After a long sleep in, breakfast of pancakes with cottage cheese, jam and nutella, we spent Sunday morning cleaning. I don't mean just a dust and a vacuum and the job is done but actually going through every shelve, drawer and corner and throwing everything that isn't needed out into the trash. It feels fantastic. Now I know where my sport magazines lie,where all my writing materials are, teaching books, and wedding magazines and planning. It's all sorted and organised so that it will be much easier for me to find when I need it all.
Unfortunately I know that within a week it will all be disorganised once again. I'd love to be pedantic about keeping things clean. When I have books, magazines and everything else all over the place it drives me up the wall. My sleep is disrupted, I feel tired and unmotivated. Obviously something needs to change. I dread parting with things. This time around I am going to have to be tough on myself. Today we threw out about four bags full of rubbish. Once it was all done, it felt like a huge relief, a weight lifted of our shoulders.
The next four weeks I'm going to focus on getting a little bit more organised so that I am more productive and I'm not losing things when I need them the most. The only way to do that is go shopping. I will need to buy a small bookcase or some shelves, photo albums, three four-ring binders, magazine stacks, and a few other bits and pieces. That will be the fun part. The next four weeks I will slowly start to part with items I really know I don't need and make room for things that I do.
Week 1 - Organise my writing. Get folders and file ideas under categories - woman's, commercial, parenting, TEFL, education, health and fitness, travel, other. Dispose of any useless pieces of paper that are never going to be used. Bundle all the magazines that I want to write for so that they are all in the one place. Recyle all the magazines that I know I will never read again. Clean up my computer files so that everything is easy to manage, find and use.
Week 2 - Go through all my TEFL books, notes, magazines and miscellaneous items. Recycle all the loose papers that are not used. Sort through work contracts, attendance lists and other items and file them into three folders. One for each school that I am employed by.
Week 3 - Sort through all my clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. Last year I disposed of about three bags full of clothes I no longer needed. Some went to a younger family member and the rest went to a charity bin. I need to do that again, and this time be more generous with what I throw out. I can honestly say that I only wear about 50% of the clothes I own. The other simply take up space. This week I will be making more room in my wardrobe.
Week 4 - Sort through all the miscellaneous items left over. Get rid of any magazines that are collecting dust, empty chocolate containers that are never going to be used for anything, used up perfume bottles that don't need to be left as an ornament on a bookcase.
Once all that is done I anticipate being a much more productive individual. I will no longer be wasting time searching for the items I need to do my job. My living space will also become a much more pleasant and ergonomic place to be in. A couple of hours a week is all it's going to take.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Take Risks, Create Your Own Luck
Do I want too much from the very start? It's possible. Maybe if I had taken things slowly and done things properly from the start than I would be more successful now. Who knows? That's the beauty of it. Any decision we make involves taking a risk. It's one of the topics in one of my Advanced English classes at the moment. Risk is all around us. It's unavoidable. We take a risk every time we get out of the shower, get into the car, ride our bike without a helmet, light up a cigarette or avoid exercise while indulging in greasy food every day of the week. Risk is a fact of life. It's unavoidable.
Writers take a risk each time they put words on paper, write a query or full manuscript and send it out to the world of editors, publishers and magazines. They risk rejection and pain, and so much more. It's their creation that is being judged, they feel they are being judged. It's personal. But by not taking the risk of rejection, they are risking something for worse, something that will be far more painful than rejection or a template non-personal 'no thank you we're not interested in your piece' letter or email. Not putting yourself at risk of rejection, a writer puts themselves at risk of failure, at not reaching their dreams of success. That's a much more painful risk to take.
Not all risk is created equal. Some people choose to recklessly risk their lives, relationships and their world, while others choose to take a safer course of action and calculate their risks. But in truth, a successful outcome is not always due to the right calculation but luck. Others would beg to differ but sometimes even doing all the right things and minimising risk doesn't result in the desired outcome while a situation that maximises risk can have fantastic results. Luck plays a huge role. The good thing is that we can help create our own luck by putting ourselves at risk that may lead to our desired result.
