What's your most productive time of day?

“Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.” ~E.L. Doctorow

The Rant 'N' Rave Section

I just finished reading an article by Sherry Ma Belle Arietta Russ, (http://writesparks.com/ws-lite-followups/fws-64.php) about the most productive time for writing. She starts by asking the question “What time of the day do you write best or are most productive?” Well, for me that would be from 3:00 am to about 8:00 am. It is also the absolute worst time for a lazy person like me to respond to an alarm clock.

The last six weeks have been packed with house remodeling, land clearing, putting up siding and wallboard and such. Needless to say, I've willingly used the “I've worked hard today and am exhausted.” excuse to turn off the alarm when it shrills its nasty command to wake up and get busy writing.

As each day has passed, the guilt factor has moved up another notch. I missed posting to my blogs in June, inexcusable, and stalled out on chapter six of the rewrite of my novel. The good news is that I can't stay away from writing forever. Derelictions may occur from time to time but in the end the joy of communication, of creating characters, of inventing situations that make the Perils of Pauline pale, comes winging its way back with a vengeance.

Needless to say, I'm back. My characters have chastised me for leaving them to waste away in the desert while I hid out in work and my blogs have somewhat forgiven me for being so tardy. I'd like to think that it will never happen again but...


"TIDBITS
Here's a great contest to enter:

The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is open to anyone who loves arranging words into the beautiful art of poetry or writing a short story that is worth telling everyone! And to all who have the ability to dream… Write a poem or short story for a chance to win cash prizes. All works must be original. http://www.dreamquestone.com
Guidelines:
Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject, style, or form, typed or neatly hand printed.
And/or write a short story, five pages maximum length, on any subject or theme, creative writing fiction or non-fiction (including essay compositions, diary, journal entries and screenwriting). Also, must be typed or neatly hand printed.
Multiple poetry and short story entries are accepted.
Postmark deadline: July 31, 2009
All contest winners will be announced on August 31, 2009
Prizes:
Writing Contest First Prize is $500. Second Prize: $250. Third Prize: $100.
Poetry Contest First Prize is $250. Second Prize: $125. Third Prize: $50.
Entry fees: $10 per short story. Poetry Contest: $5 per poem.
To send entries: Include title(s) with your story (ies) or poem(s), along with your name, address, phone#, email, brief biographical info. (Tell us a little about yourself), on the coversheet. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for entry confirmation. Fees payable to: DREAMQUESTONE.COM
Mail to:
Dream Quest One
Poetry & Writing Contest
P.O. Box 3141
Chicago, IL 60654

Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com for further details, to print out an entry form or to enter online.

No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. “And remember in whatever you do, it’s okay to dream, for dreams do come true.” –Dream Quest One




Word of the month

Concilliabule: A secret meeting of people who are hatching a plot. “Sounds a lot like our politicians in Washington, doesn't it?”


Last but Not Least

"I didn't know that!"

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

The author of The Brothers Karamazov, was sentenced to death in 1849 for making treasonable speeches but got a last minute reprieve and spent four years at a penal settlement in Omsk in 1855 instead. He was pardoned in 1859.





Sites to see, places to go and groups to join

Long Story Short:http://www.alongstoryshort.net/
Fantasy Gazetteer: http://www.fantasygazetteer.com/
My Writing Friend: writingfriend@yahoo
Linda Barnett-Johnson: http://lindabarnettjohnson.homestead.com/
Pindersoft's Writers Project Organizer: http://www.pindersoft.com/wpo.htm
StorYBook 2.1.11 http://storybook.intertec.ch/joomla/
Nick Daws Writers Circle: Nick Daw's Writer's Circle.
Wridea: http://www.wridea.com/
J.D.Vine Publishing: http://www.jdvine/com/index.html
Tennessee Writers Alliance: http://www.tn-writers.org/
USA Patriotism, Poetry: http://www.usa-patriotism.com/
Poynter 30 Writer's Tips: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=78&aid=103943

Freebie Writers Tools

Idea Cruncher: http://www.ideacruncher.com
Freemind: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Auto Crit: Automatic manuscript checker: http://www.autocrit.com/

Word Web download :http://www.wordweb.info/

I’ll be adding to the above list as time goes on and I find more newbie friendly sites.

