New release, The Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum by Stephen Prosapio is a must-read for ghost story lovers.
The story starts a bit slow but it builds to the "wow" factor of the story. It follows paranormal investigator, Zach, and his team along side another TV show's group of folks while they explore a haunted insane asylum. Even though the story only takes place over a couple of days, it reads like it is longer. The reader is definitely brought in by the history given. I don't know if Rosewood Asylum is a real entity or not, but if it is, I'm sure it would be a definite place where hauntings would take place. Mr. Prosapio fills in the background very well. I emailed him after finishing the story and put in the subject "All I can say is Wow" because I really didn't have another word to give him. I was surprised a little but thoroughly enjoyed the story.
It is available in both paperback and kindle versions. When I placed the order last week, it was on sale for 99 cents but now is back up to its regular price of $5.95. It is worth the read though. The paperback version is $16.78 and the hardback version is $28.66.
I think if you really want a good ghost story, this is the one for you.
After reading the excerpt from his upcoming story, I think I'll pass on that one, not because it didn't grip from the beginning but it's a Lizzie Bordon story and I have an aversion to Lizzie Bordon for some odd reason. I will have to think long and hard about getting this next story. Maybe Stephen can persuade me to get it and read it. I was spooked before I even read the words "Lizzie Bordon took an axe" because the first few paragraphs did draw me into the story. (UPDATE 07/03/2011: Stephen has emailed me and promises me this is not a Lizzie Bordon story and there is no other mention of her after that beginning where the girl is chanting the thing about Lizzie Bordon - you know the one - lol, so I guess when the next story comes out I may have to read it, we'll see)
RATING: 4-1/2 stars
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Afghan giveaway update
I'm on the last red strip (maybe). I got 6 blue strips, 5 white and am on the 5th of the red (am hoping that I can get 6 out of the red, but probably won't be able to get that 6th strip). The afgan will be 15 strips across (I've kind of laid it out and it is about the width of my computer twice over - I think I have a 15 inch laptop, so total should be about 30 inches across and 45 inches long- this should make a nice lap throw - I may have to get some more yarn and make it a bit bigger, will decide after finishing the strip of red). Pictures of the finished project will be posted once the strips are sewn together.
(this is what the strips will look like put together (strips are folded in half twice so they aren't dragging the floor) - with only 15 strips (5 of each color) the pattern will be two red, two white, two blue, one red, one white, one blue and then the 2-2-2. This was laid out on my computer and almost goes across the width of the computer, so I hope that 15 rows will be enough)
This afghan will be the prize in the drawing from all purchases made between May and my last event of the year (Savannah Children's Book Festival in November). Drawing will be done from all receipts on or about December 1, 2011, and afgan will be sent out on or about the 7th of December.
Good luck to everyone who is entered in the drawing and I appreciate your business. - Ma America, The Travelin' Maven (Mrs. E :)) & the JGDS
(this is what the strips will look like put together (strips are folded in half twice so they aren't dragging the floor) - with only 15 strips (5 of each color) the pattern will be two red, two white, two blue, one red, one white, one blue and then the 2-2-2. This was laid out on my computer and almost goes across the width of the computer, so I hope that 15 rows will be enough)This afghan will be the prize in the drawing from all purchases made between May and my last event of the year (Savannah Children's Book Festival in November). Drawing will be done from all receipts on or about December 1, 2011, and afgan will be sent out on or about the 7th of December.
Good luck to everyone who is entered in the drawing and I appreciate your business. - Ma America, The Travelin' Maven (Mrs. E :)) & the JGDS
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Writer's on the Move free workshop 06/24/2011
It's time for another free workshop put on by members of the Writers on the Move group. Remember if you are looking at creating ebooks and ways to distribute them and get your name out there, this is the one for you.
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
The next Writers on the Move Workshop will be in a LIVE hour long chat format, scheduled for June 24th at 7pm EST (U.S. time). Karen Cioffi will talk about How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It .
Title: How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It
Time: 7pm, EST (U.S.)
Presenter: Karen Cioffi
Moderator: Maggie Ball
Chat Copier: Elysabeth Eldering
Length: 1 hour
If you’d like to attend this free 1 hour workshop, you will need to register. Please send an email to Karen at: karencioffi (at) ymail (dot) com and put "Workshop" in the subject box.
Upon registration, you will be give the information to access the chat and an e-book:
How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It
A bit about the workshop:
E-books are an amazing product that has multiple uses. And, it can be created at no cost, or for a very minimal amount. What else can you create that costs only your time and effort, and sells for whatever the market is willing to pay?
There aren’t many products that fall under that category. And, along with the ‘right price,’ e-books are easy to produce.
Workshop topics:
1. Creating an eBook: 5 Simple Steps
2. Offering an eBook for Free
3. Offering an eBook for Sale
4. About the ISBN, Copyright, and Creative Common License Info
5. Promotion Tips and Article Links
This workshop will give you the know-how to actually create your own ebook. And, all registered attendees will be given a 19 page ebook: How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It. This is an easy to follow guide covering all the topics of the workshop.
Hopefully, you will get a chance to create your own ebook and then let us know how you made out in the workshop. It will also give you a chance to think of questions to help you get the most out of the workshop.
In case you can’t make the actual workshop, hopefully we will be able to get a transcript of the chat and provide it to any registered attendee who requests it.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The group will be taking a ONE month hiatus for the summer, but we'll be back in August with a workshop presented by Maggie Ball on how to set up a paypal BUY BUTTON.
We'll have the details available for the August workshop sometime in July.
We hope you find the information we provide valuable in your writing and marketing journey.
If you have any problems, you can contact Karen at: karencioffi (at) ymail (dot) com
If you can't make the workshop but would like the information, check the Writers On the Move blog for availability of the transcript from the chat as well as the ebook. Karen will post the details of how to purchase as soon as she can. See you all there - E :)
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
The next Writers on the Move Workshop will be in a LIVE hour long chat format, scheduled for June 24th at 7pm EST (U.S. time). Karen Cioffi will talk about How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It .
Title: How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It
Time: 7pm, EST (U.S.)
Presenter: Karen Cioffi
Moderator: Maggie Ball
Chat Copier: Elysabeth Eldering
Length: 1 hour
If you’d like to attend this free 1 hour workshop, you will need to register. Please send an email to Karen at: karencioffi (at) ymail (dot) com and put "Workshop" in the subject box.
