Today's Halloween Home Decoration Photo

Another of the cute Halloween decorations I saw while walking Rascal on Sunday. Later on this week I'll try to remember to put up a few of the more scary ones. I'm hoping our power doesn't go out. The prediction is strong winds through Wednesday night.

Halloween Home Decorations

I saw some cute Halloween home decorations when I was walking Rascal Sunday morning. I'll be posting more of them during this week leading up to Halloween. I don't have any myself, since I'm not as creative, not to mention no time.

New Name for My Work In Progress - I may keep this one

I thought up a new name for my WIP, and this one I may actually keep!

I know I've said this before, but so far I'm really excited about the new title, which is -

DIARY OF A NERVOUS BABY BOOMER -
How I Got the Way I Am

Okay, I'm not so sure about the second line yet. I know lots of books have an added line, but it can come or go.

It always helps to get feedback, so I'm asking for your opinion.
So far the choices are:

MY FEAR LIST

HOW I GOT THIS WAY

DIARY OF A NERVOUS BABY BOOMER - How I Got The Way I Am

Which do you like? If you like the new one, what about that second line? Do you like it in or would you prefer it out?

Videos of The Blessing of the Animals on St. Francis Day, Oct. 4, 2010 Starring Rascal and Other Cute Animals

Well, one of the topics of this blog is Dogs, so I'm sharing the links to three videos I made on vacation from The Blessing of the Animals on St. Francis Day, Oct 4, 2010, in Arbor Vitae, WI. I finally had enough time to get them up on Youtube.com.  In case you don't know, Our Little Rascal is the one with the black eye patch.

Hope you like them.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgCmk3NBo9w


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGtIiQYw-gQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQP9D9s2j8E

Morgan

What's in a Name?

What's in a name? Lots, when it's the title of your book. After I got some feedback about my WIP, tentatively titled My Fear List, I discovered the name wasn't exactly setting the world on fire. A book title is one of the first stepping stones to hooking a reader.

So, now I'm trying to decide on a different title. Another one I thought up is
How I Got This Way.

Which do you like better - My Fear List or How I Got This Way?

Are You Fast or Slow?

It seems to take me more and more time for me to finish writing books lately. I'm distracted by marketing, including Facebook, blogs and other ways of networking. Also, I've decided I absolutely need to read, which I had pretty much abandoned for a while in favor of writing. On my last vacation, I was in relaxation mode, so along with going to the casino, shopping and other vices, I read one book, am almost got through another, and only spent one afternoon writing. It was great to be able to read, but that didn't help me get my WIP done. Should I have spent more time writing instead of reading?

I know there are speed reading classes. Maybe I should take one. But what about speed writing?
Or, maybe I just need to resign myself to being a slow writer.

What about you? Are you fast or slow?

Do You Read Non-Fiction?

Since I got my Kindle, I've been reading more non-fiction. I've found lots of books about marketing and self-image and other do-it-yourself stuff I find fascinating. Before my Kindle, I acquired several non-fiction books about writing from Writer's Digest Book Club, but they're mostly for reference, so they sit on my bookshelf waiting for me to grab them when needed.

What about you? Do you read non-fiction?

BTW, there is a motive behind this question. Right now I'm working on a non-fiction book, with the working title, My Fear List.  Here I am below trying to look scared and serious, in keeping with the book's topic. (g)
For more about My Fear List, and a very short blog post about Facing Up to Fears, come on over to
http://myfearlist.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-fear-list-facing-up-to-fears.html

Does an Author's Age Matter to You?

On Monday, I asked the question on Make Mine Mystery,
Does What an Author Looks Like Make a Difference? I got quite a few answers, but the general consensus seemed to be that looks didn't matter as long as the book seemed interesting and the photo fit the tone of the book.

Today, I'm wondering about a similar question. Does An Author's Age Matter to You?

If you're young and you learn an author is pretty old, maybe my age, would that have a bearing on your decision? And vice versa. If you're a senior, or almost one, would you read books by a younger author, say in the 20's or 30's?

If age is a factor, what are your cutoff dates?

