At Acme Wednesday - What Dates Your Book?

Wednesday I'll give some examples of norms which may date your book. Come on over and offer some of your own at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/

Thanks,
Morgan

Ask the Editor Free For All on Tuesday

Ask the Editor Free for All Tuesday - May 4 - at http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/

If you have a question, get on over there and ask an Editor in the comment section, and you'll get an answer.

Hint for Authors who want promo - The Blood-Red Pencil has 771 followers!

Reunited with My Facebook Profile

I'm on vacation using my friend's computer and thought I'd check to see if my Profile Page on Facebook was working for me, as it had been out for over a day.

I got some security questions to answer and then, wonder of wonders, I was reunited with my Profile Page!

Thank goodness, because I was really missing seeing it. The one on my iphone isn't nearly as good as the full version.

Has anyone else ever had such a problem where their Profile Page disappears?

Good Paul and Our Little Rascal at Merrill, WI

Sent from my iPhone

Lost in Space

Last night I went to click on my Profile Page at Facebook, http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel  and all I got was the timer symbol. My Home Page was still intact, plus I could click to my Groups, Book Place and Sixty and Savvy.  I sent a help message to Facebook and am awaiting their reply.

What I didn't know was if anyone else could see my page. So, I sent out a message from my Home Page to the effect, can anyone see me?

Turns out people can see me, but I'm invisible to myself. (g) I've been assured by others that this has happened to them and magically the Profile Page will reappear.

In the meantime, if I get really lonesome for my Profile Page at Facebook, wonder of wonders, I can still bring it up on my Iphone!  I guess this is just another vagary of social networking I'll have to put up with.

Has anyone else been Lost in Space for a while?

Annoying Blog at Acme

I've got an annoying blog going over at Acme for my Wednesday offering. Come on over to http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ and offer your input.

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

PS - No, that's not me on the left. I thought it was a funny looking photo from Istock.com.

Please Welcome My Guest and Good Friend, Debra St. John - Romance Writer

I'm very happy to host my good buddy, Debra St. John, here today at Double M, as she tours the cyber world promoting her sweet and spicy romance, "Wild Wedding Weekend."

And now, here's Debra -

Morgan, thanks so much for having me back at Double M! I’ve been ‘touring’ the web promoting my latest release “Wild Wedding Weekend”, and it’s a privilege to be here for one of the stops. Today’s visit is special because Morgan is not only a fellow author, but a dear friend as well.

Over the past few months I’ve had several projects going on: promotion for WWW, edits on my upcoming release “This Can’t Be Love”, and trying to make progress on a new manuscript. With all of that going on, I’ve had to make sure I stay on track and on top of everything, so along the way I’ve set some goals as to what I’d like to accomplish.

As a writer, setting goals is an important part of the process. Without them, at least for me, not a lot happens. I tend to use two different types of goals. What I like to call informal and formal. An informal goal is one I have in the back of my mind that ‘someday’ I’d like to get around to. Someday could be today, tomorrow, or next year. These are nice because they give me a direction to head in, but being fairly open-ended, don’t really provide an impetus to get going.

What works better for me are those formal goals: ones I’ve written down. Somehow putting them in writing makes me more accountable. Plus it’s fun to check off or cross each goal out after I’ve accomplished it! For my formal goals I like to follow an acronym I picked up: S.M.A.R.T. I’ve seen several variations of this acronym used, but these are the phrases that work best for me.

SMART goals are:

Specific – Not I’ll write some pages today, but I’ll write at least ten pages today.

Measurable – Checking the page count at the bottom of my word processing screen will let me know if I’ve reached my goal.

Action-Oriented – Getting those pages done means I’ve actively put my fingers to the keyboard and put some words on the screen.

Realistic – I didn’t say I was going to write 100 pages today. Ten is much more manageable for me. And, I said ‘at least’, so I can go further if I’m inspired.

Timed – I want to get those pages done today, not whenever.

So, in a nutshell, my SMART goal for today is to write at least five pages. (Since it’s a work day and time is a bit scarce, I’ve adjusted my example of ten pages to make it a bit more realistic.) I’ll check back in at the end of the day and let you know how I did!

Now, how about you? What’s your SMART goal for the day?




Here's an Amazon link, in case you feel the urge to buy Debra's book.

And here's here website: http://www.debrastjohnromance.com/

Please leave a comment below to welcome Debra here to Double M.

Facebook and Conference

Things have to settle down soon, but in the meantime I'm torn between getting more established on Facebook and getting ready for Spring Fling Conference this weekend.

I've finally gotten my 25 quota for fans for my Fan Page, so now I can shorten the url. I'll have to figure out what to use for that. My regular Facebook Page is pretty simple: http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel
Should I call it http://facebook.com/morganmandel.fanpage? I'll have to think about it.

Now, for the conference. I've finally figured out what to wear and what to pitch. I'm kind of, but not completely ready, hoping it won't rain to hard trying to get there, and determined to have a good time anyway!

I'll let you know what happens on both Facebook and the Conference.

Morgan

Up in Smoke

How does that saying go about the best laid plans of mice and men?
Find out this Wednesday at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ how my book signing at Cover to Cover for Saturday, May 8 has gone up in smoke.

Facebook, here we come

If you haven't already, please friend me at http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Also, I'd appreciate your fanning me at Facebook also by doing a search for Morgan Mandel - Author and Social Networking Addict

I'm not through yet - Also please consider joining the Group, Book Place on Facebook
and if you qualify or want to confess to it, also  Sixty and Savvy

These two groups are replacing my groups at Ning which will be phased out as soon as premium pricing kicks in.

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Ning is going premium - Facebook, here we come

I heard Thursday that Ning networks are going premium only, meaning network creators have to ante up to keep their networks. This is one network creator who will be bowing out. No way will I be coerced to pay. Can't afford it and don't intend to collect dues from my members. Too much of a hassle.

So, I've started two groups at Facebook, one called Book Place, for the Book Place Ning members, but all book lovers are welcome to join.

The other is Sixty and Savvy, for the Sixty and Savvy Ning members, and all who are near or over 60 or curious about what it's like. We'll share memorabilia, memories, tips, and more. 

I invite you to come on over and join us. Just go to the Search box at Facebook and type in one or both of the group names.

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Academy of Country Music Awards

ACM awards are Sunday night on CBS at 7:00pm Central, 8:00 pm Eastern.  I can hardly wait! It promises to be a great show. They always are.

Who will win Entertainer of the Year? I'll have a hard time deciding, since I love them all. Here are the ones up for the award:

Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith or the Zac Brown Band?

