being
published several times in several genres. Along the way, the business got in
the way of the creation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Making</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">
room for life within the business of living under the title of “Author” can
wear down anyone as it did me. I’d lost sight of my purpose in writing. I’d
almost lost the joy creation. I was brought up short before it was too late.
And I’ll always thank those responsible for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><b>A</b> <b>Break</b> from habit, <b>Causing</b> me to follow a new <b>Direction</b> to make a
closer <b>Examination</b> of the <b>Fortune</b> in
ideas <b>Gathering</b> <b> Here</b> In <b>Jumbled</b>
array; <b>Knowing</b>, <b> Longing</b> for the <b>Making</b> of new creations for all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-88840773040227941882012-06-12T15:22:00.000-06:002012-06-12T15:22:33.973-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSkgm-YvbZ0SPjkrf84ERtug_k5QPPWykTU2ekP-M88pkZDulnPrGg-KPIZfZOcW0J2xGfEhBFM8AnWF6jh8eFLL_SbzjkinBXwmBTGBiR979g8S3wKz4MImIRXdkBzCSmQ3lrSRx-jk/s1600/DSCN0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSkgm-YvbZ0SPjkrf84ERtug_k5QPPWykTU2ekP-M88pkZDulnPrGg-KPIZfZOcW0J2xGfEhBFM8AnWF6jh8eFLL_SbzjkinBXwmBTGBiR979g8S3wKz4MImIRXdkBzCSmQ3lrSRx-jk/s640/DSCN0456.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are times when creativity overwhelms other considerations. Hence this bit of poetry with image. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-8538781862707078212012-06-04T12:12:00.001-06:002012-06-04T12:12:26.864-06:00How-To Create Writing Prompts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcudX9-ZOanIF23Ykp-jhTmf40WXP7Gv208L6fsXG6voMgWShX4Dd5Zg1LtCANi3bYBaMoIAL84dzpjctsBdE2OQOPlXWepXv5KgxROOIFm8WmfDe3YlTgx_2m5Ay2ZxypaS_47Lti4CY/s1600/Heavy+Forest+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcudX9-ZOanIF23Ykp-jhTmf40WXP7Gv208L6fsXG6voMgWShX4Dd5Zg1LtCANi3bYBaMoIAL84dzpjctsBdE2OQOPlXWepXv5KgxROOIFm8WmfDe3YlTgx_2m5Ay2ZxypaS_47Lti4CY/s1600/Heavy+Forest+Snow.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 114%;">One of the most helpful and time-saving tasks the
writer can do is to create a series of writing prompts. These prompts can be
for any genre, any writing level, and any length of proposed project. If all
you need is a mental push—okay, let’s talk shove here—prompts fill your plate
with possibilities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Deciding
on a theme for a group of prompts can keep you in work. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Whether
you’re blogging or writing on spec, prompts can help keep you focused. If you
enjoy writing poetry, you can keep yourself occupied forever with a few photos
or subject prompts. Here are some examples for two subjects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">All you need is to give your imagination free range. Each prompt is a wisp of thought or image derived from the theme.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Theme: A coastal location and a brewing storm (This
theme has driven prose and poetry alike for centuries.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prompts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
lost child is calling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Returning
home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunken
treasure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Selkies—mythical
creatures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Theme: A Winter’s Day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prompts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Old-fashioned
sledding with shovels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bitter
cold and the walk home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Deep
snow hinders free movement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bright
blue skies and snow-burdened pines<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">None of these prompts took time to conger up. They
were waiting there, just under the surface, vying for attention. What can you
do with such small prompts?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><b>Any of these could be the basis of a short story, a
poem, an article, or a profile.</b> <b>A
Profile? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 114%;">Yes, a profile. Look at it this way. How many times
have you read an article about a lost child calling for help until someone
hears? There’s a rescue, emergency personnel, etc. And how many times is the
child interviewed? What about the rescuer? Sometimes they fade into obscurity or </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">anonymity</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 114%;">.
In times past, they’re often ignored. Or, what about when the rescuer is an
animal? Can you think of an angle where a profile can be done on the one
ignored, or the animal praised and forgotten? Could this not be a historical article?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Selkies? Really? Dig a little into mythological
history and see what you find. These are fascinating creatures; ones still
accepted as real among some fishermen. Could you not put verse together about
these, a piece of short fiction, or perhaps an article on mythical creatures in today's world?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Bright blue skies and snow-burdened pines are an
idyllic winter scene, but what is the danger here? Can you find it? If you live
in the Deep South, would this be heavenly or hellish? Perspective defines all
things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Taking the time to put together short writing
prompts, to themes which interest you or can further express your thoughts and
ideas, can keep you writing, even when you’re facing that blank page and empty
mind syndrome known as writer’s block. Give it whirl. What do you have to lose?
