MichaelA8

What's up, mout? Thanks for posting. Yes I'm an author, albeit un-published. I understand 'slowing over the years'. I was a writing fool into my late teens. Then life took over. It's only been over the last few years that, I too, rekindled. I'm working on three projects, and querying agents. I stay active on forums, and work on my craft, while learning the business. It's not say that all who participate want to become published, there are just as many who do it for the love of prose! As far as motivation? Well, why not resurrect something from your past. Maybe a part of your life that fell to side. EX: I played in a METAL band until I was 22....... How about a 'catharsis' telling of your travels through 'coursework'. My favorite is to write about something that I'm passionate about. Have at it, and keep posting!

Hi Sal, Excellent question. I'm happy to hear that you're 'dusting off the pen' ! Look to solid writers forums. There's a wealth of advice from those published and un-published alike. Also, since BLOGGING has gained immense popularity, you can find threads dedicated to them. Anyway, here's how I combat the block: 1)Quick-write:I take a piece of blank paper, and a timer. I set the timer to 2 minutes. Then I write whatever words come to mind. No sentences, don't care about spelling.....just two minutes of scribble. That seems to help. 2)Music: Generally instrumental pieces. I listen and let the music create visuals. Then I jot them down. 3)People Watch: I'll sit in a park, mall, wherever there is traffic. I watch folks go about their day, and interact with each other. This time, I visualize what their thinking, what their saying, where their going........ It's all about stimulating that inner author. Hope this helps. Keep posting. Also, here's thread link: http://forums.xisto.com/no_longer_exists/

Thanks! You're the first to welcome me! I changed the code.....let's see if it works. ~Michael

Sky, I agree. No BOOM! Hopefully the date represents a shift of thinking on a world-wide level. I know that once we accept that we're all of the one, things will change. It's the end of the world as we know it, I feel fine! ~Michael

I would offer that "The end of the world" is a subjective statement. Are we talking 'BOOM' everything is vaporized, or something different? Hmmmm.....Maybe it's, like REM sang, "The end of the world as we know it"? This, to me, seems to be a greater possibility. Let's not forget, that the terminology of things has greatly morphed since the Mayan's walked the Earth. This adds an additional 'twist'. I'm not big on 'destiny', as a whole. I believe that we 'create' as we go. So the only 'destiny' that we have is one of 'creation'.Just my opinion.Michael

WELCOME!First, let's get this out of the way: If you would like to read or post samples, please visit our neighboring forum. OK? OK. This is a gathering for us to discuss the craft, and business alike. It's for support, encouragement, and yes, venting. Share your experience, exchange thoughts, ask questions, network. Are you quering agents? Considering a contract offer from a publisher? Did you just ink a deal? Let's hear about it! Anything do do with the writing as a whole is why we're here. So don't be shy, let's get going! What are we waiting for?

At birth, our minds a blank parchment. While we grow, others sketch on it. This is what form our perceptions. Their opinions become ours, their fears, believes, interpretations, likes.....all of it.Then, at some point, I'll experience something. I'll see it, scan my memory bank and find a 'programmed' response. Here's a simple example: If I were born and raised in an isolated area, where I was taught that the color of grass was purple, then, once I came to the USA, people would think I was insane. Perception is reality, to a degree. At some point during our journey, our soul begins to burst at the seams. It becomes 'uncomfortable'. Pain, being the great motivator, is what often spurs us on to look beyond the box. That's, when it happens. First I must discover what I am not, in order to manifest what I AM.~Michael

Nicely done indeed!The theme is supported by the song! Nice touch. What I would look to 'tweek' are these: The 'red' text on the scrolling marquee is a bit uncomfortable. The Red in the info box works well.In addition, within the info box: I'd go with Blues that are a shade or two lighter. The darker blue that is currently present(for Admin. etc.), boarders on un-readable.Short of that?I like it!Alot!Michael