You can vote and make a difference at http://www.acmcountry.com/home/index.php

Now I'm going over to the living room to watch the ACM Top New Artists Show on GAC.
http://www.gactv.com/gac/shows_spl/episode/0,3038,GAC_26200_68517,00.html

Check out Word Play, a new Monthly Feature at Blood-Red Pencil

Come on over and play Word Play Tuesday at http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
New and easy to do.

Thanks,
Morgan

Book Signing Weekend

Saturday, I'm over at Barnes & Noble - DePaul Center, State and Jackson, Chicago, from 12-3 to sign Killer Career. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello.

Sunday, I'll be at the Fiction Fair at the Deerfield Public Library, where I'll bring copies of my three books with me for signing. I'm happy to note that many familiar names are on the list. Maybe you know some of them also.




Here's the speaking schedule for Sunday:

1:30 Debra St. John
1:45 Alex Matthews
2:00 Bob Krukowski (“Lloyd Frankland”)
2:15 Margot Justes
2:30 Michael Black
2:45 Michael Bellito
3:00 Gail Lukasik
3:15 Jim Proebstle
3:30 Tim Broderick
3:45 Linda Mickey
4:00 Morgan Mandel
4:15 Libby Fischer Hellmann

Hope to see you at one of the events!
Morgan

Spring 2010 Mysterical-E Online Magazine Author Snapshot of Morgan Mandel

I was trying to figure out what to write about next when I received an email from Chris Verstraete. I had responded to an interview request a while back to appear in the Mysterical-E Online Magazine, and she mentioned the finished product just hit the Internet.

So now, I'm happy to refer you to the Spring Mysterical-E online magazine issue where I'm featured in the  Author Snapshot. Chris Verstraete did a fantastic job setting it all up and asking great questions for me to answer.

So, please hop on over and take a look. The magazine is very eye-catching.
http://mystericale.com/index.php?issue=current_issue&body=file&file=author_snapshot.htm

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Busy Three Days

It's a busy first three days this week, as I hop around the Internet.
I invite you to check out these blogs -

Monday - The Unfinished House - http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/
Tuesday - The very popular Ask the Editor Feature at http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
Wednesday - Speaking Engagements - Social Networking - http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/

Thursday, I'll be back here again. Topic to be discovered yet in my brain. (g)

Morgan

Happy Easter and Passover

Just want to wish my Christian friends a Happy Easter and my Jewish friends a Good Passover.

Our Little Rascal is On Facebook

I've been away from here for a bit posting to my group blogs, and also setting up Facebook pages for Rascal. If any of you are on Facebook, I'd appreciate your friending me, if you haven't already at http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel.
Also, if you do a search for Our Little Rascal, you'll find a regular page and a fan page for her. Take your pick or choose both.

Thanks,
Morgan

My baby isn't perfect

Okay, I knew it probably wasn't, but since I'm it's mother I still hoped it was. I brought in my first 20 pages of Forever Young to be critiqued at our meeting Monday night.

The result is now I see areas I can make better. I've discovered new ways I can go with my story. Finding these things out before my manuscript goes to an editor is a good thing. So, for the rest of the night, actually maybe 45 minutes, I spent looking over the comments on the written critiques.I'll be going over them more tonight.I'm excited about  trying out the changes and making the story stronger.

What about you? Do you rely only on your own judgment, or do you let your baby be examined by others? Do you pay attention if someone says it's not perfect?

Happy 101 Award

Thank you, Helen Ginger, for awarding me the Happy 101 Award. Now that it's a bit more sunny out and we're expecting a warmer temperatures later this week, I am feeling in a happy mood. Spring weather looks like it's arriving.

One of the requirements for accepting this award is to post 10 things that make me happy and then to pass it along to 5 other bloggers.

My Ten are:

1. My family, including my husband, my brothers and their families.

2. My dog, Rascal - I can't resist trying to make her happy also. She's too cute to resist. I'm afraid I spoil her a bit.

3. My Chicago-North RWA friends - I love hanging out with them at the meetings, also learning from them.

4. Connecting with my online friends - I enjoy sharing my thoughts and reading theirs.

5. Getting comments on my blogs - Comments show that people are coming over, also they give me more ideas I wouldn't have thought of on my own. I like to make new friends by visiting blogs from people who comment on mine.

6. Autographing my books - I feel like a real author when I get to sign books for readers.

7. Finishing writing a manuscript - It's wonderful when I can say my book is ready for the world.

8. Eating foods like pizza, ice cream, gyros.  

9. Playing slots at the casino. When I win, I feel happier, but I still am happy playing when I lose.

10. Shopping. Finding purses and costume jewelry I like, finding clothes that fit, shoes that fit.

And now to pass on the award. There are so many great bloggers. This time I pick:

Christine Verstraete
Marilyn Brant
L. Diane Wolfe
Lillie Ammann
Mary Welk

PS I have some other awards that I received earlier, was going to pass them on, but never got around to it. That's why I decided to do this one right away, so I wouldn't get lazy. I hope to get to the others soon.

By the way,
 Do any of the things I mentioned also make you happy?

Barking at a Bag

This morning when I was walking Rascal, it was still pretty dark, compliments of Daily Savings Time. We turned the corner, she looked and started barking. I saw nothing scary, only a white trash bag, with its top blowing in the wind.

Apparently, since her eyes are not as good as mine (I have the advantage of glasses), what she saw looked menacing.

It was around 6:15 a.m. and not a good idea for a dog to be barking loudly and waking people up on a Sunday morning, so I brought her up to the bag so she could see it was nothing to be afraid of. Once she got close, she calmed down and stopped barking.

We can do something similar in a manuscript, but not be as kind to our readers as I was with Rascal. Present a problem to our characters. Let them get worried about a hopeless situation, then make it even worse. When it all seems hopeless, somehow make everything okay - that is, unless you don't want it to be.

The ending is up to you. Maybe you want something horrible that won't go away inside that bag. Thank goodness, that wasn't the case this morning with Rascal.

What scary things have you presented to your readers in one of your manuscripts? Or, maybe you particularly liked what someone else did. You don't have to tell us the ending. Let us be scared and read to find out if it will all be okay.

Words of Wisdom For Me?

If you're in the area on Sunday, March 28, come join me at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton, Niles,Illinois at 1:30, when I'll discuss Social Networking for Fun and/or Promotion.

As I've mentioned, Sunday I'm doing a program at the Niles Public Library about Social Networking for Fun and/or Promotion.

