FireflyTree Productions ©mcw2010 ***set me free to be me ***
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Saturday, December 21, 2013
On the News With Thom Hartmann: Three Days After Christmas, 1.3 Million Americans Will Lose Their Unemployment Benefits, and More
On the News With Thom Hartmann: Three Days After Christmas, 1.3 Million Americans Will Lose Their Unemployment Benefits, and More
That so many lost food assistance and now will lose unemployment, their only lifeline until the economy is better and there are jobs available, is disgusting and a huge squeeze meant to push people into desperation and sweatshop labor wages and conditions. Do taxpayers pay taxes for a GOP Congress, to use tax payer money to fights the people, and against fair wages and descent working conditions? A GOP Congress that shutdown the government and cost tax payers over 50billion in closures and sequestrations. That has refused to implement job bills except for those that advance their special interests. Is this what tax payers pay taxes for?
That so many lost food assistance and now will lose unemployment, their only lifeline until the economy is better and there are jobs available, is disgusting and a huge squeeze meant to push people into desperation and sweatshop labor wages and conditions. Do taxpayers pay taxes for a GOP Congress, to use tax payer money to fights the people, and against fair wages and descent working conditions? A GOP Congress that shutdown the government and cost tax payers over 50billion in closures and sequestrations. That has refused to implement job bills except for those that advance their special interests. Is this what tax payers pay taxes for?
With the Affordable Health Care Act, will we see an increasing reluctance for small business owners to hire full-time employees? - View topic - Manta Connect
With the Affordable Health Care Act, will we see an increasing reluctance for small business owners to hire full-time employees? - View topic - Manta Connect
Small businesses will have a hard time finding workers once the ACA gets going because of the large demand for workers in the medical industry ACA will create. Hopefully there will be training available so that businesses don't just import workers.
Small businesses will have a hard time finding workers once the ACA gets going because of the large demand for workers in the medical industry ACA will create. Hopefully there will be training available so that businesses don't just import workers.
Sunday, December 08, 2013
My take on the slavery and Blacks in America article.
That Blacks in the US were seen as non-human and therefore could be enslaved, not allowed equal rights, not even to vote or worship is still weighing on Blacks today.
The right to vote for Blacks is still a matter of contention in some states, and event though there are republican Blacks and republicans in government, that President Obama is constantly hassled about not having been born in the US is proof, a fact also reflected on the disrespect from Congress and media even for the Office of the President.
Slave owners resolved the atrocities they did to slaves by believing that it was their God given right as they were created in the white image of a white God and His white Savior son. So, religion was denied to slaves and the religious and spiritual traditions Blacks brought from Africa were demeaned, mocked and demonized. That changed when slave owners saw that gospel singing and belief on a white redeeming God made slaves more compliant, easier to dominate, control and keep happy in slavery, by allowing them to believe that a Christian God would someday set then free of bondage, if not in this life in the hereafter. It was then that slaves were allowed to worship and eventually in churches, but in their own place to keep slaves in their less than human nature.
That in a few generations Blacks are supposed to just walk away from how it was and to now call their right to education, pursuit of happiness, safety, respect, etc., handouts is not restitution but it is additional humiliation and deprivation. It is to condone the oppression in 'black' neighborhoods, school districts and society. It is to propagate stereotypes of dangerous and less than human by the law, educators, government and society.
It is common for the oppressed to seek assimilation by the oppressors, same is for other oppressed minorities, i.e., Latins and women unknowingly adopt labels such as Republicans, marry whites and seek to live in white neighborhoods.
Black people are Genocide survivors and if they were as respected as whites they would be getting restitution.
Slavery's Legacies of Racism and Dehumanization of Labor Still Poison the US
The right to vote for Blacks is still a matter of contention in some states, and event though there are republican Blacks and republicans in government, that President Obama is constantly hassled about not having been born in the US is proof, a fact also reflected on the disrespect from Congress and media even for the Office of the President.
