Thursday, August 24, 2006

Newsletter: June, 2006
Live Your Dreams as a Writer:
Do what you love and love what you do!

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination.”

This is similar to a quote I found on a roll of paper towels, of all places. This little saying can apply to life as a writer and as an RVer. If something isn’t working, adjust your focus. Come up with new ideas. Maybe even change your attitude. If you think you can’t do something, you can’t. So I’ve found it beneficial to have a “can do” attitude. If life throws me curve balls, I switch positions. If all I get is lemons, I make lemonade. Okay, enough with clichés. You get the idea.

How can you apply this quote to your life as a writer? If you’re determined to create articles but can’t get them published, find another way to use your talents. One way is to start a subscription newsletter. You’ll be the publisher and you can get as much exposure as you’re willing to search out. Use news releases to garner publicity for your publication. Tell everyone you know about it. Find a way to make it successful. Sometimes this little change in direction will spur your energy while it builds skills that will help you achieve your goal of getting published.

If it’s the high cost of fuel that’s got you in a blue mood because you can’t afford to travel, take a short trip to seek new surroundings for a few days. Even small journeys can recharge your batteries.

Life isn’t about the big things that happen, like long vacations or huge successes as a writer. Sometimes, it’s the little accomplishments that happen over and over that will renew your strength and build your confidence.

Life IS a journey. Make sure you enjoy every minute of it.
Keep in Touch on the Road
Cellular and wireless Internet service


Thirteen years ago the Internet didn’t exist for the average person. But cellular phone service did, so we tried several different providers before we discovered one we could use almost anywhere in the U.S. which offered nationwide free long distance and enough free minutes to fit our needs. Wow! Suddenly we were living in the modern world. That year and the next we traveled throughout the West with no problems. I used a mobile kit with the desktop computer to connect to the Internet, but I still used libraries for serious work since transfers on the mobile kit happened at the speed of a glacier.

I finally entered the Internet age when Verizon introduced broadband and nationwide Internet service. I bought a laptop and an “air card” to insert into it and experienced my first fast connection from the comfort of the RV. So far, service has been great. Sprint provides a similar service. An Escapees Club RVer survey showed that Cingular is one of the most reliable providers, so you might also check them for a wireless Internet connection. (Note: not all services work everywhere, so talk to other RVers who travel the areas you plan to traverse before signing on.)

We’ve also tried Wi-Fi, but there’s still a problem with provider sharing so if you pay for a month and travel you might not find another “hot spot” for your provider. Still, it’s a great way to access the Internet and you can sign up for the amount of time you need. We’ve tried Tengo at some RV parks and you can get a list of “hot spots” and plan your travels accordingly. I’m sure other Wi-Fi providers service RV parks, but we haven’t tried them. Some municipalities are setting up free Wi-Fi service and truck stops offer it for a fee.

So, how should you access the Internet on the road? First, determine your needs. Do you want continuous access or do you only want to exchange occasional e-mails with friends and family? Many RV parks offer Internet and telephone service at each site while others provide a comfortable place to hook-up your laptop in the office or clubhouse. Or for e-mails only, purchase MailStation® which you hold up to a phone.

Another method of logging on is with a satellite provider. I haven’t tried it, but we do have satellite TV and if we’re parked under trees or they block our view of the sky and the wind is blowing, we lose the signal. Talk to other RVers who use this service before deciding whether it will work for you.

One thing’s for sure: in thirteen years, we’ve come a long way baby!

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