Getting Started

Where to begin? That blank page staring back can be intimidating.

Just dive right in there!

Type word "The."

Type next word (the first thing that pops into your mind) and next word.

At this point, quality is not important. You just want to create a "flow" where words come easily.

Don't stop to edit. Save all your corrections for second draft. Resist impulse to rewrite. That will only interrupt flow and is another way to avoid task at hand.

If you are like me you will have a 2nd, third and fourth draft. You have to get your first draft completed before your have anything to rewrite! Stay focused.

Carry a Notebook

As a creative writer, you will be "hit" by odd ideas and notions in oddest of places.

Maybe you are stuck in traffic or brushing your teeth when inspiration strikes.

You could wake from a dream and have a killer idea.

" I'll remember that." We say to ourselves, but when next we write there is no access to that memory file.

Just use a notebook. Jot those things down as they come to you. It only takes a moment.

Capture all your of your ideas as they transpire. Who knows? One of them may be "Next Big Thing!"

David Parton:

Helping others and myself Improve their income and boost their health and energy levels with Tahitian Noni Juice.

5. The Internet provides tremendous opportunities to support charity of your choice directly. Don't get taken in by "charity" or "someone is in need" chain letters. E-mails that claim money will go to a specified charity each time message is forwarded are not true. If your charity does not provide online giving opportunities at their web site, consider giving through Network for Good which provides all registered charities in U.S. ability to receive online donations.

6. Check for a privacy policy concerning use of your name, e-mail address or other personal information. Don't disclose personal information, such as your address, telephone number, social security number, or e-mail address —unless you know who's collecting information and how they plan to use it.

7. Print a copy of final confirmation screen that appears when you have made your gift. In addition, keep a copy of your charitable gift confirmation e-mail for your records. If you do not receive a confirmation of gift by e-mail (and in most cases by mail as well), do not give to that charity online again, until you are certain they have brought their online solicitation policies inline with these tips. In such cases, contact charity to make sure they received your gift and request confirmation of gift.

8. A reputable charity will make certain fullcontact information is readily available in case you need assistance with questions, problems, or service. The charity should provide one or more ways to reach them off line as well as communicate with them directly online. Look for charity's contact address, telephone, e-mail address, etc.

9. The Internet provides charities with an opportunity to share more of their work with you donor. You should be able to learn how charity you contribute to plans to use money you give to help others and fulfill their mission. If you are not certain how charity will use your charitable gift, ask!

10. Your favorite charity should provide you an opportunity to hear about their work regularly. On their web site or through e-mail updates charity should provide information about how they fulfill their stated mission. These updates should be received on a regular basis and should not be tied only to requests for contributions.

In closing, with so much publicity and attention being given to tsunami disaster, it's easy to forget we have tens of thousands of needy families right here in our own country. Please don't forget about them.

Also, we've been hearing on news that many Americans have been inquiring about how they can adopt a homeless Southeast Asian child.

Again, please don't forget, we have tens of thousands of homeless children right here in our own country. If you want to adopt, why not consider our own children first?