How a writer can minimise their risk of rejection?
Stop writing and find another hobby or profession. Seriously the thought has crossed my mind a million and one times. Does the world really need another writer?
Seriously speaking though, it's possible to minimize your risk of rejection and the risk of not succeeding. With a few pints of luck, a sprinkle of determination, a dash of perseverance, a ton of hard work, and a bucket load of revision and your risk of rejection is minimised. But first you need to have the courage to send the work out to create your own luck while risking rejection and criticism.
I've had a few pieces published. The ones that did get published quickly were ones that didn't take too long to right. A quick 30 minute stint where I managed to send my inner critic on a break for just enough time to churn out enough words for a market that required pieces 'on spec'. Written, edited and sent out in under an hour made me a quick $100 a few weeks later. I took a risk. I quit thinking about the risk of rejection for a moment and sent the story out. Luck played a huge part I'm sure, but so did the fact that I put myself out there. In a sense, the action of sending out the article opened a window for me to get lucky. A risk that led to an article being sold.
Now as I write this, I can confidently say that each time I sent out ten or twenty queries within a few days, I scored a publication credit. Then I stopped. Why? Fear of rejection, afraid of taking another risk. And so the cycle continued. By not continuing to send out queries every day, I am taking the biggest risk ever. The risk of not succeeding as a writer. I'm not sure I can afford to take that risk.
Writers take a risk each time they put words on paper, write a query or full manuscript and send it out to the world of editors, publishers and magazines. They risk rejection and pain, and so much more. It's their creation that is being judged, they feel they are being judged. It's personal. But by not taking the risk of rejection, they are risking something for worse, something that will be far more painful than rejection or a template non-personal 'no thank you we're not interested in your piece' letter or email. Not putting yourself at risk of rejection, a writer puts themselves at risk of failure, at not reaching their dreams of success. That's a much more painful risk to take.
Not all risk is created equal. Some people choose to recklessly risk their lives, relationships and their world, while others choose to take a safer course of action and calculate their risks. But in truth, a successful outcome is not always due to the right calculation but luck. Others would beg to differ but sometimes even doing all the right things and minimising risk doesn't result in the desired outcome while a situation that maximises risk can have fantastic results. Luck plays a huge role. The good thing is that we can help create our own luck by putting ourselves at risk that may lead to our desired result.
How a writer can minimise their risk of rejection?
Stop writing and find another hobby or profession. Seriously the thought has crossed my mind a million and one times. Does the world really need another writer?
Seriously speaking though, it's possible to minimize your risk of rejection and the risk of not succeeding. With a few pints of luck, a sprinkle of determination, a dash of perseverance, a ton of hard work, and a bucket load of revision and your risk of rejection is minimised. But first you need to have the courage to send the work out to create your own luck while risking rejection and criticism.
I've had a few pieces published. The ones that did get published quickly were ones that didn't take too long to right. A quick 30 minute stint where I managed to send my inner critic on a break for just enough time to churn out enough words for a market that required pieces 'on spec'. Written, edited and sent out in under an hour made me a quick $100 a few weeks later. I took a risk. I quit thinking about the risk of rejection for a moment and sent the story out. Luck played a huge part I'm sure, but so did the fact that I put myself out there. In a sense, the action of sending out the article opened a window for me to get lucky. A risk that led to an article being sold.
Now as I write this, I can confidently say that each time I sent out ten or twenty queries within a few days, I scored a publication credit. Then I stopped. Why? Fear of rejection, afraid of taking another risk. And so the cycle continued. By not continuing to send out queries every day, I am taking the biggest risk ever. The risk of not succeeding as a writer. I'm not sure I can afford to take that risk.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Gotta Love Public Transport
Standing crammed between other passengers in a stuffy and smelly train is no one's idea of a comfy trip home. On the contrary, it's a pain in the ass and the ribs, especially when someone decides to elbow you as the train comes to a screeching halt at one of the stations where even more passengers attempt to push through and make the limited amount of breathing space available disappear.
