Recently, I was asked why my blog is called 'Earning Jack'.
Well, it's really very simple:
I'm not earning very much (Jack, in-fact), and scrambling to earn more and save more so that I can reach my crossover point sooner.
And hey, I am a Jack-of-all-trades, with my interests bouncing around so much, so it fits quite nicely.
I'm continually trying to build my side business, and live off of the proceeds of that, and save every dime of my full-time job wages into my investments to maximize the outcomes of them.
Will it be able to do it?
Well, I believe that as long as the TSX doesn't completely implode in the next 15 years, I'll be just fine.
Curious where I've invested?
I'll be starting a new series called: "Earning Jack on my Investments" very soon. Stay tuned.
Do you want to write full time, but can't due to financial considerations?
How do you fit writing into your schedule?
Let me know! :)
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Friday, August 19, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Active Investing
As always, I like to peruse financial blogs and articles, picking up whatever knowledge I can like a particularly sticky rolling stone.
Active investors. Those people that get up early in the morning, and stay up until all hours of the night, pouring over reports and figures, funds and mutuals. Often referred to as 'Day Traders', they make many trades, and try to 'beat the market'.
Part of me believes that they are actually having a good time at it, too. I mean, playing with money, making it or losing it, it's like a very costly video game. Except instead of guns and gibs, it's bar and pie charts. Like playing at a high-rollers casino without the noise and pumped in oxygen.
Honestly, I am torn. I feel like I am missing out. I want to start 'investing'. I almost feel like I'm stuck at the little kids table, looking over at the adults feasting on roast and wine. Will investing get me there?
Very doubtful. But it's that ingrained need to fit in; to be seen as a successful, full, strong, adult person. To be able to say 'Oh yes, I gained on ABC and lost on XYZ. What about you?'.
It's silly. It's utterly unimportant. But I'm am opening a discount online brokerage account with Credential Direct anyways. I read many reviews, and they seem to be not too bad; added to the fact that they are in Canada, like I am, which makes me feel decent about the decision.
And yes, I've been writing. A smidge.
I write this blog, and I add or tune "Pale Dawn" every once in a while.
It's tough to find the energy to write. I get home, and check on my small pile of side businesses, e-mailing, calling, and managing the day to day operations. After that, I eat dinner, maybe read around the web a bit on the topics I'm interested in that week, and go to bed.
If this is life, it's awfully drab and boring.
Active investors. Those people that get up early in the morning, and stay up until all hours of the night, pouring over reports and figures, funds and mutuals. Often referred to as 'Day Traders', they make many trades, and try to 'beat the market'.
Part of me believes that they are actually having a good time at it, too. I mean, playing with money, making it or losing it, it's like a very costly video game. Except instead of guns and gibs, it's bar and pie charts. Like playing at a high-rollers casino without the noise and pumped in oxygen.
Honestly, I am torn. I feel like I am missing out. I want to start 'investing'. I almost feel like I'm stuck at the little kids table, looking over at the adults feasting on roast and wine. Will investing get me there?
Very doubtful. But it's that ingrained need to fit in; to be seen as a successful, full, strong, adult person. To be able to say 'Oh yes, I gained on ABC and lost on XYZ. What about you?'.
It's silly. It's utterly unimportant. But I'm am opening a discount online brokerage account with Credential Direct anyways. I read many reviews, and they seem to be not too bad; added to the fact that they are in Canada, like I am, which makes me feel decent about the decision.
And yes, I've been writing. A smidge.
I write this blog, and I add or tune "Pale Dawn" every once in a while.
It's tough to find the energy to write. I get home, and check on my small pile of side businesses, e-mailing, calling, and managing the day to day operations. After that, I eat dinner, maybe read around the web a bit on the topics I'm interested in that week, and go to bed.
If this is life, it's awfully drab and boring.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Writing on the back-burner
Ok, I'll admit it.
I'm guilty. Tie me up and toss me overboard. I've signed my ticket off the boat.
Or have I?
My novella (or is it novel?) has been sitting 'fallow' for some time, growing somewhat rusty in my skull. I keep thinking about Kesh, and her journey to the chancellor. Den'ryn and his discovery of the truth about his past.
... I am writing this because of a comment that was posted on here. For me, it rung as a 'is anyone home?' type of call. And indeed, it's quiet here. But I will make a small promise. I will revise and post some more snippets of The Lonemen trilogy here. Keep your eyes peeled here for the linkies. It's not fair to keep it all to myself, and hey, it's fun to have someone actually read it and maybe get some enjoyment out of it.
