2009 Dewey Decimal Project: 422.481 M

This month's nonfiction book was Michael Macrone's It's Greek to Me! which purports to tell us the classical origins of common phrases. There are some funny bits, but I started to lose interest after a while. I also have to question some of the things he includes - "Diogenes' Tub," for example, which is a phrase I've never heard - and I wonder how easy it would be to follow if you didn't already know at least a little bit about Greek and Roman sources. It's probably the kind of book you'd be better off skimming bits of rather than reading the whole thing.

Putting the Fangirl Network to Good Use: Looking for Work

Amongst all the other things fandom is, we're a community, and Gretchen is reminding me it's okay to ask for help, so I'm asking you, my community, for help.

As most of you know, I quit my job last year to try out being a writer. It's been a great experience in a lot of ways. I'm now at the point where I don't have financial resources to keep it up, which means it's time for me to get some paying work of some sort.

If you or someone you know has work or ideas for me, you can leave me a comment here or email me at my personal address or my professional address.

What I Really Want
I would love, love, love to do editing work. Of all the work tasks from my previous job, the editing was my favorite thing to do. I'm very good, very fast, and my freelance rates are negotiable.

( An overview of my editing experience )

Also Taking Other Ideas
Editing is not my only marketable skill! I'm handy with a spreadsheet, able to facilitate meetings in person and via teleconference, and a well-received trainer. You might take a look at my resume below to see what else I have experience with. If you have other freelance opportunities or ideas for me, please let me know! Leads for other kinds of work in Chico would also be appreciated. Just because I've never been a barista before doesn't mean I couldn't learn how.

Location, Location, Location
I'm not interested in relocating, so I'm looking for things I can do from home or in Chico.

Resume
Below is my loosely formatted for LJ editing and office work centered resume. I do, of course, have a much more nicely formatted version for emailing or snail mailing, which I can send on to anyone you think might be a good source of work for me.

( Ruth Alderson's Resume )