I’d be willing to bet you can get through to the end without your mind
triggering on one of your generated prompts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Enjoy the exercise. It helps tone a writer’s idea
muscles. Until later,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-737519265588447582012-06-01T11:51:00.001-06:002012-06-01T11:51:09.736-06:00News Breaks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.stockfreeimages.com/386/big/free_3864585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.stockfreeimages.com/386/big/free_3864585.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Friday,
June 1, 2012—Claudsy and Meena Rose launch their new endeavor “Two Voices, One
Song” with two posts,</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"> one in the Garden room and the other in
the Kitchen. There’s a bit of something for everyone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Denise
Stanley of “<a href="http://denise-roomtowrite.blogspot.com/2012/06/celebrating-with-giveaway.html">Room to Write</a>” fame is having a Giveaway</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">
for the next couple of weeks. Pop on over and see how to enter this lively
little celebration. She’d love to see you. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy’s
Calliope will continue for the foreseeable future</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">
with a posting two-three times a week. Yes, you all thought I’d abandon you,
didn’t you? No such luck for now. I’ll still come here to kitbitz, complain—but
not much, and generally talk about writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy’s
Blog will have postings every other day from now on,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">
since I’ll have new post on 2Voices, 1Song on alternate days, usually. Please
drop by Claudsy’s Blog anytime you get the opportunity. I’m working on guest
posts for that site for this month, and perhaps another interview as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">My
author’s page on Facebook could use some more love.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">
If you haven’t done so as yet, please pop over there and punch the like button.
I’ve still got a few needed likes before I get any insights on that little
page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">I’ve
decided to go back to studying Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">
I abandoned it when Sister and I went on the road and didn’t pick it back up on
our return. It dawned on me when I was writing my post for 2Voices, 1Song, how
much I need to resume that study. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Therefore, beginning tomorrow, I’ll be back at my
Morning Pages. Heaven only knows what will erupt from my subconscious now. It
will be interesting to find out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Things
around home are chugging right along.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"> Sister begins her new
degree program next Monday. I have my own coursework at the moment and for many
moments to come. Learning is a good thing around here that we strive for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">And there you have it for today on my personal news
front. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for
coming here and reading my small musings as often as you do. You are truly
appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">I’ll see you next time, folks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://claudsy.wordpress.com/">http://claudsy.wordpress.com/</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2voices1song.wordpress.com/welcome/">http://2voices1song.wordpress.com/welcome/</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-7092957599404120442012-05-31T12:41:00.000-06:002012-05-31T12:41:07.049-06:00Adding to the Fleet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXTP1nvKuT_S-2Id79y9tNODzDI5DodDcRlNc1FxvlZjPOWvAbuPriPpbubXY8VwAyxb-lmH0ZrZaYC3pSscIWf5vc8Q-1OnFbrI9PlmevbAlfem_nJS7j4KoHX8XPRAWW1h36t8N_1s/s1600/DSCN0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXTP1nvKuT_S-2Id79y9tNODzDI5DodDcRlNc1FxvlZjPOWvAbuPriPpbubXY8VwAyxb-lmH0ZrZaYC3pSscIWf5vc8Q-1OnFbrI9PlmevbAlfem_nJS7j4KoHX8XPRAWW1h36t8N_1s/s400/DSCN0273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Many writers have multiple websites for
multiple purposes. I’m no different, though some blogs are far more active than
others. There is, of course, Calliope here, and Claudsy’s Blog over on
Wordpress, and Trailing Inspirations on Wordpress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tomorrow another site will be added to
the arsenal, albeit with a twist. I’ve entered into a joint venture with Meena
Rose of “The Eyes of Meena Rose” fame. This new site is called “Two Voices, One
Song” and will launch officially tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Within that site’s framework will be
many offerings; each unique and, hopefully, enticing. For the time being, I
will continue to post here every few days, as well as on the other sites. It’s
my hope that the cross pollination of content between sites will keep our
readers (that includes all of you, my friends) contented and engaged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We’re inviting our regular readers to
take a short tour of “Two Voices, One Song” to get a feel of the new place and
a brief understanding of our mission. From short memoir to Flash Fiction,
articles to brainstorming sessions, philosophy discussions to poetry, and lots
of other subjects in between, our new playground will have something for
everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I encourage all of you to go over there
and nose around. Find the hidey holes, the nooks and crannies. See if you think
it’s going to be a fun stop over each day for a different perspective. Then
come here and tell me how you like what you see, whether you have a suggestion
or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We’ll be adding more and more links to
new engagement opportunities each week. This is a constantly evolutionary
process for Meena and I. I hope you’ll find it as exciting as we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’ll see you here tomorrow for the
Official Grand Announcement of our launch of “Two Voices, One Song.” Be sure to
tell all of your friends about this new venture, too. We welcome all who enter
our front door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Until then, stay tuned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-67008418938184927352012-05-23T12:59:00.000-06:002012-05-29T16:52:01.614-06:00Turning Off Alarm Bells, Building Structure, and Fulfilling Dreams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I left teaching, my life drifted
for quite a while, not because I </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">couldn't</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> think of something for which to use
my time. On the contrary, I could think of dozens of uses for time, but to what
purpose. The idea of purpose kept nagging at me. I didn't seem to have any, and
