Disclaimer: My apologies for being late on this installment of PLUGGIN' AWAY WEEKS. Strep throat and a host of other annoying ailments kept me away from the blogosphere for many days. Damn little germs. And penicillin is no treat, either. Blech.
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There's something funny about the word "neurotic", isn't there? Of course, true clinical neuroses aren't amusing (especially if you're on the receiving end of said problems), but everyday neuroses... well, they're kind of enjoyable to discuss.
Beth knows this quite well.
She's the blog mistress over at The Perfect Neurotic, and she takes her role as the ringleader of her circus seriously but with a high degree of mirth.
A TRIBUTE TO MS. BETH
Let's explore what makes her such a great attribute to cyberspace using the first letters of her name.
B. The Perfect Neurotic is a Bright spot to visit, as the discussion is lively (and ongoing) and the posts are stimulating.
E. I believe I found The Perfect Neurotic through The Clarity of Night. Or maybe Beth found me. Whatever. In any case, I found and find her writing to be highly Entertaining.
T. Whenever someone leaves a comment at The Perfect Neurotic, Beth responds. This type of Thank You is a much-appreciated courtesy among bloggers.
H. Beth blogs with Honesty. Her writings are infused with a sincerity that makes you feel as if you're a trusted confidante.
NEUROTIC, SCHNEUROTIC...
Are you itching to pop in now?
Be forewarned that the subject could turn to gardening or knitting at any time... but rest assured that even if you have a black thumb (as do I), you'll get a kick out of the discourse.
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I hope you've enjoyed our little journey during PLUGGIN' AWAY WEEKS. I'm going to pause from it for a while to move on to other subjects, but I do intend to revisit it periodically.
Thanks to everyone who visited during our virtual tour!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Pluggin' Away, Part Funf
It doesn't matter what you do for a living.
Nor does it make a difference what your family life is like.
Sooner or later, you'll meet the adversary known as REJECTION.
Let's face it--rejection ain't fun. It can be embarrassing, disheartening, disturbing, personal and (in some extreme cases) earth-shattering.
However, one blogger has found a way to put a humorous spin on regularly being rejected. Who is this bold, brave individual? Writer, Rejected from Literary Rejections on Display.
WHAT DRAWS ME TO LITERARY REJECTIONS ON DISPLAY
As a fellow writer, I know the sting of rejection. I also know the value of laughter. Yet I've not always been willing to openly mix the two. Fortunately, Writer, Rejected does.
Many unbelievably insincere rejection slips, letters and emails are posted at Literary Rejections on Display for fellow bloggers to view and discuss. And Writer, Rejected intersperses these notices with witty fantasies, some involving Rosemary Ahern, a literary agent (I believe.)
Even if you're not an author or journalist, Literary Rejections on Display is bound to resonate with you. Because like it or not, we've all been figuratively stamped with the word "REJECTED" a time or two. (And maybe literally stamped with it in some cases...)
THE TOP FOUR ASPECTS OF LITERARY REJECTIONS ON DISPLAY
1. The Comments--Between the scathing words delivered by angry editors and the loving reminders of sympathetic visitors, the commentary is always interesting and lively. I have noticed that it's died down a bit in the past couple of weeks... maybe we could all drop by and get it going again!
2. The Tone--Self-deprecation is always in fashion. Sure, some people find it to be over-the-top or boringly indulgent, but I think it's refreshingly candid.
3. The Mystery--Is Writer, Rejected a man or woman? Or perhaps a mythological creature? Does it matter? Probably not... but it's enjoyable to try to figure it out.
4. The Camaraderie--You're not alone. You're really not. In a world of rejection slips, Literary Rejections on Display is a welcoming haven for anyone whose day, week, year or decade has been ruined by the word "no".
As PLUGGIN' AWAY WEEKS continues, we'll dish about neuroses... and gardening.
Nor does it make a difference what your family life is like.
Sooner or later, you'll meet the adversary known as REJECTION.
Let's face it--rejection ain't fun. It can be embarrassing, disheartening, disturbing, personal and (in some extreme cases) earth-shattering.
