Writing A Book Is Simple »

I have a lot of writing students. One of their most frequent questions is how often they should write in order to finish their books. There is a question behind this question, and that is: How long does it take to write a book?

That question is impossible to answer because every single book is different. Even an author who has written 100 novels has gone through the process 100 times, and each time it feels a little different. Maybe it is easier than before. Maybe it’s more challenging.

But however long the process takes, there is only one way to finish your book. In order to get it done, you have to get it started. This sounds so simple, and it is. And yet, getting started is often the hardest part for writers, no matter how passionate they are about their project.

Once you start, you have to maintain progress. I am against the idea of set word counts or daily quotas. It works for some writers, but for myself, if I commit to writing 2,000 words every day no matter what, there are going to be days where 1900 of those words are absolute trash. I don’t like to work that way.

But I do write every single day. I find that if I get in the habit of sitting down every single day to work, writing a book is not as big a project as it seems in the beginning. The words add up. Paragraphs turn into pages. Eventually you’ll have a book sitting there on your desk. A huge stack of pages. It’s a great feeling, and one you can never experience unless you get started.

So when my students ask me how long it will take to finish their books, I simply tell them to write something every day. No matter what happens, whether it’s 200 words or 2,000, they have to write something every single day whenever possible. That is how they improve every day. It gets easier as they go.

It works. It really does. If you start thinking that writing 100,000 words is an impossible task, it will be. But if you merely switch gears and think that you need to write something every day, sooner or later you will have a book.

An Incredible Experience: Tarpon Fly Fishing »

Tarpon fly fishing is more difficult than any other type of fly fishing that the average fisherman might decide to try. The fish are large and they make huge four to six foot leaps out of the water. Tarpon have a very bony mouth and can weigh well over one hundred pounds so the right heavy gear is as important as the right location. Tarpon range in mostly warm waters and are migratory fish so finding a good guide can mean the difference between a trophy Tarpon and no Tarpon at all.

Presenting your fly is very important with any type of saltwater fly fishing and especially important for Tarpon. They are very wary fish so when you are ready for the strike, make sure the line is as straight as possible. Keeping the rod tip pointed toward the fly helps to keep the slack out of the line. You want to keep your line as straight and free of slack as you can and then use your other hand to strip approximately seventy feet of line out of your reel. Quickly grab hold of the line and yank it back toward your body without picking the tip of the rod up. With this manoeuvre there should be no flex at all in your rod and your fly should touch the water, pause for a moment and then leap back up into the air. Repeating this movement sets your fly up to look as natural as possible and to attract the fish.

Once you get your strike, you have to be able to set the hook. After a Tarpon has bitten the fly on the hook, it will usually shake its head a few times before beginning to leap and dash away from the direction of the pull. Make sure your line is clear of your feet and anything else that it could become entangled with on the deck of your boat. Pull the fly hard into the fish’s mouth; use as much force as you can muster without breaking your tippet. Keeping your line from tangling at this point is the most important part of fly fishing. The impact of the fish hitting the end of your line will gather all of the slack very quickly. Once you feel a solid pull on your line, the reeling can begin.

Tarpon fly fishing is a memorable and rewarding outdoor adventure experience. You will be amazed at the skill it takes to land one of these huge fish, but the practice is truly worth the effort.

Why a Fishing Umbrella »

When fishermen think about a fishing umbrella, they normally say if it was raining that heavily I wouldn’t go out fishing.  This common statement is only said because they don’t know the greater benefit of using a fishing umbrella to keep you out of the direct sun light while you are fishing. Keeping sun safe is always one of the most important aspects of fishing that some fishermen take too lightly.

Stop sitting on the side of the river bank, creek bank, on the beach, on that rock wall, or from jetties, etc. and start enjoying much more by keeping yourself in the shade. Just sitting in the shade provided by a fishing umbrella can keep that heat off your skin while you are fishing, and make the experience much more enjoyable. Don’t forget with the addition of sun protection such as sun protection cream you should find a big difference in the heat.

Don’t let another scorching hot summer day ruin your day out fishing, look at bringing a fishing umbrella with you to help relieve the heat of the sun. If however you require much more space to fish from, for example you may have you and a friend going out fishing, than you may want to look at using a fishing bivvy as well as a fishing umbrella. The combination of the two fishing items, results in having a large area of space that will be shaded away from the direct sun light. You should definitely feel the difference in heat from the protection that is provided by this combination.