Open Promo Day - Give Us your Elevator Pitches

Since I'm busy on my WIP again, I thought up an easy blog for today, which may be of interest to many of you. Instead of my writing a bunch of stuff, here's your chance to provide an elevator pitch of one of your books, either already out or to be released. Pretend you're talking to an editor or agent, so make it short, and don't cheat and talk about more than one. Embed your buy link and leave your blog and/or website, so people know where to find out more about you and maybe buy your book!

I'll go first - Killer Career - A career change from lawyer to writer could be a killer for Julie who doesn't realize her mentor participates in his own murder mysteries. 

Facebook, Blogs, Egroups - How do you divvy up your time?

Sometimes I wonder which should come first - Facebook, Blogs or Egroups. They all seem important to me, yet I can't spend as much time on each of them as I'd like. With a full time day job, a husband and dog to come home to, plus a work in progress that's inching ever so slowly along, it's a struggle to divvy up the free moments.

Many people I've met in person, plus online friends and/or potential readers send comments or messages to me on Facebook, a place I love to visit. The possibilities for making friends, learning and sharing seem endless. I resisted for a while, but gave in to Farmville, because its cute, plus it's another way to connect on the Internet. I have to admit I'm not the best farmer there, with my crops withering often, and a fictitious dog I somehow got there which ran away because I forgot to feed it every day. I must assure you the same thing doesn't happen to my real dog, Rascal. She gets plenty of food and treats from me, actually more than she should have, because she has me twisted around her little paws.

Anyway, back to  the topic at hand -.

Blogs are great and I love them. I wish I could read and comment on all the blogs of all the friends - the ones I've met online and in person, but it's impossible. I try to visit the group blogs I belong to first to support my fellow members, then branch out to a few others, but it's usually a hit or miss process.

I also love the egroups to which I belong. I've never met many of the other members face to face, yet they've shared so much with me I feel I know them quite well. I like knowing what's going on in their lives and sharing what' happening in mine. It would be a great loss to lose my connection with them.

So, I love Facebook, Blogs and Egroups, but some days I can't get to them all, though I wish I could. Sometimes it's a matter of whatever catches my eye that gets first choice. What about you? How do you divvy up your time?

A Matter of Taste

The pasta salad that came with my lunch today was seasoned with cilantro. I didn't know that until I started eating. Now, cilantro is one of those seasonings you either love or hate.
I despise cilantro, but I finished the pasta salad anyway, since I was hungry and besides I'd paid for it.

The incident kind of reminds me about books. I  find that if I've paid for a book or perhaps one of my friends wrote it, I'll give it a longer stretch to see if I really don't like it. Also, if I have nothing else to read, I'll keep reading. If I still don't care for it after a while, I'll put it aside and go on to another one or do something else. Library books or ones lent to me are more easily put aside or returned.

What about you? What do you do if you've bought a book and later discover it's not what you'd anticipated? Do keep reading a while, or just give up?

My Kindle 3 Is Calling Me

I'm having a hard time resisting my Kindle 3. It's calling me to open it up again and read. I really shouldn't. The DH is gone for a few hours and it's a perfect time to concentrate on my WIP - also a perfect time to read.

My Kindle 3 Arrived!

Much jubilation when I saw my Kindle 3 arrive at work today! And, it did have all the books on it that I'd ordered on Amazon while I was waiting for it to arrive. That seemed like a miracle to me. How could it do that?

I'm using this cool Collections feature where I can organize my books (strange for me to be actually organized about something, I know). Anyway, I've got some books in Romance, others in Mystery, Non-Fiction, and Amazon info. Makes it much neater and easier to just click on a collection and browse through that bunch, instead of getting a giant mishmash going.

I'm not sure how long this spirt of organization will last. I don't expect it to carry over too far into other aspects of my life. It's not exactly in my nature.

I think I'll read a little now. Just have to decide which book to read first.

The Kindles are Coming! The Kindles Are Coming!