the realization ticked me off.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2leAdTqU-Kn32VPG0ykwQyDeArOtIqxXnm-3EaiA-ginhlmQK1vWiWY8sR3GSs5hVTVwTJRfe6Bc9KPLfKQO2ikr6s_9SDG4mlpgq66nRTEJBqEMRTUrBJLg5VspZkdsT37SuVif0ms/s1600/DSCN0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2leAdTqU-Kn32VPG0ykwQyDeArOtIqxXnm-3EaiA-ginhlmQK1vWiWY8sR3GSs5hVTVwTJRfe6Bc9KPLfKQO2ikr6s_9SDG4mlpgq66nRTEJBqEMRTUrBJLg5VspZkdsT37SuVif0ms/s320/DSCN0393.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">No longer stranded on a foggy, deserted beach, I took up writing again where I’d left
off years before. Oh, there were no screenplays or commercials. There was no
research for PBS documentaries on spec. I no longer did corporate writing. Instead, I began slowly by learning to
write specifically for children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What does this have to do with alarms,
structured lives, and fulfilling one’s life dreams? Everything! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">My
first desire as a child was to write.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I came to a place where my need to
fulfill that purpose, held so long within a tiny corner of my being, refused to
remain in the shadows. My life was worth more than early retirement,
disability, or relaxation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My writing brought me here, to this new
cosmos of cyber energy and virtual reality, completely peopled and conveniently
housed. I made an interesting personal discovery the other day; one which I
intend to do something about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’ve
watched my day skewered by bits of life’s battle with time.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Errands, email,
writing prompts, publication submissions, social media networks, you name it.
This goes on each day as I run to catch up. I stopped running today. I took a
nap when I was tired.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I got three poems out to, for me, a new
market. I singled out a new submission to another market for tomorrow. I didn’t
work any further my author’s page. That will happen some other time. I did get two
other blog posts done. I didn’t complete a guest post that I need soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday these unfinished items would
have nagged with the voice of guilt as I went to bed; today, not so much. I
made a decision to stop battling with time. I can do what I can do. That
reality is the only one that matters. I don’t have to apologize to anyone for
not working 18 hours at my desk each day to complete goals I set for myself. I
only have to move the goals to eliminate the guilt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Each
problem has both a solution and an opportunity</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">; a solution to
correct the problem or minimize it; an opportunity to take something unexpected
from the problem and create a new project, attitude, viewpoint, or blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So much of our day is taken up with the
business of others. Some of us choose to take up the business of ourselves and
what’s good for <b>us</b>. When we <b>live</b> at the behest of others, we only <b>exist</b> for ourselves. Existence isn’t
the same as living. Living takes energy, gives energy, and creates beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Restructuring
life takes time and effort, but it pays for itself in the end.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Lately, I've had little real time to write as I want to, dreamed about, and planned for.
That situation is about to change.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ll still blog, but my blogging will
have morphed into something new. I’ll be writing more poetry, more guest blogs
for other sites, and working far harder on my own books. And I’m looking forward
to this new avenue of endeavor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The world is changing as am I. It’s my
hope that each of you will be along for the ride, however long I stay in the
saddle. Stay tuned for my announcement of things to come and places to go.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until then,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-49997434096316319102012-05-17T10:15:00.000-06:002012-05-21T10:26:40.460-06:00Approaching Daytime with Nighttime Thoughts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n4cJyM_RDC4ZjT5cGUW7Vq_e9_VriqmlOdZ2VaRtMdFtNlGKceqDMkCWs7iaSqwHG4Z94m2deTQHmXOVonk09VSqWg7K-uVsGU7HhUU2lduzcX0b-Az8b5fZtG1bVSwDdzVW6QxyfN0/s1600/DSCN0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n4cJyM_RDC4ZjT5cGUW7Vq_e9_VriqmlOdZ2VaRtMdFtNlGKceqDMkCWs7iaSqwHG4Z94m2deTQHmXOVonk09VSqWg7K-uVsGU7HhUU2lduzcX0b-Az8b5fZtG1bVSwDdzVW6QxyfN0/s320/DSCN0526.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of BJ Jones Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">You’re wrenched from sleep by the
nightmare rampaging behind your eyelids, leaving you drenched with sweat and
gasping. After all you’ve just run for your life, pursued by a raging lunatic
with delusions of godhood. Why wouldn’t
you be looking around to see where she is?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Has this ever happened to you? Don’t
feel alone. This past week I’ve been through this scenario at least four times,
once with shouted sound effects: mine. I chalk it up to my muse preparing me
for a day at the keyboard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">I would welcome the experience if I was
engaged in actively writing horror stories. Unfortunately, I’m not. Horror isn’t
usually my cup of tea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Thankfully, these weren’t memories
either. I admit to having known a few with major emotional and mental problems,
but none who went quite that far. So what it is that I’m supposed to get from
this race against nightmare pursuit?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">I
get a kick-start in my day, first thing in the morning.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> These types of
events almost always occur just before I need to get up in the morning. I don’t
recommend them as a visual alarm clock. It’s too hard on the heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">I also get an imagination that’s wide
awake and looking for a place to happen. Just because I don’t write horror
doesn’t mean that I can’t use this snatch of dream as an action scene for one
of my fantasy stories. They always have to have villains, and those with
delusions of godhood make some of the best; especially when you give them
normal day jobs and pleasant demeanors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">The latest one gave me the answer to a
sticky situation with my main character, the second lead, and several bits
related to or involving the villain that I didn’t realize I had until now. That’s
quite a bit of work for such a short bit of dream, but I’m grateful for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>So, if you’re looking to broaden how you approach your daytime writing, look to your nighttime thoughts. </b>They may well
hold the key to those influential scenes with hero, villain, backstory, etc.
