Still continuing to free write almost everyday. I type with errors about 40-50 per minute but part of that might be because I am not practicing proper ergonomics. I am writing when I'm tired while sitting on the couch. Maybe I can look back over the free writing and harvest some essays from that.
My little computer's screen stopped working so I had to take it in and use my big computer. It works pretty well. It has microsoft on it instead of open office. Microsoft keeps track off your words in the lower left corner. Also the cursor doesn't jump all over like the notebook pc. I'll probably keep using the big computer.
Doing OK keeping up on various blogs. Hope to look at them in Fall when hopefully work dies down and see if there is enough material for a book or two.
Didn't make a crochet cheat sheet. Still working on square plarn rug in between life. It's basically just single crochet rows followed by half double crochet rows.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Status of writing projects
I have been successfully free writing everyday. I write on my portable computer for about 20-30 minutes and one page of single space typing. It's about 1000 words. Once a week I gmail the journal post to myself.
I've been keeping up on the painting town blog. Pictures are going on Milwaukee Sketch Club blog. I am trying to gather material for a future book. Perhaps Milwaukee Sketch Club paints Milwaukee? or Waukesha? Except I haven't been taking pictures of the painters. I should start doing that. At least their backs. I could get everyone to sign artist release forms?
I have been keeping up on the crochet blog. I've been learning new stitches and thoroughly reviewing/analyzing crochet books by posting on the blog. One of my nieces prefers to do crafts rather than play outside. Like me when I was a kid! T too when she was a kid but she was born into a physically active family. Our family is very much into physical activity. My mom used to kick me outside to play when I was a kid. That was probably a good thing.
Anyway while I was working on a deeper plarn summer hat for A. J told me that his dad thought Md was strange because when he came over she like to cook by following a recipe while Mk and R played outside. I remember really enjoying doing that sort of thing. My things I really liked to do as a kid was bake, draw, crochet, and read. (As an adult I only allowed myself to read because I could lose too much time doing things I enjoyed.)
So Jer suggested Md would like to learn to crochet. I would think her grandma would have taught her how to do that already. So I would like to make a cheat sheet of the what Maddie would need to make a plarn rug. Maybe one sheet on making Plarn. Another sheet on making a chain, SC, increasing and tying off. I think I will start her off working in the round. You can make a till make a square or rectangular rug that way. In fact it would probably be easier than trying to work in the round. Sometimes making a rug in the round can get lopsided. So that's my goal this week. I want it done by July 4th weekend when we are meeting them up north. I just wrote a mind map in my notebook that I will tear out and work on this week.
I've been keeping up on the painting town blog. Pictures are going on Milwaukee Sketch Club blog. I am trying to gather material for a future book. Perhaps Milwaukee Sketch Club paints Milwaukee? or Waukesha? Except I haven't been taking pictures of the painters. I should start doing that. At least their backs. I could get everyone to sign artist release forms?
I have been keeping up on the crochet blog. I've been learning new stitches and thoroughly reviewing/analyzing crochet books by posting on the blog. One of my nieces prefers to do crafts rather than play outside. Like me when I was a kid! T too when she was a kid but she was born into a physically active family. Our family is very much into physical activity. My mom used to kick me outside to play when I was a kid. That was probably a good thing.
Anyway while I was working on a deeper plarn summer hat for A. J told me that his dad thought Md was strange because when he came over she like to cook by following a recipe while Mk and R played outside. I remember really enjoying doing that sort of thing. My things I really liked to do as a kid was bake, draw, crochet, and read. (As an adult I only allowed myself to read because I could lose too much time doing things I enjoyed.)
So Jer suggested Md would like to learn to crochet. I would think her grandma would have taught her how to do that already. So I would like to make a cheat sheet of the what Maddie would need to make a plarn rug. Maybe one sheet on making Plarn. Another sheet on making a chain, SC, increasing and tying off. I think I will start her off working in the round. You can make a till make a square or rectangular rug that way. In fact it would probably be easier than trying to work in the round. Sometimes making a rug in the round can get lopsided. So that's my goal this week. I want it done by July 4th weekend when we are meeting them up north. I just wrote a mind map in my notebook that I will tear out and work on this week.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
status of writing projects and inspired by "Embroidery Made Simple"
Not sure how to title this blog so I will title it after I write this post.
I have been successfully free writing on the computer one page just about every day. I had switch to offline as my internet is too slow to do google documents, plus at times I don't have internet access. Free writing is a good thing because I am learning to type better on this travel computer keyboard, my mind comes up with good ideas for books and actually starts some writing in that direction. Plus it clear my mind. I type about 35-45 words per minute without too many mistakes despite this keyboard being needing to be tapped exactly write to type letters without missing them. (At times I type too light and the stroke doesn't register so I end up with skipped letters, Almost like typing on a manual typewriter except you don't jam the keys and have to return the carriage.) I had to take the remaining rubber foot off this computer because it was rocking too much as I typed. Somehow when I took this computer in to repair a software issue where the computer would turn on but not let me access programs on the computer, the technicians lost 3 rubber feet and could not or would not replace what they lost.
