tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45399857739110471582024-03-15T07:30:32.415-05:00Views From The OuthouseTake a journey, as one writer climbs out of the depths of obscurity, to creatively entertain and boldly stretch the imaginations of billions . . .Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.comBlogger1106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-13142408496803823132024-03-15T07:30:00.025-05:002024-03-15T07:30:00.137-05:00Organizing Stories / Happenings In The Outhouse 15-March-2024I have kept a spreadsheet of all my writing--from finished and published stories to works in progress--for a long time. It's interesting to see this list grow over these past number of years.<div><br /></div><div>But I have been running into an issue lately that I may need to revamp it. It's a good problem to have, truth be told. With close to 60 stories to keep track of, I need to rethink how I have them organized. Specifically, the short stories that I am submitting for publication or contests.</div><div><br /></div><div>How you organize your stories is up to you. But I stress that you at least keep track of them, even if all of them are self-published. Whether you go physically writing them down to organizing them electronically (or both) is what you feel most comfortable with.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a side note: I will NOT share how I'm organizing because it's unnecessary and it may not work for you. So please do not ask.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-80506506745928805732024-03-08T07:30:00.018-06:002024-03-08T07:30:00.240-06:00Another Story Completed / Happenings In The Outhouse 08-March-2024A short one today.<div><br /></div><div>In the next week or two, I'll write a post on the hit TV show <i>Sons of Anarchy.</i> My wife and I have been binge watching it--she had already seen the entire series 5-6 times and loves to watch my reaction to each twist and turn. As of this writing, we have finished the 5th season (there are 7 seasons total) and are well into season 6.</div><div><br /></div><div>I finished a short story, as part of an online class I had taken several months back--the assignment had no time limit, which gave me ample time to complete it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have two stories now completed lately, so now I'm going back for a final sweep and then sending it out.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-71661036077547504802024-03-01T07:30:00.027-06:002024-03-01T07:30:00.131-06:00The Toxic Mix of Politics And Entertainment Creators / Happenings In The Outhouse 01-March-2024I <a href="https://viewsfromtheouthouse.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-anatomy-of-jerk-happenings-in.html">wrote this post over six years ago, and I can still remember the circumstances that led to it</a>.<div><br /></div><div>And I will repeat this again, because someone very publicly came out recently and trashed someone. All because this person had a letter by their name. Yes, it boils down to politics and whether or not the person in question has an R or a D by their name.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't give a pass to anyone. Period. No one is perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I would LOVE to state here who I am speaking about--and I apologize for being so cryptic--but I will not. In rare instances have I done this, and I'm not starting now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bottom line: do not mix politics if you are in the entertainment business. Unless it is the clear focus of the content you are creating, please stop. It alienates others on one side of the political aisle.</div><div><br /></div><div>The person is question is a big name author, with a series of books that he can't seem to finish after several years and two HBO series in the same world. This person completely demonized someone and completely ignored another, all because they have an R by their name. He gives a complete pass to those with a D by their name.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I am talking about Republicans and Democrats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do not give anyone a pass. If you demonize one side without criticizing the other, you are being a complete hypocrite.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stop doing that. Seriously, stop it.</div><div><br /></div><div>There, rant over . . .</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-26496239924292305812024-02-23T07:30:00.036-06:002024-02-23T07:30:00.128-06:00Freedom To Let Your Creative Mind Flow / Happenings In The Outhouse 23-Feb-2024I had an interesting conversation with my youngest daughter last week. She's in speech competition and was in the process of writing her creative speech. But she kept hitting a roadblock and didn't know how to finish it. She reached out to a few others for help, but in fact got more roadblocks. An English teacher told her to use some formulaic path to writing the story, and this only frustrated her more.<div><br /></div><div>Once I heard her out, I told her to throw away all of the advice she had given. Her eyes grew wide, then I told her to brainstorm as many ideas as she could.</div><div><br /></div><div>"The first few ideas will be easy but you won't want to use them," I said. "By the time you get eight, ten, twelve ideas down, that's where the great ideas will be. The ones that will spark the direction your story will go."</div><div><br /></div><div>When seeking advice from others, please be aware that not all advice is good. In fact, no offense to the others, but they aren't a creative like my daughter and myself. I knew how to speak the language of a creative.