Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, February 1, 2012,
In :
Freelancing
January was a crazy month. I spent a good deal of it sick! Ack! February will also be busy as in addition to a conference presentation I'll be giving at the start of March, I'll be moving (hopefully) at the end of the month. That being said, there's still plenty of space on my calendar for your projects.
Because I was sick during January, I didn't get too much accomplished. Here are some things I am working on from January that are carrying over into February:
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, January 7, 2012,
In :
Fiction
The weasel wove its way through the different parts of the church's sanctuary. Lenora, the church's prior priest took a deep breath. The weasel had better find what she was looking for. It wasn't every day that she would return to the place where her congregation had turned on her. But it was vital that she find the special item she was looking for, the spinning wheel. It wasn't any spinning wheel, but one that would, well, blow the congregants' minds.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, December 17, 2011,
In :
Fiction
"Sorry I had to rig your GPS, but you wouldn't have come otherwise. This is urgent," Tom ducked under the awning and out of the rain.
"I still can't believe you did that." Shelby looked around. "Do you think anybody has seen us?"
"I doubt they're paying attention. Follow me." Shelby followed Tom for a few minutes until he turned to walk into an alley. "I need you to ditch that GPS here. It can't go where we're going."
"Fine." Shelby took it out of her pocket and handed it to Tom. He fiddled wit... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, November 15, 2011,
In :
Freelancing
It's been busy, I won't even lie! It's funny how things tend to get really busy at the end of the year - but I've got especially good reasons for being busy. I celebrated my 34th birthday recently. It's amazing how much changes in a year. I feel blessed to have wonderful people in my life who continue to inspire and shape me. It's so important to surround yourself with those whom you love. The entire week of my birthday was filled with love, happiness, and fun.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, October 21, 2011,
In :
Fiction
His nose pointed at things before his customers could. He had something special for each person. It wasn't quite like in Stephen King's Needful Things, Adelle thought, but it was quite creepy. He found a locket that seemed to match the woman's locket that had been lost in a fire. Needless to say, the townfolk heaved a collective sigh of relief when the antiques dealer packed up and moved away.
But they really didn't know or understand, at all, where he was coming from. He'd come to the town, f... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, October 13, 2011,
In :
Poetry
So, I thought that I'd do a little poetry prompt this evening. I selected the one for today from over at Poetic Asides. The point of the exercise is to write a poem "that plays with the idea of disguises. There are physical disguises, of course, but also emotional and psychological disguises that most people wear to some extent every day."
Here it is.
My Everyday Masks
I try to keep it at bay, the romanticism that gets me into trouble I hold out my hands, pushing back others' bubbles. By trying t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Sunday, September 4, 2011,
In :
Fiction
Okay, so I totally know that I had said I would have this up Friday, but guess what, like all good things, life got in the way of those plans. But here is my Fiction Friday exercise (it's Sunday...but ya know Write Anything does Spoken Sunday where people read their writing aloud, and well it's still the weekend!)
All Talk, No Action
"So, did you want to go to the movies this Saturday?" "Not really." "How about dinner?" "Eh..." "Um...what if we got together and went golfing or something?" "Not real... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, September 2, 2011,
In :
Freelancing
I've been working on - lots of things! I helped Stonewall Alliance Center, Chico last month with their newsletter. I did the editing and design. You can view it here.
Additionally, I finished up work on the fall issue of Equanimity Magazine. I'm really excited about this issue, and I can't wait until it's available for readers. You'll find the story of my firewalk, time management tips, tips on implementing the power of attraction in your life, an interview with Fran Harris, and more in this ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, August 1, 2011,
In :
Freelancing
Honestly, I've been quite busy! This, naturally, is outstanding news. Things have picked up around here, I've been meeting lots of awesome people, involved with a lot of charity events, and I even ran my first 5K in July. I've fed the homeless, built a home with Habitat for Humanity for a needy family, worked with the church and society group, and even sung in my church choir. Yes, I even stopped to breathe and enjoy good times with friends and comradeship with my new writing group.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, June 23, 2011,
It was an awesome experience, and I'm writing about it for Equanimity Magazine's fall edition. While you're waiting for the article, check out my new blog Not Quite Ally McBeal and be sure to get a copy of the book I have co-authored with Murali Chemuturi, Success in Life through Personality Engineering available now on Amazon Kindle. If you are interested in a review copy of the book, please contact me! Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, May 13, 2011,
In :
Freelancing
First, before you proceed any further, you should know that the new issue of Equanimity Magazineis out! The cover features Donnie Brown. You should definitely check it out.
Second, I've been doing a lot of work for clients. I've edited papers, revised chapters, and ghostwritten articles for blog posts.
Third, I've been doing a lot of work for Bright Hub. You should click on the tab and see what I've been working on there.
I'm keeping this update brief. I've been doing a lot of community work i... Continue reading ...
Never was there a thought that freedom would be such bliss. But now on the precipice of renewal, I look toward my own salvation Between pillowcase and sheets Sleeping alone once again-- But I embrace it - never once was there a question That I wanted to reach out To help people To lift others ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, April 7, 2011,
In :
Poetry
Today's NaPoWriMo assignment asks participants to write a poem in response to another participant's poem. In order to do this, as there are many very talented individuals participating in this internet meme, I randomly selected a participant's site by scrolling through the list with my eyes closed. The site I selected was Cloaked Monk's Blog. The poem I'm responding to is http://cloakedmonk.com/2011/04/02/april-2-challenge-postcard/.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, April 7, 2011,
In :
Poetry
Well, the NaPoWriMo assignment for today involved writing a "pwoemrd." If you're as confused as I first was when I saw this genre title, you should now it's not as complicated as it sounds -- but it is more difficult to create than it would seem. A pwoemrd is a one-word poem. While this can be done by simply writing one word, it can also be created by combining two or more words into one word.
Here are my pwoemrds. See if you can figure out what words went in to creating them
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, April 4, 2011,
In :
Poetry
Technically, it's April 4th. I came home from participating with my church in a 5K walk to raise money for poverty relief organizations, so, I needed to take a nap. The event was a success. Many people participated. What it meant for writing was that I didn't get a chance to work on the assignments until in the evening. The suggestion today for NaPoWriMo's poem for the day asks to write a poem predicting death - kinda morbid, and I don't know about the "predicting" part of it - but, I'm going... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, April 2, 2011,
In :
Poetry
Today's NaPoWriMo assignment was to write a poem that incorporates the titles of three books I have in my house into the body of the poem. My Philosophy
Buried underneath Kant's Critique of Pure Reason Next to Designing Your Own Tarot Spreads and on top of Justice and Judgement My own philosophy lies --
dormant excitable waiting to be extracted into a treatise of my own... ...someday I lay intertwined with reason Logical constructs float in front of my eyes If X then Y... Y has to be true only if X is ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, April 2, 2011,
In :
Poetry
I'm participating in both NaPoWriMo and the Poetic Asides April PAD Challenge this year (April is National Poetry Month, after all). I was thinking about whether I would be into doing just 30 poems or if I want to participate in poetry prompts from each challenge each day. I suppose the way it works out will depend heavily upon time and what else is going on. For this first day, at least, I'll participate in both. At the end...I'd have 60 poems...that would be...pretty sweet and would accompa... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, April 2, 2011,
In :
Fiction
Today's fiction Friday assignment over at Write Anything is:
"It would seem that celebrities choose some interesting names for their offspring. Write a scene where a (fictional) famous person announces the name of their newest child along with justification or reasons why the name was chosen and their attempt to ‘normalise’ it."
