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Someplace to read, write, work alone at night in NYC

laptolain — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:29:54 -0800

Someplace to read, write, relax alone at night in NYC. I'm looking for somewhere to go where I can unwind alone. I live in Maspeth, Queens where it's mostly residential and after 8PM almost everything is closed. Any place in Queens, Manhattan or Brooklyn would be fine, I don't mind long train rides.

The perfect establishment is very dark inside but all the tables have sufficient lighting for reading/writing. There might be music playing or some kind of live band but it's not a club or frat hang out. I like all kinds of jazz so that would be a bonus. The train station should be a reasonable distance since it's getting pretty cold now. It's open till 3AM or later, never very busy and at no point will I be expected to get up and leave for new customers. I don't want to sit at the bar.

Beer, liquor, coffee and food are all fine but none of them are priority over the atmosphere. As cheap as possible is probably second to atmosphere. I'm looking for a place that's the opposite of where people go to get seen.

I found a few older, similar posts but they seemed focused on Manhattan.

Thanks :)

How to professionally manage freelance writing about my industry?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:30:26 -0800

How do I successfully do freelance writing (my night job) about my industry (my day job)? I work in a high-tech industry that is a small, close-knit, incestuous community. As a result, I know most of the key players in it, including CEOs, startup founders, etc. I myself work for a high-profile startup. I'm incredibly passionate about this industry and it's been something I've been psyched about since I was in high school.

Along the way someone happened to notice I was good at writing, so I started being paid to blog about my industry. This worked out fine, and I was completely open about it with my employer, who just wanted any company-related material to be run past our PR folks before I posted it. Then I was asked to write for a somewhat related print magazine. Recently I've been asked to write for an industry analyst report.

This is all very cool, and I've discovered I really love the writing. It's also been a real success for me professionally, where others in the industry will recognize my (somewhat odd) name from the writing I do, and a new professional relationship starts from there. But what was early on an easy agreement with my employer has become occasionally awkward with my entire professional network. Now I'm being asked to speculate about a new company started by an entrepreneur I'm on a first-name, familiar basis with, or to interview a friend whose research project is press-worthy, or to put a writing colleague in touch with a higher-up at my company.

I know the basics -- I have told editors I will not write about my own company or its immediate competitors, and I know where there are lines not to cross when a friend has talked with me off-the-record, over drinks, about their new company or project, but the information is still considered business confidential. If I do need to talk to someone as a writer, I usually start the email/conversation by mentioning that I'm now wearing my "reporter hat". However, I'm starting to see where things could get more difficult to navigate in the near future.

So what I'm looking for is advice on how to manage friendly professional contacts when they're sometimes journalistic contacts. Alternatively, I'm interested in better ways to communicate boundaries to my editors, and how to identify those boundaries in the first place without compromising my usefulness. What are the best practices here?

Taking my files back to the future?

ooklala — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:49:41 -0800

How can I transfer files from my emulated Macintosh Plus? I have taken a liking to writing on a Mac Plus that I have emulated in Mini vMac. Is there a program that allows me to create a file with formatting that I can export into my Windows desktop?
My problem is not getting the files out (that is easy with the export progam included in Mini vMac) but having a modern format that has rich text.
Is there a program for the Mac Plus that will maybe export to a PDF or .RTF file, or .DOC (that has all the data stored in the data fork rather than the resource fork)? Would such a program still be avalable for free?

Why am substituting one bird for another when I type?

grumblebee — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:47:08 -0800

I'm making a certain type of typo more and more frequently. Should I be worried? I know everyone does this to some extent, but I've greatly increased the amount of word substitutions I make when I type. I read my sentences back later, and I find I've written things like this:

To free or not to be. Hat is the question.

Most of my mistakes are of that sort: substituting rhyming words for the words I mean to type. When I proof my text, I'm always totally surprised to see the substitutions. I have no sense of making them when I'm typing.

Now, this is probably a wasted question, because I think I can answer it myself. Over the last few years, my typing speed has increased tenfold. I can now type almost as fast as I can think. And I've noticed the errors increasing as my typing has gotten faster.