There's a public transport problem in Poland to say the least. It's probably one of the worst I have seen or experienced. And they are never prepared for winter, claiming that once again it has taken them by surprise. Come on, we know that in this part of the world winter comes, oh I don't know, about once a year between November and March, it's usually too f*@*ing cold to forget. Winter's been mild the past few years, which is a great opportunity for the government to save some cash and improve the train lines and public transport system in general. It could also improve the walking ability of many citizens who travel by foot, and hire people to shovel the snow or better still let the petty crooks sitting in jail and wasting tax payers money do the hard work for free with signs on their backs advertising their crimes and then they may feel too ashamed and exhausted to become repeat offenders. That's like 'killing two birds with one stone' as the saying goes. Less snow on the streets, pathways to enable proper functioning of public transport like trains, buses and trams, and more crooks actually having a chance of being rehabilitated and cured of their menacing ways.
My train was once again 30 minutes late today as it was yesterday. I should be used to it by now but then again, why should I? I pay to use the transport system every month. I should therefore get quality and timely service but it turns out that KM and ZTM prefer to treat their customers like they are nothing but cattle. Now I'm off to catch the next train home and can't help but wonder what will be in store. Crushed against dozens of other passengers, stuffy, sweaty, smelly and equally furious. What a treat!
On a much happier note, for some anyway, today in Poland is Grandmother's Day and tomorrow is Grandfather's Day. It's fantastic that they celebrate this here as in many parts of the world as grandparents need to be shown more appreciation. It's a day when a simple bunch of flowers or a phone call can make a difference and put a smile on their face.
There's a public transport problem in Poland to say the least. It's probably one of the worst I have seen or experienced. And they are never prepared for winter, claiming that once again it has taken them by surprise. Come on, we know that in this part of the world winter comes, oh I don't know, about once a year between November and March, it's usually too f*@*ing cold to forget. Winter's been mild the past few years, which is a great opportunity for the government to save some cash and improve the train lines and public transport system in general. It could also improve the walking ability of many citizens who travel by foot, and hire people to shovel the snow or better still let the petty crooks sitting in jail and wasting tax payers money do the hard work for free with signs on their backs advertising their crimes and then they may feel too ashamed and exhausted to become repeat offenders. That's like 'killing two birds with one stone' as the saying goes. Less snow on the streets, pathways to enable proper functioning of public transport like trains, buses and trams, and more crooks actually having a chance of being rehabilitated and cured of their menacing ways.
My train was once again 30 minutes late today as it was yesterday. I should be used to it by now but then again, why should I? I pay to use the transport system every month. I should therefore get quality and timely service but it turns out that KM and ZTM prefer to treat their customers like they are nothing but cattle. Now I'm off to catch the next train home and can't help but wonder what will be in store. Crushed against dozens of other passengers, stuffy, sweaty, smelly and equally furious. What a treat!
On a much happier note, for some anyway, today in Poland is Grandmother's Day and tomorrow is Grandfather's Day. It's fantastic that they celebrate this here as in many parts of the world as grandparents need to be shown more appreciation. It's a day when a simple bunch of flowers or a phone call can make a difference and put a smile on their face.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Believing... your own way?
We went to church today. We rarely go but it was an important occasion for my partners family, so we went. It was supposed to be a normal mass until the priest announced and welcomed a guest to speak to the crowd. A missionary. Fine, I thought. Maybe he is collecting money for a worthy cause, or he's here to help the poor and less fortunate. The picture in my mind of a missionary is one who helps people. Who has a calling from God or any higher power to help others. To do good things around the world.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
The missionary began to speak. Everyone listened. Ninety per cent of the church was filled with woman over the age of sixty. For these women, church and God is the centre of their lives. People who rarely question what the priest in front of them says. As was the case here.