Upon registration, you will be give the information to access the chat and an e-book:
How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It
A bit about the workshop:
E-books are an amazing product that has multiple uses. And, it can be created at no cost, or for a very minimal amount. What else can you create that costs only your time and effort, and sells for whatever the market is willing to pay?
There aren’t many products that fall under that category. And, along with the ‘right price,’ e-books are easy to produce.
Workshop topics:
1. Creating an eBook: 5 Simple Steps
2. Offering an eBook for Free
3. Offering an eBook for Sale
4. About the ISBN, Copyright, and Creative Common License Info
5. Promotion Tips and Article Links
This workshop will give you the know-how to actually create your own ebook. And, all registered attendees will be given a 19 page ebook: How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It. This is an easy to follow guide covering all the topics of the workshop.
Hopefully, you will get a chance to create your own ebook and then let us know how you made out in the workshop. It will also give you a chance to think of questions to help you get the most out of the workshop.
In case you can’t make the actual workshop, hopefully we will be able to get a transcript of the chat and provide it to any registered attendee who requests it.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The group will be taking a ONE month hiatus for the summer, but we'll be back in August with a workshop presented by Maggie Ball on how to set up a paypal BUY BUTTON.
We'll have the details available for the August workshop sometime in July.
We hope you find the information we provide valuable in your writing and marketing journey.
If you have any problems, you can contact Karen at: karencioffi (at) ymail (dot) com
If you can't make the workshop but would like the information, check the Writers On the Move blog for availability of the transcript from the chat as well as the ebook. Karen will post the details of how to purchase as soon as she can. See you all there - E :)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Guest Blogger - Kevin McNamee
Today we welcome Kevin McNamee, who will be talking about his children’s picture book, What Is That Thing?
Kevin McNamee is a writer and poet living in Yonkers, NY. He mostly writes for the children’s market. Kevin’s published work includes the picture books, If I Could Be Anything, The Sister Exchange, Lightning Strikes, The Soggy Town of Hilltop and What Is That Thing?
Kevin’s poetry has been published in the collection, An Eyeball in My Garden: And Other Spine-Tingling Poems. Other titles coming soon by Kevin include My Brother, the Frog, Papa’s Suns, Just for Today, and more.
Kevin, what is this book about?
Jenna has a vivid imagination. When a new baby comes into the house, she uses her imagination to try and figure out this new person in her life. Finally, she realizes that she doesn’t need to use her imagination. Things are fine just the way they are.
Why did you write this book?
A new baby is a big enough adjustment for adults and children alike. There may be children in the house who are struggling with the changing family dynamics. I wanted to find a child-friendly way to help with that adjustment and to help calm any fears that might arise from having a new brother or sister.
Do you think this book can help?
Yes, I do. To be unsure of the unknown is a common and normal reaction to big changes. I wanted to both validate a child’s sense of uncertainty and to show that change, especially when it comes to having a new brother or sister, isn’t a bad thing. I think this book accomplishes that in a way that children can understand.
What was the hardest thing about writing this picture book?
I had a hard time with this book during the editing process. This book has three separate imaginary episodes that are completely different from each other. Yet one scene flows directly into the other. I wanted to make sure that the reader would be able to follow the story from scene to scene. This is really where the other half of a picture book becomes so important, the artwork. K.C. Snider’s illustrations did an excellent job of bridging any gaps. The artwork blends the real and imaginary worlds together beautifully. The end result was a delightful picture book that educates, entertains, and hopefully solves a problem.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?I really wanted to write a book that is both useful and entertaining. I hope you and your child have fun reading this. If you find that this book has helped, please let me know. I love getting feedback like that.
What Is That Thing?
by Kevin McNamee.
Illustrations by K.C. Snider
Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-141-2; 1616331410
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-142-9; 1616331429
It’s an alien from outer space! … It’s a strange and smelly creature! … It’s a mysterious, roaring animal! … It’s my baby sister?!
Jenna uses her imagination to understand this new person in her life. When she finally sees things as they are, will Jenna like what she sees?
What Others Are Saying
“I recommend the book to any child who has younger siblings or is about to accept the arrival of a new sibling. They will be able to laugh and also accept the little being into their lives, and even be very happy and enriched by the new little baby sister or brother.” – Stories for Children Magazine
“McNamee has done a great job of capturing what the experience of having a new sibling can be like.
Illustrator K.C. Snider provided colorful pictures that show both Jenna's imaginary adventures and the real world in a cute way.” - Janet Ann Collins - On Words
“This cute and heartwarming story should be read to all children who already have or are about to have a new addition to their family.
Further value is added by the award-winning artist K.C. Snider, who elevates the story with her top-notch illustrations.” - Blogcritics.org
“In this delightful new story from talented poet and writer, Kevin McNamee, we see him doing what he does best–create a story that youngsters will love … What Is That Thing? would make a perfect gift for the little girl who is going to be a big sister soon.” - Children's and Teens' Book Connection
This book is available as a print book, a downloadable e-book, or a book on CD from Guardian Publishing.
Books are also available from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or ask your local bookstore.
To find out more about Kevin, please visit his website or visit his blog
You can also find Kevin on Facebook.
Kevin is also on Linked-In and Twitter, but he doesn’t tweet too much.
Kevin McNamee is a writer and poet living in Yonkers, NY. He mostly writes for the children’s market. Kevin’s published work includes the picture books, If I Could Be Anything, The Sister Exchange, Lightning Strikes, The Soggy Town of Hilltop and What Is That Thing?
Kevin’s poetry has been published in the collection, An Eyeball in My Garden: And Other Spine-Tingling Poems. Other titles coming soon by Kevin include My Brother, the Frog, Papa’s Suns, Just for Today, and more.
Kevin, what is this book about?
Jenna has a vivid imagination. When a new baby comes into the house, she uses her imagination to try and figure out this new person in her life. Finally, she realizes that she doesn’t need to use her imagination. Things are fine just the way they are.
Why did you write this book?
A new baby is a big enough adjustment for adults and children alike. There may be children in the house who are struggling with the changing family dynamics. I wanted to find a child-friendly way to help with that adjustment and to help calm any fears that might arise from having a new brother or sister.