Slave owners resolved the atrocities they did to slaves by believing that it was their God given right as they were created in the white image of a white God and His white Savior son. So, religion was denied to slaves and the religious and spiritual traditions Blacks brought from Africa were demeaned, mocked and demonized. That changed when slave owners saw that gospel singing and belief on a white redeeming God made slaves more compliant, easier to dominate, control and keep happy in slavery, by allowing them to believe that a Christian God would someday set then free of bondage, if not in this life in the hereafter. It was then that slaves were allowed to worship and eventually in churches, but in their own place to keep slaves in their less than human nature.
That in a few generations Blacks are supposed to just walk away from how it was and to now call their right to education, pursuit of happiness, safety, respect, etc., handouts is not restitution but it is additional humiliation and deprivation. It is to condone the oppression in 'black' neighborhoods, school districts and society. It is to propagate stereotypes of dangerous and less than human by the law, educators, government and society.
It is common for the oppressed to seek assimilation by the oppressors, same is for other oppressed minorities, i.e., Latins and women unknowingly adopt labels such as Republicans, marry whites and seek to live in white neighborhoods.
Black people are Genocide survivors and if they were as respected as whites they would be getting restitution.
Slavery's Legacies of Racism and Dehumanization of Labor Still Poison the US
Friday, December 06, 2013
When in darkness...
It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
Lao-Tseu. 
http://ethnicindo.blogspot.com/2008/03/lao-tseu.html
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Soft skills and success
The Hard Facts Behind Soft Skills | Heckman
Research indicates that it is not the know-it all-child that succeeds, it is the child that learns soft skills. This short video gives a clue what soft skills are.
No wonder that early childhood education, in particular Headstart, is so very important. Yet, education is getting minimized in the US and creating the need for 'importing' workers.
Why aren't corporations in the US involved in education and training instead of importing workers and exporting jobs?
Why is it that dumbing down America is the solution?
Would it incentivize corporations if tax deductions and funding is based on their involvement in education?
http://heckmanequation.org/content/resource/hard-facts-behind-soft-skills
Research indicates that it is not the know-it all-child that succeeds, it is the child that learns soft skills. This short video gives a clue what soft skills are.
No wonder that early childhood education, in particular Headstart, is so very important. Yet, education is getting minimized in the US and creating the need for 'importing' workers.
Why aren't corporations in the US involved in education and training instead of importing workers and exporting jobs?
Why is it that dumbing down America is the solution?
Would it incentivize corporations if tax deductions and funding is based on their involvement in education?
http://heckmanequation.org/content/resource/hard-facts-behind-soft-skills
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
On the road to great business and career
Free site and great advise: business etiquette and behavior, speaking to co-workers, presentations, dealing with people, how to be a newbie at work, and so much more!http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/business-career
FREE podcasts on writing, publishing and making it big!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/authormba-conversations-about/id714292885
Monday, December 02, 2013
Books bought by President Obama
Books that President Obama bought when shopping at small business bookstores yesterday!
Half Brother - by Kenneth Oppel
Heart of a Samurai - by Margi Preus
Flora and Ulysses - by Kate DiCamillo
Jinx - by Sage Blackwood
Lulu and the Brontosaurus - by Judith Viorst and Lane Smith
Ottoline and the Yellow Cat - by Chris Riddell
Moonday - by Adam Rex
Journey - by Aaron Becker
The Lowland - by Jhumpa Lahiri
Red Sparrow - by Jason Matthews
Harold and the Purple Crayon - by Crockett Johnson
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena - by Anthony Marra
The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance - by David Epstein
Collision Low Crossers: A Year Inside the Turbulent World of NFL Football - by Nicholas Dawidoff
Ballad of the Sad Cafe: And Other Stories - by Carson McCullers
My Antonia - by Willa Cather
Ragtime - By E.L. Doctorow
The Kite Runner - by Khaled Hosseini
Buddha in the Attic - by Julie Otsuka
All That Is - by James Salter
Wild: From Lost to Found On the Pacific Crest Trail - by Cheryl Strayed
Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/26/dc-bookstores_n_4316578.html
Will NaNoWriMo Help You Publish A Novel? Why This Self-Published Author Thinks It Will
Will NaNoWriMo Help You Publish A Novel? Why This Self-Published Author Thinks It Will
I did NaNo about seven years ago, NaNo did propel me to write a story about a girl with polio that I am turning into a screenplay.