Copyright © 07/22/09

The Enemy

"We are basically storytellers, descendants of the old men who sat around the fire and told us legends, fairytales, exploits, or maybe just how funny Og looked when he fell into the tar pit." --Sol Saks in Funny Business


The Rant 'N' Rave Section

The enemy. I've been writing now for about six years. Still a newbie to those who've spent their life as writers but I started late. The first year that I put butt in chair and focused on writing as a career I was tormented by what I like to call an “Awesome-Awful” cycle. I would write a passage or a short story and think, wow, that's awesome. When I came back to it a few days or a week later and read it, I would think, good lord, that's awful, and be crushed by my lack of talent.

I told myself that all I had to do was keep at it. As time went by I knew that awful feeling, that enemy that tore at my dreams of being a writer would go away. Well, it hasn't. With six short stories published, various poems and an article or two under my belt, the angst still attacks me. I have, however, learned to ignore it. I write what I write. My judgment of it really doesn't matter.

What does matter is what my editor thinks of it and what my readers think. They are the judges. The feedback I get from them tells me whether I can finally say “awesome”, pat myself on the back and move on to another story. The bottom line is, when I'm deep into a story and that old cycle comes up, telling me just how awful my writing is, I cheerfully thank it for sharing and keep on writing.


"TIDBITS"


Here's a great contest to enter:

The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is open to anyone who loves arranging words into the beautiful art of poetry or writing a short story that is worth telling everyone! And to all who have the ability to dream… Write a poem or short story for a chance to win cash prizes. All works must be original. http://www.dreamquestone.com/
Guidelines:
Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject, style, or form, typed or neatly hand printed.
And/or write a short story, five pages maximum length, on any subject or theme, creative writing fiction or non-fiction (including essay compositions, diary, journal entries and screenwriting). Also, must be typed or neatly hand printed.
Multiple poetry and short story entries are accepted.
Postmark deadline: July 31, 2009
All contest winners will be announced on August 31, 2009
Prizes:
Writing Contest First Prize is $500. Second Prize: $250. Third Prize: $100.
Poetry Contest First Prize is $250. Second Prize: $125. Third Prize: $50.
Entry fees: $10 per short story. Poetry Contest: $5 per poem.
To send entries: Include title(s) with your story (ies) or poem(s), along with your name, address, phone#, email, brief biographical info. (Tell us a little about yourself), on the coversheet. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for entry confirmation. Fees payable to: DREAMQUESTONE.COM
Mail to:
Dream Quest One
Poetry & Writing Contest
P.O. Box 3141
Chicago, IL 60654

Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com/ for further details, to print out an entry form or to enter online.

No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. “And remember in whatever you do, it’s okay to dream, for dreams do come true.” –Dream Quest One


Word of the month

Callipygean: Having a well-shaped butt.


Last but Not Least

"I didn't know that!"

Lewis Carrol

Lewis Carrol's real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson


Well, that's it for this time, see ya later gater…..Aelf

Sites to see, places to go and groups to join

Long Story Short: http://www.alongstoryshort.net/
Fantasy Gazetteer: http://www.fantasygazetteer.com/
My Writing Friend: writingfriend@yahoo
Linda Barnett-Johnson: http://lindabarnettjohnson.homestead.com/
Pindersoft's Writers Project Organizer: http://www.pindersoft.com/wpo.htm
StorYBook 2.1.11: http://storybook.intertec.ch/joomla/
Nick Daws Writers Circle: Nick Daw's Writer's Circle.
Wridea: http://www.wridea.com/
J.D.Vine Publishing: http://www.jdvine/com/index.html
Tennessee Writers Alliance: http://www.tn-writers.org/
USA Patriotism, Poetry: http://www.usa-patriotism.com/
Poynter 30 Writer's Tips: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=78&aid=103943

Freebie Writers Tools

Idea Cruncher: http://www.ideacruncher.com/purchase/
Freemind: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Auto Crit: Automatic manuscript checker: http://www.autocrit.com/
Word Web download :http://www.wordweb.info/
I’ll be adding to the above list as time goes on and I find more newbie friendly sites.Copyright © 05/26/09

Writing Tool update

"Writing is just having a sheet of paper, a pen, and not a shadow of an idea of what you're going to say." --Francoise Sagan