You still have a chance to include your words of wisdom. Send me a comment about social networking, what are your likes or dislikes, what's your favorite, a special how-to, or whatever you want. I just might include your comment in my program, so make sure to leave your name and blogspot or website!

Morgan

Backup Plan

If you're in the area on Sunday, March 28, come join me at the Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton, Niles,Illinois at 1:30, when I'll discuss Social Networking for Fun and/or Promotion.

Your computer is infected. You stand the chance of losing everything you spent so long to put on there. That's not the time to be considering a backup plan, but I confess to being guilty.

About three weeks ago, the DH clicked on a link on our home computer resulting in havoc. All kinds of messages popped up about spyware on the computer. We knew better than to click on them and instead kept shutting the machine down. Those insistent messages still popped up, so we had to call McAfee to get the situation resolved.

We were lucky. The technician knew what to do, removed the offending program and the computer, with all our precious information stored on it, was saved.

Unfortunately, it's not always that simple. Years ago, when we had our first computer, we ran into a nasty virus. The only way to use the computer again was to wipe everything off and start fresh.

I keep meaning to implement a backup plan and really need to do so. I've paid for Flickr and have some photos stored on there. I also have an account at Adobe.com where I can store photos. I just haven't gotten around to doing so. I do have almost every photo I've ever taken still on memory cards, plus many are accessible on the Net, still I really need to get more organized in the event of catastrophe.

I send my works in progress to my alter-email almost every day just in case, so I don't lose them. Still, I've got lots of other documents stored in my computers which I'd hate to lose, yet I've not bothered to protect them. I need to get a system going and do that before it's too late. I have an external hard drive. I just need to bother and get it done, although to be really safe I should probably also send my documents off online to somewhere like DataSafe, which Dell recommends. Even that isn't foolproof. What if the company went out of business? Still, it would be better than not taking any action.

What about you? Do you have a Backup Plan? Do you use it?

Who Gets Aries Rising?

I'm happy to announce the winner of Bonnie Hearn Hill's Aries Rising is:


                      MARGAY ROBERGE !!!!!

Thanks to everyone who participated with your comments, and thanks to Bonnie Hearn Hill for being my guest and generously providing her book as a prize.

I'll be offering more giveaways here from time to time.

Also, check out http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ .
March 26 marks the 3 year birthday of our group blog. We will be doing giveaways there on more than one day to celebrate.

Lastly, Have you ever looked for one thing and found another? Tell us about it at my blog post below.

Thanks
Morgan

Looking for one thing and finding another

This morning, I noticed one of my pens had fallen apart in my purse. I figured I'd look for the missing parts later.

Then, I decided to write checks for some credit card bills with my other pen. I finished that, but I wanted a paper clip to keep the bills together, since I planned on going to the bank and paying them on the way to work. So, I dug on the bottom of my very crowded purse to see if any paper clips could be had.

Instead of a paper clip, I came up with the top of the pen, in a spot unexpected, since it was on the other side of the purse, separated by lots of other items. I dug in again and found a spring, still no paper clip. I was happy to put the pen back in shape to be used later, and decided I really didn't need a paper clip after all.

This happened to me while writing Forever Young, which is still under construction. I needed a fix to get the story moving, but it eluded me. Originally I intended to include a slew of characters. Still, the ones I thought I'd include didn't quite fit. I couldn't figure out where they belonged.

I expanded the role of a confidante who had been barely skimmed over and buried in the story. By doing that, I discovered an entirely new direction for the novel. Now, the story will be more cohesive. I don't need those other characters, but they won't go to waste. I plan on using them later, perhaps in an anthology, or novels of their own.

What about you? Have you looked for one thing and found another, either in life or in writing?

Tipoff at Acme and Announcement Soon

The announcement of the winner of Bonnie Hearn Hill's book, Aries Rising, will be happening shortly. In the meantime, if you'd like, you can hop over to http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ and read about The Tipoff.

Thanks,
Morgan

Please Welcome My Guest, Mystery Author, Bonnie Hearn Hill

Contest Alert: Be sure to leave a comment with your name and email address here. One lucky person will win a copy of Aries Rising.


Bonnie Hearn Hill, a newspaper editor in a past life, is the author of Intern and five other adult thriller novels. She teaches writing in Fresno, California and an occasional online class for authorlink.com She also mentors writers and speaks at numerous writing conferences.

Here's a few questions thrown to her about her mentoring:
Q. I know you have chosen to teach and mentor other writers. Who are your most outstanding students?

A. I can't answer that. Would it be Hazel Dixon-Cooper who got a six-figure advance for two humorous astrology books and went on to be the Cosmopolitan magazine astrologer? Or would it be Gloria Salas, a fourth-grade dropout/genius, who sold her first confession and ran through the grocery store, screaming to everyone in line, "I wrote this. This is my story." ?

Q. Any other student success stories?

A. More than I can recount here. I do recall one young guy back in the early '90s who didn't understand that his point-of-view was bouncing all over the place. I kept writing, "VP," on his manuscript, and he kept moving his story higher on the page. He thought I was writing, "UP." Happy ending, though. His book, PRISON SHIP, was published this year by Ace. His name is Mike Bowers, and he told me the book was accepted pretty much as I edited it ten years before. He had lost faith in it and asked me to tell other writers, "Don't give up the way I did."

For more from Bonnie, check out:

http://www.bonniehearnhill.com/
facebook.com/bonnie.h.hill

Here's a little something about Bonnie's Latest Release -

ARIES RISING -By Bonnie Hearn Hill

First of the Star Crossed Series from Running Press/Perseus Books

When Terra Bella Beach student Logan McRae discovers Fearless Astrology, all she wants is to win a writing fellowship for the summer to Monterey, and maybe catch the interest of Nathan, the senior she’s kissed only once. He seems more interested in Geneva, the tall, blond Libra editor of the school newspaper—until Logan uses some Leo-pleasing flattery on him. Nathan seems to be coming around, but Logan still has to convince Mr. Franklin, her gruff Taurus English teacher, that she deserves the fellowship.

Frankenstein says she doesn’t put enough of herself in her writing. She tries to appeal to him with homemade brownies. That falls flat, but her opportunity presents itself when the Gears, a group of boys causing mischief at school, streaks her friend Chili’s backyard while Logan, Chili, and Paige, are in the spa.

The Gears also paint nasty things about the Capricorn journalism teacher, Ms. Snider, on the wall at school. Logan decides to identify them using astrology. Frankenstein is intrigued.

