Keeping Goals

Each year I set a writing goal. I do it in place of a New Year's resolution. My goal is to submit at least one piece to a magazine each month, or at least twelve within the year. I have a day job so I wanted to make sure my goal would not be too hard to reach. So far I have submitted 15 this year, and have sold three pieces.

Keep writing. . .

Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer?

Times are crazy. Kinda hazy, but no time for lazy. Summer is a busy time. I'm still writing and reading a lot. Just not posting much, and not a lot of time for the blog, but I'm hanging in there.

I've been reading anything I can find on writing. Hoping it will sink in.

Till next time, keep writing.

Time flies

It's almost been a month since my last post. The season is picking up here at the shop. We have to carve new bears every day just to keep up with demand. That is good.

I still write every day. That is good too. Writers should write. Bloggers should blog. When something has to be put on the back burner, it's the blog.

That's all for now. I'll be back in a few days, or maybe a month. Just know that I am still writing and sending submissions out. Sent one this morning!

Have fun and keep writing.

Artist at work!

We live and work in a part of Gatlinburg called the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. My day job is consists of chainsaw carving, demonstrating magic tricks in our magic shop, and retail sales of our crafts. The Community is an eight-mile loop of shops and crafters. I have noticed on a few shops a sign that says - "Artist at Work". I feel lucky because I get to make a living with my chainsaw art. We have bears all over the country and a few in other countries. One day I hope to make some of my living, if not all from writing. The "Artist at Work" signs made me wonder how many other businesses could hang the same sign. How many McDonald's, Walmarts,  Burger Kings, Best Westerns, and millions of other places could put this sign up? I think just about all of them could. Whether it's writing, singing, sculpting, painting, or any other art form there are artist at work everywhere.

Where do you know an artist at work?

First draft or revision?

Okay, you've written your article, story, or novel. Now it's time for revision. Do you like writing the first draft, or doing revisions? I like revisions. I already have something to work on.

New Children's Writer contest

The current Children's Writer contest is all about exploring. As writers, we get to explore how to write a winning fiction story for ages 5-7 in 150 words.

I'm glad I save my issues of High Five. Great reference material.

Good luck to all who enter!

Explore the possibilities.

Writing Place

In the morning I write at the kitchen table. Usually, my little dog is on my lap. At 6 a.m. I have quiet time. In the evening, I usually write while sitting on the bed with the TV on. When my wife is ready to go to sleep, I sometimes go into another room, or just read. Quiet time again.

My day job includes chainsaw carving. The chainsaw is loud, so I wear noise cancelling headphones and listen to audio books on my mp3 player. Other carvers I have talked to have said that they would not be able to considerate on carving while listening to a book. I have done it so much, it is no problem for me. I think that this is one thing that has helped me be able to write with a TV on, or other noisy places.

When you write, do you have to have a quiet place? Do you listen to music? If so, what kind?

Article Ideas!

The library is full of books. Full of ideas. Full of people.

Just met a person at my local library who has a very interesting job working with animals. After talking, was given permission to contact her for an interview for possible magazine article. With photos!

Where did your last surprise story/article idea come from?

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