The Rant 'N' Rave Section

First I'll report on Dr. Wicked's online writer's tool. I've been using Dr. Wicked's software now for a month and have gone from chapter 6 of my novel through chapter 11. That's quite an impressive jump in my output. My average has been about one chapter a month or less. It has taken a bit of getting used to on my part. Francoise Sagan must be watching each time I sit down to write. Sitting down in front of a blank screen with a word goal of five-hundred words and a time limit of thirty minutes is daunting. Even more so when I haven't the foggiest idea of any specifics about what I'm going to put down. Oh, of course I have a general idea of where my main character is going and I know what his immediate and primary goals are but beyond that I haven't got a clue. That's where some of the magic of Dr. Wicked's site comes in. I have no choice. I have to start typing. Words flow, ideas abound and flow onto the screen like oil spilled on water. Oh, did I mention that if I pause for too long, the words I've written start to unwrite themselves? Okay, I'm impressed with this tool and highly recommend it. I wish I'd known about it when I started to write.

Next, let's talk about characters for a moment. I bought a how to book on characters a couple of weeks ago. (I've got several already but none of them seemed to click with me.) It's called Creating Characters, How to build people, by Dwight V. Swain. I usually only get through about the first chapter of a how to book before my eyes cross, my mind goes blank and my fingers go numb and my ears fall off. That's when the book winds up in my library with the promise that someday, maybe, I'll finish it. NOT!

This book is different. I've learned more in the first two chapters of this book than in all the others combined. I'm now on chapter 9, Wild Cards, building offbeat characters. Luckily for me I'm just finishing the first draft of my novel. I expect to have read this book cover to cover before my first rewrite. Knowing what the book contains and using it for a reference to make my characters leap of the pages will be a tremendous help. Did I mention that I recommend this book? Specially for newbies, but it's a great addition to any writers repertoire. On to tidbits...


"TIDBITS"


Here's a great contest to enter:
The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is open to everyone! This competition welcomes anyone who loves arranging words into the beautiful art of poetry or to write a short story that is worth telling everyone. And to all who have the ability to dream... Write a poem or short story for a chance to win cash prizes. All works must be original. http://www.dreamquestone.com/

Guidelines:
Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject, style, or form, typed or neatly hand printed.
And/or write a short story, five pages maximum length, on any subject or theme, creative writing fiction or non-fiction (including essay compositions, diary, journal entries and screenwriting). Also, must be typed or neatly hand printed.
Multiple poetry and short story entries are accepted.

Postmark Deadline: July 31, 2009

All winners will be announced on August 31, 2009

Prizes:
Writing Contest First Prize is $500. Second Prize: $250. Third Prize: $100.
Poetry Contest First Prize is $250. Second Prize: $125. Third Prize: $50.

Entry fees:
Writing Contest entry fee: $10 per short story.
Poetry Contest entry fee: $5 per poem.

To send entries: Include title(s) with your story (ies) or poem(s), along with your name, address, phone#, email, brief biographical info. (Tell us a little about yourself), on the coversheet. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for entry confirmation. Fees payable to: “Dreamquestone.Com”
Mail to:
Dream Quest One
Poetry & Writing Contest
P.O. Box 3141
Chicago, IL 60654

Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com/ for further details or to enter!
No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. “And remember, in whatever you do, it’s okay to dream, for dreams do come true.” –Dream Quest One


Word of the month
Aeolist: A pompous windy bore who pretends to have inspiration. “Sounds a lot like a politician to me!”


Last but Not Least
"I didn't know that!"


Jonathan Swift 1667 - 1745Dublin born Swift finished his education in Trinity College and was ordained into the Church of Ireland in 1695. Thought by many to be the greatest prose satirist in the English language his most well famous book,Gulliver's Travels. a childrens favourite was in fact intended for adults. He once stated that he thought Ireland 'the most miserable country upon earth'. Certainly a novel approach to getting on the list of famous Irish people. Nonetheless he was very fondly regarded. Apparently he died 'mad' and left much of his estate for the establishment of St. Patrick's Hospital which incidentally still treats mental illness.
My thanks to Real Irish Food at http://www.realirishfood-recipes.com/famous-Irish-people-2.html for the above.


