Maria Shimizu Christensen
Bio
Writer living my dreams by day and dreaming up new ones by night
Also, History Major, Senior Accountant, Geek, Fan of cocktails and camping
Stories (102/0)
Cheap Gourmet: A Couple of Easy Tapas
I recently had my sister over for dinner, but didn't have enough of any one thing for a traditional meal of an entree and side dishes. I didn’t feel like going to the grocery store and I couldn’t use the word “cheap” in the title of this story if I’d opted for grocery delivery.
By Maria Shimizu Christensen3 years ago in Feast
Harper Lee Was Great But It’s Her Friends Who Are Inspiring
Christmas Eve, 1956, a woman makes her way through the cold, wet New York City streets to the cheerful home of friends. In the seven years since she moved to the Big Apple, this is the first time she didn’t have to toil away on Christmas day working at a job, and she was happy to be spending the holiday with people she loved and who loved her. Her family was far off in Alabama and she missed the holiday cheer.
By Maria Shimizu Christensen3 years ago in Motivation
How Wilma Flintstone Helps My Writing
Sexy witches and devils. Sexy anything, really. You’re excused if you think they’re the most popular adult Halloween costumes for women, particularly if you’re browsing the aisles of your local drugstore. Or dollar store, or wherever. Apparently this trend either hasn’t run its course yet, or manufacturers just haven’t caught on. Enough already.
By Maria Shimizu Christensen3 years ago in Journal
Your Laptop and Cell Phone Are Giving You a Hunchback
As a writer I spend a lot of time massaging my neck and shoulders. Anyone who works on a computer all day can probably relate. Stiffness, tension, pain, we’re familiar with all of them. I’ve noticed a lump at the base of my neck, but until recently was able to convince myself it was just my spine I was feeling. My neck vertebrae. And that’s true, but you know what they say about denial.
By Maria Shimizu Christensen3 years ago in Lifehack
The 10-Year Job Outlook for Writers Isn’t Terrible
If you’re anything like me – and the chances are excellent that you are – you’re sitting in front of your computer for more hours than are reasonable pounding out as many words as possible to make as much money as you can. Whether it’s a side hustle, your main gig, or an actual job, you’re worried about the long-term prospects in a field constantly undergoing change. It’s perfectly understandable.
By Maria Shimizu Christensen3 years ago in Journal
3 Things I Would Miss if the Global Supply Chain Disappeared
As I poured my first cup of coffee this morning and told myself I wouldn’t drink more than three cups all day, my wandered to the coming apocalypse. Probably to distract myself from the egregious lie I’d just told myself. Also, because my mind goes there a lot.
By Maria Shimizu Christensen3 years ago in Lifehack
- Top Story - September 2021
The Weeks of the CultTop Story - September 2021
A week before my junior year of high school I picked out the all-important first day of school outfit. The outfit that would set the tone for the rest of the year. Like, the effortlessly cool girls would look cool no matter what, but I really had to work at what and who I wanted to be. This outfit could make or break me.
By Maria Shimizu Christensen3 years ago in Families
Star Trek: Discovery Haters Need to Get a Grip
I think I have some Trekkie street cred. My tiny, toddler butt was planted in front of the TV when Star Trek debuted in 1966, and since then I’ve seen every episode of every show multiple times. Same for the movies, even the J.J. Abrams alt-universe versions. I have two uniforms and attend conventions. To say I love the Star Trek universe is to understate the state of my world.
By Maria Shimizu Christensen3 years ago in Geeks