No, I don't know of a General named Info, but I think that would be awesome!
I'm giving you general information. It's not my fault that by proper-casing the title of this blog post I may have unintentionally mislead you into thinking I was capitalizing "General" because it was someone's professional title. That is just the way capitalizing will get you with it's devious little mind tricks, I suppose.
If you followed that, I'm not sure I should congratulate you. You might be as strange as I am.
To the point!
Anyone interested in being my writing pal for NaNoWriMo (and trust me, you want writing pals at least for peer pressure), my username is RueLane, or maybe Rue Lane. I can't remember if I used a space. Either way, you now have the information you need to find me.
Also, for anyone interesting in receiving my writing newsletter or contributing to it every now and then (or even just once), I'm giving you my email address. This is a big action for me, because I might get spammed by posting this. And spam is only good when it's fried and you're camping, because everything is good camping. Anyway, email me and let me know if you want to read or contribute (or even edit): bri44any@gmail.com
Thanks a million for reading this post. Thanks a billion if you leave a comment with a random fact in honor of General Info, the imaginary military leader for the battle against the uneducated.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Handwritten Letters
I've been checking the mail a lot recently for the last bill from my insurance company with a corrected amount on it (I refused to pay for a full month when I clearly didn't need coverage for a full month, only 11 days), and I realized something.
People do not handwrite anything anymore.
I mean, if it's something small enough for a post-it, then maybe, but anything longer than that? Heavens, that is just too much to ask.
I love handwriting, the verb and the noun. I think it feels so much better to handwrite something than it does to type it out, even though it's much more efficient to use a keyboard, and not everyone can decipher my letters. Maybe I like writing on paper because of the way I feel when I receive something handwritten.
Who can explain that feeling? It's not just the time it takes to handwrite a letter. It's not just the personality a pen brings to paper. It's not just the fact that you learn exactly how well someone can spell without a computer correcting them. It's not just the way almost no one can keep a straight margin on the left side of the paper. It not just the doodles and fancy ways people write your name and sign the letter.
It's a combination of these things and all the other simple quirks that come from an authentic message that physically traveled from someone else to you. It's communication in a form you can handle, a message you can save in a shoebox, a tool you can use to reminisce. It's a surprising form of support that can brighten even the dullest of days.
I have two favors to ask of everyone who reads this. First, leave a comment about why you like handwritten letters, or why you don't like them if that's the way you roll. Second, send letters to at least two people (one for each hand). If you don't know who to write, then start by asking yourself if you even know anyone's address. Also, make sure you have envelopes and stamps.
Don't feel awkward, and don't be discouraged if you don't think of anything to say at first. Write about what you could be doing instead of writing. Write about something you are looking forward to. Use colored pencils or decorative paper. Write about a memory with whoever you're writing to. Draw a picture (and don't worry--the less talent you have, the more likely it will be put up on someone's fridge, even if you aren't three years old). Send a photo or a scrap of something you can tell a story about. Make up a story and tell them to read the letter before bedtime. Just send something in the mail and write on it. It's a dying art that's simple enough to do if people would just practice.
It seems like people get excited about writing letters but then say "when I have time." The truth is that we never have time. We just have to commit ourselves to making time for these types of things. I think Humans can create anything they set their minds to, so why not create time to write a letter? It's not a chore. It's a relationship-building experience, a day-booster. I think it's worth the time and energy it would take to write it.
Help me revive handwritten letters. Please.
People do not handwrite anything anymore.
I mean, if it's something small enough for a post-it, then maybe, but anything longer than that? Heavens, that is just too much to ask.
I love handwriting, the verb and the noun. I think it feels so much better to handwrite something than it does to type it out, even though it's much more efficient to use a keyboard, and not everyone can decipher my letters. Maybe I like writing on paper because of the way I feel when I receive something handwritten.
Who can explain that feeling? It's not just the time it takes to handwrite a letter. It's not just the personality a pen brings to paper. It's not just the fact that you learn exactly how well someone can spell without a computer correcting them. It's not just the way almost no one can keep a straight margin on the left side of the paper. It not just the doodles and fancy ways people write your name and sign the letter.