Well, that's it for this time, see ya later gater…..Aelf


Sites to see, places to go and groups to join

Long Story Short: http://www.alongstoryshort.net/
Fantasy Gazetteer: http://www.fantasygazetteer.com/
My Writing Friend: writingfriend@yahoo
Linda Barnett-Johnson: http://lindabarnettjohnson.homestead.com/
Pindersoft's Writers Project Organizer: http://www.pindersoft.com/wpo.htm
StorYBook 2.1.11 http://storybook.intertec.ch/joomla/
Nick Daws Writers Circle: Nick Daw's Writer's Circle.
Wridea: http://www.wridea.com/
J.D.Vine Publishing: http://www.jdvine/com/index.html
Tennessee Writers Alliance: http://www.tn-writers.org/
USA Patriotism, Poetry: http://www.usa-patriotism.com/
Poynter 30 Writer's Tips: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=78&aid=103943


Freebie Writers Tools
Idea Cruncher: http://www.ideacruncher.com/purchase/
Freemind: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Auto Crit: Automatic manuscript checker: http://www.autocrit.com/
Word Web download :http://www.wordweb.info/

I’ll be adding to the above list as time goes on and I find more newbie friendly sites.Copyright © 04/29/09

Write or Die

“Writing is easy, all you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” Mark Twain

The Rant 'N' Rave Section

You've got nothing to lose as you sit at your desk contemplating your next scintillating sentence. What will it be? What's next? Uh-oh, you're stuck so you get up and walk away in order to “think about it”. HA! Procrastination and writers block leap wildly on your back like a pair of half-crazed gorillas, stealing all of your drive and motivation while leaving just a helpless husk of wannabe writer writhing on the floor. Is there a cure for this malicious malady?

You bet. You see, the problem lies in the fact that there are no immediate consequences to stopping. Oh sure, it'll take you longer to finish that first draft of your novel, if you ever do, but so what. Nothing to lose but that dream that sits waiting for you sometime in the foggy nebulous future. The only consequences are INTANGIBLE.

Ah, a key word is that. INTANGIBLE. NOTE: Only tangible consequences are known to produce results. Now to the cure for this malais. It's free, it's online and it's called Write or Die, Dr. Wicked's Writing Lab. http://lab.drwicked.com/writeordie.html. The writing lab is set up so the user can choose which mode of writing suits them. I started with the gentle mode, just to get a feel for it. The comments below explain it much better that I could. Read them, visit the site and watch your words per day escalate into a finished draft in no time. Note, this is a free service.

“Write or Die”

The idea is to instill in the would-be writer with a fear of not writing. We do this by employing principles taught in Introduction to Psychology. Anyone remember Operant Conditioning and Negative Reinforcement?Negative Reinforcement "strengthens a behavior because a negative condition is stopped or avoided as a consequence of the behavior."Consequences: Gentle Mode: A certain amount of time after you stop writing, a box will pop up, gently reminding you to continue writing. Normal Mode: If you persistently avoid writing, you will be played a most unpleasant sound. The sound will stop if and only if you continue to write. Kamikaze Mode: Keep Writing or Your Work Will Unwrite Itself.

These consequences will persist until your preset conditions have been met (that is, your time is up or you've written your word count goal or both)This text box is not a word processor, it is not for editing, the way to save is to select all of the text, copy and paste into your own text editor. The idea is to separate the writing process and the editing process as much as possible.This is aimed at anyone who wants to get writing done. It requires only that you recognize your own tendency towards self-sabotage and be willing to do something about it. If you're sick of saccharine writing advice that no one could honestly follow and you want a real method to getting work done. Works great for real deadlines too! Excellent for getting your 1667 words a day for NaNoWriMo

Good for writing on lunch breaks, just enter 30 minutes in the time limit box.

"TIDBITS"

Here's a great contest to enter:

The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is open to everyone! This competition welcomes anyone who loves arranging words into the beautiful art of poetry or to write a short story that is worth telling everyone. And to all who have the ability to dream... Write a poem or short story for a chance to win cash prizes. All works must be original. http://www.dreamquestone.com/
Guidelines:
Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject, style, or form, typed or neatly hand printed.
And/or write a short story, five pages maximum length, on any subject or theme, creative writing fiction or non-fiction (including essay compositions, diary, journal entries and screenwriting). Also, must be typed or neatly hand printed.
Multiple poetry and short story entries are accepted.
Postmark Deadline: July 31, 2009
All winners will be announced on August 31, 2009
Prizes:
Writing Contest First Prize is $500. Second Prize: $250. Third Prize: $100.
Poetry Contest First Prize is $250. Second Prize: $125. Third Prize: $50.
Entry fees:
Writing Contest entry fee: $10 per short story.
Poetry Contest entry fee: $5 per poem.
To send entries: Include title(s) with your story (ies) or poem(s), along with your name, address, phone#, email, brief biographical info. (Tell us a little about yourself), on the coversheet. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for entry confirmation. Fees payable to: “Dreamquestone.Com”
Mail to:
Dream Quest One
Poetry & Writing Contest
P.O. Box 3141
Chicago, IL 60654
Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com/ for further details or to enter!
No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. “And remember, in whatever you do, it’s okay to dream, for dreams do come true.” –Dream Quest One

Last but Not Least

Writer's Wrecipes
Erle Stanley Gardner's
Recipe for Podunk Candy

I haven't tried this yet but it sounds good. You may have to experiment with the timing on this, though.