But I also know that people make these sorts of substitutions when they've suffered some sort of brain disorder. (I'm embarrassed by how hypochondriacal this sounds.)

I don't have any other symptoms. I feel fine and healthy. My thinking is clear. My motor skills are the same as always. I'm just spooked by this sudden onset of typing gaffs. When I read my words back, I find at least one or two per paragraph.

I know you're not my doctor, but do you think this is even slightly worth worrying about?

Just the write place, DC

metajc — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:22:50 -0800

Anybody know some nice places to write in downtown DC? My qualifiers are electrical outlets, air-conditioning, metro-accessible, space to spread out, and a view. If I have to pay $10 for food or whatever, that could be worth it. I work four days a week and a one-day weekend shift with Fridays off. I'd really like to get out of the house on that Friday and write somewhere in the city. I've never had a good experience in a DC coffee shop (I don't like coffee or noise) but I haven't tried them all. I was hoping there was a library or gov. building somewhere ... but with a view and close to the Metro?

How do I Scare You?

bobbyone — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:38:58 -0800

So I wanna write a horror novel. God knows where I start. How can I make it scary, as opposed to a soppy middle of the road thriller?

Writing your own letter of recommendation

ztdavis — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:04:08 -0800

How do you write a letter for recommendation for yourself? My wife is applying for a job that has asked for three professional letters of recommendation. One of her three recommenders has asked my wife to draft the letter herself so that the recommender can go over it, make minor changes, and sign off on it.

Is there any good (ethical, not awkward) way to go about this? It seems like she will need to write it from her boss' perspective and voice, which toes the line of dishonesty. To go the other route and merely be factually descriptive without much praise will make it sound lackluster.

What have any mefites done in similar situations?

How do writers find their ideas?

nitsuj — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:31:52 -0800

I'm looking for book recommendations that deal with (fully or partially) methods writers use to find interesting, fresh subjects and ideas for stories. By stories I mean non-fiction magazine or newspaper-style articles. I'm not interested in the actual writing process, but the various methods that writers use to find unique subjects and topics and angles to write about.

Failing that, articles (instead of books) dealing with this subject would work too.

If even that doesn't exist, could you tell me, dear writer, your own method for finding interesting stories to write about?

Thanks!

the lost art of letter writing

xo — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:56:30 -0800

Suppose one friend was to send another a letter by mail. What makes for an especially great letter? What elements make a letter newsy enough to be interesting, without seeming to be a catalog of fabulous adventures? What elements make a letter feel emotionally true and personal, without seeming to be the writer's self-important inner monologue? What elements best invite a response? What elements encourage a feeling of connection in the reader?

Comedic writer wants a shot

aleahey — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:20:05 -0800

How to get started writing comedically? I am a sort of casual-writer with the ability to write (supposedly) "hilarious stuff". I write situational kinds of little things, and whatnot, and constantly get barraged with compliments and friendly suggestions that I missed my calling.

So, my question is this: without risking too much (i.e. giving up my day job) what is a good way to get started in the writing (specifically comedic) field?

More specifically, what is a good place to shop for small resume-building gigs? What sort of stuff is a good idea to put together for a portfolio? Etc.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated, if you have any inside-tips you'd rather not give to the world, please do not hesitate to send them along to aleahey@gmail.com

Thanking any responders in advance.

What book writing software exists for Max OSX?

Chuck Cheeze — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:27:34 -0800

What book writing software exists for Max OSX? I want to write a book that will be likely published at Lulu. This will be a book on how to use a specific website building CMS, so it will be a typical instructional book.

I know about Scrivener and am really tempted to give it a try.

I also might just use my copy of Pages.

What else is out there?

How can I remove items from Wordpress's "Write" SubPanel?