I have also been doing almost daily crochet posts by setting up a weeks worth of posts. Now I need to learn and photo some more stitches. Also need to finish 3 crocheted water bottle holders and remake A's hat so it is deeper. He likes wearing hat. L does too. D is not so much into wearing hats. They're leaving in about 2 weeks to go on vacation, camping in Yellowstone?
Wrote some posts in painting town blog. Would like to gather information, thoughts, observations as I go plein air painting, for possible future book. I do not want to do an all inclusive book like the facilitator wanted me to do at wonago weavers writer club. Too overwhelming. I do not yet know how to write and need to start with a smaller project or series of projects.
I played around a little bit with free mind but it is another thing to learn so will put that on the back burner for now. It's not that I couldn't learn it but that I like to manipulate actual physical objects.
I drew a mind map on a large piece of newsprint. Too much and too messy.
Now I'm trying index cards pinned to a bulletin board. Just did that this morning after being inspired by reading "Embroidery for Beginners."
I downloaded a free promotion book normally on sale for $2.99 called Embroidery for Beginners, The ultimate guide for learning the basics of embroidery. The cover is nice and bright and simple can easily read the Embroidery for beginners.
I have been successfully free writing on the computer one page just about every day. I had switch to offline as my internet is too slow to do google documents, plus at times I don't have internet access. Free writing is a good thing because I am learning to type better on this travel computer keyboard, my mind comes up with good ideas for books and actually starts some writing in that direction. Plus it clear my mind. I type about 35-45 words per minute without too many mistakes despite this keyboard being needing to be tapped exactly write to type letters without missing them. (At times I type too light and the stroke doesn't register so I end up with skipped letters, Almost like typing on a manual typewriter except you don't jam the keys and have to return the carriage.) I had to take the remaining rubber foot off this computer because it was rocking too much as I typed. Somehow when I took this computer in to repair a software issue where the computer would turn on but not let me access programs on the computer, the technicians lost 3 rubber feet and could not or would not replace what they lost.
I have also been doing almost daily crochet posts by setting up a weeks worth of posts. Now I need to learn and photo some more stitches. Also need to finish 3 crocheted water bottle holders and remake A's hat so it is deeper. He likes wearing hat. L does too. D is not so much into wearing hats. They're leaving in about 2 weeks to go on vacation, camping in Yellowstone?
Wrote some posts in painting town blog. Would like to gather information, thoughts, observations as I go plein air painting, for possible future book. I do not want to do an all inclusive book like the facilitator wanted me to do at wonago weavers writer club. Too overwhelming. I do not yet know how to write and need to start with a smaller project or series of projects.
I played around a little bit with free mind but it is another thing to learn so will put that on the back burner for now. It's not that I couldn't learn it but that I like to manipulate actual physical objects.
I drew a mind map on a large piece of newsprint. Too much and too messy.
Now I'm trying index cards pinned to a bulletin board. Just did that this morning after being inspired by reading "Embroidery for Beginners."
I downloaded a free promotion book normally on sale for $2.99 called Embroidery for Beginners, The ultimate guide for learning the basics of embroidery. The cover is nice and bright and simple can easily read the Embroidery for beginners.
- One page in it has "Embroidery Made Simple, Making Art with Thread by Darlene Carlson." So is that an alternate title? It's a very short book, about 5 chapters.
- 3rd page in is copyright page,
- Then table of contents: historically speaking, what you need, basic stitches, some beginner projects, framing an embroidery project, conclusion with link to limited time bonus material
- Then introduction with small square of what looks like a drawing of light pink lace on medium blue background in a square in left hand corner of text. She thanks you for downloading book and talks about how each person finds their own way to create art in their lives, art with thread tradition, timeless art with patience, practice, and time. Feel free to share book. Please write short review on Amazon.
- Then she starts her chapters. Each has a small picture in square in left hand corner next to title. I wonder how she did that?
- Ch1 historically speaking; basic history to today, types of embroidery,
- Ch 2 what you need: fabric, thread, needles, patterns, tracing materials, scissors, hoops, lamps & magnifiers, storage & organization (reminds me of ufo's), glue sticks and other sewing notions
- Ch 3 basic stitches; these are illustrated with one simple line drawing per stitch with words describing exactly how you do the stitch.