It's a combination of these things and all the other simple quirks that come from an authentic message that physically traveled from someone else to you. It's communication in a form you can handle, a message you can save in a shoebox, a tool you can use to reminisce. It's a surprising form of support that can brighten even the dullest of days.
I have two favors to ask of everyone who reads this. First, leave a comment about why you like handwritten letters, or why you don't like them if that's the way you roll. Second, send letters to at least two people (one for each hand). If you don't know who to write, then start by asking yourself if you even know anyone's address. Also, make sure you have envelopes and stamps.
Don't feel awkward, and don't be discouraged if you don't think of anything to say at first. Write about what you could be doing instead of writing. Write about something you are looking forward to. Use colored pencils or decorative paper. Write about a memory with whoever you're writing to. Draw a picture (and don't worry--the less talent you have, the more likely it will be put up on someone's fridge, even if you aren't three years old). Send a photo or a scrap of something you can tell a story about. Make up a story and tell them to read the letter before bedtime. Just send something in the mail and write on it. It's a dying art that's simple enough to do if people would just practice.
It seems like people get excited about writing letters but then say "when I have time." The truth is that we never have time. We just have to commit ourselves to making time for these types of things. I think Humans can create anything they set their minds to, so why not create time to write a letter? It's not a chore. It's a relationship-building experience, a day-booster. I think it's worth the time and energy it would take to write it.
Help me revive handwritten letters. Please.
Friday, October 15, 2010
NaNoWriMo Kickoff Party! WooHoo!
Here's info about the kickoff party. I received this news via email.
Hello Rocky Mountain WriMos!
The 2010 Kick-Off for SLC will be at Raw Bean Coffee House!http://rawbeancoffee.com/
They have a nice upstairs area that we are going to take over on Saturday, October 30th, from about 1-4pm.
Raw Bean serves coffee, other drinks (sodas), and some desserts (the banana chocolate chip nut bread was yummy). They don't really have food, so they're allowing us to bring our own. Unless someone has a better idea, I think pizza should work just fine, as it has been our kick-off meal of choice for many years.
Going with the pizza idea, we ask that everyone who eats contributes $5 to pay for the pizzas. You're on your own with drinks and desserts, but please at least buy a drink while we're there; we're getting the use of the building for free so we want to give them our business.
Raw Bean looks like a great place to bring your computer and do some writing, so feel free to go back during November. Unfortunately, they don't stay open very late for evening write-ins.
You can see Trax just one block away. It looks like the nearest station is at Main Street and 450 South, about two blocks away. If you drive, Raw Bean has its own parking lot behind the building on the SE corner of 600 South and West Temple. So it shouldn't be a problem for anyone to get there.
RSVP to the forum thread or this email.(Email RSVPs tend to not mention your nano username, which means I list you twice sometimes, so please remember to mention who you are if you RSVP to both.)
See some of you there!
Is everyone excited about their novels yet? I'm still working mine out in my head but I think I may have something when December rolls around. Just waiting....
Banai
ML for Salt Lake City, UtahAIM, YIM, GTalk: banai47Twitter: http://twitter.com/banaifeldstein, http://twitter.com/SLCWriMo
Hello Rocky Mountain WriMos!
The 2010 Kick-Off for SLC will be at Raw Bean Coffee House!http://rawbeancoffee.com/
They have a nice upstairs area that we are going to take over on Saturday, October 30th, from about 1-4pm.
Raw Bean serves coffee, other drinks (sodas), and some desserts (the banana chocolate chip nut bread was yummy). They don't really have food, so they're allowing us to bring our own. Unless someone has a better idea, I think pizza should work just fine, as it has been our kick-off meal of choice for many years.
Going with the pizza idea, we ask that everyone who eats contributes $5 to pay for the pizzas. You're on your own with drinks and desserts, but please at least buy a drink while we're there; we're getting the use of the building for free so we want to give them our business.
Raw Bean looks like a great place to bring your computer and do some writing, so feel free to go back during November. Unfortunately, they don't stay open very late for evening write-ins.
