Karl's Blog

Today, a brief guest post from a great friend of mine, Carolyn Causton.

You may have heard her music at Writers FM or Self Dev Radio. She's a true talent, and she's now working with Fauna & Flora International, the conservation group supported by Stephen Fry.

Feel a little of her passion, and - if you can - check out the official Fauna Flora website at http://www.fauna-flora.org/

* * *

I've spent years behind a desk for my job, and I've always been extremely lucky to have jobs that I have enjoyed and, most recently, that contribute directly to the wellbeing of others.

Though my 'ideal job' as a youngster would have been to be a forest ranger (I worked briefly as a volunteer on a nature reserve in North London), my career path took a very different course.

This time I've definitely hit the jackpot as far as jobs go - and I don't mean financially, but in terms of fulfilment and engagement.

Around me my colleagues talk of their time in Kenya, India, America, Alaska, Indonesia, Viet Nam and Antarctica. I am in fact now working for a conservation organisation where the employees are not just dedicated but hands-on experienced.

The Membership Secretary used to be an Antarctic Scientist, the Comms Officer use to work with endangered Wallabies in Australia and the Fundraising Officer (who I am slightly worried to find out loves dressing up as a gorilla) has spent time in Swaziland. Next month he is going out to Indonesia for more hands on conservation work (hopefully not in costume, he'd have some problems at customs). There are 60 people working for the charity in nearly every corner of the world.

The work I'm doing now, a change from my previous employment, means I need to learn (and quickly) about Fauna and Flora International's conservation projects: the work we do with (to name but a few) gorillas, trees, people, habitats, bats, carbon emissions, global warming, and - crucially - how to fund the work we do all over the planet.

In short, every day I work here inspires me (and also stirs some previously suppressed wanderlust). Most of the people round me are younger and have done or are doing their travelling now (for work, sabbatical, or just for the hell of it). I would love to travel more and even do some field work myself, but I do know that it's not all 'cute cuddly animals' - oh no!

The work this fantastic organisation does is much more varied than that - they work with Kyrgyzstani women to help manage the sustainability of their fruit and nut forests, help farmers build buffalo fences to protect their crops (and the buffalo) and help local communities to develop tourism and other forms of enterprise to reduce the impact on their environment.

The dedication of the people in the office is just a reflection of those out in the field - and I am very proud to be part of the oldest conservation charity in the world. I may only be here for a year, but you can bet your last pound (please make sure you tick the 'gift aid' box on your donation form!) that I am going to put everything I can into it - I'm already getting so much out.

I've never been afraid to get my hands dirty, so who knows, one day I may actually do something a bit more adventurous with the rest of my life.

The thing is, believe you can, and you will.

Carolyn

Web: www.fauna-flora.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/carriesheppard

Carolyn is a professional marketer turned fundraiser, with a passion for wildlife, music and writing. She lives near Cambridge - a city famed for its history and a landscape famed for its flatness.

Labels: blog stuff, friends

Nick Daws recently tagged me in this meme on his writing blog.

The task was to answer questions about writing - then tag other writers to do the same.

So, here goes, Nick:

1. Which words do you use too much in your writing?

I used to say "Basically" too much. Then "And" to start a sentence. Then "But."

Now I just use too many words full stop ;)

2. Which words do you consider overused in stuff you read?

All the new social media phrases: Twit-anything, Web 2.0 (it's already here: get over it), improper spelling/capitalisation of anything technical. ("web," "internet," "E-Mail," etc.)

3. What's your favourite piece of writing by you?

How self-loathing! :)

It's always the last thing I wrote. So probably this article!

I really liked The Secret Art of Self-Development book, which was released in May. I wrote that in just a few weeks, part-time - but it really captures the essence of my logical, "spiritual" views.

4. What are your other favourite blogs?

I'm a big fan of:

http://www.mywritingblog.com/

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/

5. Regrets, do you have a few? Is there anything you wish you hadn't written?

I look back at some of my earlier "humorous" writing and it's quite obvious how my wit (or former lack thereof) has developed!

I regret not finding time to read more, especially the classics. And I really want to find time to write my big next book: my true passion, all about spirituality vs religion. (Watch out for a follow-on documentary too!)

6. How has your writing made a difference? What do you consider your most important piece of writing?

In the early days, I wrote a few computer programming books. I received some great feedback, with people stating it was the only coding book they'd ever taken on vacation with them. Which was nice!

These days, most of the feedback I receive follows the self-development writing - particularly here at Karl Blog.com.

The feedback is superb, and I'm thrilled that the words I throw down every other day really makes a difference to people's lives all across the globe.

7. Name three favourite words

Inspiration. Happiness. Mojito.

8. ...And three words you're not so keen on

Annoyed. Slow. "Server-down."

9. Do you have a writing mentor, role model or inspiration?

I often think that the reason I got involved in writing was an obsession in early-life with "Murder, She Wrote."

I suspect I have a lot to thank Angela Lansbury for!

10. What's your writing ambition?

To live in Maine, write mystery stories to international acclaim - while still having time to solve the plentiful murders in my sleepy, local town.

But while I'm in the UK, I really want to finish my magnus opum on logic, life and spirituality - followed by the documentary I mentioned.

11. Plug alert! List any work you would like to tell your readers about.

Please - I'm British!

But if you insist, please check out www.secretartbook.com.

So, that's me!

In accordance with Linda's rules (see below), I'm going to contact the recent authors I've interviewed at Writers FM - including Edwina Currie, Joanne Harris, Bernard Cornwell and Lucinda Hawksley.

Let's hope they can get involved! :)

The Offiial Rules
If you have time to do this meme, then please link to my post here, then link to three to five other bloggers and pass it on, asking them to answer your questions and link back to you. You can add, remove or change one question as you go (as I did with Question 4 - feel free to revert to Linda's original if you like). You absolutely do not have to be what you may think of as a "published" or "successful" writer to respond to this meme.
Have fun, and I look forward to reading more responses!

Labels: blog stuff, writing