Friday, February 15, 2013

VINTAGE WORD PROCESSORS

VINTAGE WORD PROCESSORS – I find the evolution of technology fascinating, not only for the machinery itself, also for the way these tools shape our thoughts/ expression. The first desktop computer I used was an Apple. It had large soft floppy disks that had to be changed out each time the mouse was used or a keyboard shortcut was entered. That enabled basic commands such as bold, italics, copy, paste and underline. There was no internet, no laser printer and (I’m pretty sure) dictionary or thesaurus features weren’t available. The saved files didn’t make it through all of the software changes from Apple to IBM to Microsoft to Word Perfect to MS Word. The first word processor had a small screen--the size of a calculator--which could view about five lines of text at a time. It had a built in typewriter, dot matrix paper that loaded on roll, with printed pages that unspooled like paper towels. After the pages finished, a thin strip of perforated paper along the sides was discarded, guides that allowed the pages to spool through the machine. The tools of writing have evolved so much. But, the computer enables me to be significantly more productive than those early days, using first generation word processors. 







Sunday, February 3, 2013

BOOK IN A MONTH

Book in a Month: The Fool-proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 DaysBook in a Month: The Fool-proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days by Victoria Lynn Schmidt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


BOOK IN A MONTH - Book in a Month by Victoria Lynn Schmidt is an excellent tool for writers. Out of the several dozen books I have on writing craft and promotion; it’s got to be one of the best. Why? All of the ideas aren’t necessarily new (examples – hero vs. villain; plot/ subplot; three act structure; short story arc; draft, edit and revise). What’s great about it: take your novel idea off the procrastination shelf, open this toolkit and sit down. Complete your first draft. No excuses! What’s included: goal setting, tracking time and research, focus on plot or character along with excellent reproducible worksheets. There’s something to be said about getting your butt in the chair. Do it for long enough to practice storytelling, integrate fiction mechanics, devote sufficient time, let the story unfold and establish a consistent routine. I really believe that once the schema is established, the spark of creativity will follow.



View all my reviews

BOOK IN A MONTH worksheets


Book in a Month worksheets

Monday, January 21, 2013

POLK GULCH GRAFFITI These pics represent some of the graffiti springing up around the Tenderloin near Polk. Enjoy!









#ChadSchimke  #SanFrancisco  #ArtGallery #SFMoma  #VisualAid  #Picasso  #Haring  #Koons  #Warhol  #Calder  #Lichtenstein  #ReclaimedRoom  #Gallery1044  #LowerPolkArtWalk  #BayBridge #CityArtGallery #Bansky #SirronNorris #Solis

POLK GULCH GRAFFITI These pics represent some of the graffiti springing up around the Tenderloin near Polk. Enjoy!


POLK GULCH GRAFFITI These pics represent some of the graffiti springing up around the Tenderloin near Polk. Enjoy!


#ChadSchimke  #SanFrancisco  #ArtGallery #SFMoma  #VisualAid  #Picasso  #Haring  #Koons  #Warhol  #Calder  #Lichtenstein  #ReclaimedRoom  #Gallery1044  #LowerPolkArtWalk  #BayBridge #CityArtGallery #Bansky #SirronNorris #Solis

POLK GULCH GRAFFITI These pics represent some of the graffiti springing up around the Tenderloin near Polk. Enjoy!



#ChadSchimke  #SanFrancisco  #ArtGallery #SFMoma  #VisualAid  #Picasso  #Haring  #Koons  #Warhol  #Calder  #Lichtenstein  #ReclaimedRoom  #Gallery1044  #LowerPolkArtWalk  #BayBridge #CityArtGallery #Bansky #SirronNorris #Solis

POLK GULCH GRAFFITI These pics represent some of the graffiti springing up around the Tenderloin near Polk. Enjoy!



#ChadSchimke  #SanFrancisco  #ArtGallery #SFMoma  #VisualAid  #Picasso  #Haring  #Koons  #Warhol  #Calder  #Lichtenstein  #ReclaimedRoom  #Gallery1044  #LowerPolkArtWalk  #BayBridge #CityArtGallery #Bansky #SirronNorris #Solis

Saturday, January 12, 2013

FORMATTING AND SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT

Formatting & Submitting Your ManuscriptFormatting & Submitting Your Manuscript by Writer's Digest Books
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

FORMATTING AND SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT - Nobody ever said writing was easy. The fact is this: good fiction is partly due to following structured rules, allowing creative brainstorms and utilizing sound business practices. If you write for publication, then you need to understand submissions, that’s the topic of this post. Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript by Chuck Sambuchino is a good addition to your writing reference library. Why is that? Because, this book covers all of the basics in an abbreviated sort of way, with callouts to identify/ explain important elements. That includes query letters, novel synopses, book proposals, manuscript pages, etc. There are rules to follow so that you come across as professional, polished and publishable. The book provides examples so you will have a good grasp of what works and what doesn’t. If you have read any of my review posts on writing reference, you will know that I don’t recommend a lot of writing reference books. That’s because beginning writers need relevant information and don’t have any time to waste. You’re probably going to spend a hundred hours on a novel length manuscript.

My suggestion is to focus on the three most important writing reference books, see below for my short list. If you’ve always wanted to try writing I encourage you to give it a try. Good luck!
1. Book in a Month (BIAM) by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
2. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King
3. Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript by Chuck Sambuchino

View all my reviews

Buy this book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/158297571X

Saturday, December 29, 2012

NEW YEAR’S SAN FRANCISCO 2013

NEW YEAR’S SAN FRANCISCO 2013 - Go to the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street (Pier 14) along the Embarcadero. The fireworks show starts at midnight and this is a free public event. Be prepared to wear a jacket and on your feet a long time, because there’s nowhere to sit, you'll be standing a long time. I usually go onto my roof for ten minutes starting at midnight. Because I can see the top of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Oakland Hills and the sky above the Ferry Building. But, the hill blocks the view of the Embarcadero itself. Check out the video clip which shows the 2012 fireworks display along the waterfront!