I was dropping off some secondhand goods to a local charity shop when I came across a box full of short stories including some on CD. I picked it up, took a glance at the marketing lingo and scanned for the price. $4.99 what a bargain! Well it wasn't till I got in my car that I realised that they were short stories for truckers and travellers.
I ripped off the plastic cover and proceeded to place a CD in my in-car player. Interestingly enough they weren't too bad but my son was in the car and he commented that they were c---p! Well I didn't think they that boring but he certainly did. The silence in the car was deafening as we rolled along to the male voice reciting the adventures of a cockroach. It was almost unbearable to my son but I thought it was a great medium for short stories.
After I got home I thought I would have a look at the four anthologies inside the box and came across a wonderful story about a mother's frustration with her young son. A journey to her parents turned out to be an attempt to amuse her son whilst driving across town.
Doesn't sound so interesting but it was written from the mother's point of view as she answers her annoying son's continuous questions. She tries the game eye spy and she tries to tell him to sit down, stop moving about in the car; leave his sister alone and many more funny answers to a very energetic mind.
I laughed till I cried and I could completely relate to trips in the car with young children.
Finally I was able to get my son to laugh as I read it (through my tears) out loud to him.
The moral to this story: Somethings are not always what they seem! My $4.99 was worth it just for that short story alone.
So to give credit where credit is due, the author is Marica Salpietro: Are We There Yet? was printed in the collection called Slippery When Wet: published by Australian Roadside Services in 2002.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
'Tweaking Those Words'
What I find interesting about being a writer is trying to find new words for those ones that creep into your writing. You know those ones that you always use and somehow think are okay. It is not until you get someone else to look at it for you (it has big red marks from the red pen corrections) that you realise you need to change them.
I have been trying to edit a story which includes a lot of repetitions. It has been workshopped and I looked at it and thought, 'why didn't I pick that up?' It obviously takes a new set of eyes to find those silly mistakes that annoy you. I am getting there now but I hope after changing a quarter of my text, that it still works. I want it to engage the reader and leave them with a thought or two.
Trusting in my ability as an editor is another story. I find that I am a writer not so much an editor, but I feel that I miss many corrections because I get so involved in the story. I must remember to slow down and take the time to perfect my craft.
Tweaking those words that somehow appear in my writing is a job worth doing well, so I need to take the time to edit and re-edit my work.
I am sure I will still miss the obvious!
I have been trying to edit a story which includes a lot of repetitions. It has been workshopped and I looked at it and thought, 'why didn't I pick that up?' It obviously takes a new set of eyes to find those silly mistakes that annoy you. I am getting there now but I hope after changing a quarter of my text, that it still works. I want it to engage the reader and leave them with a thought or two.
Trusting in my ability as an editor is another story. I find that I am a writer not so much an editor, but I feel that I miss many corrections because I get so involved in the story. I must remember to slow down and take the time to perfect my craft.
Tweaking those words that somehow appear in my writing is a job worth doing well, so I need to take the time to edit and re-edit my work.
I am sure I will still miss the obvious!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
'Tweaking My Office Space'
Isn't it hard to dispose of all those magazines you have been accumulating over the years? I have been trying to organise my office space so that it becomes more efficient for my needs. I have been buying magazines for so long that I even went out to buy folders to keep them in!
So I thought to arrange my space with more workability I had to purge all that I did not need. I got rid of about fifty or sixty mags that were starting to become dreaded 'clutter' and then I moved to my ever consuming piles of work that have taken over my unconventional filing system. I kept thinking that what looks clean is clean! I emerged from my delusion and thought that it was important to do something to gain back some control!
After spending a whole day going through all the individual pieces of paper, I finished no better off than I was before. My desk is still not clear but I now have put it down to the end of semester and all that comes with trying to get assessments in on time.
Oh well, I am back in that delusional state! Maybe I can finally get it cleaned up during the break!
So I thought to arrange my space with more workability I had to purge all that I did not need. I got rid of about fifty or sixty mags that were starting to become dreaded 'clutter' and then I moved to my ever consuming piles of work that have taken over my unconventional filing system. I kept thinking that what looks clean is clean! I emerged from my delusion and thought that it was important to do something to gain back some control!
After spending a whole day going through all the individual pieces of paper, I finished no better off than I was before. My desk is still not clear but I now have put it down to the end of semester and all that comes with trying to get assessments in on time.
