After more than 20 years of teaching, I’m done. While, most teachers in my position will keep going, racking up an even higher salary – which would in turn get one a higher pension upon retirement. Although I’m not yet at optimum retirement age, I am ready to move on to another phase of professional life.
So what’s next? Good question.
Woody Allen said, “Those who can – do. Those who can’t – teach. Those who can’t teach – teach gym.” While I do not entirely subscribe to that, largely because I have several relatives who are gym teachers, but I do consider it a challenge for one to prove ability. So, this would be my turn.
One of the lesser aspects of teaching was how teachers are judged, which is mainly by the performance of their students. If kids do well, we’re geniuses. Genii. We’re great. If kids do poorly, we suck. Unfortunately, more and more kids are coming to school without the right “programming” to do their best. I could go on with my theories as to why, and you may or may not agree, but I’ll save that for when asked. The point is that I no longer want to be judged by the performance of others. I want to be judged by my own performance. Based on the feedback I’m getting on WordPress, I’m doing the right thing.
For many years I was the guy who often had to send out random notes to the entire building about boring topics that nobody wanted to read yet everyone needed to have the information. I slowly began to inject some humor into those notes. I would make comments about people, but I safely chose those who were friends and wouldn’t mind. In fact, they liked it. Some people even asked why they weren’t featured. For example, there might have been a meeting after school about an upcoming fundraiser. I added a blurb at the end which said, “And please keep your eyes on Mr. Smith during the fund raiser. Last year he mysteriously went missing for a week, came back with a fabulous tan and a Spanish accent, but none of the money was accounted for.” And people would say, “Why are you teaching? You should be writing. Or hosting a game show.” I really would love to host a game show.
Anyway, it’s writing and not a game show. I’m in the process of finishing up my third novel. No, fourth. And I’m in the process of querying agents. And I’m soon going to be in the process of collecting rejections. Everyone wants to know the secret of getting an agent, getting a book published, and I’ve been reading about it as much as I can. The one thing that almost every published writer seems to say is, “Don’t give up.” So, I’m counting on that. Not giving up. I’ll keep the letters going out, and I’ll take the rejections when they come in. And I’ll send more, and I’ll get more. And when I’ve hit every agent, then I’ll pitch one of the other books. I have four now, and I have four outlines waiting. And I bet I can come up with four more after that. People who have read my work have said that they can’t imagine an agent passing up on my work. However, that’s what people should say, even if it sucks. Well, maybe not that far. Maybe something like, “Yeah, that’s good,” if it sucks. Hard to say.
So, in the mean time: Don’t give up.
Hi there,
A long overdue note of thanks for sharing your secrets to a happy relationship on my blog. I’m very glad that you stopped by and cared enough to comment.
Your list is awesome, and reflects an incredibly wise outlook on life and love.
Thanks again & all best,
Marci
silly girl. no need to apologize.
I know ! I can’t stand the states testing and I’ve said they’re nuts for quite some time. I’ve had teachers tell me the same thing. Ugh… and my daughter, whose 14 is subjected to them. I think it puts kids in a box. My friend is a teacher and she’s told me about how the tests are done and what’s supposed to be taught leaving other things by the wayside. I was not happy, to say the least. Ridiculous.
Hi,
I think my last answer got lost. But I agree with you. The best FP;d I’ve read so far are Fibromy Awesome, though I sometimes think she’s a little too self-ansorbed even though she;s sick. Queen of the Couch, bitingly funny, but she sometimes attacks her readers too much and teh Problem with Young People Today is.. Funny though a bit formulaic, though he hasn’t posted in a while…
Hi Gail, I wrote to Mr. Mills just last week (Problem with Young People today) to see how he was and he’s been busy with other things and the like. I’m sharing because he has been missing a while and makes me laugh like crazy
… so I inquired as to how he is. That’s it! Nice to meet you… have to go!
Who are you?
My bad. This is the same person under a blog with a different name. Sorry, my bad.
I’m M.C.,
I fell over this gentleman’s blog a day or so ago through a comment some where else. When you responded it came through on the notification thing. As I recently followed up with Mr. Mills there I thought I would let you know he’s been busy. Have a good day!
Thanks, though it was more of an idle currosity. ; )
I see
Your welcome …
I read your comments on A Frank Angle today and found myself in agreement with you….enough so to check you out here. I’m looking forward to finding out more of what you have to say.
Wow. That’s very flattering. And I’ll have to do the same. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you as well. : )
I’ve nominated you for the 7×7 Link Award! Visit my post for details and direction
http://makesomethingmondays.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/7×7-link-award/
oh crap. it’s a rare occasion when i don’t know what to say.
here’s one. “_________________”
guess the only thing to say is “much obliged, m’lady” and do what it says to do…
I’m impressed and inspired to see you following your dreams. Three novels? Get that agent thing going stat! Thanks for visiting my blog, I’m looking forward to seeing where your journey takes you…
thanks for peeking! and being positive.
