I found this article by Tim Parks of the NYTimes through my tumblr.com connection (again). It has a lot of meaning for writers of today.
Running Horses
Friday, December 14, 2012
The Writer's Job
http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2012/feb/28/writers-job/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=February%2028%202012&utm_content=February%2028%202012%20CID_195731e3751cf26ce0870891a2cb4dba&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=The%20Writers%20Job
I found this article by Tim Parks of the NYTimes through my tumblr.com connection (again). It has a lot of meaning for writers of today.
I found this article by Tim Parks of the NYTimes through my tumblr.com connection (again). It has a lot of meaning for writers of today.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Authors Exercise Their "Write" to Self-Publish
This is a CBS News Sunday Morning news article with a good video about the current self-publishing market. I hope all is going better for all of you.
Writing Assignment & Other Goodies from Tumblr
I get some wonderful things on my tumblr site at jvdbooks.tumblr.com so I thought I'd share. Maybe you can visit it sometime and enjoy the visual presentation.
First, here is a connection to the research done on writer's block. Goto 1) & 2) below. It's interesting for me with my background, so don't feel obliged to read it all if it doesn't interest you.
Second, here is a visual prompt and challenge for a writing exercise. Send it in or enjoy it yourself. I would appreciate it if you'd leave a comment if you feel you got something out of it.
First, here is a connection to the research done on writer's block. Goto 1) & 2) below. It's interesting for me with my background, so don't feel obliged to read it all if it doesn't interest you.
Perhaps the greatest psychology research paper ever published and perhaps the greatest follow-up research paper ever published.
On the "Unsuccessful Treatment of Writer's Block"...
Second, here is a visual prompt and challenge for a writing exercise. Send it in or enjoy it yourself. I would appreciate it if you'd leave a comment if you feel you got something out of it.
Writer’s Block
A picture says a thousand words. Write them.
Mission: Write a story, a description, a poem, a metaphor, a commentary, or a critique about this picture. Write something about this picture.
Be sure to tag writeworld in your block!
The picture is called The Oracle. Now, write something wonderful, click on writeworld (under the picture to the left), go to image blocks at the left, then at the top where is says all the images click image blocks again, read about it and decide if you want to submit it. You might want to follow this blog for regular writing prompts since they have a cut off for entry. Check each out and have fun.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Place to Visit with a Message
http://sciencesoup.tumblr.com/post/35372280511/pale-blue-dot-carl-sagan-from-this-distant
This is The Pale Blue Dot, a message from Carl Sagan everyone should hear repeatedly. Any time I feel lost, I listen. It helps me keep my place, so I won't feel so lost. It puts things into perspective.
http://saganseries.com
The first of the series is The Frontier is Everywhere. Now this is the one that will touch your heart.
I've said it before, but I'll say it again: If you can't be touched by this, you can't be touched.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
World Community in Flux
http://booksbyjudithvictoriadouglas.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/world-community-in-flux/
If ever this was going to be said it had to be now. In two weeks many believe the world as we know will change in some way, even end. I sometimes wish it would change, but I doubt it will end. It needs a lot of changing, but it all depends on us, doesn't it.
These are my thoughts, as superficial as a long blog demands, but I think you'll get the idea. I hope it makes you think about things you might not have thought about before.
There are several related sites to check out also.
Let me know how you feel and what you think...on this site as well as the main blog site.
And here's hoping all changes are for the betterment of mankind. I look forward to a bright new future, one more in keeping with our visions of a 21st century.
To the Moon, Mars and Viking's beyond, but first here at home. Our house and our affairs need to be put in order or coming home will not be what we hoped.
If ever this was going to be said it had to be now. In two weeks many believe the world as we know will change in some way, even end. I sometimes wish it would change, but I doubt it will end. It needs a lot of changing, but it all depends on us, doesn't it.
These are my thoughts, as superficial as a long blog demands, but I think you'll get the idea. I hope it makes you think about things you might not have thought about before.
There are several related sites to check out also.
Let me know how you feel and what you think...on this site as well as the main blog site.
And here's hoping all changes are for the betterment of mankind. I look forward to a bright new future, one more in keeping with our visions of a 21st century.
To the Moon, Mars and Viking's beyond, but first here at home. Our house and our affairs need to be put in order or coming home will not be what we hoped.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The Coveted 'Liebster' Award
http://booksbyjudithvictoriadouglas.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/the-coveted-liebster-award/
I've been nominated for the Liebster. Many of you may know about it, but for those who don't, its really a get-to-know-you on the web for newer blogs with less than 200 followers. I may have put a few on my nominee list with more than a 200, because I didn't check and I'm not sure. I just hope they haven't done it already.