4 ozs. Chocolate
1-2/3 bottles Dark Caro Syrup
1 lb. Dark Brown Sugar
2-1/2 Tbs. Butter (reserve 1 Tbs.)
Lots of Vanilla extract

Cook in a fair size pan over good heat until it bubbles like a volcano. Add 1 Tbs. butter at the end to soften.
Pour on greased (?) cookie sheet or candy plate. Cool and crack with a hammer.

From Valerie J. Naso, Gardner's grand daughter
Thanks to: http://www.phantombookshop.com/erlestanleygardner/esgodd_.htm

Well, that's it for this time, see ya later gater…..Aelf

Sites to see, places to go and groups to join

Long Story Short: http://www.alongstoryshort.net/
Fantasy Gazetteer: http://www.fantasygazetteer.com/
My Writing Friend: writingfriend@yahoo
Linda Barnett-Johnson Editing: http://lindabarnettjohnson.homestead.com/
Pindersoft's Writers Project Organizer: http://www.pindersoft.com/wpo.htm
StorYBook 2.1.11: http://storybook.intertec.ch/joomla/
Nick Daws Writers Circle: Nick Daw's Writer's Circle.
Wridea: http://www.wridea.com/
J.D.Vine Publishing: http://www.jdvine/com/index.html
Tennessee Writers Alliance: http://www.tn-writers.org/
USA Patriotism, Poetry: http://www.usa-patriotism.com/
Poynter 30 Writer's Tips: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=78&aid=103943

Freebie Writers Tools

Idea Cruncher: http://www.ideacruncher.com/

Freemind: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Word Web download: http://www.wordweb.info/

I’ll be adding to the above list as time goes on and I find more newbie friendly sites.
Copyright © 03/17/09

Writer's Software

“Writing is easy, all you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” Mark Twain

NEWS FLASH!

My short story, "Granny O'Toole's Recipe" has won first place in the March 2009 Short Story Contest sponsored by SWSilverlark Publishing. It will appear in the March issue of Fantasy Gazetteer. http://www.fantasygazetter.com As St. Patricks Day is nearly upon us it's a must read for anyone with a drop o' the auld sod in them!

The Rant 'N' Rave Section

Writer's Software

In my last post I talked about Pindersoft's great software, the Writer's Project organizer,(W.P.O.). I've been using it for a while now and find it to be excellent. I'm on chapter six of my novel, tentatively titled Time Spiders. The one area that I could wish for more from WPO is a better way of keeping track of characters, events and locations. In other words, a time line. I'm sure there are some who can do without a time line and, when writing short stories it isn't something I need or that I would use.

Writing a novel, however, is something entirely different. I spent more time re-reading what I've already written and trying to make sure there is a consistent flow than it's worth. With that in mind I set out to find a bit of software, preferably free, that would give me a quick and efficient overview and that would allow me to handle and keep track of various strands woven into the story. Well, I found one and it's outstanding. It's called StorYBook 2.1.11. http://storybook.intertec.ch/joomla/ Best of all, it's FREE!

I love it when I find a free software program that really works and does what I want it to do. This one gives me a chronological view of what I've written as well as a book view and an ability to manage chapters and scenes. It ties together chapters, scenes, characters, locations, strands and parts in such a way that it's simple for me to quickly recheck something in an earlier chapter while working on the current one.

I'm using WPO and this new software in conjunction and am now managing to draft a couple of chapters a month. Needless to say I highly recommend both software programs to and new aspiring writers as well as any who haven't tried theses yet. Remember though, WPO isn't free except for a trial program but it's well worth the cost. I recommend trying the freebie first, then if you like it, buy it.

Word of the Month
Ergophobic: Someone who fears work."He hasn't worked for years because he's ergophobic."

