I've come to realize that a "vacationing writer" is a bit of an oxymoron.
True writers are never really "off work". Scout's honor.
Whether we're spending time with loved ones over the holidays, sunbathing at a beach in a new city, or frolicking in a foreign country, the typical writer is "wired" in such a way that, (no matter where he is planted physically), he's usually busy brainstorming blog ideas, gathering ideas for an interview, working on a character's dialogue, or creatively "processing" endless possibilities.
And so it was for me...
I was thinking about my writing goals for 2012, and devising ways to make more of my dreams a reality. And make more money.
I followed up with a few editors on the status of a few pieces that were pending.
One was accepted, with payment due. Another editor kind of left me hanging.
Such is life, right?
In the middle of the mix, I had a computer malfunction that left me without my laptop for a number of days, and rediscovering the joys of my local library.
While there, I rented some good movies to make the most of my trip.
Also, got my hands on a copy of The Well-Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman.
Which, b/t/w I highly, highly recommend. Anybody out there ever read it?
(Review to come later).
Speaking of Peter Bowerman...I also had the opportunity to connect with him, in my efforts to submit an article to his Ezine or blog.
The good news is he accepted it, and it's tentatively scheduled to run in the near future!
That Peter is a real "class act". Let me tell you...
He was easy to interact with, very helpful, smart, and though he may be a "well-fed writer", it was really cool to discover he's "not too full" of himself. :-)
As for recreation?
Well, I read a lot. Kicked back with some good music. Celebrated my mom's birthday with family. Stayed up watching movies later than I should. Ate more chocolate than I can justify.
Glad to be back. How about you?
Image: Stock photo
Never on vacation- that is true: writing is life! The book sounds interesting- I will check it out! Congrats on your connecting...may you prosper from it!
ReplyDelete;) Dawn
Hi Dawn,
DeleteAin't it the truth?:-) Please do check out the book and let me know your thoughts. Thanks so much for weighing in (and starting the "chat" off). Be well.
I am a big fan of Peter Bowerman. He has a follow-up to The Well-Fed Writer called Back for Seconds. And he has a book called The Well-Fed Self-Publisher, which describes the process he went through and the skills he learned while self-publishing those three very successful books. Peter also has a Well-Fed Writer blog, and he just started a Well-Fed Self-Publisher blog. I too have found him to be a class act—very generous with his time and knowledge, very approachable.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it sounds like you had a very relaxing-yet-productive vacation. Welcome back!
Hey there, Melanie,
DeleteYep. Peter is a cool dude. I love reading his works.
It's good to be back on the scene and reconnect. It's been nice hearing from you. Much thanks.
Jen:
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your accepted pieces! Don't forget to share where your pieces appear. I'll check them out if I can. :-)
I own The Well-Fed Writer. It was one of the first books I purchased on the craft. I have since purchased a few more and am reading through them. Glad you enjoyed Peter Bowerman's book so much. I've thumbed through my copy, and look forward to digging in.
Sounds like a beautiful vacation, btw--family, good music and movies, and chocolate. Enjoy the weekend!
Hey now, Janette!
DeleteThanks for the congrats. I'm plugging away and praying for the best.
I'll keep you posted on future publication dates.
You know I always value your input and support. :-)
Welcome back, Jennifer, and congratulations on your recent pieces. Glad you had an enjoyable time and that you were able to connect with family.
ReplyDeleteI have not yet read Peter Bowerman's book, so thanks for sharing. I will check out his book and blogs.
Yasmin,
DeleteHis books are bodacious! I'm pretty sure you'll find some useful tips and tools to help you achieve your writing goals. Thanks for adding to the mix here!
Welcome back! Sounds like you had a productive week. Congratulations on the articles! We might want to debate about the too much chocolate thing...I don't know, is there such a thing as too much? :)
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend,
Karen
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteGlad to connect with you today. Much appreciation for dropping by!
As for the chocolate? Why mess with a good thing?!
Great to hear that your article got accepted,
ReplyDeleteFor what Vacation Reflections is concerned, on my
- Travel Blog - one of the posts that actually made it into the Most Popular-list is a post about.....,
Travel Writing, Getting Ideas for Bestselling Novels during Vacations, and for example about how Bestseller Writer Dan Brown actually got his Inspiration for becomming a writer when he read a Sidney Sheldon Novel on a Tropical Beach, and thought: 'I Can Do that Too'
Although I do think that it's also important to sometimes just take some time to really 're-charge' and to be a little Lazy as I read about in 'The Lazy Way to Success' (that you can read more about on my - Travel Blog - on the 'Must Have' Travel Reading-page)
HP,
ReplyDeleteHi again! :-) Thanks so much for sharing these interesting tid bits. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.
Thanks Jennifer,
DeleteAnd recently I actually been a little less Lazy, and also actually wrote something, because recently besides writing a post about writing a Book Review, I also actually wrote a Book Review about a book from writer Steve Berry.
A writer that just as Dan Brown has books that play in both the Modern World and in Historical Settings.
Always take time to relax, enjoy a moment with family & friends and then its easier to get back to writing. Thanks for the tidbits. Enjoy your time off.
ReplyDeleteSistergirl,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you. Thanks for your thoughts.
So glad you are back. Great writers need chocolate. This morning I had three flat pretzels and twenty Ghiradelli dark chocolate chips with a cup of green tea. Congratulations on your acceptance. You are a dynamo. After reading your column on breaking all the rules, I too said, "I can do that, too." You have always been my inspiration. I thank you for your blog posts.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteI could clone you! LOL
You always encourage and inspire me to greater heights. Know that you are appreciated. Glad to be back 2! :-)