Steven Savage's Blog, page 88

How I Write #2: The Selection

(This column is posted at www.StevenSavage.com, www.SeventhSanctum.com, and Steve’s Tumblr)

So last we met I talked about how I got my ideas – which was usually “a lot of them,” aided by recording them in a book that I reviewed regularly. This usually left me with more than enough Big Ideas to do books with.

But if you have a hundred ideas or one – how do I know what to write? I have limited time. I have to pick between Big Ideas.

Thats why I have The Goals and The Plan.

The Goals And The Pla...

And Over At Seventh Sanctum – The Food Generator!

Judging by the response I should just call it beta NOW.

Corn Kimchi Sushi Pepperoni and Corn Jerky Pickled Pesto and Teriyaki Salmon Onion Deviled Tempura Soup Corn and Teriyaki Sausage On-a-stick Cabbage and Roe Chili Cream Cheese Quinoa and Okra Squid Gingered Quinoa Pepperoni and Corn Onion Roe and Pork Chips Chicken Lasagna Cajun Tomato Bowl Kimchi Sausage Pizza Potato and Cream Nuggets Pesto Salmon Burrito Corn Omelette Baked Chicken Kimchi On-a-stick Maple Sausage Burrito Tuna and Bean...

How I Write: #1 The Ideas

(This column is posted at www.StevenSavage.com, www.SeventhSanctum.com, and Steve’s Tumblr)

With my eighth book out, I figured I’d talk about how I actually write. After doing a lot of self-publishing, it struck me that “hey, others could benefit from this” and “I may learn talking with others.” I probably could have thought of that earlier, but I guess I was too busy writing. Which is probably something else I should write on.

Anyway, in the spirit of reaching out to fellow writers, here’s h...

Because We Need These Moments

Recently, a friend of mine lost their job – a job they weren’t fond of anyway, but it was still a loss. Iwas concerned about them – but then this person reflected how, that very day, their work in the community made them feel better. My friend always liked to help people and this moment, this single moment, reminded them of what they did and why.

My friend remembered what was important.

We’ve probably all had moments like these – in our civic work, on our hobbies, in times of being silly. No...

Find People Who Fill In Your Professional Gaps

So the old saying goes that no man is an island. I would note that very technically someone standing in water is an isolated body in water, and thus technically an island, but then I’m just being a jerk.

But the truth is we’re not complete. Human beings are naturally inclined to work with each other (even if we’re not doing so by benevolence), which makes sense. There’s a lot we can’t do on our own.

In fact there’s huge blanks in our lives as there are simply thinks we’re not capable of. I ca...

Update – Sailor Moon Book!

Well here’s the latest update on the Sailor Moon Book . . . the research phase is done!

. . . this is not exciting as it sounds. First, because we’re not doing an in-depth historical book so it’s pretty basic. Secondly, most information on Sailor Moon is limited, biased, or piecemeal. The best sources for discussing the experience were Sailor Moon Reflections and Warriors of Legend – both of which ironically focused on aspects of Sailor Moon different from our focus. Go figure.

The biggest su...

The Power Of Creative Paths Is Out!

And it’s done, out, published, ready – the first of my Sanctum-inspired books, “The Power Of Creative Paths!” Thanks to everyone for your support!

The bookis my guide to improving your creative abilities. The idea is that you can identify how you create, and then expand your horizons to use other creative methods and work well with people who create differently. Through advice, exercises, and examples, it’s a way to get better and dreaming things up and reaching those valuable Big Ideas.

It’s...

Economics: Lean Into The Pain

So it’s no secret that I preach “follow the economic news.” If you’ve stuck with me any amount of time, you know this. Chances are you’re sick of it.

So when we recently watched the stock market have a seizure, you probably figured “Steve is gonna talk about how we all need to follow economic news.” You were right, so shut up and listen – because this is also geek job guru stuff.

First, there’s really no way to have a good career without paying attention to the economy. You’ve got to know wha...

Lemon Broth Chazuke

Remember how I’ve been experimenting with chazuke for a quick meal? Well here’s my latest creation, achazuke uses lemon-flavored teas. Bigelow’s Lemon Lift was the one I used, but you can find others using lemon zest and the like. It has a taste reminiscent of chicken broth – enough I think you could use just the tea-garlic-soy mixture as a broth substitute.

Seriously, this isdelicious – and remember you could probably whip this up at cons, especially with the right canned goods or a little r...

Urban Sprawl Is Bad For . . . Income Mobility?

So short form is a University of Utah study found Urban sprawl is bad for income mobility. There’s one I didn’t see coming.

Basically, it seems sprawlreduces access to jobs and plays some role in segregation by various factors None of this is actually shocking (especially when you consider lousy transport in some sprawl), but is a really interesting reminder of how location seriously affects life and job prospects.

I can definitely say in Silicon Valley I see the advantage of density – more j...