Oh well, I am back in that delusional state! Maybe I can finally get it cleaned up during the break!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
'Carbon Tax'
I don't know about you, but I am feeling a little disillusioned by the 'Carbon Tax' that the Labour Party is trying to implement. It is clear now, that this is simply a tax to cover the spending that the government embarked on; to save us from the 'Global Financial Crisis'.
I am all for conserving energy and trying to lower the damage already done but this is turning into a farce. If we are to achieve anything from lowering our carbon footprint then all businesses whom emit enormous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere need to pay the tax. We cannot just pick and choose who pays and who doesn't.
What is surprising to me and to many Australians is the idea that businesses such a steel producers (who emit the most carbon emissions) will be exempt from paying this tax; while the average household will be taxed highly!
If we are to move forward in preserving what is left of this planet including our beautiful country, then everyone needs to pull their weight! Including those businesses who are crying poor; that keep saying: economically they cannot afford to pay the tax.
It is always the humble working population whom suffer the most; we don't see the politians in Canberra giving up their chaffeur driven cars and their tax-payer funded dinners and presentations. Instead we will be gaining yet another tax to add to the already highly taxed country that we are!
Yes this is me venting, but I am sick of not being able to move forward without the government (whom is suppose to be working for us) making us pay for their mistakes! They make a mistake and we have to pick up the tab!
What happened to the ideals of this country?
There must be a solution to the government's over spending and lack of surplus problems, without penalising the general public.
What is lost in amongst this fight, is the people of Australia whom are still struggling without their homes after the Victorian Bushfires and now the people in Queensland and Victoria whom have no homes due to disputes over insurance claims!
Climate change problems; YES; but what about the Aussie battler; the ones whom always get a raw deal! Isn't the government voted in by these very same people?
The solution: Change the rules for voting! If a government promises something they do not keep, then they can lose their place as the ruling party! No more highly marketed PR stunts to gain votes!
As for the highly suspect 'Carbon Tax' maybe it should be scrapped just like the 'Smart Meters'!
Let's find a better solution!
I am all for conserving energy and trying to lower the damage already done but this is turning into a farce. If we are to achieve anything from lowering our carbon footprint then all businesses whom emit enormous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere need to pay the tax. We cannot just pick and choose who pays and who doesn't.
What is surprising to me and to many Australians is the idea that businesses such a steel producers (who emit the most carbon emissions) will be exempt from paying this tax; while the average household will be taxed highly!
If we are to move forward in preserving what is left of this planet including our beautiful country, then everyone needs to pull their weight! Including those businesses who are crying poor; that keep saying: economically they cannot afford to pay the tax.
It is always the humble working population whom suffer the most; we don't see the politians in Canberra giving up their chaffeur driven cars and their tax-payer funded dinners and presentations. Instead we will be gaining yet another tax to add to the already highly taxed country that we are!
Yes this is me venting, but I am sick of not being able to move forward without the government (whom is suppose to be working for us) making us pay for their mistakes! They make a mistake and we have to pick up the tab!
What happened to the ideals of this country?
There must be a solution to the government's over spending and lack of surplus problems, without penalising the general public.
What is lost in amongst this fight, is the people of Australia whom are still struggling without their homes after the Victorian Bushfires and now the people in Queensland and Victoria whom have no homes due to disputes over insurance claims!
Climate change problems; YES; but what about the Aussie battler; the ones whom always get a raw deal! Isn't the government voted in by these very same people?
The solution: Change the rules for voting! If a government promises something they do not keep, then they can lose their place as the ruling party! No more highly marketed PR stunts to gain votes!
As for the highly suspect 'Carbon Tax' maybe it should be scrapped just like the 'Smart Meters'!
Let's find a better solution!
Monday, March 14, 2011
'Editing'
Editing; what can I say about this subject? Well although it is interesting, I find it so time consuming and sometimes to be honest boring!
I am starting to think, maybe this wouldn't be the job for me! I do like to edit my own work, but I guess, if the authors work you are editing is somewhat not interesting, than it becomes mind-numbing!
I am editing a book at the moment for class that is actually quite a good book; however, it is not for the 8-12 year-old age range, that it is suppose to be for. It clearly is for a young adult to adult readership.
There is no sexual content but it is written in third person; viewing sometimes from the central protagonist, who is a mother of three. It is an historical based narrative that just doesn't fit into the world of an eight-year-old.
I have finished the chapters assigned to me, however I know I have probably missed a lot of mistakes. I do like how it is written, because it is the type of story I like to read! It's setting and historical content interest me; but if I am to edit it and keep in mind it is for an 8-12 audience, I just don't think it is possible.
