Tonight we had a 70-year-old judge come speak to us. The man has stories upon stories upon stories and we probably could have sat there all night listening to him.
One of our member's daughter was there as a guest, who actually is the judge's neighbor and whose husband is an attorney who has spoken to our group before. I've not met her or don't remember meeting her at the meeting her husband was the guest speaker. She is a math teacher at one of the high schools in our area (I don't have the details in my mind clearly). While we were going around introducing ourselves and what we write or read (not all our members are writers but that's okay - we need the readers too), I made the announcement that Finally Home would probably be published in the next month or so (at least by the end part of October so I will be prepared for the three events in November with a new story) and she was like, "I'd like to talk to you after the meeting." Apparently some students under the guidance of the English teacher at her school have started a paranormal club and they are looking for some guidance about paranormal stories, et cetera. The story is that the high school is haunted and so they are going to do some after school activities as well as plan to sleep in the school one night with the lights all off so they can explore whether the school is haunted or not. I'd love to be a part of that since I believe in haunted places and Finally Home is sort of a haunted house story. I gave her my contact information and she is going to pass it on to the English teacher, so who knows, I may be speaking to high schoolers at one of their after school activities - Like I said before - you never know when the right connection is going to come along. Thank you, Barbara, for having your daughter come to the meeting tonight
I'm anxiously awaiting the cover choices from Heather for Finally Home. If nothing else happens this long weekend, I will more than likely be buckling down and revising/editing the ms so to get it fixed up and back to editor for a once over to get to Heather but only after I have a confirmed cover for the book. So come on, Heather, hurry up and show me a cover. Yeah, I know she is busy with school and all but I've been waiting now for several weeks and with this being a long weekend, I'm pretty confident she should have time to finish it up and get to me. See you all in the postings - E :)
Friday, September 02, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Earthquake in eastern part of US
We've been watching and tracking Hurricane Irene since it is expected to hit either SC or NC coastline this weekend. What we weren't expecting was an earthquake. It looks to have originated just north of Richmond, Virginia, but quakes were felt all the way up and down the eastern seaboard from Norcross, Georgia, to about 2 hours north of Toronto, Canada. Here in my small town, the librarian said she felt it, the post office which is almost right next door to the library did not feel it and several people reported feeling it in different parts of the town. Neither Hailie nor myself felt it on our property. Students at Anderson University felt it while in their rooms. The fault line is widespread as reports from another town in South Carolina (Spartanburg) have reported feeling it and folks all over North Carolina (mostly around the Charlotte area northward) have felt it. From looking at a map showing reported "feels" of the quake - it runs from Georgia to New York, Ohio to New Jersey and every point between upper state South Carolina to Pennsylvania. I understood when it occurred in or around Richmond, Virginia this afternoon that they evacuated the Pentagon and the nuclear plant shut itself down. This is a good thing but we have a plant in South Carolina that isn't too far from where I live and we hadn't heard whether they shut down automatically or if any quakes were even felt in that area.
Pray that Irene doesn't hit land by the weekend and turns to go back out to sea. Cooler weather I'm all for but you see Ma America and the JGDS have an event outside of Charlotte Sunday and if Irene hits between Myrtle Beach and Outer Banks then Charlotte will likely get hit pretty heavy with the rain and all, which means the event possibly could be cancelled. If it hits down in the Charleston area, the Charlotte area should be okay but then again, one never can really tell with Mother Nature.
Keeping an eye out for after shocks from the earthquake as well as Irene - E :)
Pray that Irene doesn't hit land by the weekend and turns to go back out to sea. Cooler weather I'm all for but you see Ma America and the JGDS have an event outside of Charlotte Sunday and if Irene hits between Myrtle Beach and Outer Banks then Charlotte will likely get hit pretty heavy with the rain and all, which means the event possibly could be cancelled. If it hits down in the Charleston area, the Charlotte area should be okay but then again, one never can really tell with Mother Nature.
