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Post by Admin on Apr 14, 2022 14:39:05 GMT
I got hit with a huge tax bill for capitol gains. I'm getting it all straightened out but its going to make a difference in my monthly budget. On the plus side, its a big motivator in keeping me productive. I may not sell very many books or paintings but my other option is nothing. I can't go out and get a job so creating has gone back to being a have-to for me.
I was in Bible study last night and the pastor made an interesting comment. our study focus has been on the full armor of God and he said it was mostly defensive but wouldn't it be cool if wasn't? i'm going to give some thought to a character who could call up the powers that each piece of armor represents. I'm thinking more short story or novella. or maybe graphic novel. I know there is a strong Christian market and I sometimes think our young people forget, or never understood, the power of faith. This might be one of those, 'oh that sounds interesting' ideas but maybe it could turn into something.
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Post by Admin on Apr 18, 2022 16:41:46 GMT
1. Continue to make my house function appropriately. I will work more efficiently if things are in their place and I can establish a work schedule that I respect as I would I'd been hired. I'm working for myself but I need to become an employer with rules.
2. Put my books in order of completion. The ones that I can push out the door fastest get higher priority.
3. Respect both my art goals and my writing goals as well as Joshua's goals.
4. Knock Knock is a complete ms. It has to be cleaned up and sent to the editor.
5. Lucky's story is developed enough that I can make it a book.
6. Cosmic Justice is the final book in a 3-book trilogy. I want it written and done. I have started the scene cards. I need to get them filled out and begin writing it.
7. Joshua's art book has enough written that it can be put together and edited.
8.I have more goals but these are primary. Most of all I need to do something every day that will move my projects forward. baby steps will get me farther than no steps. I just need to take them.
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Post by bill on Apr 20, 2022 1:56:27 GMT
You got this! You're right, just a little bit every day. And if you miss a day, no big deal. Don't miss two days in a row! Grim Mansion - I think I've finally settled on a name, mainly because I'm pitching this at PPWC and have to have something. I received my query appointment this week and wrote my query letter. I polished the first page for the read and critique. And I have a two-page synopsis that needs a little work. I don't need it for the conference but hopefully afterward someone will want it. Mystery 4 - I did some revision work and am getting closer but didn't have a lot of time last week. I'm close enough that if I wasn't so busy I could finish it in a couple of weeks I'm sure but I have so much going on that I spend most of my writing time not writing. Ugh!
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 3:12:15 GMT
I finally had a light bulb moment and realized I have a tax guy that I've used for forty years. I called them, explained my issue with the W2 and Jessica problem and she walked me through the steps. I took notes and got them put in the folder with Jessica's info. She generated the W2 for me and next year, I won't have a problem. I don't need to do an auto pay. I just need to set up reminders. Its not hard. I just didn't know where to look.
Rhonda and Jacob headed home this afternoon. We had such a good visit with them and they got to see a lot of Marilyn. Nyla and Mark are heading on a bus tour to Florida at the end of this week. They will be gone for ten days. I'm happy for them.
I have counseling tomorrow. It will be interesting to see what pops up during the session. I'd like to sleep better and be more vigilant with my medication.
We got Joshua's tobii charged. Jacob got it synced with Alexa and Joshua can now control the lights through blue tooth. He's very excited.
Baby steps. I'm hoping that momentum will grow.
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Post by bill on Apr 21, 2022 15:46:31 GMT
I'm so glad you have that all figured out! I had such a good time visiting with you and all the family. It was a much needed break. A week from today I'll be sitting in the pre-sessions for PPWC. Looking forward to that and seeing Rhonda and Jacob again!
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Post by Admin on Apr 25, 2022 4:06:40 GMT
we have another cousin writing a book. Tad Scales has four books he's lined up to write. I told him we have an accountability site if he wants to join in. I doubt if he will but it's always fun to talk to other writers.
I got my writing space rearranged, and it looks so nice and inviting. I need a good chair, but I can make-do for a while. I moved the desk out of Hank's kitchen and put a big 8 foot table up. It will double as a place for my light table for art and the other end for the sewing machine. Another step closer to productivity.
We got the garden half-planted. Still need more stuff put in but it looks like a garden now. Lots of flowers planted. It felt good to play in the dirt.
I have a bunch of tests coming up. Swallowing test tomorrow. Colonoscopy consult on Wed. and a cat scan on Friday. I work all day Thursday at Prairie Past times. First time manning it by myself. I'm quite a bit nervous but pretty sure I'll survive.