Or maybe someone will kick me in the ass, and tell me to get back to writing.
... I can only hope.
I'm guilty. Tie me up and toss me overboard. I've signed my ticket off the boat.
Or have I?
My novella (or is it novel?) has been sitting 'fallow' for some time, growing somewhat rusty in my skull. I keep thinking about Kesh, and her journey to the chancellor. Den'ryn and his discovery of the truth about his past.
... I am writing this because of a comment that was posted on here. For me, it rung as a 'is anyone home?' type of call. And indeed, it's quiet here. But I will make a small promise. I will revise and post some more snippets of The Lonemen trilogy here. Keep your eyes peeled here for the linkies. It's not fair to keep it all to myself, and hey, it's fun to have someone actually read it and maybe get some enjoyment out of it.
Or maybe someone will kick me in the ass, and tell me to get back to writing.
... I can only hope.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
An interesting e-book for authors (or screenwriters!)
I was purusing the internet (www.smashwords.com) when I came upon a book that (gasp!) claimed to provide advice for writing!
i immidiately dove into the free section of the book, and from what I'm seeing so far, it's pretty much a smash hit for anyone that's just starting to write (such as myself).
The author Alexandra Sokoloff, provides a clear, concise grouping of activites and guide-steps to provide the writer with a strong foundation, as well as a clear concept of how to plot all the major points in one's book into easy to follow chunks. This makes it A TON easier to write, because you can always have a general idea of where your story is going, and alter it later without completely destorying everything you've already wrote (which happens to me more then not.)
Check it out on Smashwords!
I would highly recommend it, and for less then a tiny cup of starbucks, it's worth it!
i immidiately dove into the free section of the book, and from what I'm seeing so far, it's pretty much a smash hit for anyone that's just starting to write (such as myself).
The author Alexandra Sokoloff, provides a clear, concise grouping of activites and guide-steps to provide the writer with a strong foundation, as well as a clear concept of how to plot all the major points in one's book into easy to follow chunks. This makes it A TON easier to write, because you can always have a general idea of where your story is going, and alter it later without completely destorying everything you've already wrote (which happens to me more then not.)
Check it out on Smashwords!
I would highly recommend it, and for less then a tiny cup of starbucks, it's worth it!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Writing Habits
I just wanted to throw out there a short about a dreaded topic for many newbie writers, myself included.
WRITING HABITS
The system of strategy that a writer uses to work towards creating his/her masterpiece.
I've personally found a few types:
1. Free-former: Quite a few fall into this group, including my virtual mentor J.A. Konrath in his early career, as well as probably half my writing group. They just go for it, without much in the way of outline or planning. Probably most novels start off written like this.
2. Planner: Not so many in this group, and they will generally make a sparse outline that covers the main points of the story. Some will stick to this, others will not. I generally prescribe to this style.
3. Obsessional: This type will not type a word until they think of exactly the right word. Often their works are very short, because it takes them quite a bloody long time to get anything down. I think more then a few beginners have this outlook, and it crushes their hopes because they don't want to do anything wrong. (and they never get anything done.)
4. Balanced: This person will make a outline that is detailed, but not a obsessional. It will generally have a paragraph per chapter, and cover the main plot points, as well as any direly important conversations. From what I can gather, J.A. Konrath now uses this format, primarily because he writes so much, he loses track of what plot and what action goes in what novel/story/article.
I think it's pretty obvious that I want to be part of type 4, balanced.
It seems to be the best way to both get a good story down, and get it done on time.
What do you think? What type are you?
WRITING HABITS
The system of strategy that a writer uses to work towards creating his/her masterpiece.
I've personally found a few types:
1. Free-former: Quite a few fall into this group, including my virtual mentor J.A. Konrath in his early career, as well as probably half my writing group. They just go for it, without much in the way of outline or planning. Probably most novels start off written like this.
2. Planner: Not so many in this group, and they will generally make a sparse outline that covers the main points of the story. Some will stick to this, others will not. I generally prescribe to this style.
3. Obsessional: This type will not type a word until they think of exactly the right word. Often their works are very short, because it takes them quite a bloody long time to get anything down. I think more then a few beginners have this outlook, and it crushes their hopes because they don't want to do anything wrong. (and they never get anything done.)
4. Balanced: This person will make a outline that is detailed, but not a obsessional. It will generally have a paragraph per chapter, and cover the main plot points, as well as any direly important conversations. From what I can gather, J.A. Konrath now uses this format, primarily because he writes so much, he loses track of what plot and what action goes in what novel/story/article.
