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Not just a blog, a philosophy

Heigh-Ho, January! Sane (and Fun) Writing Goals for the New Year

Posted on January 6, 2012 by maedez

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Typebars in a 1920s typewriter

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January, although frigid and dreary, has a few compensatory gifts up its wintry sleeve that no other month can offer: a chance to rewind the clock to start, a vague idea that anything is possible, and a sense of euphoria that can only be found when the year is in its first blush. Although these feelings naturally fade as the temperature rises, you should be able to use this energy all year-long. The goals I have in mind aren’t tauntingly out of reach, nor must they be broken down into a dozen discouraging steps; they could just as easily be called Life Skills for Writers. Continue reading →

A Year in Books/Day 6: Arthur Conan Doyle A Life in Letters

Posted on January 6, 2012 by maedez

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Title: Arthur Conan Doyle A Life in Letters
Edited by: Jon Lellenberg, Daniel Stashower & Charles Foley
Year Published: 2007 (The Penguin Press New York)
Year Purchased: 2011
Source: Dollar Tree
About: A biography-through-letters of the struggling medical man turned world famous writer.
Motivation: Letter writing, once the definitive mode of communication for millions, is a nearly obsolete art. It is also the straightest path to the real feelings, opinions and events of a person’s life. When creating Sherlock Holmes is only one of many odd and diverse accomplishments for that person, then the straightest path is by far the best.
Times Read: 1
Random Excerpt/Page 192: “Dear Mrs. Boismaison- Though I am forced to send in my bills at regular intervals in order to keep my books square, I need hardly say that there is not the slightest reason for your settling them until it entirely suits your convenience. Hoping that you are keeping well, I remain Very sincerely yours A. Conan Doyle, MB CM”.
Happiness Scale: 10 (9 for content with a bonus point awarded because I read the
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book on my honeymoon)

R.I.P. Norman Lloyd (1914-2021)

Norman Lloyd, long a personal favorite of mine, was a fascinating man and performer. Norman Lloyd Dead [THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER]

R.I.P. Geoffrey Scott

Geoffrey Scott was from a younger generation than the performers I normally write about, but his handsome presence was ubiquitous during my 1980s childhood. From Dynasty to The Love Boat, Night Court, and Battle of the Network Stars, his charisma and acting ability lit up the small screen for decades. He will be missed. Geoffrey […]

Kirk Douglas: 1916-2020

[2019 Reel Infatuation Blogathon] But Baby Think of Me Once in Awhile: On Andy Travis as Television’s Best (and Hunkiest) Boss

Welcome to the 2019 Reel Infatuation Blogathon! Baby, If You’ve Ever Wondered: It still seems like yesterday that the idea for RI popped in my head. It was actually in December 2015, while in a hotel room getting ready for a holiday party, when it occurred to me that there was a gap in the classic […]

Announcing the 2019 Reel Infatuation Blogathon!

This is one of my favorite events of the year, and not just because I’m the co-hostess. It’s simply that good. And fun. Oh, so much fun! Here’s my original announcement. ANNOUNCING THE 2019 REEL INFATUATION BLOGATHON I hope you’ll join us!