24
| Jul 2008 |
I don't think I've ever used them in my writing, but I like them anyway.
In no particular order:
21
| Jul 2008 |
The New York Times published an article titled “Given a Shovel, Americans Dig Deeper Into Debt”. I think everyone should read it. It's a sobering look at what happens when you finance your lifestyle with credit cards and other debts.
However, before you read it, I must warn you that the article's author is somewhat…financially illiterate. For example she wrote:
Household debt, including mortgages and credit cards, represents 19 percent of household assets, according to the Fed, compared with 13 percent in 1980.
I hate to say it, but “household debt, including mortgages and credit cards” cannot be called “assets”. They're liabilities. Anything takes cash and/or other assets from you is a liability. And it sucks and must be avoided at all costs.
The article also comes with some videos. They're very sad, but they don't always illustrate exactly what is driving the engine of over-spending and over-consumption. The people featured have absolutely no savings or assets to fall back on. They're living paycheck to paycheck, and they're unable to do anything about it. That's why even a minor disaster can hit them hard and push them into foreclosures and bankruptcies. The absolute tragedy of it all is that it's not uncommon to see people like this in America.
One of the videos features an old lady who didn't save any money because she wanted to give her children better clothes and so on. But she's never given a thought about her financial future. I'm not sure if that was necessarily wise, although I'm sure her children appreciated the lifestyle she's given them.
My parents were the exact opposite. My closet was woefully empty of pretty clothes. I think I had mostly jeans and t-shirts, and to be honest, I hated shopping for clothes because I knew I wouldn't get the kind of stylish clothes my high school friends had. I also owned about four pairs of shoes. But right now, my parents own their home outright (they bought it in 1999) and have some savings to fall back on in case of emergency. They helped me pay for my college education, and with the financial aid and my summer jobs, I graduated without any college loans or credit card debt. They taught me the danger of relying on credit cards, and I wasn't allowed to use mine except for the most extreme emergencies. They also taught me how to balance my check book, how to save and how to manage cash flow. Their mantra still is “hoarding cash or cash-generating assets is the best; borrowing is for the weak-willed”. They think that people who cannot delay gratification or deal with their emotions make poor purchasing decisions and use credit cards to buy non-cash-generating assets (meaning cars, clothes, shoes, handbags, etc.) they cannot afford in the first place.
Although I hated their extreme frugality when I was growing up, now I appreciate the fact that they taught me the value of money. I don't know if I would've been able to survive this long as a non-income generating writer without the financial discipline they'd taught me. And after reading the article, I feel like I'm one of the rarest breed of American women who don't get the therapeutic effect of shopping. I usually find shopping highly stressful because I see it as a cash-flowing-out-of-my-bank-account-and-I-feel-poor event.
How about you? What do you wish you knew about personal finance? Do you have any cool tips and tricks on how to manage money better?
17
| Jul 2008 |
16
| Jul 2008 |
Disclaimer: I'm a member of Romance Divas, but not an admin or owner. Please note that the workshops are free and run by volunteers. Thanks.
The Romance Divas annual Not Going to Conference Conference will make you feel a bit less deprived! Amazing workshops, a star-studded guest list and awesome giveaways, all on the Diva forum! Don't miss it!
Coordinated by Seeley deBorn!
Here's a bit of a schedule update for the Q&As and Workshops…
Wednesday, July 30
Paula Guran, Editor, Juno Books
Q&A on Creating Kick a** HeroinesLaurie Rauch, Editor, Samhain Publishing
Workshop on What Happens After the Contract (aka Editors are People Too!)*Thursday July 31
Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary
Q&A on Inspirational Romance Stories and the Inspy MarketSandra Schwab, Historical Romance Author
Workshop on Historical Accuracy and AnachronismsFriday, August 1
Yolanda Sfetsos, Author of Guarded by Stone
Q&A on Paranormal and Urban Fantasy World BuildingKatie MacIver, KatieDidDesign
Workshop on Website Design and Color SelectionSaturday, August 2
Joey W. Hill, Erotica Author
Workshop on Plotting Erotica and Erotic RomanceRhonda Stapleton, Editor and Author
Workshop on Style and VoiceExcited yet?
How about if I list some door prizes?
- What Gwen said” mug donated by Gwen Hayes
- 3-chapter critique of a YA by Simon Pulse author Rhonda Stapleton
- 3-chapter critique of a YA, chick lit, or rom com by Golden Heart Finalist Amanda Brice
- An ebook of your choice from Nell Dixon's backlist
- An ebook of either Second Sight (paranormal romance) or Dragons' Choice (fantasy romance – dragon-shifters) from Debbie Mumford
- Ten dollar Amazon gift certificate from Jodi Henley
- Lush stuff from Seeley deBorne
- e-book copy of Chasing Shadows from Erin Richards
- Paperback copy of Iron Horse Rider OR Smiling Eyes from Adelle Laudan
- Book thongs from Angeleque Ford
- 3 chapter critique from Sela Carsen
- winner's choice of ebook copy of “Not Quite Dead” or “Heart of the Sea” by Sela Carson
- e-book copy of HEATWAVE by Eden Bradley
- e-book copy of BREAKING SKYE by Eden Bradley
- a box of goodies, trade and paperbacks, bath products candles, etc… All for a fun and relaxing home spa day treat. courtesy of The Midnight Moon Cafe
- 1 download each of Natasha Moore's Samhain books, The Ride of Her Life and The Passion-Minded Professor
- a copy of “Painted Soul” by Mary Quast
- e-book copy of HER CINDERELLA COMPLEX by Jenna Bayley-Burke – Samhain
- e-book copy of PAR FOR THE COURSE by Jenna Bayley-Burke – Samhain
- e-book copy of FOUND by Jenna Bayley-Burke – Wild Rose Press
- e-book copy of NIGHT OF INSPIRATION by Jenna Allen – Phaze
- e-book copy of ON AGAIN by Jenna Allen – Phaze
- $10 gc to Amazon from Kendal Corbitt
- ebook Vampire Oracle: Harmony by MG Braden
Plus a lovely bar of wonderful Chagrin Valley hand made soap, Caramel Pralines jar candle, handmade jewelry, Tarot readings, a Lush box for European Divas/Dudes, a $10 fictionwise gc and much more!
12
| Jul 2008 |
I've heard many people say they just want to write something “good enough” to be published. After all, it's not like they're writing a Shakespearean play, right?
Wrong.
How can you be a good writer if you plan to do just enough to get by? How can you call yourself an artist?
Some people actually say, “But it's just romance (or insert any other genre)! With the limitations of the genre and word count, I can't do the story any justice! What's the point of writing something deep and meaningful for just a genre novel?”
If you can't do the story justice in the genre for whatever reason, shouldn't you change your genre and/or write a literary novel? Why show such contempt for the readers and the genre when you yourself can't write the story that they want and expect from you? What are you really afraid of?
We, romance writers, bemoan lack of respect, promotional dollars, ridicule, etc. But isn't that because many of us look down upon the genre ourselves? When you're going for a job interview, do you tell the prospective employer, “I'm the best candidate for the position” or “I'm good enough for the position”?
If we hope to become published, improve the genre's image, and perhaps join the NYT bestsellerdom, we must promise ourselves to do the following:
When we do all of the above, we'll be one step closer to our writing goals. And please don't say you tried. “Tried” isn't good enough.