Never thought of that before, but great point about being judged on the performance of others as opposed to your own performance. I left my career after 10 years, and I can relate to that a lot. I was a dentist, so in many cases, I do the work in someone’s mouth, but they are responsible for what they do with it next. While we could say in both careers that our work is highly impactful, much of it comes down to what the individual does with what you give him/her.
Good luck with the novels!
thanks miss. what did you decide to do when you left dentistry?
i suppose there’s an amont of frustration in dentistry because you’re very often cleaning up what someone else screwed up. and if people did just a few simple things, then your job wouldn’t be so intricate and difficult.
In the last few years, i have been more interested in nutrition and health and food. I had the opportunity to start a weight loss business, so I jumped at it. It’s so much more rewarding and fun. I’m ranting quite a bit about the career change on my blog as of late!
You are right on with a big frustration of dentistry!
that’s cool because i have a weight loss book that i need to finish. i just need a lovely female to pose for the workout/weight training pictures to illustrate the exercises.
I read that one article of yours on why you would never be freshly pressed, and I was sold. I’ve barely read anything, and I’m already following you. Enjoy the way you express yourself. And I think you’re making a good move by leaving the teaching if you don’t enjoy it. I taught at the college level for many years, and it was a hobby for me. Had a business where I earned a lot more than what they paid me for being a professor, but it was fun. And I was sorry when I left it… because I’d gotten old, and retired. Missed it for about a week. And then found other things that were fun. I wish you the same luck. And meantime, thanks for the laugh. You’re a joy to read.
Those are very kind words. Thank you very much and happy to know you.
a joy to read? i have never had a better compliment.
oh no! you will have a blast with my blog…editing and proofreading, that is. lol =)
I tyPOO all over the place!
no worries. this is informal writing, so those kinds of things don’t count. also, i never review/edit someone’s work unless they ask.
good to find your blog
happy to bring it to you.
I nominated you for the Sunshine Award!!! You inspire me! http://makesomethingmondays.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/the-sunshine-award/
oh i do thank you for such nice thoughts. however, i hesitate about these things because i have this fear of annoying people. for example, i fear sending an obligation to others who would then feel the need to send it to others and others, and i would hate to annoy them. also, i fear that when i pick seven people, then others will see that and ask, “but why didn’t you pick ME?” and i don’t want to annoy them. so i’m sorry i won’t be passing it on, but it is so nice that you would think of me. i recently was given a 7×7 award, and right after sending it, when i knew i didn’t want to, i then remembered the philosophy i forgot, and then i realized that i likely just annoyed people. but you are sweet.
I heart teachers like you, who care about the teaching, and the process of becoming that it creates within the learner. So glad I found your blog!
Happy writing and may it bring you all you desire.
Bless xx
that is the most niceliestest of thoughts. thanks miss!
and now I am smiling at your excellent word!
inspired by you
i’m creeping about because i’m procrastinating writing my thesis (diabetes research), after which i’m breaking up with science after being in university for 8 years… enough! it’s going to be art all the way! interior design, photography, music production, or… writing (gasp!)
i may kindly ask for some feedback from you when i work up the courage (and after a lot of editing).
you may kindly ask for anything, and i will kindly do whatever i can to help. nice to meet you.
[...] Journal. It’s by a follower of mine, and one whom I follow becaus I like his stuff, Rich. It’s a ghost story! You don’t see many of those. I just started it this morning [...]
I can not weight to get deeper into your blog. Can NOT wait.
wow. that means a lot. thanks. and i’ll certainly dig through yours too.
As a fomer teacher and writer myself, I look forward to reading more about you and your writing. I think the secret to getting an agent is knowing someone! Have you ever thought to self-publish? Or is the at “bad” word in your book. People seem to have strong opinions about that.
I’ve explored all avenues. For now, I’m writing for about 300 more days in a row, and then will make a decision, or not make a decision. I’m glad you have a way to write with an audience. Glad to find someone with gameshow humor, as well.
I taught grades pre-K, first, fifth, and seventh. Great to find your blog.
Samantha
Those are such nice things to say. Thank you. I’m trying traditional publishing first after a poor attempt at self pub. If it works, you’ll probably know by staying tuned.
great to have you reading, and i’ll be sure to return the favor. also, as i said, the one key i keep hearing is not giving up because soooo many DO give up.
Keep at it. You will get rejections and what someone told me one time. Laz, Just because someone doesn’t like your photography means that is bad! So true…. No matter what, keep running up that hill!!! Best of luck!
will do. thanks.
Good decision Rich, write!!!! You are good, you know so much about writing… just write without second thoughts… you are a natural writer!!! You sure have one more devoted reader in me.
that’s a lovely thought. thank you. i don’t take anyone lightly. anyone willing to spend time reading what i have written deserves the best that any writer has to offer. so i’ll keep at it, just as you have with your work too.
