Broaden Your Perspective

I found this link on The Passive Voice. It's called the Book Blind Taste Test. The idea is that you will use the New Releases promotions at your local library to broaden your reading tastes:

The parameters of the project are fairly simple: you must read one book by a new-to-you author, either one you’ve never heard of or one you’ve been meaning to get to, and give it at least fifty  pages. 

I do like this idea, and - once I've finished the revisions - try this idea out. That will likely take me into the fall. If you're on board with this idea, use your local library, and report back in the comments about the experience.

I do like the idea of only committing to 50 pages - if I REALLY hate the book, I can return it, without wasting a lot of time on it.

But, the idea appeals to me, because I only read my first science fiction book as a result of a friend leaving the first book of the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov behind when he moved to another apartment. I read it, and was hooked.

Beginning to See the End of the 1st Book

I made no progress today. Instead, I focused on:

• Cleaning/organizing the house
• Finishing updating taxes - we are going to re-file, as there were errors
• Organized the Ham Shack - I put my Raspberry Pi and peripherals there, as well as my handheld and stuff

If I can, I will go back to the revision. However, I make no promises to write anything today - even to myself. My husband may have other plans, and, as our time together this summer is rapidly coming to an end (Physics conference the last 2 weeks of the month, along with traveling, finding genealogical resources for an ancestor of his), I plan to gather the rosebuds while I can. 

Come the start of the school year, I should have MUCHO time.

Starting an Email List for FREE!

I have used Google Forms for some time to collect information for my classes at school.

It occurred to me that I could set up a template for a low-number of emails - perhaps 100 or fewer. Using the template would allow you to test the waters. If you are interested, click on the link, and fill out the form.

I will send you the download link by return email.

Nearing the End

I wrote my first 50K words in NaNoWriMo 2016. I put it down, and got the rest of my life in process after that.

Including my plan to retire in another week.

No, I'm not retiring off the proceeds from a blockbuster first novel.

I've just managed to put together the magic combination of age, Social Security, pensions, and various tax-sheltered money to be able to cut loose the full-time gig.

For now.

There are no guarantees. It's totally possible that I will need to pick up another FT job in the future. I do anticipate that I will be picking up some PT money within 6 months, at least. I may sub, either in schools, or with temp office work.

Or not.

As I get near the finish line (completed revision, ready to test the waters), I've started learning more about the publishing business.

It's generally NOT pretty. The business is in chaos, run largely by people who were NOT the stars of their business school - they are English majors.

Read more from an insider about the state of the publishing world.

Writing Blog

I decided to setup a blog for my writing. I'll be posting some work-in-progress, links to published work, and some posts about things I've experienced and learned along the way.

This blog is strictly for activities related to my writing. Any other activities/opinions are on my other blogs:

Right As Usual - WARNING! I am opinionated, definitely NON-PC, and irreverent. Don't go there and come back complaining about it not being your cup of tea (or, glass of SweetTea).

At Last! Retiring for Good - this blog is for the retired, nearly retired, or heading in that direction, if not immediately. Think of those getting AARP magazine - starts around 50.  I've been writing about organizing the paperwork, struggles with bureaucracy, and my back-and-forth decision making. For the next few years, I'll also share how the End of FT Work is going, as well as any links or tips that seem pertinent.