It’s June. A smidgen over a year ago (May 29th, 2009) Advance Photographics closed its doors and I have been unemployed since.
In that time I have written half of the sequel to my alternate history novel, Orleans, and a complete new novel, a murder mystery called The Drowned Doll. I’ve written blog posts for both here and Dangerous Intersection and occasionally for my MySpace page (which is getting more and more neglected in favor of Facebook, through which I can stream this blog). I wrote book reviews for a good chunk of 2009 until two of my review outlets basically dried up and went away.
I’m also now, as I’ve mentioned before, beginning to learn Photoshop in a meaningful way and toying with entering the vast realm of full digital photography.
Along with that I have continued to serve on the board of the Missouri Center for the Book and have become its president again as of this past March. My life is nothing if not bubbling with activity. None of which, however, is paying me a damn thing.
We bought a new bed. After nearly 30 years with a waterbed, age and comfort demand something else, so we replaced the king size freeflow with a high end Serta (queen size) and have thereby also gained much floor space in the bedroom, something we’ve been chafing over the lack of for some time.
Our stove finally died. With a great brilliant spark, the control panel for the ancient monstrosity announced forced retirement, so we must now buy a new stove. This is a mixed thing, both an occasion for celebration and a pain in the butt for the untimely expense. We’re also getting some painting done.
I had to repair the ceiling in my office.
I am attempting to write a new short story. I may have mentioned that some time in the last decade, since devoting myself almost entirely to novels, I’ve misplaced my ability to do them and now I wish to hunt that ability down and capture it again. I have a deadline, which helps somewhat.
Like so many today, my job prospects are dim. What I spent 35 years doing is an obsolete skill (traditional, wet process photofinishing). My admittedly impressive publishing oeuvre does not seem to impress people looking for editors or technical writers. My academic credentials, being nonexistent, limit me in terms of getting interviews. I am in a position wherein I must make my writing work. I must. I want to, there’s no question there, but with four completed novels currently unsold (due to factors of which I have no concept) and no ready ideas on how to move any of this forward, I’m in an awkward position. As each of the novels currently in circulation are attached to series, all of them will entail sequels when they sell. It would seem unwise for me to write yet another novel at this point.
So. I’m open to suggestions. Right now I’m going to go to the gym. Before I go, though, I thought I’d go ahead an post my resume. Just in case anyone may read this who may be interested.
Have a nice day.
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Mark W. Tiedemann
P.O. Box 160160 St. Louis, MO 63116
mwtiedemann@earthlink.net
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Strategic Planning               Communications
Organizational Development            Press Relations
Public Affairs & Presentation            Public Speaking
Staff Recruitment               Workshop Management
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Participated in the determination of organizational policies regarding issues of program requirements and benefits, as well as longterm goals.
Organized public events, including speaker liaison, facilities, and scheduling.
Established relationships with other agenices and organizations to facilitate common goals.
Directed activities of professional and technical staff and volunteers.
Spoken to community groups to explain organizational goals, policies, and programs.
Recruited, interviewed, and hired or signed up volunteers and staff.
Represented organizations in relations with governmental and media institutions.
Prepared written presentations, including newsletter material, in support of organizational goals.
Oversaw board meetings, setting agenda, and directing input from members to facilitate optimum productivity, and establishing policies consistent with the achievement of organizational goals.
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Published author since 1990. Ten novels, fifty-five short stories in various national publications, book reviews, occasional articles. Bibliography available on request.
Missouri Center for the Book (http://books.missouri.org) . Elected president in 2005, I have worked to revitalize the organization and have successfully increased its board membership, public visibility, and overseen the establishment of the new Poet Laureate position for the state of Missouri. Prior to becoming president, I developed and produced a variety of public programs for the organization.
Advance Photographics: 1997 to the present. Duties include all aspects of traditional photofinishing, with an emphasis on b & w processing, color printing, and copy work.
Self employed freelance writer: August 1995 to July 1997
Shaw Camera Shop: December 1975 to July 1995. Custom b & w photofinishing, all aspects, including lab manager from 1982 onward.