Xander Riley's Blog

Much delayed update

Sorry that I haven't been updating very often, but things have been hectic in my personal life.  I have three friends who have been hospitalized - one had open heart surgery & one of her lungs "blew a hole out", another has had one knee replaced and is going back for the second knee replacement, the third has had three back surgeries in the last 6 months.  All of this is in addition to my own family and personal problems (which I won't go into right now).

I have not been writing as much recently.  Well, I've been writing, but nothing worth posting.  Most of my work over the past couple of months is only rough draft form for future stories and poems.  I have written a couple of poems to use on my bookmarks, but have not posted them for public view yet (and I won't until I'm completely happy with them). 

Speaking of my bookmarks, they have been receiving praise.  I am entered in a craft show later this year.  I'll be selling my bookmarks & plaques, some craft items, and (hopefully) my self-published books of short stories and poetry.  For some reason, my writing gets higher praise from the older crowd.  That has caused me to shift my writing into a new direction to accommodate them, while still continuing my preferred format of writing.  After all, the main reason to write is to express yourself.  Not simply to please the masses.  Right?

I'm still looking for a job.  That takes up a lot of my time with interviews, job fairs, etc.  However, I have an ex-coworker who is starting an internet business - she wants me to contract with her for assignments.  My ex-boss is considering opening his own dealership, too.  He has always wanted me to work with him again, so I am anxiously awaiting news on that front.

It's been rough to keep up with everything.  But I am still maintaining my membership on WDC, my website, and my other memberships.  I've even kept up with my reviewing on WDC.  My website is going through some major format changes in the upcoming weeks.  I have been working on some thoughts to improve maneuverability and presentation.

One last item: if anyone who reads this knows of a market for bookmarks or greeting cards, please let me know.  Also, if you know of any NON-SCAM writing jobs that you think I might be capable of handling, please forward any information to me.

Keep writing.  Keep reading.  Keep smiling!

Xander Riley