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.

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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%

Take Free Advanced Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

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.

More Musings Later-

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

More Musings Later-

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.

More Musings Later

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-

I joined the Gym....UGH

Why? Cause I'm in pitiful shape. When the friendly trainer asked me how many pounds I wanted to lose, my reply was "ALOT".

My legs have been feeling weaker, I'm assuming from the Parkinson's and I am determined to build my strength. The nice trainer man asked me, "What special event is coming up? Why do you want to do this now?" Why? Hello, look at me. But seriously, I didn't want a "special event". I didn't want to "lose it in 6, 9, or 12 months". I didn't want to "hit it Monday" as my grandmother so often declared of her never ending diet. God rest her soul, I just want to start a new healthy habit.

As I did my stomach crunches this morning, and felt my poor stomach cramping. I thought to myself: "Next time you eat fried food, sweets or anything wonderfully gooey. Remember these cramps."

More Musings Later-

This has nothing to do with Writing, but....

Rachael Ray. I'd like to take a vote. Those of you that watch the Food Channel know who this person is. My question to you is: Do you like her? or does she grate on your nerves? As you might imagine, she grates on my nerves. Why, you ask?

Top 10 Catch Phrases I can't stand from Rachael Ray
10. "Good to Go"
9. "Let it hang out in the garbage bowl"
8. "Let it hang out in the marinade"
7. "My Daddy's from Louisiana"
6. "Dee-Lish"
5. "Yummo"
4. "Beeeeeautiful"
3. "MMMMmmmmmmm!!!!!!!" (tasting her own food)
2. "Awesome"

1. I can't make up my mind which is more irritating. You decide.

Also: Most irritating part of $40 a Day
When she leaves a 15% tip for the server and it is calculated down to the penny. If I were a server, I would smack her into next week.

Ahhhhhh, I feel better now. How do I know so much about Ms. Ray? Cause I can't stop watching her pesky perky self. That's sick, isn't it????

More musings later-

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Hospital...

I'm fine....really. I just have a 90% chance that I won't be having visits from "Granny Grunt" anymore. And, I am THRILLED over that. Pretty sore, but doing ok.

It's funny, one minute I'm talking to a nurse and being wheeled into surgery, and the next minute, she is slapping my forehead to wake me up. Ahhhh, that Toradol is a wonderful thing ;)

As I chitchatted with this nurse, she asked what I did for a living and I told her. She looked a little amused and asked, "Will you be writing in your blog about this?".

What do YOU think?
More Musings Later.

My HR Thunder!

I was taking a look at my Yahoo page yesterday and I did a double take. Yes, Virginia, there is now a blog out there called "Your HR Guy". He doles out HR advice (like me), talks about no-nos in Corporate America (like me) and answers questions from people that write in to him (like me). I have to give him credit...he writes very well and has a good following.

Oh well, the one thing I have that he doesn't have is I'M STILL THE MOST BITTER HR PERSON !!!!!! (tongue in cheek humor). LOL

Check him out, go ahead...but don't tell me he's better than me! www.yahoo.com/yourhrguy.com

More musings later.

The Next Time You Belly up to the Bar.....

it pays to be aware of your surroundings. Last evening, I stopped in at a local restaurant/bar and bellied up to enjoy a cocktail or two. The bartender was no fun. He was slamming glasses on the bar, throwing ice into the blender and being a noise nuisance. He just didn't want to be there, and quite honestly, I didn't want to be there with him either.

Then...I heard a distinct Brooklyn/Wisconsin type of accent talking to a fellow patron to the left of me. One thing led to another and we struck up a conversation. At first, I have to admit; I was a little uneasy. Why? He proceeds to tell me he was in prison for 7 years when he lived in Brooklyn. But, he didn't do it. (yeah, yeah). But wait. He tells me more of his story and I know where I have heard his story.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101982/

A little known actor named Brandon Frasier played him in his life story.

So, next time your passing the time at your local bar...listen to the conversation around you. You never know who you're going to meet.

Cheers! More musings later

"The Good Old Bad Ole Days"

Sunday, I tagged along with my partner to watch her shoot headshots of my former boss, "The Mikster". You remember....I wrote about her a couple of posts ago. After she was complete with her pictures, we sat and talked about our days in HR in our "former lives".