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you feel stuck on a project, sit alone and just brainstorm. Let your mind go. Let it be free. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, on a side note, there is nothing wrong with the advice regarding formulas to writing. There are a variety of methods, but I knew for her it would just confuse her. So I kept it simple. And guess what? She finished it!</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-36451149362427758022024-02-16T07:30:00.015-06:002024-02-16T07:30:00.134-06:00Keep Practicing / Happenings In The Outhouse 16-Feb-2024I realized the problem I have been having lately. I have been doing too much thinking with a critical mind instead of just putting my creative foot forward and doing the work.<div><br /></div><div>For me, writing is fun. And the more I do it, the better I will become. Not all stories will work. That much I know, but I need to keep at it, keep writing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life happens. It happens to us all. At this point, I had a quarterly goal of a certain number of short stories to be written. Right now I am no where near that point . . . even though the quarterly is roughly halfway complete.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even if I don't make it, I still made progress.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-68957808324573335832024-02-09T07:30:00.013-06:002024-02-09T07:30:00.131-06:00Troublesome Story Finished / Happenings In The Outhouse 09-Feb-2024My latest short story is completed. I finished it Monday morning, and have been doing some small editing this week. Along with a new title. I didn't like the original title, as my original vision for the story has changed (as happens often for me).<div><br /></div><div>I will be submitting it to a contest, so once it's away then I'm on to the next story.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned . . .</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-65128102913573414692024-02-02T07:30:00.023-06:002024-02-02T07:30:00.142-06:00Still Overthinking / Happenings In The Outhouse 02-Feb-2024Overthinking.<div><br /></div><div>Yup, I'm still doing it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some authors call it the critical brain getting in the way of your thinking. I agree, that's what is happening to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been working on a short story for a number of weeks now, tweaking here and there, and I've hit a point where I don't know where to go. When I looked at it from a larger picture, I realized that I was overthinking.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the past, I've had no troubles working through a story (for the most part). If I hit a troublesome spot, I'd brainstorm about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, that's what I did. I should have it done shortly.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-73335156092870893202024-01-26T07:30:00.023-06:002024-01-26T07:30:00.251-06:00A Long Shot / Happenings In The Outhouse 26-Jan-2024Publishing, in the more traditional sense, is a long shot.<div><br /></div><div>And publishing short stories is no exception.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been submitting short stories for the past 5-6 months to a certain publication, whose doors were opened to only those who contributed to their Kickstarter campaign. For me, I knew it was a long shot but wanted both the feedback as well as the opportunity to push myself to write something that fit the guidelines.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far, I have gotten feedback on a few. No, none of my stories have been selected, but what's just as valuable is the feedback.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a long shot, and frankly that's okay. I'm still going to keep writing and keep submitting. This year I am setting goals of doing a lot more short stories. I'll let you know what progress I'm making.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-87325822964759624082024-01-20T14:00:00.029-06:002024-01-20T14:00:00.135-06:00Four Years And Four DaysFour years and four days ago, <a href="https://viewsfromtheouthouse.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-sad-day.html">I lost my first wife after a long debilitating illness</a>. It took me a year and a half to get the courage to try my hand at dating again (the pandemic certainly didn't help). I didn't know if that's what God's plan was--and I was prepared either way.<div><br /></div><div>I prayed long and hard, and wouldn't you know it, God gave me another chance at love.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, after a <i>very</i> short engagement, I will once again marry my best friend, my most trusted confidante, my true love.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love you, Melissa! Thank you for making my life great again, as we build a life together!</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-58786035440722313192024-01-19T07:00:00.006-06:002024-01-19T07:00:00.138-06:00Big News / Happenings In The Outhouse 19-Jan-2024Keeping this one short today.<div><br /></div><div>I have a big announcement coming up tomorrow. It's a personal announcement, not a writing one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned . . .</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-82014608147541443872024-01-12T07:00:00.017-06:002024-01-12T07:00:00.134-06:00The Time For Your Craft / Happenings In The Outhouse 12-Jan-2024I set my alarm at 6am every morning. Well, not on the weekends, but during the week I do.