Suze Orman - Livin' in a Van Down by the River!

You heard me. Suze Orman, financial guru and multi-millionaire television host actually used to live in a VW van in her younger years.

No, she didn't live down by the river, that is actually my homage to Chris Farley's hilarious skit about the motivational speaker gone wrong. Anyway, I caught a PBS show where Orman was discussing her meager beginnings and I was just amazed. I would have thought that she went to an Ivy league college and walk all the usual steps to becoming wealthy. Not so. If this gal can do it, we all can. And, she'll tell you that, too. That's one of the reasons I like her so much. She is a bit strange in her communication style, but that is her quirky way.

It turns out that when she was in her 20's, she was a Californian trying to find herself. She didn't have any money and she borrowed enough money from her brother to buy a beat up, VW van and she drove it to San Francisco. She became a waitress at a breakfast diner and lived in her van.

Chris Farley doing his skit as Matt Foley, "Living in a Van Down By the River"

After living life this way for quite some time, she began quizzing one of her regular customers about business and how to make money. Her regular gave her some money to invest in the stock market and he instructed her to have a broker from a well-known brokerage company assist her. That is exactly what she did and became fascinated with the industry. She lost all the money that her regular gave her because the broker invested her money in funds she knew nothing about and didn't take the time to explain the risks involved and so forth.

To him, she was just another "little lady" trying to make a buck or two. Well, she decided to break the "Good ole boy" barrier and apply for a job with this same brokerage. After much determination and selling herself to the interviewer, she was hired and began learning all she could about investments. She learned she could sue the brokerage for not investing her funds based upon her knowledge level at the time. So, she sued her employer WHILE she worked for them.

She won millions of dollars in a lawsuit. She paid her regular back for loaning the money and the rest is history.

One interesting story from a "little lady living in a van down by the river".

More Musings Later-

So What do you make of Iran's President coming to New York?

I don't know...sometimes I scratch my head and think to myself, "What in the world are these people thinking?"

Sure, I'm all for inviting speakers with different points of view to speak in our country. It's one of the things that make our country so great. BUT....c'mon, we're not asking an economist to come to New York and make a speech.

We're talking about the President of IRAN. And, while I understood and related to the gentleman who introduced the President, I cringed because the guest was able to put himself in a favorable light by reminding an American of allowing other views to speak before condeming them.

I cringed and it made me mad. Here we were...holding our collective breath in one of our treasured cities who has taken a beating from terrorists in the past. And, in my opinion, we were taking a real chance on his visiting New York City. But, our democracy is just that. It's not always easy to be an American. We have to listen to all voices and not just a few, and when the voice is drenched in lies and half-truths, you have to trust that people will listen carefully.

It's not always easy to trust, is it?

More Musings Later-

If I Did It, by OJ Simpson

If I Did It...

I wouldn't smirk for my mug shot

I wouldn't sign autographs before and after my court arraignment

I wouldn't write a book detailing the gruesome details of how I murdered my ex-wife and her friend.

I wouldn't be able to look my children in the face after what I had done.

I wouldn't do television appearances to "clear my good name".

I wouldn't break into a hotel room with my friends armed with guns demanding my memorabilia.

I wouldn't involve myself in another relationship. Especially with a woman that favors my previous murder victim.

I would request to stay in jail instead of posting bail.

I would want to die from the guilt and pain I've caused so many others.

But that's me.

Closing Thought: Leave the "IF" out of it. He did it and the blood he spilled will forever stain his hands and his soul.

More Musings Later-

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Writing (or co-writing in this instance) of the Book

Submission to Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble

Amazon.com: The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road: Books: Alan Solomon,Taryn Sim

Barnes & Noble.com - Books: The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road, by Alan Solomo

Setting up a Blog for the Book

The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road

Press Release

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Book Trailer

YouTube - "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" - Book Trailer

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You'll be glad you did.

More Musings Later-

I've discovered a new toy for my Rants!

The new toy I speak of is called www.Onmylist.com . It is great! I have made a few list already, one about writing...as I have included here:Authors that Frustrate/Piss me off and some are in other categories.

By the way, a word about JK Rowling: She wrote the Harry Potter books and made a fortune. She is now writing a thriller. People are having a fit about it. "Why is she writing a thriller?"

Answer? Cause she wants to. Something tells me the woman loves to write and is sick of writing children's books. Give her a break will ya?

I don't think any author worth their salt writes for the love of money. I think they write because they love it.

I know that even if I won the lottery, I'd still write. But, that's me.

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Grief is all in a Day's Work for writer, Linda Della Donna

There are literally hundreds of thousands of millions of writers out there in internet land. Some are very well-known and some aren't.

Linda Della Donna will soon be on everyone's radar. She is one of the few writers that deals with the emotional issue of grief and is quite skilled at it, unfortunately. Della Donna lost her husband to cancer some 3 years ago and in an effort crawl out of a depression so deep, she had to write her way out. She wrote about her feelings, her loss, her frustration, anger and took solace in time she spent with herself.

Out of that heartbreaking loss came "Griefcase" a safe place for widows to convene and share their feelings and heartache while they heal. From the tablet of a legal pad is now bounding a full fledged website that will offer message boards, practical information for the newly widowed or grieving, a blog, e-books and more.

I nominated her for CNN's Hero of the Day. I don't know if Anderson Cooper will be knocking upon her door for an interview, but hell, I think he should.

Read what she's all about and you'll be making a point of reading Griefcase too.

www.Griefcase.blogspot.com

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Magazine Revamp! and other News

Okay, I have to say this to get it off my chest. As you all know (or maybe you don't) I just recently self-published "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" with Alan Solomon.

I have marketed this freaking book until I'm blue in the face! I contact the Nashville Scene and they tell me (very nicely I have to say) that "although my book is being considered for a Pulitzer and is being shown in Beijing, China at the Intl Book Fair and is competing for Best Fiction at USABookNews.com, they can't do an interview with me because it's a self-published novel..."

HUH???? You mean to tell me, that if my book wins the Pulitzer Prize, I can't get you to interview me because I'm self-published???? YEP. that's the long and the short of it.

HOW STUPID IS THAT???? I don't blame the nice lady that conveyed the news, I blame the owner of the Scene! Good Lord! I'm sorry, but that seems a bit, well....snobbish. There, I said it.

Does anyone think this is a crazy idea? If you do, email the Nashville Scene at http://www.nashvillescene.com/Information/contact_us/index.php and address to "Publisher of the Nashville Scene."

************************

On a lighter note, seems the startup of "Ideas, Goals and Dreams" is changing around the premier issue. See what you think:

Talking to School Kids?

Yep, I'm currently exploring the idea of talking to kids...about what? About writing and about freelancing. God, I wish someone had done that when I was growing up. I had no idea that a life that I'm living now was possible back then.


