…resource I hope you like. I wrote it a few years ago—“The 7 Universal Laws of getting Dreams Done”. It’s filled with principles to remember that can save you LOTS of time. Some hard-won wisdom from the trenches.

SEEING THINGS AS SUCH (for your eyes only!) Nathan Smith Jones There once was a story of a man who tried But each time he did a part of him died ‘What’s the point?’ The man finally said, ‘If trying each time leaves part of me dead?’ The answer that came was slow to return But it came in the form of an old taciturn The old man was withered but said with a grin, ‘You thought that each time that you tried you would win?’ ‘No,’ said the man, ‘I didn’t, you know, but so many times trying with nothing to show—’ He stopped what he said as tears appeared And the old man patted his arm as he neared ‘No one faults a sweet for not being a sour Or blames a lone minute for not being an hour. Just do what you do, let other hands wring For who knows Who cares what consequence bring ‘We do what we do, it’s the doing that counts It helps us much more than anything else.’ But just as he said this, the old man he started. His eyes went wide, he peed and he farted. He sank to the ground and right then and there He took his last breath as the younger man stared. After they came and took the old man away Then the young man slowly went on his way He thought that the old man dying was odd his words were not wise or a message from God For how can a message so sweet and sublime Be followed by the messenger having to die? No, no, the man thought, it makes little sense There’s no way his words meant anything hence So on through his life the man bitterly forged The old man’s last words he promptly ignored The point is that often the message we heed Is only as good as we want it to be For what good are rubies or diamonds or gold If those who receive them only see them as old? Or an ice cube in winter or sneezes in Spring What value has any wise word or good thing All things of value, they don’t count for much For all things mean nothing, if you see them as such.

"Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work." ---Stephen King

...every Wednesday This is a chance for all of us to help you with your work in progress. Bring developmental, structure, characterization, line-by-line, or any other questions you might have!

Hey, everyone. The guy who co-wrote ‘Shrek 2’ who I booked for January 7 is having a big seminar next week. It originally cost $795. Then he dropped it to $395 (probably worth it at that price, but I told him we were all poor in our group ;) Then he told me he really wants us there, and to ask you guys how much you can afford as a group rate. He said he really wants us there so that Jan 7’s meeting can be a lot more one on one—with him helping you guys more directly. I think if all main five of us agree to $35 a person, I think he will say yes to our group rate! (The others who aren’t as active are welcome to be a part of it). Who’s in? I also know it’s the holidays, and perhaps that’s the tough part. If it’s still tough for us I’ll let him know that my booking him for Jan 7 will have to be the only one we do. But please let me know! Nate