Who knows what kind of gem mine you might find when you go on an active search.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">I’m sure you’ve heard all the tips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Keep a small
notebook or index cards on the table beside the bed </b>with a reliable pen to
write down those bits you remember of dream, or thoughts that flash through
your mind while it’s in twilight sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Give yourself a
moment to orient once you wake, </b>to allow your mind to wander across its
nighttime landscape and resolve any issues left tangled before waking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Surprise your
body with a full-body stretch</b>; extend your limbs as far as they will go,
straightening all the fingers and toes until they feel like they’ll fly off the
ends of hands and feet. Get the spine elongated and all the long tendons of the
body. You’ll be grateful afterwards.
(BTW, this is an old yoga exercise and practice for waking up the body.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Regardless of
what you dream, remember that your mind showed you these scenes for a reason</b>;
there were problems needing resolution, aspirations wanting acknowledgement, fears needing attention, ideas needing a place to show
themselves off. Pay attention to them. They do have meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><b>Most of all, give them a job in your daily writing</b>.
Use them in whatever way you can, and enjoy the fact that you have them. Some
people never remember their dreams, not even a snatch of one and they feel
deprived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdD_XhE5oStTuv-2U3tD3eMTPQ9wvUyZiIGls1pFNjS4HYaqwjjaiBq0nZooEh3P55qaApAUtG_60l-lZToKl__2oiqcy_-ANX4XvmFGD2ltJM5g16zXcgd99ymZ3adGAREvt74W-UGs/s1600/mina_head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdD_XhE5oStTuv-2U3tD3eMTPQ9wvUyZiIGls1pFNjS4HYaqwjjaiBq0nZooEh3P55qaApAUtG_60l-lZToKl__2oiqcy_-ANX4XvmFGD2ltJM5g16zXcgd99ymZ3adGAREvt74W-UGs/s1600/mina_head.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Now, on a different thought train, I encourage
everyone to pop over to Claudsy’s Blog today to see what my guest blogger,
Meena Rose, brought to the forefront. She’s had her own little experiment that
can be used by anyone, and is especially helpful to those who write in any
capacity. You can find it at: <a href="http://claudsy.wordpress.com/">http://claudsy.wordpress.com/</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">I also guest blogged at Meena’s blog this morning.
Find it at: <a href="http://meenarose.wordpress.com/">http://meenarose.wordpress.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Enjoy your day, all. Until later,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-73050946845259498912012-05-08T20:30:00.000-06:002012-05-08T20:30:32.033-06:00Biting, Chewing, Swallowing—Not the Same<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Every month I look at projects that seem
to have bred on my desk while I wasn’t looking. I’m sure every writer goes
through this phenomenon once in a while. I always have big projects, small
ones, and ones waiting to be given the light of day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">While trying to come up with a post here
today, I took a good look at my eight-foot desk—a really good look. I may have
taken on a bit much lately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Among the piles of debris stacked along
two thirds of the right side are the magazines and journals from the past two
months that I have yet to read. Yes, I do keep that stapler in plain sight, so
that I don’t have to rummage through those piles on a doomed search. I have a
vague idea what’s contained in those piles; vague being the operative word. The
dragons keep stray projects from deserting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Really important prelim work for one of
the novels I’m writing is piled prominently on the floor next to my chair so
that I can grab it at a moment’s notice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwfzMhoWlD3fXvjPyrKeitnHguIDAgpo5oygqzr439sTcBg0d7HpDKjhdh4gNtmfOrWiZhW52aQZcgfVHsuYLDgzyCHQt6xqMf8MunUpdlBkr8UudODQOfpgI0eMZ5akXsWKUje65kEw/s1600/office+as+is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwfzMhoWlD3fXvjPyrKeitnHguIDAgpo5oygqzr439sTcBg0d7HpDKjhdh4gNtmfOrWiZhW52aQZcgfVHsuYLDgzyCHQt6xqMf8MunUpdlBkr8UudODQOfpgI0eMZ5akXsWKUje65kEw/s320/office+as+is.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I know; chaos. Right? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sorting through everything doesn’t come
easy for me; it’s a lot like chewing food. The reason is that I’m not sure what
I’m going to need or how soon, which means I can’t quite put it aside yet. Living
in Limbo is something that’s been necessary for quite a while. It’s not one of
my favorite locales, but it beats living nowhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Swallowing digital bits and bytes is
much easier. Believe it or not, my computer files are much more organized. I
keep thinking about a piece from 60 Minutes done by Andy Rooney. He wanted to
know if creative and productive people kept their offices neat and orderly, or
if they looked like his—out of control on steroids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I remember watching him wonder through
the halls, taking an informal poll about offices belonging to his colleagues. With
camera dutifully following him, chronicling all that was to be seen, Rooney
discovered that his domain was, in many aspects, more organized than several others
on the staff. Because he knew how hard each of these men and women worked each
day, and the types of schedules they kept, he concluded that people who were
very pro</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">ductive and creative, were also messy and preferred it that way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When I envision some of those offices, I
can look at mine and smile. At least my books occupy a bookcase, I have no
uneaten food lying around, I know where my extra checks are, and my computer is
easy to get to. I have actual clear floor space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Andy might be surprised at how
disappointingly uncluttered my office area really is. Or, I could be kidding
myself in a fit of guilt-ridden denial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Must do something about this--I’ve
