Published on September 20, 2006
Buying presents is always a challenge for me, especially when it comes to finding the right birthday present. There’s the tried and true-flowers, gift certificates, perfume-but I had a particularly difficult time finding the right gift for my Mom’s birthday this year. She turned 75, and I wanted to do something different for her. When I asked her what she’d like to have, she responded, “Don’t worry about my birthday. I have everything I need.” That is true, and she is able, thankfully, to still provide for herself. Yet, I still felt that it was important to give her something special. Since my husband, boys and I live some distance away from where she is, and the kids are in school when her birthday rolls around, I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it to her home for the day. What could I do for her?
Then the idea hit me. Earlier in the year my Mother made a beautiful bridal shower gift for my oldest niece, her oldest granddaughter. She collected family recipes and put together a book that contained the recipes as well as photos of her and her granddaughter in the kitchen, plus stories that related to each recipe.
Published on September 20, 2006
Dumb question. I recently submitted an article to a magazine, and it was accepted. At least, they offered the measly sum of $15 via PayPal upon publication (date unspecified). Do I 1) send them a bill? 2) monitor their online mag for publication? 3) wait around and monitor my Paypal account since I gave them my Paypal email address? What is proper etiquette in this instance?
Published on September 13, 2006
Max has been nursing a cold and I was terrified Mason would catch it. After our ordeal with Mason’s hospitalization when he was 12 days old, I was absolutely thrilled when, at his 2-month checkup last week, the doctor said these 6 magic words, “You have a perfectly healthy baby!”
Published on September 13, 2006
This article is for all those deadbeat editors and publishers out there who owe writers money. Here’s my advice on how you should or should not react when the press contacts you about your deadbeat status.
Published on September 13, 2006
This Week:
- Excuses, Excuses…
- Unite And Boycott!
Published on September 13, 2006
The real secret to success at anything, whether it be riding a bicycle, getting a part in the school play, getting your novel published or conquering the world, is persistence. The act of persisting means keeping on no matter what tries to stop you or who tells you to give up.
Published on September 13, 2006
Dear Ms. Hoy:
I would like to know what you think of writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul, A Cup of Comfort series, etc. Is writing for them worth my time and effort?
Published on September 13, 2006
Remember the theme song from Cheers that talks about everybody knowing your name? I like to frequent places where I can network with fellow writers.
Published on September 6, 2006
We stopped at a truck stop diner for lunch during our trip last week. Richard offered to take Mason to the men’s room for a diaper change, but I am a bit nervous in truck stops so I told him I’d take him to the women’s restroom instead. That was a decision I would live to regret.
Published on September 6, 2006
This Week:
- Writers Should Be Cautious About Revealing Their Contact Info Online
- WritersWeekly Whispers and Warnings