Announcing P.M.S.
Dani Samson stood, nervous, with her one-month old daughter. The paparazzi snapped picture after picture. She'd sold an exclusive interview a fe...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, April 1, 2011,
In :
Freelancing
Happy spring!
It's hard to believe that in some parts of the country today there are winter storm warnings.
The new issue of Equanimity is now out. In this issue read about Donnie Brown's philosophy of success, learn about getting healthy with Dr. Raj, find organic gardening tips, and learn what you can do with your worn out flip flops! We're gearing up to start work on the summer issue, which will be our best issue yet.
Short Assignments, False Starts, and Index Cards - what do these three things have in common? They are all chapters in Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird. This book is a great reference whether you're writing a report on birds (Lamott's younger brother undertook this task, which is how the book got its title) or you're writing a novel, Lamott's advice is outstanding. This is one of the greatest books on writing that has been written in the last twenty years, and it is one of the few writing books I h... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, January 3, 2011,
In :
Freelancing
Happy New Year! I hope you're already getting to those New Year's resolutions! On the topic of resolutions, I bet a few of you out there have made the resolution to finish that project, submit that story or article, start a blog, or even get that book written. Here's what I want to do to help you:
For the months of January and February, I'm offering 15% off my usual fees.
That's right - 15% off - to help you complete your projects, edit your stories or articles, ghostwrite your blog, or even g... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, December 8, 2010,
In :
Freelancing
I haven't disappeared, I've just been regrouping and finishing up old projects. I will return with my blog in the new year, so please check back around January 2nd for more updates and new blog posts! I will even be offering a special "New Year's Deal."
In the meantime, please go to your local Barnes and Noble and check out the winter edition of Equanimity Magazine! It's the best issue yet.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, September 29, 2010,
In :
Freelancing
Things have been busy! Here's a brief list of the things I have been working on:
Equanimity Magazine - I am now the senior editor for this magazine. Our Fall issue is on newsstands now, and you should definitely check it out. It's our best issue yet. Find tips on eating right, helping with the Gulf oil spill, and parenting children with special needs in this issue.
Bright Hub - I have published too many articles to name them all at the moment. I've been both editing in the business channels and...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, June 3, 2010,
In :
Academics
If you're looking for an electronic method of organizing your research, Microsoft OneNote is a great option. Microsoft OneNote can be used for organizing your classes, like in this Bright Hub article I wrote: "Organizing College Classes Using Microsoft OneNote." Alternatively, OneNote can be used for organizing your projects like in this article: "Organize Your Home Business Using OneNote." Here, I will describe how you can use OneNote to organize a research project.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, June 2, 2010,
In :
Freelancing
It's been quite a while since I've updated this blog, and I apologize. In the coming weeks, you will see many changes in the layout and content of my website. I'm hoping to be done with the website updates by the end of this month.
Things have been quite busy around here. I've been working on editing a dissertation for a client, articles for another client, and on a few ghostwriting projects. I have been serving well as a contributing editor on Bright Hub, and I am offering my editing service... Continue reading ...
It sits in the box Greasy, cheesy, Filled with meats and vegetables Two sets of eyes stare upon it Each says “Go ahead, you take it." Two hands go reaching in Surprised the other is doing the same “Oh, no, it’s okay!” The hands reach out again And the cycle repeats Until finally he picks up the Slice, tears it in half And one becomes two. Continue reading ...
What are they doing up there? Bowling Moving Furniture Dragging bodies from another mafia kill? Perhaps it’s a zombie scraping around on a hardwood floor Arms out in a caricature of itself saying “brains” Maybe it’s a swarm of elephants, ready To crash through my ceiling at any moment Perhaps it’s Vlad Vampire Moving his coffin to a new place Or the Tom... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, April 13, 2010,
In :
Poetry
The youthful glint in the eye The energy to run and jump and hide While I’m not that old, I’m no longer that
young either, Instead stuck somewhere before the middle Wearing black jeans and a t-shirt My hair cut is way too short And as I pick myself apart I remember how much I like being me How Hollywood tells us we have to be young And too-thin And too-tall And too-rich And too-self-absorbed In order to be “ likable” And “popular” And “stylish”... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, April 7, 2010,
In :
Poetry
Today's poem a day challenge was to write an "ekphrastic" poem from one of two artworks. An ekphrastic poem is one that uses a non-literary work of art (usually visual) to inspire a poetic response. Below is mine, based upon Goya's Flight of the Witches..
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, April 3, 2010,
In :
Poetry
Over at the
Poetic Asides blog, Robert Lee Brewer is running a poem a day
challenge for the month of April, national poetry month. The theme for
the second day was "water." Here's my poem for this challenge:
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, April 3, 2010,
In :
Poetry
Over at the Poetic Asides blog, Robert Lee Brewer is running a poem a day challenge for the month of April, national poetry month. The theme for the first day was "loneliness." Here's my poem for this challenge:
At Sea
Stranded in a boat with no destination
Alone in my thoughts and in my hesitation
Life floats around me, people with gay smiles
I’m not quite sure where I’m going, won’t know for many miles
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, March 20, 2010,
In :
Fiction
Leroy stood in line at the store, with everything on his
list, nothing more, nothing less. He would painstakingly research the store
fliers, make his lists of groceries and supplies, and go shopping each month.
He had never bought an item that wasn’t on the list, which is why his wife of
twenty years, Myrtle, was leaving him. She said, on his way out the door to
procure the necessary items that she needed to be with someone who didn’t need
to plan their lives down to the minute details. L... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, March 4, 2010,
In :
Freelancing
I just finished up a lot of articles for Bright Hub. Check out my profile there to find articles about Scrum, Home Businesses, and Entrepreneurship. I also have been working on articles for the next issue of Equanimity Magazine and other client projects.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, February 6, 2010,
In :
Fiction
I haven't participated in the Fiction Fridays at Write Anything for a while (I've been working on my short story collection, Santa's Cheezborgers) but I thought I would give a go at this week's Fiction Friday exercise. This week's challenge:
Pick a book of fiction you’d never read (e.g., if you read
sci-fi, pick a romance). Open to a random page and read the last couple
paragraphs of the page. DO NOT TURN THE PAGE. Now continue writing the
story. Feel free to change the genre as you write.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, February 5, 2010,
In :
Creativity
A story arc is another word for "story structure," but this term goes back to Aristotle's conception of what makes an aesthetically pleasing story in Poetics. A classical story demonstrating dramatic structure generally has three parts:
The Inciting Incident - This part of the story sets things up, piques our interest and gives us a taste of what's to come. The best stories begin "in media res," in the middle of things.