ordered my actual work, now to tackle the physical side of things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Until later, peeps. Let’s see, if I get
all of that pile into the right-side file cabinet…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-15868851650485977202012-05-04T20:54:00.000-06:002012-05-04T20:54:57.348-06:00May Days to Submit Work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yNKtS1BP6LN2DbiYhSJfga1a3GR5F_Fs3KwnVZ5rx1cbF_qeMIlPEnz_qeQAWRlyDYEGKWjZcNw8sYdUBkx0sjNzvhshBNUsa1hEJA3_7xEYZ0O3F1sVAnVqp0M6ggR2CSfyNQCyBtM/s1600/DSCN3132+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yNKtS1BP6LN2DbiYhSJfga1a3GR5F_Fs3KwnVZ5rx1cbF_qeMIlPEnz_qeQAWRlyDYEGKWjZcNw8sYdUBkx0sjNzvhshBNUsa1hEJA3_7xEYZ0O3F1sVAnVqp0M6ggR2CSfyNQCyBtM/s320/DSCN3132+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When the call to challenge rang out on
May 1<sup>st</sup>, many of our PAD and MNINB group members paused, took a deep
breath, and sighed. I think it would be fair to say that few could believe what
they were reading. “Submit at least one piece of work each day for the entire
month of May.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yep. You saw that right. Some of the
group simply can’t comply due to more critical situations at home and at work,
but for the rest of us, we’re gamely attempting what seemed like an impossible
feat just a few short days ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This is day four of this last minute
challenge that none had contemplated. We each post on the group sites what we
subbed and to which publication, whether online or print, contest or blog, and
watch to see who else took the plunge that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I have yet to hit the send button today.
I have three possibles on the starting line, waiting for a shove into the
chute. I have a children’s story that can go out any time. It’s been polished
to within a paragraph of existence. I have poems coming out of my ears that can
go in nearly any direction. And I have a couple of polished and professionally
edited essays that can go out on their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">There’s a coin I’ve been saving for just
such an occasion as this. I’ll do a three-way toss to see which item goes out
today. That gives me plenty for the next few days. Who knows? I might send more
than on submission out per day and really scare myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For those that are timid about subbing
and worry about those nasty rejection emails, don’t be. Take a page from my post
today on Claudsy’s Blog. Make that rejection your best friend. Embrace it. Plaster
your wall with it and its friends. Proudly show that wall to family and friends
and declare “See how much work I’ve sent out!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">If you’ve chosen to accept such a
challenge as this, comment here. Tell me about your personal submission
challenge. If you don’t have one, but want to try it, feel free. Post a comment
here each day you’ve braved the “SEND” button and sent out a piece of work. I’ll
gladly help you show the world how much you’re working on the craft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Until later, keep writing while you
enjoy the process,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-83127238777390115502012-05-01T18:36:00.000-06:002012-05-01T18:36:17.323-06:00Publishing, Management, and Living with Challenges<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">April’s challenges are now history. Poetic Asides
semi-annual PAD challenge concluded with its take-away poem and MNINB (My Name
Is Not Bob) Author’s Platform Challenge has wound its way to independence for
those taking the plunge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">**BTW—MNINB is Robert Lee Brewer’s great writer’s
blog here on Blogger. Check it out, if you haven’t already.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Now that those two challenges and the rest for
Poetry Month are completed, others along with me have that let down feeling. As
a result, one enterprising writer of my acquaintance decided to throw out a
challenge of her own for those of us who schlepped around the obstacle course
of the Author’s Platform task calendar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">De decided that we needed incentive to get more
active with our work. She dared us to submit one piece of our work each day
during the month of May. I guess her logic was that April’s challenge showers
caused our Muses to create lots of blossoms that needed distribution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Since I’d just come off two major challenges, with a
third chiming in once a week, I was already primed for another ride on the carousel,
leaning out for a brass ring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Yep, I’m going for it, with both hands and my
handy-dandy flash drive of material yearning for a new home. A few times a week
throughout May, I’ll be here telling everyone about what I’ve sent out and to
whom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Please stop by and help me keep track of whatever
success I might have in placing some of my poor orphans. Hope to see you about
the place often. Take care all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Until later,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-8299865258268100112012-04-25T10:29:00.000-06:002012-04-25T10:29:02.918-06:00Author Platforms and Hoops<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Robert Lee Brewer has set participants
mighty challenges amid the relaxers this month.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’ve created work schedules, as you all
know too well. They work or they don’t, depending on how motivated I am on any
given day. Lately, my motivational level has remained high, I think in part by
writing for so many challenges in the past few months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">So far Robert has had us building
networks, investigating both others’ blogs and having Twitter chats with large
groups of people, along with serious writer stuff like Editorial Calendars. I
managed to get that last item completed and revved up. Now he’s got up getting
our nets prepared to seine for experts; experts to provide us with interviews
on whatever subject we’ve chosen for our blog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Brother, does that open up possibilities.