But then again, I wonder if I would appreciate my writing career as much as I do today. Let's face it, being a refugee from Corporate America makes you grateful for being able to breathe. I don't know...I just think that kids need to see that there are ways of being successful that don't necessarily fit in a cookie cutter profile.


I mean after all, here I am. A published author who writes for a living. Am I rich? Financially, Hardly. Am I wealthy with knowledge and experience? You bet. Do I wear pin stripes each day to work? Well, maybe pin striped pajamas or sweats.

Life can be messy. Kids need to know that writing and other types of freelancing professions that aren't "typical" are possible. It's just a thought...but then again, I get paid to write those thoughts down.

More Musings Later-

Ideas, Goals & Dreams - A Startup in Every Sense of the Word.

Some time ago, I responded to a Craig's List ad to write articles for a magazine startup. I sent a couple of samples and they were met with real enthusiasm by the owner of this new magazine. Let's face it, my writing career can be summed up by this magazine's title. I love it when you find organizations, people, jobs, projects and the like that perfectly compliment your beliefs!

Check out the magazine...it will be online soon and I will place a link to it when I get the url. Oh, and there is even a picture of some writer in the top left corner with a silly smirk on her face! After that, it will be distributed locally in San Francisco, California and then globally. Thinking of advertising or investing in it? Let me know and I will put you in contact with the owner.

Sometimes Life is one big synergy event!



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Good Morning From America, Robin!

Last week, Robin Roberts announced that she has breast cancer. I was stunned. She is seemingly the picture of health and the disease doesn't even run in her family. That is scary stuff right there.

What makes it even scarier is that a normal mammogram didn't catch it. She had additional tests because she felt a lump. What is she didn't feel it? What if she didn't do an exam on herself? Cancer is an angry disease and can spread like wildfire. It is SO fortunate that she caught it in the early stages.

According to ABC News, she had successful breast surgery and is recouperating at home. Okay everybody (myself included) GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM AND DO A SELF EXAM REGULARLY!

Message to Robin Roberts: Get Well, Girl. I want to see your smiling face on Good Morning America SOON. By the way, I said a prayer for ya. From your pal that you don't even know.

More Musings Later-

Nancy Grace, You Gotta Love Her

Not too long ago, my partner and I tuned in to watch Nancy Grace. She is becoming a regular on our short list of "must watch".

The normally feisty Southern pistol of an attorney was instead subdued, humble and sweet. What happened? I wondered aloud. I love to watch her tear into her interviews because if her subjects smell like a rat, she'll sniff it out for sure. She's a real advocate for the victim and I LOVE that about her.

But that night she is announcing that she got married in April and is now 4 months pregnant with twins, God bless her! She was tearfully thrilled and expressed her thanks to her viewers, friends and her new hubby, David. She went on to say that she didn't think she would ever find love again after her fiance was murdered nearly 20 years ago. Life has a way of making things wrong become right again.

So, happy pregnancy Nancy. Don't stop being the little pit bull that we know and love. But I gotta tell ya, you melted America's collective heart when you announced your great news.

Congrats to Nancy and David (or Mr. Nancy!!) LOL

More Musings Later-

Oh My God, I'm Tired...

Well, it's done. "The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road" is published and ready for purchase. Between the formatting, proofing, correspondence and discussion on the book cover with the designer (also in China) and the back and forth between Alan in Beijing and here, I'm pooped.

But, the book is going to be shown in Beijing, China at a book fair for book sellers. I fed-exed the book to New York on Thursday and ordered addtional copies for myself. Alan wants to order 2000 copies to sell locally and wants me to sign them before shipping off to Asia.

I've enrolled us in the Amazon "peek inside the pages" program and have been updating Barnes & Noble and other retailers with the book info.

Sheesh....I'm so behind, but it's a good tired. You know what I mean?

Oh, I would be remiss if I didn't offer you a chance to purchase here as well. Surely, you didn't think this would be a simple post!

Click HERE to purchase.

More Musings Later-

Why is ro so watchable?

Whenever I have just a few minutes and need to take a break, I head over to (you guessed it if you read my blogs with any regularity) r blog

I watch her latest video rants about Bush (and wholeheartedly agree with her) and then read the latest questions from her audience and her ee cummings style responses.

I don't know why she is so watchable, but she is. She's headed to P-Town on her "r" Cruise for gay/lesbian families. By the way, people from all walks of life welcome as long as they are gay friendly. My guess is that you will see quite a few lesbians and gay men with their families in tow.

Good for her. Say what you will, but "r" does good work. Not even the Donald could fault her for that.

More Musings Later-

The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road Book Trailer is on YouTube!

Get Ready, This is the MOTHER of ALL Rants

Ann Coulter. It's enough to make me shudder with disgust just at the mention of her name. I sincerely wonder if the woman has any responsibility or brains in her head.

Don't get me wrong, she is a master at marketing herself and the Moral Majority's agenda by submerging herself into a vitriolic diatribe against liberals. For some reason, she has a burr in her bonnet with regard to Senator John Edwards.

The very idea that an author and commentator on television and radio can feel free to attack the parents who lost their first born son in a tragic accident, laugh at a woman battling cancer that is asking her to stop the attacks and discuss the issues at hand AND for God's sakes...calling Edwards a FAGGOT.

The interesting thing is that I watched Coulter carefully when Mrs. Edwards called her while she was on Chris Mathews' Hardball program. She laughed arrogantly and was slightly caught off guard on how to handle this request. Suddenly a voice in the background shouts, "Why didn't Senator Edwards call instead?". Her response? "Yeah, why didn't Senator Edwards call?" Is this the type of intelligent debating she is capable of ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ws_bXU6Rjk

Could it be that Ann Coulter is all mouth and no substance? I am not so troubled by Coulter as I am the people that follow her. To all those who refuse to think for themselves and insist on jumping on the bandwagon of "Rush is Right, G Gordon Liddy,and Pat Robertsons".

Think about it, the intellectually lazy follows a pill popper, a convicted felon, and a radical religious zealot who is obviously not too tightly wrapped.


Unforunately, Coulter won't shut her mouth until the microphones, cameras and interviews cease. So, I believe that we are in for alot more of Ann Coulter.

Incidentally, the Moral Majority is NEITHER.
Many Many more Musings later-

The Power of "r"

Ever since Rosie O'Donnell left The View, it hasn't been the same. The banter and discussion has been boring at best (yawn). And, the smug look on Elisabeth Hasselbeck's face each morning is becoming a permanent fixture.



With each guest host, you can practically see Barbara Walters silently pray that "this is the one, Lord, let this be the one". But to no avail, another boring guest or one that screams for the sake of screaming.



All the while, O'Donnell sits quietly in the background blogging to her legion of fans and answering questions. It was only after one fan asked if she would do The Price is Right that she strayed from her normally quick responses in ee cummings style. "YES I WOULD DO IT!" she replied.