However, one blogger has found a way to put a humorous spin on regularly being rejected. Who is this bold, brave individual? Writer, Rejected from Literary Rejections on Display.
WHAT DRAWS ME TO LITERARY REJECTIONS ON DISPLAY
As a fellow writer, I know the sting of rejection. I also know the value of laughter. Yet I've not always been willing to openly mix the two. Fortunately, Writer, Rejected does.
Many unbelievably insincere rejection slips, letters and emails are posted at Literary Rejections on Display for fellow bloggers to view and discuss. And Writer, Rejected intersperses these notices with witty fantasies, some involving Rosemary Ahern, a literary agent (I believe.)
Even if you're not an author or journalist, Literary Rejections on Display is bound to resonate with you. Because like it or not, we've all been figuratively stamped with the word "REJECTED" a time or two. (And maybe literally stamped with it in some cases...)
THE TOP FOUR ASPECTS OF LITERARY REJECTIONS ON DISPLAY
1. The Comments--Between the scathing words delivered by angry editors and the loving reminders of sympathetic visitors, the commentary is always interesting and lively. I have noticed that it's died down a bit in the past couple of weeks... maybe we could all drop by and get it going again!
2. The Tone--Self-deprecation is always in fashion. Sure, some people find it to be over-the-top or boringly indulgent, but I think it's refreshingly candid.
3. The Mystery--Is Writer, Rejected a man or woman? Or perhaps a mythological creature? Does it matter? Probably not... but it's enjoyable to try to figure it out.
4. The Camaraderie--You're not alone. You're really not. In a world of rejection slips, Literary Rejections on Display is a welcoming haven for anyone whose day, week, year or decade has been ruined by the word "no".
As PLUGGIN' AWAY WEEKS continues, we'll dish about neuroses... and gardening.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
A Short Side Trip
I just wanted to jump off the Recess for Writers PLUGGIN' AWAY WEEKS path to send a quick note of "chin up" to a fellow blogger.
We who blog form tight bonds. Sure, they might be virtual, but they feel as real as the messy dining room table upon which my laptop sits. I'm well aware that the blogosphere might be a dreamland in a way, but when one of my frequent visitors is hurting, I hurt, too.
I will not disclose this blogger's identity, because it's not necessary. He or she will know. Suffice it to say that I am shocked by the treatment this person has been receiving by cyber criminals. Horrible stuff. Downright disgusting.
So I am taking a moment to ask all of you to remember that bloggers are people, too. It's fine to disagree, but for god's sake, we're not in high school. Knock off the drama unless you're going to post about the theatre or cinema. I implore you.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming...
We who blog form tight bonds. Sure, they might be virtual, but they feel as real as the messy dining room table upon which my laptop sits. I'm well aware that the blogosphere might be a dreamland in a way, but when one of my frequent visitors is hurting, I hurt, too.
I will not disclose this blogger's identity, because it's not necessary. He or she will know. Suffice it to say that I am shocked by the treatment this person has been receiving by cyber criminals. Horrible stuff. Downright disgusting.
So I am taking a moment to ask all of you to remember that bloggers are people, too. It's fine to disagree, but for god's sake, we're not in high school. Knock off the drama unless you're going to post about the theatre or cinema. I implore you.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming...
Monday, October 8, 2007
Pluggin' Away, part Vier
Where oh where did the past few days go? One nasty head cold, a million responsibilities, and suddenly I'm left asking, "Did 72 hours really pass that quickly?" Maybe I was abducted by aliens. That would account for the time loss.
In any case, Szelsofa has been most patient and I appreciate that. In fact, I appreciate so much about her and her blog, Gondolatok az erdoben, that I'm dedicating the rest of this post to telling you about it.
(If you haven't guessed, I've expanded PLUGGIN' AWAY WEEK here at Recess for Writers. Maybe I should call it PLUGGIN' AWAY WEEKS?)
A LITTLE ABOUT GONDOLATOK AZ ERDOBEN
(The blog name, loosely translated, means "thoughts about nature/trees" according to an online translation software program.)