I think it's pretty obvious that I want to be part of type 4, balanced.
It seems to be the best way to both get a good story down, and get it done on time.
What do you think? What type are you?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Working away I noticed something...
As you know, many writers suffer from writers block. And if you're unfamiliar, it's simply a case where the writer is unable to proceed in their work due to a 'block' in their ability to create.
I do not suffer from this case, but I have found something similar.
Writers Numbness.
This will happen usually after the 2000-2500 word mark, almost every day I write. My eyes will grow lazy, my vision will blur, and I will have the urge to play 'Demise: Ascension'.
I believe it's because my mind has acted like a conduct for too long, much like Joe Konrath describes in his blog: http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/.
My fellow writers in my writing group have yet to suffer from this particular type of block, but I think it is all too common when you immerse yourself in a world where you brain has to do all of the heavy lifting. The equivalent of a strenuous workout for your noggin.
I mean, making worlds isn't easy, and when you write with what I call the 'conduct' method, you're essentially letting your imagination run wild, and you cherry-pick the results.
Writing is fun, and if you read Konrath's blog, he will consistently say "WRITE MORE". So that's what I'm trying to do, but man, it's tough to keep 'tuned in' for extended periods...
Comments?
I do not suffer from this case, but I have found something similar.
Writers Numbness.
This will happen usually after the 2000-2500 word mark, almost every day I write. My eyes will grow lazy, my vision will blur, and I will have the urge to play 'Demise: Ascension'.
I believe it's because my mind has acted like a conduct for too long, much like Joe Konrath describes in his blog: http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/.
My fellow writers in my writing group have yet to suffer from this particular type of block, but I think it is all too common when you immerse yourself in a world where you brain has to do all of the heavy lifting. The equivalent of a strenuous workout for your noggin.
I mean, making worlds isn't easy, and when you write with what I call the 'conduct' method, you're essentially letting your imagination run wild, and you cherry-pick the results.
Writing is fun, and if you read Konrath's blog, he will consistently say "WRITE MORE". So that's what I'm trying to do, but man, it's tough to keep 'tuned in' for extended periods...
Comments?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The excerpt I promised; but with a twist, from later in the story...
This is a except from my upcoming novel "Mark of the Lonemen".
This is not quite what I promised earlier this week, but I like it, so I was certain that my followers wouldn't mind.
I hope you enjoy.
The cold wind tore savagely at her slick cheeks. Her chest hurt, the flayed skin of her wound catching on her shirt. She felt utterly empty, hollow. She looked back at Marca, his handsome face. Kesh took a deep breathe, and rose unstably to her feet. She was numb, her body cold and aching. She wiped her dripping nose with her sleeve, and steeled her nerves.
Retrieving the sword, she slipped beside the opening of the tent, peering out into the pale moonlight. Several armed men moved through the village, torches cutting through the darkness. She didn’t recognize the armour, but one man caught her eye, a leader of some sort, wearing a vest that seemed to contort his figure. He was speaking quietly, like a father to his sons.
“... And once they are... burn them... no remains...” She made out, her erratic breathing making it hard to hear. They had attacked, and probably killed everyone.
Except me, she thought.
If you like this, I may just post a little more later...
Comments?
This is not quite what I promised earlier this week, but I like it, so I was certain that my followers wouldn't mind.
I hope you enjoy.
The cold wind tore savagely at her slick cheeks. Her chest hurt, the flayed skin of her wound catching on her shirt. She felt utterly empty, hollow. She looked back at Marca, his handsome face. Kesh took a deep breathe, and rose unstably to her feet. She was numb, her body cold and aching. She wiped her dripping nose with her sleeve, and steeled her nerves.
Retrieving the sword, she slipped beside the opening of the tent, peering out into the pale moonlight. Several armed men moved through the village, torches cutting through the darkness. She didn’t recognize the armour, but one man caught her eye, a leader of some sort, wearing a vest that seemed to contort his figure. He was speaking quietly, like a father to his sons.
“... And once they are... burn them... no remains...” She made out, her erratic breathing making it hard to hear. They had attacked, and probably killed everyone.
Except me, she thought.
If you like this, I may just post a little more later...
Comments?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Upcoming except from "Mark of the Lonemen"
I'm going to throw an except of "Mark of the Lonemen" up here for all my online fans to see; I read it at my local writers group to a very positive response, so I thought it was only fair to share it with the world as well :-).
Expect it later today or tommorow!