I believe in a God not an institution. But that's not the issue here. What is the issue is that a man walks up to the microphone whose life is simple, he lives of other people's generosity, travels the world and he has the audacity to tell them that trying to make their life easier is a sin.
Demons. Contraception. Lucifer. Occult. These were words that were frequently used and abused by this missionary, as well as many others. I thought I was taken back to the middle century listening to a guy telling us we're all evil if we don't eat, live and dream Christianity. As this was in a small town outside the city, it was easy for a missionary to be sent to such a church. In the city, I doubt that people would tolerate such an obscene, insulting and brainwashing speech. He was anti New Age perceptions, anti equality, fun and reality. One older woman most probably in her 70's walked out, having heard enough of his vulgarities about demons, other according to him 'false' religions, and over the top lecture which no one asked for.
I don't spend much time going to church other than special occasions like weddings, funerals, christenings and the like. This was something different. It was not a typical mass. It was nothing more than a witch hunt. He wanted to convert those who could be converted and purge what in his view was evil. While he announced that he was well travelled - I'm sure by using all the money innocent and poor people have donated his way - to the crowd, he said that people should be sorry to have departed Poland, to have left their roots, that mothers who worked were sinful, that that was the reason for vandalism, bandits and criminal behaviour in youth. It was insulting. Even more so when he began to scorn other religions, practically laughing when speaking of their beliefs and virtues.
No one has the right to insult another religion. There are more than six billion people on this planet. Everyone believes in something. Even atheists have something to believe in. We all should have the right to choose. What right did this missionary have, or any other priest or religious leader has, to shout out that theirs is the right way, the only way and everything else, who feels differently, is delusive? The last thing most people want is to go to church to pray for a loved one and to listen to such a tirade as we encountered today.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
The missionary began to speak. Everyone listened. Ninety per cent of the church was filled with woman over the age of sixty. For these women, church and God is the centre of their lives. People who rarely question what the priest in front of them says. As was the case here.
I believe in a God not an institution. But that's not the issue here. What is the issue is that a man walks up to the microphone whose life is simple, he lives of other people's generosity, travels the world and he has the audacity to tell them that trying to make their life easier is a sin.
Demons. Contraception. Lucifer. Occult. These were words that were frequently used and abused by this missionary, as well as many others. I thought I was taken back to the middle century listening to a guy telling us we're all evil if we don't eat, live and dream Christianity. As this was in a small town outside the city, it was easy for a missionary to be sent to such a church. In the city, I doubt that people would tolerate such an obscene, insulting and brainwashing speech. He was anti New Age perceptions, anti equality, fun and reality. One older woman most probably in her 70's walked out, having heard enough of his vulgarities about demons, other according to him 'false' religions, and over the top lecture which no one asked for.
I don't spend much time going to church other than special occasions like weddings, funerals, christenings and the like. This was something different. It was not a typical mass. It was nothing more than a witch hunt. He wanted to convert those who could be converted and purge what in his view was evil. While he announced that he was well travelled - I'm sure by using all the money innocent and poor people have donated his way - to the crowd, he said that people should be sorry to have departed Poland, to have left their roots, that mothers who worked were sinful, that that was the reason for vandalism, bandits and criminal behaviour in youth. It was insulting. Even more so when he began to scorn other religions, practically laughing when speaking of their beliefs and virtues.
No one has the right to insult another religion. There are more than six billion people on this planet. Everyone believes in something. Even atheists have something to believe in. We all should have the right to choose. What right did this missionary have, or any other priest or religious leader has, to shout out that theirs is the right way, the only way and everything else, who feels differently, is delusive? The last thing most people want is to go to church to pray for a loved one and to listen to such a tirade as we encountered today.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Staying Fit for Health & Creativity
I've mentioned that I run frequently. I find running not only keeps me fit and healthy but also boosts my creativity level. Usually when I hit the pavement or the treadmill my mind clears so that when I'm done I can get back to work without feeling overwhelmed. Plus it allows me to enjoy all the simple pleasures in life – red wine, cheese, chocolate, Italian food and curries. Yummy.
