Frustrated with (a Lack of) Resources

The hard thing about researching in a field where not a lot has been written is that there is nothing really to read. I’m getting frustrated as I try to find resources for my proposal and project. I’ve been trying different search terms, even getting to the point of using “book + editing.” That brings nothing! Even “user-centered + design” is bringing not a thing. I’ve tried general Google searches to see if I’m missing any pertinent words, but they’re just as useless as the rest. Any tips on getting something useful out of library article databases?

My (First Draft) Question

It’s actually more a string of questions, but I guess that’s how they are…or at least how they start. I’m trying to focus as much as possible without getting too focused (I know you all know what I mean). Here it is:

What is a “successful” children’s nonfiction book series, and how do we determine that? And how do we create a book series with those ends in mind while maintaining the integrity of the user’s needs? (The end user will be the student, but we market to teachers and librarians.)

Welcome to the Research

This blog will be used as a sounding board during research for my Master’s writing project. I will explain my project question (which is always a work-in-progress) very soon. Comments, questions, and ideas are always welcome.

September grabbed me by the wrist and spun me around, and now it’s almost done. Where did it go? Darn it all….

We haven’t found a place to move into yet, but we know we’re moving.

By God, we’re moving out of this apartment.

Getting itchy to move….

I have to admit that it is so hard reading Loralee’s postings about her trip to the UK (she just got back last night) not because they’re bad (they never are), but because I am so horrendously jealous that I hate myself for it.

I need to travel. And more than just to MN (though I adore, thee, MN).

The parents and I have been talking about a European extravaganza that would take place some time in 2009. I have been reading up on Western Europe (I’ve only been to Italy, y’all, and there is so much more to Europe than what I just saw there, though there is a whole trip [or several] just in Italy), spoke with the AAA travel agent in Ann Arbor, and have been doing lots of Internet searches. One of which took me to here.

*drool*

I promptly requested (via the web) a brochure (which is actually more like a book) on their villas, and I’m thinking I want to go tomorrow. Or maybe yesterday. They’re affordable if you bring another couple, or two or three, and you can choose where you want to be.

I need to travel. Have I mentioned that yet?

I’m switching cardiologists. My allergist recommended I do just that and attempt to get someone who actually seems to care–and someone who will try to get me a diagnosis.

I hope this doesn’t mean starting over at square one. We’ve finally gotten all the health bills paid (fortunately our insurance rocks, and it wasn’t as much as it could be), but I’m also tired of getting poked and prodded. I also despise doctor waiting rooms.

But this stuff has to get diagnosed. There’s always a reason for these reactions. Don’t f’ing tell me “It sometimes just happens.” That’s bullcrap, and you know it. I want to know why, and I want to know that they’re trying to know why. I’m not going to settle for anything less.

The fall semester officially starts for me today. This will be my last year of school–or at least until I decide I want a PhD, but that’s a way long way off, if ever. I don’t really need it in my field of work (thank goodness), so the buck could stop here, this school year.

And then I’m out into the career world, and I can’t tell you how ecstatic I am about that.

I get tired of people telling me, “But you’re so young. You have the whole rest of your life to work.” Well, that’s nice, and perhaps that was the mentality of your generation, but I honestly love what I do, so postponing my entrance into the work field is like keeping myself from another facet of my happiness.

They all look at my like I’m crazy when I say it, but I don’t care. I’m almost done. And I’m lovin’ it.