Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog, page 155
December 11, 2013
The Dog Fighter - an Interview with Gordon "Shotgun" Shell
“You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.”
~Robert Louis Stevenson
There isn’t much I wouldn’t do to help dogs, but for all of my efforts I must admit that I have found somebody whose devotion to man’s best friend makes mine look inadequate.
His name is Gordon “Shotgun” Shell.
For a small fee you too can help stop this abhorrent practice. People like Gordon need as much support as possible.
Life is Exigent – Do You Balance Your Life..?
Exigent – definition: requiring, demanding, or calling for much attention or action
Life is exigent, isn’t it? We are pulled in different directions for family, work and writing commitments. This Wiki explanation sums it up well:
Work–life balance is a concept including proper prioritizing between “work” (career and ambition) and “lifestyle” (health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development / meditation). Related, though broader, terms include “lifestyle calm balance” and “lifestyle choices”.
For most of the time we seem to be ‘catching ourselves up’ or ‘dropping the ball’ in one area; if not more. Stress results and impacts severely on our decision making, abilities and mental health. Finding a balance in our personal lives isn’t easy and although we try to divide our attention to each area equally, it is not always possible.
What should suffer? Work – would impact us financially. Family – relationships would falter. Writing – creativity and productivity would diminish. So the answer is…juggle it all and hope for the best or find methods to enable a balance to be achieved.
Have you found difficulties with this?
Do you have creative ways to achieve your best balance?
http://www.writedirections.com/balancing.php
http://www.mybooktherapy.com/finding-balance-with-writing-life-getting-organized/
December 10, 2013
Entitlement Mentality – A Great Article…
Entitlement – definition: a right to benefits, especially those specified by the law or contract
Superb article that provides great insight : http://www.motivation-for-dreamers.com/entitlement-mentality.html
Beware the Entitlement Mentality
Entitlement mentality – introduction
Are you erroneously thinking that the world owes you something? Are you looking to others to do something for you rather than focusing on what you can do for yourself?
It is very common for people to feel that those in authority or those that are successful owe them something. This kind of thinking can be seen in many situations. A good, but extreme, example would be the beggar in the street who feels that because you are driving a nice car you should give him something for a meal.
Coming closer to many people’s experience, another example would be the relative who feels that because you are well educated and have a good job you should take over his responsibility of seeing one or two of his children through school. Then there is the employee that feels entitled to a promotion because they have served long in an organization.
Entitlement mentality – no ones owes you anything
There is nothing intrinsically wrong with any of the examples I have given. But the fact is that even if I had a billion dollars it would be totally up to me to decide whether to give the beggar the money or whether to sponsor those children through school. Similarly if I were the owner of the company it would be totally up to me to decide whether to promote you based on your long service.
The bottom line is that whatever decision I would make in all these cases would be correct. I may be compelled to help you by my spiritual convictions and beliefs, but even that would be up to me, not you. The fact is that, apart from very few very specific cases, no one is entitled to anything from anyone.
Our dependence on the donor community is one area where we often feel entitled to the point of irrationality. We expect donors to give us resources to take care of many of our problems. But are we trying to raise these resources ourselves? Is there no form of enterprise we can undertake that would give us the required resources? Yes, the donors have money, but it’s their money. They are free to give it to whoever they please. What is required is not always more donor funding, what is required is more self reliance and initiative.
Entitlement mentality – you owe it to yourself
The only person that is responsible for getting you what you want in life is yourself. The entitlement mentality of thinking someone owes you something is one that you should not have.
The catchphrase on television these days seems to be “government should do something about it.” The government is called upon to take care of all manner of problems and whilst some are truly its responsibility, the majority are not. The majority are the individual and community’s responsibility.
However, the politicians don’t make it easy on themselves because rather than telling people that they are capable in one way or another of solving most of their own problems, they prefer to make huge promises they cannot deliver on even if they had the capability.
Entitlement mentality – a hard lesson
The problem of the entitlement mentality is so far reaching that even countries like the United States are facing massive problems because of it. Their health-care and pension systems are under enormous strain. They simply cannot afford to pay for all the people that are on these programmes. So much so that Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki have written about it in their book “Why We Want You to be Rich.”
In this book they say: “The best way to solve the problem of bad financial results is to change our thoughts…That means losing the entitlement mentality…If we do not stop expecting the government to take care of us, we will continue to have the same results – a bankrupt nation filled with well-educated but financially needy people.”