Keeping an eye out for after shocks from the earthquake as well as Irene - E :)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
kindlegraph
I mentioned earlier about the kindlegraph and anxiously awaiting the publication of my YA paranormal mystery so I can start doing kindlegraphs. Well, I didn't read the whole way through on the author sign up page - kindlegraphs are not just for ebooks but for all paperback and hardback and ebooks - so I've added my books and now anyone can receive an electronic signature for any title available, just pop over to my author page on the kindlegraph site and request your signature. You can have the kindlegraphs sent to your kindle even though the books are not available as ebooks or your email. They come as a PDF file with a personalized message from me and a signature. So anyone who has purchased a copy of any of my titles from other venues (not direct sales) and would like to have a signature, please request your kindlegraph. Thanks - see you all in the postings - E :)
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Finally Home, a YA paranormal mystery
I've not talked much about this story but I think it's time to bring it out of the closet and get it published. This is the story I wrote for NaNo (National Novel Writing Month) in 2008, although I didn't really write it during the month of November (I started late, about the middle of November and wrote through the middle of December, so it was still in that 30-day period that I wrote over 50,000 words on a novel; Finally Home came in at about 56,000 words.). I've already done some behind the scenes things like sending it out to several readers to get some feedback, and supplying Heather with info for cover and layout (although the ms is not in final draft yet). I also sent a copy of the document to my kindle to make notes and do some basic editing as well. So far I've received one person's comments back. Jess, who helps me sometimes during the summer with events, is reading but with her starting school this coming week, I'm afraid she won't have time to finish editing it. She did verbally give me some feedback this weekend, so I hope to at least get a partial back from her so that I can use the info to edit the story. Heather is working on a cover for Finally Home as we speak, but she too will be starting college soon and so I know her time will be limited as far as being able to work on my stories and all. I'm anxiously awaiting the cover so I can share with all of you. For more info on other stories previously published or in the works, please visit my website. I will be self-publishing and the book will be available in print via amazon, createspace and directly from me, as well as an ebook through smashwords, Kindle and Nook. I'm looking for a publication date of about the middle of October so that I will have copies on hand for events in November, namely the Savannah Children's book festival.
Stay tuned for some upcoming contests and giveaways with the release of Finally Home.
Stay tuned for some upcoming contests and giveaways with the release of Finally Home.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Check out Writers on the Move blog
Tomorrow I'm posting an article on the Writers on the Move blog about "Preparing for Presentations". Stop by and leave a comment about how you prepare for an upcoming presentation or how you create a new one. - E :)
Ma America, The Travelin' Maven (Elysabeth Eldering)
Author of the JGDS, 50-state, mystery, trivia series
http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com
http://jgdsseries.weebly.com
Author of "Finally Home", a YA paranormal mystery (coming soon)
http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com
http://eeldering.weebly.com
Monday, August 08, 2011
Kindlegraph
I love my kindle but still like paperback books too. I subscribe to Jen Wylie's blog, author of the Ever series that I've been following (can't wait for the next installment - lol). Anyway, her posting today is about kindlegraph, a place where authors can do "electronic signatures for ebooks" - Makes me excited to put my upcoming YA paranormal mystery (Finally Home) out as an ebook. I'm passing this on to a few of my writer buddies who do have ebooks available so that I can get their "kindlegraph" on the books I've already purchased. Hope all you writers take advantage of this (all you need is a twitter account to sign up). Happy writing and signing, ya'll - E :)
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Paypal buttons - WOTM August free workshop
On August 16, 2011, at 7 PM EST (U.S.), Maggie Ball will present How to Create PayPal and Other Buy Buttons on Your Own Site.
Description: Have you ever wanted to take payments on your blog or website? Do you want to create PayPal buttons or learn about other ways to accept one or recurrent payments, small or large?
This free course provides an inside perspective on turning your booklets, e-books, and documents into sellable items, with no cost, and very little effort. You'll learn about setting up "buy it now" buttons, creating options for shopping carts, installment plans, donations, gift vouchers, and subscriptions, managing payments by email, and even how to send out refunds.
To register, email Maggie at: maggieball@compulsivereader.com. Please put "August Workshop" in the subject box.
Registered attendees will receive instructions for attending. While the Writers on the Move Workshops are FREE, your email address will be added to the presenter's mailing list upon registration.
Registered attendees will also be provided a transcript of the chat, if requested.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Shopping for an eReader
Free article by Susan Black
While it remains unlikely that the day will ever come when traditional books become an entirely redundant concept, more and more modern consumers and professionals across the board are turning to eReaders for the lion’s share of their literary pursuits. Thankfully, the demand has resulted in more choices coming onto the market than ever before and with enormous value for money, though for those approaching the subject for the very first time, a little apprehension and confusion is inevitable.
