Making a Dream Come True

I’ve realized that in order for my dream of publishing a book to come true, I’ve got to have a plan. Of course, it would be fabulous to write a perfect novel within a few months, have it picked up by Random House immediately, then be dashed away to every major talk show in the country promoting my new book and my charming personality.

That’s just a wish. A dream, however, is much more powerful and requires legitament work.

I mentioned my newfound love for podcasts recently. (Sroll down.) Well, one of them I’ve subscribed to is the popular “Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing.” Back in December, Mignon Fogarty’s show highlighted a 5-step plan of action from author Scott Sigler. I think it’s so amazing that I’m going to implement that plan today.

Here’s why I’m so estatic about this. The plan is based on failure.

You’re probably wondering why I’m happy about that. Well, to be successful, you first have to overcome your failures. Step 2 is “write a bad book first.” It’s brilliant, because if I’m setting out to write a bad book and finish it, I’ll be doing exactly what it takes to write a really good one later. Writing a bad book gives me the freedom to mess up, learn from my mistakes and weak points, and get better. I have been way too hard on myself even over just one little sentence. Sigler’s 5 steps made me realize I can release myself from that kind of perfectionism. After all, if I wrote perfectly already where would the reward be?

And secondly, referencing Step 1, the plan is based on persistance, and that just makes sense.

So, for you fellow aspiring writers, I hope this helps you as much as me. I’m aware these 5 steps could take 2 years or more, but I’m okay with that. I’ve got a plan now.

Screen Caps and Podcasts

Some time this past week, I read in someone’s flickr photostream that “screen caps are the new poloroids.” I love taking screen captures, or screen shots, especially of stuff online, so I think I’ll implement them more on my blog.

Take this for instance. Today was beautiful.

It was like Spring! We ventured out to get our car that had been being worked on for the past several weeks. We now finally have both our cars. It’s incredible how mostly in America two people in a household need two seperate cars, but in England, where David’s family live, they share one car among three people. Sometimes, I fancy the idea of living in a big city where public transport is  more available. But mostly, I love my life here in Western NC.

Recently, I’ve subscribed to several podcasts on iTunes.

I’m really very excited about each of them for different reasons. Of note, I found a podcast called PODRUNNER. Each week or so, this DJ puts out a mix for your workout. I’ve mentioned my love for getting in the zone during my workouts by listening to loud music before, so now I’m excited to get in the gym again and try this music out. It’ll be great not having to flip through several songs my iPod while I’m doing my cardio since the podcasts are about an hour long!

Everyday, I find a new reason why I love the internet and technology and living in this generation.