Writing
Writers, Writers Everywhere!
Just as touted in my all-time favorite book, The Alchemist, when you pursue your life-long dream, the universe conspires to help you. As soon as got the idea to organize a monthly cultural event, the Austin Writers Roulette, I found myself immersed among people who, in some capacity, could help me achieve this goal. I quickly got … Continue reading
What’s in a Name? Austin Writers Roulette
http://www.facebook.com/events/303758879712204/ Back in December 2010 when I self-published my first novel, Tribe of One, I naively thought that after seven years in the making, the book would be easily promoted through email, blog and readings. I enthusiastically bought audio equipment, talked with my friends, Monica and Gustavo, at Esquina Tango about hosting my reading debut, “Cupid’s Naughty Secrets,” … Continue reading
A Circle Has No Corners
Recently at a party held for capoeiristas, a Brazilian martial art form, I overheard one of our capoeira instructors giving advice to someone who was new to the practice. The instructor explained that each player must travel around the roda (circle) without stopping or else he/she will become an unmoving target. Since capoeira is played … Continue reading
It’s Better Over There
I attended the Austin Romance Writers of America new members tea even though I’ve been a member for nearly a year. Apparently, there hasn’t been a new members’ tea in four years. Not that this chapter has been dragging its feet. I think it’s a very active chapter and time has just slipped by. At least that’s … Continue reading
2012 Capoeira Evolucao Fundraiser
For months, I’ve suspected that my capoeira group had become significantly better ever since we moved into our new studio last year. Initially, we all swelled with pride at how beautiful our training facility was: newly installed wooden floor, freshly painted walls the colors of the Brazilian flag and featuring a mural of Mestre Bimba, … Continue reading
Social Media Recluse
Ever since I self-published my first novel, Tribe of One, nearly two years ago, I’ve been nagged by thoughts of social media. One of the main joys of self-publishing is the satisfaction of finally having something tangible to show for all my hard work. My major challenge is promoting my work. I’m well aware of how … Continue reading
Writers’ Retreat
It’s been years since I headed out of town immediately after school on a Friday. The mission for this getaway was to attend a writers’ retreat. My regular schedule’s so jammed packed that it’s a vacation to abandon it for a spell. In less than an hour, I arrived to the resort ranch and immediately saw some … Continue reading
Super Saturday
I once joked that it was a good thing that February 2012 had an extra day since I’d probably have something scheduled every single day before the month arrived. February has arrived and my prediction did not come true, but that’s only because a few things are scheduled on the same day…like this past Saturday … Continue reading
Distractions from Happiness
I’ve had quite the dramatic weekend, starting on Friday when I discovered that I could no longer enter “last minute,” ie “late,” grades electronically since the deadline had already passed. I’d been marking furiously to complete my short stack of grades only to be locked out of the electronic gradebook. I took the first of several … Continue reading
I Wanna Be a Comic Stripper When I Grow Up!
Last night, I attended a salsa-themed birthday party for two friends. Most of the attendees were salseros who I’ve known since moving to Austin, but only see every blue moon. So, as social custom dictates, we all greeted each other and inquired what the other had been up to since we last saw each other. I … Continue reading