Do you think this book can help?
Yes, I do. To be unsure of the unknown is a common and normal reaction to big changes. I wanted to both validate a child’s sense of uncertainty and to show that change, especially when it comes to having a new brother or sister, isn’t a bad thing. I think this book accomplishes that in a way that children can understand.
What was the hardest thing about writing this picture book?
I had a hard time with this book during the editing process. This book has three separate imaginary episodes that are completely different from each other. Yet one scene flows directly into the other. I wanted to make sure that the reader would be able to follow the story from scene to scene. This is really where the other half of a picture book becomes so important, the artwork. K.C. Snider’s illustrations did an excellent job of bridging any gaps. The artwork blends the real and imaginary worlds together beautifully. The end result was a delightful picture book that educates, entertains, and hopefully solves a problem.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?I really wanted to write a book that is both useful and entertaining. I hope you and your child have fun reading this. If you find that this book has helped, please let me know. I love getting feedback like that.
What Is That Thing?
by Kevin McNamee.
Illustrations by K.C. Snider
Print ISBN: 978-1-61633-141-2; 1616331410
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-142-9; 1616331429
It’s an alien from outer space! … It’s a strange and smelly creature! … It’s a mysterious, roaring animal! … It’s my baby sister?!
Jenna uses her imagination to understand this new person in her life. When she finally sees things as they are, will Jenna like what she sees?
What Others Are Saying
“I recommend the book to any child who has younger siblings or is about to accept the arrival of a new sibling. They will be able to laugh and also accept the little being into their lives, and even be very happy and enriched by the new little baby sister or brother.” – Stories for Children Magazine
“McNamee has done a great job of capturing what the experience of having a new sibling can be like.
Illustrator K.C. Snider provided colorful pictures that show both Jenna's imaginary adventures and the real world in a cute way.” - Janet Ann Collins - On Words
“This cute and heartwarming story should be read to all children who already have or are about to have a new addition to their family.
Further value is added by the award-winning artist K.C. Snider, who elevates the story with her top-notch illustrations.” - Blogcritics.org
“In this delightful new story from talented poet and writer, Kevin McNamee, we see him doing what he does best–create a story that youngsters will love … What Is That Thing? would make a perfect gift for the little girl who is going to be a big sister soon.” - Children's and Teens' Book Connection
This book is available as a print book, a downloadable e-book, or a book on CD from Guardian Publishing.
Books are also available from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or ask your local bookstore.
To find out more about Kevin, please visit his website or visit his blog
You can also find Kevin on Facebook.
Kevin is also on Linked-In and Twitter, but he doesn’t tweet too much.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Featured guest on Stephen Tremp's blog
Today, I'm the featured guest on Stephen Tremp's blog with an article on study guides. Please stop by and leave a comment or question and make my birthday a fun one - E :)
Friday, June 03, 2011
Writers on the Move tour stop
This is our last month for blog tours with the Writers on the Move tour group; on my birthday, Sunday, June 5, I will be a guest blogger on Steven Tremp's blog. Come stop by and see what all I have to say about study guides. :)
Don't worry that this is Writers on the Move last blog tour, we will be back in the fall with some exciting happenings. After this month (see tour schedule on sidebar), we will take a couple of months off and will come back with more free workshops and other things. After all, we are a promotional group and believe that paying it forward works well. See ya'll in the postings - E :)
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Writers on the Move ebook
Writers on the Move offers more freebies (see side bar to pick your gift for stopping by and visiting)
For more from Writers on the Move, please visit our blog.
Spring 2011: A Compilation of Writing and Marketing Articles
We're so pleased to announce that Writers on the Move has its first FREE ebook on the site. Just look on the right sidebar "Free Gifts" and click away!
This ebook has been in the works for several months as a thank you to our readers and visitors.
The ebook consists of contributions from a number of members for a compilation of writing and marketing articles that will hopefully help you in your writing and marketing endeavors.
In the works is another ebook that will highlight members' fiction writing; one on general nonfiction (an eclectic grouping of children, animal, environmental articles, and more); and another focusing on poetry.
Aside from being informative and/or entertaining, the ebooks are intended to offer an example of teamwork, creating an ebook, writing tips, marketing tips, fiction and nonfiction writing, and poetry.
We hope you find them useful and/or entertaining.
We'd love to know what you think of this first ebook, so if you get a chance please leave a comment.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Writers on the Move free workshop for June
For those of you interested in creating your own ebook and what to do with it once you've created it, Writers on the Move has a workshop just for you. Coming June 24, 2011, at 7 PM ET (US time), held in the Writers on the Move everywherechat chat room. Details of workshop are below:
The next Writers on the Move Workshop will be a LIVE hour long chat format, scheduled for June 24th at 7pm EST (U.S. time). Karen Cioffi will talk about How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It .
Title: How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It
Time: 7pm, EST
Presenter: Karen Cioffi
Moderator: Maggie Ball
Chat Copier: Elysabeth Eldering
Length: 1 hour
If you’d like to attend this free 1 hour workshop, you will need to register. Please send an email to Karen at: karencioffi (at) ymail (dot) com and put "Workshop" in the subject box.
Upon registration, you will be given the information to access the chat and an e-book:
How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It
A bit about the workshop:
E-books are an amazing product that has multiple uses. And, it can be created at no cost, or for a very minimal amount. What else can you create that costs only your time and effort, and sells for whatever the market is willing to pay?
There aren’t many products that fall under that category. And, along with the ‘right price,’ e-books are easy to produce.
Workshop topics:
1. Creating an eBook: 5 Simple Steps
2. Offering an eBook for Free
3. Offering an eBook for Sale
4. About the ISBN, Copyright, and Creative Common License Info
5. Promotion Tips and Article Links
This workshop will give you the know-how to actually create your own ebook. And, all registered attendees will be given a 19 page ebook: How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It. This is an easy to follow guide covering all the topics of the workshop.
Hopefully, you will get a chance to create your own ebook and then let us know how you made out in the workshop. It will also give you a chance to think of questions to help you get the most out of the workshop.
In case you can’t make the actual workshop, hopefully we will be able to get a transcript of the chat and provide it to any registered attendee who requests it.
Hope to see you all there. The next workshop will be in September, presented by myself and Nancy Famolari on self-publishing through createspace.com - we have a plethora of information to pass on to you. It will be a 90-minute workshop with handouts. More in August about where to register and how to get handouts.
