News And Updates
It was a long time coming, but I’m finally comfortable with telling people I’m a writer, rather than someone who just “writes on the side.”
A famous writer, however? Perhaps in the eensiest of eensy weensy circles. Obviously, it was time I read Ariel Gore’s How To Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead.
I wanted to read this book for the same reason I am always wanting to refresh my Twitter feed every three and a half minutes, and for the same reason my Google Reader is filled up with other writers’ blogs, and for the same reason I love lit events, though I could easily enjoy a book in the comfort of my own home: I love connecting with other writers. It makes me feel less alone.
I spend the bulk of my hours on my computer, and the bulk of those hours on my Google Reader, scanning through the 146 blogs I’m subscribed to. Among those: Lifehacker. The blog’s posts are rich with tips and web apps guaranteed to make my life easier.
Though I can easily search through my Google Reader for the answer to any problem — assuming it’s already been answered in a previous post — there’s just something about holding a tangible reference manual in your hands…
Which is why I was curious to read Lifehacker founding editor Gina Trapani’s Upgrade Your Life: The Lifehacker Guide to Working Smarter, Faster, Better.
Back in April, I posted a monster roundup of the 20 books I built my freelance life upon. Readers (and writers, obvs) were quick to point out that I had made an egregious omission by not including Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird.
The truth is, I had plumb forgot about it because, long ago, I lent my copy to someone else, and it was never returned.
Recently, I bought myself a new copy, and immediately fell in love all over again.
When I first cracked open the cover of Pamela Slim’s Escape from Cubicle Nation, I wasn’t sure I’d find anything new inside. After all, the title makes it clear that the book is for those still lost in the cubicle jungle.
After remaining lost in its pages, however, for a long weekend trip, I had to acknowledge that there was a wealth of information therein that all of us could benefit from.
I’ve already written in the past about the importance of being prepared. A huge part of that for me has been the greedy consumption of books: how-tos, self-helps, career guides, etc.
I’ve read so many that I think it’s about time for a roundup. After the jump, the 20 books that helped me build my freelance life…and that could very well help you too!
It’s been a few months since a book got me really fired-up about my career.
Despite gaining momentum in the writing realm, with assignments from TONY, Babble, Lemondrop, and Nerve, I’ve had other career-related plans on the back burner for months, with no clue as to how I could possibly move forward with them.
Then, Jonathan Fields’s Career Renegade got me excited, and thinking that it was time to take another risk.
After the jump, the 4 reasons I loved Career Renegade.
Reading Timothy Ferriss’s The 4-Hour Workweek was like being on an emotional roller coaster.
I’d read a line like “Most people will choose unhappiness over uncertainty” and think Man! This guy knows where it’s at! Then I’d read about his empty and meaningless kickboxing win due to manipulated technicalities, or his distaste for reading, and want to throttle him.
Is he a genius? Or is he just plain ridiculous? Perhaps a bit of both. After the jump, I explore the aspects of his book that made me think.
Check out this book my husband bought me for Christmas!
(I decided not interpret it is as a commentary on the fact that he’s supporting me, as it was on my Amazon Wish List.)
Allison Hemming — founder of the Hired Guns — wrote Work It! as an antidote to the times…times in which an increasing amount of people are losing their jobs, or are at least worrying about the possibility.
While the majority of the content in her book is aimed at those in the full-time, corporate work force, I found that the lessons therein — especially as they pertained to resumes, networking, and correspondence — were applicable to anyone looking to make money.
And the number one lesson I learned from reading Work It!? It’s never too late to review the basics.
In the midst of blogging, Christmas shopping, and tree trimming, I’ve been sneaking away all week to steal some alone time with My So-Called Freelance Life, the most recent freelance survival guide from alt-work guru Michelle Goodman. And let me tell you. It is good.
Which is why I’m taking a break from our usual Thursday interview to introduce you to a true source of infinite wisdom, in paperback form.
Honestly? This is the book I wish I had a year ago.