The fact that a country as developed as the US should fall into such a trap of promising its citizens it will take care of them in their old age and when they need health care and failing to deliver on it should be a lesson to every country and individual in the world.
You cannot depend on the government to take care of your every need. It is far better to empower yourself and to be able to take care of yourself in every way possible. But that is hardly what the politicians, and even the people, want to hear. Everyone wants an easy way out. Everyone wants someone else to take care of them and sort out their problems. A change of thinking is needed at all levels.
Entitlement mentality – get financially literate
In no single area is such a change of thinking required as in the area of financial literacy. The ability to make money and to make it work for you is an ability that will do you a world of good. Read the right books on financial literacy. Do a short course in accounting or investing or anything else around the subject. Attend seminars and workshops. Start a small business and learn how to manage and grow a business.
Do not leave your financial future in uncertain hands by trusting pension schemes, health schemes and a whole lot of other schemes that are not in your control. Just do something different from everyone else because, as Albert Einstein said, insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Entitlement mentality – conclusion
The truth of it is that you are a person with everything to offer your country and the world. Yes there are problems out there, but there are also plenty of opportunities. Why are some succeeding in the same environment? What’s to stop you from succeeding?
Realize that you alone have ultimate power over your future and what happens or doesn’t happen to you. This should be a liberating and empowering thing. Take hold of it and use it well. The world owes you nothing. Don’t gamble your life away with the entitlement mentality.
You are all you can be. Go on and be it
December 9, 2013
Follow the Guidelines – It’s Vital…
Guidelines – definition: an indication or outline of policy or conduct
Guidelines are important and should be adhered to when submitting your work. Whether it is for a competition, a particular genre or for freelance submissions. How we submit is almost as crucial as the work itself. Many publishing houses and agents now accept email instead of snail mail, but remember to read carefully how they expect your work to be received. Some prefer attachments while others want everything in the body of the email.
When freelance writers are contacting potential clients the guidelines change from company to company and an incorrect submission can mean the difference between success and failure. Researching the company’s profile, any articles already published and establishing the correct person to contact enables you to refine your work and ensure the piece is received and not lost in the internal mail system of the company.
For manuscripts, submissions are more tricky. Which agent or publisher to send your novel to requires a good deal of research before you send anything to them. Find out which genre they publish. If one company publishes or represents numerous genres ensure you identify the correct agent and read up on their profile before sending. Try to make the ‘match’ as perfect as possible for the genre and the person you are contacting. Send exactly how and what they require – no less, no more.
Competitions are a great way to practice submitting your work but again who, how and where to send is still important. A horror story will not make it with a romance competition even if there is a romantic element within it. Again adhere to the instructions given.
A handy tip is to print out the guidelines and tick off each item to ensure you have crossed your T’s and dotted your i’s as per the guidelines. It may be time consuming but worth while if you want your work published.
Do you have any tips or experiences you would like to share?
Related articles
Submitting Your Manuscript: Getting Started (carldouglass.com)
December 8, 2013
Jejune – A Matter of Circumstance…
Jejune – definition: 1. naive and simplistic 2. lacking interest or liveliness; dull
I attended this event yesterday and from the start it was a struggle. Firstly, my friend, Linda’s car would not start so I drove to her rescue with jump leads at hand. Normally, this would be a quick and easy task but the temperature yesterday morning was -22 with the wind chill so standing around ankle deep in snow while the car’s battery charged was not fun to say the least. Once it did start we headed to the Dream Write Publishing office to collect books and promotional items for the event. En route coffee and sandwiches were purchased to restore our bodies somewhat. We were lucky enough to find a heated underground parkade – extremely welcome in the circumstances. After trudging over icy paths with our heavy supplies to the venue, we were able to set up and at last relax.
Fourteen authors were present for the book sale and we happily networked with each other. Some were familiar faces while others were new. Book summaries were told and purchases made and silent auction items bid upon. Although the ‘traffic’ was not as anticipated, I don’t think it was a lack of interest but rather a reluctance to venture out in severe weather. This was the first Authors for Altruism event. One the organizers will learn from and improve for next year.