The next Writers on the Move Workshop will be a LIVE hour long chat format, scheduled for June 24th at 7pm EST (U.S. time). Karen Cioffi will talk about How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It .
Title: How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It
Time: 7pm, EST
Presenter: Karen Cioffi
Moderator: Maggie Ball
Chat Copier: Elysabeth Eldering
Length: 1 hour
If you’d like to attend this free 1 hour workshop, you will need to register. Please send an email to Karen at: karencioffi (at) ymail (dot) com and put "Workshop" in the subject box.
Upon registration, you will be given the information to access the chat and an e-book:
How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It
A bit about the workshop:
E-books are an amazing product that has multiple uses. And, it can be created at no cost, or for a very minimal amount. What else can you create that costs only your time and effort, and sells for whatever the market is willing to pay?
There aren’t many products that fall under that category. And, along with the ‘right price,’ e-books are easy to produce.
Workshop topics:
1. Creating an eBook: 5 Simple Steps
2. Offering an eBook for Free
3. Offering an eBook for Sale
4. About the ISBN, Copyright, and Creative Common License Info
5. Promotion Tips and Article Links
This workshop will give you the know-how to actually create your own ebook. And, all registered attendees will be given a 19 page ebook: How to Create an eBook and What You Can do With It. This is an easy to follow guide covering all the topics of the workshop.
Hopefully, you will get a chance to create your own ebook and then let us know how you made out in the workshop. It will also give you a chance to think of questions to help you get the most out of the workshop.
In case you can’t make the actual workshop, hopefully we will be able to get a transcript of the chat and provide it to any registered attendee who requests it.
Hope to see you all there. The next workshop will be in September, presented by myself and Nancy Famolari on self-publishing through createspace.com - we have a plethora of information to pass on to you. It will be a 90-minute workshop with handouts. More in August about where to register and how to get handouts.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
too amazing for words
Flottille (detail) from Etienne Cliquet on Vimeo.
This is some special paper or something but it's pretty cool because if you watch the shadows as it's unfolding, you will see scenes or more detail on some of them - Very interesting - I'm amazed - lol. (Okay I had a few words to say about it - lol)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Crocheting instead of Writing
I had purchased these skeins of red, white and blue yarn some time ago along with some silver coated, and other color coated paper clips (I think the box of 150 large clips was $2, had reddish, blue, silver, green and purple in the box), thinking I was going to make wacky bookmarks with the paper clips and yarn to either sell or give away at events. I made four of the bookmarks, putting the eyes on only one, and decided to abandon that project.
So I've been trying to come up with something to do with the red, white and blue yarn. I decided last week I'd make an afghan to put in a drawing and by the end of this year, from all the entries from every event through November, I would give the afghan away. I'm using a "mile-a-minute" pattern for the afghan and to date, have not been able to find anything remotely close to what I'm using. I believe my grandmother, my dad's mom, taught me this pattern when I was about 10 or 12. My mother knows how to do it as well, but her stuff doesn't always turn out looking all that good.
I did a search today for some mile-a-minute patterns and found one website that has a few patterns on it and posted a comment on one of posting about the different patterns she has used with the pattern on it. I did say I would post a picture of a partial strip so that one could understand the counting of the "circles".
The pattern is super quick to work - the hardest/longest part is sewing the strips together but other than that, it's a quick and easy pattern to do.
Here is the pattern:
(starts out like a granny square pattern but then ends up like half circles joined up the strip).
MATERIALS NEEDED:
4 ply worsted yarn (any color or even can use varigated yarn - whatever you like - can be one color or several= mine will be three - Red, white and blue)
Size G/6 hook
Plastic needlepoint needle to sew strips together
Gauge 4 circles from bottom tip to center is about 6 inches
PATTERN:
Stitches used: ch = chain stitch; DC = double crochet; slst = slip stitch
Ch 4, slst together, ch 3, 3 DC in center of joined circle; ch 3; 3 DC in center of joined circle; ch 3; 3 DC in center of joined circle; ch 3. Turn
3 DC in ch space; ch 3; 3 DC in chain space; ch 3. Turn. - this basically completes your first "circle" as 2 half circles.
Repeat for desired length. The length I decided on for this afghan is 30 circles (60 half circles). Here is the picture of how to count the circles so you know how long you want it. I don't have a gauge on how long this is but for a lap throw, 30 circles is about 45 inches long.
I'll post later on connecting the strips (possibly in a video so that you can see how it all comes together - E :)
HOW TO COUNT YOUR CIRCLES:
As you can see where I have marked my numbers - at the chain space on the sides - this is how you count - hope you all enjoy - E :)
So I've been trying to come up with something to do with the red, white and blue yarn. I decided last week I'd make an afghan to put in a drawing and by the end of this year, from all the entries from every event through November, I would give the afghan away. I'm using a "mile-a-minute" pattern for the afghan and to date, have not been able to find anything remotely close to what I'm using. I believe my grandmother, my dad's mom, taught me this pattern when I was about 10 or 12. My mother knows how to do it as well, but her stuff doesn't always turn out looking all that good.
I did a search today for some mile-a-minute patterns and found one website that has a few patterns on it and posted a comment on one of posting about the different patterns she has used with the pattern on it. I did say I would post a picture of a partial strip so that one could understand the counting of the "circles".
The pattern is super quick to work - the hardest/longest part is sewing the strips together but other than that, it's a quick and easy pattern to do.
Here is the pattern:
(starts out like a granny square pattern but then ends up like half circles joined up the strip).
MATERIALS NEEDED:
4 ply worsted yarn (any color or even can use varigated yarn - whatever you like - can be one color or several= mine will be three - Red, white and blue)
Size G/6 hook
Plastic needlepoint needle to sew strips together
Gauge 4 circles from bottom tip to center is about 6 inches
PATTERN:
Stitches used: ch = chain stitch; DC = double crochet; slst = slip stitch
Ch 4, slst together, ch 3, 3 DC in center of joined circle; ch 3; 3 DC in center of joined circle; ch 3; 3 DC in center of joined circle; ch 3. Turn
3 DC in ch space; ch 3; 3 DC in chain space; ch 3. Turn. - this basically completes your first "circle" as 2 half circles.