The kicker? The press is watching her blog as if it is Reuters' corporate headquarters.





I guess that's the power of "r".

More Musings Later-

I TOLD you HR Employees are Mean, I should know, I used to be one.

For those living outside the Tennessee area, a story ran on the news last night where a woman was in tears because she wanted to donate a kidney to a family member who will die without the donation.



It appears that she is a perfect match according to her cousin's doctors and she began taking the steps to prepare. One of those steps is stepping inside that almighty Human Resources office at work to apply for short term disability. The HR executive flatly refused her request and likened her need for leave to that of "getting a breast augmentation". What the HR person failed or fails to realize is that this is not cosmetic surgery, and it is medically necessary in order to save another life. So, the company is refusing to hold her position for her once she is able to return to work.



The woman offering her kidney has 2 children and cannot risk her job coupled with the fact that she works in a rural area where the employment opportunities are limited at best. As the news reporter showed the arm of the man needing the kidney, his mangled veins in his arm caused the viewers to squirm.



The company stood behind the HR decision but my questions are the following: Does this company meet the criteria for FMLA? Does the company have written policy regarding acceptable leaves of absences?

Maybe if that company hired this writer to compose current, well thought out policy and procedures, this situation wouldn't be on the news.



But then again, HR People are Mean.



More Musings Later-

Welcome to Corporate America Office Politics, Rosie

Yep, I have seen the same scenario played out a millions times.

If you haven't been under a rock lately, I'm sure you have heard or saw the live argument between Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck on ABC's "The View".

Just in case you are dusting off the moss from being under that proverbial rock, Rosie O'Donnell made a statement in the past that was misconstrued or mangled in the press. In essence, she was asking Hasselbeck to put herself in the Iraqi people's shoes for a moment and see if she didn't feel that the U.S. attacked Iraq unjustly.

Granted, this is a VERY touchy subject, but one worth exploring. The press along with Fox News and Bill O'Reilly had a field day with the comment as they smugly reported that O'Donnell thought our troops were "terrorists". Nothing could be further from the truth.

Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck

After all of the bru-ha-ha, O'Donnell wondered aloud why Hasselbeck, her co-worker and supposed friend didn't defend her statement on the show. Hasselbeck in all her Republican glory smelled the blood and went for the kill. She stated that O'Donnell should defend her own statements.

O'Donnell took a deep breath and asked one more time. "Do you think that I think the U.S. troops are terrorists?" A yes or no question to be sure.

Hasselbeck continued ranting with O'Donnell ranting back and the simple answer she was seeking became a string of shouted words which equated to YES.

In Corporate America, Barbara Walters is the Supervisor. Rosie and Elisabeth are the coworkers. Rosie doesn't fit in with the rest of the group and feels like the outcast even moreso due to her views. Elisabeth gets the sympathy and Rosie exits.

The same scenario happened to me too, Rosie. Welcome to Corporate America Office Politics.
The only difference between Rosie and me? Several million dollars.





More Musings Later-

Musings about Musings From A Writer

I've looked at alot of other writers' blogs and they are strict to form: they are chock full of writing tips, advice, job leads and 'how to's.

While these writer sites are incredibly helpful and informative, I often wonder why the writers of these sites don't post more personal opinionated pieces. Isn't that what being a writer is all about? Sure, the form and rules of writing are important, but what about the observation of every day life?

I'm a bit behind in my "musings", Lord, has anyone seen "The View" lately? Yikes. Just in that one show lies a plethora of issues and opinions and rants.

Then there is my favorite (and I am being very sarcastic) Rush Limbaugh. My nickname for him is "Hush Bimbo" but that's for another post.

C'mon writers...RANT!

More musings later-

Miss Snark, The Crap-O-Meter and Killer Yap

This morning I logged on to all my usual blogs and checked them out. Reading for any comments posted or new items of interest. One of my favorites to read is Miss Snark, The Literary Agent.

As I click to enter her site, the title screams "Miss Snark is Retiring". What??? After blogging and offering practical and yes, blunt criticism for those brave enough to have her review their work...she is hanging up her keyboard.

People have tried to expose who the blogger actually is, but to me, intrigue plus invaluable advice equals a someone that will be sorely missed.

Miss Snark, I hardly knew thee.

More Musings Later-

Along the Road

Sometimes when I am going through alot of "stuff" personally, this song comes to mind. Every word is a pearl of truth. To all of you that may be going through some rough times as well-

Joy at the start
Fear in the journey
Joy in the coming home
A part of the heart
Gets lost in the learning
Somewhere along the road.
Along the road
Your path may wander
A pilgrim's faith may fail
Absence makes the heart grow stronger
Darkness obscures the trail.
Cursing the quest
Courting disaster
Measureless nights forebode
Moments of rest
Glimpses of laughter
Are treasured along the road.
Along the road
Your steps may tumble
Your thoughts may start to stray
But through it all a heart held humble
Levels and lights your way.
Joy at the start
Fear in the journey
Joy in the coming home
A part of the heart
Gets lost in the learning
Somewhere along the road
Somewhere along the road
Somewhere along the road.

Lyrics and Music: Dan Fogelberg

Cash, Money, Bahts, Bongos, Bread, Dollars

I have found out without a doubt what I dislike about freelancing.....there isn't much to hate, mind you, but I have to say that trying to collect money for services rendered really sucks.

Most of my clients are very prompt with payment and I just love'em for that. But there are some that are either very slow on paying or just don't pay at all. One fellow I coached recently just flat out stiffed me. That infuriates me. If he were to call me and say, "Hey, going through a rough financial time, but I can pay you in a month." Then, I can accept that. Hey, life happens sometimes, right?

But to ignore me and cause me to look at the next client with doubt? I really hate that. My advice to these slackers?

PAY UP AND THEN SHUT UP.

More Musings Later-

Quips from other Writers - Enjoy!

I am here to advise you that I have survived a laptop virus, idiotic computer techs and the overall helpless feeling one has when their computer is unavailable to them.

So, I thought instead of bitching about my computer problems of last week, I would instead offer some ditties from other writers about the art of writing. Enjoy!