My God, I had forgotten some of the things that we used to encounter on a day to day basis. People would simply not believe the shenanigans that go on in that evil little department! We talked about old bosses, old employees, the troublemakers, the good ones, laughs, cries and the time I was frisked by a cop so that I could accompany an employee to a "nervous hospital". (Lingo courtesy of the movie 'Slingblade' - Uh Huh!) Just one of many "situations" I encountered. Bt it wasn't anything "T" or "The Mikster" (our nicknames for each other) couldn't handle.

So many good ole, bad ole days.
More musings later-

What in the world???

I got up this evening to go cook a little dinner and saw on the news where North Korea tried to launch 4 missiles (which failed, Thank God) to get "our attention". What is this world coming to? It makes me think of how vulnerable we really are these days...

For some reason, it made me think back to my government class in college. My professor was a fan of Lyndon B Johnson, and quoted him often. Including the cuss words and Texanisms. So, I will reciprocate....in the words of Lyndon B Johnson:

..."Stop this coup shit!"

More musings later

The Mikster

Got a phone call the other day from my former HR buddy, "The Mikster". We used to work together in our little corporate jail cell called "Human Resources". She was my manager and I was her staff person for 8 years. I kinda did a little of everything, which I like to call myself: "Jackie of All Trades".

Well, the Mikster has taken a new direction in careers and she is lovin' life! She doesn't limit herself either....if she feels the need to consult as an interior designer, then so be it. She has quite the eye for design...

The reason I mention her is because it's never too late to find your passion. When schedules permit, we like to get together and 'dish' about our old HR days.....Good Lord, our "dish" runneth over with crazy employee stories.

We both share an interest in strategically synergizing our careers so that all the various "pieces of our businesses" are the major component to our success.

What? that last sentence is not making sense? That's why we got out of Corporate America...to much "blah blah blah" and not enough common sense.

More musings later-

Agatha...

Just finished a ghostwriting project. I have to say, it was one of the most enjoyable books I've ever had the pleasure to write. It just happened to be the fictional thriller genre', which I specialize in.

I think the best part of the whole experience though is the client's comments. If you can believe this, he wrote: "....You are an excellent writer. Agatha Christy has nothing on you..."

I love this writing gig....:)
More musings later

ASHLEY ALERT

Here is the latest communication from Ashley:






:( More musings later

Answer for the Anonymous person

Seems I got an anonymous poster about the girls! You know that drives me crazy!!!! Anyway, to anwer your question, I acquired my beagle 11 years ago (can you believe that?) and have had her since she was 6 weeks old. I took one look, picked a flea off of her nose and said, "Girl, you are MINE!".

The Calicos we got 3 years ago from Happy Tales in Franklin at the Factory.



More musings later

My Oldest Daughter, Baby!

As Promised, My oldest: Baby!

The Kids

Yes, I am the proud mother of 3 little girls: A Beagle, and 2 Calico sisters. :)

It seems that My Beagle's picture doesn't want to load :( But I will work on it! In the meantime, my other two girls!



Baby's picture to come! by the way, Rosie-> is In LOOVE with Baby the Beagle.

More musings and Baby the Beagle's pic!

I Found Ashley!

Yep, after many hours of googling, surfing, yahooing, aol-ing, hotmailing and more, I came across Ashley Judd's email address.

I'll save you the trouble: NO I am not putting her address 'out there' for everyone. Why? If you really feel the need to contact her, you can google, surf, yahoo, aol, hotmail and more to find it too. Trying to be 'responsible' here.

I know that she recieved my emails, cause I have a notifyer that tells me that. Has she replied, Nooooooooo.....but I am hopeful nonetheless.

Ashley? Here's a bit more groveling....PuhLeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzze do the movie??????

More musings and groveling later.

Virtual Book Tour

I'm in between jobs right now, and was surfing the net on ways to ultra promote my business website when I came upon "A Virtual Book Tour". The internet is truly amazing...

It seems these days I spend my every waking moment searching for freelance jobs, cold emailing companies, and craiglisting myself to death. I'm still loving the fact that this is MY business, but it is a little intimidating at times too.

I'm also trying to increase awareness about needing donations for my book to become a movie. Hopefully everything will work out as it is supposed to. Somehow, I think it will.

More musings later.

Guess who called? Corporate America!

Yep, I was busily constructing my business budget and projections for the rest of the year, and a recruiter called me. Would I like to interview for a position doing the same thing as before when I was trapped in that the awful, too-long-of-a-contract! To entice me, he told me what the rate was....and as I looked at my dwindling bank account, I ALMOST thought about it.

Then I thought to myself, "What ARE you thinking???" So, I said thanks, but no thanks and continued with my spreadsheets.