The second act - This part of the story builds through rising action unti...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, February 3, 2010,
In :
Poetry
This poem comes from a poetry prompt given by Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides. The assignment was to write a poem backwards - either numbers, or days or backwards in time. Robert wrote a poem using the alphabet in reverse order. Here's the result of my tinkering with the exercise:
Sdrawkcab and Forwards
Life scribed for us in a mirror Daeh pressed up against a wall Daisies eid and life sdne Feeling all crazy and pu-dexim Walking forwards, sdrawkcab gniklaw Crawling at complete standstill Windows... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, February 2, 2010,
In :
Academics
Chances are, you feel a severe case of anxiety in class when you need to come up with a good research paper idea. Whether you are working on a senior research paper or you need ideas for your presentation, coming up with paper ideas can be a daunting task. Here are some tips that worked for me when I needed ideas for research papers, ideas for a senior thesis, and even ideas for a dissertation when I was contemplating writing one.
Write it all down. Sometimes when you are reading, or in clas...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, January 26, 2010,
In :
Freelancing
After a very busy January, it looks like it's going to be a very busy start to February. Here are some of the projects I completed in January:
Equanimity Magazine's launch issue was released. Not only did I edit many of the pieces you will find in this magazine, but I also wrote three pieces: "Classical Music's Effects on Memory and Learning" pp. 22-23, "Surviving and Cooking: An Interview with Lucille 'Lucia' Campilongo and Daughter Gina" pp. 33-35, and "America's Richest Kids:A Conversatio...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, January 13, 2010,
In :
Freelancing
Happy new year! I hope everyone is off to a great start to 2010.
This week, I'm working on the personality development book project. I'm also working on articles for a management consultant. I began the week by editing articles for a client's blog. If you would like help editing articles for your blog or website, contact me. My rates are very reasonable. I'm also working on ghostwriting a short story for a project I'm very excited about. Finally, I'm putting the finishing touches on a jou... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, December 28, 2009,
As 2009 draws to a close, I thank all of my clients and readers for their business and readership. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a wonderful, happy, successful, and healthy new year.
I will be out of office until January 4th on vacation. In the meantime, feel free to contact me with your ideas for 2010.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, December 15, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
Last week I came down with some sort of virus and I fell behind on my production schedule for December. These things happen, and when they do it reminds me that scheduling should be a looser endeavor. So, my goals for this week include writing Bright Hub articles, updating Bright Hub articles, continuing to work on the website I'm writing content for, continue building Stan Levine's website (http://www.stanimationproductions.synthasite.com) continue a short story project I've been working on... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, December 2, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
I just finished working on my end of the month wrap-ups and creating a new organizational system of keeping track of projects using a combination of Microsoft's OneNote and Microsoft Outlook. I'll be posting on this later this month. This week, I've started working for Demand Studios, creating some how-to articles. This is enjoyable. I just finished up a bunch of articles for Bright Hub. Finally, I'm still working for the client requiring web content.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, November 25, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
The first order of business is my writing log. Between November 16 and November 21, I wrote a total of 12,503 words on seventeen different projects. My goal this week is to write at least 10,000 words again.
Second, I'm going to simply list projects I am currently working on and their status.
Content for a website - finished the first section of articles, going to start the second (of three sections)
Bright Hub - I just received a promotion to being a contributing editor in two channels - Entr...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, November 17, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
Last week was an outstanding week - I gained four new client projects by Tuesday. This week, so far, I have one prospective client - very good news.
Last week I wrote a couple of Bright Hub articles:
Why Do Agile Projects Fail?
This article lists and explains the top 12 reasons Agile projects fail. Learn the reasons and avoid them in your next project.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, November 16, 2009,
In :
Recommended Reading
I've been reading lots of things lately. Most notably is Stephen King's latest novel, Under the Dome. I'm not too far into the book as I haven't had too much time to read for fun, but so far It's very hard to put down the book. So far, the dome has just kind of popped up in place and the residents of the small town are trying to figure out what's going on. A plane crashed, a truck crashed, lots of gore (what you would expect from the master of horror), and distinct characters. I recommend... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, November 11, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
It's been a while since I've updated things on here. I was on vacation in New Orleans for a little while to celebrate my birthday, and I was swamped with client work. Now that things have calmed down a little bit, I'm happy to announce that I will be putting a collection of short stories up for sale on LuLu within the next month. The short stories included in this collection are:
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, October 7, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
This past month (September) was crazy here. There were many deadlines, many projects, and lots of family activities. Things have cooled down again, and I'm working hard writing chapters for the personality development book I'm co-authoring. I'm also submitting poetry and short stories this month. I'm waiting for some editing work that's floating my way in the coming days. Finally, inspired by the Fiction Friday exercises I've been posting on my blog, I'm considering putting together a col... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, September 26, 2009,
In :
Fiction
Here's this week's Fiction Friday exercise from the blog at Write Anything. This week's topic was to imagine the curtain was raised and "you're on." I decided to try my hand at a play. Here is what I have so far.
Chicago Nights
Act One
Scene One
CHICAGO IN JANUARY, 2004, ALONG NORTH DEARBORN (HOUSE OF BLUES, TALL
APARTMENTS, RESTAURANTS SEARS TOWER IN BACKGROUND.)THE STREETS ARE COVERED IN SNOW AND ICE.
STAGE IS SET UP TO LOOK LIKE A BUSY STREET. THE NIGHT CLUB, EXCALIBUR IS...
Leslie sat, her hands in her lap, trembling.The offer had been made – it was on the
table- or whatever the guy had said.She
leaned her head back against the headrest of the seat.She let out her breath.Leslie thought about her two kids – Harry and
Samantha.They needed her to do
this.Harry especially.His treatments were expensive – staggeringly expensive.If she could just go throu...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, September 18, 2009,
In :
Fiction
Hello everyone! It's fiction friday again. I took a couple weeks off to catch up on some personal projects. This week is based upon Van Gogh's painting, Starry Night. Enjoy!
Not Van Gogh
Lopez swept his arm around rapidly, frantically trying to
salvage his art class assignment: To create a piece inspired by Van Gogh’s.Were they really that far gone on inspiration
– art teachers – to where they would choose this work by Van Gogh?Not that Van Gogh isn’t a great artist or
anything, ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, September 17, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
This week I'm finishing up touches on a chapter I've ghostwritten for a book. In addition, I'm doing some academic editing work. There are many other smaller projects I have going on - including the 30 poems in 30 days challenge. I hope to get some more of those up here soon. I also hope to finish up a couple short story projects - including Indier Gray. Finally, I'm finishing up a chapter I've been working on for a book I'm co-authoring.
I will never fit into your little box of normal I’m sorry for this
But the box really is too small
There’s no room for my creative energy For spontaneity or fun
The corners are really too sharp,
For they jab into reason and thought and questioning—
All activities I long to do
And when I ask the infamous gadfly question,
“Why?”
