Patrick G Whalen – Writing from an Historical Perspective
It's the Write Time has been online in various form since 2005. Maintaining an online presence for this long has not been an easy task, but it has been very worthwhile. The rewards offset the challenges and in the process I have met some wonderful people....
I am a subscriber to Terry Whalin’s blog, The Writing Life, and Terry’s post on Sunday, January 15, 2011, gave me great pause. The question that he posed in the title of that particular post was, “Why do you write?” As someone who can never remember a time when I did not enjoy writing, this question stopped me in my mental tracks. I am not usually a person without an answer, even if it takes me some time to fully …
When you ask people what they least favorite subjects were in school, chances are that history is going rank high on that list. Perhaps this is the reason that one of my most often asked questions is, “Why do you write historical fiction?” Follow up comments usually include comments about all the dates and names and how in the world could anyone make all that “stuff” interesting. It is upon that last point that drives my passion for writing historical …
The latest development between Walgreens and Express Script is a matter of great concern for many, many patients. The two parties were unable to resolve contract issues and as a result, Express Scripts no longer includes Walgreens in its pharmacy provider network.
When making the decision to begin the creation process of a blog, the first thing you need to decide is which platform you are going to utilize. There are several to choose from, even beyond those listed here. Before listing the different platforms, what you need to understand is that a platform is similar to choosing a software solution for any other situation. Most platforms display information in very similar ways, but behind the scenes they often function much differently. …
There are typically two prevailing mental images that come to a person’s mind when they hear that you are a writer. The first is of disheveled figure, locked away in a dimly lit room, trudging away at a keyboard. The second is of someone dressed in some form of relaxed attire, sipping upon a cup of coffee with their feet propped up on the balcony of some exotic resort, a keyboard upon their lap and a contented smile upon their …
Blogging is a vastly popular and powerful medium for writers of all skills levels and interests. If you haven’t yet joined the millions of others enjoying the benefits and adventure of publishing a blog, there is still time to join in the fun. We’ll start of with some very basic information that you will need before jumping into the fray. What is a Blog? In its most simple form, a blog is simply website that contains content including such things …
“The gray-green of dawn broke quietly over the land of Nordaan, a thin layer of evening dew still covered Castle Paradran. A flock of white-winged Tanjers fluttered across the gray-green horizon as dawn broke quietly over the land of Nordaan. Thin lines of white smoke trailed upward from the many chimneys of Castle Paradran. A layer of evening dew draped the cool, gray stones.” Life in the land of Nordaan is as normal from day-to-day as in any other land …
I am sure it comes as no surprise that my last post for 2011 involves the setting of goals for 2012. I believe that setting goals is of paramount importance for most writers, especially those whose writing is not the sole source of income for their family. Although there are some writers who are able to achieve a satisfactory amount of writing without goals, most of us need them and for various reasons. Perhaps the most important role that goals …
Writers are always looking for sources of encouragement and inspiration. Quotes from other writers often fulfill such a calling, so here are some of my favorites. The list will grow over time as I encounter more words of wisdom and inspiration. Quotes About the Writing Craft If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster. – Isaac Asimov We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever …
There it is again, that blasted blinking cursor. The writer’s worst nightmare! There truly is nothing more damaging to a writer’s ego than a silent, blinking cursor. Incomplete thoughts are troubling and bad ideas are frustrating, but to have no ideas is a point of lament. I, like most writers, have struggled through the silence many more times that we care to contemplate. Whenever we meet with other writers, the topic inevitably turns up. “Where do you get all those …
We all have them, or perhaps we are them. You know, those messy coworkers whose desk hasn’t seen the light of day since their second day of work. Piles of obsolete paperwork and books, perhaps never read, are the adornments of their not-so-attractive style.
Crystal flakes of pure-white snow floated down from clouds that stretched across the heavens as far as they eye could see. The snow gathered upon the frozen ground and drifted against the steps of a cheery, yellow house upon the top of a slow, sloping hill. Snow gathered upon high branches of the majestic pines that encircled the home. A tree squirrel flittered from branch to branch, sending the snow that had gathered there to the sparkling floor below. A …
I don’t know about other writers, but the Christmas and holiday season is typically one of my most productive times for writing. Although it may seem to be an unusual time for the writing process to flourish, there are a number of reasons this time provides for my creativity. One of the most important factors that writers look for in performing their craft is time of peace and quiet that can be set aside to become one with a manuscript. …
The last couple of months here at It’s the Write Time, but through patience and perseverance it looks like we have finally overcome the hardships. Back in October this site became the target of an unrelenting hacker, bent on destroying my ability to provide writing news, updates and earn profits for my efforts. Having finally worked through the numerous files either hacked or completely destroyed by the mischievous villain I thought I was back in the clear. Then in November …
With these features, LG DoublePlay™ users can multitask from the comfort of the palm of their hand. Updating Facebook pages is a breeze and while you’re doing that you can surf the Web, text your friends or even check your email, all at the same time!
Switching to a new domain server and web host is never and easy task, but thanks to fellow ACFW writer, Lynette Sowell, I was directed to the talented (and HELPFUL!) folks at Surpass Web Hosting. It has taken less than a week to get my domain transferred and achieve the ability to once again take on the process of rebuilding my website. My greatest hope is that the services at Surpass are much more stable than what had become a …
It’s the Write Time has been online in various form since 2005. Maintaining an online presence for this long has not been an easy task, but it has been very worthwhile. The rewards offset the challenges and in the process I have met some wonderful people.
Due to factors beyond my control (lack of technical support at my current web host) I will be transferring It’s the Write Time to a new host. The process may take a couple of days to come to fruition and after that I will be setting up home in my new digs. I appreciate your continued patience with all of this while I move my online home. I have blogged numerous times on the express importance of having a dedicated …
I know many of you have been wondering what has happened to this blog and I can assure you at certain points in the last two months I have been asking myself the same question. Apparently I garnered the attention of someone with genuine hacking skills that for whatever reason doesn’t like my sites. I have been combating attacks against all of my blogs since August. Past attacks were a nuisance, but the attacker shifted his strategy in this latest …
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