Archive for the ‘writing’ Category
Lijit Search and Other New Things at Bleeding Espresso
Have you poked around my sidebars lately? Especially for those of you reading in feedreaders, you need to come on over and have a look because there are some exciting new things at Bleeding Espresso including:
1. Lijit Search
Have you heard of this yet? If you have a blog and other places you “appear” online (including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.), I highly recommend becoming Lijit.
My Lijit Search is the middle column if you scroll down a bit.
So what is Lijit? Lijit is a fabulous new search feature that pulls together everything you’ve contributed to the web and makes it searchable.
A quick example? If you type “Italy” into my search box (go ahead!), you’ll get results not only from my blog but also from my tweets on Twitter, my photos on Flickr, and more.
I really love this new feature, and I hope you’ll give it a try. If you want to sign up yourself, go to Lijit.com; if you have any questions, contact Grace Boyle at gboyle@lijit.com, who has been *extremely* kind and helpful as I became Lijit.
2. Recently Published Elsewhere List
Also in the center column near the top, I’ve added a list of my published articles around the web. Now, if you are so inclined, you can keep up with me without waiting for me to post about what I’ve written recently. Your support and comments are always greatly appreciated!
At any given time, you should be able to find something about Italy, travel, the law, and law school over there…and who knows what else? Be sure to check back frequently to see what I’ve been writing.
3. Ciao Google Ads!
I’ve finally cut the cord on Google advertisements. They’ve done next to nothing for me this past year, so I waited until I got enough for a payment and now I’ve removed them altogether.
I will, of course, keep BlogHer and Amazon over there on the far right, and I’ve also accepted other paid advertisements, which you can find in the center and far right columns. Feel free to click and see what they’re all about!
Feedback on these changes and suggestions for more are welcome in the comments! What’s new at your place?
Questions, Questions, Who’s Got Questions?
It’s been a while since I’ve asked if you have any questions for me, so here’s your chance. I’ve done this before and really enjoyed writing the “answer” posts, so I do hope you’ll play along.
If you’re new here, just so you know, you can ask me about anything from my favorite color to my goals in life.
This time, though, I’d like to specifically request that those of you interested in freelance writing include questions you have on the topic; I will be doing posts about freelance writing in the future, and I’m interested to know which aspects you’d find most helpful and interesting.
So, if you have questions, leave them in a comment!
Buon weekend!
P.S. Hurry to enter the big anniversary giveaway at Ice Tea for Me–goodies from southwestern USA! Ends February 28!
It’s Carnevale Time in Venice!
One of the most colorful, celebrated, famous festivals in Italy is happening right now until February 24 in Venice: Carnevale.
During Carnevale, aside from the usual romantic alleyways and gondola rides through the Grand Canal, Venezia offers something extra special throughout the period before Lent begins for Catholics. This year’s theme is “Sensation: 6 senses for 6 districts” and will highlight the various areas of the city.
I’ve written all about Carnevale in Venice over at Italy Magazine, so please do have a look to read about the history and traditions of Carnevale and see videos of past celebrations:
Now perhaps you want to know about what Italians eat during Carnevale? Well, hang tight! What’s Cooking Wednesday is only a couple days away….
But for now, tell me:
Have you celebrated Carnevale in Venice,
New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, or elsewhere?
Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
. I’m not much of a science fiction or fantasy reader, but following Bradbury’s creative process is a privilege and also a joy.
Read on...My Christmas Articles Elsewhere
When freelance writers get the Christmas spirit, you get links to Christmas articles! All by me, but hey, they’re free!
I can’t believe we’re already a week into December, although maybe I can a little as I’ve been writing about Christmas for a couple weeks now.
So just in case you’re not quite feeling the holiday spirit, or if you are and just *love* to feed that addiction, here are some of my recent holiday-themed articles:
- Christmas Presepi Markets in Naples at Italy Magazine: “The presepi, or Nativity scenes, of Naples are probably the most famous in the world, and the markets along Via San Gregorio Armeno give us the opportunity to build our own from the straw up.”
- 5 Christmas Traditions Around the World at BootsnAll Travel: “If you’re tired of the same old food, weather, and, ahem, people this holiday season, now may be the time for you to experience Christmas traditions from around the world.” Virtual trips to Australia, Italy, Austria, Brazil, and New York City are included free of charge.
- Immaculate Conception: Start of the Holiday Season in Italy at Italy Magazine: “Although in other countries, you might begin to hear Christmas carols at the end of November, in Italy, holiday celebrations begin on 8 December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary or L’Immacolata Concezione della Beata Vergine Maria.”
So…are you in the holiday spirit yet?
Michelle Kaminsky is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer who lived in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy for 15 years. This blog is now archived.
Calabria Guidebook
Recipes