Logan is Aquarius with a Pisces Moon. Pretty mellow, but her Aires Rising gives her some Fire. She decides to put it to work to get what she wants. With the fellowship—and Nathan—hanging in the balance, she resolves to trap the Gears on the night she is certain that they will strike again. It is a risky scheme that involves Calypso, a dress mannequin that the girls have dressed up to resemble Logan.

What Logan has failed to see in the stars is someone with a more deadly motive. Then suddenly, the stakes increase, and there’s more at risk than any of the threats by the Gears.

Buy Link for Bonnie's Book - http://www.amazon.com/Star-Crossed-Bonnie-Hearn-Hill/dp/0762436700

One last question, Bonnie -

Q. I'm a Leo. What does that say about me as a writer?

A. Leo is one of my favorite signs, if only because you have such fabulous hair (manes). You're ruled by the Sun, and that light probably shows on your face. You are probably also extremely talented. Your challenge may be to decide what you really want to write, as opposed to what gives you a quick ego fix. Go for the long-term high.

Thanks for letting me visit your blog on my 31 Days of Aries.
Bonnie

Can't find Bonnie? Then you're not looking!

Here's a few spots to try -

http://www.bonniehearnhill.com/

facebook.com/StarCrossedseries

facebook.com/bonnie.h.hill

The Star Crossed Series

Aries Rising, March 2010

Taurus Eyes, Summer 2010

Gemini Night, Fall 2010

Please welcome Bonnie by leaving a comment and your email address. You may be the lucky winner of Aries Rising - check her website/facebook pages for details on an ITouch contest.

Going, Going, Almost Gone

That snow we got Saturday morning is beginning to disappear, at least on the sidewalks and on some of the shrubs and trees. The grass will take longer.

Anyway, I'm glad to see it's leaving. This means I can walk to the train again in my gym shoes next week and not worry about slipping on ice or snow. That is a big plus because I for one definitely need the exercise.
How's it doing in your corner of the world?

Say It Isn't Snow

It's Back Again, and I'm not happy. Neither is Rascal. She took one look and I had to force her out the door. Can't blame her. We've had enough of the wet, white stuff for this year. I'm hoping it leaves real soon.

What about you? Would you like to keep some around, or would you prefer it be banished, at least until next December?

Technical Assistance

I need stock in that Go to Assist. I'm not sure if it's part of Windows or some kind of special software. All I know is, it's been in use in my household lately.

Last weekend, I had the spyware virus thing, with the messages popping up about how I better install special spyware or all hell would break loose. I knew better than to fall for that, but unfortunately, it kept getting in the way, even though I hadn't clicked on it. So, McAfee and $89.95 later, with the Assist software taking over my computer, that was fixed.

Tuesday night, I got a message on my computer that the Dell Network Assistant software had expired. If I clicked the button, I could renew it at a cost of $39.95. When I refused, the network shut off. Since I was fortunate enough to have purchased a gold support plan when I bought my computer, Wednesday night I got the offending software off with the aid of the technician, again taking over my machine. She assured me I didn't need it to connect and she was right.

What fun! How can a person get anything done with all these roadblocks. Well, I'm trying anyway. I've got almost everything together for my Niles Public Library program on March 28, plus I'm plugging along on my thriller, Forever Young.

What about you? Have you had experiences with technical assistance, or are you a computer genius and can figure such stuff out yourself?

On Being Part Irish

Well, I'm part Irish, but I'm also part Italian, English, German, and French. So, I get to wear green for St. Patrick's Day, and red for St. Joseph's Day.

I have no idea what colors to wear or when to wear them for my other nationalities. Does anyone else know? It's okay if you don't. You could just tell me if you wear green for St. Patrick's Day and/or red for St. Joseph's Day.

Or, if you want, you could go over to http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ Wednesday and read my blog about Handouts.

Comment at Make Mine Mystery on Monday to Enter the Drawing

My guest, Kensington Roth, is offering a drawing for a free copy of his spy thriller, Able Danger on Monday.
Come on over to http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/ for details on how to be eligible.

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Are You In With The In Crowd?

This past week I felt like I was definitely in with the in crowd. That's because I heard tons of commercials for Turbo Tax and H and R Block. Guess what I was doing?

Okay, if you've read my blogs before, you already know the answer. I was getting my tax papers organized. That's not an easy thing for me, since my methods are not recommended. I used to be able to balance my checkbooks, but have given up on that idea. I do type out my registers in Excel, so they're easier to subtract and read.

I use more than one charge card for author and publishing expenses, mainly because I can't resist getting those Amazon credits. I also have a business card which I use when going to dinner meetings, plus an older charge card which has automatically deducted my web hosting and provider fees for years. (That's right, you may be surprised to know I do have a website at http://www.morganmandel.com/ . It's got lots of stuff on it, but is not updated as often as my blogs)

I'm veering off course on ths subject. Anyway, I did it! I've got all my income tax stuff ready in the nick of time. We're heading off to the accountant this afternoon. I'm thankful I only go through this once a year.

For those who can use Turbo Tax, I salute you. I'm afraid I'm too far gone now into using an accountant. I don't know half of what she does with depreciation and other mysterious concepts.

Anyway, I did better than last year. Last year I had to skip my Step Class so I could finish organizing it all.. Today, I was fortunate enough to go to my class and suffer through another grueling session of trying to get fit. Aren't I lucky!

What about you? Are you in with the in crowd? Are you doing your taxes, or have you finished them?

Forever Young

I'm working on Forever Young, my Boomer thriller about a widow who takes pills which take her back from age 55 to age 25. I've put aside my children's book about Rascal, because I don't have time for both. Spring Fling Conference is on April 23 and my manuscript is only half done.

So, I'll be posting here and there when I can. I invite you to mention your work in progress in the comment section, if you wish.

Read about Marilyn (FM) Meredith's Axe to Grind at Acme

Marilyn (FM) Meredith has an Axe to Grind. Read about it at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/

Caught by Surprise at Blood-Red Pencil

Find out today at The Blood-Red Pencil how I was Caught by Surprise.
Don't let it happen to you!

Morgan Mandel

What's Your Favorite Social Network? Why?

On March 28, I'm speaking about Social Networking for Fun and/or Promotion at the Niles Public Library. I can tell people what I think, but what do you think? Tell me  What's your Favorite Social Network? Why?

Let me know and I may mention you in my speech.

Thanks,
Morgan

When and Where to Prune

Wednesday evening I was watching a show called Chicago Tonight on WTTW in Chicago. Phil Ponce interviewed an expert from the Chicago Botanical Garden.

One of the topics was it's not too early to prune. Right now, you can look for spots dead or damaged from winter and cut them off.

