“I realized how much they deserve to be educated and so for me the best thing I could do was to build a school, a unique school that will create future female leaders, scientists, lawyers, doctors and if this school is successful it will be used as a model to replicate it in other countries,” she said.

Hmmm. I completely understand that other countries do not always have what we take for granted here in the United States. I get it, but I also know we have a lot that needs to be accomplished here in our own country – Madonna’s country. Could she, perhaps, update all of the computers in a school district? Why not help out a spouse of an enlisted soldier who has to feed her family with food stamps at the same time her husband is deployed? Then there are all of the unemployed Americans living in cars in the same affluent neighborhoods in which they once owned a house.

You see, I have a problem with giving $15 million to build a school – to build just about anything – in someone else’s country when we need so much here. I rarely hear about citizens and residents of other countries doing the same for our citizens. I mean how many Malawian celebrities have built schools in the United States? It would be a ridiculous idea when their own country needs help, too.

Just like Madonna’s country. I’m just sayin’.

Well, “ban” is a strong word, but couldn’t she have had some integrity and simply not purchased the book? I published a novel in 2002. I had a few thousands readers who simply loved the book and got it into many libraries, including Connecticut libraries. While I do not have the resources to look up every copy in every library in Connecticut, I can easily guarantee that not every library in Connecticut chose to buy the book. I guarantee it.

A woman and her two daughters were murdered in the same town whose library would hold the book. Does their husband and father really need to know that his town bought the book illustrating the entire heinous crime? Does the librarian really feel the need to buy the book so that those who are interested in reading all the sordid details can be appeased or would it be acceptable for her to simply refrain from buying the book?

Integrity in the face of adversity is a beautiful thing. This library really should try it in this instance.

This contract would allow me six months of time to work on my next novel as well as a chance to blog for a company I have patronized for several years now. So tell everyone you know, through email, social networks, standing on the street corner with a sandwich board … any way you want! I need your votes to become the next Good Mood Blogger.

Thank you in advance for spreading the word.

Rosemary

“Well, no, Bob, it is not too difficult,” I began. My former career was as a musical theater actor. With my formal vocal training, I was the perfect candidate. I ended up writing the script before recording it, and now I am simply attaching the audio to the presentation. When it is finished, my client will end up getting a great product for a serious bargain. You see because these skills were things I already knew how to do and do well, I was able to offer them to the client at a serious deal. Since there were fewer contractors involved, fewer steps saved a lot of time – and money.

I have spoken about diversifying your writing business before, but have you tried it? Think about the skills you have in your own repertoire. They do not have to be writing skills. Maybe you have a special interest or talent. Can you offer that expertise to a specific market? For example, were you raised on a horse farm or are you restoring a vintage car? Maybe you can write for an auto association or for a magazine devoted to showing horses.

Make a list of all of the things you like to do -or did – in a previous career. In this economic climate, many unemployed workers are reinventing themselves. Why not be one of them? Add to the services you provide as a writer. It never hurts to offer a benefit to your clients while enjoying your day just a little bit more.

2. The Dunkin’ lady says, “Thank you,” as if I am not getting change when I am. Yes, it may just be a nickel or a dime, but do not assume I do not want it. I usually give the coin to my younger son if he is riding with me. Besides, it throws off my rhythm. You know – leave the order via the drive-thru speakers, repeat the order due to the order-taker getting it wrong even though I place the same order every morning at about 9:15, drive up to the window, get my coffee, pay and wait for the change before driving off. Should I mention stopping short near the window while the person in front of my starts, then stops to put his change away in his wallet before moving out of my way? Just give me my change even if it is only a penny.

3. Hitting SEND before realizing the attachment I meant to send is not attached. I tend to do this when working late at night, which is also when I tend to scout for assignments. This is a very bad idea. I do not actually do this unless I am totally stoked on coffee and adrenaline. Even then, if it is 11 o’clock at night, I will usually make a note to send that attachment the next morning when I am totally stoked on coffee and adrenaline AND wide-awake.

4. Seeing an article in a magazine all about a pitch I am working up. It’s even worse if the article is in the magazine I was planning to pitch! I guess this relates to the Collective Consciousness. We all tend to think of the same things at the same time and someone else simply reacts to it more quickly than I did.

I am sure there is more. In fact, I KNOW there is more that drives me nuts since I tend to be a bit impatient and work very quickly. I do not have a lot of patience for people who do not have a clue or do not do their jobs correctly or with care. I work hard and always do my best. If I do not have a clue about something, I make sure I find that clue as quickly as possible. Life is way too short. I want to leave a mark that is clear, concise and that everyone can see (or hear). Yes, I love to relax, but when I am doing something, I am always going to do my very best.

How about you? What drives you nuts? I want to know if I’m the only one.

There lies the problem. So many people post things like their level of boredom or what they are cooking for dinner. Quite frankly, I don’t care. With little time in my life to sit around and surf the Internet, I really do not care if your pool needs to be skimmed or your dog just had a bath. My fingers get tired clicking past all of the news I cannot use, and if you want to use your social networks to find a job, these types of posts are not good. There are other business people aside from li’l old me who do not want to waste their time and are trying to get to the good stuff.

So think about the object of your social network when you post. Do not post how you hate broccoli on LinkedIn or how you just burned dinner on Facebook. I love ya, but I don’t have the time to read it. Of course, this is just my opinion, so if I am of the minority, feel free to let me have it along with your favorite quiz or invitation to join Farmville.

Call me for a quote.