Category Archives: Random

Book Doctor

Book Doctor: Definitions that make the blood boil.

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Okay… Minor confession time. I’ve been working as a freelance editor for the past three years and I’m struggling in a big way to find clients. I have a significant number of followers of my editorial blog, and of my YouTube channel, where I give out hints on working with Scrivener and social media. I’ve been asked to present at various workshops throughout the country. Yet, I’m struggling to turn all these marketing tactics into opportunities to get paid.

Yes, folks, I admit it. I’ve sold out. I write and edit for the money. Don’t get me wrong. I love what I do. I love sinking my head into characters, sparking emotions that I can’t control. I get a buzz out of helping others achieve their dreams. But I still need to be able to put food on the table and a roof over my head. (There’s only so much patience that the husband will have before his goodwill runs out.)

So to that end, I’ve been looking at my editorial website and trying to work out ways to get better SEO attraction. Website design, social media, and SEO. It’s become my thing. The real trick seems to be to find the right buzz word. Well…

I’ve had to succumb to peer pressure. I’ve had to start using the latest buzz word for developmental editing — and I HATE it.

I’m a BOOK DOCTOR. Now I will go sit in the corner and sulk. Here’s why.
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Conversations in Science went Loony over all things Lunar

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Supermoon. Blue moon. Blood moon. Wolf moon. Lunar Eclipse.

The full moons of January 2018 are sending all of us a little loony, howling at the moon. Those of us at Conversations in Science were no different. Jessie and I went a little crazy as we spoke about all things LUNAR.

Do you want to know why the next full moon, due to occur on January 31st, is a Red Blue Moon? Take a listen to this month's episode of Conversations in Science to get the lowdown on all the crazy terms that people have for the moon, and what they really mean.

Looney about Lunar happenings
(First aired on KLRNRadio, Monday, January 8, 2018)

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Oopsie. At least I didn’t burn the house down.

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Anyone who knows me will know that I lead a VERY busy life. Mom’s taxi is often called into service, and there are many a nights when I have no clue whether I’m coming or going. As such, I’ve mastered the art of cooking quickly, making tasty meals that are full of flavor and make people fight over the leftovers. However, when things go up in flames — literally — plans instantly get derailed, and it’s ALL hands on deck.Read More→

Legal Proceedings

Has California taken PC lunacy to a new level?

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Well, it’s official. The world has gone PC coo-coo, and California is leading the charge. There is no other way to describe it.

On October 4th, 2017, the Governor of California, Jerry Brown, signed legislation that will make lodging and showering facilities in aged-care homes effectively unisex — regardless how the residents feel about it — and send carers (nurses and doctors) to jail for up to one year if they mispronounce someone’s name. SB-219 amends the Health and Safety Code, adding clauses that are filled with ambiguity.

While it may seem like I’m making a joke about it, I’m not. It’s all a matter of wording, and how people can interpret those words. This is a can of worms that is about to wriggle all across the ground, out of control.Read More→

Hidden Traps

Conference recovery and motivation

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My followers on Facebook and Twitter will know that I recently attended the RWNZ Conference in Rotorua, New Zealand. I had forgotten how beautiful that part of the country was — and how smelly. Let’s face it, there is a reason that many Kiwis affectionately call the region Rotten-rua: the entire region is dominated by active volcanic activity which often leaves a sulfur smell hanging in the air. (Nothing like the smell of rotten eggs in the morning.)

However, my trip to Rotorua was awesome on so many levels. It helped me to get my head on straight and to see things for the way they really are.
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