However, the market can be immediately narrowed down to the three key players of the moment to ease the matter somewhat – those being Amazon, Barnes & Noble and somewhat trailing in the rear Sony. That being said, for every high quality eReader there is also a tablet PC alternative, all of which now feature eReading functions as standard.
So, the question therefore is not only which eReader to choose, but whether to choose an eReader in the first play or go for a fully functional tablet PC. There are hundreds of guides available for each and every option online, though the following is a brief look into some of the most important considerations to help those who really have no idea where to start.
1 – Are you looking for reading alone or something entirely more versatile?
Once this particular question has been answered it is effectively simple to cut the available options in half right down the middle. Ask and establish in all honesty exactly what is to be got out of the purchase as a whole, whether it be the reading of books alone, the inclusion of magazines and newspapers, internet browsing capabilities, multimedia options and so on.
If the answer comes out as reading alone which includes magazines and newspapers than an eReader would indeed prove the most sensible option. This would essentially mean a price somewhere around the $120 mark rather than $500 – with each additional feature translating as a higher purchase cost. Of course, there is always something of a middle ground option provided by Barnes & Noble by way of the Nook Color, which sports a touch-screen and a number of tablet style features for around the $250 mark. Establish what the primary function of the device should be and the decision as to which end of the market to look into is made naturally.
2 – Screen Type
There are two primary screen types to choose from in the world of the standard eReader, both of which offer their own unique merits:
E-ink – This is the option that comes about as close to the standard printed page as is ever likely to prove possible on a digital device. Models of the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook and countless others all feature an e-ink screen, which do a truly stunning job of recreating the traditional reading experience. Furthermore, an e-ink screen can be read even in direct sunlight with little to no glare or reflection. The main drawback for e-ink comes by the way of purely black and white content, along with fairly restricted versatility and page-load speeds.
LCD – The alternative option is the bright, backlit and endlessly versatile color LCD display which undoubtedly has the e-ink option licked by way of beauty. However, the downside is that the reflective nature of the screen makes it prone to glare and reflection, with the backlight being known as tiresome to eyes over extended periods.
The rest of the bell and whistles featured really come down to personal preference, but for those looking for a little further push in the right direction, here are some specific suggestions.
The very best overall e-ink option is undoubtedly that of the latest Nook, which offers a truly wonderful reading experience for a modest $139. Those willing to bear the odd ad popping up on their Kindle are handsomely with a stunning device for little more than $110 which makes the perfect choice for relaxing on any leather reclining sofa.
With regard to color screen options, the Barnes & Noble Nook Color takes the prize, weighing in at less than $250 and offering many of the features and functions that would be expected from a tablet at twice such a price.
Last but by no means least, the very best fully functional tablet PC that also doubles as a stunning eReader has to be the Apple iPad 2, which starts at around the $500 mark but is essentially one of the best fully portable computer systems ever devised with a range of functions too infinite to comprehend.
(Of note, the author of this blog is partial to her Kindle, although she only has the basic WiFi model. She is awaiting the Kindle tablet to see how it compares to the iPad or other such tablets. Rumor has it that the Kindle tablet will start at $399 but could be less since Kindle just had a huge sponsorship from AT&T - all the Kindles will see a price decrease (the cheapest one will start at $99 and go up from there; amazon.com just decreased the price of the Kindle 3G + WiFi to $139 which is what the basic WiFi model without the ads and stuff cost previously. Hoping to see more news on the Kindle Tablet soon - knowing it will be in color and all - E :))
While it remains unlikely that the day will ever come when traditional books become an entirely redundant concept, more and more modern consumers and professionals across the board are turning to eReaders for the lion’s share of their literary pursuits. Thankfully, the demand has resulted in more choices coming onto the market than ever before and with enormous value for money, though for those approaching the subject for the very first time, a little apprehension and confusion is inevitable.
However, the market can be immediately narrowed down to the three key players of the moment to ease the matter somewhat – those being Amazon, Barnes & Noble and somewhat trailing in the rear Sony. That being said, for every high quality eReader there is also a tablet PC alternative, all of which now feature eReading functions as standard.
So, the question therefore is not only which eReader to choose, but whether to choose an eReader in the first play or go for a fully functional tablet PC. There are hundreds of guides available for each and every option online, though the following is a brief look into some of the most important considerations to help those who really have no idea where to start.
1 – Are you looking for reading alone or something entirely more versatile?