Sharon is supposed to take her driving test on Friday. I think she's over-confident but what do I know. She's a grown-up. Whatever she does is on her. But I think she'd be doing well to read the manual.
Well, that's it from here. I'm thinking about the books and thats a step in the right direction.
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Post by bill on Apr 25, 2022 22:42:15 GMT
Mystery 4 - I got some work done but it's not finished. I'm putting it away for a while. I have PPWC this week and then I'm starting on book 5 until I'm inspired to finish 4, sometime in May.
Mystery 5, 6, 7 - Sydney and I had a 90 minutes brainstorming phone call last week and she helped me work through what my problems were with my next murder mystery. Basically I was combining stories and when we figured out how to separate them I have the foundations for the next three books. And more importantly I'm excited to get back to the series. I plan to start on book 5 next week after PPWC.
PPWC - I am moderating four sessions, plus have the query appointment and the read and critique. I'm excited to see if I can get any traction with my story. I'm pitching the middle grade horror story and I think the first page is really in good shape. We'll see, but hopefully I can get a bite. If not, I'll start querying agents and see if I can find a home for it.
Marketing - the radio station in Roswell is working up a proposal for me to advertise on their station. They have two shows they want to use the ad and want to tie it in with the 75th anniversary of the Roswell crash. It's exciting and sounds like a lot, but I'm worried they're going to blow right past my budgets. Especially since I haven't gotten any sales yet from my radio ad in Wichita. I can't keep going without results. I have an appointment to set up Google Analytics with the Wichita station next week so we can monitor the traffic to my website and evaluate how the ads are doing. I'm also talking to a lady in Halstead about working on my website to make it attractive to visitors. I need people checking it out because of the ad or my t-shirts to want to stay, explore, and buy stuff. The site works but it doesn't look attractive and I haven't had luck with that piece of it.
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Post by Admin on Apr 25, 2022 23:49:31 GMT
Its hard to wear all the hats that are needed. I have no clue where to use my time best but the health issues have hit me hard. I woke up the other day with the words, 'I have the same amount of days I always had.' I don't know what the tests are going to show. I do know that I can no longer ignore my age, or my health. I have to face the fact that I'm old and I have diabetes and whatever else the tests may show. I'll deal with it. Kathy taught me that every minute is precious and not to waste any of them.
My first goal is what its always been. Get Knock Knock to the editor.
My second goal is to continue putting Lucky's story in place.
Third goal is to get the scene cards for Cosmic Justice written up and start writing the story.
goal one for JOshua. Get back on Tobii. goal 2 for Josh. Start putting coffee table book in order. goal 3. Help JOshua learn to control his environment.
I work Thursday at Prairie Pastimes. It's my first time doing it so I'm outside my comfort zone but I'll try my best to do a good job. I got more of the art studio put together. I need to get my work drawn out.
I think I'll do writing one day and art the next. That will keep me from getting bored and keep both sides of my goals moving forward.
Have fun at the conference. I'll be thinking of you and wishing I was there.
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Post by bill on May 3, 2022 2:10:15 GMT
PPWC - Had a great time. Highlight - I may have found a good developmental editor to work on A World Amongst. Lowlight - My query appointment. The agent gave me tips on the query letter, which was nice, but she didn't even reject my request. Didn't even say no thank you. I moderated four sessions that went really well and the sessions I attended I feel like gave me a lot of practical action items for things I have needed to do for a while. I'm looking forward to implementing what I learned.
Maybe the best part is that I gained confidence and ideas for leading workshops next year. I will work out my ideas and submit proposals once they open in July. I am ready to be a presenter and hopefully can get my foot in that door next year.
I didn't do any writing all week, just took in the conference. I plan to start writing on MM 5 this week.
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Post by Admin on May 4, 2022 5:50:17 GMT
I got through all my tests. The cat scan didn't show anything horrible. The endoscopy showed my stomach is inflamed and they took biopsies of polyps. Hoping they are all negative. I did get put on more insulin. At lunch and supper. I bought an apple watch that I'm trying to set up times on so it will remind me when I need to eat. I cannot skip meals if I'm taking insulin. I'm trying to put tools in place that will help me stay focused.
I have most of my garden in. I bought a few more plants today. I'm super excited to be eating food that I raise. and the flowers make me happy.
I'm glad to hear about the conference. I don't particularly need the how-to's of writing anymore but the business/marketing/visibility side is always in need. I've given up trying to get feedback from the professionals. I'm too old and too impatient. I'll figure it out somehow.