Yes, we authors, are an intrepid breed. Even one book sale is worth the effort. Our story will please the reader and hopefully they will relay that fact to others. Here are some photographs of my table set up. Rumble, as always, was in attendance along with his print book Rumble’s First Scare, bookmarks and coloring pages. I made the ‘glob’ table covering by the way.
http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/retail/books/rumbles-first-scare
My fantasy, The Rython Kingdom was displayed in print form as well as postcards for the e-book version, as well as bookmarks I made with beads attached and a glowing orb (shiny things attract customers, I find).
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/214247
http://www.amazon.ca/The-Rython-Kingdom-Mandy-Eve-Barnett-ebook/dp/B00AUBP2SO
http://www.amazon.com/The-Rython-Kingdom-Mandy-Eve-Barnett/dp/1927510236
I displayed a pre-order form for my children’s chapter book, Ockleberries to the Rescue and displayed proof copies for people to see. Again I had two animal ornaments that glittered and changed color. http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/
The other books shared on the adjoining table with Linda, another member of the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, were :
Writing Prompt Journey – a super prompt book for all writers - http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/retail/books/writing-prompt-journey-road-your-creativity
Your Lifetime of Stories – http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/retail/books/your-lifetime-stories
From A Solitary Drop, which is the history of the foundation and a great guide to starting a writing group.
http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/retail/books/solitary-drop
We were lucky to have two news station reporters arrive (luckily not at the same time!) who took photographs, footage and interviewed the organizers. All in all it was a good day and I will certainly participate next year. I even brought home supper – a silent auction item of an Italian meal with a bottle of wine and napkins included.
What promotional items do you use for your events?
Why not share some photos?
December 7, 2013
Genre Constraints…
Constraint – definition: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid some action
Within the multitude of genres in fiction, there are constraints on what is and what is not ‘allowed’ in terms of content or style based on the genre’s ‘main’ heading. See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_literary_genres
When you are defining your novels, what methods do you use to decide on its ‘genre’?
http://querytracker.blogspot.ca/2009/04/defining-genres-where-does-your-book.html
Do you decide to write specifically to a particular genre prior to starting a new manuscript?
Or - do you write your story and worry about the genre later on?
As most of you know I am a free flow writer so my story comes first and the defining comes much later. For many authors this pigeon holing our work is difficult and this fact is reflected in the sub-genres that are being created almost daily. We can also use a technique where by we utilize several ‘genre headings’ in our description. Such as the list here: https://www.worldswithoutend.com/resources_sub-genres.asp , which only deals with fantasy and sci-fi. So there is a method open to us to use our genre description as a way to entice more than one ‘type’ of reader. Romance readers would never go to the horror section first but if the description was something like – romantic suspense – then maybe they would pick up your book.
It is a matter of looking at your story and defining the main theme, even if it is underlining thread throughout the narrative. My novel, Life in Slake Patch is an alternative world order but basically has a young man trying to change the ‘laws’ so he can be with the woman he loves. It can be described as speculative fiction but romantic speculative fiction is better.
My novel, The Twesome Loop also has romantic elements in it but also has a reincarnation element. How would I describe that one? Suggestions welcome!
December 6, 2013
Are You A Dutiful Writer..?
Dutiful – definition: filled with or motivated by a sense of duty
Image found at Utopia Moment by Jack Ruttan…unfortunately link has crashed.
Writing about 2,000 words in three hours every morning, ‘Casino Royale’ dutifully produced itself. I wrote nothing and made no corrections until the book was finished. If I had looked back at what I had written the day before I might have despaired. Ian Fleming
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/11/20/daily-routines-writers/
http://ollinmorales.com/2012/12/26/schedule/
Please visit these links – great tips.
I must admit I do not have a set schedule although having to submit a blog post every day and creating a prompt every Saturday does take some organizing. I do try to write at least five days a week, even if it is only a short response to a prompt or a revision to a current project. My target for 2014 will be a more ‘structured’ writing week to include more freelance opportunities. I am still pondering the frequency of my blog posts and the theme. Writing just when the muse whispers would probably not be as productive as having a schedule but we have to balance when we are inspired as well. My initial thought is – Monday and Friday evenings split between editing my current and previous manuscript and commenting on fellow writers projects. Wednesday evenings focus on freelance work, promotion and submissions. Saturday prompt onto writing website – http://www.wfscsherwoodpark.com and Sunday creating blog posts for the following week. Will I keep to this or refine it? Who knows…it is after all a work in progress.
What is your writing schedule? Do you have one?
Any tips for keeping dutiful?