I did NaNo about seven years ago, NaNo did propel me to write a story about a girl with polio that I am turning into a screenplay.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
IKEA Expands Solar Energy Production to Nearly 85 Percent of US Locations
A great reason to support IKEA! Money speaks and industry listens to where consumers kaching!
Every company can do what IKEA is doing and consumer spending encouragement they will follow the kaching.
IKEA Expands Solar Energy Production to Nearly 85 Percent of US Locations
Every company can do what IKEA is doing and consumer spending encouragement they will follow the kaching.
IKEA Expands Solar Energy Production to Nearly 85 Percent of US Locations
Fundación Puntos de Encuentro: Invitación a presentación de "En la casa, la cama ...
Fundación Puntos de Encuentro: Invitación a presentación de "En la casa, la cama ...
To stop violence against women and girls in the home, the bed and the street!
To stop violence against women and girls in the home, the bed and the street!
Fundación Puntos de Encuentro: Concluye la campaña “¡Alerta y Pilas Puestas!” en Nicaragua
Fundación Puntos de Encuentro: Concluye la campaña “¡Alerta y Pilas Puestas!” en Nicaragua
An non-profit organization to empower women and help stop sexual abuse and trafficking!
An non-profit organization to empower women and help stop sexual abuse and trafficking!
Monday, November 11, 2013
Why is "Gen Mai Cha" blend best
History of Green Tea:
"Green tea in Japan begins with the introduction of tea by Zen Buddhist monks in the 9th century." At that time "only monks, members of the imperial court, and eventually, wealthy landowners were able to enjoy this prized beverage." Thus evolved the Japanese "tea ceremonies". "In the 18th century, novel processing and growing methods resulted in the introduction of green tea and its spread into all corners of Japanese society.
Green tea's health benefits include:
1) "Powerful antioxidant polyphenols" that "promotes growth of friendly intestinal bacteria"
2) "Decreases toxic bowel metabolites (like polyamines)"
3) "Promotes cardiovascular health, prevents blood cell aggregation and improves cholesterol metabolism"
4) "Inhibits toxin and carcinogen producing enzymes like ornithine decarboxylase"
Evidence suggests regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of many cancers
Mr. Itaru's Blend, "Gen Mai Cha" is mildly caffeinated and so it has "many of the anti-cancer properties of green tea are lost if it is de-caffeinated."
Please visit: http://bit.ly/IPoZ53
Friday, November 01, 2013
Publishing how from WOW
Read Joel Friedlander's article on WOW before taking your publishing plunge!
Learn how to make your book a best seller " easy... unless you read this guide.
"Topics covered include:
- Picking the perfect typeface
- Enhance the readability of your book with interior design
- Catch the reader’s eye with cover design tips from the pros
- The most common mistakes made by self publishing authors, and how you can avoid them.
- …and much more
Ready to start designing your own printed book? Let self publishing authority Joel Friedlander be your guide! "http://conta.cc/175kRci
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Prevent strokes and lose weight by not eating chicken!
To prevent strokes and lose weight, for blood type B+ stop eating chicken!
But....Everybody loves chicken and beef has become the four letter word in food! But wait...there is evidence, in extensive blood type research, that chicken can cause a blood type B+ to have a stroke and also to gain weight!
For blood type B+ it is recommended that chicken be absolutely avoided. The agglutinating lectin in chicken can attack the bloodstream and potentially lead to stokes and immune disorders.
So, does chicken soup must also be avoided for Blood Type B+? Yes! Oh how I hate that, can still hear, "eat your chicken soup, it's good for your cold"! How about eggs? Wait... eggs also beef, turkey, lamb, most fish, dairy, vegetables and fruits are not just ok but are "healing foods" for B+ types!
