Be INSPIRED to focus, write & share
Find the Beautiful, the Strange at Your Local Botanical Garden
I am not a botanist, but I enjoy spending time at Botanical Gardens. These gardens can take many forms, but the specimens are usually suited to the particular climates found in the state. According to Wikipedia, the inception of botanical gardens is linked to the history of botany, and most 16th and 17th-century scientific
The Eager-Beaver Writer
Are you an Eager Beaver Writer? Does this describe you? This person has wonderful intentions, and after riding the wave of motivation, promises to: Wake up early to write Write 1,000 words per day Learn how to use Scrivener Build an author’s website The Eager Beaver Writer burns out, generally in the first week, because
Use BOTH Sides of Your Brain in Harmony
Use BOTH Sides of Your Brain in Harmony Does the left side of your brain dominate your actions, or the right? Are you logical, organized and methodical, or are you intuitive, spontaneous and creative? Or, do you use both sides of your brain in harmony? Scientists have studied brain-injury patients for years and have
Our Milestone: 35 Years Together
We celebrated a milestone in the Van Auken family: our 35th wedding anniversary. Robin and Lance Van Auken Mr. and Mrs. Lance Van Auken, South Williamsport, observed their 35th wedding anniversary Feb. 14, 2016. They were married in Seminole, Fla. Mrs. Van Auken, the former Robin Butler, is a native of San
Small Changes Ripple Outward
Small Changes Ripple Outward I spent a delightful 12 minutes watching a Ted Talk by Shawn Achor, a psychologist who teaches about positivity and its effect on happiness. Shawn Achor(Photo courtesy Alexismbr, Wikimedia Commons) Not only did I laugh most of the the time, but I was inspired to pause the
Thinking Like Leonardo
Thinking Like Leonardo I've been pondering the concept of a New Renaissance. I've been wondering if it's possible to think like Leonardo da Vinci. On the topic, Parade magazine's resident genius Marilyn Vos Savant once wrote she would: "... found a school for art and music, dedicated to bringing back the classical beauty in sight and
Book Envy
I'm nearly there. As of today, I've read 93 books toward my goal of 104 books in the Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge. I seldom participate in online challenges because I have a problem committing. I tease my husband (of 32 years!) that I'm still not sure we're right for each other. I refuse to watch
eBook Hoarding
I’m an eBook hoarder. With so many authors offering books to promote a series, I find myself hanging out on Pixel of Ink, World Literary Cafe, Kindle Author, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords, snatching up books while they’re free. I’ll click on a free eBook link regardless of the genre and download it to
A New Takei on Feminist Perspective
Although she didn’t intend to do it, Anita Sarkeesian tossed a pie in my face this morning. I deserved it. Sarkeesian is a media critic specializing in pop culture. You can find her feminist/fan-girl commentaries on her website, www.FeministFrequency.com. The day after Valentine’s Day, she posted a video “The 2012 Oscars and The Bechdel Test.”
Interview: Supporting Authors One Read at a Time
Supporting Authors One Read at a Time Robin Van Auken (writing as Madeline Sloane) is the author of Distracted, East of Eaton, and West Wind. She discusses her book, her journey as a writer, and self-publishing on the popular Supporting Authors One Read at a Time blog by author Eri Nelson. Q: Where are you