Should I go after someone new or recycle one from the past? Hmm… choices come
hard sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In truth, I’ll go for something new.
Okay, that’s decided. Now, what area do I want to go for? Should it be poetry,
fiction writing, screenwriting, ooo… or maybe—no, scratch that as too controversial.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I think I’ll go for film. I haven’t done
anything with that in a long, long time. Besides, I just don’t have it in me to
create an entirely new blog for other subjects. I have enough to worry about on
that score.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And I still have to deal with guest blogs;
someone else’s and my own, as well as investigate a social media management
tool like Hootsuite. Yep, it’s going to be a long next few days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Here’s hoping everyone out there has a
grand finale to their week and a productive next few days. I’m working toward
taking a few days off, but only after completing my appointed rounds and jumped
through all of my hoops.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Until later,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-62493219952566738862012-04-23T15:40:00.000-06:002012-04-23T15:40:16.186-06:00Writers Are Marathoners of a Different Sort<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Becoming
an author is a bit like training for a marathon</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">;
not that I’ve run any marathons, unless dancing counts. The two do have a many
aspects in common, including a finish line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Runners make friends with other runners, participate
in the same events during the year, train in similar methods to up their running
game, and count themselves lucky<b>.</b>
Along the way, they find a kind of happiness they find nowhere else. They are
only themselves out on the track; no other roles need apply. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Writers do the same thing. We congregate on forums
with other writers, discuss projects, problems and needs. The road to
authorship is strewn with obstacles, just as runners’ abilities to tackle
longer venues encounter injuries and setbacks, weather and personal needs.
Writers train every day, if they want to be authors; coursework, submissions
and rejections, social media platforms, and other obstacles that build and keep
their writing abilities toned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Within
the framework of these career labels, stand three words that signify the relationship
between these two careers; preparation, goals, and execution. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">If
goals aren’t set by either the runner or writer, no progress is made. If proper
preparation isn’t made, goal execution cannot move forward. Execution marshals
the preparations necessary for each goal and advances the career onto the
field. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Success
on the field depends on one’s objective.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"> A new marathoner might
only desire to finish the race. For her, that spells success. For the veteran
of the track, the triathlon is the goal each year, with faster times as a
signal of improvement and success. For a new writer, the primary objective may
be as simple as finishing a long piece of fiction and getting it to a polished
state. Or, the objective for the established writer might be the development of
a series that could get her a three-book deal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Two tracks, two careers, similarities in each. As
each type of marathoner ages in her career goals change, preparations come
easier, and execution becomes a matter of habit. Over the length of the track
there is time for the participant to think, evaluate, and decide about the next
race, the next field. Nothing a consequence is firmed up at the starting line.
Only the experience of the race can grant perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><b>Acknowledgement</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">During this month those who signed on for <a href="http://robertleebrewer.blogspot.com/2012/03/april-platform-challenge.html">Robert LeeBrewer’s Author Platform Challenge</a> stood at the starting line of a great field
event. He promised to instruct all of us in what it takes to create a
successful Author’s Platform. So far, he’s kept his promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">We’ve learned about apps needed for everything from
Time Management to Social Network updating. We’ve learned how to catch the eyes
of those search engines everywhere and what to do in our blogs and on websites
to increase traffic and comment numbers. Through it all, members of the field
are cajoling each other, giving encouragement, and offering help to those still
struggling with tech, time, and temperament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Robert.
