From PC’s to laptops, and now there’s mini’s. Just when you think it can’t get any more convenient for writers, technology takes another step forward. A lot of my writing acquaintances are really excited about the new personal mini-notebooks, or net-books, that fit into their palms. Now available for just few hundred dollars, these mini’s boast document programs and keyboards small enough to make them usable at coffee shops and on the go. Maybe I’m hard-headed, but I’ve gotten so used to my laptop I don’t think I’ll ever be able to upgrade. Or is it downgrade? How small can a writer go?
As a reader, I love my i-phone and use it to read e-books with all the time, not to mention e-mails. It’s a great tool but it doesn’t take the place of sitting at my own computer tapping away with a big screen right in front of me. I could not write a book on my i-phone. Maybe one of the perks of having a smaller computer would be the benefit of lying in bed and writing, but I’m amazed anyone can do that. It all comes down to comfort doesn’t it? I don’t know many writers who don’t have some type of issue with their necks, backs, or backsides, not to mention eyesight. I can’t see that lying in bed squinting at a small screen would be that conducive to creating. Sure, it’d be great to have something smaller to shove in a tote when I’m on the go to jot down some ideas, but again, it begs the question of how much technology do we need in our lives? With homes full of video game consoles, wide-screen televisions, personal computers, laptops, cell phones, i-pods…where does it stop?
I guess time will tell if these new advancements being pushed by such companies as Asus and Dell will find their own market niche. I for one, am going to hang on to my laptop a little longer. And my Wii. Cell phone. Boob tube…
February 28, 2009
February 20, 2009
Writing Unrestrained
We wash our hands before we eat, clean our homes with antibacterial products, recycle garbage, and hopefully every year make time to de-clutter. Physically, we spend a lot of energy trying to keep our bodies and spirits healthy, but what about our minds?
Though writing can be an escape to relieve stress, good writing takes concentration, and concentration requires an uncluttered mind. Just as we are what we eat, we are going to be prompted to create what we have absorbed. For this reason, though I study the genres that I am going to write in, the one stark rule I have when it comes to putting a storyline on paper is to not be engaged in a book of the same genre while I am actually writing. There are too many unconscious leaks.
For example, during the holidays I reviewed a lovely book by Linda Swift titled LET NOTHING YOU DISMAY. It’s so nice when we come across good fiction we truly enjoy! However, moving ahead a few months later, I hastily put together a one page story starter for a contest. As I read over my submission, something kept niggling the back of my mind. I later realized that I had used the main character’s name from this author’s novel, for a character in my little entry. A big deal? Not really. There’s no copyright on names, but the point is, that everything we bring into our minds whether it is positive or negative, leaves a lingering impression that we may pick up and use anywhere else in our lives, intentionally or not. In this instance, it was the influence of a book, but it could have been anything–even something beneath my moral guidelines and ethics.
Stop and think for a moment about what you put into your mind. Do you fill it with clean, uplifting, and intelligent items? If not, does your writing reflect this? A writer does not just create from the imagination; our stories can come literally from within our souls and our very guts (ever had writer’s block flare up the old ulcer?). It’s important not to saturate our brains with unnecessary clutter, and more so, just plain old trash. So think about what you are filling up your mind with when you are in the middle of the creative process. Your light needs room to shine.
Consider this:
David O. McKay, with his kindly but penetrating eyes looked at a group of Netherlands missionaries and said in essence," You are outstanding." He paused then continued, "In fact, you are so fine and so outstanding that you ought to be ashamed of yourselves for not being better than you are.”
Though writing can be an escape to relieve stress, good writing takes concentration, and concentration requires an uncluttered mind. Just as we are what we eat, we are going to be prompted to create what we have absorbed. For this reason, though I study the genres that I am going to write in, the one stark rule I have when it comes to putting a storyline on paper is to not be engaged in a book of the same genre while I am actually writing. There are too many unconscious leaks.
For example, during the holidays I reviewed a lovely book by Linda Swift titled LET NOTHING YOU DISMAY. It’s so nice when we come across good fiction we truly enjoy! However, moving ahead a few months later, I hastily put together a one page story starter for a contest. As I read over my submission, something kept niggling the back of my mind. I later realized that I had used the main character’s name from this author’s novel, for a character in my little entry. A big deal? Not really. There’s no copyright on names, but the point is, that everything we bring into our minds whether it is positive or negative, leaves a lingering impression that we may pick up and use anywhere else in our lives, intentionally or not. In this instance, it was the influence of a book, but it could have been anything–even something beneath my moral guidelines and ethics.
Stop and think for a moment about what you put into your mind. Do you fill it with clean, uplifting, and intelligent items? If not, does your writing reflect this? A writer does not just create from the imagination; our stories can come literally from within our souls and our very guts (ever had writer’s block flare up the old ulcer?). It’s important not to saturate our brains with unnecessary clutter, and more so, just plain old trash. So think about what you are filling up your mind with when you are in the middle of the creative process. Your light needs room to shine.
Consider this:
David O. McKay, with his kindly but penetrating eyes looked at a group of Netherlands missionaries and said in essence," You are outstanding." He paused then continued, "In fact, you are so fine and so outstanding that you ought to be ashamed of yourselves for not being better than you are.”
February 13, 2009
Writers' Recipe of the Month
Yes, it’s February. Time for chocolates and wondering why you even bothered making that New Year’s resolution. Below is a light southern version of homemade macaroni. It is a family favorite here at the Thorne house, so skip the treats and indulge in some comfort food to feed your mind.