- Ch 4 some beginner projects listed but no patterns. pillow cases, throws & blankets, throw pillows, bath towel and other towel sets, scarves, tote bags, small pillow sachets for drawers, simple credit card ID wallet or cosmetic case, cell phone or iPod cover, apron, baby bib, small stuffed toy, Tea towel or dish towel (She thinks we all have dishwashers!) place mats, ornaments, jewelry, camping gear or items, laundry bags, flower bouquets, embroidery starter kits or gift kits
- Ch 5 framing an embroidery project
- Conclusion
- Link to bonus material if you sign up for her newsletter
Friday, May 23, 2014
New writing goals
I have a lot of books on writing and organizing a nonfiction book but I am still struggling. I think my topic might be too broad.
So for now I am just going to concentrate on practicing free writing every day, mostly in the mornings, which I have been doing quite regularly. I have even managed to sneak in time when my husband is home.
I am also going to concentrate on writing blog posts with the idea of later taking them and organizing them.
I want to try an interesting application of the mind map technique for learning new information. Mind maps can be used to organize your book too. Ian Stables presents it as a technique to write a book using free mind. For learning new knowledge, I think I'm just going to draw it out in a notebook per the instructions found in "Hard Core soft Cover by Nick Brodd and Al Bargen.
So for now I am just going to concentrate on practicing free writing every day, mostly in the mornings, which I have been doing quite regularly. I have even managed to sneak in time when my husband is home.
I am also going to concentrate on writing blog posts with the idea of later taking them and organizing them.
I want to try an interesting application of the mind map technique for learning new information. Mind maps can be used to organize your book too. Ian Stables presents it as a technique to write a book using free mind. For learning new knowledge, I think I'm just going to draw it out in a notebook per the instructions found in "Hard Core soft Cover by Nick Brodd and Al Bargen.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
A link to 7 ways to write a short ebook fast
Ran across a very interesting article:
http://writenonfictionnow.com/seven-ways-to-write-or-blog-a-short-ebook-fast/
It says there are 7 types of short ebooks:
http://writenonfictionnow.com/seven-ways-to-write-or-blog-a-short-ebook-fast/
It says there are 7 types of short ebooks:
- Tip book featuring a list of 10-101 tips, usually one per page. I wonder if I could create such a thing in crochet, ways to hold your hook and yarn, basic crochet stitches and designing your own patterns. how to not lose count of your stitches - still haven't found a good way with that. Though ripple pattern works good because can check stitches by appearance.
- List book where you list and item and write a short essay of the item on your list.
- Quotation books or 25-50 quotes, then elaborate on what you think they mean, what they mean to you, why you chose them and how your customers/clients can use them to further themselves or business. Just researched this. Most quotes are on pinInterest. Also found crochet poems.
- Rx (prescriptive) nonfiction: offer guideance or direction on a particular topic. e.g. handbook, guide, rule, step....
- Anthology; content solicited from other experts. Specific topic, word count, deadline, and a request for rights to publish their work in your book. then add your own introduction, chapter, and conclusion.
- One Big Idea explained then explored using anecdotes, case studies, reports, statistics, other evidence. I wonder how many people and what age groups crochet? Where can I find this info? Do people who crochet also do other crafts? Why crochet?
- Q&A book where common questions are answered by you. What typical questions are asked by crocheters? about plarn?
Friday, May 2, 2014
Writing week in review
So far I wrote every morning. Basically just free writing in google docs on my travel notebook pc with some focused writing on vision and goals.
I have decided to use the travel notebook pc as my writing and research computer as it's portable and I can write anywhere on it. (Writing programs now on it are calibre, open office suite, free mind, and evernote.)
This week I started studying writing books that I've downloaded on my Kindle. I like Ian Stables. He seems quite sensible. I downloaded freemind to use as an new writing and organizing tool. Other authors suggest index cards and I may start with that before learning free mind. Today I downloaded open office on this computer so I can use a spreadsheet to track my writing and research endeavors. Plus according to Ian there's a plug in that you can download to convert files to epub files prior to publishing.
Another author also mentioned evernote. I downloaded it and used it to do some google research after looking at amazon, b&n, and smashwords. It seems to work quite well. There is other materials to crochet with besides plarn. I already knew about rags but not about newspaper. Watched a video on making toilet paper yarn with a drill. first one way then fold over and do in reverse mode to keep from unraveling. Appears to make quite thick yarn. There's an australian artist who makes reefs and animals from plastic bags. Everyone seems to knot their plarn though cutting in a spiral has been mentioned.
I'm taking notes the old fashioned way with pen and notebook on writing. It's hard to find the kindle books I like. I wish I could rate them on my kindle somehow and keep the ones I like on top, while easily deleting the ones not worth re-reading.
So far I think I should narrow my plarn crochet writing project. Maybe call it summer plarn projects. There is so much on the internet on how to crochet. I just think it would be boring to write on that. I like the idea of starting simple and going to more complex. I think each project should demonstrate a specific stitch and concept. I have mostly white bags, with a few blue and light brown bags. Might have one or two pink and orange bags.