TheDonF — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 07:40:38 -0800

I need to customise Wordpress's "Write" SubPanel to remove all of the advanced options. I'm adapting Wordpress (2.3.1) into a multi-user app and need to hide all of the advanced writing options (discussion, password, slug and so on). I've tried a couple of extensions:

1: custom write panel which doesn't want to play with 2.3.x; and
2: clutter free which does exactly what I want but only on a user-by-user basis rather than hiding things from either everyone or an entire role

I've tried searching the source to see if there's anything obvious in the PHP that I can just comment out, but nothing. The Wordpress manual states there's an option in the admin screens, but that isn't there on my install, which is the latest version of Wordpress.

Hope me.

Getting a cookbook published.

magikker — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 18:58:17 -0800

I want to publish a cookbook and need some advice. I'm a college student studying Computer Science, my brother is a college student studying Culinary arts. We'd like to write and publish a Cook book. I think, and may be wrong, that we would have an interesting angle to write from, being students and all.
However I'm having some trouble finding good sources of information on how to write/publish a cookbook. I've found a lot of information about getting a fund raiser cookbook published, but that isn't something I'm interested in. I'd like the book to be sold in stores after we're finished.

Is it even possible for two college kids to get a cookbook published? I'm looking for an any personal experience or advice in compiling and or publishing a cook book.

contacting elected officials

chefscotticus — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 11:05:07 -0800

Is there an online tool that simplifies writing similar letters to each of one's elected officials? When NPR was pushing it's listeners to contact Congress a while back (to support more NPR funding), it had a tool on its webpage that allowed you to write a letter online, and then by inputting your home address, get that letter sent individually to each of your elected representatives, with their respective titles inserted as appropriate (Dear [senator/rep name here]...).

There are lots of sites out there that will give me a listing of my representatives, but i want to find a tool that allows me to write an email/letter only once and have individualized versions sent to the officials i select.

My googling has failed me -- is there anything like this out there?

How to write my congressperson?

justkevin — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 09:45:12 -0800

What is the most effective way of influencing my senator or representative? Occasionally I feel that I should write my senator or representative to register my position on a particular issue. I know how to write a letter, and have seen various online tips. I want the real scoop. How much more effective is a letter vs. an email? Do I need to reference a particular bill or can I simply give my stance on an issue that doesn't necessarily have some pending legislation? What moves my letter from the crazy nutjob pile to the important voting constituent pile? I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who have worked in a representative/senator's office.

Podcasts for Writers

clairezulkey — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 09:30:02 -0800

Can any of you recommend any good podcasts for writers? I'm thinking specifically for freelance writers, creative writing, magazine writers, editors, etc. (I'd like to round up these recommendations for the freelancing blog I edit--MBToolBox.com, so let me know if you'd like me to credit you with your reco. Thanks!)

How do I write a thesis?

delosic — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 12:03:41 -0800

I find out last night that I have 18 months to complete (read: start AND finish) my M.A. thesis in Media Studies. What do I write about and how do I do it? 1. I have spent the last three years in law school and am far removed from Media Studies. How do I decide on a topic NOW?

2. How does one actually write a thesis? I am particularly confused about the quantitative side of things. Any good websites or books that can guide me?

How to teach a boy programming skills?

germanguy — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 10:21:18 -0800

SW-Developer was asked by 8-yrs old boy how to write a computer program... My little friend wants to do a little maze game. Which is the right environment?

Write anywhere?

icetaco — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 07:47:29 -0800

November is National Novel Writing Month, and I've got 50,000 words to write in 28 days. Isn't there a free web app that would allow me to write anywhere, without having to upload/download any text docs, but simply write/edit online and save changes?

whatchamacallits - where can I get one?

iconomy — Wed, 16 Mar 2005 14:02:23 -0800

I had one when I was a kid, and I want one again. What do you call the tablet/thingy where you write or draw on a piece of plastic which is atop a waxy piece of cardboard, and when you don't what you've drawn or written anymore, you can peel the plastic up and make the thing you wrote/drew disappear? It came with a plastic writing implement. Does anyone make a smallish version that I can use at my desk?

Help for writers

loquacious — Fri, 19 Nov 2004 04:08:26 -0800

How do you write? Where do you get your ideas from? How do you ensure productivity and creativity in writing and avoiding the dreaded block? How do you further your writing, develop it, polish it, learn, and grow? (More inside) know mefi has some serious writers lurking about. And I "know" a lot of the answers to these questions, and where to find them. I want the opinion of MeFi, because I trust it and value it.

