A lot of my friends are trying to tough it out as full-time professional writers. They have strange side jobs to help them stay afloat, but they all spend the vast majority of their waking hours working on some new article or piece of fiction.

So what are those strange side jobs? There are waitresses, of course, but I also know a girl who does personal body waxing for men, an alarm system monitoring agent, a cake decorator, a delivery guy, and a pet groomer.

They really make me appreciate my desk job.

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to write when you sit down. You stare at the wall, the floor, the ceiling…and nothing. Instead of wasting time, try this prompt:

Visualize the place you’d most like to be. Where in the world is it? What does it look like? Who else is there? Is it a small cafe with dim indoor lighting? What about a crowded city street with people and cars and flashing signs? Or a quiet country road with a few cows mooing in the distance?

Visualize it - Smell it, taste it, hear it, and feel it. Then put it on paper. If you spend a little time in your place, I’m sure something will happen.

I’d like to lead a more adventurous life. Unfortunately, my student loans would prefer that I spend every waking hour working on profitable things instead. Of course, it’s probably all for the best. If I were out running with the bulls, going on safaris, jaunting across the globe, and generally getting into trouble I’d probably get hurt. Or killed.

I definitely need to seek out a life insurance quote before I take off for my life of adventure.

Sometimes I think that what you write with is as important as having something to write about. I’ve found that I do some of my best writing when I’m curled up with a good notebook and a solid pen. I have a great Sensa pen that looks like some kind of strange fiber cable, and the silicone grip is really comfortable for a long writing session. Add that to a Moleskine and you’ve got a recipe for the next great American novel…

What do you use when you’re writing?

In the past, I’ve never had much luck with the Borders sales aisles. Sure, they have plenty of odd reference books and old bestsellers, but I use the Internet for reference and best-selling fiction usually isn’t my cup of tea. This weekend, I found 3 books that I ended up buying from the sale section. I picked up 2 Coelho novels and a book called “An Incomplete Education”. Once I get a few moments, I’ll write up more detailed thoughts on my finds. Right now I’m checking out Condo Hotels for an upcoming mini-trip for a concert.

As a major fan of sweets, Martha Stewart’s Cookies is definitely on my wishlist. I’ve already got several cookbooks that are specific to cookies, but it’s hard to pass up a Martha Stewart offering.

I actually even keep my own book full of recipes with fun themes and stuff like earthworm cookie cups, alien popcorn balls, and peanut-y bull bars. Perhaps a few of Martha’s will eventually be modified and moved into the collection.

If you’re looking for some interesting non-fiction, check out Amazon’s offerings in the Hoodia realm. Hoodia is an all-natural product, a member of the cactus family with some reported weight-loss qualities. It’s only recently that it’s been harnessed and bottled for the nutrition industry.

Since I’m not a fan of trying things without reading up, I’ll definitely be checking out a couple of books on the subject before I recommend the product to any friends or family.

I know, I know - drugs and drug rehab are tired subjects. That’s why I was surprised to see a picture of A Million Little Pieces accompanying this article on Yahoo! today.

The article itself talks about a couple of recent books that were found to be untrue, but it seems like people can’t write an article on that topic without mentioning the crime and drug ridden fake memoirs of James Frey. I am just so, so over it that I can’t even think straight to write this.

Does it both anyone else that people take the time to find out if there’s truth in the stories? As far as I’m concerned, if it’s entertainment, screw the truth. Just give me an interesting story.

I’ve always wondered if there are more drug addicts among authors or actors. Although actors and actresses are in the news all the time, I know there are plenty of troubled writers - it’s practically a requirement.

Does anyone know if there has been any formal study on the subject? Perhaps by using the records of people checked into drug rehabs? Either way, they all need to get help. The world can deal without their movies and books if that’s what it takes to get them off the addictions.

I may not be around much in the next week or so. My aunt and uncle will be playing Branson private golf at their time-share a few hours away, so I may end up dealing with their teenage daughter.

Given that I may have to entertain her and get work done at the same time, I’m looking for some good books for teens. I want something that’s edgy and interesting, but not too adult. I definitely don’t want to hand her anything with extreme “adult” situations.

Any suggestions? What do the teens in your life enjoy?