I like your idea about being a presenter. If you need to bounce any ideas around, I'm always willing to listen. Go for it.
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Post by bill on May 9, 2022 22:04:05 GMT
I'm soooo glad your tests came out positive. Hopefully they'll continue to trend that way!
Submissions for presenter open in July, I think is what they said, so I'll probably take you up on bouncing around ideas. I want to give myself the best possible chance of getting my foot inside that door.
Conference - I created a spreadsheet with action items I want to do as a result of my conference experience. I also prioritized them as well as a list of resources (books, podcasts, etc.) I want to check out. It will take me months to get through everything if I actually do them all, but it's lots of good things that will move me forward in my career.
Mystery 5 - I started making notes on my main characters and the murder taking place. I will continue to do so this week until I'm ready to start writing the story. I'm going to try to make more of an outline than I have in the past and see if that helps me when it comes to the revision process. I don't like how long it takes me to revise my stories and am convinced I can cut that time down. I just need to figure out how.
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Post by Admin on May 14, 2022 4:32:43 GMT
I got through my second day working at Prairie Pastimes. I did better this time. Only glitch was getting signed into the cash register. I had to call somebody to walk me through it.
My garden is looking good. I makes me happy to putter in it. I ate a radish out of it this morning. The spinach is ready to start cutting and the green onions are ready to be thinned. I have blossoms on the strawberry plants and the blackberry bushes. The tomatoes are blooming and the peppers are growing. I have broccoli on. I'll keep an eye on those. If it doesn't rain, I'll mow grass tomorrow. Its too long. I don't know how to mix gas for the gas weed whacker but I guess I can learn.
I took the print of my Spirit Riders over to Prairie Pastimes. I'll get the house cleaned tomorrow and that should energize me to start painting. I'm going to Texas on the 25th and will be home on the 31st. JJ graduates on the 27th. It will be good to see them.
I can't wait to hear more about the conference and bounce ideas around with you.
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Post by Admin on May 18, 2022 12:55:15 GMT
The art studio is organized and functional. My bedroom is organized and functional. I will start on the garage this weekend. The garden is maintained and beginning to produce. I feel more energetic. I'm sleeping a lot better. I attribute that to being outside and working in the fresh air and sunshine.
I'm ready to start painting and writing. I have no excuse now that my areas are sit down and work-ready.
Sharon is filling out papers to file for divorce. I don't know if she will carry through with it but she's trying. I have a bush few weeks coming up. I'm going to Texas the last week of this month so I can see JJ graduate. I'm still trying to get a functional work schedule.
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Post by Admin on May 23, 2022 5:44:47 GMT
Joshua sold a painting. First income we've had from our art work in several years. We're considering becoming vendors for the local famers market. Not sure if it will happen but if they decide to do it, we're going to try. It would be another stream of income. I'm very close to having work hours. We leave for Texas on Wednesday and will be home on the 31st. As soon as we get home, I'm setting up work hours.
In the meantime, I'm watching instructional videos and expanding my skill level. Its time to be the business person I've always dreamed of being. The garden is growing good. I have come kind of critter eating the broccoli. I'll cut it in the morning and try to figure out what to put in if I pull it up. I need to cut the kale and spinach. They are growing like weeds. I picked radishes this morning. and I have squash coming on. The flowers are blooming and the strawberries and blackberries look like I'll get a few. not enough to really do anything with but enough to taste.
All my tests came back good. I'm relieved and ready to move on without worrying. Sharon is filing for divorce. She got the rest of her stuff yesterday. Now she fills out paperwork and turns it over to the lawyer. She has a driving test on Tuesday. I'm anxious to see Richard and the grandkids but I will be very happy to be back home and putting my life in order.
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Post by bill on May 24, 2022 21:48:20 GMT
You have a lot going on and it's mostly positive. I'm so glad! I hope you have a good season of calm and productivity.
Dad and Delores were here for part of last week. They return tomorrow or Thursday for a few days. I spent the weekend at Susan's for Ryan's graduation. I had a great time but I'm ready for things to slow down because it feels like I've been going non-stop for two months now. I go to Yates Center on Saturday and then I think June is mostly open. I'm going to try to keep it that way.
The Most Important Thing - Because I have a free edit coming (from the auction at PPWC), I worked on this story the last two weeks. I have about two scenes to add and it will be done and ready to go. I literally cried when reading this last week so I'm anxious to get some feedback and get it queried to agents.
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