Like many writers, I find it necessary to undertake gainful employment until that magical day when it is realized  that the world cannot possibly go on without monetarily sustaining my wit. I have imagined myself as an immersion journalist akin to Barbara Ehreneich or Nora Vincent as I have undertaken the roles of motel maid, nursing home CNA, assistant manager of a convenience store, product merchandiser, grocery clerk and, most recently, bookseller. The bookselling gig is something that I would have stayed with, but the bookstore filed bankruptcy and, well, there ya go.

That is the short list of the past 30 years of my official employment  history. During these forays into “immersion journalism” (real life) I also raised four children (real-er life). This was an act which required me to flux the space-time continuum to the nth degree, which I believe should qualifiy me for an Einstein award of some sort; my youngest is 20, and I’m STILL tired. Currently drawing unemployment, I am happily toddling around with my four grandchildren while awaiting my next gig.

After some fine advice from Jane Friedman, I found that I do not have to maintain an actual blog in order to “put my face out there” as that is something that writer’s must invariably do in order to be seen by those whom, well, the writer wishes to be seen by. It was she (Miss Friedman) who pointed out that WordPress offers a “static” page, whereupon I can design the page as a website and not have to maintain a blog.

Blogging is not something I think I should do, for I have no consistent area of interest. The blogs that I have attempted in the past  tended to bounce from posts on conspiracy theories to entries about my pit bull being bossed around by my chihuaha. It was more like an online journal of half-thought-out ideas than a series of posts under a consistent theme.

I recently saw a graph about blogs that was divided into thirds. This graph showed that 1/3 of blogs are about cooking, 1/3 about conspiracy theories (ahem) and 1/3 are self-promotion blogs.  Guess where the one you’re reading right now falls?  No…we tossed the conspiracy theories, remember? And there’s no way I’m sharing my cooking secrets – food is how I hold my family captive to do my bidding, I can’t let them know that other’s can work a kitchen the way I do.

So, welcome one and all to the single-page entry concerning the most relevent information about what I am up to (minus tidbits about bathing the dogs or unclogging the bathtub drain).

Self Promotion (a pointer to all those who are always watching out for blatant self-promotion):

In chronological order below, my electronic portfolio:

  • 18th Century History
  • Writing-World.com
  • Newbie-writers.com Newsletter (Fall, 2008)
  • Brandlady.com
  • Woman’s Info.
  • Herstoria Magazine
  • Oregon Home Magazine
  • Praise and Worship Website
  • The Muffin, “WOW”s blog
  • Slab Literary Journal
  • Notes and Grace Notes
  • More.com
  • This I Believe
  • Our Town Life, Sept 20. 2011
  • Willamette Valley Life, Fall 2011
  • Our Usa Magazine, Autumn 2011
  • Our Town, Dec 1. 2011
  • Willamette Valley Life, Winter 2012

 

Thank you for visiting,

— Tami Richards