That said, she also mentioned you need to know your plants and bushes. With some of them, it's better to wait until they've fully flowered before pruning them, or else you may cut off where the flowers were going to bloom.

Of course, the topic reminded me of editing. I have the terrible habit of editing too closely when I'm writing my manuscript. I should be eliminating the obvious mistakes, then going on to the finish line. Then I can go back and remove or rearrange what doesn't work. When it's all done and I believe I've done my best, I'll hand it over to a professional editor, like Helen Ginger, who did a great job editing my romantic suspense, Killer Career. 

Anyway, for now, I'll keep reminding myself to forge ahead. Let's see if it works.

What about you? Do you know when and where to prune?

Check Out the Ask the Editor Free For All

Today, we're hosting the Ask The Editor Free For All at http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/

Got a question for an editor? Pop on over and leave it in the comment section, and one or more of the editors will provide an answer also in the comment section.  Leave your website or blogspot along with your name. If the answer to a question needs to be explained at length, one of our editors will devote an entire blog to it later.

Don't miss a chance for this free promo. Last count, The Blood Red Pencil had 674 followers.

Get on over and ask your question.

Tax Man Cometh

I'm being dragged away from my work-in-progress by necessity, and I'm not happy about it. Today, I'm doing what I should have been doing right along - Keeping our financial stuff in order. No, my checkbooks are not balanced - they're barely legible. I'm in the midst of transferring the second register into Excel, where it will make a lot more sense to look at. It's almost 6:00 pm and I'm up to September, 2009. My goal is to get through December on the Excel register. It may take a while since half the time I didn't bother entering payroll deposits or ATM withdrawals in the register. That's the trouble with automatic debit. It's too easy to ignore balancing the checkbook and figure if the ATM receipt shows there's money, everythings's okay. Once in a while I do go to the bank's site also to see if any major checks are lurking out there uncashed. Sad to say, I don't go there often enough.

During the week, I'll color code highlights in these registers to reflect whether or not it's a business expense, or household deduction. Then, I'll go through the charge card statements and do the same thing.  I know, lots of people use a separate business charge card to make things easier on themselves, and I did transfer some of my expenses over to a business charge, but I'm still hooked on Amazon and like to gather points there for purchases.

Next Sunday I'll tackle my business checking and savings accounts. They're less intricate, since I like to keep the money I make from my books in them and that's all. The system that works for me is to put into savings whatever I didn't have to collect sales taxes on, such as bookstore signing payouts. The business checking account is for the opposite - books sold that needed to be accounted for to the State of Illinois for sales tax purposes. Fortunately, I got their sales tax payment out of the way at the end of December, since that's when it was due. One less item to worry about.

Anyway, I have a deadline of March 13 to put it into the hands of the accountant, and you can probably surmise from this post that I'm under the gun. I hope all the effort will be worth it in the end after all the writing expenses have been added up and deducted.

Whatever happens is always a surprise to me. That's because, in case you can't tell, I'm no financial wizard. I'll get it done somehow. I know that because I always do. (g)

What about you? Have you finished your taxes? Okay, now you can brag about how great your system is if you feel like it.

Just Another Love Story

It's Saturday night. While the DH is out watching a wrestling match, here I am, sitting in front of the TV watching another love story, this one called the Wedding Date. I've seen it before, but can't help watching it again.

There's something about a love story that makes me feel good. The same thing's true about a good romance novel. I love happy endings.

What about you? Have you seen or read a good love story lately?

Calendar, sticky notes, both? How do you remember things?

How do you remember things? Do you keep a calendar? What kind?
I have more than a few, but they're all the kind I write on with pen and paper. One by my desk at work, one by my desk at home, one on the wall at home, plus one in my purse. I also use sticky notes by my desks at work and at home and in my purse.

What about you? How do you remember things? Do you use a typical calendar, or maybe one on your phone, or sticky notes, maybe both calendar and sticky notes?

See Acme - Blog or Website - The Eternal Question

Well, now I notice that it depends which monitor I'm using how the extra pages will be displayed on the top of my blog. My monitor at home shows them all the way across, but the monitor here at work is a little smaller, so some of the tabs went into another row. It's hard to tell how displays will happen for anything, but I'll probably keep it this way anyway. Lots of people are investing in larger monitors lately.

Anyway, today's subject at my Wednesday group blog at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ today is
Blog or Website - The Eternal Question. Come on over and give us your take on the subject.

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

How to Add Extra Pages on Your Blogger Blog

If you'd like tabs and extra pages for your Blogger Blog like I have on the top of mine, sign into your blog, go to the top right and Pick Customize, then go to the Dashboard. Go to the Layout tab and look for where you can add a Gadget. On mine, the choice is in the middle after the title, or on the left sidebar. By choosing the middle one, you can get tabs that go across the page. How many depends on your template, but the most you can add are ten. By picking the sidebar, you'll get a list effect.

After that, go back to the Dashboard. If you have more than one blog, pick the one you want to work on. When the list of posts comes up, instead of clicking on one of those, look on the top left for Edit Post (that's where mine is. Yours might be somewhere else)

After you click that, you should get a choice to add a page. When that comes up, fill it out the same same way you would a regular post and click Publish, or Draft if you don't want it up right away.

Ten pages are possible if your blog template is wide enough. Otherwise, you'll probably get less. Also, if your page names are long, you may end up with more than one row. I shortened my titles when that happened to me.

After it's done, you can decide whether or not you like the way it looks. If you don't like the new look, you can always delete and go back to how your blog looked before. I like the idea of having the tabs where everyone can see them right away and be enticed to check out the contents, although I do think my blog has a busier look now. I guess I'll have to accept that for the greater good.

Are you going to add extra pages? If so, let us know how it worked for you.
Morgan Mandel

What Should I Put On My Extra Pages?

Now that Blogger has added a new feature where blogs can now have up to 10 more pages added to them, I'm in a quandary. What should I put on those extra pages? I'm thinking maybe a bio, book excerpts, some photos. Still, that's a lot of pages to fill up. If I do fill them up, I wonder if I'll even need my website any  more at http://www.morganmandel.com/ . It's something to ponder.

Not only that, when will I ever have time to start such a project?

Will you be using your extra pages? What will you use them for?

PS You can access this by going to Layout and picking the first gadget which gives you the ability to add pages.

Small Press Author Does Indie

Hi Gang,
I'm over at Celia Yeary's blog today telling about my experience publishing Killer Career - Small Press Author Does Indie - Come on over and give your take as well at
http://celiayeary.blogspot.com/2010/02/morgan-mandel-indie-and-traditional.html

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Buzz and Am I the Only One Out of Control?