I've never had a Kindle, but I ordered the lastest, the Kindle 3, as soon as they were available. Today, I received the anxiously awaited message from Amazon - my Kindle has shipped! I'm very excited and have already ordered some kindle books, which Amazon says will magically appear on my Kindle when it arrives. That will be quite a phenomenon. I'm very amazed at such ingenuity.

I'm not the only one excited. The Kindle Korner e-group I belong to is all abuzz with messages about Kindle 3s being shipped. You might say our excitement is at a fever pitch - we're so close to having ours, but don't just yet!

What about you? Do you own a Kindle? Will you buy one?

Gotta go now and see what other kindle books are available, that is, other than my own - Killer Career, Two Wrongs and Girl of My Dreams.

Are you an alligator in the river?

See http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ to let us know if you're an alligator in the river.

Thanks,
Morgan

Shining Light

I've got to figure out a way to make my light shine brighter. In church on Sunday morning, I noticed the sunlight shining through the stain glass window so brightly I couldn't tell whether one of the candles by the altar was lit or not.

I feel kind of like that candle with the bright light overpowering it. I either have to move my candle elsewhere or make myself shine brighter. I notice lots of writers are moving their candles over a bit to epublishing, which I also do and may do even more in the future. The problem is the shiny ones are moving over now, too. How do I get away from them, or find a way to shine brighter? Such a dilemma.

Are you experiencing something similar? Or, maybe you've found a solution.

The Mane Event - 2009 Remembered

Here's what I wrote last year about the Mane Event - You can tell the weather was a lot cooler then than it is this year.

Another year gone by and here I am again at the Mane Event, the big block party in Arlington Heights the night before the Arlington Million. We sat on a ledge in back of the stage and could definitely hear the band.

In honor of the event, I wore my Arlington Race Track cap and an Arlington Million tee shirt under my jacket. It was a little chilly for August, but the weather has been strange lately.

The DH and I had a great time singing along with the music, even dancing some. On my menu was a pulled pork sandwich, a slice of cheese pizza, pop and a huge chocolate chip cookie.

What kind of doings are in your neighborhood lately?

PS - We'll see what's on my 2010 menu.

My Youtube videos

If you've got nothing better to do, in case you don't know it, I have tons of videos up on Youtube. They include writing events and authors, as well as animals and local events.

Here's a link which should take you to any videos with my Youtube name, morganmandel, listed.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=morganmandel&aq=f

Morgan

Urban Hot Weather Tips

You may think that the Midwest is cool. Well, maybe compared to somewhere like Arizona it is. Still, in the Summer it can get mighty hot, especially this Summer.

From my many years working in Chicago, specifically the Downtown Loop, I’ve devised a few tips for keeping cool. These are not scientific, but they kind of work for me.

Maybe you’ll want to try one or two.

Shade – Not too many trees in Downtown Chicago, so I seek other shade. When needs be, when waiting for a light to change, I’ll stand in the shade of a street light, another person, or a building.

Cut Throughs – Speaking of buildings, when you work in a metropolitan area, there are various buildings you can cut through, such as banks, drug stores, restaurants, or just office buildings. A knowledge of their entrances and exits comes in handy. Sometimes you can not only cool off, but also save time and steps by using a cut through.

Time – Allow yourself extra time if you can. Rushing in the heat can make you hotter than ever.

Water – Bring a small water bottle with, enough for you to chug when extra thirsty, but not so heavy you’ll wish you didn’t have it with you. I’ve got a fairly new stainless steel bottle I use now. Because of another health scare I use it instead of plastic. I fill it halfway up so it doesn’t weigh me down. When I get to the office, I refill it for the trip home. While at the office, I drink pretty much water also to stay hydrated. Speaking of water, putting your hands under the faucet is a great way to cool down at work where you really can’t be taking showers or baths, unless you work at a gym.(g)

Clothing – Wear layers. I usually put on something light, but carry a sweater with me since I never know what temperature the train air conditioning will be set at. Also, the workplace temperature variations are quite iffy. I sling it over one of my shoulders, which makes that area hotter, but wearing the sweater or carrying it are worse options. At times, I’ll even tie a sweater around my waist instead.