<div><br /></div><div>But I still write, no matter the day of the week.</div><div><br /></div><div>We all feel like we're running a rat race these days, not knowing which way is up. But if you are serious about your craft--whatever that craft is; in my case it's writing so that's what I'll use--you will make the time for it. Even if you don't feel like it, carve out the time. Even a few minutes here and there is good, although if you're serious, you'll want to set aside the time.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-73204272117083500842024-01-05T10:40:00.090-06:002024-01-05T10:40:00.134-06:00Lessons Learned From Hell's Kitchen / Happenings In The Outhouse 05-Jan-2024My girlfriend and I have been watching the Gordon Ramsey show <i>Hell's Kitchen</i> for the past few months. We started with the latest two seasons, 19 and 20, then went back to the beginning. It is interesting to see how the show has evolved over the years, season after season.<div><br /></div><div>Now, full disclosure, my girlfriend has already seen most seasons of the show, and loves to see my reaction to who eventually wins each season when she knew typically about halfway through the season. We are currently on season 10, and there are things I notice that each contestant of the show should learn.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep in mind, it's a reality TV show, which means it's not real. Not reality. Many things are set up for entertainment purposes, so a lot of the drama and back-stabbing I get is not real.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wrote a <a href="https://viewsfromtheouthouse.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-one-can-learn-by-watching-tv.html">blog post almost twelve years ago that delved into this very topic, about learning by watching TV.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, what we have learned so far is this:</div><div><br /></div><div>First: never talk back to Gordon Ramsey. Never. No matter what. Trust me, you'll regret it if you do.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second: learn to take criticism. He will call you every name in the book, but you should never take it personally. He is testing you, to see how well you can take criticism.</div><div><br /></div><div>Third: work hard and communicate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fourth: if you lost a certain challenge and need to do some awful task, do it with dignity and stop complaining. All you're doing is making yourself look like a whiny prick if you do. Also, when someone wins a challenge, be happy for them and keep working.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fifth: if you win a challenge, it doesn't mean you are the absolute best. And do not gloat over you winning the challenge.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sixth: tell the truth. Ramsey wants to hear the truth, short and sweet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seventh: stop victim blaming. The reason a dish or dinner service didn't go as planned is just as much your fault as others. Take it in the chin and move on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eighth: if something isn't the best, do not send it up to Ramsey. Meaning, if you know something is under or overcooked, tell him immediately. Communicate!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure there will be others that come up, but these are the top eight I can think of at the moment. Now take these lessons into the rest of your life.</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S.: Rest In Peace Petrozza.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-35411225977102078022023-12-29T07:30:00.013-06:002023-12-29T07:30:00.138-06:00Heading Into The New Year / Happenings In The Outhouse 29-Dec-2023At my day job, I ask my team members to look ahead to 2024. What strategies are you putting in place to win?<div><br /></div><div>The same goes for my own writing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a strategy. This strategy I am keeping to myself, but in a nutshell it involves focusing on writing, finishing, and submitting short stories to the short story market.</div><div><br /></div><div>What are your plans for 2024?</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-38137602838711858362023-12-22T07:30:00.032-06:002023-12-22T07:30:00.133-06:00Holiday Happenings / Happenings In The Outhouse 22-Dec-2023This week, I finished a short story. I'm submitting it as part of a Kickstarter campaign I helped to fund. It was originally going to be part of another short story submission, but this one fit better.<div><br /></div><div>As we get closer and closer to Christmas, my family and I have been watching a long line-up of Christmas-themed movies. From <i>Christmas with the Kranks</i> and <i>Deck the Halls</i> to <i>A Christmas Story</i> and <i>Elf</i> and everything else in between.</div><div><br /></div><div>Making memories.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think of when you think of the holidays? From your childhood?</div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas!!!</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-12573647732900743412023-12-15T07:30:00.016-06:002023-12-15T07:30:00.133-06:00Hitting Reset / Happenings In The Outhouse 15-Dec-2023Keeping this one short again today.<div><br /></div><div>As I reviewed the quarterly goals I had set, not only did I achieve a few, there were ones I hadn't even tackled. It's okay. A lot happened in the last three months of 2023.</div><div><br /></div><div>But at the same time, I achieved quite a bit as far as learning, short stories written AND submitted.