If you want to see my 11 unknown facts and 11 answered question, along with the 11 questions I created for my 11 nominees, you'll have to visit the link above. Since this blog is mostly for reblogging and Billy posted my wordpress blog address I felt it best to do it this way.
Follow the links back for some fun and comedy. And consider following one of my blogs. Leave a comment if you're so inclined. Any old brain pop will do to add to the lot, but your comedy must stay clean to remain on my sites.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Apocalypse Soon: Has Civilization Passed the Environmental Point of No Return?
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=apocalypse-soon-has-civilization-passed-the-environmental-point-of-no-return
Everyone's worried about what will happen on December 21because they listen to all the fear mongers. If more learned to accept their own ability to think and decide for themselves rather than following someone's else's ideas there would be less fear and less war in the world. And very likely, less religion and more faith, hope and charity.
This article is based on fact. It is a bigger worry than the events feared. It's what will really bring us down, and to ruin. Read it and weep. for real.
Everyone's worried about what will happen on December 21because they listen to all the fear mongers. If more learned to accept their own ability to think and decide for themselves rather than following someone's else's ideas there would be less fear and less war in the world. And very likely, less religion and more faith, hope and charity.
This article is based on fact. It is a bigger worry than the events feared. It's what will really bring us down, and to ruin. Read it and weep. for real.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Another Review for Ariel's Cottage
http://booksbyjvd.wordpress.com
GO HERE, it's the second review down (so far)
Here is the newest review for Ariel's Cottage. I'm very excited about it because someone who normally doesn't read this type of story really liked it. That alone says a lot about how good a read it is. I wish more would consider it.
It's also available in Kindle as A Price for Love: Ariel's Cottage.
GO HERE, it's the second review down (so far)
Here is the newest review for Ariel's Cottage. I'm very excited about it because someone who normally doesn't read this type of story really liked it. That alone says a lot about how good a read it is. I wish more would consider it.
It's also available in Kindle as A Price for Love: Ariel's Cottage.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
A Message from a Native Elder
I recognized Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman because I have admired him since I saw him in the movie, Dances with Wolves, as the chief, Ten Bears.
He passed away a few years ago and I mourned as if I knew him. I was very disappointed he would not be around for the publication of my book series, Where the Horses Run. I envisioned him as the character Many Waters. I still envision him as that character.
I tried in my book to capture the essence of not only the man, but the culture and historical experiences he had which made him a great spokesman for his peoples. To listen here brings it back to me.
When looking at science videos on YouTube I came across this video with him in it, much to my surprise. By appearances I would guess it was made within the last year or two of his life. He has some interesting things to say. There are other videos you may stray to, but come back to this one. It may touch your heart even when you didn't expect it.
Go to this address http://youtu.be/uZ8zcAVLIqw to listen to the video titled, News Alert Native American Indian Elder explains why this world is DOOMED!!! [Mirroed].mp4
He passed away a few years ago and I mourned as if I knew him. I was very disappointed he would not be around for the publication of my book series, Where the Horses Run. I envisioned him as the character Many Waters. I still envision him as that character.
I tried in my book to capture the essence of not only the man, but the culture and historical experiences he had which made him a great spokesman for his peoples. To listen here brings it back to me.
When looking at science videos on YouTube I came across this video with him in it, much to my surprise. By appearances I would guess it was made within the last year or two of his life. He has some interesting things to say. There are other videos you may stray to, but come back to this one. It may touch your heart even when you didn't expect it.
Go to this address http://youtu.be/uZ8zcAVLIqw to listen to the video titled, News Alert Native American Indian Elder explains why this world is DOOMED!!! [Mirroed].mp4
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Turning Point
I've had my birthday...I'm now eligible for my full social security.
The election is over...not happy, but there's nothing I can do about it. We have a great system, just a lot of stupid people in this country. I guess Libya and other neglectful actions, or non actions, don't matter as long as those who feel they'll get a handout still get the promises. I can't complain too much. Those hand outs have helped me, but I wish I didn't need them. I wonder if others getting them will feel the need to give up like I do.
Waiting for my latest interview as an author to be posted. Then I think I'm going to give up on this social media stuff. It's a lot of hype for no return, if you ask me. I feel as though I'm writing and posting to myself.
I was given a wonderful computer and was able to start a great internet service at three times the cost of my dial-up. Trouble is I'm still paying for the phone line, I've disconnected my unlimited usage at a bargain price, and now have the same problems I had before all that expense and loss.
Yeah, even the best connections ain't what they say they are.
I live in the city limits, but you wouldn't know it for the surroundings. I'm in walking distance of a street with a bus connection, but the phone company doesn't have internet service here, the cable companies cost too much and the rural service couldn't get a connection. I'm stuck. I can download between midnight and 6 am, but it's usually quirky and just as slow. So, I give up. Besides, I really like sleeping during that time. My old body is kinda used to it.