[...] Rich, the anti-eponymous author of the wildly popular blog brainsorts expressed to me after my stats complaining post the other day that he would gladly take credit for putting my blog on the map and being the supporter that would get me eventually published. [...]
Did you see FP today??? Hot German chick with a blog about how to photograph kittens. Are you shitting me???
i know. that’s what i mean. and – i love when women curse. thanks!
Thanks for cursing? You are so welcome. I am a fucking awesome curser. Do you like Bill O’Reilly is that why you have “what say you?”
nah. lord of the rings, at the end when aragorn challenges the men in the mountain to join him. he says, “what say you?!”
Should I keep it to myself that I have never read the Rings trilogy?
not important. it’s a guy thing. it was world of warcraft and violent video war games before there was such a thing.
i often look at FP and find things like cutsie animals and i’ll leave a comment like this: “it’s a cat.”
For today’s you better figure out how to say it in Deutsche.
ich bein ein frein stein, I believe is the loose translation.
ich bein ein der post ich boring ick der cutsie douche.
Oh my gawd, I’m laughing really hard. I’m going to start calling people cutesie douches
ahhhhh HAHAHAHAHA
combine it. doutsie.
Hey Doutsie,
What does the button that says “Press This” at the end of blogs do?
Signed,
Unpressed
Not sure. I’ve pressed it but couldn’t see any result.
I quietly click away, but I suppose that’s the difference between being funny and just being a wimp.
you can be funny and be a wimp too.
good work here. encouraging and inspiring for me, also leaving nearly 2 decades of a career (selling books) devoting myself to writing. glad to see your successes…and enjoyable to read. like the photos with the chapters as well
good luck to us all. keep at it.
Another one leaving teaching in June, but on a happy note, with a smile on my face and lots of warmth in my heart. I’m one of the lucky ones who had 40 years of difficult, but heart warming, opportunities…. I am a bit “concerned” (that might be called “scared” ) now about how to continue with new opportunities that haven’t, as yet, been found….I hope I’ll find a way to share the work I do on my own blogs, but time will tell…You have a remarkable blog. I wish you well with the opportunities you are pursuing! Kathy
you’ll do great. and you’ll have time to write, and time to share, and you’ll love it.
I have taught various subjects (mainly art and design) for nearly 15 years and do not have any intention of pursuing it here in UK. It’s all about ‘league tables’ and competing with all the other schools to get the best exam results. Schools will do anything to achieve this. In my department we would get ‘sent’ the less academic kids because they figured (how, I don’t know) that they would ‘do ok’ in arty subjects. Of course, being creative is not just about dragging a crayon across a piece of paper. Plus, I don’t think creativity and all that comes with it (thinking out of the box, questioning the world around you and thinking for yourself) can be quantified into an EXAM RESULT. It all boiled down to us, as teachers in the Art department, being blamed and talked down to, because we didn’t ‘get the results’. No, I’m out of all that BS. I’m looking to teach special needs and aiming to get into Art Therapy. I hate labelling and this system of producing little sheep with white collars!
Bravo to everyone who is writing, painting and following their dreams! Great, great blog, Rich.
Thank you very much and good luck. Not often or ever that I get compliments from an angel.
This is really very interesting to read!
thank you very much.
Which story should I read next? Curse, Lizzie or Dis???
Each has an intro in the menu. See which appeals to you. If none stands out, let me know.
If you can’t decide, go with disconnected.
OK -I haven’t had a chance to look at the descriptions
After yoga tonight
Ok. That was selfish of me.
Oh stop
Yoga was soooo good. I feel like a million bucks.
and look like it to match
Aw shucks. And the winner is (drumroll, please)…. Lizzie’s Journal.
either way, all i can say is thanks. i’ll be interested in what you have to say after you finish ch. 4.
I think teachers are our most important resource and our least respected. Not that teachers are disrespected like cops, but they sure are not supported and they are blamed for the failings of our youth. This is the parents failure if you ask me. Teachers are out every day soldiers and without them, we would not be where we are today. It is too bad that they are not given the support and control that they deserve. Btw… That photo of the typewriter is AWESOME! i am going to post it on pinterest if that is ok…..:)
I found that pic on the internet so you feel free to use it. And thanks very much for your thoughts.
you are welcome. Great find! I wonder who did it? Oh well. I love it. Good luck on finding your publisher.
Thanks for the positive thoughts. Much appreciated.
I appreciate the add. Thanks for following my blog. I hope i am able to entertain and or inform you in the future!
Right back atcha
Like this page. There is something very freeing about engaging in “reckless abandon”. I love seeing people go after their dreams and put “status-quo” on the shelf, even if only for a time. Good for you. Thanks for the example. Life is an experience that should be…..well, lived.
Thank you sir. And thanks for finding the page.
Dear Rich,
Nice reading about you. Nice meeting you. The do not give up thing? Don’t.
Aloha,
Doug
working on it. and people like you certainly help. are you in hawaii? my brother spent a month there. thought it was amazing. are there lots of sharks?
