New website...

Hello readers, I have been trying to figure out how to create a link between this blog site and my new website but unfortunately, have not been able to import one into the other. So, my new blog is found at http://www.leeecart.com
Hope to see you there!

Friday, July 29, 2011

July 29, 2011-- Another piece of the puzzle...

Today, another piece of my puzzle (figuring out the life of a freelance writer who has two kids living at home, a husband and numerous outside jobs to do during the summer) slipped into place. I sent my first book review off to Kirkus Reviews. I have my fingers crossed that they like it and send me another book, as I'd much rather be reading and writing reviews than doing my current day job.
Also, for those who might have missed the announcement on Facebook, my first book review for the New Maine Times came out this past Wednesday. The magazine is on-line, so check out the review under 'Culture.'
Funny how I never thought of book reviewer as a career choice and yet, doing them feels like one of the most natural fits for me. I am excited to see if I can land some more gigs with other, hopefully paying, places and really build a future in this new genre of writing. I'll keep you posted.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

July 17, 2011-Like pieces of a puzzle...

My apologies for the lack of writing lately--I could blame it on the sudden heat, the sudden reappearance of my youngest son living with us for the summer, the endless stream of workmen who have been arriving on our doorstep on a regular basis lately to do the work my husband is not well enough to do this year, or just plain, I don't have much to say and would rather read or watch a movie than write some a blog destined to bore everyone...
However, I have been busy writing during all of the above said interruptions as well as attended a two-part workshop on how to write book reviews. This was held in Portland--a two+ hour drive each way for me-- and conducted by a very good instructor, William Bushnell and sponsored by the MWPA.
I have been searching for more ways to make a living by writing and may have found another niche job of writing reviews. In fact, I am confident I have an internship with the New Maine Times which will hopefully lead into a paying position sometime this fall or winter. Either way, it will be nice to have my work in print and a real byline.
Plus, I have been researching and querying other book review sites in the hopes I can write reviews for a variety of places and bring in little lumps of money for doing two things I love, reading and writing.
Writing book reviews could be yet another piece of the bigger picture for me, along with travel articles, and someday a book or two. To be a freelance writer and make a living at it, I think I will need many pieces of the puzzle, so I am excited that this latest has been found.

Friday, July 1, 2011

July 1, 2011-- Rabbit, rabbit...

The first of July. Wow! Where did June go? Disappeared in a haze of working for money, splitting wood, tackling Mt. Washmore in the laundry/bathroom, cancer treatments and bleaching the toilet, two weekends away to visit family and friends...I am tired and summer has only really just begun.
My youngest son, Finn, has moved back into the house at 16 after leaving at 14. He seems far older than his years, which is a little unnerving as I keep thinking of him as being around 20 and am surprised when I do finally remember his actual age.
We have a new kitchen roof, more split wood in the backyard than we've ever had, a lush garden that definitely needs weeding tomorrow, and a brand new bed and mattress. So, why do I feel frustrated and frazzled and can barely hear myself think?
I feel I am missing something, caught up as I am in the whirlwind of teenage boys and their friends, my husband and his needs. I think it must be that sense of peace and quiet that I only find while driving alone for hours at a time or writing. I have not found time or space for these pleasures lately and find myself alternating between bursts of strange frustrated anger and weeping. I can do without the anger but actually like the weeping as once I am done in a few minutes time, I feel slightly refreshed, like when a quick shower passes through and lowers the temperature and humidity outside. Here's to hoping this holiday weekend will lend itself to some contemplation and writing.