So, I saw a quote from Stephen King that said, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
He also said to read a variety of things, even things one would not normally read. At least once.
I have the read a lot part down. Now I should get back to the writing part. And what better way to start than to put my thoughts here, be they something of substance or not. The point is to get my thoughts, inspirations, dreams, opinions, etc., out of my head and on “paper,” so to speak.
So, bear with me for this journey, because my number one resolution for 2012 is to write more (I already lost a big chunk of weight before Christmas, so that resolution changed to more about maintaining that).
Actually, there is more to this post than my ramblings about how I need to be a more active with my writing if I want to succeed. What I wanted to say here is more of a complaint.
I started reading “Huntress” by Nicole Hamlett. I am not that far in, and while I am enjoying the story so far. So, I am very disappointed by a grievous error. Halfway through chapter 2, a character states the Greeks referred to her as the Goddess Diana.
The problem is the Greeks did NOT refer to the Goddess of the Hunt (and many other things) as Diana. That was the Romans. Her Greek name was Artemis.
Seeing as I am a huge fan of science fiction/fantasy and Stephen King, I understand the need to bend reality and some truths. However, that is one error I find disturbing.
If one is going to use mythological entities as a character of the story and as a means to move the plot, then one should get it right. I am also surprised the editor/publisher did not catch the mistake.
As a journalist, I understand the need for researching and verifying facts.
But because of Stephen King’s quote about reading, and because I am intrigued by this story, I have decided to get my gripes out and finish the book. I decided to give the author a chance. I hope some day, people give me a chance.
Tags: "Huntress", Nicole Hamlett, Stephen King, writing
It was a long time coming, but I finally made the leap and started my own photography business.
The idea to create Pardee Time Photos came about after I started taking photos for the Washington Fire Department and the Washington Chamber of Commerce.
However, it did not actually become more than an idea until the summer swim season of the Washington Water Jets, during which I was the publicity person for the team. As such, part of my responsibilities was to submit photos to the local newspapers.
I took an abundance of photos throughout the season, including many of my own son; missing only a few meets.
It was an enjoyable, albeit busy, summer. While taking pictures of swimmers is a challenge, they were a delight to photograph. Now the season is done, and the last of the photos are available on my photo website, www.pardeetime.photoreflect.com.
The end of the season is a bittersweet time. I will say I am happy the season is over so I can move on to other photography projects. But I will miss it because this was my son’s last season as a Water Jet. Now that he is 18, he aged out. Although I will not miss the heat and standing on the pool deck trying to keep my camera dry, I will miss the swimmers.
I will hopefully see some during the upcoming high school seasons as I plan to continue taking swimming photos. It was a warm fuzzy moment when a couple of the older swimmers asked if I would continue taking pictures – hint, hint, Moms and Dads. 
And if all goes well, I will be back photographing the Water Jets again next summer.
With swim season over, I still take photos for the fire department and chamber. But I am also available for other on-location – out and about – photos.
So, if you haven’t already, check it out, www.pardeetime.photoreflect.com, and hopefully we can capture some memories one frame at a time together.
Taking the first step is always difficult, whether it be toward a new school, new job, new relationship or simply, a new project or endeavor.
No matter how much we want something or how excited we are about undertaking a new experience that first step can be the worst. It is the one that commits us to that path.
For many writers, it can be the first sentence or paragraph on a brand new page. That is precisely where I find myself now.
For a while now, several people have commented that I should start my own newsletter or something along those lines, such as a blog. One insightful friend even said I could also offer photos from events or other happenings around town for sale in addition to writing a blog.
I thought about it, prayed on it and decided to take the leap, especially since it is a good way to share my insights and opinions with anyone who will listen, or in this case, read. Anyone who knows me, knows I usually am not shy about expressing myself.
So here we are; the first in what I hope to be a frequently read blog consisting of news from Washington, Ill., in addition to thoughts and reflections about whatever sparks my interest.
This first entry is most likely the most difficult because it is the introduction, if you will. As much as I enjoy sharing insights, knowledge and opinions about various topics, even people, what I don’t like is introducing myself. I tend to find it the most difficult things to write.
My friends already know me, and I would rather everyone else get to know me over time. With that I will let you go and ask that you return often to see what I have to offer, and I sincerely hope you like what you see and read.