Ambitious man – awesome
LOVE your blog!!
Well that’s an amazing thing to hear. Thanks.
I’m a teacher turned writer too – although there were a few more stages in between! Very best of luck with the books.
Thanks and luck to you too
First I thank you for stopping by my Boys to Men blog and extending the oh so welcomed “like”. It’s a secondary blog for me, does not get much attention (from me either these days), but it is close to my heart and I hope to get motivated to return to it soon. Visits by one such as yourself will go a long way toward helping that happen. I think your writing is wonderful and hope you let us know when, where, and how much WHEN one of your novels is published. Very nice to meet you.
Rhonda
oh dearest rhonda. you need thank me for nothing. my writing is no better than yours. i just have more time to work on it. please keep doing everything you’re doing and you’ll earn all the likes and views and everything else that comes your way. and i greatly appreciate the WHEN instead of an IF. now i like you even more.
no, YOU have made.
That’s nice…and thank for the follow on the ‘other’ blog…the silly one. I love that one which is why I spend more time there…glad you will be visiting.
other?
Boys To Men is the first place I saw you…then Help Me Rhonda.
oh, wait, i should have stated at first that i’ve had four glasses of wine and have also played 18 holes of golf today. therefore, anything i say is completely honest and true, but i just might not be sure what i’m responding to. either way, i’m sitting. and wearing socks.
LOL…I’m one up you on the grape, sadly no golf for me. I’m so glad you have on the socks though, I was worried! Thanks for the laugh, I needed it.
Rhonda
Maybe tomorrow, before the wine, you can revisit to see if you actually DO like both blogs…retractions will be allowed w/in a 24 hours period of 4 glasses of wine. gratis
i retract nothing. however, if necessary, i’ll pay for the dry cleaning.
HAHAHA…cute
not as cute as you, but thanks.
well seeing as I was just about to send you another thank you for putting another like on my page…I’ll do it here. thanks. And as to your note…I bet you are….just sayin
Dag gone! It takes forever to get to the bottom! You need a new about page just for all your comments!
Thanks for visiting my shower-head…glad you liked it!
R
i cleaned my shower head yesterday. it was spraying all over the place. had to soak it in 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar to eat away the mineral deposits.
Don’t make me laugh when I have a mouthful of wine. NOT good for my computer screen. lol
And thanks for the shower head cleaning tip…I’ll keep it in mind
don’t you dare waste a mouthful of wine. i’ll suck it out of your mouth before i’ll let you waste it.
time for cabernet!
Oh please
done it before
Not on mine you haven’t!!! yet anyway
and while you are at it…make mine a pinot noir.
By the way…that was not an “oh please” as in get real….it was the other kind!
good to know that i had it wrong.
pinot noir is fine. anything but white or white zinfandel.
agreed! white zin is NOT wine, it’s kool aid. Though I do enjoy a good white blend now and again, but not often. I like my grapes “rich”. lol
A follow-up question (though I don’t remember an original question so it’s not really a follow-up)…why Springsteen? Just a random “wondering”
because he’s brilliant. and i’m from NJ all my life. spend a lot time at the beach too.
Ahhh, I see. Well, who says nothing good ever came out of NJ? Not me…now there are at least two!!
aww, what a super nice thing to say. where are you from?
Well that’s a question and 1/2. 9 states, 27 addresses…originally Vermont, currently Mass, the longest Maryland and Virginia. But will always be a Yank (sans the pin stripes of course)
Anyway…was just at spilled the inc…saw the book…noticed it here on your site too. Will def. read…a bit curious about the thought behind putting your book here and not publishing it for purchase? A labor of love only? Or is this one of the ones you are ‘not giving up’ on? Too nosy? sorry if it is.
disregard the previous comment in it’s entirety if you please. i seem to have more time on my hands tonight than brains. I finally spent more time reading than asking and see your 4 on your page. looking forward to reading them.
nothing to disregard. you enjoy browsing. i’m flattered. search me all you want.
Thanks…just downloaded the 2 on your site that are available at kindle. I prefer to read there rather than here, no interruptions. Looking forward to reading them.
wow that’s nice of you.
I love to read, I love thrillers and spooky stuff. lol Will give me something new to read when I take my mother to Foxwoods for Mother’s Day. Ugh, her thing, not mine, but what the heck. Now I can read and people watch.
extra cool. uh oh. sleepy. gnight. thanks again.
nothing is nosy to me. i’ll answer anything you have the guts to ask. i haven’t yet made the effort to traditionally publish, but i’m working on it.
I’m glad you started writing because I love your plots and the way you put mystery into it just from reading the intro. I’m going to start reading The Curse and work my way down to your other work. Although right now I’m currently reading 2 different book series.
That is very flattering of you, sir. Thanks.
lol I’m a woman but your welcome.
that’s what i get for seeing the picture and assuming male. please don’t shoot.
lol it’s ok. I’m pretty easy going so I knew that’s probably where you got it from. The pictures small anyway so you can’t really tell from just looking at it.