Repeat for desired length. The length I decided on for this afghan is 30 circles (60 half circles). Here is the picture of how to count the circles so you know how long you want it. I don't have a gauge on how long this is but for a lap throw, 30 circles is about 45 inches long.
I'll post later on connecting the strips (possibly in a video so that you can see how it all comes together - E :)
HOW TO COUNT YOUR CIRCLES:
As you can see where I have marked my numbers - at the chain space on the sides - this is how you count - hope you all enjoy - E :)
Friday, May 13, 2011
Carolyn Howard-Johnson - guest blogger on poetry chapbooks
Poets Help You Celebrate Mothers and Fathers this Spring--Inexpensively
I always love to report something a little different and I think award-winning poets Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdalena Ball have done it with chapbooks of poetry that can substitute for greeting cards for two important spring holidays—Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
The two women have never met. In fact they live on different continents. But that hasn't stopped them from collaborating on a series of poetry chapbooks designed to replace trite greeting cards with real sentiment. With their 'celebration series', the two have developed a new concept for inexpensive holiday gifts. They range from only $6.95 to $12.95.
The chapbooks for Mother’s Day is She Wore Emerald Then (for mothers on your gift list) with photographs by May Lattanzio, and the one for Father’s Day is Imagining the Future: Rumination on Fathers and Other Masculine Apparitions with photographs by May Lattanzio.
Also in the series is Cherished Pulse (for anyone you love) with artwork from California artist Vicki Thomas and Blooming Red: Christmas Poetry for the Rational.
The small books, a tradition in the poetry world since itinerant vendors roams the country side selling their wares in Elizabethan times. They often sold or gave away their little books filled with their own songs, poems, and wares.
Now these poets' collaborations can all be purchased for Kindle or other digital readers on the high profile Smashwords.com site so they can be read in over nine digital formats on any computer or portable reading device anywhere in the world. This is quite a revolution for both authors, both of whom started their writing careers when the latest technology was a typewriter and carbon paper for copies.
Magdalena Ball runs the highly respected compulsivereader.com review site. She is the author of the poetry book Repulsion Thrust, which was published to unanimous 5-star reviews. Her novel Sleep Before Evening, published in 2007, was a Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson's poetry appears frequently in review journals. She is listed in Poets & Writers and her chapbook of poetry, Tracings, was given the Award of Excellence by the Military Writers Society of America. She is also an award-winning novelist and short story writer and instructor for UCLA Extension Writers' Program.
For more information on any of the chapbooks in this poetry series, contact either of the authors or visit media rooms or Magdalena Ball's site.
Reviews of all these books may be read here.
Carolyn blogs resources for writers at Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites pick and lots of editing tips.
Please visit Marietta Taylor who is featuring Donna McDine
I always love to report something a little different and I think award-winning poets Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdalena Ball have done it with chapbooks of poetry that can substitute for greeting cards for two important spring holidays—Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
The two women have never met. In fact they live on different continents. But that hasn't stopped them from collaborating on a series of poetry chapbooks designed to replace trite greeting cards with real sentiment. With their 'celebration series', the two have developed a new concept for inexpensive holiday gifts. They range from only $6.95 to $12.95.
The chapbooks for Mother’s Day is She Wore Emerald Then (for mothers on your gift list) with photographs by May Lattanzio, and the one for Father’s Day is Imagining the Future: Rumination on Fathers and Other Masculine Apparitions with photographs by May Lattanzio.
Also in the series is Cherished Pulse (for anyone you love) with artwork from California artist Vicki Thomas and Blooming Red: Christmas Poetry for the Rational.
The small books, a tradition in the poetry world since itinerant vendors roams the country side selling their wares in Elizabethan times. They often sold or gave away their little books filled with their own songs, poems, and wares.
Now these poets' collaborations can all be purchased for Kindle or other digital readers on the high profile Smashwords.com site so they can be read in over nine digital formats on any computer or portable reading device anywhere in the world. This is quite a revolution for both authors, both of whom started their writing careers when the latest technology was a typewriter and carbon paper for copies.
Magdalena Ball runs the highly respected compulsivereader.com review site. She is the author of the poetry book Repulsion Thrust, which was published to unanimous 5-star reviews. Her novel Sleep Before Evening, published in 2007, was a Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson's poetry appears frequently in review journals. She is listed in Poets & Writers and her chapbook of poetry, Tracings, was given the Award of Excellence by the Military Writers Society of America. She is also an award-winning novelist and short story writer and instructor for UCLA Extension Writers' Program.For more information on any of the chapbooks in this poetry series, contact either of the authors or visit media rooms or Magdalena Ball's site.
Reviews of all these books may be read here.
Carolyn blogs resources for writers at Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites pick and lots of editing tips.
Please visit Marietta Taylor who is featuring Donna McDine
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
First Writers on the Move free workshop
We are coming up on the first of many workshops for readers and writers, teachers, homeschoolers. If you are interested in learning how to make your own podcasts, please join us Monday, May 16, at 7 PM US EST (don't know the conversion for other areas except the United States - 6 PM CST, 5 PM MST, 4 PM PST) either by going to the Writers on the Move workshop link or by coming in to the EWC website and joining the chat. If using the EWC website, after signing in with a name (please do not leave guest in the first box), you will need to join the room Writers_on_the_move and you will be taken to the workshop. Please tell all your friends, teachers, homeschoolers who are interested in making their own podcasts. See you all in the postings - E :)
Friday, May 06, 2011
Writers on the Move free workshop - May 16
Writers on the Move is a group of experienced and new writers/authors of multiple genres who strive to share their combined wealth of writing and marketing knowledge with all.
As a NEW feature to the group, Writers on the Move is now offering Workshops on writing and marketing. The first FREE class will be presented by Maggie Ball: Podcasting for Writers; it is scheduled for May 16th at 7pm EST (6 CST, 5 MST, 4 PST).
Registration is required, so please stop by our blogsite for the details.
After registering you will receive a PDF with a comprehensive outline specifically designed for the class. This will allow you to work on creating a podcast before the class and then ask any questions you may have during the workshop.
A bit about the workshop:
The simplest definition of a podcast is just a recorded radio show and Maggie will provide the information you need to get your podcast up and running. She'll define what a podcast is and the many different ways you can either do a single podcast, or start your own "radio show" or even syndication with recorded podcasts.
