Archive | March 30, 2012

Back To Basics: Reading And Writing

I’ve been spending some time rethinking my reading and writing goals.  I still haven’t picked up a book as of late, and I really need to get going.  There are so many wonderful books out there.  My problem is that I’ve currently concentrated on my blog.  It’s paid off too.  After all these years of writing for myself, I am finally beginning to create an audience, which I enjoy and is wonderful.  It is just the beginning.  Somehow I have to get organized and find balance between reading and writing, between planning and execution.  I know I can do this.  I’m just frustrated that everything is taking so much longer than I’d like.

Below are some great writing – and reading – posts I’ve been meaning to discuss.

Why It’s Important To Take Your Reader Into Account | The Collaborative Writer

Knowing You’re A Writer From An Early Age | The Collaborative Writer

I love the Collaborative Writer.  As you can see from the titles above, she tackles subjects other writers don’t want to discuss or subjects that may seem obvious at first.  I particularly liked her discussion of the trials and tribulations of Knowing You’re A Writer From An Early Age.  I think most writers can relate at some level.

Writer Unboxed » The Long Distance Landscape of a Writing Career

Writer Unboxed » (A Writer’s) Age Is Just A Number

Both of the posts above from Writer Unboxed inspire me.  I take a very long-term view of what I want to accomplish with my writing, blogging or otherwise.  I’m glad I’m not the only one.  I’m just getting warmed up.  The same goes for reading.

Speaking of which… below is a series of posts discussing the importance of reading purposely to inform your writing.  This is precisely why I began keeping lists of books I want to read and books I already read, as well as where I got the book – own versus library.  This series takes it to a whole new level.  I’ve read this advice other places as well.  I’m going to have to carefully consider it.  I’m not doing enough to record my thoughts on what I read.  Wonderful stuff if you are serious about reading and writing.

Life is Short. Read with Purpose. « DIY MFA

3 Steps to Reading With Purpose « DIY MFA

Prompt: Make a Reading Plan « DIY MFA

DIY MFA

Reading 2012 | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

E-Book Challenge 2012 (December 2011 – Present) | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Reading List (July 2009 – Present) | Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Rapunzel, Rapunzel

Reblogged from THE MIDDLEST SISTER:

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I'm back from vacation! While I was at my parents' house, I had a chance to go through all the schoolwork and drawings my mother saved over the years. She had all our childhood journals and diaries, report cards, and school projects. It was so wonderful to comb through all that old stuff. Here's one of the drawings I found, a self-portrait Ashley did with our cat Rapunzel:

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Such a cute kitty!

Third time's a charm(er): Mom with Turner syndrome has baby

Reblogged from BeNotAfraid.net Blog:

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Winona Jones Youman, a beautiful young woman with Turner syndrome, has defied the odds and done something really incredible. She had a baby. Yes, yes, I know - every baby is a miracle. But this situation is different. You see, women who have Turner syndrome are generally thought to be unable to conceive a baby without assisted reproduction. Not only did Winona conceive without reproductive assistance, she was as surprised as anyone after her pregnancy test revealed a positive.

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This is just beautiful! Miracles do happen.

Paul McCartney, The Fresh Air Interview

Paul McCartney live in Barton, England on June...

Paul McCartney live in Barton, England on June 13, 2010 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Paul McCartney Blows ‘Kisses’ To His Father’s Era : NPR

Fresh Air’s Terry Gross latest interview with Sir Paul McCartney aired on NPR yesterday.  I normally catch at least the end of the show on my way home from work.  Well yesterday, and today, I happened to be home.  Fortunately you can listen to the entire interview by following the link above.  If you are interested in Paul McCartney’s music at all, with or without the Beatles, you will want to check it out.  Those who have followed Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde for any length of time know just how much I love the music of the Beatles and Paul McCartney.  I doubt he’ll ever get out of the music business.


What Did You Give Up, To Get What You Got?

Reblogged from Truth and Cake:

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How are your decision making skills? Excellent, fair, nonexistent? If I ask you, hypothetically, to pick only one of the following, which will you choose?



No, I’m not asking you to select between the dashing star of Mad Men and his beautiful partner Jennifer Westfeldt or the funny and likable “Friends” cast before they all became wanna-be movie stars.

Love, Money, Children, Friendship, Personal Fulfillment…

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My question is this: What if none of it works out?