Thanks for another smile today Rich
Rhonda
wasn’t me. it was that guy. he went that way. over there. i swear.
Well, it seems you are one of those rare breeds of men who give credit to ‘other’ men for making a woman smile. Interesting. Well, when you see him, tell him I said thanks for the drive-by will ya?
sure. he’s right there in the window. oh, sorry, that’s a mirror.
hey. he’s kinda cute.
lol…now THAT does not surprise me! men and mirrors, a love affair to remember
me and mirrors are not friends.
Doubtful, but will have to save for another day. No sleep last night, already midnight now…it’s a good thing I don’t look in a mirror that’s for sure. I must try to sleep, so I’ll end for now, to be continued…
zzzzz
Two thanks for leaving me two smiles today. Appreciate your taking time to visit.
R
You are awful quiet tonight…hope all is well.
was watching a movie. thanks though for noticing.
Always notice when my favorite bald guy is absent. Hate when that happens!
aww. he’s my favorite bald guy too.
I was at first attracted to your blog because of the Album Cover (yes I capitalize all things Bruuuuuce) you chose for your Gravatar. Is that header pic from the Jersey Shore? Oh…I also read a little of your stuff too, I like it.
yes, jersey shore banner. and i love bruce too. nice to meet you and thanks for reading and liking stuff.
I like the idea of you making those boring note thingys funny! I”m a bit surprised no one told you to keep in line – they’re very ‘correct’ here. I think that’s a good attitude with the novels, I wish I had your drive! Maybe..I should do like you do!
i could never advise anyone to do what i’ve done. not without a lawyer.
glad you are still checking in…as you can see from my most recent…i didn’t stay in and read like i was planning to. wish i had! there’s no place like home……………
R
no disagreeing with that.
I read “Room 317″ like I said I would; sorry it took so long, NaNo kicked my butt last month. Anyway, here’s my book review if you want to check it out: http://yawattahosby.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/book-review-room-317-by-r-m-voza/
nothing to apologize for. i am definitely not a priority.
and thank you very much for reading it.
Smooth writing!
Very kind of you. Thanks.
Thank you for deciding to follow my blog…BTW…any one with Springsteen’s The Wild, The Innocent, & The E Street Shuffle album cover for their Gravatar photo is a friend of mine…lol.
Be encouraged!
glad to meet you sir.
Glad you liked my little poison pen. I am a closet activist (oops, guess I came out huh)
out of the closet. nothing wrong with that.
I’m glad I stumbled upon your blog thru Friday Fictioneers (thanks Madison!!). Question for you – what did you teach – subject and grade? I always wanted to be a teacher, worked toward that all through college, but I think my priorities have changed. Weird to realize that your dream is no longer your dream. I love your blog and I love the posts. Thanks for reading my musings.
i taught language arts, reading, writing, mostly grades 6, 7, and 8. nothing to thank me for. and nice to meet you.
I wanted to let you know I’ve presented you with the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ award. Of course you don’t have to participate, totally your choice.
If you’d like to join in, you can find the details at http://teschoenborn.com/2012/05/22/tell-me-about-yourself-an-award/
I enjoy your blog and wanted to share that fact on mine, so linked you up. Maybe you have some favorites of your own?
i will go check that out. i usually shy away from awards only because of the part where i pass it on to others. i always fear that someone will be insulted that i did not choose them.
Hello Rich…
Have you considered self publishing your books as an ebook on Amazon.com? It is an excellent way to build up an audience for your work and for some authors it is the only way to get published. As for myself I mostly purchase the books written by “Indie Authors” many of whom as just as good as the so called professional authors whom the publishers are pricing out of the market with their high prices.
i tried that, but it had no results. but thanks for suggesting it.
you’ve probably racked up bundles of these – but what the hey – you’re one of the loveliest in the sense of satisfying blogs i’m aware of – thanks for writing
http://manoftheword.com/2012/05/31/first-award-acknowledgment/
I greatly appreciate that you would think of me. Thanks very much. No bundles, but I like the assumption.
As a teacher, I’ve always detested that woody Allen line though I love lots of his other aphorisms and he didn’t make that up either but he may have popularized it. How would people “do” if they weren’t shown how to…write on!
thanks, sir. i hadn’t heard that line other than woody allen. any idea where it originated?
I know. I know. I know…but don’t care. You are on my list and even though you wont take it…you can come see your name in lights anyway. Visit my One Ugly Tomato post when it’s up…ok?
R
Certainly will. Looking forward to it.
Hello Rich,
I’ve nominated you for The Commentator Award. Please click on the link below to see the rule for acceptance:
http://logo-ligi.com/2012/06/09/the-commentator-award/
Cheers!
Will check that out when I get to my computer. Thanks much for thinking of me.