That's not to say that I wouldn't work temp if I needed to meet my financial obligations...I just refuse to sit at a conference room table and talk about synergy all day long.

Life is too short for beige cubicles...

More musings later.

Where For Art Thou, Ashley Judd?

How come, Ashley Judd and myself both live in Nashville, but for some reason, I
can't seem to get one of my books to her??? Look at her picture...she SEEMS very approachable, right? She seems nice, right? Yeah....and EXTREMELY difficult to locate, right? Boy you got that right.

For those that don't know my delimma, I am trying to get Ashley to do the lead role in my book/film of "Glittering Secrets". Which, incidentally, takes place in Nashville, and is chock full of Nashville landmarks and references. If anyone out there in cyberspace knows this particular Judd or has a friend of a friend of a friend....please refer her to this blog.

ASHLEY: PLEASE DO MY MOVIE!

More Musings later....and more begging and pleading for Ashley too, I'm sure.

The Pursuit of the Pursuit

Why in the heck didn't I major in either writing or marketing when I was in college a million years ago?? Oh yeah....I did that musician thing......

Well, today I went to get a haircut. And, in my usual style, I never miss an opportunity to network or market myself. The hairdresser asks me, "So, what do you do for a living?" I'm already doing brochures for her shop before I even get the words out. So I proceed to tell her...not much of a reaction. So, I mention....Oh, and I ghostwrite novels too. Baddah Bing, Baddah Boom. A lady waiting to get her haircut mentions to me, "Ooohhhhh!!!!! I have been trying to write a novel about my family for several years! I just don't know how to go about it. Enter stage left. So, even when I leave my laptop, I am working!

More musings Later

"Glittering Secrets" - The FILM

Update on the project of my book becoming an independent film

I still can't get used to saying that....but, it looks like this is going to be a reality! Fast Track Productions is handling the film and we are looking for funding. I'm also pursuing Ashley Judd for the lead role. Hopefully, we can get her to join the cast.

I'm also doing the screenplay and my fingers are typing as fast as they can! Thank God for templates! Life is good!

Want to see a teaser of what the book is about?
Click here: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=xv1KO2hBrf&isbn=1413731198&itm=25

Let me know what you think....

Pro Bono

Granted, I haven't made that much money from my writing....but today, it was time to do something "pro bono"..."Free"...whatever you want to call it.

I had a client email me and asked me to write his memoirs. I won't go into it, but he is disadvantaged, and I wanted to give something back. It's so easy for my fingers to dance across the keyboard, and I don't give it another thought. After reading some of his emails, I began to think about it.

So, I'm doing something I want to do. Because I'm the boss.

Did I mention that my favorite 4 letter "F" word is "Free"??

Thank you God, for letting me do something "pro bono".

Lost and Found

Have you ever been to the lost and found department? It could be at a department store, a restaurant, airport...anywhere.

Losing a set of keys, umbrella or whatever is irritating and can be upsetting to say the least. We've all done it, and we feel that relief when someone finds it and returns it safely to us.

But, what if we lose something far greater? What if we lose our footing in this life? What then? What if we have everything going for us: Talent, intelligence, and personality. But we keep taking a bad fall?

I would hope that they would surround themselves with friends. Because sometimes, you don't need a pep talk, you don't need a lecture.

Sometimes you just need someone to listen.

You know who you are. I know you read my blog, I'm ready to listen.

The Internet is a great thing....

I tell you, there is nothing quite like the feeling of opening your email in the morning and seeing the subject line read "Marketing help needed" and it's from an individual or business. Or, "I need a Writer! for overload work" . It just warms the cockles of my heart! I love it even more when I can toss some work to fellow colleagues and friends.

Happy Cinco DeMayo! By the way, if anyone is reading my blog, I would love to hear from you. I have a feeling my words are not making it "out there".

Prove me wrong!
More musings later

I think this is what they call Serendipity

I never in my life thought I would look forward to work each day. Never in my life. I get up at 6am every morning, race upstairs to the bonus room (uh, I mean my office) and start my day. I've learned so much and my mind is racing with ideas for my business. Heck, I even turned down a job from a guy in New York City. I just didn't have a good feeling about it, and I said no. I felt so powerful at that moment. After I turned it down, I kept hearing his words in my ears. "You are an entrepreneur and I need that for my business". ME....an entrepreneur.