The lid of the box is closed entirely too tight It suffocates... Continue reading ...
Why? I wonder, eyelids still glued shut,
Hanging on still to the last molecules of the
Dream that now lingers somewhere in the foggy distance
The warmth of my husband surrounding me I reach back for some vestige of dreamland
Grasp at it with a butterfly net
Hear the kittens pawing at the door Mewing to explore
Jackhammer sounds outside the window Screaming as it decimates cement “I’m the boss!”
People shout downstairs Peopl... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, September 4, 2009,
In :
Poetry
I decided to participate in the 30 Poems in 30 Days Challenge over at PoeWar. This is day one's submission, based upon using the word "patterns" in the first line of the poem. The other 3 (since we're on the 4th day of the month) will be up soon!
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, September 4, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
If you're anything like me, seeing a never-ending to-do list can be overwhelming. I have found a way to manage different freelance projects, while keeping the "to-do's" under wraps. This method uses Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook, but you can use any spreadsheet and PIM program in combination.
The first step is to write down every project and to-do that is on your mind. Take your time to do this.
Once you have preformed this "mind-dump," open a fresh spreadsheet. This will become y... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, September 4, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
The past two weeks have been hectic and I apologize for not posting. I was working on Bright Hub articles and on writing a textbook chapter that I hope to finish in the next several days. I'm currently putting together my September calendar and production schedule. I hope to have up later today my entry for the Fiction Friday series, and some of the past poetry prompts from Poetic Asides(There are 3, I think). I hope to be caught up with my creative work by the end of the weekend.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, August 31, 2009,
In :
Fiction
Here's another writing exercise from the folks at Write Anything. The idea is to look at the picture given and write 500 words, then post it.
I moved out here to give my daughter a better life.There are fireflies.They dance around her.There are mice that live in the grass.It will snow in the winter.I’ll start graduate school in a few
weeks.She laughs as the mouse moves
around in her hand.These are the
moments she’ll remember for the rest of her life.The limo ride to our...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, August 29, 2009,
In :
Fiction
Hello, it's Friday night, and I'm putting this up a little later than usual. This is inspired by this week's [Fiction] Friday exercise over at Write Anything. I enjoyed this exercise, so this is the possible start of a (much) longer work. Enjoy!
SECTOR
46
Saul sat on the edge of
the curb, his blackberry in front of him.There was still so much to do.The cells needed to be furnished.The library needed to be scrubbed down.The laundry facility was going to be equipped with lab equipmen...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, August 22, 2009,
In :
Academics
Sometimes professors (or bosses) request a précis on some book or journal article. When I first started graduate school, I wasn't sure how to write a précis. By the time I left, I found the short summary paper to be an incredibly helpful tool for studying for comps and preparing for seminar classes. Below you will find step-by-step instructions for writing a successful precis for class (or work).
The very first step in writing a précis is reading the reference material carefully. While re...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, August 21, 2009,
In :
Fiction
It's that time of the week again - Fiction Friday! This week, I decided to try a different genre. It's going to be part 1 of another series. Enjoy!
Indier Gray
Sasha ducked behind the trash bin and held her breath.Why was she holding her breath?She let it out.She heard Blake calling for the other players
moments later.Time went by.She heard a scream and a scuffle.It sounded close by.Was that – was that a man’s voice?Sasha cowered down.If the bin had been higher on...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, August 19, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
This week, I am editing articles for Equanimity Magazine for the September official launch issue. I'm also finishing work on a dissertation that I've been editing. Finally, editing-wise, I've been editing chapters for a philosophy textbook.
With regards to writing, I'm working on Bright Hub articles, chapter 10 of Night Song, and some other projects including poetry and short story writing. I'm also working on revamping a website for Stanimation Productions, including writing SEO content. ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, August 14, 2009,
In :
Fiction
Okay folks, here's my Fiction Friday exercise from the folks over at Write Anything. I struggled a bit with this one, but this is what I turned out:
Welcome Home
Julie and Cameron sat, side by side, and waited for the
bus.Their heads bopped almost in
synchronization to the individual beats on their iPods.Cameron tapped his fingers to the beat on his
knee.Julie held her backpack in her
arms, the ear buds for her music machine extended from a special pocket.The ground was slick from the...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, August 11, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
It's going to be a busy week. My husband's brother and his family are in town from the East Coast. Saturday we went Cheryl Dumesnil's poetry reading from her book, In Praise of Falling. Her poetry is beautiful, her sons are darling, and I'm amazed at the words she collects and uses for image-painting. It was a great experience.
This week I'm focusing on editing work and a few Bright Hub articles. I will be editing a dissertation, a book, and a textbook. I'm also hoping to receive more ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, August 10, 2009,
In :
Creativity
Family can be a tricky thing. They're always there when you need them, and they're always making things interesting for you. In today's prompt, you will write a description of each member in your family.
Writing Prompt Rules
Write for 15 minutes
Don't stop writing
Don't erase anything
Don't cross anything out
As always, feel free to share in the comments section or by leaving a link to your own blog.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, August 7, 2009,
In :
Academics
It's almost time to start back at school. Whether you are in high school, college, or graduate school, chances are that you will need at some point to write a research paper. Sometimes our jobs require us to do research. In this post, you will find the steps to successfully writing the research paper that will get you the grade you want.
1. Set up a time schedule. That's right, the first thing you should do when you are assigned a research project is set up a schedule to complete your rese... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, August 6, 2009,
In :
Poetry
In addition to the [fiction] Friday prompts over at Write Anything, I've decided to participate in the Poetic Asides Blog's Wednesday Poetry Prompts. This week's prompt asked participants to write a poem about something I've been through. Here it is, in rough draft form:
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, August 5, 2009,
In :
Fiction
For all of those who have been anxiously waiting to find out the answer to the question, "Why is Santa in Chicago on July 31?", here is the conclusion:
Santa
takes a deep breath and laughs, shaking his head.I feel like a moron.He says, “I’ll answer your question when you
answer mine.‘What’s your story?’”
Dejected,
deflated, and discontent, I take a bite of my burger and move some chips around
in their basket.For whatever reason, I decide
to stay at the table when I reall...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, August 5, 2009,
In :
Recommended Reading
I've been reading Carolyn See's book, Making a Literary Life. I've gathered two new goals from it. 1) I will start writing at least 1,000 words a day and 2) I'm going to be writing what she calls "Charming Notes" - at least one a day five days a week.
The second goal is the one I want to talk about here. I don't know why, but it never really dawned on me to write my favorite literary folk. Some might think that this goal constricts the writing process, but for me, I feel so liberated. Her... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, August 4, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
This week I'm editing a dissertation, working on chapters of a book I'm co-authoring, and of course working on Bright Hub articles. I'm also finishing up a project about how to start up a fitness routine when it's been a while since you've worked out. Finally, I'm hoping to finish the Santa's Cheezeborger's story and Fact-Check "Landslide" and send it out.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, August 3, 2009,
In :
Creativity
You've heard of the phrase, "Slaying Dragons" before. Lots of people use it to refer to those people who go out and achieve in a highly competitive way showing courage. What "dragons" would you like to slay given the chance?