</div><div><br /></div><div>Onward, and upward . . .</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-78876642980596673812023-12-08T07:30:00.018-06:002023-12-08T07:30:00.129-06:00What Does Your 2024 Look Like? / Happenings In The Outhouse 08-Dec-2023<p> What does your 2024 look like?</p><p>And more importantly, what does it take to get there?</p><p>Be realistic in your goals, but at the same time push yourself a little too. Knowing my limits and all the people/places that are vying for my time, it would be unrealistic to say that I want to finish and send out one short story a week.</p><p>But, I could push myself and say I could write two a month. That's twenty-four in a single year. Very doable.</p><p>Once again, think about your 2024. What does it look like?</p>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-81669612244696507592023-12-01T07:30:00.022-06:002023-12-01T07:30:00.142-06:00Another Story Done and Looking Ahead to 2024 / Happenings In The Outhouse 01-Dec-2023Another short story has been completed, sent off for publication consideration, and I am now working on the next one or three. I do have three short stories planned out (all of these were done while sitting in the deer stand, waiting for that big buck to come along but didn't). It's just to sit down and write them.<div><br /></div><div>And, of course, there are other stories that crop up from time to time. Ah, life as a writer . . .<br /><div><br /></div><div>Looking forward to 2024, I will be following the same path as I am now, which is focusing more on short stories and submitting them for publication in the short story market.</div></div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-32340746697510000282023-11-24T07:30:00.015-06:002023-11-24T07:30:00.137-06:00Thankful / Happenings In The Outhouse 24-Nov-2023I am thankful for so many things.<div><br /></div><div>The people in my life who lift me up instead of tearing me down.</div><div><br /></div><div>The steady job I have that allows me to do some fun things as well as giving me the freedom to write.</div><div><br /></div><div>To find a purpose to live the life I want to live.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are so many things to be thankful for.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-90737160858485479402023-11-17T07:30:00.043-06:002023-11-17T07:30:00.135-06:00Let's Chat Briefly About Suicide / Happenings In The Outhouse 17-Nov-2023A few weeks ago, a young lady in our small community committed suicide. She was a successful businesswoman who was well-known and well-liked. In fact, at the funeral home for her service, it was standing room only as the people packed themselves inside. It was a tremendous tribute to her legacy, despite the tragic manner of her passing.<div><br /></div><div>With her suicide, it was the same story you heard many times. "Oh, I never knew she was depressed." "Oh, I wish she would've reached out." "I never knew."</div><div><br /></div><div>Trust me, for those seriously considering this way out, you never know. Never.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember this guy?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZksQotgkubMGblnK-r7trdso8JrjtqrB7aM40D1awx3SGpdU0sIyIfrx_fQPfvmz6JPuHNulc8-7wyMgykppElaVt7vq1GeYAGdpLAkkx-ppL4LnMFooUNCz45h6zNkY4LtA4P_l3Mc57PQ3vUxYdWUWhT2effUWC6voFivQ0qB6Cw7xbfdyWUPm4wAI7/s242/robinwilliams.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="242" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZksQotgkubMGblnK-r7trdso8JrjtqrB7aM40D1awx3SGpdU0sIyIfrx_fQPfvmz6JPuHNulc8-7wyMgykppElaVt7vq1GeYAGdpLAkkx-ppL4LnMFooUNCz45h6zNkY4LtA4P_l3Mc57PQ3vUxYdWUWhT2effUWC6voFivQ0qB6Cw7xbfdyWUPm4wAI7/s1600/robinwilliams.png" width="242" /></a></div><br /><div>Nobody ever knew what he was going to do on that fateful August day in 2014.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those in the aftermath of a suicide, the family members and friends will always wonder what they could've done. Let me answer it: nothing. Yup, I said it. Nothing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hate to be so blunt. But nothing except the power of the Lord can help.</div><div><br /></div><div>More on this topic another time . . .</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-19553000679696050542023-11-10T07:30:00.024-06:002023-11-10T07:30:00.207-06:00Didn't Impress Me Much / Happenings In The Outhouse 10-Nov-2023I was going to dedicate this post to the subject of suicide, but will hold off on that topic until next week.<div><br /></div><div>This past weekend, my girlfriend and I went to a concert by a country music icon, a queen of country so to speak. Tickets were bought almost a year ago, and we had anticipated how great this concert was going to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well . . . not sugar-coating this, the queen didn't impress us much.</div><div><br /></div><div>This brings up the point of either not accepting feedback or not being supplied the correct feedback on your art. Sure, something you create may not be for everyone. And that's okay. But when there are repeated suggestions on what's missing (or whatever), then maybe you should listen.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel bad for Shania Twain's band. They played their heart out, and at the end of the day it was Shania's poor performance that will linger on in people's minds.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-36378097711772259662023-11-03T07:30:00.012-05:002023-11-03T07:30:00.143-05:00Down To The Wire / Happenings In The Outhouse 03-Nov-2023Early on in October, I was able to submit a new short story, with a specific theme, by 10/31 at midnight. I tried working on this story for a few weeks, but for whatever reason it just wasn't working. I couldn't figure out the story at all.