[...] http://brainsnorts.wordpress.com/about-me/ I wish I could have been around when this guy was teaching, or rather, I wish this guy could have been around when I was learning. Either way I am sure he will correct me and then flatter me. Oh Rich, how I enjoy our interactions. [...]
Okay, you don’t need it and I feel silly but I wanted to show my appreciation for your blog. You get an award you probably are too cool for. here.
just found this today. WTF?
HA!!!
i went to the W in the circle, upper left, pull down menu, clicked “notifications.” there’s an option for “unread” notifications. i found things that went back to last may, was reading comments for almost two hours last night.
Hi Rich,i nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award http://wp.me/s2bjQ7-awards Congrats
thanks for the wonderful thoughts. i greatly appreciate that and i will check it out.
Ok truth be told I found your blog by the incredibly yummy picture you sent to Black Door Press for the Guess the Blogger game. Strangely, I am starting my career in teaching, but am already disappointed in some of the things you point out….I’m now a follower and look forward to reading along….
please feel free to bring me any questions you might have about teaching or education in general. would be very happy to help.
Well thanks that’s really very kind. Can you get me a job in Ohio? lol
sorry, no.
but i can take you to dinner in ohio, but of course you would not agree to do that with someone you just didn’t really meet yet.
hmmmmm (going back to look a certain pic)….well….guess we better get acquainted then.
Shhh. Yes.
btw do you always get that happy while out tanning? going to the beach must be rough
baggy shorts on the beach are needed. as for that moment, it was intentional, but happens quite regularly anyway.
lovely image…
e-mail me if you’d like more.
you’ve got mail
No you got mail.
i was in ohio about two months ago, passing through on the way to illinois. i have now decided to go back in time and meet you for dinner. i have already picked you up at 7. when i’m finished with time travel, i’ll let you know if you had a good time.
and so forth – thanks and kudos
http://manoftheword.com/2012/06/21/encouragement/
no doubt in my mind you will get an agent and get published – you have determination and talent
that’s a wonderfully kind thing to say. thank you very much.
Whoo-hoo! Another great blogger to follow. I like your style!
Thanks. That’s a very nice thing to say. Much appreciated.
i really love woody allen, i don’t even know that he’s ‘brilliant’ but just so real and alive seeming in all he does.
i like that. However, teachers are SOOOO important, so i don’t totally agree with the quote.
[...] Rich [...]
http://paulaacton.wordpress.com/2012/07/15/tag-and-sisterhood-award/
Good luck buddy…I wish you well. Are the books you have already written the books here on your page?
there are four here, the titles are in the menu bar. however, the one called “disconnected” is being revised, so i need to remove that until i’m finished. the others have been revised a few times, but i’m sure they could be improved by one more try. they’re also available to buy in the bar on the right, but why buy it when you can read each chapter here for free?
Thanks, I’ll have a look…and be in touch.
looking forward to being in touch. thanks.
Rich,
I’ve seen your comments all over the blogosphere. Le Clown couldn’t stay away much longer. May I borrow some sugar, please?
Le Clown
Consider it borrowed.
I hopped to your blog from another blog, and I’m glad I did. I’m liking what I’ve read so far and looking forward to more.
Yes. Don’t give up!
Very glad to meet you, miss. Sometimes there are happy accidents.
I’ve just nominated you for the ‘Super Sweet Blogger’s Award’! You can find the details here : http://wp.me/p25AFu-iB
[...] Rich, Becca and Amy, welcome! Three new bloggers will be added each month – three regular readers and [...]
Found you from Le Clown. Great blog – I sympathise with the whole getting the book published thing!
just gotta keep working at it. thanks.
What a reminder about some of the pluses and minuses of the teaching profession. When I left, one of my colleagues said that I would miss teaching, but not all the baggage that goes with it! Good for your use of humor with the mundane … good luck with the agent and publisher pursuit!
oh, the next part of “the rise and fall of me” will get into some teaching stories. stay tuned.
Random side note: you are amazing. Just wanted to say that. And thanks for the Amazon thing.
Wait. Are the “amazing” comment and the Amazon thing 2 different things?
Yes. Hahaha.
but what’s the other?
I’ve included you in a “look” challenge if you want to participate please go to my page:
http://rendezvouswithrenee.com/2012/10/27/the-look-challenge/
If you want to participate, cool. If not, no worries….
Hey,
Don’t know if I just completely missed it checking out your site, but I was looking for an email address? I’m from The Cinematic Katzenjammer and wanted to follow-up with you on your interest in maybe writing for us. Email me at npowe131 (at) gmail.com
[...] Rich of Brainsnorts suggested we start our own country, we decided to outline the basic principles of kingdom [...]
[...] everyone else, please accept my new look and bulging crotch as an apology. Sorry Rich. Am I ruining your [...]
Interesting. My vision seems to be returning.
I enjoyed reading your background and look forward to reading more of your posts.
well thank you very much for even giving me a peek. very kind of you.
[...] Le Clown went on about how Rich, and a previous comment on the same [...]
