Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Technology

When technology works, I love it. When it doesn't I want to cuss like crazy. Like this week when I discovered that at least one person sent me email last week asking to sign up for an online class and I never got it!

In her case, she emailed me again (wise woman!). I was able to add her to the class and bring her up to speed without much trouble. But it left me worrying who else might have had email to me (or mine to them) end up disappearing into a black hole in cyberspace.

Then there was the time my cell phone fell apart. Literally. They couldn't even retrieve any information from the simm(?) card inside.

Which, as a writer, got me thinking......

What if? What if a hero/heroine lose contact because an email gets lost in cyberspace?

What if a critical piece of information gets lost when a cell phone with the video gets destroyed?

What if a protagonist relies on technology and that technology (whatever it might be) fails?

Lots and lots of lovely possibilities!

Hmmm, so maybe even when technology doesn't work, there's a silver lining--at least if one is a writer looking for plot!

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PS Just added a link to this post on Facebook and it pulled up a jpeg photo from my blog post on the Sacred Shelf bookstore! Clearly the technology gremlins are out to get me this week......

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

new online writing classes

Such a gap and now 2 posts from me in just a few days. What can I say? Life happens!

I know it's short notice but I have some time constraints and I promised some people I would offer these classes so.....

If you're getting ready to write you might be interested in my Brainstorming class:

Class: Brainstorming Your Next Book
Dates: Monday July 27, 2009 to August 7, 2009
Cost: $30
Format: all lessons and responses by email on a private class email loop
Note: Class size limited to allow for mutual brainstorming (encouraged but not required).

Are you ready to start a new project? Would you love to have a small group help you brainstorm? Would you just like some questions that will help you get started and think about things in a new way?

Have you heard about my Book in a Week classes (or taken one) but don't want to commit to 5 weeks? Would you like to look at the brainstorming ideas from that class in a whole new way and at a less intense pace?

Brainstorming Your Next Novel is a two week online class designed to help you get a jump start on your next book. It's designed to use the fluid way our brains naturally work. The focus will be on how you can create a book that satisfies both your creative soul and delights agents, editors and readers.


If you have a completed manuscript that you're ready to revise:

Class: Revisions From the Top Down
Dates: Friday July 24, 2009 to August 7, 2009
Cost: $30 ($20 if you have taken an online Revisions class with me before)
Format: all lessons and responses by email on a private class email loop

Have you been to a conference? Had a manuscript requested by an agent or editor? Are you just stuck on what to do next to make your novel work?

Revisions From the Top Down is the fastest and most effective way I know to revise a manuscript. It's a process that will save you time and give you a new way to look at what you've written.

This revamped/revised two week online class will take you through the process of honing your manuscript to grab an agent or editor's attention and never let go! A critique (if you choose) of your first page is included. (Note: Between Friday July 24 and Monday July 27 you will be asked to read through your manuscript WITHOUT making any changes.)

To sign up for either class, send an email to aprilkihlstrom@ yahoo.com with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Note: If you are signing up for the Revisions class and have taken it before please let me know.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Sacred Shelf Bookstore

I am sooooo far behind posting to my blog! I've begun volunteering in the Sacred Shelf bookstore at the Unity Center of Austin and there's so much to learn. Note the word volunteer. Given all the fabulous stuff they carry, this may end up being a very expensive volunteer gig! I mean: Goddess drums,

jewelry, shawls and purses,

aroma therapy, candles and cards,

cds and all sorts of metaphysical books,

and did I mention jewelry?

It's a very cool place to hang out.

And just to keep this focused on writing....imagine all the stories I can make up in my head as I look around at all these fascinating things....

Saturday, July 04, 2009

July 4th

I try to practice gratitude every day. Today at the top of my list are the men and women who have sacrificed so that we can have and keep the freedom we enjoy in the United States.

I'm grateful this nation was founded on the concept of liberty and justice and the pursuit of happiness.

I'm grateful that we are able, in this country, to disagree with each other without having to go to jail for that privilege and that changes of power can happen without requiring revolutions.

I'm grateful that our country has been able to evolve since it was founded and that we keep getting closer to the ideal that all men (and women) are created equal.

I'm grateful that we are a country where we can disagree with each other and still come together in times of crisis to help each other out.

I'm grateful we are a nation of possibilities.