Hi,I'm not exactly sure what type of feedback you're looking for. I will say that the previous reviews all have merit. From a 'viewer's' point, I'd agree with changing font, and colors. Perhaps some relevant wallpaper. Also, I'd make sure that, while keeping it clean, there are few empty spaces. The ones that are kept, should be stratigicaly placed. Now, if you're also looking for a review of the specific content, let me know. I think it will be a powerful advertising tool, with some work. I was a painting contractor for years, so I know a little about a little. All in all, nicely done!Michael

I feel you. I think this is why many graduates end up in a profession other than the one they are degreed in. It can get frustrating. Remain patient. It's your best friend right now. Patience shouldn't be allowed to become 'passive'. Keep on, keeping on. I'd advise that you get a pt job. Anything really. Not only will it produce some income, but it will aid you in avoidance of feeling, 'not good enough'. I don't mean to imply that you feel this way now, but experience has taught me that the longer I'm out of work, the greater probability of this. Hang in there! Oh, BTW: Once you get a job, you'll need this: http://www.gamesbox.com/games/2600/Whack_Your_Boss_17_Ways_NEW ENJOY! Michael

Not me personally, and not 'company' but 'companies'. Many of them, with more starting up each day. I didn't get burned. This is because I took my own advice. Being involved in many author groups, I've heard horror stories. As to 'lenders', well we need only look at the state of our contry's 'foreclosure' situations, and the practices of the financial institutions involed with many of them. Thanks for the post! Michael

Much like preditory lenders, who covet misguided, 'newbie', or desperate people, there are functioning 'publishers' and 'literary agents' who do as well. There is little difference between these two groups. Although in different markets, their approach is the same, as is the outcome for many who sign with them.These 'companies' are the destoyer of dreams. With the lender, you're stuck with un-reasonable terms, poor support, and empty promises. They get their hooks in you and wait. Once things begin to crumble, they descend like a vulture. Your home, your dream, is gone.With the publisher, they prey on the innermost desires of aspiring authors. Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, they are masters of the 'swirve' tactic. Painting themselves in a most virtuous light, you'll think that they fell from the sky. Believe me, they have not. Like the lender, they lock you in, knowing EXACTLY how they will earn off you, and are not concerned with what returns you receive. That is how they operate. It is in fact, their business plan. Trick you in, sign you up, suck you dry, let you die. That's it.So, how do we avoid these types?First, if they come to you, out of nowhere, tread light. The companies with proven track records don't need to seek you out. They may welcome your business, but they don't NEED it.Second, REASEARCH-REASEARCH-RESEARCH! Find out whatever you can, from whoever you can. look to 'watchdog' groups. Visit as many seperate sites as you can. Look for a patten of behavior, and then coroborate. Ask questions to both the prospective company, and the groups that you searching with. Make a check list. Two columns: Pro/Con. This has helped me. Also remember this theory: If one says you're a duck, you're not. If two say you're a duck, you might be. If three say you're a duck, start quacking! Also, watch for what I call, The Inverted Red Flag. This is, while amongst a sea of confirmed evidence, there are a small number who say the opposite. CHECK AND RE-CHECK the minority opinions. At times, these sleazy, yet crafty, orginizations set up, and even FUND their own advocacy groups.Be patient. Check things out. You owe it to yourself. It's your money. Your time. Your life. Your Dreams. Nothing dies more painfully, than dreams.Just my opinion.~MichaelA8

The mind is such a powerful thing. If it percieves stress, anxiety, depression, etc, it begins to effect the body. Long term 'exposure' has tragic consequences. The good news is this: If the mind is so powerful that it can alter us 'negatively' than it must be powerful enough to alter us for the positive! It' s all about a shift in our perceptions. If I 'see' something, I can choose how to 'view' it. See the miracle in all things. Think not of 'stress', but of comfort. Avoid anger in leiu of tolerence. It can be done, if we only choose.Excellent post! Thank you.Michael

Why would anyone want to forget their first Love? Or any Love, for that matter? I remember the Love, long after the relationship is gone. I've learned, that which I thought was Love, was not, and therefore I can now identify what is. So, no I can't forget, and I won't even try.Michael