I’ve missed you. You haven’t called. The Air Wick pine scented note cards haven’t graced any mail room for ages. Was it something I said? Maybe I look fat in these pants….
if you take off the pants then you can’t possibly look fat in them. and that’s a very funny comment. thanks.
i can’t remember your stance on awards, but you are consistently inspiring in your work and attentive reading/comments – thank you
http://manoftheword.com/2012/12/11/very-inspiring/
My stance on awards is that I am very appreciative and happy to be noticed and recognized. However, I don’t pass them along because I always fear that I will insult those who I do not pass it too. And I will get to your page as soon as possible to express my thanks.
Good Morning Rich. Here’s an early holiday gift.
I will bookmark that. Thanks! Now for me to find something to return the favor.
No need … I had the pleasure of searching!
Gotcha. But I’ll look anyway. For journalism sake.
I was a gym teacher and a darn good one. And I could do, too.
no doubt, miss. no doubt. wanna race?
Oooooo, Rich, I’m a sprinter, so you might be sorry!! And I played a mean shortstop for many, many years. Would have played hockey if they’d had girls’ hockey when I was growing up.
i was second base and catcher. was also on the 8th grade relay team and played lots of hockey, including college. now, i’m more of a golf and tennis player. but i still love skating. roller or ice.
I love ice skating, too. When our family got a skating pass several winters in a row, Bill always wanted to hold hands when we skated but I told him no, because if he fell, he was going to drag me down, too!! Self-preservation trumps love.
gotta stay on your feet. falling will help him learn NOT to fall.
Hi Rich,
I’ve selected you for the 2012 Blog of the Year Award. Check out the details here: http://bridgesareforburning.wordpress.com/2012blogoftheyearaward
well, who am i to tell you no? thanks, sir. much obliged.
Not an Award but a compliment. I enjoyed your blog during the year of 2012. Please follow the link to accept the honor. http://wp.me/p28tjX-A3
Thank you very much. If I had blood in my veins instead of cheap red wine, I would be blushing. I will check that out later tonight when I get home. Thanks again. And again.
You’re very welcome. While checking it out be sure to fill up your veins.
Usually can’t fill veins until the Sun Goes Down.
lol Wine is fine anytime.
Oooooh yes.
[...] Rich on Lunch Break Wins and Fails. Classic. [...]
[...] of some vases she found lying around, the first guests started to arrive. First was none other than Rich, Twindaddy, and Calahan who all arrived riding a tandem bicycle. They looked dashing. Especially [...]
I love your comment “without the right “programming” to do their best.” I firmly believe education starts at the home. I went to a very prestigious catholic school. Lots of my friends are in high paying professions. I sucked at school cause of the dysfunction at home. I have kids now and they have a supportive environment for their education and to me it’s all the difference in the world. Teaching is such a noble profession. Now you can teach a larger audience with your writing.
your observations are in line with mine but against what most people in charge of education will admit, which is a good thing. and i greatly appreciate the kind compliments. thanks very much.
[...] to Rich for the title. I don’t usually start a story with a title, but, after reading Rich’s [...]
[...] I went through the motions and graduated. I gave up on dance, because there wasn’t time for it all. I became complacent. My aspirations for opening my own studio had turned into aspirations for an easy job with sufficient pay. I somehow became content with the idea of being a suit. Or should I say a woman’s pantsuit. I also imagined I would find ample use for one of these in the near future (thanks for the idea Rich): [...]
[...] quote Rich Voza, “You should try [...]
This is such an insightful post. I’ve been a teacher for only two years now and I know exactly what you mean about teachers being judged. It’s without doubt the hardest job in the world – teaching somebody else from the very start.
Feel free to flood me with questions about teaching and education and dealing with kids, parents, and administrators. And thanks very much for reading.
[...] piloted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields and inspired by the photo prompt below (graciously provided by Rich Voza.) Please remain seated until Rochelle has turned off the seatbelt sign, then get up and wander [...]
Greetings from Australia,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through your blog. Your openness and sincerity moved me as it was real and refreshing. Just to let you know I have the utmost respect for teachers who are one of the most important and essential professions in society. I sincerely wish you all the best with your writing career; you have much to offer
God bless you
well there is no question that your comment is the nicest thing i will hear all day, week, and probably month as well. thanks very much and the best wishes back at you too.
You are most welcome; the pleasure and honour are mine indeed. To speak the truth when you see good in others is a beautiful free gift.I sense that you are a person of integrity that would love to finally express that which you love through writing. I admire teachers, they have the capacity to make a difference to the youth, and are great role models of society. I’m sure that you will do well in life and I sincerely wish you peace, prosperity and joy.
God bless you in every way
i hope that everything you said is true. and if it’s not, i’ll do my best to make it true anyway. and thanks for the recognition and best wishes. and those best wishes right back to you as well.
[...] August: Brainsnorts [...]