If you contact me I'll make the effort to respond, otherwise, I'm immersing myself in my writings. I won't get to publish them, however, since I am a self-published author. Why? Because all my spare money is paying for an internet connection I am at pains to use.
I said I could get my full social security now, but with the cut-backs I lost my job three years prior to retirement and needed to start drawing it early. The unemployment lasted a little while, but there was no other job and it wasn't enough without my SS. Now, in order to get the full amount I worked for, I'd have to pay back all I've received. That's not a joke, but in a way it is...on me.
Since no one wants to pay for a book, but will willingly take one for free, I have no other income as I'd hoped. In fact, it's all I can do to pay my necessities from my one check. I can't afford my own books to get some for a book signing, but that experience proved to me that not many read like I do. And I fear my gas card will eventually reach it's max and with only a minimum payment each month I will be more home bound than I am already.
I only go for groceries and doctor appointments. I make a trip to my brother's about every six weeks.
My food stamp allotment barely lasts 3 weeks out of the month, so I have to keep some funds for food. I am thinking of going to a pantry for assistance. Even though I never eat sweets or an excessive "meal" -- more like a full meal per day -- I can't keep losing weight. I loss, then gain and it's a cycle I've gotten used to, so junk food from a pantry can't be any worse.
Not much in this old house works right. I'm lucky I've got a plug-in site for a computer. It's got a great big screen so I can see it better than the tiny screen I used for years on a little netbook. It goes extra large at weird times and I haven't figured out why. The directions I follow to make it do that on purpose don't respond, so I just go to "View" and click on "Actual size." Sometimes I do it several times a day. It no longer irritates me. I'll just let it be. And I'll let the rest of life be. I have an alternate reality to wrap my brain around. At least that's still fun.
The election is over...not happy, but there's nothing I can do about it. We have a great system, just a lot of stupid people in this country. I guess Libya and other neglectful actions, or non actions, don't matter as long as those who feel they'll get a handout still get the promises. I can't complain too much. Those hand outs have helped me, but I wish I didn't need them. I wonder if others getting them will feel the need to give up like I do.
Waiting for my latest interview as an author to be posted. Then I think I'm going to give up on this social media stuff. It's a lot of hype for no return, if you ask me. I feel as though I'm writing and posting to myself.
I was given a wonderful computer and was able to start a great internet service at three times the cost of my dial-up. Trouble is I'm still paying for the phone line, I've disconnected my unlimited usage at a bargain price, and now have the same problems I had before all that expense and loss.
Yeah, even the best connections ain't what they say they are.
I live in the city limits, but you wouldn't know it for the surroundings. I'm in walking distance of a street with a bus connection, but the phone company doesn't have internet service here, the cable companies cost too much and the rural service couldn't get a connection. I'm stuck. I can download between midnight and 6 am, but it's usually quirky and just as slow. So, I give up. Besides, I really like sleeping during that time. My old body is kinda used to it.
If you contact me I'll make the effort to respond, otherwise, I'm immersing myself in my writings. I won't get to publish them, however, since I am a self-published author. Why? Because all my spare money is paying for an internet connection I am at pains to use.
I said I could get my full social security now, but with the cut-backs I lost my job three years prior to retirement and needed to start drawing it early. The unemployment lasted a little while, but there was no other job and it wasn't enough without my SS. Now, in order to get the full amount I worked for, I'd have to pay back all I've received. That's not a joke, but in a way it is...on me.
Since no one wants to pay for a book, but will willingly take one for free, I have no other income as I'd hoped. In fact, it's all I can do to pay my necessities from my one check. I can't afford my own books to get some for a book signing, but that experience proved to me that not many read like I do. And I fear my gas card will eventually reach it's max and with only a minimum payment each month I will be more home bound than I am already.
I only go for groceries and doctor appointments. I make a trip to my brother's about every six weeks.
My food stamp allotment barely lasts 3 weeks out of the month, so I have to keep some funds for food. I am thinking of going to a pantry for assistance. Even though I never eat sweets or an excessive "meal" -- more like a full meal per day -- I can't keep losing weight. I loss, then gain and it's a cycle I've gotten used to, so junk food from a pantry can't be any worse.
Not much in this old house works right. I'm lucky I've got a plug-in site for a computer. It's got a great big screen so I can see it better than the tiny screen I used for years on a little netbook. It goes extra large at weird times and I haven't figured out why. The directions I follow to make it do that on purpose don't respond, so I just go to "View" and click on "Actual size." Sometimes I do it several times a day. It no longer irritates me. I'll just let it be. And I'll let the rest of life be. I have an alternate reality to wrap my brain around. At least that's still fun.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Eating & Writing
http://www.tessgerritsen.com/blog/writing-books-can-make-you-fat/
I thought you might like to read this 2009 article about why writing makes you fat.