I have decided to use the travel notebook pc as my writing and research computer as it's portable and I can write anywhere on it. (Writing programs now on it are calibre, open office suite, free mind, and evernote.)
This week I started studying writing books that I've downloaded on my Kindle. I like Ian Stables. He seems quite sensible. I downloaded freemind to use as an new writing and organizing tool. Other authors suggest index cards and I may start with that before learning free mind. Today I downloaded open office on this computer so I can use a spreadsheet to track my writing and research endeavors. Plus according to Ian there's a plug in that you can download to convert files to epub files prior to publishing.
Another author also mentioned evernote. I downloaded it and used it to do some google research after looking at amazon, b&n, and smashwords. It seems to work quite well. There is other materials to crochet with besides plarn. I already knew about rags but not about newspaper. Watched a video on making toilet paper yarn with a drill. first one way then fold over and do in reverse mode to keep from unraveling. Appears to make quite thick yarn. There's an australian artist who makes reefs and animals from plastic bags. Everyone seems to knot their plarn though cutting in a spiral has been mentioned.
I'm taking notes the old fashioned way with pen and notebook on writing. It's hard to find the kindle books I like. I wish I could rate them on my kindle somehow and keep the ones I like on top, while easily deleting the ones not worth re-reading.
So far I think I should narrow my plarn crochet writing project. Maybe call it summer plarn projects. There is so much on the internet on how to crochet. I just think it would be boring to write on that. I like the idea of starting simple and going to more complex. I think each project should demonstrate a specific stitch and concept. I have mostly white bags, with a few blue and light brown bags. Might have one or two pink and orange bags.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Useful information about writing
Well, I'm back from trip and have decided to get up early to write everyday. I've been using google drive to free write. Didn't really write at all when in Poland.
So far so good. I wrote prompt 1 http://writenonfictionnow.com/nonfiction-writing-prompt-create-best-possible-writing-self-coming-year/ &
2 http://writenonfictionnow.com/set-goals-successful-year-nonfiction-writing-prompt-2/
with "write nonfiction now in november http://writenonfictionnow.com/?s=prompt
I may need to revisit these prompts.
She also has several posts about blogging a book http://writenonfictionnow.com/?s=blog+book planning out then writing each chapter on your blog. I like that idea as it is like the story serials that used to run in weekly magazines.
I've also monitoring my time on my planner. It looks like a mess but I think it is keeping me focused. Writing is a top goal, so is business, family/friends, decluttering, art, health/exercise. So it's best to get in the habit of writing right away in the morning. That's what I'm trying to do everyday during the week. Weekends difficult as Jer is home so I just enjoy him as life is short. Everyday is a gift. We are all one step away from death.
I recently read while riding my exercise bike a very good book by Ian Stables, The Amazing Book Writing Method, How to write a book the far easier way. where he uses free write to organize and write his book, then transfers it to open office software that has a plug in to convert your files to epub. I need to re-read his "Questions, that easily write books" too. I downloaded freewrite to this computer while riding the bike and along the way had to add java because it needs java. Now java is asking me to update but will the new java work with free write is the question. Jer's computer can't read mp3 files anymore so I need to figure out a way to update his windows vista media player.
So far so good. I wrote prompt 1 http://writenonfictionnow.com/nonfiction-writing-prompt-create-best-possible-writing-self-coming-year/ &
2 http://writenonfictionnow.com/set-goals-successful-year-nonfiction-writing-prompt-2/
with "write nonfiction now in november http://writenonfictionnow.com/?s=prompt
I may need to revisit these prompts.
She also has several posts about blogging a book http://writenonfictionnow.com/?s=blog+book planning out then writing each chapter on your blog. I like that idea as it is like the story serials that used to run in weekly magazines.
I've also monitoring my time on my planner. It looks like a mess but I think it is keeping me focused. Writing is a top goal, so is business, family/friends, decluttering, art, health/exercise. So it's best to get in the habit of writing right away in the morning. That's what I'm trying to do everyday during the week. Weekends difficult as Jer is home so I just enjoy him as life is short. Everyday is a gift. We are all one step away from death.
I recently read while riding my exercise bike a very good book by Ian Stables, The Amazing Book Writing Method, How to write a book the far easier way. where he uses free write to organize and write his book, then transfers it to open office software that has a plug in to convert your files to epub. I need to re-read his "Questions, that easily write books" too. I downloaded freewrite to this computer while riding the bike and along the way had to add java because it needs java. Now java is asking me to update but will the new java work with free write is the question. Jer's computer can't read mp3 files anymore so I need to figure out a way to update his windows vista media player.
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