All posts by Joe Wallace

gear

Office Star SPACE Collection

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Once upon a time I worked as an editor in an office that used these Office Star 5500 chairs. I was skeptical at first–that mesh back didn’t look sturdy enough at first glance…but I’m happy to say I was wrong about this office chair. I spent many months in one of these and would be happy to spend many more–I just wish quality office furniture wasn’t as pricey as buying a decent printer! The fact you can write these purchases off is a major saving grace when it comes to pimping out your home office.

I’m very tempted to replace my not-so-old current model in favor of this one, for several reasons. The one-touch seat height adjustment is a plus, and the adjustable tilt and lumbar support are good, too. I have a big carpet remnant underneath my desk and the oversized wheels on the Office Star 5500 come in handy for use on non-tiled or hardwood surfaces.

Buy the Office Star 5500 Office Chair for $145.00

resources

One for the Storytellers: Emerging Writers Network

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Today I’ve been enjoying a variety of reading at the Emerging Writers Network. This site is a must-read for anybody working to get that first novel finished, entering fiction contests, running that gauntlet of the underpaid non-nonfiction writer. This site is dedicated to quality writing, and better yet, supporting those who do quality work. Emerging Writers Network isn’t just full of reviews of emerging authors, it’s exactly what the name implies. When writers join up, they can take advantage of free services including reviews for a new book, press opportunities, and access to the writer’s forum.

One of my all-time pet peeves is the use of bait-and-switch tricks to con people into thinking something is free. Like those programs where you pay a subscription fee to get access to discounts–where’s the big advantage to paying for some cruddy little discount? Or the gag where they say “$25 for a one-year membership that includes a free gift.” That gift ain’t free, you just paid $25 for it! I am VERY pleased to say that Emerging Writers Network engages in none of those silly practices, when they say “free” they really do mean FREE. Kudos.

If you’re looking for new places to publish, you’ll find a ton of resources at Emerging Writers Network–there is an extensive collection of links to literary blogs and lit journals. A solid addition to a fiction writer’s list of required online reading.

reading

A Whack on the Side of the Head

whack-on-the-side-of-the-head.JPGThis book is not new, but is pretty valuable. I’ve always loved coming back to A Whack on the Side of the Head from time to time to revisit the ideas and see if they kickstart anything new in my skull–especially if I am suffering a particularly bad dry spell in the creativity department.

Roger von Oech’s most valuable contribution to the fight writer’s block game comes in identifying barriers to creativity you probably don’t even see or percieve as standing in your way. He lists out sets of bad assumptions, limited thinking, and “we never did it that way before” notions, giving suggestions on how to break these unwritten rules to your creative advantage.

A lot of this is reminiscent of Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies, but in a more straightforward way. Where Eno would say “Honor thy error as thy hidden intention”, von Oech says “be foolish” and “mistakes are good”. Either way, the end result is getting out of that rut you’re in.

This is an excellent book to pull out when you’re feeling creatively stifled. Just one of von Oech’s great ideas can set your brain back in motion and leave you feeling like you’ve set yourself free from the quagmire. Great stuff, highly recommended.

Buy A Whack on the Side of the Head for $10.87

lifestyle

Valentine’s Day Make-Up Offering

belg-chocolates.JPG Save your excuses, we know ’em already. Deadlines, too much work, not enough time to get out to the shops. We’ve heard it all before, but you’re STILL in the doghouse. Man or woman, if you’ve missed–or messed up–Valentine’s Day, somebody you know has a little dark raincloud floating right over their head. Right?

Not for long. 

This deliciously creamy Belgian chocolate by Leonidas, complete with snazzy gift box will more than make up for any tardiness…just you wait until this arrives! The rich dark chocolate coating alone gets raves from all reviewers. There’s a reason these are priced as they are–if you’ve been a bad significant other and missed Valentine’s Day, all will be forgiven after the first bite. Next time, though, give these BEFORE you get in trouble and see what kind of reception that brings. You won’t be sorry.

Buy Leonidas 1.5 pound dark chocolate assortment for $48.00

resources

Anywired Advice For Your Home Office

anywired_header1.jpgThis great blog got my attention today thanks to a fantastic list of links, resources and advice by Skellie called Your Home Office Library: 45+ Home Office Tips, Hacks and How-Tos. This piece is packed with info on setting up, organizing, and working at home. Anywired is a blog for anyone who wants to make money online, but in this case that phrase does NOT apply to “work at home” scams or other dodgy programs.

Skellie writes for freelancers, telecommuters, web business owners, anybody currently earning a buck with a net connection. I am seriously loving this blog. I get a lot of satisfaction from any blog that knows enough about the game to put “making money” and “finding work” in two separate categories. Cheers, Skellie–you’ve got new fans here. Anywired is tops with us.

reading

Writing White Papers by Michael Stelzner

writing-white-papers1.jpgWhite papers can be a great source of income for a hungry writer, but this is a type of writing newcomes shouldn’t take on lightly. If you’re scratching your head at the very phrase “white paper” you owe it to yourself to check out this book by Michael Stelzner on the subject.

White paper writing has been described as a cross between promotional and magazine article writing. You need to be able to make a case without the copy reading like a blatant ad for a particular product, service, or combination of the two.

White papers can be used to present a position, encourage a course of action, argue why one set of products, services or solutions should be used, the possibilities are endless. Stelzner’s book outlines a game plan for white papers (no matter what the topic) that can help you get an outline together and make a strong presentation. Newcomers to this type of writing will benefit from Stelzner’s coverage of research, doing interviews, gathering material and all other aspects of the process.

Of course, those not currently writing white papers may scratch their heads and wonder why this could be a valuable addition to a writer’s toolbox. For my money, it’s just like being able to do your own photography–anything that makes you a better sell as writer is a good thing. Expanding your horizons should be a prime consideration if you want to thrive as a writer.

Buy Writing White Papers by Michael Stelzner for $23.07