So many good things are happening to me this month, that I can't get over it. I went to a writer's meeting last night and just sat awestruck at some of the folks who read their material. Such raw, undiscovered talent. I think next month I will read a poem I wrote some time ago called "In My Skin". I've kept my face in a jar by the door for too long, to quote Eleanor Rigby.

More musings later.

Contracts, Writing and Referrals, Oh My!

Wow....who knew that writing for a living was such a big business? I'm finding that getting work for Bios, Press Releases and Web content are not as plentiful as the Ghostwriting gig. Man.....I am being bombarded with referrals from other writers as well as getting some business myself for this. Not that I am griping mind you!

The biggest pain I have found so far is getting contracts out, copied and sent to the client as well as tracking who gets what on commission. Small issues that I am loving!

Ghostwriting rocks. By the way, I framed my first dollar :)

More musings later

I'm still in shock...

I logged into AOL as I do each morning of my writing career. I noticed an email from a company that I sent my book, "Glittering Secrets" to for film consideration.

I read the email. I read it again. I read it again. I read it again. By God, they are interested in converting the book to film. I sat stunned in my chair staring at the email glowing on my laptop screen. Then I began to write an email to everyone I have ever known in my lifetime.

I won't believe it until I actually see the process started.

Life is good. DAMN good.

More Musings later.

P Diddy and Me

Great news to report! After 4 solid days of cold calling, taking editing tests, etc, I have one of my first gigs as a full time writer! I'm really looking forward to it. People are amazed that leads are coming about already, and I have to say that I am pretty shocked myself. This is FAB if I can keep it up!

The 7th was my birthday, but it turned out to be a pretty horrendous day for most Tennesseans as it was the worst tornadoes to hit our area since the 70's. It wasn't much of an issue anyway, as P Diddy insisted on hanging out with me that day (and the day before). I tell you, he makes me so incredibly exhausted and I just feel crappy in general. I kept trying to lose him, and to tell him to get lost, but he is obnoxious that way. Oh well. You can't control others, only yourself, right?

By the way, P Diddy is my nickname for Parkinson's Disease. Did I mention that I think he sucks?

More musings later.

Nose to the Grindstone and loving it!

I wasted no time in jumping right into the middle of my freelance writing career! Monday morning, bright and early, I raced to Walmart and bought a wireless keyboard/mouse so that I could get right to work.

Hunched over my laptop, with the windows up in my bonus room, uh, my office, I busily googled, yahooed, media bistroed and everything else getting my name out there. I labored over Google adwords (if you have any suggestions, please please give me a comment!!!!!), and I created my spreadsheets for quotes, contracts and the like. I'm in heaven.

AND, to make things even better....my friend, Drew is also working to be self employed, as I am! So, that means I have a buddy to go to Chamber of Commerce meetings with and someone to network and bounce ideas. We have a pact to get together to meet next week, which is cool. We'll meet for coffee or something and go over our plans and ideas.

Life is really cool right now...ok, where's the money?

More musings later.

The Shackles are Off...

Well, my time is done. No more fighting morning traffic, walking into a sea of beige cubicles, fax machines, and printers. It's over.

I might have mentioned in previous posts that my coworkers decided to take me to lunch for my goodbye. I was very nervous about this lunch as I have never felt that we glommed due to my differentness. For those of you that feel like the outsider of your coworkers, you know what I mean.

That is where my friend comes in. I won't mention her name, but this person has worked for this organization for a long time, and insisted that she accompany me to the lunch. Granted, she didn't know my coworkers, but she knew I felt wierd about the whole thing. I finally agreed to her taking me. What did I have to lose?

We walked in, with all eyes upon us, and my friend smiled, introduced herself to each of my coworkers and chatted easily with all of them. Not that she ignored me either, my friend turned this uncomfortable gathering into a great, easy social event. The thing that it did for me, was give me legitamacy. My coworkers saw me in a new light, not the misfit, but knowing someone with years of experience and knowledge, someone socially graceful.

I think that is when the shackles fell off.

More musings later.

Musings from a Writer: Material for "Handicapped"

Musings from a Writer: Material for "Handicapped"

Getting ready to leave the Corporate World Grind

I talked to some coworkers today, and I could tell....beyond the regular paycheck and the plastic insurance card in the wallet, they are jealous. Theres that deep green tint in the eye that says, "God, I would love to find my passion and do it all day". Alot of people think finding your passion is an easy venture, and even though I have found mine, I can tell you without hesitation that it was a very difficult road.

