FRIDAY STIR FRY - Writing and Worry

Recently, a fellow writer friend asked me if I was okay because I hadn't been posting on this blog. Bless her heart. I told her I was tired and the political climate right now had me upset. Perhaps you are thinking what does that have to do with writing? Well, as long as I'm worried about my future – when can I retire, will Social Security be there, and what about health insurance – it is difficult to think of anything to write. Inspiration is hard to come by when you are mired in a cloud of doubt. I guess I really shouldn't worry. Trump will probably get us all blown up anyway.

I did sign up for April Camp NaNo. My intent is to finish the first draft of my second book. But first I needed to read through what I've written so far. I had to get back into the character's heads and remind myself of what I'd plotted out and decide where I need to go. I should finish reading it today. Here's to hoping I can put aside my worries long enough to return to my true passion – writing a story.   

And on a bright note, a co-worker read my book Beyond The Horizon and LOVED IT! Made me very happy. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Plans and Such

http://www.morguefile.com

I'm starting to plan for my retirement from the work place I like to call Hell. I won't be able to draw benefits for a couple more years, but you can never plan too early, right. Plus it's the carrot dangling off the end of the stick to keep this old mule kicking.

One of those plans kinda came out of nowhere. I have done some Beta reading for a few writer friends, with suggestions on improvements. One of them told me I'm really good at it and should start doing it professionally.

I must admit, I like the editing process. Most authors hate it. I, on the other hand, find coming up with the story and first draft hard. Fixing stuff is more fun. I'd really never thought of doing it for money. Hmmm, could I? Should I?

If I could get an editing business going, it would help out when I retire since Social Security isn't all that secure. I'm doing some research now and coming up with ideas for a business name. The first one I thought of is a take off this blog - An Editor Called Wanda.  Some others - Need Edits? - Novel Edits -  An Editor And A Novel  -  Red Pencil, Will Edit.

What do you think about these or do you have any suggestions?

FRIDAY STIR FRY - I'm Back - Sort Of

So, in case you missed me last Friday, I'm back.
I was sicker than a dog on his last leg. Not with the flu but a really bad chest gunk. (yes, that's a medical term. Google it)

http://www.morguefile.com

I actually stayed home from work two days. I'm never sick. I have tons of sick leave built up. Which is good, I guess, in times like these.

I live alone and have no family in the area and being a single person, the cupboards are pretty bare. Too sick to venture out, I envisioned myself eating stuff not meant for human consumption. (let your imagination run wild) Thankfully, some angel friends brought me supplies: soup, tea, Gatorade, etc. Bless their souls.

All that time at home and I didn't write a lick. Just couldn't wrap my brain around anything except coughing, blowing my nose and daytime TV. I did discover something that might come in handy for a future book. People who stay home apparently need lawyers. They seem to have numerous car accidents and need to fight the insurance companies for the compensation they deserve. They also need lawyers to fight for their social security disability. They have all kinds of diseases that require a lawyer to sue the pants off whomever made them sick. Poor people. I hope they find the help they so desperately need.

I, on the other hand, am back at work. If I could find out who gave this gunk to me, I might look up one of those lawyers.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - the writing life

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I've often said on here, at work, at the bar and anywhere somebody will listen that I would love to quit my job and write full time. What a wonderful life I imagine that would be. Ahhhh .....

A writer friend of mine did just that a few weeks ago; quit her job and is staying home. I so envy her. If only I had the balls.

Unfortunately, some sort of income is needed. Although, I've published a book, my royalties so far would buy a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs and a pound of bacon. Barely enough to survive a week. I'm still several years away from drawing Social Security. My meager pension wouldn't last me long. What to do?

I need to win Powerball. In fact, I'm going to go buy a ticket right now. See ya later.

(if any of you have some ideas for me, please comment)

Friday Stir Fry - Sequester

So, am I the only one that had to look up the meaning of that word? News agencies and government people are throwing it around like a March Madness basketball. So here's what I found:

1. to remove or withdraw into solitude or retirement; seclude.

2. to remove or separate.

3. Law. to remove (property) temporarily from the possession of the owner; seize and hold, as the property and income of a debtor, until legal claims are satisfied.

4. International Law. to requisition, hold, and control (enemy property).

 

 

Clear as mud.

 

I'm not going to get all political on you but, since I work for a government agency, I guess I should at least try to understand how this will affect me.  Or not.

 

I'm really less concerned about my job than the people we help. Not the ones who use the system, but the ones in our society who really, really need help. The elderly whose only income is Social Security. (not that secure folks) Or the disabled who are unable to work.

 

Everyone is worried. Our clients and my supervisors. Worry is wasted energy. If I have to take one day a pay period off, I'll be okay with that. My bank account won't be, but I'll manage. Besides it will give me more time to write!

 

So, let me know. Is the sequester going to affect you in any way?