Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me

Thomas Jefferson once said: "The sun has not caught me in bed in fifty years." Okay, so there's clearly no chance I am related to him in any way. In fact, I wonder just how many writers can even relate to being in bed only during the darkening hours. What is it about us that makes us, as a rule, late risers? Why does inspiration hit at 4AM? Any clues? The way I see it, East Coast writers have the advantage because let's say an article is due by midnight Pacific time. They really get to hand it in at 3AM. Shouldn't there be clemency for other time zones? 

Okay, signing off now. By the way, it's 9 PM (11 PM Eastern).

-Valerie

Coolest bookstores EVER

Warning: You may drool all over your keyboard while looking at this. http://travel.spotcoolstuff.com/shopping/worlds-best-bookstores

The Glamour of Grammar?

Who woulda thunk it, but Roy Peter Clark's book "The Glamour of Grammar," is, well, glamorous. No, really. It's entertaining, and even funny. I actually gaffawed once.

TheWriteEdit: Offbeat Thought

TheWriteEdit: Offbeat Thought: "Today, I'm just wondering if the road less traveled ends in a cul-de-sac."

Offbeat Thought

Today, I'm just wondering if the road less traveled ends in a cul-de-sac.

Software Insanity

I'm considering buying Adobe X Pro for Mac. Here's a sample of some of the small print involved (and just to make it realistic, I'll put it in small print for you.)


This free trial is not available for Mac; however, you can download the entire series as a trial for Mac. This software package is 10.3G and will take 94 hours to download on a high-speed connection. If you choose to purchase it after trial, it will cost $1,899 and there is no guarantee you will not need to purchase an upgrade for $199 within 1 month of purchasing. Are you sure you want this? I wouldn't do it.

Surgery or Procedure?

The way I see it, if you are under 40 and a doctor is going to do something that requires asleep-ed-ness, they'll call it surgery. If over 40, they'll call it a "procedure" lest they should scare you into thinking this is the last time you'll see your dog's face or the produce guy at Whole Foods.

Paper or Kindle?

Lately, I've been struggling with the advent of electronic books. I'm all for changing with the times, but there's nothing like holding a delicious book or magazine in your hand, yes? As our entire lives seem to be abdicating to the electronic realm, I, for one, will put on a smile and be kind to the Kindle, yet still sing the praises of the paper page. You?