Writing Prompt Rules
Write for 15 minutes
Don't pick up your pencil
Don't stop
Don't cross anything out
Happy Writing!
(Oh and feel free to post your results here or links to your results in the comments section!)
Philip Schultz won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for his poetry. He is an amazingly talented man. In this collection, my favorite poems so far are "It's Sunday Morning in Early November," "The Absent," and "The Truth."
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, August 1, 2009,
In :
Fiction
I had so much fun with the [Fiction] Friday prompt at Write Anything yesterday, that I thought I would continue it to find out what happens with our character and that "fat harbinger of joy." Enjoy!
We sit,
sipping our house beers, staring at each other.I’m bad at knowing what to say when I don’t know someone as it is, but
some fat guy in a red velvet and fur suit with a beard that puts even Grizzly
Adams to shame?Forget it! Before I know it, my pilsner glass is empty
except for t...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, July 31, 2009,
In :
Fiction
Over at Write Anything, a topic is posted on Thursday for a freewrite to be posted on Friday. It seems like a fun idea, so I've decided to go ahead and participate. This week's theme is:
It’s July 31st. What is Santa doing in downtown Chicago? (Or Sydney, or Manchester, etc…)
Here's my story:
Santa’s Cheezborgers
There he
is again, that fat harbinger of joy.He’s
walking up Michigan Avenue at a snail’s pace two or three steps ahead of
me.I want to kick his shins.Every July 31, ...
It is so important when working on projects that we take the time to celebrate when they are done. Even if the celebration involves getting up and taking a walk or playing a much-loved computer game for a few minutes before beginning the next task, it's important to acknowledge a job well done. According to Ali Hale in "The Importance of Celebrating Your Success," we should make a list of achievements as well as goals. When I was in school, I would celebrate each final I took - even before ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, July 29, 2009,
In :
Creativity
One of the most difficult things to do in writing is to come up with an idea. Sometimes a lack of ideas can cause writer's block. You'll need ideas whether you are writing creatively, for class, or for your business. Here is a list of things that you can do in order to come up with ideas for your writing.
Keep an idea file. I have two - a folder on my computer desktop and a hard copy folder for ideas I came up with while sitting in a restaurant. The folder on my desktop is broken into fil...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, July 28, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
After weeks of feeling like I've been losing a battle with a treadmill, I've finally caught up on all those nagging projects that I fell behind on (hence why my posting here has been limited.)
This week I'm editing some Bright Hub articles. While I haven't written many this month, next month I plan to edit many more. Last week I completed work editing a wonderful kid's book. This week I'll begin work editing another one. I offer a flat fee for editing and putting children's books into manu... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, July 27, 2009,
In :
Creativity
It happens to the best of us - the dreaded writer's block. It seems most common when we have a new project, a large project, or a recent success. You stare at the computer screen and watch as the blank page taunts you. What's someone to do? Here's a list of tips that have helped me stave writer's block off.
Give yourself permission to write a terrbile first draft. This is possibly the best peice of writing advice I've received and it came from Anne Lamott's book,Bird by Bird. By allowin...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, July 16, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
This week is a bustling week. I've already written a press release, revised some articles, written about finance and entrepreneurship and finished up a brochure for Stan Levine's Mount Diablo Painting Series. I even cold called some prospective clients.
Still coming this week are more articles, editing of an exciting children's book and hopefully I'll have a chance to revise and edit "Landslide." I'm also hoping to revise some poems and send them out.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Sunday, July 12, 2009,
In :
Creativity
It's summertime. Remember when you were younger and you would daydream of that summer love? Or maybe you have a summer love right now. Whatever the case may be, like in the movie Grease, these affairs are meant to be just a fling, but sometimes the feelings run deeper and it continues. Today's writing prompt will be about summer love - and "what if's." Take fifteen minutes to write about what if that "Summer fling" turned out to be something more.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, July 8, 2009,
In :
Freelancing
This week I've finally gotten caught up on all those things that I fell behind on last month. I'll be writing some Bright Hub articles, a few articles for Urban Mainstream Magazine, and finishing up an article on classical music and memory. I'm also hoping this week to query a few places with ideas I have for articles.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Sunday, July 5, 2009,
In :
Creativity
Since July 4th in the USA is the day we celebrate the independence of our country from imperialist Britain, it seems appropriate to have today's writing prompt concern the concept of freedom. What does it mean to be free? This is the question I would like you to answer in today's prompt.
Writing Prompt Rules:
Keep your hand moving
Don't cross anything out
Don't pick your pen up
Write for 10-20 minutes on the topic. If you run out of things to say, try starting over with the sentence "Freedom r...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, July 1, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week I'm finishing up a book review, sending in a few encyclopedia articles, and putting together the production schedule for July. I'll also be fine-tuning a brochure I've been putting together for Stan Levine's Mount Diablo Collection.
There's not much to update from the update on the 26th, but I have had a few publications these past few days:
I recently read Ian McEwan's Enduring Love. This book is about a horrific event that spawns a horrific situation. Not only will you want to read this book for the events that unfold, but you will also want to read it for the beautiful descriptive passages. McEwan is a true artist of words.
Currently, I'm reading Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club. This book is fast-paced with lots of action. In this work, every sentence does something. I saw the film several years ago, and the book had been hi... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, June 26, 2009,
In :
Writing
This past week I have been playing catch up. Earlier this month, my mother was in ill health and I took an emergency trip to visit her. Once I found out she's going to be okay, we returned home. Our return home was short, however, because we had already scheduled a family trip with my in-laws to Disneyland. It was a wonderful trip - but I'm now behind.
Projects on my task list include a book I am co-authoring with a colleague of mine, articles for Bright Hub, and blog entries for a new pro... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, June 13, 2009,
In :
Writing
Everyone is always trying to predict the future. Whether we can or cannot perform this feat, we can still have fun doing so. Pretend you are working for a national tabloid magazine and you have been assigned to make predictions for the year 2020. Come up with your list. Write for 15 minutes.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, June 12, 2009,
In :
Writing
Stephen Covey and other personal coaches advocate the use of a mission statement to help guide you in reaching your goals. Writing a mission statement is not as difficult as you might think. Follow the questions below to begin to construct your personal mission statement.
Ask yourself what you would like people to say about you after you've accomplished your goals.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, June 9, 2009,
In :
Writing
I haven't posted for a week. I was out of town due to a family emergency and when returning, I had to play catch up. Well, now I'm "caught up" and I'm ready to get some work done. Last night I finished a short story I've been working on, "Landslide." I plan on revising that and submitting it to literary journals for publication. I'm also working on revising some poetry for publication. One of my big projects, the life science study guide is going to be underway again. I'm also going to... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, May 27, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week, I'm working on wrapping up my May projects. I'm finishing my Bright Hub articles for the month, and revising my encyclopedia articles for the Slavery and Anti-Terrorism projects. I'm also excited to announce that a greeting card idea I had was accepted for production. I'll update on that once it's released.