There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein.
~Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith

You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.
~Ray Bradbury

So often is the virgin sheet of paper more real than what one has to say, and so often one regrets having marred it.
~Harold Acton, Memoirs of an Aesthete, 1948

The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.
~Anaïs Nin

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.
~E.L. Doctorow

A word is not the same with one writer as with another. One tears it from his guts. The other pulls it out of his overcoat pocket.
~Charles Peguy

And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.
~Sylvia Plath

I would hurl words into this darkness and wait for an echo, and if an echo sounded, no matter how faintly, I would send other words to tell, to march, to fight, to create a sense of hunger for life that gnaws in us all.
~Richard Wright, American Hunger, 1977

I try to leave out the parts that people skip.
~Elmore Leonard

If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison

What I like in a good author is not what he says, but what he whispers.
~Logan Pearsall Smith, "All Trivia," Afterthoughts, 1931

The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium.
~Norbet Platt

It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment? For the moment passes, it is forgotten; the mood is gone; life itself is gone. That is where the writer scores over his fellows: he catches the changes of his mind on the hop.
~Vita Sackville-

WestWriting became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say.
~Sharon O'Brien

Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very;" your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.
~Mark Twain

I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter.
~James Michener

The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is you really want to say.
~Mark Twain

The wastebasket is a writer's best friend.
~Isaac Bashevis Singer

Don't be too harsh to these poems until they're typed. I always think typescript lends some sort of certainty: at least, if the things are bad then, they appear to be bad with conviction.
~Dylan Thomas, letter to Vernon Watkins, March 1938

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.
~William Wordsworth

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.
~Mark Twain

I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.
~James Michener

To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the inner music the words make. ~Truman Capote, McCall's, November 1967

It seems to me that those songs that have been any good, I have nothing much to do with the writing of them. The words have just crawled down my sleeve and come out on the page.
~Joan Baez

Have you Noticed?

that writers are making the news?

Remember when a young teenager suffering with ADD/ADHD lost his way from his group on a camping trip? They were camping in the mountains where the evenings and nights got pretty cold. Well, the teenager remembered a book he had read recently where the fictional character also lost his way in the woods and followed the same survival techniques as the book's character. Amazingly, the teenager was found a few days cold and hungry, but very much alive.

Then unfortunately, the mentally ill killer from VA Tech was plastered all over the news as his former professors revealed that he took creative writing classes. His writing was so violent and angry that his teachers had geniune concerns for not only their safety, but his own. Sadly, we all know the results.

There is power in the written word. I hope one day, we can all write with care and responsibility.

More Musings Later-

Great Writing Allows You To See

I've had quite a few people ask me "What does it take to be a great writer?" There are all types of answers depending on the style of writing and so forth.



But for me? Great writing allows you to see. My favorite type of writing and reading for that matter, is storytelling or fictional writing. I've read some books and by some well-known authors (or their prospective ghostwriters I suppose) that were...well...not so memorable. Do you ever find yourself reading a chapter and then suddenly realizing, "What is going on in this chapter? Who is this character again? Why are they acting a certain way?".


When that happens to me, 2 words inevitably come to me. Famous author or not. BAD WRITING.


If I'm reading about a character, I want to know what they look like, what they are thinking, if they have crooked teeth, bad skin, a stutter or any other distintive trait. I want to SEE them in my mind. I want to know this person like the back of my hand.


If this character is so largely forgettable in a book, then why introduce them? My favorite example of this is John Grisham's "The Firm". When I was reading about Mitch (the main character). I instantly got a picture of a clean-cut version of Tom Cruise. And, when I read about his adventures, I could SEE Tom Cruise in my mind's eye.

By the same token, the reason I am such an OPPONENT of Laura Ingalls Wilder's TV version of her wonderful books is mostly because of the "Pa Ingalls" character. When I read her books, I SAW Pa. I knew that his hair was straight, course and thick. He had a matching beard. His hands were calloused as a result of his hard work. He was well-liked in the town and provided for his family. He was not necessarily handsome, but he was like any other homesteader in early American times.


He was NOT the curly headed, handsome, clean shaven actor in the series. And, Laura Ingalls' character wasn't the actress I saw either. I knew that when Hollywood tired of the actual events that happened in the book they would embellish. And, boy did they. The Ingalls adopted a boy so they could have that all-important son, Mary married a blind teacher, Pa never aged but Ma did and so on.

From L - R Standing: Carrie, Laura, Grace
From L - R Seated: Mary, Pa, Ma Ingalls

None of that ever happened in the book. Mary never married, Pa and Ma aged at the same rate, Laura's 2 sisters (Carrie and Grace) died fairly young, and the only boy the Ingalls had was stillborn. Those are the facts.


I know these things because Great Writing Allows You To See.


More Musings Later-

B.B. King, Drumsticks and Coyote Ugly!

Yes kids, I made it through another wild birthday! This one was number 45. And, I had the best time and managed to set downtown Nashville on it's proverbial ear.

We decided to do the "safe and responsible" thing by taking a bus downtown and then cab it back afterwards, cause you KNOW I'm drinking. So, we are sitting shoulder to shoulder on the bus and finally step out when we get to Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. I, of course had to go in, tip the band and request a Roger Miller tune. (My favorite). "Which one?" he asks me....I don't care, "Dang Me, King of the Road, whatever floats your boat!

Then we go to Coyote Ugly - We make our way to the bar where the bartendresses and patrons are dancing on the bar, and I politely bow out (my balance ain't the best...I have P Diddy, you know). But we are enjoying the view from the ground just the same!

Then we toodle down to B.B. King's club and we're having a conversation with the bartender about the opening of the club in Nashville. He tells us, "Yeah, we even have the drumsticks from his drummer when B.B.'s band was playing." He shows us the splintered worn sticks and being a former percussionist, I light up like a Christmas tree. My partner mentions it's my birthday and the bartender takes them out of the case and hands them to me.

"Enjoy!"

I look at the sticks in my hands and feel the old familiar feelings again. They feel good and they feel "right" in my hands. The sticks were pretty banged up and almost broken in two, which tells me the drummer had a great time playing and that the music was hot.

They're sitting on my fireplace mantle, because I sit near there when I write. And, if my laptop was to be compared to the sticks....my laptop would be smoking and almost broken in half.

Because I am having a great time and the books I'm working on are GREAT.

More Musings Later-

I No Lady, I Taryn!

Aaahhh, out of the mouth of babes. Actually, I was about 3 years old when I made that declaration. I remember I was at the store with my father when we bumped into a friend of his. He cooed to me, "And who is this little lady?"

Hence, my response.

After all these years, I still chuckle over that statement because it is SO me. Not that I behave less desireable than a lady....I'm just a feminist lady and apparantly, since the age of 3!

It's amazing that we can have a true sense of self at such a young age. That simple statement taught me alot about myself. I've learned that I am individualistic, hard headed, and full of piss and vinegar with a tad of sarcastic humor.

That strength in my statement has carried me down a life journey that has been enthralling, devastating, exciting and difficult. But, it carried me nonetheless.

Happy Birthday Kiddo-

More Musings Later

A River Runs Through It...

I had forgotten just how much I loved the movie, "A River Runs Through It," until I saw it on a movie channel recently. As I listened to the narration and dialogue, it occurred to me that this film was written with the heart of a poet.

Each word and phrase was carefully crafted to evoke emotions and imagery of a wistful childhood that most of us can relate to.

Especially those of us who have siblings who we feel are more special than we are.

You can only ache for Norman as he wants to help his younger brother, but in the end, realizes he can't force his help.