Expect it later today or tommorow!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Edge of the World will be incorporated into 'Mark of the Lonemen'
Well, I've decided that my next book 'Mark of the Lonemen' will use the content of Edge of the World. I will be taking it down from smash words momentarily so that I won't have the same content up here twice.
Not that I will use the content wholesale, no, I will be vastly revising and changing it, based on the fact that I am now reading Barry Eisler's Fault Lines, and I really love his style, and will be trying to bring some of his... 'in the momentness' into 'Mark'.
I also bought a few of his books on the Easter weekend, and they are truly hard to put down. I was hoping to get into the rain series, but I don't like to come into a series half-way (the store only had 'Rain Storm'), so I will be reading through 'Fault Lines' and it's sequel.
I will also be using my more popular name instead of Brien Miller; this will help people that want to read my stuff actually find it. I'm fairly confident that I am shooting myself in the foot by making my content harder to find.
Anyways, I will be posting excepts of 'Mark of the Lonemen' up here from time to time but I hope to have it ready for release in the coming months. Stay tuned.
EDIT: It seems my real name actually IS quite popular, and I am unable to get it as a unique identity on twitter, so I'm thinking it's just easier to stay with the Brien Miller persona for my Lonemen series of books. Hope you guys don't mind :-)...
Not that I will use the content wholesale, no, I will be vastly revising and changing it, based on the fact that I am now reading Barry Eisler's Fault Lines, and I really love his style, and will be trying to bring some of his... 'in the momentness' into 'Mark'.
I also bought a few of his books on the Easter weekend, and they are truly hard to put down. I was hoping to get into the rain series, but I don't like to come into a series half-way (the store only had 'Rain Storm'), so I will be reading through 'Fault Lines' and it's sequel.
I will also be using my more popular name instead of Brien Miller; this will help people that want to read my stuff actually find it. I'm fairly confident that I am shooting myself in the foot by making my content harder to find.
Anyways, I will be posting excepts of 'Mark of the Lonemen' up here from time to time but I hope to have it ready for release in the coming months. Stay tuned.
EDIT: It seems my real name actually IS quite popular, and I am unable to get it as a unique identity on twitter, so I'm thinking it's just easier to stay with the Brien Miller persona for my Lonemen series of books. Hope you guys don't mind :-)...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Edge of the World up on Smashpages!
Hello all,
My short story prologue to the upcoming book, "Mark of the Lonemen" is out! Check it out here. If you're still looking for more Lonemen action, I'm going to be releasing "Mark of the Lonemen" within the few months or so, and it will carry on with this same story-line, including Roric, Jayson, and their mysterious, lovely female captive!
Readers will get to learn more about the reclusive Lonemen, the origins of Jayson and Roric, and the part they will play in the struggles ahead.
Feel free to give Edge of the World a read, and leave a review, or throw a comment down here to let me know what you think!
My short story prologue to the upcoming book, "Mark of the Lonemen" is out! Check it out here. If you're still looking for more Lonemen action, I'm going to be releasing "Mark of the Lonemen" within the few months or so, and it will carry on with this same story-line, including Roric, Jayson, and their mysterious, lovely female captive!
Readers will get to learn more about the reclusive Lonemen, the origins of Jayson and Roric, and the part they will play in the struggles ahead.
Feel free to give Edge of the World a read, and leave a review, or throw a comment down here to let me know what you think!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Edge of the World: A Lonemen short story is Submitted!
A very exciting step into the authoring world! So, I have submitted the final version of the short story I have been working for the past several weeks. It features a few faces from my upcoming novel "Mark of the Lonemen", as well as the introduction of a new player in the lonemen saga. Edge of the World takes place at a point between "Mark of the Lonemen" and the next, as yet unnamed book in the series.
The readers will be briefly be introduced to Jayson and Roric, whom are interrupted by the appearance of a mysterious assailant. Will our duo's blood be spilled? Will they find out who would pull the strings behind such a violent attack?
I'll post the links for this Free edition of "Edge of the World" as soon as it's available, so that everyone can enjoy this rollicking little adventure on the western coasts of the lands of the Lonemen.
The readers will be briefly be introduced to Jayson and Roric, whom are interrupted by the appearance of a mysterious assailant. Will our duo's blood be spilled? Will they find out who would pull the strings behind such a violent attack?
I'll post the links for this Free edition of "Edge of the World" as soon as it's available, so that everyone can enjoy this rollicking little adventure on the western coasts of the lands of the Lonemen.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Lonemen series Preview
I'm just putting the final polishing touches on the free lonemen preview that I've been preparing for release. I'll put up a link when it's all completed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)