Other exciting news involves a cover article at Urban Mainstream Magazine. Find out whether "The Secret" might work for you on page 14. of this month's issue.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, May 23, 2009,
In :
Editing
One of the services I offer is dissertation and thesis editing. What this service is not: Rewriting sections of your academic work for you, writing sections of your academic work for you, etc. Instead, I can help format the work to your school's specifications. I can proofread the work for you, and I can make suggestions as to how you can improve the readability of the work. When editing academic writing, especially a project as large as a thesis or dissertation you want to:
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, May 23, 2009,
In :
Writing
It's getting really hot out there, and lots of people are heading to the beach if they can this three-day, Memorial Day weekend. If you're inside and looking for something to do, here's a writing prompt - for you. Today's writing prompt centers on the theme of Memorial Day, when we remember as a nation, soldiers who fought and died for our country in wars. Because Memorial Day honors those who have passed, today's writing prompt will focus on remembering your own ancestors - whether or not ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, May 22, 2009,
In :
Writing
I'm finishing work today on a ongoing PowerPoint Project. Once that is done, I will be writing Bright Hub articles and finalizing revisions on encyclopedia articles I have been working on this month.
I'm also writing another article for an up and coming magazine - this one will be on art and special needs children. Look for that this fall. Finally, coming soon is an article I wrote for Urban Mainstream magazine on "The Secret."
Since I was out of town for the first half of this week, it i... Continue reading ...
I've been working on Curtis Sittenfeld's American Wife. This novel is about a young woman, Alice, who grows up to marry a man. This isn't just any man, this is a man who goes on to become president. A terrible accident that breaks Alice's heart and innocence when she is 17 weaves its way through. I've been barely able to set this one down. After waiting for four months for the book at the local library, I'm thankful for the wait. This book comes highly recommended.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Sunday, May 17, 2009,
In :
Writing
As we come around the corner of Spring into Summer, it's the time where, symbolically, new beginnings become full-blown projects. The flowers are in bloom, the days are getting longer and warmer, and it's harder to stay inside for long periods of time. Today's writing prompt focuses on the theme of "full bloom." Start with the sentence "Everything was in full bloom." Continue writing for 10 minutes following the writing prompt rules:
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, May 14, 2009,
In :
Writing
While it's May and not February (the time we usually think about love and romance in our country), the classic love letter is always appreciated by the beloved. Forget about email for a moment. Forget about applications like "HugMe" on FaceBook or MySpace. What your beloved will truly treasure is a handwritten note, from you, telling him or her just how much you care. In order to write that perfect "love letter," follow the steps below.
Find the right stationary. You don't need anything f...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, May 11, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week I'm working on several articles and research projects. Most notably, I'm finishing up articles I've been working on for Urban Mainstream's next issue. I'm also working, as always on Bright Hub articles.
You may wish to view a recent article I published on Associated Content describing possible outdoor activities at Mount Diablo State Park in the East Bay of California. I
I'm also working on outlining characters for "I'll See You Tomorrow" and on finishing a short story, "Landslide... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Sunday, May 10, 2009,
In :
Writing
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and with that in mind, write about what it means to you. If you are a mother, you can write about that or you can write about your own mother. Try to find something unique about Mother's Day and write about it.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, May 7, 2009,
In :
Academics
The semester has come to an end, now what do you do with that paper you received excellent feedback on? You may want to consider submitting it to an undergraduate journal for publication. If your paper is published, it will look great on graduate school applications and in personal statements. A number of undergraduate journals exist for various disciplines including art and literature, business, philosophy, and political science. One list of undergraduate journals and conferences can be ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, May 7, 2009,
In :
Writing
It's been a while since we've done one of these. In the news, the Swine Flu (H1N1) virus has been receiving a lot of information. Some news sources have apologized for blowing the illness out of proportion. For today's writing prompt, I want you to think of a situation from your life and you are going to blow it out of proportion. Make the event, the smaller the better, seem as though the whole turn of your life depended upon this moment in time.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, May 4, 2009,
In :
Writing
It's the beginning of the month again, and for me, that means it's time to do some general housekeeping with respect to my Writing Research Editing projects. At the beginning of each month, I consult my project list and update it. This means taking off any client projects I have finished, updating next steps, and creating a schedule of when each item on my list will get done during the month. My focus this month is on adding a few more client projects to my repertoire.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, April 14, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week I'm finishing up work for a client. I'm also working hard on my Life Science Curriculum. My goal this week is to finish outlining the main characters for I'll See You Tomorrow and to start outlining the plot. I hope to update my philosophy blog at Philosopher's Outpost.
Of course, I'm also working on finishing up an article on Ancient Egyptian Artwork, an article on Maternal Ethics, an article on applying project management principles to every day task management, and a couple thin... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, April 10, 2009,
In :
Academics
It's post Spring-Break for most college students and its winding down towards finals. It's also the time of the semester when many students are experiencing burn out from working so hard in the beginning of the semester - or the time when students are realizing "I really have to put some effort into my work now." Whichever category you fit into with your personal situation, you're sure to find the following list helpful.
Put ALL of your time obligations on your calendar. Do it - now.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, April 10, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week I've been spending time with family in Denver. I have managed to work on a few client projects, start a new article for an upcoming magazine release, and make progress on my Life Science Curriculum project. Things have been pretty hectic with the start of the month.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, April 3, 2009,
In :
Writing
I've been working hard on a client project this week and on Bright Hub articles. You can check out my most recently published articles:
Using Outlook's Journal to Increase Productivity
This
article describes how to use Outlook's journal module to increase
productivity by tracking the time spent on various items - including
other Office software. Also touched upon is using journal to write a
daily productivity report.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, March 27, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week I've been working on a client project. I've also been working on, you guessed it, Bright Hub articles. Keep you eyes out for those coming soon.
You may wish to read my article on talent agency scams in the latest issue of Urban Mainstream Magazine.
Other things I'm working on? A further article for the Motherhood Encyclopedia, articles for an encyclopedia focusing on slavery, and an article for an up and coming magazine that will be released this fall.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, March 18, 2009,
In :
Writing
I'm sorry the posts have been a bit slow here, I've been out of town. This week I'm working on some Bright Hub Project Management articles. I'm also working on some transcription work for a client and writing a few magazine articles. Look for my new article on talent agency scams coming out March 20th in Urban Mainstream Magazine!
You can expect more posts on here in the near future!