He sees the same scenario replayed in his girlfriend's family when her problematic older brother is still able to keep the family wrapped around his unlikeable finger.

Somehow, as imperfect as they are, they are perfect to their families.

Throughout the movie, Norman recounts his life in Montana and the one true love that he and his brother and father share: fly fishing in the river. To him, his life evolves while his brother's life stagnates...And A River Runs Through It.

To this day, waters haunt me.

What exceptional writing.

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Love this Life- Ode to Crowded House

For those of you that are fans of the band Crowded House, you will recall that tune on one of their CD's entitled "Love this Life". It's one of those songs that you listen to and the more you listen, the more you "get it".

The gist of the meaning is this: There may be "junk" in your life or past (isn't there always?) but regardless...there are blessings in each person's life. Love your life, because it's what YOU created and it's a gift.

Too philosophical? Okay, revised meaning: Get over yourself and appreciate what you have!


Thanks Neil Finn, you're one helluva writer.
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Pacman is a PUNK

I'll be the first to tell you, I am a HUGE Tennessee Titan fan. I was in heaven last year when we benched our putrid QB and let Vince Young play.

Man, all was right with my football world...Henry Travis was playing great, week in and week out. Vince was well, FREAKLISHLY great. And, Pacman was finally starting to make big plays. That is, when he wasn't in jail or spitting in women's faces at nightclubs.

This guy has so much talent and he chooses, yes CHOOSES to throw it away. He makes too much money and is too priviledged.

Now, he has gone too far. He caused a bouncer in Las Vegas to be paralyzed below the waist. Now the NFL is saying to suspend him for a year.

SUSPEND HIM? Why in the hell would they suspend him? I say FIRE HIM AND FORBID HIM TO RE-ENTER THE NFL PERIOD!

Oh, and Pacman? I think they should take your $54 Million dollar package and give it to your victim in Vegas so that it will pay for his rehab and put his wife through school. That's the reason why he took that job in the first place, after all.

Albert Haynesworth gave the Titans their first black eye, and now you have blackened the other. Not to mention how the top brass treated McNair during his contract talks. I've learned one important thing in all of this: The NFL is a business. Just as calculating and nasty as Corporate America. God Help us All.

More Musings later-

The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road

Every once in a blue moon, an absolute gift presents itself. Such is mine in the form of a book entitled, "The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road".

As a ghostwriter, I have enjoyed the process of writing and rewriting various books for clients all over the country. But (you knew it was coming, didn't you?) I have to say that I was not prepared for the pleasant surprise I received recently.

A colleague of mine asked if I would be interested in helping a client with his book. I read the first chapter and was amazed. It was written with the same type eloquent prose reminiscent of"And a River Runs Through It," but needed just a bit of polish.

Lovely surprise #2: The client asked if I would be interested in co-writing this book with him. My response was a lightening speed YES! The challenge? Although he is a native New Zealander, he is located in Beijing, China while I am located in Nashville, TN, USA.

The Internet is an amazing piece of technology to be sure. So readers, please follow 2 authors' located worlds apart on the progress on this fascinating book. You can read more about "The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road" and how it reduced me to tears at the end.

It is a poignant, beautifully written book. And, one that you will never forget.

That's a promise. Spread the word.

The Ultimate Goal of this Ghostwriter

As I have attested to many times in blogs before, I absolutely LOVE what I do for a living. To me, there is nothing better than getting up in the morning and working on a book.

As a ghostwriter, you will have all types of writing jobs from school papers to short stories to e-books to novels. What is my favorite? No question, a Fiction novel. But, is there really a call for a Ghostwriter to write fiction novels on a full-time basis? God, I hope so.

Some of the clients that I am working for at the moment are even offering 1/2 writing credit to me on their Fictional works. Am I so enamored with being anonymous that I refuse? Heck, no. Whether my name is prominently displayed or not, the nitty gritty of the matter is: I want to write fiction, period.

Agents: Know of any publishing houses or established authors that need a good Fiction novel Ghostwriter? If so, I’m available.

Taryn Simpson is a fulltime ghostwriter with 3 novels and 2 screenplays to her credit along with numerous novels she has ghosted for her clients. To learn more about her Ghostwriting: www.Taryn-Simpson.blogspot.com

Pure "D" ole Meaness

Don't know why I am quoting my grandmother more these days...maybe because I am starting to see things as she did many years ago. Sometimes age and maturity do that to a person. And, when someone said or did something out of pure spite, meaness, evilness or what have you, my Mamaw would say something to the effect of, 'that person said that out of "Pure D ole Meaness." Never knew what she was referring to regarding the "D", but got the idea just the same.

I read in the news the other day where Ann Coulter, famed Republican known for her vile called Senator John Edwards a "fag". Why must she say and do things to be so unlikeable and even dare I say, hateable? I have to say it does seem to come to her very easily. And, she knows how to grab a headline.

Think about it, "9-11 Widows are enjoying their husbands' deaths"? It got her name in the papers and her book a few more buyers. So what is she selling now? God only knows, but I'm not buying. In a day and age where journalists are suppposed to be practicing ethics and exercise their free speech carefully, Ann Coulter does neither.

I don't think she has an ethical bone in her body. But, I did find at least one thing she has.

Hatred. That and Pure "D" ole Meaness.

More Musings Later-

Southernisms

"...Poor George, he was born with a silver foot in his mouth!"
Democratic Convention Speech


I had lunch with "The Mikster" this week. Might I say that I was so enjoying not having to watch the time to make sure that I was taking only an hour for lunch! I decided to make it my errand day as I usually am in front of my laptop from early in the morning till late at night.

During our lunch, we caught up on what each of us were up to, and of course we discussed our favorite "Southernisms". Not sure what that is? Read on for a listing of our favorites.

- "Is that South in your Mouth? "

Translation: Is that a Southern accent I hear?


- "I'm hungrier than a tied up dawg"

Translation: I'm pretty damned hungry.


- "I'm busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest"

Translation: I'm extremely busy.


- "I'm more nervous than a long tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs"

Translation: I'm very nervous


- "He was smiling like a raccon eating grapes through a picket fence"

Translation: He had a big smile on his face.


- "This room is colder than a witch's boob in a brass bra"

Translation: It's pretty damn cold in here.


- "I was so cold, I shivered just like a dawg pooping peach seeds".

Translation: I was so cold, I was shaking. Now go look at a peach seed, think about it and you will understand just how hard that person must have been shaking.

Aren't they great? The rest are really dirty, so I'll refrain from mentioning them here. I've had to clean up several of them already. But, you get the idea.

By the way, I put a pic of Ann Richards, the late great governor of Texas at the top of my blog. She epitomized the sassy, no-nonsense style, grace and true grit of a southerner.

Damn, I miss Ann Richards.

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I'm busier than a 1 legged man in a butt kicking contest...