[...] my boobs post, I had a request for a post on penis size from my friend Rich. Per your request, and because you probably didn’t think I’d follow through on this, I [...]
It took me 5 minutes to scroll to the bottom of your ‘about page.’ What’s up with that? I see several people from my wordpress hood on here – obviously a good thing, since I have great taste in friends — not that I needed confirmation to know that you’re an exceptional writer. I really like your style and topics and such. I’m in. Thanks for following me, but don’t expect much — Keep in mind that I’m slightly dyslexic, my husband JUST left me after 27 years and I’m floundering. I don’t use wordpress to hone my writing skills, since I don’t really have any, I use it as a creative outlet of sorts. I usually just sit back and marvel at all of the real talent, like yours, sir.
Have a great day!!
Lisa
if this reply appears twice, my bad, as i tried once but it seemed to have disappeared.
i’m curious how you can know that i’m an excellent writer from just the “about me” page. but then again, i have learned not to argue with women, so i agree with you heartily and entirely. thank you very much, and i hope you find more things to read and enjoy here.
very sorry to hear about your idiot husband for doing such a stupid thing. did he suddenly realize he was gay or something?
i will have a great day, and i hope you will too.
thanks.
I read some of your other posts, that’s how I know I like your writing style. I like how you divided your movies up. It made me laugh.
Yes, my husband is emotionally handicapped, to say the least. Lots of issues. I’m a mental health therapist so you know, if he can’t figure them out with somebody helping him for 30 years, they’re pretty insurmountable.
Favorite Bruce Springsteen song – Thunder Road. That song does it for me.
Looking forward to more from you…
Thunder Road is my favorite song at karaoke. Usually what happens is most people start singing along, and it becomes a whole group event. Lots o fun.
It is always flattering an interesting to learn that people I don’t know are reading my work. It sort of feels like being liked with a mix of voyeurism too. Occasional peeking doesn’t usually hurt anyone, and sometimes it really helps.
I often forget that my blog is open to anyone. I sometimes write so personally and then when somebody comments I’m like, “Oh my gosh! You read that!”
So yeah, I get the whole voyeurism thing.
I don’t forget because my ex wife stalks my blog. Has attempted to use info against me in court. Seems she can’t distinguish nonfiction from fiction.
That’s so crappy. I think my soon to be ex is stalking mine, as well. Sometimes I put in an extra jab or two, in case he does read it. And I’m not gonna lie, I get a thrill when one of my readers calls him a douchebag. Somebody recently called him an f–ing toad, only it was on their blog, so that time I was out of luck.
At the beginning of a recent post, I informed my readers that my ex was stalking the area and invited them to say hello to her. There were many things said that were not nice but very enjoyable for me.
hahah! I’m glad I’m not alone in this pleasure.
Not nearly alone
I don’t know you but I just randomly tagged you in a game of blog tag. Man, you have a lot of comments on this page!
http://rossmurray1.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/tag-a-lag-a-ding-dong/
thanks very much. i appreciate that you’d think of me. sometimes my comments become conversations. oh well.
Not a complaint. Bit jealous, actually.
oh, i knew it wasn’t a complaint. but i don’t know if it’s something to be jealous of just yet. a lot of it was just me talking back and forth in what could have just been text messages, but they happened here. but thanks though.
[...] out something in my typical style that was unmotivated. I want to extend a special thank you to Rich for talking me through this post and helping me to edit this piece efficiently. My friend, you [...]
Following you for getting to the work (writing). All our lives, there is the thing we do to sustain ourselves, then their is our passion. Your readers (I hope my watchers) will be thankful you finally got to it. I look forward to reading more of your blog and invite you to mine sometime as well: http://archaicsugar.wordpress.com/about/
And, you don’t give up. You’ve come this far plus querying agents is all the way there. Can’t quit now….
well, there is no question that that’s the nicest thing i will read all day, week, probably month too, at least. thank you very much and it’s my pleasure to meet you. good luck to both of us!
Yes…good luck to both of us! I hope you get the chance to read LOTS of other nice things (if you were thinking of your query responses too). Anyway, happy writing….
Holy Cow Batman … you gotta be lovin’ AK in red today.
Driving up to Boston and have not seen a minute. Dammit.
Sorry to hear the news.
How did I get a publisher? I joined the local publishers’ association. I met and became friends with publishers. I found who was in the area and who was the best. I applied and was accepted two days later.
You could contact the national Independent Book Publishers Association and ask them. 310-546-1818 info@ipba-online.org
no clue what that is but i will look into it. thanks very much.
ibpa is for small publishers. They also publish a magazine about publishing and marketing. If you call and ask, they will send you a couple of free issues.
Happy hunting.
Yo Rich … FYI … There’s now proof that I didn’t forget. (I enjoy being cryptic)
You’re making me work my brain on a Saturday.
Oh no … see … it wasn’t that bad.
You are correct, sir!
Merci pour le fait d’ajouter!!! d–0.o–b