I have tried several things to snack on during those anxiety moments, or when I don't want to interrupt what I'm doing to cook something, but nothing fills my real need.
I thought it'd be great if I could come up with something nutrious I could call "Writer's Desk-side Meal" or something like it. I'd probably make more than what I don't make trying to sell my published books.
So far, no luck, though dry roasted peanuts without salt seem to do well. I'm not real fond of peanuts which may be why it works for me. Sometimes it's peanut butter and apple slices, but that's not exciting either, and a little messy.
Guess I'll have to walk the dog more often.
I thought you might like to read this 2009 article about why writing makes you fat.
I have tried several things to snack on during those anxiety moments, or when I don't want to interrupt what I'm doing to cook something, but nothing fills my real need.
I thought it'd be great if I could come up with something nutrious I could call "Writer's Desk-side Meal" or something like it. I'd probably make more than what I don't make trying to sell my published books.
So far, no luck, though dry roasted peanuts without salt seem to do well. I'm not real fond of peanuts which may be why it works for me. Sometimes it's peanut butter and apple slices, but that's not exciting either, and a little messy.
Guess I'll have to walk the dog more often.
Friday, October 26, 2012
I'm Not Alone...
http://scobleizer.com/2009/01/24/facebook-kicks-off-ifart-author-for-having-too-many-friends/
The date on this is 2009 so this problem has been ongoing now for a while. How can we stop it?
I was reinstated...creating a new Facebook page. Still can't get into my old one. Still don't have some of my family and friends connected, but they will show my real name on the page with my author name in parenthesis, rather than the other way as I want it. I'm telling you, Big Brother is in control, intentionally or not.
Facebook is in so many lives, but they have no scruples except self-benefit. Don't let them fool you. It's getting to be an Atlas Shrugged world.
Think about it. What would be the best way for an enemy country to find out who is for or against them (or anyone who stands for them), but to have their hackers monitor the largest internet link to almost everyone? Scary thought.
Fear only binds what should be free. From Where the Horses Run: Mass Extinction, Book I by me.
The date on this is 2009 so this problem has been ongoing now for a while. How can we stop it?
I was reinstated...creating a new Facebook page. Still can't get into my old one. Still don't have some of my family and friends connected, but they will show my real name on the page with my author name in parenthesis, rather than the other way as I want it. I'm telling you, Big Brother is in control, intentionally or not.
Facebook is in so many lives, but they have no scruples except self-benefit. Don't let them fool you. It's getting to be an Atlas Shrugged world.
Think about it. What would be the best way for an enemy country to find out who is for or against them (or anyone who stands for them), but to have their hackers monitor the largest internet link to almost everyone? Scary thought.
Fear only binds what should be free. From Where the Horses Run: Mass Extinction, Book I by me.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The Reader/Author Relationship ~ More Important Than Ever . . .
Alexander M Zoltai has an interesting post with this title. Check it out at this address:
http://nfaa.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/the-readerauthor-relationship-more-important-than-ever/
Get back to me with a comment on how you liked it. I hope to find more good articles to share.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Privacy for all?
http://paulbernal.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/privacy-for-all/
Here is a good example to consider.
Here is a good example to consider.
Taking a Lead on Privacy
http://paulbernal.wordpress.com/2012/10/14/taking-a-lead-on-privacy/
Be careful what you share in your profile and comments. I personally found a comment marked "family and friends only" on my FB for public viewing.
Be careful what you share in your profile and comments. I personally found a comment marked "family and friends only" on my FB for public viewing.
Facebook - Snitchgate!
http://paulbernal.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/facebook-snitchgate/
Do you ever wonder who really owns you? Check this out. I like this guy. He's after my nemesis.
Do you ever wonder who really owns you? Check this out. I like this guy. He's after my nemesis.
Snitchgate Developments
http://paulbernal.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/snitchgate-developments/
He says it all. Check it out and follow him, especially if you have FB.
He says it all. Check it out and follow him, especially if you have FB.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
A Great Article for Self-Pulishers
http://www.derekhaines.ch/vandal/2012/10/in-defence-of-the-self-published-author/#
Derek Haines has a wonderful article here titled "In Defence of the Self Published Author"
If you have a biased opinion, or think your family member or friend is unsuccessful because they are Indie Authors, read this.
I appreciate someone putting into words some of the things I have experienced. It doesn't matter how often I say it to those I think should care, I continue to get the impression no one is listening.
Let me know how you like it, and do view the site and leave a comment for Derek.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)