Just as a side note I’m keeping myself warm today – weather warnings in affect – we have a -40 wind chill – flesh freezes in 10 minutes! Keep warm and safe everyone.
Related articles
The Discipline of Writing… (catherinekanewrites.wordpress.com)
December 5, 2013
Creative Catharsis…
Catharsis – definition: a feeling of release, purification, or purgation of the emotions (often through art)
I would love to hear from you all regarding your thoughts on how your ‘art’ effects your emotions or visa versa.
In my own experience, I have always been creative and have embraced numerous art forms in my life. Drawing and painting were my initial loves, which gradually progressed into sculpture and then a combination of the two. I dappled in knitting, crochet, sewing, oil paints, charcoal and pencil drawings (some which were entered by my art teacher for an exam I have not thought possible), pottery and a few more ‘art and craft’ hobbies.
Writing, apart from a few stories for my children, was not something I considered at all. The reason? I have no idea to be truthful. I happened across a writing group once I emigrated to Canada and thought I could try it out among other offered groups and crafts.
As the saying goes I went from strength to strength after a couple of meetings and became ‘hooked’.
As a free flow writer my subconscious is the main source for the component of my stories. I have found that when I write I feel calm and happy. A day or so without writing finds me irritable and unhappy. That is the extent of my obsession and love of the craft.
This graph is fascinating and I will be studying it in detail later. There is a reason we have ‘body’ issues beyond the obvious after all.
I wish you joy in your writing as we head towards 2014 and another year of words, projects, manuscripts and fellowship.
What are your writing plans for 2014?
December 4, 2013
Snirtle – My Favorite Word to Date…
Snirtle – definition: to snicker mockingly
I absolutely love this word and will have to find lots of occasions to use it. I think everyone needs this word in their personal lexicon. It is both a noun and a verb. It is a soft, suppressed laugh, a soft snortle (itself a reduced snort) or shortened snigger. Therefore, a snort is greater than a snortle, which is greater than a snirtle.
Snirtle was used by Robbie Burns in 1785 The Jolly Beggars : A Cantata
Wi’ ghastly e’e poor tweedle-dee
Upon his hunkers bended,
An’ pray’d for grace wi’ ruefu’ face,
An’ so the quarrel ended.
But tho’ his little heart did grieve
When round the tinkler prest her,
He feign’d to snirtle in his sleeve,
When thus the caird address’d her
Do you have favorite words? What are they?
While investigating the word, I came across these cute pictures at Deviant Art by Tazworth (Shauna) – aren’t they awesome?
Which is your favorite?
December 3, 2013
Partnerships – A Lesson from the Natural World..?
Benevolent – definition: marked by or disposed to doing good
There are many people, past and present, who have changed the course of conflict but today I am concentrating on the natural world and partnerships between different species. The correct name is commensalism, which means one organism benefits and the other organism isn’t harmed by the partnership. It is a matter of conjecture how these partnerships began but once you realize the benefits for both partners it is obvious.
Impalas enjoy the ministrations of ox-pecker birds, whose name describes their role exactly. They peck off unwanted and irritating flies and ticks. In doing so the birds have plenty to eat without having to fly great distances and the impalas are freed of the parasites, which can carry diseases.
Ox-pecker birds and other similar breeds perform this duty on many animals around the world.
Another mutually beneficial relationship is between clown fish; made famous by Finding Nemo of course; and anemones. The fish dances within the anemones tentacles until they are acclimated to their host. The clown fish’s skin has a layer of mucus, which makes it immune to the fish-eating anemone’s lethal sting. In exchange for safety from predators and food scraps, the clown fish drives off intruders and preens its host, removing parasites.
Hermit crabs and sea anemones share an unusual relationship, which can last for life. Young hermit crabs often pick up young sea anemones to attach to their shell . They even grow at roughly the same rate. When the hermit crabs outgrows its shell, they will take the sea anemone with them to the new one. Some sea anemones are known to cover most of the surface of the hermit crab’s shell so when the crab eventually outgrows the shell, they can remain and not move. The benefit for the anemone is particles of the crab’s food floating up to it and the crab’s benefit is having a stinging tentacled protector.
I would like to think that authors, whether published or not, will see the benefits of such a relationship and help their fellow writers. There are benefits to sharing knowledge, encouragement and support.
Have you given or received some sort of mutually beneficial relationship?