This will be a very informative workshop for writers who want, rather need to bring their books and/or services to a larger audience. If you're blogging now, the next step is to create podcasts
As a NEW feature to the group, Writers on the Move is now offering Workshops on writing and marketing. The first FREE class will be presented by Maggie Ball: Podcasting for Writers; it is scheduled for May 16th at 7pm EST (6 CST, 5 MST, 4 PST).
Registration is required, so please stop by our blogsite for the details.
After registering you will receive a PDF with a comprehensive outline specifically designed for the class. This will allow you to work on creating a podcast before the class and then ask any questions you may have during the workshop.
A bit about the workshop:
The simplest definition of a podcast is just a recorded radio show and Maggie will provide the information you need to get your podcast up and running. She'll define what a podcast is and the many different ways you can either do a single podcast, or start your own "radio show" or even syndication with recorded podcasts.
This will be a very informative workshop for writers who want, rather need to bring their books and/or services to a larger audience. If you're blogging now, the next step is to create podcasts
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Writers on the Move tour and New feature: workshop
VBT Writers on the Move has changed to just Writers on the move and we have a new feature: workshops. These will be monthly member-led workshops on topics to help fledling authors and readers who are thinking of writing. The workshops will be held in Everywherechat and can be found here. The following is the description per Karen of the new workshops; the first will be held on May 16th
In our efforts to continually provide fresh and helpful information to our readers and visitors, and since our group has so many experienced and knowledgeable writers and authors, we've added a new and very exciting feature to our group, the Writers on the Move Workshop.
The workshops will focus on writing and marketing, and depending on the presenter and topic, the workshops will range from 30 minutes to ONE hour to ONE day to ONE week long. We are hoping to keep them free, but for the week long, and possibly even the day long workshops, there may be a small fee – we'll have to see how it all pans out.
The first Writers on the Move Workshop will be in a LIVE hour long chat format, scheduled for May 16 at 7pm EST. Maggie Ball will talk about Podcasting for Writers.
The workshop link Show up a bit before to sign into EveryWhereChat and to see if there is any information already in place
DESCRIPTION OF WORKSHOP:
The simplest definition of a podcast is just a recorded radio show and Maggie will provide the information you need to get your podcast up and running. She'll define what a podcast is and the many different ways you can either do a single podcast, or start your own "radio show" or even syndication with recorded podcasts.
This will be a very informative workshop for writers who want, rather need to bring their books and/or services to a larger audience. If you're blogging now, the next step is to create podcasts and Maggie Ball can show you how.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The June Workshop will be presented by Karen Cioffi and it'll be about creating and selling e-books. We'll have the details the end of May or beginning of June.
We hope you find the information we provide valuable in your writing and marketing journey.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE TOUR: It is the 1st of May and the VBT Writers on the Move tour has begun. I'm supposed to be featured on Carolyn Howard-Johnson's blog Wednesday, but I've not prepared anything and I know Carolyn is traveling for a good part of this month. I will try to get something to her tonight and hopefully she will be able to post it.
Join us as we share our books and other writing information with you all. Please visit Karen Cioffi who is featuring Deb Eckerling today.
Remember that there is always something new and you can see the full schedule on the right under Writers on the Move Tour Schedule. See you all in the postings. E :)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
One Young Man's Courage by Donna McDine
One Young Man´s Courage
By Donna M. McDine
I originally began to write The Golden Pathway as an assignment for the Institute of Children´s Literature. After I submitted the outline, I was told that the story was good and comprehensive, but that the market currently contained too many Underground Railroad books.
I believed the critique, but rather than dismissing it completely, I shelved it for a while. Meanwhile, the characters in the book remained at the forefront of my mind, compelling me to write the story.
After some time had gone by, I found that I couldn´t ignore the book any longer and began to write the story. The Golden Pathway is the story of a young child, David, who defied enormous odds to help a young slave escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
The Deep South before the Civil War as a time of turmoil, and white slave owners seemed to sense that their way of life didn´t have much longer to exist. I love American History and thought that this story would be a great lesson to children ages 8 through 12, showing these young people how courage and determination can overcome almost any of life´s hurdles.
I submitted The Golden Pathway to the Children´s Writers´ Coaching Club for critique by Suzanne Lieurance, who helped me rewrite it until it was ready to submit for publishing. But first, I submitted the story to the 77th Writers Digest Writing Competition and it placed 12th from over 1400 entries.
I was thrilled. After that, I submitted the book for publication and after expanding and editing even more, Guardian Angel Publishing was ready to publish The Golden Pathway. Now, I had my first published children´s book – and there are more to come.
I hope that The Golden Pathway transports each young reader to the time of the Underground Railroad, and by the end of the book, they´ll understand what it was all about. Young people today may not readily understand the concept of slavery, but when they read about Jenkins´ plight and David´s willingness and courage to help him, they will surely glimpse a piece of history.
Those days were extraordinary times – but children also need courage and determination in today´s world, where bullies at school hang out around every corner and situations at home may turn dark and ugly.
I am currently working on marketing plans for two other children´s books called, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey, which will be published soon. The Golden Pathway may light the path for one or more readers to explore their own beliefs and courage to stand up for what they believe.
Donna's Bio:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Donna’s stories and features have been published in many print and online publications, and her first book, The Golden Pathway, is published through Guardian Angel Publishing as will her second book, The Hockey Agony. McDine’s interests in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Ms. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Musing Our Children, and The National Writing for Children Center.For an interview or school visit request, please email Ms. McDine at dmcdine@optonline.net
The Golden Pathway
By: Donna M. McDine
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-081-1
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-082-8
Available: August 2010
Please feel free to visit Donna at:
Donna's website
Donna's blog
The Golden Pathway Blog
Follow Donna at:
Donna's facebook page
Donna's twitter
For more from the VBT Writers on the Move tour, stop by Marietta Taylor's blog who is hosting Shelby Patrick tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
VBT guest visit
Stop by tomorrow for a visit with Donna McDine, author of The Golden Pathway, a story about the Underground Railroad. Donna will talk about her book and the road to freedom.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Come and visit
I'm featured on Jenny Turner's blog today as part of the VBT Writers on the Move tour. I hope you all enjoy finding out what's coming up for the JGDS series.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Guest blogger - Shelby Patrick
Today, my guest is Shelby Patrick, author of When Angels Sing, a supernatural thriller, and other titles. Thanks for being my guest today. E :)
Act The Part
By Shelby Patrick
Publishing is a business and like it or not, being an author is a job. It may be a creative one but it's no less important than being a plumber, a banker, or a lawyer. Just as in any business, authors must put on an air of professionalism at all times
Never miss a book signing event, and if possible, show up early. You wouldn't want to be known as an unreliable author with bookstore owners; however, there may be times when an emergency happens (illness, death, accident) and you just can't make it to the signing. Don't leave the bookstore and your fans hanging. At least have the courtesy to call and explain the situation. Most likely, the bookstore personnel will understand and hopefully postpone your event.