He’s gone out of his way to see that we can stand on our own once we’re through
this. But, more than that, he’s built a writing community that allows us to talk
amongst ourselves. He’s put together a support structure that many will be
using for a long time to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Thank you, Robert, for having patience with all of
us and our questions and insecurities. You’re doing great!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Until later,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-13186071601163718422012-04-19T15:27:00.002-06:002012-04-21T18:19:09.279-06:005 Steps to Beginning New Chapters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZf7RUNHgj4E9MqlLQKQAMJUzijdTI3aEjCTUD2dzpYRcLLEJBa-c_VjRNAWG7E2hEv2XNj4sf_q1clGGEEW6skM-6QgU-7gfJCxbMz7faDzXkiY9XkW3QE1eKaPGi-hcGyIqCn4GmPc/s1600/Larch+cone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZf7RUNHgj4E9MqlLQKQAMJUzijdTI3aEjCTUD2dzpYRcLLEJBa-c_VjRNAWG7E2hEv2XNj4sf_q1clGGEEW6skM-6QgU-7gfJCxbMz7faDzXkiY9XkW3QE1eKaPGi-hcGyIqCn4GmPc/s320/Larch+cone.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">A
life is a personal book of experience.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Just as a larch cone waits to drop to earth to begin a new life cycle by birthing a new tree, new life chapters begin all the time. You’re
born, cut your first tooth, leave home for nursery school, attend first grade,
start middle school, move on to high school, then college or a job. You see what
I mean? All of these mentioned qualify as new chapters in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">The
birthing process in any activity is both a beginning and an end.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Recently this
has been one of the most critical things for me to recognize and take into
account. I’m always beginning things, while putting others on the back burner
until later. Engaging in this behavior leads me into frustration, near-panic states,
and little efficiency in time spent working.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Since taking on the challenges presented
to me during the past few months, I’ve developed my own method for dealing with
my writer’s life chapter beginnings. The steps I use are done
every day. They take little time to complete, but save much time later. That’s
one thing above all that I’ve learned from taking Robert Lee Brewer’s Author
Platform Challenge this month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Here’s how you prepare for each day’s
slim chapter in your writing life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Take inventory
of those daily goals that went unfinished from yesterday and get them out of
the way.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">
Otherwise, they’d hang around your neck, dragging you down. If a previous daily
goal cannot be finished due to the length of time necessary, devote one hour of
active work on it to reduce its size for the next day. This step needn’t take
more than an hour and a half.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Determine this
day’s goals now that yesterday’s have been attended to.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Begin with
those items which are routine each day—i.e. email, social media updates, check
out at least three blogs/websites and comment as needed, and any writing
challenges underway. Devote no more than three hours to this activity. This is
also the time to do your own new blog posts for the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><span style="color: #404040;">Also,
do a quick scan of your week’s goals, month’s goals, and year’s goals. Can you cross off anything on those?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><span style="color: #404040;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pull up one larger
project—book, short story, essay, etc.—that has been sitting on the hard drive
for at least six months and give it one hour of your time.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Do a rewrite,
complete edit, additional research; whatever is needed to get the piece closer
to submission quality. If possible, have a market picked out and write a query/cover
letter and submit it that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Take at least
one hour to work on the latest project in your arsenal.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> If the rough
draft hasn’t been completed, then finish it if possible. The first revision can
wait until tomorrow's goals. (For book-length projects, an hour could get you up
to ten pages of material, if you’re working NaNoWriMo style.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Take a break to
get up and walk around once every two hours.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Get something to drink. Talk to
a neighbor, family member, make a phone call; whatever you need to do that has
nothing to do with writing. This short break of fifteen to thirty minutes will
help refresh your thinking and help your body get the circulation flowing again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Here
are some no-brainers as well.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"> Eat, get some
exercise. Nobody says you have to sit in that desk chair for hours on end,
grinding away at the keyboard. I’ve learned the hard way that that isn’t
healthy. You can just as easily run through mental brainstorming while doing
the dishes as you can at the computer, if you must keep thinking about words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Do
a fifteen minute workout during a break;</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"> a few standing
push-ups, stretches, leg lifts, standing crunches, anything you want. Crank up
the stereo and break out into dance moves. Salsa is excellent for circulation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Do an errand. Getting away from the computer will
help stimulate flagging senses. New sights and sounds help generate new ideas.
Enjoy yourself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Try out these steps. See if they help you through
the day. The main thing I’ve discovered, though, is that I must allow myself time to
relax, more than anything else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">The
world won’t come to an end if I can’t finish something today and must attend to
it tomorrow.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"> That doesn’t apply to deadlines. Those
are rigid, but everything else is on a temporary sliding scale. When you begin
a new chapter, see it as a personal adventure in professionalism. Realize that
you learned one new aspect of writing yesterday, and you can build on it today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
© Claudette J. Young 2012<br />
Photo Courtesy of BJ Jones Photography</div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-82490736271491096752012-04-12T13:44:00.000-06:002012-04-12T13:46:04.109-06:00Taking a Spin Around the World of Writing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">In Robert Lee Brewer’s blog My Name Is Not Bob for his Author’s Platform
Challenge this morning, he gave a simple task, something that all of us with
blogs do on a regular basis. He asked us to write a blog post, at the end of
which we were to put a “call to action” on the part of the reader.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">He explained that a “call to action” was
merely a direction given the reader. For instance, a shared link that the
writer urges the reader to explore, or a post from the past that has relevance at
the moment. It seems a simple, straightforward task, doesn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">I thought so, too, until I began it.
