I recently got an award for this website, or more accurately, my blog.  Since I’m not the most prolific blogger out there I was quite surprised - but so humbly honored. 

But here’s my dilemma:  I don’t have the technical knowledge on how to display the award on my blog (or website).  So until I learn how to do this, I’m not going to give all the details on the award.  But I’ve got to tell you, being recognized by other writers for my blog is a FABULOUS way to start my day!

So, I got to thinking…how is it that other writers have so much more technical saavy than me?  I’m sure there are some who took classes for computer skills, blogs, html (whatever that is), website maintenance etc.  Obviously, I’ve had some training in website maintenance - I’m able to post this blog once I get it written.  (Thank you Justin at Stonecreek Media)  But I’m not as technically astute as I’d like to be and I don’t have time to really learn.  I should add that Stonecreek Media is wonderful about instructing me on how to do things and assisting me when I have an issue with my site or blog…but I often don’t have time to even ask them!

I guess the topic today in it’s most simple form is: time management.  And I’m usually pretty darn good at managing my time.  But I’d like to get some tips from others.  Currently, my shift at work is ten hours a day, when you add in the time it takes to get ready for work and commute time, I’m easily spending about 12 - 13 hours a day with work-related “stuff”.

Add into that day home/family responsibilities and you’ve got another two hours or so…maybe a little more.  Then there is the exercise requirement.  I’m not getting any younger, and it behooves me to stay in shape - not only for my health, but for my job as well…and no, I’m not allowed to workout on city time.  Exercise is about another hour.

Then there is any writing-related stuff I’ve got going.  In addition to penning my next story, I judge a few contests a year, teach on-line classes, meet with my critique group, post announcements for some of my writing groups, write this blog etc.  Then there is the e-mail - most of it is writing related.  (Can’t check personal e-mail at work either).   That’s another hour or two.

Now I’m down to six hours left and…my reality TV addiction.  American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, Survivor, and more…thank goodness for the DVR!   Then there is the little matter of sleep.  I need that too. 

So, I ask you - where do you find all the hours in the day to get things done? 

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO ON MY I-POD RIGHT NOW:  Painter Song by Norah Jones

Until next time,

KMA367

You and your family are sharing a quiet night at home watching television and listening to Simon Cowell tell some American Idol hopeful they were, “simply dreadful…sorry.”  From somewhere outside your home, someone suddenly screams, “Help!  Call the police!”

You look out your window and see several adult males milling about in the street and yelling obscenities at each other.  One of them has a metal baseball bat and seems the most agitated.  Another man is sitting on the curb holding his head.  You can see this man has blood running down his face dripping onto his white T-shirt.  You tell your spouse what you see and they tell you to call the police.  So, you dial 9-1-1.

What happens when you call 9-1-1?

I will give you a general idea - although I’m sure there are some variations throughout the country.

Your call will be received by a dispatcher who is trained to screen calls quickly and efficiently.  They have to get the information quickly in order to get the police en route to the location.

Tell the 9-1-1 operator what you need - ambulance, fire turck, or police.  Be calm.  If the caller is upset, it’s hard to understand what they’re saying and to get vital information.  Stay on the phone.  Do not hang up.

The operatior will be asking you questions.  Be prepared to give your name and address.  If your address is different from the location of the crime, be sure to let the operator know that.  The dispatcher will be asking you questions about what you’ve seen, what you’re currently seeing, and descriptions of people and vehicles involved.  They’ll want to know:

What: What is going on?

When: Is the problem happening right now?  If not, how long ago?

Where: Where did the problem happen?  Which way did the suspect or vehicle involved go?

Who: Male or female, descent, hair color, eye color, height, wieght, age, clothing, unusual features (tattoos, scars, physical defects etc)

Vehicle: (if involved) Year, make, model, 2-door or 4-door, color, license plate number, unsual features (traffic collision damage, tinted windows, chrome rims, wing on rear, etc)

Obviously, you may not be able to answer all these questions.  Just do the best you can.  Sometimes it may seem the questions are unnecessary, or may not make sense to you, but there are good reasons why they are asked.  It helps if you provide brief accurate answers.  Patience will get your call processed and get help to you as quickly as possible…After all, you have to get back to the singing contest and Simon’s critiques!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO ON MY IPOD RIGHT NOW:  Rockin’ Down the Higyway by the Dobbie Brothers

Until next time,

KMA367

Everyone has their own writing style.  Some writers plot extensively and others “fly by the seat of their pants,” not knowing the twists and turns their stories will take.  Some writers loath sitting down to a blank page, while others relish the idea of the possibilities for filling that page.

I always thought I liked the revision portion of writing a novel, but the more I’ve written, I realize that isn’t true.  I like the freedom the first draft offers.  It doesn’t have to be perfect - in fact, it never is.  Because it doesn’t have to be polished on the first go-round, my fingers can fly across the keyboard with reckless abandon.  Of course, sometimes it reads that way too!  But at least there is something on the page to fix.

So I ask you, do you find first drafts exciting or are they drudgery?

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO ON MY IPOD RIGHT NOW: Tequila Sunrise by the Eagles

Until next time;

KMA367