Find free information on how to get your blood and geno type and research on individual blood and geno types please visit: http://www.northamericanpharmacal.com/shareright/jrox.php?id=4046
But....Everybody loves chicken and beef has become the four letter word in food! But wait...there is evidence, in extensive blood type research, that chicken can cause a blood type B+ to have a stroke and also to gain weight!
For blood type B+ it is recommended that chicken be absolutely avoided. The agglutinating lectin in chicken can attack the bloodstream and potentially lead to stokes and immune disorders.
So, does chicken soup must also be avoided for Blood Type B+? Yes! Oh how I hate that, can still hear, "eat your chicken soup, it's good for your cold"! How about eggs? Wait... eggs also beef, turkey, lamb, most fish, dairy, vegetables and fruits are not just ok but are "healing foods" for B+ types!
Find free information on how to get your blood and geno type and research on individual blood and geno types please visit: http://www.northamericanpharmacal.com/shareright/jrox.php?id=4046
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
thought for the day
Ten years ago, I wrote a short story about a being that came to me in a
dream, in time the short developed into a fantasy science book. After many
re-writes, I was searching for an editor when we moved to the foothills. I felt
my chances of publishing delayed; however, it is in my new and remote community
that I found a group of writers and a great editor!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The craft of small
On an article for Writing Craft novelist Satya Robyn
explains the "meaning, process and value" she finds in "small stones" or "short pieces of observational writing."
I agree and find that composing something small
in poetry form or a short piece for my Blog,
Facebook or Twitter sharpens my ability to convey
meaning in the least amount of words possible.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Genocide by poverty
The richest 400 Americans are now worth over $2 trillions
a typical middle class family ...at or below the poverty line
...no developed country has a higher percentage of kids in poverty
than we do...
Yet the House of Representatives has just cut food stamps
for people who don’t have enough money to feed themselves.
Bill Moyers Essay: Joblessness is Killing Us | Moyers & Company | BillMoyers.com
a typical middle class family ...at or below the poverty line
...no developed country has a higher percentage of kids in poverty
than we do...
Yet the House of Representatives has just cut food stamps
for people who don’t have enough money to feed themselves.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Free story telling webinar!
What is writing? "Storytelling is the writer's superpower." So says Deborah Siegel--"author, blogger, essayist, TEDx speaker, coach, and She Writes co-founder"
Join this FREE live training on Tuesday, September 24. Register now!
Topics will include: sticky ideas, "platform,"public identity, tell and sell your story.
Join this FREE live training on Tuesday, September 24. Register now!
Topics will include: sticky ideas, "platform,"public identity, tell and sell your story.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Make your own book or Chapbook!
Ever wondered how you can make your own book or Chapbook?
There are many online sites on how to make your own books and Chapbooks
I like best the instructions on Poets.org
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/21249
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Monday, September 09, 2013
Saturday, September 07, 2013
On time and money
Just have to share some misery:
"Time is more value than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time."-- Jim Rohn, Motivational Speaker
Motivational...quote posted by Bryan Tracy...just love BT but time is getting shorter.... TTFNWednesday, September 04, 2013
The Center for Fiction
The Center for Fiction, a great place in Manhattan and online for writers and readers.
Also, "the only nonprofit literary organization in the U.S. To sign up for their blog newsletter is free and and updates include presentations, grants, classes, reading groups and programs for kids. They also "recognize the best in the world of fiction through our annual awards" and have a rare book shops.
By the way, I posted one of my favorite books on writing and life: Roger Rosenblatt's "Unless It Moves The Human Heart". Have a moving day!
The Center for Fiction
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Are you sure you have confidence?
This confidence test is a freebie from Brian Tracy, I am a fence walker but already knew that. http://media.briantracy.com/downloads/mp3/BrianTracy_Self-confidence.mp3
Friday, August 30, 2013
Free tutorial on Facebook for business.
With Internet and social media scaling a virtual box, the
world is not out-there it is at our finger tips.