Man....here it is 11pm on a Friday night and I'm finally winding down. Life couldn't get much better...I'm in the midst of writing 2 fiction books and am LOVING it. Yes, Virginia, I really get paid to do something I love.

Did anyone watch Oprah today? I firmly believe that there is something to "The Secret". As Dr. Phil used to say, "If you can verbalize it, you can achieve it."

Amen.
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The Secret to My Success Interview

Linda Della Donna from New York interviewed me a couple of days ago and she asked some really intriguing questions.

Read all about it: Thanks, Linda!

One-th of the Month!

You know, I took a quick breather from writing today and thought to myself.....

Self, you haven't heard from the production company lately about your book becoming a movie. So, I sent an email and Scott sent me a reply. I have to tell you, it seems surreal.

Hi Taryn,

I promise I haven't forgotten about you. But I have been super busy, in a most beneficial way. The Documentary I shot back in October, has already gained national attention and has a huge underground following, that has thousands to our website.

A few of those people have asked about Glittering Secrets, so yes, there is interest in it. I have just been picked up to shoot another feature, with an approximate budget of $5 million.

But I am going to pass your script on to these executive producers, and let them see their next project.

We are attempting to acquire Morgan Freeman for one of the characters in this other film, if we do, I'll see if he'll mention Glittering Secrets to Ashley Judd.

Take Care,

Scott Norwood

************************************************************************************

Self, That Ain't Too Shabby!

Gifts for Writers - LOOK >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Yes, I am an entrepreneurial monster. But, I am really happy with the designs I came up with to promote my business. DO check it out! I have t-shirts, journals, tote bags, caps and more with writing related info.

C'mon, check it out....
More Musings Later -

Pay it Forward!

I always tell people that networking is the way to go, and by-crackity, I'm at it again. Deborah Ng, who posts all the freelancing writer jobs (God bless her) in one spot has started a concept called "Pay it Forward" which works like this: I'll plug your blog if you pay it forward by mentioning on your own blog the concept behind pay it forward Tuesday and plugging someone else.

Got it? Get to it! See the links to the right >>>>>>> pay them a visit and leave some nice comments. Then do yourself and see Deb's site: http://writersrow.com/deborahng/freelancewritingjobs.html

Look for a blurb each Tuesday, right here at Musings from a Writer.

More Musings Later-

Jason Walker's Day to Shine!

I just had to put this link on my blog for everyone to see! Jason had an interview with his local TV news station and he got to talk about his book, "Missing My Body". Remember, you can purchase for $8 if you look to the side and click on the dropdown box. Click on this link to watch:

http://www.walb.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?LaunchPageAdTag=Homepage&ClipID1=1164821&h1=Quadriplegic%20releases%20his%20memoir&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=132567&activePane=playlist&playerVersion=9&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.walb.com/&rnd=55195946

You know, sometimes being a freelance writer/ghostwriter can be stressful looking for the next gig, but then sometimes.....well, sometimes it reminds you why you love to write.

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Blogginators!

Got a nice surprise over the weekend....I've been establishing a presence over at Writers Cafe.org due to some gentle nudging from a good friend and fellow writer, Debra Gordon. Man, am I glad that I did! I posted a poem I wrote eons ago and a short story as well as my e-books. I've heard nothing but encouragement, praise and a bunch of "atta-girl!'s".

How cool is that? If you're not familiar with it, look over to the side here>>>>>> and click on the black box. Lots and Lots of great writers all wanting to help each other and push the proverbial literary envelope.

Check it out, you won't be sorry. Oh, and visit "Blogginators" listed under groups. You'll be glad you did. Writers are a cool bunch of people, I must say.

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I'm Not Your Writer...

I'd never thought I would say those words to anyone, but I did today.

I had a potential client call me and he wanted me to ghost a blog for him. The topic was on HR. He wanted certain things discussed on this blog and was pretty open to most any subject, but it couldn't be negative toward employees or HR people's view of employees. Well, I don't know about any other HR person, but that is what is universal about being in this field. The fact of the matter is, some employees abuse policies (not all, but some) and that is the way it is.

When I asked him for an example of what he wanted....he gave me a ridiculous example as if I were stupid but then when I read his comments from people on his blogs....they had the same comments as I did.....He wanted me to start right away.....

After he asked me repeatedly to do the articles, All I could say was, "I'm not your writer."

To the Blogger Guy:

#1 - Don't patronize me, just tell me what you want or need.

#2 - If you can't do that, I'm not your writer.

More Musings Later-

Notice anything different?

Yep, I have my ebooks on display to the right >>>>>>>>>>>>>
They look pretty good, if I do say so myself. I like to call it my "Virtual Garage Sale"....

Feel free to browse the titles and email if you're interested in buying one or all of them! (A girl can hope, right?)
Conversations with Pearl:

The true story of a woman I worked with via long distance and finally met before she succumbed to Cancer. She was the hootiest, (is that a word?) most bizarre and wonderfully wierd person I ever met! She was downright irreverant. It's a great read.....Project Greenlight gave me rave reviews on that script.

“...As a straight narrative it is touching and impressive…the action is small, personal and dramatic – the subject matter is serious and you have a flair for telling it in a readable conversational way…you have very obvious strengths…you have wit, humor, depth and perspective…”

Missing My Body:

The true story of a young man battling Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and his journey through life as a quadriplegic. He's a remarkable young man....

The Underbelly of the HR Professional

Yep, I'm that insider's view....it's a funny yet disturbing look at how callous HR people tend to get in their jobs. I call them (cause I was one) "Underpaid Social Workers with a bad attitude".

Glittering Secrets

Good Lord, you must know by now I wrote this one too. I have it posted everywhere.

Be sure to email me if you're interested in any of these books!

More Musings Later-

Have I started my new Book? NOOOOOOoooooooo

That's ok. I've been busy trying to get all of my writing contracts signed and faxed, writing articles for clients, and so on. busy busy busy. That's the way I like it though!

I was really hoping to get started on my book, but I'm in the midst of writing 4 as we speak, and there isn't much time for me to stick my own work in there! I have to admit, I am really excited about 2007! I think it will be a fruitful year!

Followup news: I now have 3 corporate clients, in addition to individual clients. I've only heard back from 1 Literary agent in New York City: Her comments stated that she liked my writing, but she preferred a different style of suspense/thriller novel. Ahhh, such is life.

I promise, as soon as I get at least a paragraph down of my new book, I will write about it here. Happy Yule Y'all,
More Musings Later-

Dreams that Define My Next Book...

If you're an author, or even an avid reader, I'm sure you have wondered...."How do other writers come up with book ideas?" Well, I have had major writer's block on coming up with a subject matter that was of interest.

I've had an idea for years on writing a book about the youngest child to be committed to an insane asylum....(fictional of course) and his journeys, breaking out of the hospital and so on. But the subject matter just seems too dark right now. Not so much when you give someone a brief synopsis of the idea, but when you sit down to really write it. So that one is on hold.