For now, you can view some of my most recent Bright Hub articles:
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, March 4, 2009,
In :
Writing
Last week was quite busy for writing articles, and this week will be
just as busy. Here is a sample of my Bright Hub articles published in February:
Review of OpenGoo
Open
Goo is open source software that project managers can use on their web
browser- but is this software that would be helpful to you? Read this
review and find out.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, February 28, 2009,
In :
Recommended Reading
I've been reading The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood written by Rebecca Wells. I have to say this is one of the best novels I have read for a while. This book tracks two stories: The story of Vivi Abbot and her three friends, the Ya-Ya's and the story of Sidda, Vivi's daughter who is estranged from her fiancé and working on some serious soul-searching. This book, which was made into a movie, celebrates the bonds of female friendship and sisterhood as well as the tenacious bonds be... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Saturday, February 28, 2009,
In :
Writing
For today's writing prompt, I want you to imagine what you would rather be doing. Begin writing with the words, "I would rather..." write for five minutes. Interpret this as you will and have fun with it! The rules, as always for the writing prompt are to keep the pencil moving, don't pick the pencil up, and don't cross anything out.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Tuesday, February 24, 2009,
In :
Writing
First, you may wish to cruise over to Urban Mainstream Magazine and take a look at pages 11 and 13. On page 11 is an article I wrote titled "Entering the New Year in a New Recession" and on page 13 is an article titled "Universities in Crisis." This week I am working on another article for this magazine's March issue.
As usual, I'm working on articles for Bright Hub this week. Look for new project management software reviews and exciting articles on my Bright Hub home page.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, February 11, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week I'm working on a short story titled Landslide. I'm revising some work for a client, and I'm starting work on new encyclopedia entries on the history of slavery. Of course, I'm also working on some writing for Bright Hub, and a Valentine's Day story for Helium. It has been a busy month thus far.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, January 30, 2009,
In :
Writing
In today's writing prompt, all you will need is a piece of paper and a pen. The catch is, instead of writing, first you will doodle - whatever comes to your mind for ten minutes. After you doodle, write for ten minutes, again whatever comes to your mind. As always, with the writing prompts, you want to write continuously for the designated time period, without picking up your writing utensil or scratching anything out.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Thursday, January 29, 2009,
In :
Research
So you have a project that has been assigned and you don't know where to start. The first thing you must do in order to produce good research is come up with an idea, and a focus for that idea. There are many techniques for doing this. You could make a mind map, free associate like in the writing prompts, make a list, or more.
To start, come up with a topic. If the topic has already been assigned to you, start with that topic. For the sake of learning, imagine you've been assigned to wr... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, January 26, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week, my priorities include finishing up my work on the poverty brochure. I am also writing a few new Bright Hub articles. Finally I am finishing up an adventure I have been creating for Mind Flayer Games.
I would like to create some query letters for magazines, and work some more on my novel Night Song this week. Also, I would like to create an article or two for Helium.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, January 23, 2009,
In :
Writing
Today we are going to write from a photograph. Pick a photograph from your personal collection or from a magazine. You will describe in your writing what is going on in the picture following the writing prompt rules:
Do not pick up your pencil
Do not stop writing
Do not cross anything out
Write for at least 10 minutes
When you are done, you will have created a small scene with your words.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Friday, January 16, 2009,
In :
Academics
It's that time again - the new semester is beginning - and that means it is time to get organized. Below is a list of tips to help you make Spring 2009 your best semester yet.
1. Invest in a calendar/task management system. Either use a day planner, Palm Pilot, Microsoft Outlook, or one of the many open source task management systems such as Thunderbird. 2. Give each course you are taking its own category and color. Enter in each assignment on your syllabus into your calendar or task manag... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, January 12, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week I'm finalizing those Motherhood Encyclopedia Articles. I'm also forging ahead diligently on the poverty project for a client. The other main project of the week is writing a small adventure for a Role Playing Game company.
While there are three projects I'm working on this week, it is a very busy week! I hope to also get some work done on video game reviews for Bright Hub and some short articles for Helium.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Sunday, January 11, 2009,
In :
Writing
This writing exercise depends upon thinking about generosity in a time of increasing need. Think about the news lately. Now imagine that money is no object - as long as you use it to help other people. What would you do? What sort of programs would you start?
Rules for the writing prompt:
Write for 10 minutes
Do not cross anything out
Do not lift up your pen
Do not stop writing
Begin your writing with "If money were no object I would help..." At the end of this writing session, you may wish... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Levine on Wednesday, January 7, 2009,
In :
Research
An annotated bibliography can be an enormously helpful tool when performing research for a major project. During the preliminary research phase, it can be helpful to create an annotated bibliography so you can see where you are going with your research and so others can follow as well. Endnote, Zotero and other bibliography programs can help you in this regard. Here, I will show you how to create an annotated bibliography using a document program.
Posted by Ronda Levine on Monday, January 5, 2009,
In :
Writing
This week's priorities are the poverty project and the Motherhood Encyclopedia project that I am working on. I'm also in the process of organizing everything for the new year. I will be working on reviews of video games for Bright Hub in the coming weeks. Finally, I am working on promotional materials for Stanimation Productions.
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Saturday, January 3, 2009,
In :
Writing
Happy New Year! May your goals and hopes come to fruition in 2009!
This prompt focuses on juxtaposing the words "never" with "always." In this exercise, you will alternate sentences beginning, "I never..." and "I always..." The rules are as follows:
Time yourself for 5 minutes
Do not stop writing
Do not lift up your pen
Do not cross anything out
-AND-
Do not follow a "never" with a "never" or an "always" with an "always."
Once you finish the prompt you should have an interesting collection of tho... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Monday, December 29, 2008,
In :
Writing
With the holidays, the weeks have been a bit short around here. This week I'm finishing up an article on wealth and poverty in America from the mid-1700's to the mid-1800's. I'm also working on another project for a client. These projects are right up my alley, since my primary focus as a graduate student in philosophy was social justice and societal ethics.
Since the new year is coming up, I've been thinking about goals. One thing I would like to do in the new year is wrap up Night Song... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Friday, December 26, 2008,
In :
Recommended Reading
I started reading Helen Fielding'sBridget Jones' Diary this week. I know I'm late in catching on, since the movie has been out for a long time, but I had not yet gotten around to reading the book. So far, I'm disappointed. I feel that the main character, Bridget Jones is somewhat weak. The fact that she talks about 130 lbs (I don't recall reading about her height in the book) being overweight disturbs me. For a woman of the age 30, who is 5'10" tall, a healthy body weight is around 160 ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Friday, December 26, 2008,
In :
Writing
Goals...
It's that time of year, when we reflect on times past and look to the future. What are your goals for next year? In my blog post where I discussed good goal setting practices, I mentioned that it is best to be specific. This writing prompt will deal with setting your goals. Imagine that you are looking back at your year on December 31, 2009. What did you accomplish? As always, the rules for the writing prompt are:
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Tuesday, December 23, 2008,
In :
Writing
I apologize for not updating this blog sooner. This past week has been quite busy. I've had many Bright Hub writing assignments. I finally put the "Italian Unabomber" and "Minutemen" articles to bed. I've started up a few new projects as well. This week I'm working on an article on wealth and poverty for a history encyclopedia, more Bright Hub articles, and motherhood encyclopedia entries. I also am working on another project concerning poverty in Marin County and I will be scheduling i... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Tuesday, December 23, 2008,
In :
Writing
Using a writing prompt can be a helpful way to brainstorm ideas for a paper when you are stuck. Today we will use a topic for research as the writing prompt. The rules are:
Write for five minutes.
Don't stop writing.