Please ensure to remember that although there are designs such as the fishing umbrella and the fishing bivvy to keep away from the sun, it is always still recommended that you stick to the normal sun protection recommendations. Being a sun smart fisherman means you a very wise fisherman! Plus on top of that you will be in less pain after the fishing day as you will be less likely to have sore sun burnt skin, so you can have a well deserve rest and get back out fishing again the following day.

How to Play the Flute »

If you’ve ever wondered how to play this instrument, now is the time to learn! There are two things which are necessary for you to learn as a future “flautist,” or flutist. You must: a) learn how to work the key fingerings; and b) learn the correct blowing technique.

So, at this point your hands should look like they are opposite each other. Now, you must learn how to work the fingerings. A fingering is where your fingers are placed on the instrument in order to play a note. There are several fingerings ranging from the note of C up till the note of B in the key of C. You may learn other scales, but it is beneficial to start with the key of C first in order to get familiar to playing in the key of C, the key in which many beginner musical pieces are written.

Once you have mastered the fingerings, it is time to attempt to play. You should hold down the proper keys according to which note you want to play. Then, place your bottom lip (flat) on top of the hole and move your lip back towards you so it is only slightly covering the hole. Then, you must blow air over your bottom lip and into the hole, forming a steady flow of air while pursing your lips. Pretend like you are saying the number “two” and blow; don’t forget that the more you roll the flute away from you, the higher the note will be, while the more that you roll the instrument towards you, the deeper the note will be.

Learning how to play this instrument can definitely be a challenge. If you want to play this instrument, just keep being persistent. You will learn eventually and play very well. Learn it with Pearl flutes or Selmer flutes.

The Right Time to Buy New Golf Shoes »

For me, the right time to guy new golf shoes is all the time. The same goes for golf shirts, golf pants, golf clubs, really anything golf. But, I’m not made out of money, so I can’t just go around shopping all of the time like I’d really want to. Nope, I have to wait for sales, wait for deals, and wait until I actually need new golf shoes before I go out and get some. Here are a couple of ways to tell if it’s the right time.

First, there is obviously a time when you need some new golf shoes – when they are worn out, tired looking, show your toes, and are otherwise uncomfortable. For me, I like to dress kind of fancy out on the course. Many times you can find me out there in some pretty fancy mens plaid golf pants trying to look like I really know what I’m doing. But you know what? If your shoes look like crap, your whole wardrobe is going to look like crap. There’s a reason tour pros don’t wear the same shoes over and over again, and it doesn’t have to do with sponsor’s exemptions.

Second, there is a better time than most to buy golf shoes – and it’s not at the end of the golf season, it’s actually at the beginning. Sure, at this time you won’t necessarily be able to get the new years shoes, but you’ll definitely be able to get brand new shoes (last years) at a great discount. What I like to do is just get on google and type in golf shoes 14 (my size, obviously) and see tgw.com and golfsmith light me up with great deals. Like shooting ducks in a barrel.

It’s also best to guy your shoes at the beginning of the season so you can have some time to break them in. Wear the old pair for a round, then the new pair. Then the old pair, then the new paid. You get my drift. Also, that way you may be able to get through the entire next year with this new pair of shoes.

Good luck out there with your shoe buying experience. I hope it makes you happy, makes you look good, and makes you a better golfer.

Summer Camping Safety Tips »

When you pack up your gear for a camping trip, you probably don’t think that anything will go wrong. And in most cases friends and family enjoy the outdoors without encountering any problems. But during the summer, it is essential to be extra vigilant to keep both yourself and the campsite protected. Camping is a great activity that brings us closer to nature and away from the pressure of urban living. But it doesn’t mean we get to leave free from rules, and we should always prepare for anything that might happen.

When you camp in the summer, you tent will be very important to your overall enjoyment. Anyone who has taken their tents camping when the sun is at its hottest will know how important good ventilation is. A good camping tent can mean the difference between having a nice shady refuge, and a hotbox that essentially steams you while inside. So don’t spare any expense and consider a high quality tent an essential piece of camping gear in the summer months. And when you can, try to set it up in a nice shady area under some trees and this will help to keep you and your food comfortable and cool.

