Tag Archives: catherine l. tully

editorial, lifestyle

Between Me And You™ Keepsake Journals

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Snddune2

by Catherine L. Tully

I had to feature this when I heard about it because it is such a neat idea. Plus, it would make the perfect holiday gift. I got in touch with the man at the helm here, Mr. Winston Simmonds Jr. He says, “My series is a unique family journal series that I think might interest visitors to your site particularly in these times when creating family keepsakes is so popular.” Well, Winston, I do agree!

I lost my Dad many years back and often wonder about what was important to him, what he thought about me, and how he saw life in general. Those things are just lost to me now because I never had the chance to ask him about any of it before he died. Family history is a fascinating thing, and these books offer a way to do more than just record “the facts”. It is a perfect compliment to doing a family tree or just to have as a personal keepsake.

Winston shared the following for Freelance-Zone readers:

There are currently 15 versions (2 en español).  Inside each journal are fun, non-sappy, sometimes humorous questions. Give them to the people you love and they are returned with handwritten responses. You then have a great keepsake to cherish. Many parents use them to collect info for their children from GRANDMA and GRANDPA. Many parents also use the MOM and DAD versions to record their own thoughts for their children.  And there are Spanish translations for the MOM and DAD versions.  The HONEY journal is a great way for significant others to get even closer and learn even more about each other.

They retail for just $14.95 each and the company will ship them anywhere in the world. Take a look at the website for all the details. I think this one is a real winner.

editorial, lifestyle

A Quote From Andy Rooney

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andy_rooneyby Catherine L. Tully

Today I’d like to share with you a quote from Andy Rooney:

“Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.”

I was just thinking about how typically at this time of year I have no work to do. I begin complaining about the fact that it will be boring, and I’ll be broke, and the blasted career field doesn’t come around again until after the Superbowl. I groused like mad for all of November this year, preparing myself for the silence in my inbox and the fact that it would be a tight couple of months. Then it happened. Three large projects on my plate–all with tight deadlines and lots of detail. And then Andy Rooney’s quote appeared in my e-mail…as if to remind me that I had just been complaining about how slow it was going to be.

Somebody please pass the salt.

editorial, lifestyle, resources

Dream Of Things

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mikeby Catherine L. Tully

Today I have the pleasure to share with you something really interesting. Editor and writer Mike O’Mary has come up with an idea for writers that I think will go far, and I interviewed him via e-mail so that I can share his ideas with Freelance-Zone readers here today. Let me know what you think, and be sure to sign up for more information at Dream Of Things.

FZ: Tell me a little about your background as a writer/editor.

Mike: I like writing essays, and I’ve also written fiction, drama and sketch comedy. The highlights are the essays I’ve published in various Sunday magazines, and writing and producing sketch comedy in Chicago. As for editing, I’ve edited several books, and I’ve written and edited lots of speeches and annual reports. So I’m a pretty good editor, but to me, writing is more fun.

FZ: What is Dream of Things?

Mike: Dream of Things is a book publisher and producer of videos and whatever else we decide to produce. It’s also an online community where writers and other artists can come together to 1) suggest ideas for books we’d like to see, and 2) write or contribute to books built around themes/ideas that spark our interest. Dream of Things will publish the books, and writers and other contributors will share in the royalties.

FZ: How did you come up with the idea for this?

Mike: I have always enjoyed working with creative people…writing workshops…working with actors, directors and musicians on theater productions…working with photographers, illustrators, graphic designers and video producers on other projects. I am very fortunate to have a lot of very creative people as friends, and I wanted to find ways for us to work together more often. I also hope to make a lot of new friends and to work with many of them… Continue reading Dream Of Things →

advice, blogging, editorial, lifestyle

Working Ahead Pays Off

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airplaneby Catherine L. Tully

I hope that everyone enjoyed the time off for the holiday. Another one is around the bend, and I don’t know about you, but I intend to work ahead so that I can really spend the time relaxing with family. At least that is my plan.

Working ahead is really a form of delayed gratification. Doing my blog posts ahead of time means more on my plate now. But…it also means that I won’t have them staring me in the face right when I should be winding down to spend quality time with those I love. 

Since I’ll be traveling again soon (which means more plane time, airport time and general down time), I plan on taking advantage of those days by preparing queries to send out when I return. In the meantime, I’ll be wrapping up what I can here at home before I hit the friendly skies.

So here goes…my top five tips for working ahead this holiday season… Continue reading Working Ahead Pays Off →

editorial, reading, travel

To Japan With Love Has Arrived!

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tojapanby Catherine L. Tully

The wait is finally over. Joe and I were both recently published in the book To Japan With Love, and today I received my complimentary copies of the book in a box–all the way from Hong Kong.

It was a cool moment–I have to admit.

Being published in a travel book is a big deal in the writing world, and I am just thrilled to have two stories in this guidebook. It is my second time getting published in a book, and it is just as neat the second time. Every once in a while it is just fun to share an accomplishment with FZ readers. Thanks for being there…and keep working toward your dreams…they really can come true! (* And special thanks to Celeste Heiter for her great work editing this book–you are terrific!)

advice, blogging, social networking

Linked Up With LinkedIn

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  LI

 by Catherine L. Tully

Did you know that you can link your WordPress blog up with LinkedIn? You can–and it is really easy. As a matter-of-fact, there are a number of cool things you can do with the applications on this social networking site. Be sure to check them out and see if there is something there that can help you save time or be more organized. LinkedIn is a great resource–I strongly advise setting a page up if you don’t have one already.