BUT....I dreamed last night what I SHOULD write about. (That is a new one for me). I am going to title it, "In My Skin", the same title as one of my poems. Once I copyright the idea, I will expand upon it here.

More Musings Later-

What a Difference 4 days make...

Just 4 days ago....Nov 29, I insisted that "Failure is NOT a freaking option." How true that statement is if you believe it. Don't get me wrong, I haven't earned any cash in those 4 days, I don't even have a job lead for that matter.

BUT...in staying true with my new mantra, FINAFO, I did something that I did several years ago and after hearing the feedback, I decided that I should wait a very long time before doing it again. That is: Querying a literary agent. They usually say something like, "Don't call us, we'll call you.....we have plenty of clients at the moment, but thank you for your query.... etc. etc. etc.

Well......guess what? I have F-O-U-R , countem FOUR NYC literary agents requesting to see my work. I really love ghostwriting....so what did I do? Apply for a ghostwriting position with a book publisher. Guess what? I'M HIRED. They will contact me when a client needs a writer within my genre.

So remember those of you struggling with your craft out there: KEEP GOING, BECAUSE FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION.

More Musings Later-

Failure is NOT an Option!

I have to admit...I was getting pretty antzy yesterday about the slow trickle of money that has been coming my way for writing gigs. I know, I know....we're are knee deep into the Holiday season and people aren't really thinking about needing a writer at this particular time. At least it's not number one on their list.

So, with the help of my trusty Virtual Assistant, I have her plowing through the Chamber of Commerce listings with an email template I gave her and I am DETERMINED to make this thing work. I've also been accepted as a ghostwriter for Arbor Books...but as the publisher said, "I'm way down the list".

I can do this. Failure is NOT a Freaking option.
More Musings Later-

If You REALLY want to analyze my personality....

Advanced Global Personality Test Results Extraversion 50% Stability 60% Orderliness 53% Accommodation 30% Interdependence 43% Intellectual 63% Mystical 56% Artistic 90% Religious 76% Hedonism 70% Materialism 70% Narcissism 63% Adventurousness 70% Work ethic 43% Self absorbed 56% Conflict seeking 23% Need to dominate 36% Romantic 63% Avoidant 30% Anti-authority 83% Wealth 16% Dependency 10% Change averse 43% Cautiousness 63% Individuality 76% Sexuality 36% Peter pan complex 36% Physical security 83% Physical Fitness 10% Histrionic 16% Paranoia 50% Vanity 10% Hypersensitivity 56% Female cliche 10%

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How about those Titans?

Okay, they have sucked the majority of the season, but man, have they come a long way. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles for God's sake on Sunday! Not just eeking by, mind you. They gave them a good ole fashioned butt kicking.

I like my little stocky man, Travis Henry, my long drink of water quarterback, Vince Young and my run the kickoffs to at least the 30 yardline, Bobby Wade.

Pacman? Haynesworth? Sometimes I think Floyd Reese goes shopping for football players at "Thugs R Us". I wish they would get rid of Pacman.

By the way, got a compliment (at least, I'm taking it that way) from a friend on Sunday. I usually go to her apartment and sit on her couch and root for my Titans. She is bored silly cause she is from Connecticut. She keeps silently wondering, What time do the New England Patriots come on? Anyway, I stayed home this past weekend and she told me she honestly missed my cursing and screaming while the Titans were on.

She said she actually watched the game and thought to herself, okay, if Taryn were sitting here, she would say &*(&&!!!! ###&*(((&%!!!!!!!!!!!

Awwwww, isn't that nice? GO TITANS (Can you tell I kinda like football?)

To Blog of Old, or to Blog in Beta, That is the Question.

How come I am the only blogger out there that hasn't gotten the "invite" to move my existing blogs over to the Beta Blogger? (Say it 3 times fast and it sounds like you are talking about a certain kind of high blood pressure medicine. I'm old, aren't I?)

Anyway, it seems my writer friends are just zippity doo-dahing over to the Beta Blogger and their profiles and links are posted where they are supposed to be. Mine, however, are SUPPOSED to be positioned at the side ----------> are really located at the end of all my posts. Somebody would have to be REALLY interested in what I have to say to scroll way down there and I'm not naive enough to believe that everyone is thinking to themselves, "Oooohhhh, I have to scroll down and see what links this sarcastic writer likes...." C'mon, I wasn't born yesterday.

Forget trying to post pictures.....it takes forever. Am I being punished by the Blogging gods?

More musings later-

So You Want to Be A Freelance Writer?

If you enjoy articles such as this, please be sure to visit me on Ezine Articles. Vote for my article and leave a comment if you would be so kind.....

You're in Love with the idea of being a writer....
Sitting in front of your pc screen, watching the blinking cursor as your fingers lightly rest on the home keys of your keyboard. You imagine that your words will spill on to your document by the multitudes as your fingers dance across the keyboard. Inspiration is running high and concocting a first rate article or book is effortless.

Isn't that the way a freelance writer works? Hardly. Well, except for the part about watching the cursor blink. How do you know you have what it takes to be a professional writer? Is there any supernatural sign that signals destiny? Yes and no. Maybe your Aunt Trudy told you that your last short story was fantastic, but have you gotten feedback from writers? In any event, I have noticed that there are certain qualities and characteristics that successful writers have that enable them to be successful.

The Top 5 Successful Qualities and Traits of a Freelance Writer

5. Opportunistic - A good writer will seek out opportunities and act upon them without hesitation. Is there a writer's group starting up? or is the local java shop showcasing poets? You can bet the successful writer will be there to not only listen to other's work, but to meet other writers. There is always a networking opportunity for future writing gigs.

4. Analytical - That's not to say that writers are mathmeticians at heart. They are analytical in determining what needs work within their own writing. A good writer will try to use both sides of their brain, the creative side AND the logic/analytical side of the brain. They analyze their strengths and weaknesses and write accordingly.

3. Marketing - Writers worth their salt know that marketing themselves is crucial to building their name and reputation. They constantly are searching for ways to stand out in the crowd and gain recognition. They will be the first to scour the business section of the paper for business networking opportunities and practice their elevator speech relentlessly.

2. Determined - Writers are a determined bunch. This quality enables them to push forward when inspiration seems to have dried up, work to better themselves by attending seminars on writing skills or whatever skill needs honing. Some people call this trait, "Stubborn".

And Finally...
1. "No" is not in their vocabulary - A good writer will never accept one opinion as a reason to quit. There will be plenty of critics that will be frank and downright brutal in their analysis of your writing. Perhaps they suggest taking up basketweaving for a hobby. The writer will assume the critic had a bad day and should take up basketweaving.
The ultimate lesson is to be objective, learn from others and do not allow others to have more control over yourself than you.

Happy Writing!