An article published Wednesday, July 21, 2010 on Facebook sums it up: Scaling Facebook to 500 Million Users and Beyond, and 100 billion hits per day. Nothing wrong for one that doesn’t subscribe to "things used to be better" Than caves, smoke signals, life in constant peril?
An article published Wednesday, July 21, 2010 on Facebook sums it up: Scaling Facebook to 500 Million Users and Beyond, and 100 billion hits per day. Nothing wrong for one that doesn’t subscribe to "things used to be better" Than caves, smoke signals, life in constant peril?
This freebie I share just got it, "An Introduction To Facebook For Business" from HubSpot, downloaded to PDF, eyeballed it but haven't studied it. Business is selling: products, ideas, image or writing.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Don't let a rocky start keep you from writing a TV series or screenplay!
Met Danny Damus at the Willamette Writers Conference in
Portland. Danny's manner and workshops so impressed me that I signed-up right
away to receive his News Letter from NOBULLSHITSCRITP CONSULTING.
Just finished devouring the one I got
today, and its chock-full of
free and great information! Yes, I am into spreading the
"free" because writing
can be so very expensive.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Labor Day for fun and free...not empty promises
Maybe do fun and free? Not merely linger in crowds and
overspend but rest and have a pleasant experience.
Well, how's about free and relaxing reads to enjoy with a
cup or glass of your favorite, at home, the beach, local cafe, or after the
before. Books can take us anyplace, from the deepness of desire, to realms
unknown plus adventures galore.
For writing and marketing, there are tons of sites, most
full of empty promises or set up to get our dollars, and others are like
sinking into annals of endless bs pits. But... some sites do as they promise,
and for authors and readers that is a lot. One worthy site is Book Club, where
one can get free books no questions asked, or at eye popping discounts for
downloading!
I use a free Amazon Kindle Cloud reader, PllllleeeeeaaaaSSSSS
NO I don't work for Book Club or Amazon! This post is a freebie for those who
cometh to my site...to thank you... not a buck maker for me.
As a writer, the last thing I want is to give away my pearls
of soliloquy; however, I want to be read. Book stores and Libraries are great
hangouts, but for reads to keep in a device Book Club is where for free, or a
small price, I can get into authors I usually would not. So, when I get my
big-one out I will use Book Club to sell because the new authors I get free,
and like I follow on their websites or blogs.
Happy un-laboring Labor Day!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Tutors or sports and video games
While American parents spend time and money encouraging ball games, video games and pay coaches exuberant amounts. Asian parents push smarts and money on tutors, learning applications, and intellectual development such as art, music and creative brain not brown physical activities.
Soon American idustry will lose their sweatshop labor source in Asia so they must grow it in America. In Asia youth is exveeding in America students are falling way behind and teachers as well as schools get less of the tax payer buck thereby the race to dumb-down American youth to feed the labor market with low wage workers is on.
You might say, how can that be? Those industries making money in America are American! Well, not really. The top 10% no longer consider themselves Americans, their yachts, jets, homes and families are worldwide. Their loyalty is where they spend their money, educate their kids, and bed for the night, not at where their money is made.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Women in the news: Sandberg
Sandberg, is the author of, "Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead," a book that has "been praised as empowering and attacked as elitist in encouraging women to speak up and advance their careers." No doubt this woman has a lot to share since she is Facebook's famous chief operating officer. Facebook exec Sheryl Sandberg to kick off 'Women's Voices' lecture series today in Sacramento
Sunday, August 18, 2013
A quick way to blog success
Want to increase your book sales, go through the roof on marketing in few and short easy steps? Well, the Traffic Generation Cafe can walk you to success.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Rewrite or climb the door...????
Just could not leave it alone...had to read this article on rewriting that came in an email from BlueCat...it matters not that I'm working on a novel not a screenplay...its all the same... not that everyday I don't flagellate on reading on rewriting... I should take up door-climbing instead...wait! After I do one more rewrite... once I get into a rewrite its like making love...again...and there is more...20 Great Writers on the Art of Revision
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
From the Willamette Writer Conference (WRC)
The WRC was awesome (really Marta that's the best you can do...awesome?) Ok...IMPRESSIVE (with an almost wink and slight lisp).Aside from some out of towner locos and locas, the conference was a buzz of honest to god writers, and instructors, locals and from Hollywood, plus helpful volunteers. Lots to share and will.