Once this particular question has been answered it is effectively simple to cut the available options in half right down the middle. Ask and establish in all honesty exactly what is to be got out of the purchase as a whole, whether it be the reading of books alone, the inclusion of magazines and newspapers, internet browsing capabilities, multimedia options and so on.
If the answer comes out as reading alone which includes magazines and newspapers than an eReader would indeed prove the most sensible option. This would essentially mean a price somewhere around the $120 mark rather than $500 – with each additional feature translating as a higher purchase cost. Of course, there is always something of a middle ground option provided by Barnes & Noble by way of the Nook Color, which sports a touch-screen and a number of tablet style features for around the $250 mark. Establish what the primary function of the device should be and the decision as to which end of the market to look into is made naturally.
2 – Screen Type
There are two primary screen types to choose from in the world of the standard eReader, both of which offer their own unique merits:
E-ink – This is the option that comes about as close to the standard printed page as is ever likely to prove possible on a digital device. Models of the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook and countless others all feature an e-ink screen, which do a truly stunning job of recreating the traditional reading experience. Furthermore, an e-ink screen can be read even in direct sunlight with little to no glare or reflection. The main drawback for e-ink comes by the way of purely black and white content, along with fairly restricted versatility and page-load speeds.
LCD – The alternative option is the bright, backlit and endlessly versatile color LCD display which undoubtedly has the e-ink option licked by way of beauty. However, the downside is that the reflective nature of the screen makes it prone to glare and reflection, with the backlight being known as tiresome to eyes over extended periods.
The rest of the bell and whistles featured really come down to personal preference, but for those looking for a little further push in the right direction, here are some specific suggestions.
The very best overall e-ink option is undoubtedly that of the latest Nook, which offers a truly wonderful reading experience for a modest $139. Those willing to bear the odd ad popping up on their Kindle are handsomely with a stunning device for little more than $110 which makes the perfect choice for relaxing on any leather reclining sofa.
With regard to color screen options, the Barnes & Noble Nook Color takes the prize, weighing in at less than $250 and offering many of the features and functions that would be expected from a tablet at twice such a price.
Last but by no means least, the very best fully functional tablet PC that also doubles as a stunning eReader has to be the Apple iPad 2, which starts at around the $500 mark but is essentially one of the best fully portable computer systems ever devised with a range of functions too infinite to comprehend.
(Of note, the author of this blog is partial to her Kindle, although she only has the basic WiFi model. She is awaiting the Kindle tablet to see how it compares to the iPad or other such tablets. Rumor has it that the Kindle tablet will start at $399 but could be less since Kindle just had a huge sponsorship from AT&T - all the Kindles will see a price decrease (the cheapest one will start at $99 and go up from there; amazon.com just decreased the price of the Kindle 3G + WiFi to $139 which is what the basic WiFi model without the ads and stuff cost previously. Hoping to see more news on the Kindle Tablet soon - knowing it will be in color and all - E :))
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
New website, new books
I've just released my website where I will house my other books. Currently being critiqued by two young folks and another friend is my YA paranormal (still not really sure it fits in this paranormal genre but is definitely a YA) novel is "Finally Home." The other day while on plurk, after seeing another post by Kevin about his missing bowling shirt, I had an idea for a picture book about "The Missing Shirt" that kind of travels around the states before finding its way home to Kevin. Covers will be posted as soon as I have them. So please check out my new website and let me know what you think - E :)
H. C. Paye featured today
If you are looking for a little more insight into my illustrator, H.C. Paye, please drop by the Writers on the Move blog and find out about her graphic design. One of the covers featured on the article is my friend's, Ms. Faye Tollison, "To Tell the Truth" and I must say it is still gorgeous. I have three copies for sale if anyone is interested in getting a signed copy from the author; just drop me an email or you can go to her website and order from any of the places listed there. You can also order directly from Faye who will be happy to personalize your copy. Happy readings, ya'll - E :)
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Book Review: Tales of Ever by Jen Wylie
Tales of Ever series by Jen Wylie is another in the electric short series from Quake Me, a division of Echelon Press.
Jen Wylie had this reader hooked from the first story. She takes you into a world of danger and foreverness that one cannot escape no matter what. I so love this series and cannot wait for the next three installments.
