Back in July, when I learned I would be retiring this December (courtesy of budget cuts) and finally able to try writing full time, I decided to jump in with both feet and start a web page and a blog. The web page, as it turned out, required quite a bit of time to set up but has remained pretty static. The blog was easier to get started (I used the templates) but takes a lots more work. In hindsight, I may have been a bit premature. It might have been better to wait until I had actually retired to start this so I wouldn't have the time crunch problem; but then again, I wouldn't have met all the great people I've met through their blogs.
Anyway, just after I got my blog started, I received an e-mail from Mutual of Ohama, of all places, saying they had seen my blog and I seemed a likely candidate to film an Aha Moment video. They just happened to be coming through our town the following week. I had no idea what an Aha Moment was and figured it was some sort of a scam, but I checked it out and it was legit so...what the heck.
They made the video, posted it on the Mutual of Omaha Aha Moment website and sent me the link. Not having anything else to do with it, I stuck it on my blog (upper left hand side) and that was pretty much that. I felt a little self-conscious about the whole thing so I didn't try to call it to anyone's attention and, to be honest, no one has ever mentioned viewing it - so either they haven't or it's so bad, they're keeping kindly quiet. But since I'm coming down the homestretch now and the retirement I talk about in the video is almost at hand, I guess it's time. I invite you to, please, check out my Aha Moment video and let me know what you think.
And - without benefit of cameras rolling - do you have an aha moment, about anything at all, that you can share? Was it a big life changer or just something small?
Countdown to retirement and writing full time: 22 work days to go.
I'm currently enjoying: INDULGENCE IN DEATH by JD Robb (Broke my own rule and put THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE aside in mid-read to "indulge" in the latest Dallas.)
Groaner of the Day: An Indian chief was feeling very sick, so he summoned the medicine man. After a brief examination, the medicine man took out a long, thin strip of elk rawhide and gave it to the chief, telling him to bite off, chew, and swallow one inch of the leather every day. After a month, the medicine man returned to see how the chief was feeling. The chief shrugged and said, "The thong is ended, but the malady lingers on." (Feel free to start a comment petition to ban these.)
12 comments:
That video was AWESOME! I loved it. You need to write a post called "What Am I Waiting For".
Why is it so many of us wait until we start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel before we start following our passions?
I know there are reasons, but life is short. I want to use up every moment that's allowed to me.
Ref: groaner
Okay. I have a hit squad gunning for you. LOL. I thought my jokes were lame!
Love the video. It's great being able to see and hear a person you've been blogging with. I think it's also an inspiring video for the rest of us. What are we waiting for? Best of luck with your writing and your pending retirement.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Hi Linda, I really relate to that father dating too soon after Mom died thing. I have several friends who have gone through the same thing. We have concluded that men really need women in their lives much more so than women, who will wait much longer before getting involved again.
I had an aha ha moment not too long ago. One day I hope to share it in my fictional writing, the best way I think to get people to consider and otherwise far out concept is to introduce said concept as a work of fiction and let them brew on it.
Nice video!
Maria - Thanks. I didn't think it turned out too bad except I'd obviously been outside in dark sunglasses that week and I had that reverse raccoon mask.
But re. that "light at the end of the tunnel" comment - I hope you're talking about my retirement and not my advanced years.
"Hit squad"?!? LOL
Mason - Thank you. For the comment and for the good retirement wishes.
I also like being able to put a face to a name. Especially with people I feel I'm getting to know (even if just online).
Shellie - Thanks for stopping by. You have a point about why men date sooner after the lose of a spouse. In my dad's case, I think he needed someone to take care of as he'd always taken care of my mom.
By the way, I just found your blog so you'll see my smiling face in your followers group.
I love it! Now I know what you sound like. Cool!
This is your moment and I can't wait to read your published book.
I have to finish up one book before I can indulge in my new J.D. Robb book.
LOL at your groaner.
Hey, that's great! I watched the video and thinks its awesome. Great advice: What are you waiting for. Best wishes for your success!
Thanks, Dru. Maybe all blogs should include a sound bite audio so we'd all know each other's voices. Ah, meaning our 'other' voice - not our writing voice. {grin}
Now all I have to do is wrap up everything at work, retire, finish my re-writes, find some new beta readers (all my current ones read the first version of this and already know who-done-it...need fresh eyes), do some more re-writes, write a killer query letter, find an agent, receive a contract offer, probably more re-writes, go through the whole publishing cycle, and voila! Tell you what - I'll mail you a copy as soon as it comes out so you don't have to wait too long. LOL
Not sure if I can risk another groaner. See Maria's comment.
Steven - Thanks. Maybe I should consider a new career in front of the camera. {grin}
By the way, I'm having time troubles right now keeping up with comments on blogs I follow, but yours is one of my favorites. Thanks for visiting mine.
I enjoyed your Aha moments. I think your fathers comment is excellent advice for us all. I started writing full time when I finally ran out of excuses of why I couldn’t. I love it and realize I shouldn’t have waited so long.
Thanks, Jane. I can't wait to be able to write full time.
I gave your blog a mention in my latest post, in case you'd like to take a peek.
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