I'm happy to be one of the author/bloggers interviewed at Book Marketing Buzz today.
By the way, Am I The Only One Out of Control Lately? See Acme Authors Link.

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Dick Francis Is Gone

I was going to post something about Valentine's Day, but then I heard the news that one of my favorite mystery writers had died. I first read a Dick Francis' mystery many years ago from the high school library. I immediately searched for more of them. As soon as one came out, I had to read it.

I never tired of his characters, many of whom were ex-jockeys like himself. They had an admirable sang froid manner of dealing with whatever life handed out and rising above the evil and/or pain. Here's a link to an article about Dick Francis:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/7236708/Dick-Francis-dies-aged-89.html

I note that his son, Felix, plans to carry on writing novels. It will be interesting to see how well he does without his Dad's collaboration. Felix has some very large shoes to fill, figuratively speaking. Having been a jockey, I doubt if Dick Francis had very large feet. He may have been small physically, but his stature in the mystery community was great.

Though I never met Dick Francis, I'll miss him.

Dann and Raymond's Movie Club Oscar Night

Not too much time to blog, since tonight I was over at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library for another great program of Dann and Raymond's Movie Club by the dynamic duo, longtime Daily Herald film critic, Dann Gire, and renowned author, newspaper freelancer, and musician, Raymond Benson.

The DH and I, along with an estimated a crowd of about 200, were treated to choice film clips, informed comments and quips about current movies and actors nominated this year for the Oscars.

I hadn't seen many of the films, but now I intend to do so, except for perhaps Up. That movie should have been named Down. The short clip left just about everyone in the audience sniffling and wiping their eyes. I don't feel like going through that experience again.

Other than that downer, it was an enjoyable evening.

Have you seen any of the nominated films? Will you be watching the Oscars?

How Much Sleep Do You Get?

I think someone said 7-8 hours is a good amount of sleep to get. If not, all kinds of bad stuff is predicted, such as higher blood pressure, not thinking right, not remembering.

I'm lucky if I get 6 hours of sleep. I can't seem to manage to get more. If I go to bed earlier, I don't fall asleep. If I fall asleep on the couch ahead of time, I can't sleep. It seems the best solution is to stay up until I'm good and tired and then I can sleep.

Unfortunately, that's not the recommended allowance. What about you? How much sleep do you get? Do you think you need more?

Tummy Tuck Anyone?

I've still got until Feb 26 to learn all I can from the 30 days of free lessons from Lynda.com , which Adobe offered when I purchased Adobe Photoshop CS4.

Today, I stumbled upon a neat one that does virtual tummy tucks. They show a man with a hefty belly. After a few magic software adjustments, he's looking mighty lean.

Hmm, maybe I'll get out some of my photos and see about a tummy tuck here and there. It's a painless operation. All it takes is some brain strain and a few clicks here and there.

Would you also like to be a patient? Who knows, maybe I could get a whole waiting room going. I promise not to charge as much as a regular plastic surgeon. (G)

Morgan

Cell Phone or Email?

I can't help but marvel at all the people who walk down the street or drive with a cell phone stuck to the ear. Whatever do they have to talk about for so long?

It's particularly mystifying to me, since I rarily use my  iPhone as a phone. I take photos with it, check my email, and do all sorts of other things instead. The DH and I communicate back and forth on my cell while I'm at work, I'll call other members of the family about plans, or I'll use the phone for long distance calling, but that's about it. I always have a huge amount of units rolled over to the next month.

On the other hand, I'm constantly on the computer using the email feature to communicate with friends, promote my books, arrange book signings, learn all sorts of things, swap jokes, and various other reasons. Somehow email seems more civilized. I'm not demanding someone instantly talk to me. I'm allowing that person to respond when it's convenient, with the understanding that I'm receiving the same courtesy.

Some people say that email has taken away from the personalization of communicating. Maybe, but I tend to believe that even though I don't hear that other person's voice, I'm actually sharing a lot more. I don't know about you, but I tend to reveal more about myself when I write than when I speak.

It's your turn. Tell us, do you prefer cell phone communication over email?  Or, maybe you use them equally?

Facebook's New Design - Do You Like It?

I opened up Facebook this morning and got confused. Overnight apparently a remodeling job was going on. The Daily Herald Business Section this morning said the new design is meant to streamline navigation and also let the games and apps stand out more.

I'm still trying to figure out whether or not I like it. What about you?  What's your take on Facebook's new design?

How Silly Can They Be

Twice in the same day I saw women walking Downtown wearing shoulder bags facing their backs. I also saw women wearing boots with high pointy heels. It's winter in Illinois, snowy, icy and slippery. How silly can they be?

Guys are not excempt from doing silly things. What about putting house or car keys in the coat pocket and leaving the coat in another room at a party? keys have a habit of falling out. Coats have been known to go off with the wrong owners.

When you write, do you let your characters do silly things? Do they do them as a matter of habit or as a mistake? Depending on the answer and the skill of the author, the reader can look on your character as ridiculous or endearing. It's fun to create a quirky character, but the challenge is in not making the person seem too dumb.

What about you? As a reader, do you enjoy it when a character does silly things? What would seem too silly?

As a writer, do you let one of your characters do silly things? On a regular basis? Maybe only once, but it turns out to be once too many?

Please Visit - It's There Somewhere

I'd appreciate your visiting my guest post at Kaye Barley's blog. The topic is It's There Somewhere. Some of you may relate to this one -
http://meanderingsandmuses.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-there-somewhere-by-morgan-mandel.html

If you missed it, you can still come over to comment about whether or not to include politics on blogs at
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2010/02/political-views-by-morgan-mandel.html

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Never Too Old To Learn New Tricks

I bought Adobe Elements 7 over a year ago, but only learned a few basics. Then, I discovered I needed Adobe Photoshop CS4 to really get things done.

Well, I get 30 days of free videos to learn all this Adobe stuff. Over the weekend, I spent many hours listening to the videos and taking notes. Now, the trick is to apply what I learned so far, before I forget.

Tonight I worked on removing blemishes and whitening teeth. The teeth one is hard, because I don't have a steady hand. Even with the minus tool for erasing, I'm still not very good at it. The remove blemish one I had more luck with.

Also, I had fun doing the panorama one. I did one of Rascal in the snow I may use for a book cover or illustration some day.

What about you? Have you played with Adobe? Or, maybe you've been learning something else lately. What is it?