You can see Trax just one block away. It looks like the nearest station is at Main Street and 450 South, about two blocks away. If you drive, Raw Bean has its own parking lot behind the building on the SE corner of 600 South and West Temple. So it shouldn't be a problem for anyone to get there.
RSVP to the forum thread or this email.(Email RSVPs tend to not mention your nano username, which means I list you twice sometimes, so please remember to mention who you are if you RSVP to both.)
See some of you there!
Is everyone excited about their novels yet? I'm still working mine out in my head but I think I may have something when December rolls around. Just waiting....
Banai
ML for Salt Lake City, UtahAIM, YIM, GTalk: banai47Twitter: http://twitter.com/banaifeldstein, http://twitter.com/SLCWriMo
Thursday, October 14, 2010
So I'm Curious
I want to do a Writer thing. I'd write something like an article about writing. It could be anything from tips, techniques, thoughts, solutions...as long as it had something to do with writing that could help writers.
I figure I could do it once a week or every other week. I was wondering if anyone would want to read it, or even contribute to it. It could be like a newsletter. Who would want to be on the email list to receive this, and would anyone like to be part of it? I know I don't have many writer followers, but I'm just throwing this out there.
I just figure it would help me to write about writing. I could write about what I love, what I don't love, what I know, what I find out...because right now writing is hard. I usually just need to talk about what's hard, and then it either stops being hard or I find a solution.
Thanks.
I figure I could do it once a week or every other week. I was wondering if anyone would want to read it, or even contribute to it. It could be like a newsletter. Who would want to be on the email list to receive this, and would anyone like to be part of it? I know I don't have many writer followers, but I'm just throwing this out there.
I just figure it would help me to write about writing. I could write about what I love, what I don't love, what I know, what I find out...because right now writing is hard. I usually just need to talk about what's hard, and then it either stops being hard or I find a solution.
Thanks.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
If I were a Rich Man...
If I were a rich man, I'd wonder why I wasn't a woman anymore. But once I got past that...
I would have fun! I would collect stuff from my favorite shows and books, and I'd have a sort of museum that people could come in to see stuff themselves, too! Because sharing is caring.
Also, I would learn! I would keep going to school because let's admit it, I like learning, and it kind of stinks that it's not reasonable to have 13 majors in the same degree. I mean really, how would that kind of degree fit on a resume? No, it just isn't reasonable.
Also, I would accept fan mail. If you would send me fan mail, even if it is a lie, I would sent you a check, and I would be the coolest, most fan-tastic (ha ha ha!) rich man in the world!
Also, I would have an otter and a giraffe and some owls, because those animals belong together.
Also, I would probably do other stuff, but really, I just wanted to type into this blog box and click Publish Post again, because we all know how it feels to publish something with your name on it.
IT FEELS GREAT!
I would have fun! I would collect stuff from my favorite shows and books, and I'd have a sort of museum that people could come in to see stuff themselves, too! Because sharing is caring.
Also, I would learn! I would keep going to school because let's admit it, I like learning, and it kind of stinks that it's not reasonable to have 13 majors in the same degree. I mean really, how would that kind of degree fit on a resume? No, it just isn't reasonable.
Also, I would accept fan mail. If you would send me fan mail, even if it is a lie, I would sent you a check, and I would be the coolest, most fan-tastic (ha ha ha!) rich man in the world!
Also, I would have an otter and a giraffe and some owls, because those animals belong together.
Also, I would probably do other stuff, but really, I just wanted to type into this blog box and click Publish Post again, because we all know how it feels to publish something with your name on it.
IT FEELS GREAT!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Interested in NaNoWriMo?
In case YOU are a WRITER and you've ever wondered what it would be like to sign up for NaNoWriMo, It is AWESOME! And if signing up feels this great to me, think about how much fun you're going to have beating your head/keyboard to a bloody/plasticy mess. I know, pretty cool thought, isn't it? ha ha.