Baked Macaroni
Ingredients:
2 cups of elbow macaroni, boiled until tender and drained
2 cups of cottage cheese
2 cups of sharp shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of low-fat sour cream
1 beaten egg (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
Mix all ingredients smoothly and spread into a greased 9X13 pan. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes on 350 degrees. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Baked Macaroni
Ingredients:
2 cups of elbow macaroni, boiled until tender and drained
2 cups of cottage cheese
2 cups of sharp shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of low-fat sour cream
1 beaten egg (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
Mix all ingredients smoothly and spread into a greased 9X13 pan. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes on 350 degrees. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
February 6, 2009
More Blessed Than Stressed
Are you stressed? Do you often forget to count your blessings? This week’s blog post is an interview with Kaye Pryor. She is the founder of the company, MORE BLESSED THAN STRESSED, a program where people share stories and raise funds for charity (such as The Children’s Miracle Network). After reading the interview, you must visit the MORE BLESSED THAN STRESSED website and view some of their cool tee-shirts and mugs.
The Balanced Writer: Where did you first come up with the slogan, MORE BLESSED THAN STRESSED?
Kaye Pryor: The slogan, "More Blessed Than Stressed," made its first appearance in a conversation I was having with my husband about how fortunate we were to have our family, our home, and all the many blessings in our lives. We had just seen the news about the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and couldn't imagine the struggles that so many people were experiencing. We knew we were "More Blessed Than Stressed," and wanted to reach out to help others.
TBW: What made you decide to take it to the web?
KP: Taking this company to the web allowed me to reach people in all walks of life in many parts of the country, and that covers more ground than having a storefront in one town. I also like the ability to work from home, plus it allows more flexibility with my time.
TBW: What kind of responses have you received from people?
KP: Most people's first response is "I like that!" Lots of different people seem to relate and apply the words to their own life. I've also heard some say, "That's my new motto." It's as if they get strength and comfort from just seeing the words in print.
TBW: What kind of experiences have you had to overcome in your life that made you realize you were blessed?
KP: The toughest experience I've had to overcome in my own life was a near fatal accident and a year long recovery. Thanks to the constant care from my husband, parents, and a team of medical staff, I had a complete recovery and I am even more grateful for the miracle of life than I ever thought possible. The "big picture" is something that guides me everyday and I appreciate being able to enjoy the little things.
TBW: How can writers, authors, or other artists incorporate this mantra into their lives?
KP: One of the biggest stumbling blocks for creativity is the idea that a list of chores has to be taken care of before allowing time to be creative. The pressure of getting other things done causes too much stress. I think writers and others artists need to feel blessed and confident enough in their abilities to honor their own talent, and make a choice not to sabotage space for their creativity to flow. We all face individual challenges and have to fight some guilt, but our creative abilities deserve time of their own! We are blessed to have the talent and we can prevent stress by making time for ourselves to express it in a unique way.
TBW: Beautiful answer. What are your future plans for MORE BLESSED THAN STRESSED?
KP: MORE BLESSED THAN STRESSED continues to expand its product line. In addition to tee shirts, tote bags, and coffee mugs, we have added our own blend of custom roasted coffee. We will add new colors and offer new products as we grow the company. We've had interest from a few retail markets and we also continue to partner with fundraising events that will allow us to give back to the community.
TBW: How can people find out more about spreading the message and purchase some products?
KP: To learn more about our products and purchase from our online store, please visit our website at: www.moreblessedthanstressed.com
TBW: Thanks, Kaye! You’ve got a great thing going!
The Balanced Writer: Where did you first come up with the slogan, MORE BLESSED THAN STRESSED?
Kaye Pryor: The slogan, "More Blessed Than Stressed," made its first appearance in a conversation I was having with my husband about how fortunate we were to have our family, our home, and all the many blessings in our lives. We had just seen the news about the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and couldn't imagine the struggles that so many people were experiencing. We knew we were "More Blessed Than Stressed," and wanted to reach out to help others.
TBW: What made you decide to take it to the web?
KP: Taking this company to the web allowed me to reach people in all walks of life in many parts of the country, and that covers more ground than having a storefront in one town. I also like the ability to work from home, plus it allows more flexibility with my time.
TBW: What kind of responses have you received from people?
KP: Most people's first response is "I like that!" Lots of different people seem to relate and apply the words to their own life. I've also heard some say, "That's my new motto." It's as if they get strength and comfort from just seeing the words in print.
TBW: What kind of experiences have you had to overcome in your life that made you realize you were blessed?
KP: The toughest experience I've had to overcome in my own life was a near fatal accident and a year long recovery. Thanks to the constant care from my husband, parents, and a team of medical staff, I had a complete recovery and I am even more grateful for the miracle of life than I ever thought possible. The "big picture" is something that guides me everyday and I appreciate being able to enjoy the little things.
TBW: How can writers, authors, or other artists incorporate this mantra into their lives?
KP: One of the biggest stumbling blocks for creativity is the idea that a list of chores has to be taken care of before allowing time to be creative. The pressure of getting other things done causes too much stress. I think writers and others artists need to feel blessed and confident enough in their abilities to honor their own talent, and make a choice not to sabotage space for their creativity to flow. We all face individual challenges and have to fight some guilt, but our creative abilities deserve time of their own! We are blessed to have the talent and we can prevent stress by making time for ourselves to express it in a unique way.
TBW: Beautiful answer. What are your future plans for MORE BLESSED THAN STRESSED?
KP: MORE BLESSED THAN STRESSED continues to expand its product line. In addition to tee shirts, tote bags, and coffee mugs, we have added our own blend of custom roasted coffee. We will add new colors and offer new products as we grow the company. We've had interest from a few retail markets and we also continue to partner with fundraising events that will allow us to give back to the community.
TBW: How can people find out more about spreading the message and purchase some products?
KP: To learn more about our products and purchase from our online store, please visit our website at: www.moreblessedthanstressed.com
TBW: Thanks, Kaye! You’ve got a great thing going!
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