Arianna Huffington - The Huffington Post

Friday night I caught a great interview of Arianna Huffington by Elizabeth Brackett on The Friday Night Show, at WTTW, on Channel 11 in our neck of the woods.

As I listened, I admired her positive attitude, which she attributes to her mother who told her not to be afraid of failure. As a young girl from a poor family in Greece, Arianna dreamed of going to Cambridge and got there by means of a scholarship.

I was not only drawn to Arianna's engaging manner, but also to the fact that she authored 12 books, and was once a candidate for Governor of California. Her latest venture is The Huffington Post, The Internet Newspaper:News Blogs Video Community, which boasts an astronomical number of followers, something like 22 million visitors a month. She's a great believer in the power of the Internet, not only as entertainment, but also for information.

I'm not sure how long it'll be up at the WTTW site, but here's a link to her interview:
http://www.wttw.com/  It's highly motivating and worth a listen. If you check it out, let me know how you like it.

Morgan Mandel

I Didn't Want to Do It

I didn't want to do it. Others have, but I thought maybe I could get away without it. Well, I can't keep coming over here all day and night to check the comment section, to delete a certain spammer that keeps showing up.

So, unfortunately, for now I'm doing the word verification thing. I hate to have people type in those extra letters. It's such an annoyance. I'm hoping that after a while the spammer will turn his or her attentions elsewhere and I can go back to letting my comment people not have to jump through hoops.

Anyway, please don't let it scare you away. I do appreciate your comments here.

Morgan Mandel

Should Rascal Get Her Own Blog?

I'm not sure if Rascal should get her own blog or stay here. Or maybe, later after her book is ready, I'll send her off on her own.

I'm also not sure if I should keep my same name for my book about Rascal or figure out a new one. It's hard to decide these things.

In the meantime, I'm trying to figure out how to work the Adobe Photoshop software. I found some apps for the Iphone I'm checking out, plus a Children's Book for Dummies and Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Dummies.

Lots of learning and deciding.

Ipad or Kindle? That is the Question - One of Many

Well, the great unveiling happened. The latest gizmo has emerged on the scene. With the revelation of the Ipad, questions buzzed in my head. Is it worth the extra money? How much bigger is it than a Kindle? It seems like it could be wider that the average Kindle, and I don't need the International one. I do know it's more expensive than a Kindle. I also know I'm not into playing games, so I wouldn't use it for that. Would I use if for music? Well, my Iphone does a great job on that already. Why carry around something larger if that's the purpose.

Would I use it for reading books? Now that is a good question. How would it compare comfortwise to a Kindle? I tried out a Kindle from our local library and my eyes were very happy - no strain.

Now, with the Ipad and it's color screen, I suppose I can see a nice cover on the screen. I like that idea. But what about glare? Will that be a factor? What about fonts? I guess they can be manipulated. Another big question - What about the price of Ibooks? Will they be more because of the fancier trappings? Amazon does have some great prices for kindle books right now. Will Apple want to compete or will it go for the higher market?

And what about publishing on the Ipad? Are self-publishers allowed?

I'm such an impatient person, but I guess I'll need to wait a little longer for the answers to all these questions. I'm kind of thinking I can't afford buying and maintaining this fun gizmo, especially since for me it would just be a glorified ereader, and not serve too many more purposes - still it is cute.

What about you? Are you tempted?

Going to the Dogs Over at Acme Authors Link

Going to the Dogs - See What I'm talking about at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/.

Thanks,
Morgan

Describe Your Work In Progress

Right now I've got two works in progress. One's a children's lesson book about my deaf dog, Rascal. The other is a thriller on aging targeted for the Boomer generation.

What about you? Tell us briefly about your work or works in progress in the comment section.

Thanks,

Morgan

Beware - Don't Look If You're Easily Grossed Out

B.S. Photo - Rascal before the snow.

Whether or not you're a dog owner, you'll know what I'm talking about here.

The past few months, we've had tons of snow in our part of Illinois, but thanks to the recent warmer weather and rain, most of the white stuff has disappeared.

Hidden underneath the pretty white stuff was - to put it indelicately - a lot of crap. I spent a good part of Saturday and  this morning scooping it up with a shovel and depositing it into plastic garbage bags.

You may wonder how I can think of relating this nasty little chore to writing. Here goes -

After you've finished your manuscript, it may look beautiful and wonderful to you, but beware. Hidden under that false beauty can be all sorts of nasty piles of stuff that need to be removed. If you're savvy enough, you can tackle the cleanup job yourself. Otherwise, you may need the help of a critique group or editor to do the chore for you. Here are a few nasties to clean up:

Backstory dumps - Do readers really need to know right away every little thing that already happened?

Overly long descriptions - Sure, they look pretty, but do they move the story forward?

Adjectives and adverbs - They're the lazy way of writing and slow down a story. Make sure you have the best words for what you want to say, like action verbs and exact nouns.

Orphan letters - Did you start a word in your writing excitement, then begin another one without completing the first?

I told you I could do it. Never underestimate my ability to relate anything to writing. Anyway, today I'll be working on my Rascal manuscript and looking for spots to remove some of that, to put it indelicately, crap.

If you know of other hidden nasties to look for, please share with us. Or, maybe you have a dog and can relate to my chore today. (g)

Writers Reading

Just want to mention my contribution to the Writers Reading series at Un:Bound is up now. Yes, authors do read, believe it or not. At least this one does.

Please come on over  to see my books. Learn when, where and what I read at http://hagelrat.blogspot.com/2010/01/writers-reading-morgan-mandel.html

Tell us what you read and where, while you're at it.

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

EDITORS - AGENTS - Julia Quinn - Cherry Adair - SPRING FLING CONFERENCE This April

STILL TIME TO SIGN UP -

Spring Fling 2010 Writers’ Conference
Sponsor: Chicago North chapter RWA
Location: Hyatt/Deerfield, IL
Fee: $159
Date: April 23-24, 2010

Speakers: Keynote Speaker is Cherry Adair; Headline speaker is Julia Quinn; also attending: Paige Wheeler (agent), Amanda Bergeron (Avon/HarperCollins), and Sarah Wendell from Smart Bitches Trashy Books. Publishing Houses: Avon/HarperCollins, Sourcebooks, Inc., Samhain and The Wild Rose Press. Agencies: Larsen Pomada Agency, Fox Literary, Folio Literary Mgmt, and Nancy Coffey Literary and Media Represenatives. Conference Features: Editor and agent pitch sessions; craft, career, and special interest workshops; Fire & Ice award ceremony, book signing, silent auction to benefit literacy charity, bookseller/librarian event and more.