Szelsofa, the author of Gondolatok az erdoben is Hungarian and posts from beautiful eastern Europe. Though English isn't her first language, her prose is remarkably crisp with inspirational and powerful imagery.
Whenever she can, Szelsofa inserts photos of natural items she finds during her walks in the woods. Sometimes, she holds contests which Beth, a.k.a. The Perfect Neurotic, always wins. (Could something be up? Hmmm.)
THE THREE MOST APPEALING ASPECTS OF GONDOLATOK AZ ERDOBEN
1. Szelsofa is always straightforward. It's refreshing to know her views without having to guess where she stands on cultural and societal issues.
2. Szelsofa's writings are sensitive, deep and fascinating. She has an amazing command of the written word, especially for someone still learning the many intricacies of English.
3. Szelsofa is cool. You'll want to be her buddy. You'll feel like taking a trip to Hungary just to meet this gal and discuss blogging over a cup of tea and some homemade bread (sans liver pate.)
But don't just take my word for it... pop in to Gondolatok az erdoben right now and see for yourself what's happening on the other side of the Atlantic. Make sure to leave a comment and let Szelsofa know The Quoibler sent you!
The next review?
HINT: It's all about rejection, but in the most amusing way possible.
In any case, Szelsofa has been most patient and I appreciate that. In fact, I appreciate so much about her and her blog, Gondolatok az erdoben, that I'm dedicating the rest of this post to telling you about it.
(If you haven't guessed, I've expanded PLUGGIN' AWAY WEEK here at Recess for Writers. Maybe I should call it PLUGGIN' AWAY WEEKS?)
A LITTLE ABOUT GONDOLATOK AZ ERDOBEN
(The blog name, loosely translated, means "thoughts about nature/trees" according to an online translation software program.)
Szelsofa, the author of Gondolatok az erdoben is Hungarian and posts from beautiful eastern Europe. Though English isn't her first language, her prose is remarkably crisp with inspirational and powerful imagery.
Whenever she can, Szelsofa inserts photos of natural items she finds during her walks in the woods. Sometimes, she holds contests which Beth, a.k.a. The Perfect Neurotic, always wins. (Could something be up? Hmmm.)
THE THREE MOST APPEALING ASPECTS OF GONDOLATOK AZ ERDOBEN
1. Szelsofa is always straightforward. It's refreshing to know her views without having to guess where she stands on cultural and societal issues.
2. Szelsofa's writings are sensitive, deep and fascinating. She has an amazing command of the written word, especially for someone still learning the many intricacies of English.
3. Szelsofa is cool. You'll want to be her buddy. You'll feel like taking a trip to Hungary just to meet this gal and discuss blogging over a cup of tea and some homemade bread (sans liver pate.)
But don't just take my word for it... pop in to Gondolatok az erdoben right now and see for yourself what's happening on the other side of the Atlantic. Make sure to leave a comment and let Szelsofa know The Quoibler sent you!
The next review?
HINT: It's all about rejection, but in the most amusing way possible.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Pluggin' Away, part Drei
Sometimes, anger can be downright funny. Not when you're the recipient of it. Not when it boils inside you like a spicy stew. Not when it directly affects you. But definitely when you can read about and comment on the fury of others.
Before the Internet, we were lucky to occasionally witness some amusing ranting on the bus or in the grocery store; however, with the help of cyberspace and the website Passive-Aggressive Notes we can freely enjoy written tirades from around the planet.
WHY PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE NOTES IS A GUILTY PLEASURE
I have a feeling that you might be thinking, "Why the heck would I be interested in something of this nature? I don't have time...!" And you're probably right. But once you start reading some of the juvenile (and just plain crazy) notes posted on the site, I suspect you'll at least crack a smile.
THE BEST ASPECT OF PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE NOTES
What I find most interesting on this website is the commentary. I tend to only "blurk" (though I've written in once or twice), however--the "regulars" seem to make all the good jokes within the first ten or so comments.
A PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE WARNING
One caveat about Passive Aggressive Notes:
If you are at all offended by "naughty" words or off-color humor, you might want to avoid this site. One word in particular (it starts with "F" and ends with "K"... and it's not "fork") finds its way into almost every entry in some way or another.
Next time on Recess for Writers' PLUGGING AWAY WEEK edition...
She's a writer from Europe who minces no words and writes in a free-form way that is completely engaging. She's Szelsofa and her blog, Gondolatok az erdoben, is as open and honest as they come.
Before the Internet, we were lucky to occasionally witness some amusing ranting on the bus or in the grocery store; however, with the help of cyberspace and the website Passive-Aggressive Notes we can freely enjoy written tirades from around the planet.
WHY PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE NOTES IS A GUILTY PLEASURE
I have a feeling that you might be thinking, "Why the heck would I be interested in something of this nature? I don't have time...!" And you're probably right. But once you start reading some of the juvenile (and just plain crazy) notes posted on the site, I suspect you'll at least crack a smile.
THE BEST ASPECT OF PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE NOTES
What I find most interesting on this website is the commentary. I tend to only "blurk" (though I've written in once or twice), however--the "regulars" seem to make all the good jokes within the first ten or so comments.
A PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE WARNING
One caveat about Passive Aggressive Notes:
If you are at all offended by "naughty" words or off-color humor, you might want to avoid this site. One word in particular (it starts with "F" and ends with "K"... and it's not "fork") finds its way into almost every entry in some way or another.
Next time on Recess for Writers' PLUGGING AWAY WEEK edition...
She's a writer from Europe who minces no words and writes in a free-form way that is completely engaging. She's Szelsofa and her blog, Gondolatok az erdoben, is as open and honest as they come.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Pluggin' Away..., part Zwei
Ready for the next installment during PLUGGING AWAY WEEK here at Recess for Writers?
As promised, I'll be talking about The Clarity of Night and why it's a regular "stop off" on my daily round of blog visits (blisits?)
WHAT'S MOST ATTRACTIVE ABOUT THE CLARITY OF NIGHT
I have to give tons of credit to Jason Evans, the visionary who maintains The Clarity of Night. He certainly knows how to build a solid community of writers and readers. It's typical for him to get two, three, even four times as many comments per post than you'd find on other blogs.
Every day or so, Jason puts a creative work of his onto the screen for all to see--an installment of an episodic series (take a gander at all nine posts of his work "Westinghoused"... but do so on an empty stomach), a poem, an observation, a question. Occasionally, he even holds writing contests that draw in tons of participants. (Speaking of which, I think we're due for another one, Jason... please!)
But what keeps me coming back is the warmth one feels at his blog. It's a setting that's open, kind and very forgiving. You'll know what I mean when you begin to come back on a regular basis...
IN A NUTSHELL: THE TOP THREE ASPECTS OF THE CLARITY OF NIGHT
3. Jason is willing to put his literary art on display for all to see and critique. That's bold, especially in this era of "blastards".
2. There are tons of excellent writers who visit and comment.
1. Where else can you see photos of a deer who is obviously vying for an Oscar nomination?
Jason, from me to you--a big thanks!
Next time, we'll talk about anger in its funniest form... passive aggressive notes.
As promised, I'll be talking about The Clarity of Night and why it's a regular "stop off" on my daily round of blog visits (blisits?)
WHAT'S MOST ATTRACTIVE ABOUT THE CLARITY OF NIGHT
I have to give tons of credit to Jason Evans, the visionary who maintains The Clarity of Night. He certainly knows how to build a solid community of writers and readers. It's typical for him to get two, three, even four times as many comments per post than you'd find on other blogs.
Every day or so, Jason puts a creative work of his onto the screen for all to see--an installment of an episodic series (take a gander at all nine posts of his work "Westinghoused"... but do so on an empty stomach), a poem, an observation, a question. Occasionally, he even holds writing contests that draw in tons of participants. (Speaking of which, I think we're due for another one, Jason... please!)