Taryn Simpson is a published author and freelance writer with over 15 years of HR experience. Ms. Simpson owns her own writing company, Simpson - E Publishing which offers clients ghostwriting of novels/articles, web content, brochures, newsletters, press releases and more. Sign up to recieve her free newsletter for writer's tips and news on her website http://www.simpson-epublishing.com./ To learn more about this writer, feel free to visit her online presskit: http://www.tarynsimpson.com/

More Musings Later-

I'm Taryn Simpson, and I approve this message.

Ok folks, is anyone as sick of the political barbing as I am? If I see one more dirty commercial, one more blond bimbo telling Harold Ford, Jr. "Harold, Call me!" I believe I will puke. Where's Ann Richards when you need her? (God Rest her Soul). She would have told you to kiss her *ss and smile while doing it. I miss Ann Richards.

It seems that the older I get, the dirtier and more vicious the races get. Lord, I am not looking forward to the presidential race coming up. Rest assured that when it comes time to vote, I will be one of the first in line to vote and then I will come home, turn off the news and watch some Cosby reruns. Heck, maybe I Love Lucy would be good.

Anything but politics. By the way, if I could vote Rush Limbaugh off radio, I would have done it.

I'm Taryn Simpson and I approve this blog.

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The Politics of Parkinson's Disease

Ok, let me pick my jaw up from the ground, please. Wait....I'm trying to compose myself.....Ok.

I am constantly amazed at he ignorance of Rush Limbaugh....just when you think he has fallen to an all time new low, he finds a way to go even lower. What is frightening, is that there are millions of people who are too lazy, busy whatever you want to call it, to think for themselves and take everything that Limbaugh has to say as the gospel. We are in deep trouble if that is the case.

I saw the clip of Fox, and as a fellow Young Onset Parkinson's Disease sufferer, I can tell you point blank, he took his meds. How do I know?

The awkward, involuntary movements he was making is called "Bradykinesia" which is caused from taking Sinemet(a common PD drug). If he hadn't taken his meds, you would see true tremors: head shaking, mouth shaking, arms, legs, hands.....everything.

What a cruel world Mr. Limbaugh lives in. I say he should take another blue pill and spend some quality time with himself and refrain from making fun of people with disabilities.

The way I see it.....he has the most dangerous disability of all: IGNORANCE. And, as Forrest Gump would say: That's all I got to say about that.

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When is Breaking News really Breaking News?

Last night I was at a restaurant enjoying a glass of wine, and noticed that the televisions were tuned to CNN and screaming the headline, "BREAKING NEWS" The crawl went on to say that there were "reports" that a series of dirty bombs were going to go off in several cities during the NFL football games.

Okay, I kept reading...."There are NO credible reports to support this report and people should plan on attending games if they want to...There is NO danger..."

Okay......so why was this "BREAKING NEWS"?????????

I don't get it.

More Musings Later-

Rachael Ray's TV Show

I can't help it. She irritates me and I still watch her show! Why? What is wrong with me?

I saw her debut TV show last week, and I got exactly what I expected. A chunky, perky girl trying to be cutesy to the point where I feared she may hyperventilate due to her excessive giggling. Honestly.....NO ONE can be THAT perky. I refuse to believe it.

It was also announced that she is putting out a Christmas CD. Entitled.....are you ready for this? HOW COOL IS THAT? I swear to God. A Christmas CD named "How Cool is that?". I'm sure it will be hit after hit of classics sung in a hoarse, yet perky voice with giggles during the break.

Who knows? Maybe it will be a "killer, awesome" CD that even her "Daddy from Louisiana" will want to listen to and just "Hang out in the garbage bowl". Somehow I think the garbage bowl is where it belongs.

I'm not kidding....check this out: EVOO, Awesome! Garbage Bowl, Hang Out YUKKO

Ghostwriting

Yes, I am hooked. Out of all the various types of writing there are in this world, I have found that I LOVE ghostwriting for clients.

At times, it drives me crazy as I contemplate how to start a book. Will the client like it? I've developed a habit of sending 2 chapters to my clients just to make sure I'm on the right track. Revising or completely shifting gears isn't quite so painful as if I waited until the end of the book!

And yes, I am still loving being self employed. It's uncertain at times, even scary...especially if the bills come due and I run a little short on cash. Have I mentioned that savings is a wonderful thing?

Well, tomorrow is comprised of the gym first thing in the morning, then helping a friend bring her cat to the vet, then doing my quarterly taxes and finally, work on a novel for a client. I'm very busy.....and I love it. Finding your passion is a great thing.

More Musings Later-

Ya wanna hear my voice?

You might have to turn down the sound if you're at the office.

Taryn's podcast of her bio

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Feast or Famine!

I had a nice surprise just now as I was busily typing on my laptop. A coworker that I used to work with good naturedly chastised me for not keeping up with my blogging duties!

For a month or so, the writing projects were very S L O W. But now? WOW.....so busy with ghostwriting books, looking for a literary agent, editing thesis papers and doing E-Pub pkgs (see my website).

Just in case you are wondering if I still like this business. HECK YEAH!!!!!!! I can't imagine doing anything else. I'm a little bit ticked off at myself that I didn't go for it sooner.

Sometimes destiny doesn't come when we want it. It comes when it's time.

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Cross your fingers!

Great news! It seems that Fast Track Productions, who is producing my book to film ("Glittering Secrets" in case you have been under a rock) is shopping my screenplay along with some others for a package film deal with Paramount Pictures!

A flurry of contracts are wizzing back and forth and hopefully, Paramount will pick it up. Cross your fingers for me!

Ya gotta love it

More Musings later-

Epiphanies that go Bump in the Night

Last night I attended a meeting with a group of writers. The newest writer had inquired about my classical music training and asked "where does it fit in?". Obviously, it doesn't fit in to my current profession.....or does it?

She is a lover of music and we briefly discussed the cut throat world of auditioning for symphony orchestras and even auditions to get into Julliard. As far as auditioning for a symphony orchestra, you pretty much have to wait until someone dies before a spot becomes available. So, that means either teach privately, teach at a university or sell shoes. I knew professors that did all three. I remember seeing one of our professors working at Beall's department store selling shoes. When he saw my face, he blushed and looked away. I wanted to scream to all the women and men trying on shoes, "This man is a gifted French Horn player in the symphony!!! Could you give him a little respect?"

Then there was the time I auditioned at Juilliard at 17. I remember walking through the halls and some tenors had their ear to the door listening to the young man inside sing his aria for the Juilliard panel. He missed his high "C", and the guys outside burst into applause and cheered.

Why were they cheering? One less person to compete against for a spot in one of the most prestigious music schools in the world.

All those experiences and more made me the writer that I am today. So, I don't look at my college major and musical background as a "wrong turn". It provided me with some fabulous experiences and it taught me more than the mechanics of music ever did.

More Musings Later-