Psssttt…Allison Winn Scotch is giving away some galley copies of her latest novel. You can find out how to enter on her Web site. It is as easy as visiting her Facebook page and leaving a comment. Just be sure you do it by Thursday.
Author Archives: Mindy
Living: Learning the Ropes at Soccer
Three weeks ago I became a soccer mom. When did my little guy become old enough for this? I still don’t think it is possible.
He is learning to be a part of a team, how to dribble a soccer ball and how to score a goal. But I’m learning, too.
I’m learning to stand back and cheer from the sidelines.
I’m learning to let the coach do the coaching.
I’m learning that toddlers are easily distracted from the task at hand, which also means I’m learning to capture the little moments of the game from afar so I don’t become one of those distractions.
I’m learning that crackers and a water bottle are soccer necessities.
And I’m learning how to get through a whole game without shedding a tear when I catch special moments like this one. It isn’t easy.
Freelancing: The Benefits of a List
“First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.” —Napoleon Hill
I couldn’t survive without my many lists. Each day before I start working, I review my list of projects and deadlines and the steps I need to take for each to ensure it is done on time. I also try to look out one or two weeks and compare my work to-do list with my family to-do list. School holidays and personal commitments can alter how much time I can devote to my projects on certain days, so a high-level view is as important as a detailed daily list. Prioritizing the list helps me stay on top of projects. And sometimes, it makes all the difference in the world.
A Little Chuckle
No matter how many times I spy this sign at the drive thru at my local Burger King, I laugh. I’m not sure what cracks me up more, the unnecessary possessive on cashiers or the unnecessary quotation marks on receipt. Either way, it is funny!
I made my hubby snap a picture of it one day and I’m pleased to say that it was featured on the "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks this week. Check it out here and then be sure to check out the Greatest Hits section on the side. It makes me laugh so hard I cry.
Family Space
As a work-at-home freelancer, I often have to remind myself that I’m the one who sometimes intrudes on the family space and not that the family is invading my workspace.
I recently found myself telling my husband the hockey game he was watching was making it hard for me to concentrate on the story I was editing. Then I realized that I was in the family room—the only room in the house with a t.v, sofa and high definition cable. I could write anywhere else in the house, but my hubby couldn’t watch the game from my office, the kitchen table or the living room.
I try to avoid working with my son on my lap, but it does occasionally happen. When it does, I try to be patient—even when he decides to help me type. He is used to our time together being his and doesn’t understand when I say, “Just let me finish this e-mail.”
Knowing when I’m the one who needs to retreat and seek out different space helps keep frustration at bay—for all of us. Sometimes I can put in my earphones, listen to music and still be in the family space while writing, but other times, there is no place like my office desk to keep me focused and my hubby and son happy.
Being Confident
I recently read this quote about being confident in your work and I couldn’t agree more:
“There is a difference between being arrogant about yourself as a person and being confident that your work has some value. The first is unattractive, the second is healthy and natural. Some people respond to one as if it were the other. Don’t confuse them. Marketing is not bragging, and touting one’s wares is not evil. The baker in the medieval town square must holler ‘fresh rolls’ if he hopes to feed the townfolk.” — Jeffrey Zeldman.
I think it is crucial that a any business owner be confident in the work or service he or she provides. If you’re not confident in your work, why would any of your potential clients be confident in you? By knowing the value you provide and the expertise you bring to the table, you show that you have a product that is worthy of the price you charge.
The Joy of Working from Home
We’re having some work done in our house today and I needed a quiet place where I could conduct a phone interview for a story. I sought out some solitude on our back deck and got to sit in the sun for a full 30 minutes while running down my list of questions and learning all about a great new product that will be hitting stores this summer. It’s days like today that make me so grateful I work from home! I should make it a point to utilize my backyard office more often.
Send Some Love to the Journalist in Your Life
If you’re going to be sending a Valentine to a journalist this year, check out the great options at 10,000 Words–Part I from 2009 and Part II from this year.
Book Club: Pick a Picoult Novel
In anticipation of Jodi Picoult’s next book, House Rules, that will hit book stores on March 2, I thought we could ‘Pick a Picoult Book’ for the next virtual book club.
There are 18 to choose from, so pick one that sounds good and let’s circle back and share our thoughts on March 9. Who knows, maybe I will have even finished the new one by then! You can read about all of the books at http://www.jodipicoult.com/.
Snow, Snow and More Snow
I have to hand it to the meteorologists here in the D.C. area. They’re accurate. It started snowing at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and didn’t stop until 6:00 Saturday evening, leaving us with the predicted 25+ inches of snow. The sun on Sunday lured us out to do some shoveling, play a little and snap a few photos. Even though the snow creates a lot of extra work and hassle, it is pretty.
Photo Sharing – Video Sharing – Photo Printing
Photo Sharing – Video Sharing – Photo Printing
Photo Sharing – Video Sharing – Photo Printing
Getting around in over two feet of snow, whether on foot or in the car, creates a few challenges. We’re learning to overcome them.
The local weather is predicting another 8-10 inches of snow on Tuesday. I’m eager and afraid to see if they’re right.