Meanwhile, check them out: Willamette Writers newsletter, and Willamette Writers Blog not a 'for sale' prop but chock-full of substantive articles on writing, editing and publishing.
And Oregon is beautiful! Ps...not saying California is not...
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Listen and learn
Feeling like you keep on doing and getting nowhere? One step forward two backwards have you frustrated? Is it time to analyze not just utilize?
The main thing is not to get into a funk, but stay positive. In a 'regular job, there is a place to get to at a specific time, a boss, expectations, duties, reports, assignments, etc. When on your own, growing a business or like me wanting to publish my writing the "to do" list can get out if control, and focus lost to mayhem. It is because of that, and in trying to re-prioritize - feeling in a time crunch - that I am taking the time to listen and learn.
For that listen and learn here is a Brian Tracy YouTube.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Conferences?
Not much into going to a lot of conferences but the Willamette Writers Conference in Porttland Oregon sure sounds great! See you there!
Monday, July 22, 2013
For those marketing books or other products.
Consumers are by the millions so are books and products, it can be overwhelming to keep with the how, where and when of marketing, here is a post worth reading shared by Shelley Hitz on Writer's Discussion Group
|
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Shelley Hitz:
40 hashtags for authors and how I use Twitter in my book marketing...
Please share any other hashtags you use as well in the comments on the blog post so we can learn from each other. http://trainin |
Short Stories Certainty and doubt - Wattpad
Short Stories Certainty and doubt - Wattpad
A pleasure to post a short story that Paulo Coelho posted!
A pleasure to post a short story that Paulo Coelho posted!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
The power of a creative mind
I belong to a G+ site where people show work they do with recycled materials, here is one I find quite cute: https://plus.google.com/app/basic/stream/z12vvtfytnvrvneug23yebw4kzbngpt2j
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
When can copy-written material be used.
On my Google + Writer's Discussion Group a group member asked about the use of copy-written material, a member's answers included the copywriter site for "fair use" under copywriter law.
I went to the copywriter site and re-acquainted myself with the "fair use" law. So, the short is that to use someone's work its essential to comply with limitations under "fair use.” Section 107 of copywriter law "contains a list of the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered fair, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research."
There are other factors on Section 107 to determine "fair use", for additional information go to: http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
What makes a good pen name
Want to write under a different name because you have an alter ego that spurs you into writing, or you don't want your writing to be gender specific, or maybe you want to hide behind a pen name? Whatever your reason, here is an article that discusses how some authors have selected their pen names: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23313657
A worth watching self publishing video
One of the worth watching youtubes on self publishing is by best selling author Huhg Howey, a self published author, top seller, great guy and college dropout. I first heard of Howey from googler John Ward on Google+ Writer's Discussion Group and I was snagged! Here is Hugh Howey on self publishing: http://m.youtube.com/?client=mv-google#/watch?v=t0C9vVkM2C0
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
When the Trayvon Martin shooting happened
On our way home from doctor appointments I looked over an article I wrote on Trayvon Martin's shooting, published March 2012 by Examiner.com where I freelanced as Sacramento Populist. article is called "Who does the Trayvon Martin killing affect?" by Marta Weeks
Reading the article took me back to the hatred sizzling around the 2012 elections, my writing reflects the crowds encouraged to violence on minorities in the name of Christianity, and more specifically by politicians against President Obama as some shouted via media and from the footsteps of the Capitol, "take them out", and "lock and load" the white-house is for whites.
Friday, July 05, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Hoyecomova - How are you: Guest posting
Hoyecomova - How are you: Guest posting: Thinking about guest posting but haven' decided. What do think of this article's advise The Ten Steps To Arranging and Writing A Kil...