Anyone who has ever gotten sunburn while camping knows how horrible it can be. What’s worse is that you will continue to have to be in the hot sun when all you want is a nice air conditioned room. So always remember to take a good amount of sun screen, and throw in some insect repellent to boot. Hydration is key in the summer time, so you want to bring lots of water, and remember to actually drink it. Just like at home, you need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and possibly more because you will be exerting yourself much more. And last but not least, always make sure to put your campfire out properly, and try not to smoke in a really dry area. Forest fires are a definite concern in some campsites, so don’t make the mistake of being careless. All in all, it’s entirely possible to have fun and be safe at the same time, so plan ahead and don’t take anything for granted in the woods.

How Students Can Benefit From Using A 50cc Scooter »

When you’re in college, your mind is already reeling with essay deadlines, midterm fears, and anxiety about your mounting student loans; the last thing you need is the additional burden of vehicle expenses. Unfortunately, owning a car means forking over money for gas, insurance, and campus parking permits — all of which will quickly strain a student budget. Luckily, you can make your life easier by using a 50cc scooter for your transportation needs. These vehicles are available for as little as 500 dollars, save gas money with their fuel-efficient design, have low insurance fees, and are extremely trendy. Instead of slinking into class late because you couldn’t find a parking space, you can ride a scooter and squeeze into those unused spaces too narrow for cars. If you want to learn more about the benefits of these vehicles — both on and off campus — visit the website 50cc Scooter Review.

Compared to most vehicles, 50cc scooters are refreshingly inexpensive — with costs dipping as low as 500 dollars for a feature-loaded model. However, it’s still possible to pay more than you need to for a scooter, so it’s wise to shop around before you make a final purchase. If you live near a dealer that carries scooters, begin your search locally: visit retailers and test drive the styles that appeal to you. If you fall in love with a particular scooter, resist the urge to buy it on the spot; instead, go home and search for the exact model online. Chances are, you’ll be able to find the same vehicle for a discounted price at an online scooter store. You can also check multiple dealers within your area to compare prices — particularly if you prefer buying in person over ordering online. To learn about the wide range of benefits these efficient vehicles offer, visit the Gas Powered Scooter Review website.

The Diesel 4×4 – The Choice for All-Terrain Type of People »

All wheel drive vehicles, or 4x4s, are ideal for people who live in areas with demanding terrain. Others people like using them to go off-road and climb or take a spin on sandy, snowy, rocky, or muddy paths. Using a diesel 4×4 is a great way to reach some scenery and countryside that are otherwise inaccessible. Many 4x4s are powered by diesel engines.

The 4×4 and the Diesel Engine

Automobiles are powered by two main engine types, gasoline or diesel. Most trucks today have diesel engines while the majority of cars use gasoline. Most heavy duty trucks, 4×4 trucks, and light trucks use diesel. Gasoline and diesel engines are similar because both use internal combustion; however, diesel engines operate at lower temperatures. So for towing, off-roading, long hauls, and heavy-duty work purposes, diesel engines have a great advantage over gasoline engines. Having a diesel 4×4 is the way to go.

Why Diesel?

Diesel 4x4s use this type of engine for two main reasons. First, it typically uses much less fuel than its gasoline-powered counterpart. A diesel truck on average can use about 30-50 percent less fuel than an engine powered by gasoline. Second, diesel engines are much more dependable. In general, they do not require as much maintenance and upkeep as gasoline engines; they last for a longer time. Engine blocks are more likely to last longer because diesel engines do not operate at high temperatures.

Specialized 4×4

Not all diesel 4×4 vehicles are used for off-roading adventures. Some types are designed for heavy duty work, such as farming. Others are made for towing large loads.
Negative Aspects

There are some negative aspects of diesel 4×4 trucks. The biggest one is that they are noisier than gasoline engines. In extreme cold, they do not always operate well. But technology is ever changing and truck diesel engines are becoming quieter, cleaner, and more efficient.

For more information head over to Diesel 4×4 Guide, a site dedicated to information, news, and reviews on diesel 4×4 trucks.