<div><br /></div><div>Then, over last weekend, I got an idea for a new story that would fit. With only a few days left to submit, I quickly wrote the story and sent it off. Right down to the wire.</div><div><br /></div><div>Crossing my fingers that it works, and now with the new month I'm off to work on other stories.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-42421210537651627012023-10-27T07:30:00.017-05:002023-10-27T07:30:00.152-05:00Fixing Roadblocks and Tangents / Happenings In The Outhouse 27-Oct-2023I have a problem.<div><br /></div><div>I have a tendency to overanalyze and overthink my stories.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a short story that I'm working on that I keep hitting roadblock after roadblock. I just can't seem to find my way around it. Then, in a flash, after repeatedly going back through it, I thought of something to change it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes all I need to do is stop, reread what I have so far, and then think of something different to throw in.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tangents, on the other hand, are another problem of mine. Especially with short stories. When short stories are supposed to be tight and within a short window of time, I have to tendency to go off on side stories that mean nothing to the story are large.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm working on both problems.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully, these stories will be better in the future.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-63328262121746203842023-10-20T07:30:00.044-05:002023-10-20T07:30:00.151-05:00Adapt And Overcome / Happenings In The Outhouse 20-Oct-2023Everyone meets challenges in life. It's inevitable. No one can escape it, despite their position in power, money, status. If you think people who are filthy rich have it so easy, think again. They have a host of troubles that others don't encounter.<div><br /></div><div>No, money does not buy happiness. If you think that's the case, then why are so many rich people getting divorces or committing suicide or . . . well, you get the picture. Also, do a quick Google search on the unhappy lives of those who win the lottery.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you meet a challenge, whether it's lack of money or a health issue or an obstacle at work, it's your mindset on how you adapt and overcome it that will set you apart from others. If you don't have the money to buy the latest (fill in the blank), instead of bitching and complaining about it, ask yourself what you're willing to sacrifice in order to get it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, if the said object is even worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you find yourself always broke, but can always gather up enough to buy Starbucks or cigarettes, then that's where your priorities lie. If there is a position at work that you want and find yourself wondering why in the hell someone else got it instead of you, then maybe you need to work on something to make yourself better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your mindset is what can separate yourself from others. There is something to say about having a positive mental attitude. Just saying . . .</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-20410977984343932472023-10-13T07:30:00.031-05:002023-10-13T07:30:00.141-05:00The Year Of Concerts--And It Ain't Over Yet / Happenings In The Outhouse 13-Oct-2023For the past 12 months, my girlfriend Melissa and I have been to a slew of concerts. Just this month alone, we saw Nickelback last week (with Josh Ross and Brantley Gilbert opening), Cole Swindell yesterday, and tomorrow is Luke Bryan.<div><br /></div><div>Phew!</div><div><br /></div><div>And next month is Shania Twain.</div><div><br /></div><div>Going to these concerts have brought me back to my high school days when I dreamed of being a rock star. Yes, yes, I was that kid. I recall going to prom my sophomore year and being mesmerized by the live band that was on stage. I wanted to see what they did and how they did it. I wanted to watch how they entertained.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even for movies, I wanted to know how things were done. I wanted to be the entertainer.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem was, I was the shy kid. I preferred to sit in the back of the class, keep my head down, and pray that the teacher didn't call on me.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a writer, I can still entertain and that is how I view what I write: pure entertainment.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539985773911047158.post-15401895474785629122023-10-06T07:30:00.020-05:002023-10-06T07:30:00.158-05:00New Month, New Projects / Happenings In The Outhouse 06-Oct-2023It is a new month, a new quarter. The last three months of 2023.<div><br /></div><div>I have at least three writing projects (short stories) that I am currently working on. Five, if I include the projects that are due by the end of each month--these monthly ones are bonus submissions I earned because I contributed to a Kickstarter by an established science fiction/mystery/fantasy/etc. author that also does a lot of writing teaching.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keeping this one short today as I just started this month's submission. Sorry, no details.</div>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0