Don't pick your pencil up off the paper.
Don't cross anything out.
For today's prompt, you will write the topic at the heading of your paper. The topic I'm working on this week is "Wealth and Poverty." Start timing yourself and write everything that comes to your mind for the next... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Wednesday, December 17, 2008,
In :
Research
An important step in beginning research is to conduct a survey of the materials available. By formulating a preliminary bibliography before beginning work on a research project, you can help kick-start your project. The first step in constructing a working bibliography is to consult an encyclopedia. Now, an encyclopedia is not a valid source in itself. It can provide you with a general overview of a topic, and subtopics you should be familiar with. The most useful part of using the encyc... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Monday, December 15, 2008,
In :
Research
An annotated outline is an important part of the pre-writing and research process. The annotated outline can help you to see your arguments played out and how different parts of the paper will relate to one another. This helps to make your writing a cohesive whole.
Write the annotated outline only after you have conducted preliminary research. If you begin writing it before you have compiled any research you will not know enough about your topic or the direction of your paper to properly o... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Monday, December 15, 2008,
In :
Writing
This week is pretty much the same as last week. I have many Bright Hub articles that will be up in the coming days. I also am putting the finishing touches on two encyclopedia articles this week - one on the Italian Unabomber and one on the Minutemen - and finalizing research on my wealth and poverty article. I may have a new client and I'm waiting for that to be finalized. I also plan on posting some new Associated Content writing and finishing my plot outline for Night Song. Exciting th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Saturday, December 13, 2008,
In :
Writing
Writing prompts are a great way to release your worries. Today's writing prompt will function like a meditation.
The rules for this prompt are:
Keep your hand moving.
Keep your pen on the paper.
Do not cross anything out.
Take as much time as you need in order to complete the exercise.
Today, write a list of everything that troubles you. Don't censor your list. Once your list has been completed, then start at the top. As yourself, "Why does this worry me?" T... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Saturday, December 13, 2008,
In :
Writing
It's that time of year again. When the holiday season rolls around, we spend many more nights with friends and family, give and receive gifts, and donate our time. One of the most overlooked components of all of these activities is the thank-you note or letter. Here is a list of times when a thank you letter would be appropriate:
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Wednesday, December 10, 2008,
In :
Academics
Setting goals and seeing them come to fruition can be difficult. A way to make sure goals are achieved is to set goals that are measurable, meaningful, realistic, and that have a time table. Below you will find tips on how to set effective goals.
Goals should have a time-table. If this is the first time you are writing goals down, you may find it helpful to start with 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year goals.
When you write down your goals, do so in past tense, as if the ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Wednesday, December 10, 2008,
In :
Editing
Peer editing can be a helpful tool when you are short on time and your paper is due. By pairing up with another student in your class, you can make your writing more powerful. There are a few rules to follow so that this system is as helpful as possible.
1. Pair up with someone who will be honest with your work. 2. Always be honest. 3. Don't take criticism personally. Remember it's better that it is your classmate telling you they don't understand the point of your essay than the professor.... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Tuesday, December 9, 2008,
In :
Writing
A well-crafted outline can help you to write a better organized paper. Skipping this important step in the writing process can lead to papers that wander off course. Below is an introduction to outlining as part of the pre-writing process. Next week, I will discuss how outlining can be used as an important part of the research process.
The first step in outlining a piece of writing is to determine the main topic. It is important that your topic be as narrowly focused as possible. For exam... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Tuesday, December 9, 2008,
In :
Academics
You may have seen on my website that one of the services I provide is something called "academic coaching." Academic coaching is more than tutoring. It is a service I provide to help succeed in academic life.
This service includes:
Helping the student to set goals for academic success
Helping the student to create a study plan
Helping students to create an organized study area
Training the student in time management strategies
Assisting with the college or graduate school application process
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Tuesday, December 9, 2008,
In :
Writing
As I begin this week, I am getting ready to write articles for Bright Hub. I will be writing an article on great Playstation 2 games, several on project management topics, and several on home office topics. Look for these in the near future.
Meanwhile, I'm finishing up work on my encyclopedia articles on the Italian Unabomber and the Minutemen. I am also working on two articles for a great magazine called Urban Mainstream. I'll have more information on these soon. The final update is that ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Sunday, December 7, 2008,
In :
Recommended Reading
Not too long ago, I finished a great book by Elizabeth Moon called Remnant Population. This book follows Ofelia, an elderly woman who has lived in a distant planet's colony for many years. When the corporation determines it is time to shut down the colony, she decides to hide and stay behind. She finds her true self. She also finds a life form never imagined possible. This book was difficult to put down. It also posed many ethical questions in my mind concerning the way anthropology wor...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Thursday, December 4, 2008,
In :
Editing
Everybody makes mistakes. That is why it is crucial to proofread your work before you turn in a final copy. Below is an editing checklist to help make sure your writing is as close to perfection as possible.
Check your spelling. Also, check for usage of words such as their, they're, and there.
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Wednesday, December 3, 2008,
In :
Research
As promised, today I will discuss electronic note-taking methods. It is vital when taking notes to be accurate and organized with the information you record. The main benefits of using a computer for note-taking are that paper is conserved and searching is facilitated. Using a computer is also suggested when taking extensive notes for large research projects. Below are three methods for taking notes on research sources electronically.
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Monday, December 1, 2008,
In :
Writing
On this cold December 1, I'm working on a few pieces. My priority today is to complete all research for encyclopedia entries I am working on. The first encyclopedia I am working on is the Motherhood Encyclopedia. The other encyclopedia is the Anti-Terrorism and Homeland Security Encyclopedia. Both projects are very exciting. You can understand why, then, good note-taking skills are on my mind.
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Monday, December 1, 2008,
In :
Research
It is vital, when writing, to document any material you used during the research phase. Being able to document accurately quotations and paraphrases depends upon careful note taking methods.
One method for taking notes on research material is with pen and index cards. To do this, you first obtain an index card box, some dividers that correspond to the topics you will be covering, and index cards. This can be done two ways.
The classic way to use index cards is to use one index card for eac... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Friday, November 28, 2008,
In :
Writing
Writing prompts are a great way to tap into your creativity. Here are the writing prompt rules:
1. Time yourself for 5 minutes. 2. Do not pick your pen up off the paper. 3. Do not cross anything out. 4. Aim to keep your hand moving.
Since yesterday was Thanksgiving, I'm going to use a Thanksgiving theme. Think of a problem you have been having in your life and then think of the things you are thankful and grateful for. Then, start your writing with the following line:
Posted by Ronda Roberts on Thursday, November 27, 2008,
I'm glad you stopped by. In this blog, you will find information about writing, research, and editing. Titles of future articles include, "Writing Prompts," "How to outline your research paper," and "editing checklists."
It's been a while since I've updated things on here. I was on vacation in New Orleans for a little while to celebrate my birthday, and I was swamped with client work. Now that things have calmed down a little bit, I'm happy to announce that I will be putting a collection of short stories up for sale on LuLu within the next month. The short stories included in this collection are: 