I'm about to embark on writing in what I would consider a serious manner, perhaps for the first time. Writing and literature run in my family. A major portion of my family is published, though in niche genres.

I've reached a developmental stage where I'm much less afraid of rejection and objective critique, and I'm finding it difficult to find honest, objective critique that goes beyond "Oh, that's nice. I like that." and gets into the nitty gritty mechanics of writing.

I don't want to get rich, I don't want to write gristmill supermarket paperback chaff unfit for birdcage liner. I'm writing for the sake of it. I've negotiated a contract with my SO that I need to write, that she'll support me as long as I write a mandated amount every day (even if it's crap), and that we both agree it's high time I get moving. Yeah, there are silly dreams of the Great American Novel, whatever that may be, but they aren't overwhelming. But I don't have any unrealistic expectations of getting published. (If I ever get published, like, woah. Gravy. Just to be published. I'm already poor, so it's ok if I don't make any money.)

I'm a high school drop out with only sporadic moments of higher education. I'm nearly entirely self-taught, and I've learned to write through reading. I couldn't diagram a sentence if my life depended on it. But all of my life I've collected unusual stories and thrown myself into unusual situations just for the experience of it; Just to record those stories for later, for a rainy day. Some of my favorite authors are Theodore Sturgeon, Kurt Vonnegut, John Steinbeck, Ray Bradbury, and Philip K. Dick.

So, how do you write?

Here's a sample of something I wrote that's posted here. And here's a sample of something on E2. And another sample of an unusual experience.

Help me understand why people write blogs and journals.

daver — Fri, 30 Apr 2004 17:07:45 -0800

Why do people write blogs and/or journals? Is it a fad? When will it end? Non-rhetorical, more inside. I’m wondering about why journal writers, bloggers, diarists, and autobiographicians, do it. What are your personal reasons? Why do you think people do it in general? Do you see “blogging” as the latest and most logical extension of a long tradition of writing about/for oneself, or as the latest techno-evaporative craze? If so, when will it dry up?

I’ll go first.
Autobiographical reasons first and foremost. I believe whatever we think of our past today is colored heavily by ‘the now’ -- much better to have some indication of what you were actually thinking about at that time. Plus, I’m curious about my parent’s lives, and hope my kid will be equally curious and I’ll be able to deliver the goods when the time comes (probably through insta-telepathy link).

Secondarily: keep in touch w/ family (mostly) and friends.

3rd: I fantasize that secretly all y’all are visiting my site, somehow bypassing my logging software, and marveling at the depth and variety of my life, and how one can capture it quite so fully by only posting once every 23 days and exclusively taking photos of my 2 year old. Please, don’t burst my bubble.

I suspect the major reasons people blog are similar, probably with a bigger emphasis on item 3 above. Also:

As a means of publishing writing (or other works) to the wider-world for political or other ends.
To be part of a social group
To share new web finds
As the only means of expression that ‘lives on the web’ (No tattoo will get you noticed online unless you publish it)
To ‘get it off their chest’ (particularly diary/journal)
To make sense of it all (as above)
To combat loneliness

I actually think Blogging is an extension of self-writing, and will persist, although I suspect the term blogging will disappear along with most of the tools we know now in the next 5 years or so.

DVD-RW

Seth — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 08:49:31 -0800

What are the practical uses of a DVD-RW drive? [MI] What can be done with them?

If you have a single drive, you can't "copy" your DVD movies... right?

You can't download movies and burn them on DVDs because your main DVD player for your TV won't read the files... right?

Is it just a glorified storage device? Or can you do some cool things with them?

Help me improve my writing

majcher — Mon, 05 Jan 2004 23:40:43 -0800

My writing has gone to hell lately. Fiction, documentation, casual correspondence - it all looks like, uh, bad and stuff. And it's just getting worse as I crank out junk after junk. Any advice on how I can sharpen myself up, and get back on track?