Guest posting
Thinking about guest posting but haven' decided. What do think of this article's advise The Ten Steps To Arranging and Writing A Killer Guest Post, and do you guest post.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
A good insight into revising
Always feeling the need to revise and into revising be it a small piece as this post or a book, such as the over 160k words I am looking to publish, is tiresome or overwhelming - to the point of procrastination - and going by the advice of others can make it an ever-changing task.
Inside this article, Emerging Writers Guest Post #46 – A Must Read – Hilary Retig & The 7 Secrets of the Prolific (don't let the awkward title fool you) is good insight such as, "Perfectionists tend to see their projects as long strings of words – and there’s a natural tendency, when you have that viewpoint, to want to start at the beginning of a piece and write straight through till, “The End.” It’s much more productive to view your work as a landscape"
I see the advice as usefully creative and immediately get the unstuck feeling from revising and gulp in the hope that yes it is doable and my take is: continue to read the article, and I will consider following the writer.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The Heart of the Matter: Q&A With Philip Patrick, Head of Kindle Worlds
The Heart of the Matter: Q&A With Philip Patrick, Head of Kindle Worlds
All kinds of new worlds open at Amazon
All kinds of new worlds open at Amazon
Monday, June 24, 2013
In writing, learn from the winners.
I learned long ago a life saving lesson, "learn from the winners" and in everything the lesson is valid.
In writing to learn from those that have actually written and published best selling books I look forward to reading, and authors I follow is the lesson. Here is a free - and free is rare in this industry - youtube from Ann Rice, a best selling author I follow and look forward to reading.
In relating her experience, Anne Rice also gives advice to new writers and humbly add, write what you fear. I hope Anne agrees with me because when the angel of the story I'm looking to publish first came to me he scared me nearly to death.
Click here to view youtube.
New Literary Agent Alert: Roz Foster of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
New Literary Agent Alert: Roz Foster of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
New with Diijstra and seeking clients.
New with Diijstra and seeking clients.
Writing: Is It a Hobby or a Job?
Writing: Is It a Hobby or a Job?
For me it could be both since I was paid for freelance writing.
For me it could be both since I was paid for freelance writing.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Could be life changing
A must watch that could be life changing. Woke up and after this and that, while waiting for coffee, went to an email from John Ward on Writer's Discussion Group Google+ who shared a link about self-published author Hugh Howey that led to a Hoff Post Live interview with four of the top self published authors, here is the link.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Your own writing seminar!
Here is one of the links I go to find good and free youtubes on writing are many on all subjects. You can join for free and get updates. Have your own seminar and or invite other writers and use for topic discussion. I listen to them while I cook or do house work, or even walk, exercise and or primp myself. They inspirate and inform me when I'm blah about writing/publishing etc. (you know that 'what the heck am I doing' place).
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aFy_hsUFVLA&feature=relmfu
Protect yourself when traveling!
Passport or Wallet is Lost or Stolen while Traveling: Now What?
It is not just about getting on the boat, ship or train, it is about preparing to be safe when traveling. It is not unusual for travelers to get stranded and or go broke because of lost or stolen documents or credit cards. To be safe and prevent the preventable: "Make copies: Make copies of all important documents including credit cards, passport, online tickets for attractions or excursions and airline boarding passes..." Read the article to be better prepared and consider leaving copies of all those documents at home with someone you truly trust.
It is not just about getting on the boat, ship or train, it is about preparing to be safe when traveling. It is not unusual for travelers to get stranded and or go broke because of lost or stolen documents or credit cards. To be safe and prevent the preventable: "Make copies: Make copies of all important documents including credit cards, passport, online tickets for attractions or excursions and airline boarding passes..." Read the article to be better prepared and consider leaving copies of all those documents at home with someone you truly trust.
Self-Publishing Is Destroying the WORLD! Oh, nooooooo!
Self-Publishing Is Destroying the WORLD! Oh, nooooooo!