But what keeps me coming back is the warmth one feels at his blog. It's a setting that's open, kind and very forgiving. You'll know what I mean when you begin to come back on a regular basis...
IN A NUTSHELL: THE TOP THREE ASPECTS OF THE CLARITY OF NIGHT
3. Jason is willing to put his literary art on display for all to see and critique. That's bold, especially in this era of "blastards".
2. There are tons of excellent writers who visit and comment.
1. Where else can you see photos of a deer who is obviously vying for an Oscar nomination?
Jason, from me to you--a big thanks!
Next time, we'll talk about anger in its funniest form... passive aggressive notes.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Pluggin' away..., part Eins
I thought it might be nice to "share the love" and invite readers to visit some of the blogs I regularly peruse.
Consequently, this week will be PLUGGING AWAY WEEK at Recess for Writers!
I'm going to start with Offbeat Homes, one of the first blogs I "discovered" and have continued to return to for many moons.
WHAT INSPIRES ME ABOUT OFFBEAT HOMES:
First of all, Jennifer (the site's uber-cool blogging chick) brings readers information about crazy, unique and innovative homes they would otherwise never know. A house made entirely of feces? A tree house that's nicer than most condos and apartments? Roof gardens to die for?
Really, you never know what Jennifer will bring to the table--which adds to the excitement. Every time I stop by, I'm treated to new information, complete with hyperlinks and gorgeous (and sometimes strange!) imagery.
THE TOP THREE ASPECTS OF OFFBEAT HOMES:
1. Jennifer's voice comes through the text as clear as a bell. Every post reads in a conversational manner--you really feel like you "know" her.
2. It's obvious that Jennifer trolls (or "trawls", whichever you prefer--both seem to be used by bloggers and cyber surfers) the Internet looking to outdo herself. She isn't a slacker! She takes her job very seriously... while having fun with it, too!
3. The comments section at Offbeat Homes is always a hoot. People post their opinions with abandon, and Jennifer ALWAYS responds, as a solid moderator should.
OFFBEAT HOMES IS THE PERFECT BLOG FOR PEOPLE WHO:
- Want to learn how and where other people are living... and why they are making the choice to be "offbeat".
- Would like some design ideas for interiors and exteriors.
- Are thinking of moving and would like to live in a shoe, cave, or underwater hotel.
Stop by Offbeat Homes, and please tell Jennifer I sent you!
Next time, I'll talk about The Clarity of Night...
Consequently, this week will be PLUGGING AWAY WEEK at Recess for Writers!
I'm going to start with Offbeat Homes, one of the first blogs I "discovered" and have continued to return to for many moons.
WHAT INSPIRES ME ABOUT OFFBEAT HOMES:
First of all, Jennifer (the site's uber-cool blogging chick) brings readers information about crazy, unique and innovative homes they would otherwise never know. A house made entirely of feces? A tree house that's nicer than most condos and apartments? Roof gardens to die for?
Really, you never know what Jennifer will bring to the table--which adds to the excitement. Every time I stop by, I'm treated to new information, complete with hyperlinks and gorgeous (and sometimes strange!) imagery.
THE TOP THREE ASPECTS OF OFFBEAT HOMES:
1. Jennifer's voice comes through the text as clear as a bell. Every post reads in a conversational manner--you really feel like you "know" her.
2. It's obvious that Jennifer trolls (or "trawls", whichever you prefer--both seem to be used by bloggers and cyber surfers) the Internet looking to outdo herself. She isn't a slacker! She takes her job very seriously... while having fun with it, too!
3. The comments section at Offbeat Homes is always a hoot. People post their opinions with abandon, and Jennifer ALWAYS responds, as a solid moderator should.
OFFBEAT HOMES IS THE PERFECT BLOG FOR PEOPLE WHO:
- Want to learn how and where other people are living... and why they are making the choice to be "offbeat".
- Would like some design ideas for interiors and exteriors.
- Are thinking of moving and would like to live in a shoe, cave, or underwater hotel.
Stop by Offbeat Homes, and please tell Jennifer I sent you!
Next time, I'll talk about The Clarity of Night...
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