What should I use for my call to action, I asked myself. I thought about the
sites I’d been to in the past couple of days, the blog posts I’d made
elsewhere, the past posts I’d made here and on Claudsy’s Blog. Perhaps, I could
pinpoint one of the blogs that I follow on a regular basis, with/without my
personal comments. Choices circled my head until I was dizzy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">The unhappy/happy result was that I
chickened out and did a bit of all of them. Yes, I admit, I had to make it much
more complicated than it was. I know that I always—well, almost always—end a
post with at least a question, which is a call to action. You do think about an
answer, don’t you, when faced with a question? See there. You did it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Each of the following is pertinent to
the writer, or reader for that matter. Some ask questions. Others impart
information. All can be used for some purpose. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be
listed. Enjoy the choices and let me know how you did with them, what you
learned, and if any of them helped in any way during your day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://claudsy.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/surviving-the-status-shuffle/">http://claudsy.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/surviving-the-status-shuffle/</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://robertleebrewer.blogspot.com/2012/03/lets-write-together-use-collaborative.html">http://robertleebrewer.blogspot.com/2012/03/lets-write-together-use-collaborative.html</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.besteveryou.com/write-for-best-ever-you.htm">http://www.besteveryou.com/write-for-best-ever-you.htm</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.marketlist.com/qwf-(quality-women's-fiction)/dt/2717/">http://www.marketlist.com/qwf-(quality-women's-fiction)/dt/2717/</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/106973816132524083338/posts">https://plus.google.com/u/0/106973816132524083338/posts</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=96543791&locale=en_US&trk=tab_pro">http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=96543791&locale=en_US&trk=tab_pro</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">If you managed to get through all of that, you merit
a medal of persistence.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Have fun, above all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Until later,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 114%;">Claudsy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-59353090875260708772012-04-09T09:07:00.000-06:002012-04-09T09:08:54.017-06:00We're Having an Interview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just a short note to announce that children's writer, Denise Stanley, posted an interview with me on her lovely site, <a href="http://denise-roomtowrite.blogspot.com/">A Room to Write</a>. Please feel free to slide over there, read all the "juicy secrets" and leave a comment or question. I'll try to field questions as quickly as possible during today and tomorrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you everyone for your kind attention. I return you now to your regularly scheduled snooze. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Later,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Claudsy</span></div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7777642193089695807.post-18548605639564844002012-04-06T20:42:00.000-06:002012-04-09T08:56:19.765-06:00Realizing Connectedness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">In this cyber age, connectedness means
something different than it did a decade or more ago. Definitions change to fit
the culture, times, and influences of the day. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> lived long enough to have
multiple definitions for the word that means having part/elements logically
linked together.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One definition also relates family
members as connected by blood or adoption. I have always lived by that
definition. Connectedness within chemical compounds or atomic distribution is
also applicable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Links through philosophical beliefs or theories could
apply. Today we also have connectedness within the cyber world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">How connected are you? How many social
networks do you belong to? How many do you believe you need to
belong to as a writer for a successful brand/platform/name? Or, do you
think you have to be connected at all?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The rule of thumb in the business world,
whether on Wall Street, in Washington D.C., or in Hollywood, declares; you’re
only as important/influential as those whom you know, whom you’re connected to. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">All things being equal, who <b>do</b> you know?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Writers are told each day that platform
matters to our career paths and futures. We’re advised to join networks, make
connections, so that the circle of our influence continues to move ever-outward
with new contacts and their networks. (I wonder if there will come a time when
everyone in the world will be connected directly to every other person on the planet, if
only in name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If that were the case, would there be any
influence at all for anyone? Each person would have as much backing as everyone
else. Where would that leave us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You’re probably wondering why I began
this thought path. In doing Robert Brewer’s Author Platform Challenge this
month, I realized this morning how much of the process I’ve already gone
through and completed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have my networks in place, my
Facebook, and Twitter accounts active and gaining members. I have my blogs,
obviously. The thing I’m waiting to learn is how I can get these networks to
work for me with positive changes which continue to build each week. I’d also
like to know how to use the blogs for creating my own readership, which
continues to grow. Along with growing blogs, I’d like to know how to make them
as enjoyable as possible and how to get them to pay me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’m not thinking of huge amounts of
money here. I am talking about payoffs in book sales, etc. I’m hoping the
appropriate tasks come along soon. I suppose the most useful piece of info for
me is how to do all I need to do without using massive amounts o</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">f time in the
process. Right now, time is something in short supply around here.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">While I get myself all squared away here
with the platform development challenge, tell me how you handle your own
platform. Do you have one? If so, what is it and how long have you been
building it? What are your goals for your career and do you think your platform
will help you achieve those goals?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Leave me a comment. Tell about how you’re
working all of this modern writing business connectedness aspect. I’m
interested in knowing what others are doing with their work and how their
efforts are paying off for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Until later,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Claudsy</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>Claudette Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01323759000341863947noreply@blogger.com4