During and after your book signing, you should be gracious with your host. They are under no obligation to hold a book signing in your favor. Knowing that they went through all the trouble, you should be appreciative. Don't get upset with the bookstore if no one shows up to your event. A thank you goes a long way.
Don't have certain expectations from your family and friends. Just because they are related doesn't mean they are obligated to purchase your book. In fact, most family and friends probably expect a FREE copy. Don't be skimpy here. If you really want them to have a copy, give them as gifts. Unfortunately, in my case, if my family or friends hadn't bought copies of my latest book, I wouldn't have sold hardly any. Marketing isn't a strong suit with me, especially since my budget is very small, so I was lucky to have sold the 30 books I did so far.
Also, don't expect everyone to be as excited about your book as you are. This is your dream, not theirs, so don't push it on them.
Finally, authors should have realistic expectations. Unless you're Stephen King or John Grisham, don't expect that huge royalty check to be in the mail. You have no assurances of success here and no guarantees that you're writing the next bestseller. All you can do is try your best.
Thank you!
-------------------------
Shelby has self-published two creative writing exercise books, Dark Recesses of the Mind and Forbidden Knowledge, a short horror and science fiction collection entitled The Fear Within, and a supernatural thriller, When Angels Sing.
WHEN ANGELS SING came out in December 2010. The main male character, Blaze Kerrigan, is a typical young guy (with sex on the mind most days), but with one peculiar problem - he has a psychic link to a serial killer. So when Jenna Michaels shows up at his door unannounced and bears an uncanny resemblance to his dead fiancée, it's Blaze's job to keep her safe, especially when the body count starts to rise.
When Angels Sing video
All of Shelby's titles can be purchased on the amazon website.
Shelby's website
Shelby's blog
Shelby Patrick may also be found on Twitter and Facebook
Don't forget to visit Mari Taylor tomorrow when she hosts Debra Eckerling.
Act The Part
By Shelby Patrick
Publishing is a business and like it or not, being an author is a job. It may be a creative one but it's no less important than being a plumber, a banker, or a lawyer. Just as in any business, authors must put on an air of professionalism at all times
Never miss a book signing event, and if possible, show up early. You wouldn't want to be known as an unreliable author with bookstore owners; however, there may be times when an emergency happens (illness, death, accident) and you just can't make it to the signing. Don't leave the bookstore and your fans hanging. At least have the courtesy to call and explain the situation. Most likely, the bookstore personnel will understand and hopefully postpone your event.
During and after your book signing, you should be gracious with your host. They are under no obligation to hold a book signing in your favor. Knowing that they went through all the trouble, you should be appreciative. Don't get upset with the bookstore if no one shows up to your event. A thank you goes a long way.
Don't have certain expectations from your family and friends. Just because they are related doesn't mean they are obligated to purchase your book. In fact, most family and friends probably expect a FREE copy. Don't be skimpy here. If you really want them to have a copy, give them as gifts. Unfortunately, in my case, if my family or friends hadn't bought copies of my latest book, I wouldn't have sold hardly any. Marketing isn't a strong suit with me, especially since my budget is very small, so I was lucky to have sold the 30 books I did so far.
Also, don't expect everyone to be as excited about your book as you are. This is your dream, not theirs, so don't push it on them.
Finally, authors should have realistic expectations. Unless you're Stephen King or John Grisham, don't expect that huge royalty check to be in the mail. You have no assurances of success here and no guarantees that you're writing the next bestseller. All you can do is try your best.
Thank you!
-------------------------
Shelby has self-published two creative writing exercise books, Dark Recesses of the Mind and Forbidden Knowledge, a short horror and science fiction collection entitled The Fear Within, and a supernatural thriller, When Angels Sing.
WHEN ANGELS SING came out in December 2010. The main male character, Blaze Kerrigan, is a typical young guy (with sex on the mind most days), but with one peculiar problem - he has a psychic link to a serial killer. So when Jenna Michaels shows up at his door unannounced and bears an uncanny resemblance to his dead fiancée, it's Blaze's job to keep her safe, especially when the body count starts to rise.
When Angels Sing video
All of Shelby's titles can be purchased on the amazon website.
Shelby's website
Shelby's blog
Shelby Patrick may also be found on Twitter and Facebook
Don't forget to visit Mari Taylor tomorrow when she hosts Debra Eckerling.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Kindle update
A week after receiving my Kindle (okay only five days in but still close enough), I have had a chance to read some books, Jim and Joyce Lavene's two latest in both series I enjoy - Deadly Daggers (a Ren Faire mystery) and Touch of Gold (a Missing Pieces mystery), two short stories (Tea Time at the Baltimore and Emails: A Maeve and Kate mini mystery by Maureen Mullis). I started reading Deadly Daggers Monday after receiving the Kindle and getting everything situated, charged and what not. I completed it Wednesday night. If this had been a regular book, I would have probably just finished it last night or tonight. I started reading A Touch of Gold Thursday sometime between working, picking up the girl, et cetera and finished it last night. Of course, I worked a short bit yesterday and read most of the afternoon since I had to run here, there and everywhere so figured I would just read.
I read both the short stories the same day - while the girl was at the doctor's office - I'm thinking Tuesday - sat in the parking lot and read. The first one - Emails was about 30 or so page flips (so in book format that would have only been about 10 or 15 pages really) and the second one was only 5 page flips (not counting all the introduction stuff) - so this was a very short story - my guess less than 500 words or no more than 750.
