WriterByNature.com

April 3, 2008 7:35 am

If you’ve got a sapling in one hand and a digging tool in the other, here’s how, thanks to American Forests.

This is one of two organizations I’ve found that will also plant trees to celebrate a rite of passage or commemorate a loved one. That’s my idea of gift giving. Really, is there a better way to honor your mom, a bride and groom, or a graduate?

I’m not simply reliving Earth Day memories; my Dad will be 82-years-old on April 19. Trees seem a fitting tribute. American Forests provides a range of services and tree-planting support. The National Arbor Foundation also has a tree gift certificate.

November 28, 2007 6:02 am

As the opportunities to access the Internet grow, so do the options for communicating for business and pleasure.

I prefer to spend my time in the woods, so that makes me one of the few people I know who limit computer time. My goal is to find the most productive online communities. Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed. I signed up for a lot of these groups. I’m still in the lurking stage. (more…)

November 16, 2007 5:57 pm

Besides the very clever play on words of her name, writer Janet Riehl’s site, Riehl Life, is filled with art and music rich in cultural heritage. I’m crazy about her 92-year-old dad, who is still making music.

Janet and I participated in a recent blog chain. I had no clue how to make the best use of a blog chain or guest blogging, so I turned to my marketing maven, Angela Parker of Wicked WordCraft, who answered my questions.

Janet has posted my article Exploring Inwood Hill Park - An Old Growth Forest in New York City. So, please visit Riehl Life for a rich helping of Janet’s Village Wisdom for the 21st Century.

November 12, 2007 8:54 pm

I’ve just discovered the world of guest blogging. That’s where you post an article on someone else’s site. Why would you do that?

One good reason is to provide readers with broader access to interesting and relevant content. Another is to build both business and social relationships.

I am truly honored that fellow writer and remote professional, Katie Baird at Loose Ends, invited me to guest blog on her site.

It’s always exciting to find people who share my sensibilities. Loose Ends posted my article on my locavore harvest; I did not need to define locavore.

Continuing education is a vital part of business survival. Sharing what I’ve learned enriches everyone. Loose Ends has excellent food for thought. Enjoy your visit.

October 26, 2007 5:53 am

I’ve been writing a lot of what Anne LaMott calls “crappy first drafts.” This writer’s challenge gives me some comfort. I would like to feel that what I am writing will become publishable. Maybe I’m too hard on myself.

I’m in a dark mood.

I struggle with the physical aspects of rage. Why am I raging? Everything I love and care about is being destroyed and I feel powerless to change. (more…)

August 28, 2007 5:23 pm

When I started this business almost two years ago, my goal was to be able to be out in the woods while writing and working. My budget does not include finances for a hard-wired computer, like those used by our military.

My woods time is spent writing with pen or pencil and paper and transcribing my written work to the computer. I do work at my computer, but need to swim the butterfly strokes in order to be able to move my arms and shoulders freely.

So, when I heard about Nicholas Negroponte and his One Laptop Per Child program, I was inspired by his dream to ensure every child in remote third world countries has access to a computer. (more…)

June 12, 2007 10:20 am

The eMail never stops.

I hate the feeling of unfinished business. It reminds me of how in third grade Mrs. Cavanaugh would give us sheets of arithmetic problems to add, subtract, multiply and divide from the time we entered her room until the school day officially started.

Eventually we caught on that these papers were never graded. It was busy work. Even the obedient kids stopped doing them and joined the others in running around the room.

eMail feels like that.

(more…)

February 4, 2007 5:49 am

It’s bitter cold and a list of wild animals frequent the feeders.

They include a pair of cardinals, six blue jays, several white-throated sparrows, juncos, chickadees, titmouse and seven squirrels. I’ve probably missed a few species. Apparently the birds of prey - a juvenile hawk and an owl - are no where near this small yard at the moment. I’ve seen both hawk and owl right outside my window.

I’m at my computer waiting for the day to warm up, before setting out on a hike. I’m struggling, as I do every few months, trying to find a way to fit my outdoor life and my writing life together.I’m sure that I want to bear witness to the vanishing open space. I know that global warming, corporate greed, and a misguided spirituality dominate the culture around me. I just cannot buy into it. I don’t want more, bigger, newer, improved - I want peace, fresh air, clear creeks and healthy forests. (more…)

December 25, 2006 5:27 am

The Internet is like having a giant library at my disposal. Bad weather days are not quite the same when I can ask:

I wonder if . . . and get answers to questions or browse sites that motivate me to write.

Here are a few sites that feed my eyes, brains and fingers: (more…)

October 30, 2006 3:20 am

I giggled when a marketing expert suggested I include the word the in my metatags.

Apparently I underestimated the power of this three-letter word. The is one of only three articles in the English language (a type of adjective that gives information about a noun) and the only definite article (can be singular or plural).

But thanks to President Bush (”the google “or is it “The Google?”), THE is getting a lot of attention. That works out nicely for me.

In response to some recent inquiries, I’ve decided to devote time to sharing the nuts and bolts of my writing life. I was going to begin with procrastination. But, I’ll put that off until tomorrow - or maybe next week.

THE, as I stated, is one of three supporting words that provides information about people, places and things. It’s easy to take THE for granted. (more…)