Archive for January 2016

Writer's block versus writer's ennui

Writer's block versus writer's ennui
I haven’t been writing much lately. I don’t have writer’s block. I don’t. I have plenty of ideas for things to write: blog posts, plays, stories, and even a couple of books. When I make myself write I don’t stare at a blank screen or page; I write. Sure, some things I write are better... Read more »
By Kim Z Dale,
January 29, 2016 at 9:27 pm • 

The problem with my kid learning to read is I can't lie to him anymore

My son knows how to read. Sure, he still struggles with some words, but as I’ve told him, even grown ups sometimes run into words we don’t know while we are reading. I’m thrilled that my son can read (and that my daughter is starting to read too). I must admit, though, that I am... Read more »
By Kim Z Dale,
January 27, 2016 at 10:00 pm • 

How to be an amateur stock photo model

How to be an amateur stock photo model
Click through the gallery below for tips on how to be an amateur stock photo model. Disclosure: I do not have any personal knowledge about modeling for stock photos; however, I was able to make some guesses based on these free stock photos attributed to typexnick on Morguefile. You may also enjoy: Weird stuff for... Read more »
By Kim Z Dale,
January 22, 2016 at 10:34 pm • 
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The skeleton on my hard drive

I found a play I forgot I wrote. I noticed a subdirectory with an unfamiliar name in the “plays” folder on my computer. In it I discovered the script for a play I had completely forgotten. So I read it. The play is awful. No, I’m serious. It is really, really awful. The problem is... Read more »
By Kim Z Dale,
January 17, 2016 at 12:20 pm • 

Weird stuff for sale at Oriental Trading Company

My daughter chose a Frozen theme for her birthday party. This sweet little girl seems more interested in Lizzie Borden.
It’s birthday party planning season in our house, which means a lot of browsing for bargain decorations and favors on the Oriental Trading Company website. It’s not always the cheapest source for particularly for licensed character items, but it tends to be a great place to get party staples like tablecloths, balloons, crafts, and small... Read more »
By Kim Z Dale,
January 11, 2016 at 6:14 am • 

Am I the only writer who doesn't love Bird by Bird?

Am I the only writer who doesn't love Bird by Bird?
Writers love the book Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Every few months a writer I know will mention THE BOOK only to have other people pile on about how inspiring it is. I read it. I didn’t find it inspiring. I found it choked with metaphor and platitudes. I didn’t hate it, but it... Read more »
By Kim Z Dale,
January 5, 2016 at 9:03 pm • 
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Uber list: My goals for 2016

Uber list: My goals for 2016
Now that I’ve looked back on my accomplishments and shortfalls from last year it is time to set out my goals for 2016. a couple of my goals for this year don’t follow my usual uber list criteria of specific and measurable, but they are things that I’d like to focus on anyway. In general... Read more »
By Kim Z Dale,
January 3, 2016 at 1:39 pm •