I still like holding books and reading them but there are some great advantages reading on the kindle. 1) it is lightweight; 2) feels like a book and reads like a book; the screen looks like a page in a book - it's that clear as far as the sharpness of the letters go; 3) reading is quicker or at least I feel I'm going through books quicker (proof being that I've read two full length novels in less than a week's time already); 4) Kindle isn't cumbersome like books are, especially when reading in bed at night - I don't have a headboard and sleep on my side and usually lie on my side to read and holding a book like that is kind of cumbersome and if it's thicker than a normal paperback, I tend to drop it while reading (Kindle I don't worry about that since I've found a comfortable position to read while lying in bed, not on my back).
The disadvantages to the Kindle are not many but there are some: 1) when lying in bed reading holding the kindle, have to position my hands so as not to hit the page forward buttons which are on both sides of Kindle so you can actually flip pages with either hand; 2) battery life is not as amazon states. After a week and not using it every day or even for hours on end every day, I'm down to just below half a supply batterywise, and this has been with minimum use of my wi-fi feature which is supposed to be the biggest battery drainer.
I have uploaded the PDF files of three of my books so am still wondering if uploading them as ebooks would be the same since the PDF file is pretty set in the format, I wonder if the pages would look right as an ebook. I also have to wonder if my readers would actually find having my books available in ebook format would be a good thing. I'm considering putting the books in ebook format using smashwords.com but am only considering it. Until I have enough feedback, I can't really say that they will do well as ebooks or not. It may be the future of the books but there are some things that are still best as printed books.
Monday, March 07, 2011
It's Here!!!
On the 28th of January after attending a Sisters in Crime meeting and upon returning home and joining a chat, I was the winner of the Kindle giveaway (yeah, that's how long ago it was - see posting on my JGDS blog). So last Friday, I emailed the Dorothy again saying I didn't have my kindle after being told the week before I should have it in a couple of days since the check from the publicist had cleared and she needed my phone number. I figured a week of waiting after giving my phone number to her was long enough. So anyway, she was kicking herself saying that she forgot to order the Kindle so how about her paypaling me the funds and letting me order it myself. Works for me. So Friday afternoon, after the funds had been transferred, I ordered my Kindle and by the confirmation email, I figured I would have my Kindle sometime between Wednesday and Friday, the 9th and the 11th. Well Saturday I got an email from amazon stating that my Kindle had shipped - woohoooo!!! -
I don't check my post office box on the weekends but try to at least check it every day when I pick the girl up from school (she has early dismissal, getting out at 1:35 every day and doesn't have much to do before play practice at 3:30, so side trips to the store or gas station or post office are a normal thing now). So I opened my box and there was the yellow slip indicating I had a package. I went inside to get my package and guess what I had? My Kindle. Now it's only Monday, March 7th so consider me surprised to be receiving my Kindle 2 to 4 days earlier than expected.
I had ordered some books (the latest two Jim and Joyce Lavene books - the one in the Missing Pieces Series that just came out a week ago, and the last one in the Ren Faire series that came out last fall that I hadn't read) early this morning (payday) so that I would have books on my Kindle ready for me to read after I explored it a bit. As soon as I got home and turned on the Kindle and started charging it and got the wi-fi turned on, I had books available to me. How cool is that? I also loaded some freebies and a few from Smashwords.com (had to send those to my computer and save them to upload to the Kindle). I explored and read most of the Kindle guide on the Kindle and charged my Kindle up - says it has about a 3-week battery time, will have to see about that. I started reading the latest in the Ren Faire series - Deadly Daggers - after getting set up.
I took some pictures of my new toy. I'll post later in the week about the reading on the kindle, and all - stay tuned - E :)
Here is the box the Kindle comes in - as you can see it's not too big.
This is what the kindle looked like when I opened the box - I thought this was one of those plastic covers on the screen to protect it but this is actually one of the screens that pops up as you shut down the Kindle - this is the first one - it is the definition of kindle.
This is my favorite of the screens that comes up - too bad it isn't in color since the birds would be so colorful - it would be an explosion - lol.
This is a comparison shot of the Kindle and the two boxes - the one it came in and the one the accessories came in (I had ordered those a couple of weeks after winning the Kindle - it's an extra charger, car charger, screen protector, and earphones). I wish I had my ruler up so you could see how thin the Kindle really is but I think you can tell from this picture
Will share more later this week after I've really started using my new toy - E :)
I don't check my post office box on the weekends but try to at least check it every day when I pick the girl up from school (she has early dismissal, getting out at 1:35 every day and doesn't have much to do before play practice at 3:30, so side trips to the store or gas station or post office are a normal thing now). So I opened my box and there was the yellow slip indicating I had a package. I went inside to get my package and guess what I had? My Kindle. Now it's only Monday, March 7th so consider me surprised to be receiving my Kindle 2 to 4 days earlier than expected.
I had ordered some books (the latest two Jim and Joyce Lavene books - the one in the Missing Pieces Series that just came out a week ago, and the last one in the Ren Faire series that came out last fall that I hadn't read) early this morning (payday) so that I would have books on my Kindle ready for me to read after I explored it a bit. As soon as I got home and turned on the Kindle and started charging it and got the wi-fi turned on, I had books available to me. How cool is that? I also loaded some freebies and a few from Smashwords.com (had to send those to my computer and save them to upload to the Kindle). I explored and read most of the Kindle guide on the Kindle and charged my Kindle up - says it has about a 3-week battery time, will have to see about that. I started reading the latest in the Ren Faire series - Deadly Daggers - after getting set up.
I took some pictures of my new toy. I'll post later in the week about the reading on the kindle, and all - stay tuned - E :)
Here is the box the Kindle comes in - as you can see it's not too big.
This is what the kindle looked like when I opened the box - I thought this was one of those plastic covers on the screen to protect it but this is actually one of the screens that pops up as you shut down the Kindle - this is the first one - it is the definition of kindle. 
This is my favorite of the screens that comes up - too bad it isn't in color since the birds would be so colorful - it would be an explosion - lol.
This is a comparison shot of the Kindle and the two boxes - the one it came in and the one the accessories came in (I had ordered those a couple of weeks after winning the Kindle - it's an extra charger, car charger, screen protector, and earphones). I wish I had my ruler up so you could see how thin the Kindle really is but I think you can tell from this picture Will share more later this week after I've really started using my new toy - E :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)