Keith Ward's Blog - Posts Tagged "first-day-of-school"
Free Short Story, 'First Day of School', Now Available
Hi folks. I've published a free short story based on characters from my book. It's called "First Day of School," and it's about how the two main guys, Rick and Tony, met as 10-year-olds in school. Hope you like it. I'd love some reviews if you get a chance, and for you to spread the word, if you think it's worthwhile.
It's here on the site; just click the link to download.
Many thanks!
It's here on the site; just click the link to download.
Many thanks!
Free Short Story
I'm not sure how easy it is to find the story, so I'm including a link. Find the story here.
iPads, Netflix and Diets
After years of frustration, I’ve found the perfect use for Neflix: education while dieting. About five months ago, my doctor said one of my sugar readings during a physical was too high, and near diabetic levels. She suggested losing 10-15 pounds, then re-testing. Diabetes is a scary disease, so I took her advice and started a serious diet. I also picked my exercise back up. I used to be a cycler, and still consider that my first love, but it just takes too long for me to get a good workout. So for years, I’ve run with my wife; running is a much more efficient way for me to lose weight.
But I also have some sort of pinched nerve in my neck, which is causing some arm/shoulder problems (ah, the joys of nearing 50). Running seems to exacerbate that issue. But I still need to lose the weight, so I’ve re-discovered our elliptical machine. It burns lots of calories quickly, like running; but like my bike, it’s completely non-impact. Best of both worlds, right? The problem is that it’s incredibly boring to use.
Enter Netflix and iPad. My particular elliptical has a little space at the top that perfectly — and I do mean perfectly — fits my iPad (generation 4 — I must have Retina Display). So now I set my iPad on the space, put on headphones, and fire up Netflix. No more boring.
But what to watch? Well, I’ve found a good solution to that, too. I’ve tried lots of TV shows my kids recommend, and haven’t liked any of them (more on that in a future post). After much consideration, I’m starting on an education kick. I’ll begin with the Ken Burns documentaries. I’m going through the “Civil War” now, and will move on to “Jazz”, then “The West,” then his others. After that’s done, I’ll start watching other documentaries on Netflix. I’ve always loved documentaries — to me, they’re just journalism with a camera. And I don’t think anyone captures America like Burns.
Now my body’s happy (I’ve lost 21 pounds since the fall), and I’m learning more about the world around me. My $8/month is being well spent.
But I also have some sort of pinched nerve in my neck, which is causing some arm/shoulder problems (ah, the joys of nearing 50). Running seems to exacerbate that issue. But I still need to lose the weight, so I’ve re-discovered our elliptical machine. It burns lots of calories quickly, like running; but like my bike, it’s completely non-impact. Best of both worlds, right? The problem is that it’s incredibly boring to use.
Enter Netflix and iPad. My particular elliptical has a little space at the top that perfectly — and I do mean perfectly — fits my iPad (generation 4 — I must have Retina Display). So now I set my iPad on the space, put on headphones, and fire up Netflix. No more boring.
But what to watch? Well, I’ve found a good solution to that, too. I’ve tried lots of TV shows my kids recommend, and haven’t liked any of them (more on that in a future post). After much consideration, I’m starting on an education kick. I’ll begin with the Ken Burns documentaries. I’m going through the “Civil War” now, and will move on to “Jazz”, then “The West,” then his others. After that’s done, I’ll start watching other documentaries on Netflix. I’ve always loved documentaries — to me, they’re just journalism with a camera. And I don’t think anyone captures America like Burns.
Now my body’s happy (I’ve lost 21 pounds since the fall), and I’m learning more about the world around me. My $8/month is being well spent.
Back in the Saddle
I've been remiss (how many blog updates start with some variation of this sentence?). Haven't blogged in a long time. I think in some way it's because I was waiting for something important or insightful or funny to say. But that's stupid. Those sorts of thoughts don't come to me often enough. Now, I'll blog more about the everyday. It'll often be more mundane, but I'll try to make it as interesting as possible (when it's possible).
So, much more frequent updates from here on out. I'm hammering on the latest novel (about 15,000 words in, and a long way to go). I've got Internet Kill Switch entered in three different contests; I'm hoping that this will get more people to actually read it — I'm hopeful that if they do that, they'll like it. As I've said before, discovery is the key, if you’re not a "name". I should hear about the first round of cuts from the Amazon contest within a week. It has three rounds, so if I make the first cut, I'll know about the second about a month after that. Fingers crossed. I am at the place, however, where I'm not using these contest to validate whether I have any writing talent or not. I write because I love it, and I won't stop writing if I don't get the positive feedback that every writer would love to have.
I'm also pleased to see that "First Day of School," my short story involving characters from the novel, continues to get downloaded from Smashwords (a distribution site). It's free, and a quick read, if you're looking to kill an hour.
*Still* waiting for spring to arrive here in Carroll County. Today it probably won't even hit freezing; yesterday it was mid-60s. This winter is holding on as best it can. It's had a great run (if you like cold), and just…can't…give…up. Maybe snow Sunday or Monday. Urgh.
So, much more frequent updates from here on out. I'm hammering on the latest novel (about 15,000 words in, and a long way to go). I've got Internet Kill Switch entered in three different contests; I'm hoping that this will get more people to actually read it — I'm hopeful that if they do that, they'll like it. As I've said before, discovery is the key, if you’re not a "name". I should hear about the first round of cuts from the Amazon contest within a week. It has three rounds, so if I make the first cut, I'll know about the second about a month after that. Fingers crossed. I am at the place, however, where I'm not using these contest to validate whether I have any writing talent or not. I write because I love it, and I won't stop writing if I don't get the positive feedback that every writer would love to have.
I'm also pleased to see that "First Day of School," my short story involving characters from the novel, continues to get downloaded from Smashwords (a distribution site). It's free, and a quick read, if you're looking to kill an hour.
*Still* waiting for spring to arrive here in Carroll County. Today it probably won't even hit freezing; yesterday it was mid-60s. This winter is holding on as best it can. It's had a great run (if you like cold), and just…can't…give…up. Maybe snow Sunday or Monday. Urgh.