A well known, traditionally published author who has written over 30 books, and is currently on contract with a traditional publisher for more books, speaks the truth "I’m also in complete disagreement with the premise of this piece that self-published ebook pricing represents devaluation of books whereas publisher ebook prices represent a position of valuable books, authors, and literature that’s now under threat." Still... to a new author... getting into a traditional publishing company like....being accepted by the stuck-up bullies in the schoolyard?
A well known, traditionally published author who has written over 30 books, and is currently on contract with a traditional publisher for more books, speaks the truth "I’m also in complete disagreement with the premise of this piece that self-published ebook pricing represents devaluation of books whereas publisher ebook prices represent a position of valuable books, authors, and literature that’s now under threat." Still... to a new author... getting into a traditional publishing company like....being accepted by the stuck-up bullies in the schoolyard?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Sleeper to best seller
The fairy tale changed publishers don't ride white stallions by the moon and sun to lean over a sleeping beauty, and readers –swamped with data - scan cyberspace. So, in getting ready to take my supernatural and passionate being out to enchant, frighten and beguile readers I cannot remain a cyber-virgin. In this Writing Sense article Do Writers Need Social Networks? I found pointers on best sites to network because "networks are a big part of why a bunch of self-published books recently started making the New York Times Bestsellers List. They are the reason that one author reported selling 80,000 copies of their ebook in 10 days."
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Famous author's advice "If You Wish To Be A Writer, Have Sex With Someone Who Works In Publishing"
And here I was thinking I'll NEVER get published without a Masters in lit. Well it looks like it is lit but not the lit in books.
I do immensely respect Joyce Carol Oates, and maybe even more now that she has come out of the publishing closet. Oates says, "As an author with a half century of literary success behind me, I can assure you the only way to make it in this industry is to meet as many publishers as you possibly can and then fuck them." And a lot more on the article published by The Onion Jun 4, 2013
Learning marketing
Marketing is not just for self publishing, nowadays publishers want authors to have a marketing plan and online presence. Also, be wary about what self-publishers offer, things like cards and postcards are not as useful as solid guidance and reliability. After the "sale is done" you might not get what you expected, so a little research goes a longways.
Today I listened to a She Writes self- publishing you-tube, click HERE to view, it is packed with information.
Look at Social Media as your book agents. About 3-6 months before your book comes out: get a Facebook, Twitter and Blog presence. Go to your favorite authors sites and follow them, see who they follow, check out their favorite sites. Use SEO, the social cooperation that will help sell your book, getting the word out on your website or blog is complex, click HERE for a link I found useful. For tooting your book-up there are sites such as: http://toutsuite.com/ and FIVERR: http://fiverr.com/ what you will do for $5.00...online.
A new site on Amazon is Kindle Singles where one can submit short stories, poetry and even a self contained chapter, but not from a published book unless is a published Kindle book.
To copy-write click HERE.
If you don't have a database to announce your book try: http://www.icontact.com/ and http://mailchimp.com/ Don't forget a good Press Release and incentives to sign up on your site. Do a book-trailer on youtube, showing cover and sample pages. If you need someone to help you write your book try: https://www.elance.com/
Note: There are many YouTube sites on self publishing. For in person marketing, find places to showcase and or read from your book or give a class.
Saturday, June 08, 2013
Why the sudden huff about the Patriot Act?
Even what Republicans call 'main stream media' is making a deal about the Patriot Act and linking President Obama to it at every snuff. Could it be a result of their declining viewership since it seems that the populace has developed an appetite for scandal porn - so readily served by the make-up-stuff media.
The Patriot Act that has every American checking even their toilet roll for a bug was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 26, 2001. The title, "a ten letter acronym (USA PATRIOT) that stands for Uniting (and) Strengthening America (by) Providing Appropriate Tools Required (to) Intercept (and) Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.
When the ACLU tried to get the act reformed - so opposed by Republicans and assorted media - that on May 26, 2011 Congress passed a four-year extension without tail-raisings by those now so eager to protect us!
The truth is not so juicy President Obama has said that although the Patriot Act is valuable in protecting America "The American people must be given the opportunity to evaluate the facts about this program and its broad scope for themselves so that this debate can begin in earnest."
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