Now I'm training for the Warsaw Half Marathon in March.
Recently I've noticed that the more regular my running and training is, the easier the writing flows. I recommend any type of exercise to clear your mind and unlock your creativity.
On a more current news, yesterday, the Great Christmas Aid Orchestra played for the 18th time in a nation-wide money raising event for children's hospitals around the country. They raised over 36 million zloty, which is just under 1 zloty per person in Poland. That's not a lot to give, but when added up it can help thousands of children around the country who suffer from illness or disability. This is a non government and non profit event that is supported by millions of Poles. It's a shame that the government can't do something positive and non profit for its citizens, instead it chooses to take from them. Alone it's difficult to make a difference, together when people unite they can do enormous things.
Now I'm training for the Warsaw Half Marathon in March.
Recently I've noticed that the more regular my running and training is, the easier the writing flows. I recommend any type of exercise to clear your mind and unlock your creativity.
On a more current news, yesterday, the Great Christmas Aid Orchestra played for the 18th time in a nation-wide money raising event for children's hospitals around the country. They raised over 36 million zloty, which is just under 1 zloty per person in Poland. That's not a lot to give, but when added up it can help thousands of children around the country who suffer from illness or disability. This is a non government and non profit event that is supported by millions of Poles. It's a shame that the government can't do something positive and non profit for its citizens, instead it chooses to take from them. Alone it's difficult to make a difference, together when people unite they can do enormous things.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
This week's summary
I've set goals, I've written, I've taught, I even managed to sneak in two 10km runs on the treadmill as I'm not prepared for running in the snow, and I fit shopping into the week.
Am I on track with my writing goals? Well, sort of.
Five queries later I am waiting for responses and coming up with more article ideas. Instead of getting easier it just gets harder. The inner critic gets stronger and stronger. But it's important to persevere. Fortunately my partner has been very supportive and has lots of words of encouragement when I hit a slump. Or if that fails, I reread all the positive feedback I've received to boost my writing confidence.
How do you deal with your inner critic?
There's lots to do in the upcoming week. So I'm off to finish of some lesson plans, eat dinner and take the rest of the day off to relax. It is Sunday after all.
Am I on track with my writing goals? Well, sort of.
Five queries later I am waiting for responses and coming up with more article ideas. Instead of getting easier it just gets harder. The inner critic gets stronger and stronger. But it's important to persevere. Fortunately my partner has been very supportive and has lots of words of encouragement when I hit a slump. Or if that fails, I reread all the positive feedback I've received to boost my writing confidence.
How do you deal with your inner critic?
There's lots to do in the upcoming week. So I'm off to finish of some lesson plans, eat dinner and take the rest of the day off to relax. It is Sunday after all.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Anything is Possible...Right?
It's another cold day. On the way to work I got splashed with muddy snow all over my white jacket. The train was twenty minutes later and extremely crowded with no breathing space. I had one lesson in the morning, ran some errands and was back at home around noon.
Now once again I am wasting time, sitting on under the duvet in bed, listening to Pink's latest CD, and trying to get some writing done. I need to try harder.
Yesterday was a good day. Thanks to following up I sold an article, signed the agreement and sent off the invoice all within 30 minutes of following up with the editor. If only all the submissions and follow ups went so smoothly. A great start to the year.
Here's a crazy idea. A goal of selling one article per week. Mm, sounds interesting. Challenging and almost impossible. But is it? I've sold one for the first week of January. Can I sell another one in the next seven days? Tempting. What would I have to do? Well, submit more queries and finished articles, essays and short stories every day. That's not so hard is it? One of my goals for this year was to get at least 50 published credits to my name. One a week. With a ten per cent acceptance rate I would need to send 10 queries per week.
Scary. But hey why not? I've nothing to lose. So here goes.
Three hours later I have three query drafts that I am working on. Just a few details to check before I send them off.
And I'm done for the day. Now I'm off to relax for an hour or so before heading off to my final TEFL lesson for the day.
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