The setting; the characters; the storyline I just don't think will appeal to this age range.
Anyway, I will continue forward and try to assume that if it was for this demographic, then it cannot possibly get published. As we know already it did not get published!
Editing; is a hard job and I think it needs to be a very special person who can do this for a living!
Maybe I need to gain more skills before determining its not for me!
I am starting to think, maybe this wouldn't be the job for me! I do like to edit my own work, but I guess, if the authors work you are editing is somewhat not interesting, than it becomes mind-numbing!
I am editing a book at the moment for class that is actually quite a good book; however, it is not for the 8-12 year-old age range, that it is suppose to be for. It clearly is for a young adult to adult readership.
There is no sexual content but it is written in third person; viewing sometimes from the central protagonist, who is a mother of three. It is an historical based narrative that just doesn't fit into the world of an eight-year-old.
I have finished the chapters assigned to me, however I know I have probably missed a lot of mistakes. I do like how it is written, because it is the type of story I like to read! It's setting and historical content interest me; but if I am to edit it and keep in mind it is for an 8-12 audience, I just don't think it is possible.
The setting; the characters; the storyline I just don't think will appeal to this age range.
Anyway, I will continue forward and try to assume that if it was for this demographic, then it cannot possibly get published. As we know already it did not get published!
Editing; is a hard job and I think it needs to be a very special person who can do this for a living!
Maybe I need to gain more skills before determining its not for me!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Reminder- 'The Man From Snowy River'
I just slipped out of a lecture with the tune to 'The Man From Snowy River' in my head. I was humming it all the way home! After seeing a few scenes from the film, I now think it is about time to see it again!
That famous scene when Tom Burlinson's character rides his horse down the mountain in pursuit of the wild brumbys. So good to know that a real bushmen road his own horse for that incredible scene.
It was also amazing to get a quick glimpse of Sigrid Thornton (she is so young in it) and of course the wonderful Australian character, Jack Thompson! I did forget that Kirk Douglas was in it though!
Anyway, I will have to 'russle-up' a copy so I can relive many of those beautiful scenes of the high country. It is by far, one of the most iconic Australian Films!
We need more 'Aussie' films that incorporate the vast country, we call home!
That famous scene when Tom Burlinson's character rides his horse down the mountain in pursuit of the wild brumbys. So good to know that a real bushmen road his own horse for that incredible scene.
It was also amazing to get a quick glimpse of Sigrid Thornton (she is so young in it) and of course the wonderful Australian character, Jack Thompson! I did forget that Kirk Douglas was in it though!
Anyway, I will have to 'russle-up' a copy so I can relive many of those beautiful scenes of the high country. It is by far, one of the most iconic Australian Films!
We need more 'Aussie' films that incorporate the vast country, we call home!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
'Back to Classes'
Oh well! The break is over, spread forth those wings and head off to classes.
It is that time again, I am getting ready to head off to Uni again. Although I have started back at TAFE, it still doesn't feel like I am back yet. Before I know it I will be snowed under with an enormous amount of work which will take a lot of energy and mind power.
The break has been too long! Everyone I asked has said they thought the same thing. I guess it is just that you are go, go, go, whilst the academic year is in full swing, and when the holiday break comes, you are stumped as to what to do with all that extra time.
So although my head is currently in the space of 'TAFE', it will have to get into the space of Uni as well! I am trying to prepare, but like me it has been all in the last few weeks.
So, to all my fellow students, I say good luck for the very near academic year; may all of you get HD's and CD's for all your assessments!
That's my good luck prayer!
P.S Don't forget to 'tweak' all your work!
It is that time again, I am getting ready to head off to Uni again. Although I have started back at TAFE, it still doesn't feel like I am back yet. Before I know it I will be snowed under with an enormous amount of work which will take a lot of energy and mind power.
The break has been too long! Everyone I asked has said they thought the same thing. I guess it is just that you are go, go, go, whilst the academic year is in full swing, and when the holiday break comes, you are stumped as to what to do with all that extra time.
So although my head is currently in the space of 'TAFE', it will have to get into the space of Uni as well! I am trying to prepare, but like me it has been all in the last few weeks.
So, to all my fellow students, I say good luck for the very near academic year; may all of you get HD's and CD's for all your assessments!
That's my good luck prayer!
P.S Don't forget to 'tweak' all your work!
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