Anyway, if you feel like killing yourself in November because of a zombie-like existence that somehow manages to make you feel like you're high in a good and a bad way at the same time, sign up. Here's what my welcome email said, in case you want to know more about it but are too afraid to commit to anything (as if they could literally force you to keep your commitment).
Quote (for the rest of this post):
After you've logged in, you'll have a chance to complete your Author Profile, and begin getting to know other participants in the NaNoWriMo forums. One quick thing: While filling out your profile on the site, it's important that you affiliate with a NaNoWriMo region, and then make that your Home Region. Many towns have Municipal Liaisons to organize NaNo write-ins and get-togethers in October and November, and affiliating with a region will automatically add you to the update list. Every region has a special message board called a Regional Lounge that becomes visible to affiliates of that region at the bottom of the Forums page.
To affiliate with a region, just sign in to the site, click the My Regions link in the left-hand menu. When you click that, you'll see three tabs. The Regions tab lets you affiliate with any of NaNoWriMo regions around the world. Once you've affiliated with your region (or regions---you can pick a bunch if you like), you should pick one of them to be your Home Region on that beautiful Home Region tab.
Picking a Home Region begins adding your word count to your region's cumulative tally, allowing you to do your part in crushing the spirits of NaNoWriMo authors in rival cities and towns.
To fill out your author profile, just click the "Edit Author Info" link and "Edit Novel Info" links from the My NaNoWriMo page. You upload your photo from the "Edit User Settings" link. Be sure to scroll down and hit "Submit" to save your changes.
On November 1, we'll unlock the novel-excerpt and word-count area of your author profile, so you can post your escalating word count, view your personal stats, and offer an excerpt of your work-in-progress to friends and fans.
Before you head off to begin training those typing fingers, we wanted to offer a few bits of advice. You'll find many great tips in the forums, and we'll be sending pep talks directly to your inbox during November. But for now, here's a quick overview of the three-and-a-half things we wish we had known for our first NaNoWriMo.
1) It's okay to not know what you're doing. Really. You've read a lot of novels, so you're completely up to the challenge of writing one. If you feel more comfortable outlining your story ahead of time, do so. But it's also fine to just wing it. Write every day, and a book-worthy story will appear, even if you're not sure what that story might be right now.
2) Do not edit as you go. Editing is for December. Think of November as an experiment in pure output. Even if it's hard at first, leave ugly prose and poorly written passages on the page to be cleaned up later. Your inner editor will be very grumpy about this, but your inner editor is a nitpicky jerk who foolishly believes that it is possible to write a brilliant first draft if you write it slowly enough. It isn't. Every book you've ever loved started out as a beautifully flawed first draft. In November, embrace imperfection and see where it takes you.
3) Tell everyone you know that you're writing a novel in November. This will pay big dividends in Week Two, when the only thing keeping you from quitting is the fear of looking pathetic in front of all the people who've had to hear about your novel for the past month. Seriously. Email them now about your awesome new book. The looming specter of personal humiliation is a very reliable muse.
3.5) There will be times you'll want to quit during November. This is okay. Everyone who wins NaNoWriMo wanted to quit at some point in November. Stick it out. See it through. Week Two can be hard. Week Three is much better. Week Four will make you want to yodel.
And we're talking the good kind of yodeling here.
Anyway, if you feel like killing yourself in November because of a zombie-like existence that somehow manages to make you feel like you're high in a good and a bad way at the same time, sign up. Here's what my welcome email said, in case you want to know more about it but are too afraid to commit to anything (as if they could literally force you to keep your commitment).
Quote (for the rest of this post):
After you've logged in, you'll have a chance to complete your Author Profile, and begin getting to know other participants in the NaNoWriMo forums. One quick thing: While filling out your profile on the site, it's important that you affiliate with a NaNoWriMo region, and then make that your Home Region. Many towns have Municipal Liaisons to organize NaNo write-ins and get-togethers in October and November, and affiliating with a region will automatically add you to the update list. Every region has a special message board called a Regional Lounge that becomes visible to affiliates of that region at the bottom of the Forums page.