"TIDBITS"

I don't like to be political, this isn't a blog about politics but it seems that, at least here in the good ol" U.S.A., we've found a cure for everything that ails us. Spend more money. Yep! Even if we don't have it to spend. That's okay though. We can just print more, or borrow more or something. After all, isn't that what it's all about, if you're in the hole, dig deeper, maybe someday you'll reach China. Hmmmm, aren't they the ones we owe the most money to now?? With the elections over now, we can either become an Obama- nation or an Obamaniton, wonder which it'll be. "I'm just sayin'"

Last but Not Least
"I didn't know that!"
Charles Dickens

Obsessive-Compulsive. Dickens was preoccupied with looking in the mirror and combing his hair- he did it hundreds of times a day. He arranged furniture in his home- if it wasn't in the exact "correct" position, he couldn't concentrate. Obsessed with magnetic fields, Dickens made sure that every bed he slept in was aligned north-south. He had to touch certain objects three times for luck. He was obsessed with the need for tidiness, often cleaning other homes as well as his own.
(Thanks to http://www.neatorama.com/)

Well, that's it for this time, see ya later gater…..Aelf

Sites to see, places to go and groups to join

Long Story Short: http://www.alongstoryshort.net/

Fantasy Gazetteer: http://www.fantasygazetteer.com/

My Writing Friend: writingfriend@yahoo

Linda Barnett-Johnson: http://lindabarnettjohnson.homestead.com/

Pindersoft's Writers Project Organizer: http://www.pindersoft.com/wpo.htm

StorYBook 2.1.11: http://storybook.intertec.ch/joomla/

Nick Daws Writers Circle: Nick Daw's Writer's Circle.

Wridea: http://www.wridea.com/

J.D.Vine Publishing: http://www.jdvine/com/index.html

Tennessee Writers Alliance: http://www.tn-writers.org/

USA Patriotism, Poetry: http://www.usa-patriotism.com/

Poynter 30 Writer's Tips: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=78&aid=103943

Freebie Writers Tools

Idea Cruncher: http://www.ideacruncher.com/purchase/

Freemind: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Auto Crit: Automatic manuscript checker: http://www.autocrit.com/

Word Web download :http://www.wordweb.info/

I’ll be adding to the above list as time goes on and I find more newbie friendly sites.Copyright © 02/09/09

Some interesting stuff and my latest endeavor

Hi, I am attaching an email that explains a book that I just launched today. It is the latest in book marketing concepts, you buy the book about finding your life's purpose and you get access to $10,000 in free gifts including mp3s, various inspirational reports, book chapters, just tons of stuff. Check it out - you may or may not be interested in the subject matter, but you can see the website I designed and coordinated.
Denise

---

Subject: An urgent announcement from Denise Cassino

 

Today is a Celebration and I knew you wouldn’t want to miss out. If you do one simple thing Today, February 3^rd within minutes you will acquire a windfall of wisdom from over 100 of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs, teachers and experts, such as Sir Richard Branson, Bob Proctor, Jack Canfield, Peggy McColl, Ken Foster and many others.

 

We have gathered together to offer you a package of 137 life transforming gifts worth $9,711 absolutely free, to help a very good friend of ours, Rosanna Ienco, celebrate the launch of her new book: Awakening the Divine Soul - Finding Your Life Purpose.

 

Check out your free bonus gifts: www.awakeningthedivinesoul.com/bookpromo.html

 

Rosanna’s profound and deeply moving story will awaken your senses, uplift your spirit and give you the key to unlock your hidden treasures. Rarely does a book come along that not only tells a compelling, captivating story, but will also inspire you to take a step of courage into the unknown and allow your soul to navigate your path. It will show you step by step how to live the life you were destined for and how to claim your birthright to manifest your heart’s desires. Her intention is to make 2009 Your Best Year Ever.

 

Rosanna is not someone who just talks about personal transformation; she has experienced it for herself. Discover how a young girl with low self-esteem, raised in a rough neighborhood in Toronto by a single mother of five, found herself at the age of 24 in the heart of London, England with only fifty pounds in her pocket and nowhere to live. Despite numerous obstacles and challenges standing in her way, she listened to her inner calling and against all odds found her true purpose and passion in life. Through her easy to follow 11 steps, she will inspire you to do the same.