FMI, http://www.chicagospringfling.com/ or email conference@chicagonorthrwa.org .

After Diane commented asking if I would be going, I thought I better add a note - YES, I'll be there for sure. I wouldn't miss it for the world. It's my local chapter. I'll be offering more news on other chapter members in attendance once I have the list, but let's just say lots of them are published authors.

Do you like conferences? What's your favorite? Maybe you'd like to try this one.

A Feel Good Story

The DH and I were very upset to read in the Daily Herald earlier that a man's pit bulls had been stolen. We know what unscrupulous people will do with that breed. Before Rascal, we didn't care for Amstaffs ourselves. That all changed when we adopted her.

Anyway, here's the new story we saw today, which makes us feel really good. It would make Rascal feel good, too, if she knew -
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=352525

Rituals - What Are Yours? at Acme Today

It's Wednesday, so I'm posting at my group blog today. Come on over to tell us your rituals at
Rituals - What Are Yours?  http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/

Thanks,
Morgan

As Time Goes By - Find it at Blood-Red Pencil

In deference to my wonderful guest, Penny Warner yesterday at Make Mine Mystery,  I didn't mention my post at Blood-Red Pencil called As Time Goes By - There's still time to check it out to and see if any of it applies to you -


http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2010/01/as-time-goes-by-morgan-mandel.html

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Penny Warner is my Guest Today at Make Mine Mystery

Come on over to http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/ to welcome my guest, Penny Warner, author of 50 books, with a new release, How to Host a Killer Party. She tells us in her post How to Survive a Book Event When Nobody's Heard of You.  -- Thanks, Morgan Mandel

Google Is So Smart!

Last night the DH had trouble starting the hand-me-down laptop I gave him when I switched to a lighter one for the train. He'd push the Start button, the lights would go on, then turn off. We changed the adaptor, but that didn't help.

In desperation, I went to Google on my desktop computer and typed, "Dell Latitude D600 starter." It wasn't long before I found a link where other people had experienced the same problem as the DH. The solution was strange, but worth a try - Press the Start button, while firmly holding down F9 and F10.

We tried it. It worked!!

Google Is So Smart!!!

Have you had a similar experience when Google solved one of your problems?

Scary moment on way to today's book signing

Trust me, you don't want to be on the train enroute to your book signing, happen to check your email on your iPhone and see one from the bookseller saying Important!

Turns out someone took my glossy 8x10 poster, that's all, thank goodness.

I've got 4 more with various promo with me.

All is well so far for my book signing today at Barnes and Noble DePaul Center 1 East Jackson Chicago
12-2
Morgan

Sent from my iPhone

Back to the Books Plus Book Signing Wednesday

I'm having a book signing for Killer Career Wednesday at Barnes & Noble DePaul Center, 1 East Jackson (Jackson & State) in Downtown Chicago, from 12-2pm

If you can stop by and say hi, I'd appreciate it.

Speaking of books - One of my resolutions for 2010 is to spend more time on my works in progress, Our Little Rascal, and Forever Young, because I want to get them finished this year. Some days I may not be blogging, but I will do so as often as time permits.

My other resolution is to lose weight. That's as tough as finding extra time to write.

We'll see how successful I am at keeping my resolutions.

Writing Day

Life has been hectic and I've not had time to indulge in what I want to do most, which is finish my works in progress - the book on Rascal, then the Boomer thriller.

So, I've declared today a Writing Day! I'll be back soon.

Morgan

A Typical Slush Pile in Downtown Chicago

SEE MY POST BELOW  ABOUT SLUSH PILES ---

Slush Piles

I don't like slush piles. They're scary and messy. Unfortunately, with the recent snowfall extending from Wednesday night, through Thursday and up until Friday morning, I find an overabundance of them.
If I must negotiate one, I tread carefully and hope I don't slip and fall.

The best thing to do is avoid them altogether. I look for spots that are either snow packed or kind of dry where it's easier for me to walk. I look for sheltered areas, like under awnings. I walk through buildings instead of outside when I can.

As a writer, I also try to avoid slush piles. A few ways to do that are:

1. Address your query to a specific editor or agent.
2. Pitch to an editor or agent at a conference. A good pitch may result in a submission request.
3. Research what an editor or agent wants before you submit anything to them.

Do you know of any other ways? What has worked or not worked for you?

Can't Stay Still

I can't stay still today.
That's because Killer Career is featured over at Chris Verstraete's Candid Canine site about First Graphs,
http://candidcanine.blogspot.com/2010/01/first-graphs-killer-career-by-morgan.html

It's Wednesday, which means I'm over at
 http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2010/01/all-important-first-graphs-by-morgan.html
my group blog  discussing Those All Important First Graphs

If you have the time, please check out the blogs and leave a comment at one or both or here or all.

Thanks,
Morgan

New Apple Whatever

I really want a kindle, but I also really want to see what Apple is cooking up. If I buy a kindle now, I may wish I'd saved that money and put it toward the new Whatever that's being hinted at by Apple.

To tantalize me, Yahoo keeps running an article this week, not really giving any new information, just speculating enough to whet my appetite.
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108492/check-expectations-for-apples-tablet-at-the-door

I don't want to wait. I hate waiting, but I'll see if I can hold out. Hopefully, it won't be too long. If I like whatever the Whatever turns out to be, hopefully, it won't cost too much. Also, hopefully, it will work the way it should. Right now there's a glitch with the Iphone software making it necessary for me to jump through hoops to get my photos off the phone, which didn't happen before their update.

So, maybe I should get that kindle. I have enough Amazon points saved up. No, maybe I should wait.

What about you? Do you have a kindle? Are you curious about Apple's new Whatever?

Come On Over Please

On this back-to-the-day-job day, I find myself with two posts at other blogspots, so I'm hoping to divert your attention to them.

How Far Can You Go is at http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/

Carola Dunn, Mystery Author, is over at http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/

Comments are appreciated at one or both or here or all.

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Double M Rewind at Make Mine Mystery

You'll find a Double M Rewind at Make Mine Mystery today. I'm choosing worthwhile posts and re-posting them here or on my group blogs. It's a shame to let them go to waste when many people didn't see them the first time around. This one is a guest post from Cyndia Depre about her pet writing peeves and contains much useful information.  Here's the link:
http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/2010/01/rewind-from-double-m-featuring-cyndia.html

Tomorrow, I'll find another for your enjoyment, since I'm doing two days at Make Mine Mystery this week.
Thanks,
Morgan