To affiliate with a region, just sign in to the site, click the My Regions link in the left-hand menu. When you click that, you'll see three tabs. The Regions tab lets you affiliate with any of NaNoWriMo regions around the world. Once you've affiliated with your region (or regions---you can pick a bunch if you like), you should pick one of them to be your Home Region on that beautiful Home Region tab.
Picking a Home Region begins adding your word count to your region's cumulative tally, allowing you to do your part in crushing the spirits of NaNoWriMo authors in rival cities and towns.
To fill out your author profile, just click the "Edit Author Info" link and "Edit Novel Info" links from the My NaNoWriMo page. You upload your photo from the "Edit User Settings" link. Be sure to scroll down and hit "Submit" to save your changes.
On November 1, we'll unlock the novel-excerpt and word-count area of your author profile, so you can post your escalating word count, view your personal stats, and offer an excerpt of your work-in-progress to friends and fans.
Before you head off to begin training those typing fingers, we wanted to offer a few bits of advice. You'll find many great tips in the forums, and we'll be sending pep talks directly to your inbox during November. But for now, here's a quick overview of the three-and-a-half things we wish we had known for our first NaNoWriMo.
1) It's okay to not know what you're doing. Really. You've read a lot of novels, so you're completely up to the challenge of writing one. If you feel more comfortable outlining your story ahead of time, do so. But it's also fine to just wing it. Write every day, and a book-worthy story will appear, even if you're not sure what that story might be right now.
2) Do not edit as you go. Editing is for December. Think of November as an experiment in pure output. Even if it's hard at first, leave ugly prose and poorly written passages on the page to be cleaned up later. Your inner editor will be very grumpy about this, but your inner editor is a nitpicky jerk who foolishly believes that it is possible to write a brilliant first draft if you write it slowly enough. It isn't. Every book you've ever loved started out as a beautifully flawed first draft. In November, embrace imperfection and see where it takes you.
3) Tell everyone you know that you're writing a novel in November. This will pay big dividends in Week Two, when the only thing keeping you from quitting is the fear of looking pathetic in front of all the people who've had to hear about your novel for the past month. Seriously. Email them now about your awesome new book. The looming specter of personal humiliation is a very reliable muse.
3.5) There will be times you'll want to quit during November. This is okay. Everyone who wins NaNoWriMo wanted to quit at some point in November. Stick it out. See it through. Week Two can be hard. Week Three is much better. Week Four will make you want to yodel.
And we're talking the good kind of yodeling here.
Spotlight: A Funny Stranger
Who likes laughing? Raise your hands, both of them...
You all look like you're on a roller coaster now.
Okay, but seriously, put at least one hand down, specifically the one operating your computer mouse, because I'd like to refer you to this blog:
http://isitjustrandi.blogspot.com/2010/09/some-people-should-just-be-banned-from.html
It's her most recent post, and I think this lady is a hoot. She's not commercial or anything like that. She just seems like someone I'd be friends with, especially because she has a sense of humor. Mind the age gap, because it seems to be that she's a mother (or I'm kinda freaked out that she's so involved with those children she talks about...).
Anyway, we all know bloggers love comments like a zombie loves puppies. (Did I tell you guys that dream, about the zombies and puppies?), so I'm sharing her with you. If you like her blog, comment. I bet it will make her day to get a few new names in her comment list.
You all look like you're on a roller coaster now.
Okay, but seriously, put at least one hand down, specifically the one operating your computer mouse, because I'd like to refer you to this blog:
http://isitjustrandi.blogspot.com/2010/09/some-people-should-just-be-banned-from.html
It's her most recent post, and I think this lady is a hoot. She's not commercial or anything like that. She just seems like someone I'd be friends with, especially because she has a sense of humor. Mind the age gap, because it seems to be that she's a mother (or I'm kinda freaked out that she's so involved with those children she talks about...).
Anyway, we all know bloggers love comments like a zombie loves puppies. (Did I tell you guys that dream, about the zombies and puppies?), so I'm sharing her with you. If you like her blog, comment. I bet it will make her day to get a few new names in her comment list.
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