 

No matter what your current situation, where you come from, or your past experiences, Awakening the Divine Soul –Finding Your Life Purpose will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. This is not just another self-help book; it is a whirlwind spiritual adventure that will take you on a fascinating journey of personal empowerment. You will learn how to face your deepest fears, overcome obstacles, let go of self-limiting beliefs, heal relationships, discover your hidden talents and embrace your creativity and uniqueness.

 

Go to this link now and find out how to unveil the greatest mystery of all…yourself.

www.awakeningthedivinesoul.com/bookpromo.html

 

In Celebration of You!

Denise Cassino

 

P.S. I’m sure that you have many friends, family and colleagues who will just love Rosanna’s book and won’t want to miss out on this incredible giveaway. Please forward this message to them so they too can find their life purpose and live extraordinary lives.

Final thoughts of 2008

“Writing is easy, all you have to do is sit at the typewriter until drops of blood appear on your forehead. ( Sportswriter Red Smith)




The Rant 'N' Rave Section

First of all, Merry Christmas to everyone. Well, we're rapidly approaching the end of another year. Did you complete the list of resolutions you made last January? No? Ha, join the club. I fully intended to have my first novel completed. Not. (Working on chapter three.) I won't go in to all the other resolutions that somehow faded off into the realm of good intentions. I did, however, have a couple of short stories published. I also managed to finish a couple of writing courses at M.T.S.U.(Middle Tennessee State Uniiv.) I got the hardest part of my home remodelling finished, (major construction) and am left with the easier things like wall boarding etc. Sounds like something for my next new years resolution list. Hmm.

The last of this month will be spent re-thinking my writing schedule. Having a set time to write, daily, (like three hours a day) and sticking to it is imperative. My shedule fell apart a couple of months ago and I've been floundering about ever since. Oh well enough angst. May all of you have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Taking notes, the best way to capture those brief moments of humanity that make your characters come to life. I must admit that I'm one of the world's worst note-takers. I hate to walk about with a notepad and pencil and for the most part, do not. The exceptions are anywhere that I know I'll have to wait, like the doctor's office, etc. I always take a notebook with me on those occasions. I've picked up some very useful snippets of conversation and colloquialisms from such places. The next step is to transfer them into my Writers Project Organizer under the Dialog Notes tab. Once transferred they are there, waiting for me when I need to add color to character by way of dialog.




Word of the Month:
Obambulate: To wander about (aimlessly). Something I do when I've got writer's block.




"TIDBITS"
Barbara Bush once accompanied her husband, President George Bush, on a state visit to Japan. During a formal luncheon at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, she found herself seated beside Japan's Emperor Hirohito. "Was the former palace so old that it crumbled?" she asked, noting the building's apparent youth. "No," Hirohito tersely replied, "I'm afraid that you bombed it..."

Thanks to Anecdotage.com.

Last but Not Least
"I didn't know that!"
William Faulkner


"Most of the time Faulkner couldn't pay his grocery bill, and the grocer, among other local businessmen, was forever sending somebody out to his house to hunt him down. Faulkner was used to this, and to other unannounced visitors, so when one drove up the driveway, he began sweeping it like a workhand. "'Where's Faulkner?' the visitor would inquire. And Faulkner, in overalls and a straw hat, head down, following the swish and swoop of his broom along the driveway would answer, 'Ain't seen 'im. Been sweepin' all day an' I ain't seen 'im-a-tall.'"
Thanks to Anecdotage.com for this one also.

Well, that's it for this time, see ya later gater…..Aelf
Sites to see, places to go and groups to join

Long Story Short: http://www.alongstoryshort.net/
Fantasy Gazetteer: http://www.fantasygazetteer.com/My Writing Friend: writingfriend@yahoo
Pindersoft's Writers Project Organizer: http://www.pindersoft.com/wpo.htm
Nick Daws Writers Circle: Nick Daw's Writer's Circle.
Wridea: http://www.wridea.com/
J.D.Vine Publishing: http://www.jdvine/com/index.html
Tennessee Writers Alliance: http://www.tn-writers.org/
USA Patriotism, Poetry: http://www.usa-patriotism.com/
Poynter 30 Writer's Tips: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=78&aid=103943
Freebie Writers Tools Idea Cruncher: http://www.ideacruncher.com/
Freemind: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Auto Crit: Automatic manuscript checker: http://www.autocrit.com/
Word Web download: http://www.wordweb.info/


I’ll be adding to the above list as time goes on and I find more newbie friendly sites.Copyright © 12/21/08