We follow "Fire Girl" through her adventures in the land of Ever and meet many interesting characters along the way. The three available stories in the series are Banished, Fire Girl and Shadow Boy. I'm not much of a fantasy/sci-fi reader but I must say that Ms. Wylie absolutely drew me in and in such a way that I really forgot I was reading fantasy/sci-fi or whatever the genre is.
RATINGS: 5 stars (for the series and each book)
Book Info:
Banished
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 168 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press (March 1, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004Q9TX4A
Lending: Enabled
Fire Girl
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 146 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press LLC (April 5, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004VFN5SO
Lending: Enabled
Shadow Boy
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 225 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press LLC (May 4, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004ZFVSBG
Lending: Enabled
I definitely want the rest of this series - keep up the great job, Jen.
Jen Wylie had this reader hooked from the first story. She takes you into a world of danger and foreverness that one cannot escape no matter what. I so love this series and cannot wait for the next three installments.
We follow "Fire Girl" through her adventures in the land of Ever and meet many interesting characters along the way. The three available stories in the series are Banished, Fire Girl and Shadow Boy. I'm not much of a fantasy/sci-fi reader but I must say that Ms. Wylie absolutely drew me in and in such a way that I really forgot I was reading fantasy/sci-fi or whatever the genre is.
RATINGS: 5 stars (for the series and each book)
Book Info:
Banished
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 168 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press (March 1, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004Q9TX4A
Lending: Enabled
Fire Girl
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 146 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press LLC (April 5, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004VFN5SO
Lending: Enabled
Shadow Boy
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 225 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press LLC (May 4, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004ZFVSBG
Lending: Enabled
I definitely want the rest of this series - keep up the great job, Jen.
Book Review: Delbert Dallas and the Dragon Diaries series
Delbert Dallas and the Dragon Diaries series by J. R. Turner is part of the electric shorts from Quake Me, an Echelon Press subsidiary, for kids. These short stories can be read in a short amount of time. They are only available as ebooks but for only 99 cents, they are just right.
The three in the series available so far are Voyage to Viking Island, The Civil War Skirmish and Viva La Francine!. There are three more in the series, scheduled to come out once a month (not sure of exact release dates as the third installment was late as they are supposed to be released the fourth Tuesday of the month). This historical fiction stories are written in conjunction with J.R.'s son. I believe it was his idea to turn the guitar into the dragon and do some time traveling.
They are fun and easy reads. J.R. does put a little glossary at the end of each story so you don't have to worry about tripping up on the words. I like that she brings some history to life in such a quick manner. Ms. Turner has taken a small date in history and given us a glimpse of what might have occurred at that moment.
This reader is enjoying the series and will continue reading it until it is finished. I do hope that Ms. Turner will take some of these short stories and make them longer stories as I see a lot of potential for more story there.
Keep up the great job, J.R..
RATING: 4-1/2 stars (for the series and each story)
BOOK INFO:
Voyage to Viking Island
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 169 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press (March 21, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004TAECNS
Lending: Enabled
Civil War Skirmish
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 211 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press LLC (May 4, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004ZFVCXA
Lending: Enabled
Viva La Francine!
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 214 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press (June 26, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0058EAT86
Lending: Enabled
The three in the series available so far are Voyage to Viking Island, The Civil War Skirmish and Viva La Francine!. There are three more in the series, scheduled to come out once a month (not sure of exact release dates as the third installment was late as they are supposed to be released the fourth Tuesday of the month). This historical fiction stories are written in conjunction with J.R.'s son. I believe it was his idea to turn the guitar into the dragon and do some time traveling.
They are fun and easy reads. J.R. does put a little glossary at the end of each story so you don't have to worry about tripping up on the words. I like that she brings some history to life in such a quick manner. Ms. Turner has taken a small date in history and given us a glimpse of what might have occurred at that moment.
This reader is enjoying the series and will continue reading it until it is finished. I do hope that Ms. Turner will take some of these short stories and make them longer stories as I see a lot of potential for more story there.
Keep up the great job, J.R..
RATING: 4-1/2 stars (for the series and each story)
BOOK INFO:
Voyage to Viking Island
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 169 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press (March 21, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004TAECNS
Lending: Enabled
Civil War Skirmish
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 211 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press LLC (May 4, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004ZFVCXA
Lending: Enabled
Viva La Francine!
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 214 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Echelon Press (June 26, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0058EAT86
Lending: Enabled
Book Review: Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum by Stephen Prosapio
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
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
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.
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