I thought for so many years that music would be my route. Not so. Although I would never trade my experiences, I am glad that I am a writer. It is compatible with my soul. Like I said, I've had some awesome experiences....auditioning at Juilliard at 17, performing with symphony orchestras and meeting some famous folks along the way, yet....a writer is what I am. Hopefully, you can tell that from my posts.

If not, I'm going to discover what a pauper is all about.

More musings later.

Marking time in the Corporate World.

I have 4 1/2 business days left in the Corporate world. You know it is bad when you start including fractions into the countdown. Have I said I can't wait to leave? Yes, I believe I did. Anyway, I was looking at my posts the other day (ok, this morning) and noticed not 1 comment.
Now I thought with the last post at least, it would have spurred someone to say something.....

Which leads me to wonder, "Does anyone really read these blogs?". Ok, I know I sound like Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex in the City, as she is musing over her column. I've read a few that were really interesting. I like the ones that are more like a personal journal. I know blogging has grown to be a Corporate America tool, but I like the intimacy of it. Mind you, I know millions of people have access to a blog, but it just seems like a great way for one person in this great big world to say, "Hey, I'm here".

More musings later.

Material for "Handicapped"

Yesterday my partner and I went to Alive Hospice to speak to the Director about displaying her photography for the residents to enjoy. It was a very difficult experience for her and myself as we have both lost our grandparents that we were very close to, as well as a mutual good friend that battled cancer. We toured the facility, and found it to be a very nice place for residents and their families to be together.

We were both feeling a bit down after the experience and decided to get some lunch to cheer us both up. We walked into a restaurant that caters to gay patronage and who did we see? My coworkers from work. That is when I decided that this would be good material for my one woman show, "Handicapped", because when they saw me walk in, I was as good as a lepor. Not to mention that when I introduced my partner to them, they simply stared at her and provided much uncomfortable silence.

You see, I decided that I would base my play on the term "Handicapped" to indicate that people that fall into this category don't necessarily fall into a "physically or mentally" challenged definition. They could fall into any type of definition that limits their growth, character or spirituality as a person. I think the handicapped term I am speaking of is BIGOTRY.

More musings later

Good Lord, It's all I can do to sit through another meeting.

I have what they term as "Short Termer-itis". I sit through a staff meeting, doodling away bored to tears. BUT....ecstatic that it will soon be a thing of the past. It's such a waste of time to go through a work day as if on remote control, and far too many of us do just that.

As I sit through these meetings looking across the conference table seeing people dozing or people composing a grocery list in their head, I am thinking of my bonus room at home. My laptop with a separate keyboard will be on the table with my briefcase and papers strewn about as I busily clickity clack on my pc. There is internet access up there, so I will be on the net most of the day I am sure, OR doing my cold calling to potential clients. I've already decided that I will have to break for lunch around 11am so I can watch Ellen!

I can't wait to make it really happen....go to Chamber of Commerce meetings, network and more. If I were Mary Tyler Moore, I would go outside and throw my beret up in the air!

More musings later....

Oh wait....

I was on my way to logout and saw a blog entitled "MC Hammer"...Hammer has a blog??? I'm getting old.

More musings later.

Don't worry, there won't be 11 days of countdown!

Well, another day down. It sounds so negative to wish days away, so I am trying not to do that. (I'm failing miserably!). I came across a fellow blogger's weblog, (is that proper grammar?? Jeeez) and was quite impressed. Paul Chaney is his name and he has a blogging company. Of course, I am intrigued. You start giving me a slew of client names, unusual or unique marketing schemes, and I am all over it. Now whatever posessed me to major in music in college? Go figure.

As a writer, I thought I should pursue all the various types of writing including blogging. I didn't think I would like it, but I am becoming a fan. Another way for exposure for me. I think I will surf some more before going back to work....more musings later.

12 Business Days and Counting!

Just 12 more days and then I can call myself a full time writer! For so many years, I've done my writing business on the side, and I've been on a God-awful contract for 2 1/2 years doing IT work (what posessed me to do that???? oh yeah, $ kuh-ching).

Anyway, March 31st is my last day, and it can't come quick enough for me. I am so sick of doing the corporate crap to make money! If I hear "strategic" or "alliance" or learning "pieces of the business", I will retch.

So, for anyone that is interested, I have a company "Simpson - E Publishing" and I think it is going to do very well. I do marketing and sales copywriting (so I can properly synergize your company's strengths). Google my company and you will see I have been quite the busy bee.

More musings later....