So, those are my tips for keeping cool. What are yours, urban or otherwise?

Or, maybe you'd like to share something about a book you've written or read where hot weather or trying to keep cool plays a part in the plot.

Smashwords - I'm On It!!! Hooray!!!

I did it!! I'm on Smashwords!!!
Lots of reading and checking to make sure I formatted everything exactly right, but it looks like I did. Killer Career is up on the site and ready for people to download in tons of ebook formats.

If you use ebooks, you'll most likely find a format there that works for you, all at $2.99.

I'm offering a 40% free sample of Killer Career at Smashwords, just in case you're not sure whether or not you want to spend the $2.99 for the entire book. Here are some links:

Morgan Mandel's Smashwords Author Profile: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/morganmandel

Book page to sample or purchase Killer Career: http://smashwords.com/b/21007

And, also, you'll notice to the left that I'm using a special Smashwords Edition cover, which converted nicely to black and white.

One more item off of my to-do list. This one took me a while to get around to doing it, but I'm so happy I got it done!!!

How Much Is Too Much?

Since I got caught in the rainstorm on Wednesday, and my legs were feeling wet and clammy in my jeans, I thought I'd go on my lunch break to buy a new pair (of slacks, not legs). I found some that were really nice on a confusing rack, which on one side had a sale price sign. Not sure if the originally $40.00 slacks were on sale, I asked the cashier. Unfortunately, they were not being sold at sale price. I really liked them, but I forced myself to tell her, "I'm not buying them for that price."

As I walked away, I felt a twinge of regret. Still, I knew I had to stand my ground. Money's tight.

So, taking this to another level, I wonder -
How Much is Too Much for a Book?

To me, if I know the author, I'll purchase a mass market or trade paperback maybe up to about $14.00, but the author would have to be a very close friend for me to splurge on a hardcover.

As far as digital books, including those for kindle and others, I'm afraid I've gotten pretty much spoiled by Amazon's low prices. I've put Killer Career up on kindle at $2.99 and if I can do it, other authors can too. So, I won't be buying any bestsellers for higher amounts when I can get a good read for $2.99 or less.


What about you? How much is too much?

Busy, Busy, Buying, Blogging, Books

It's a busy time for me figuring out how to get Killer Career ready for Smashwords, which should have been done ages ago, I know.

Along the way, as many people already know, I pre-ordered a kindle 3 last week. I looked on the Amazon main page today and learned they're sold out, so I'm glad I got my order in when I did! It won't be coming until around August 27 or so, though. In the meantime, I ordered Marilyn Meredith's Lingering Spirit plus some other free books for my kindle when it arrives. I also ordered a pretty blue cover. And then today I decided it was a good excuse to buy a new purse, one a little larger, but light, where I plan to keep the kindle so I can read it on the train and on breaks.

Blogging - well Monday was my day at Make Mine Mystery, so of course I decided to blog about kindles. (g)

Tuesday is my post at The Blood-Red Pencil, where you get to answer questions and try to stump our Editors. Go on over and see what it's all about.

Books - I hope to finish my WIP one of these days. I've been fitting it into my busy schedule and working on it while commuting.

Anyone else out there busy, busy, buying, blogging and working on or maybe reading books?

Kindle 3 is Out!

I checked Amazon's site and I'm excited to learn the kindle 3 is out! Pre-orders are available for August 27 shipment.

My problem is they're giving a choice between graphite color and white. I can't make up my mind.

Does anyone know which is better for reading, or does it matter? The white is prettier, but maybe the graphite is more practical. I don't know what to do. Such a quandary. Help!

Morgan Mandel

Smashwords, kindle and ebook discussion at Acme

come on over to Acme Authors Link, where we're discussing Smashwords, Kindle and Ebooks at

http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/2010/07/smashwords-kindle-and-ebooks-by-morgan.html

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Chris Verstraete Talks Dogs, Minis, and Other Fun Stuff

Today, we welcome Christine Verstraete who enjoys writing mysteries, children's fiction and short stories.

Besides writing her children's book, Searching For A Starry Night - (now in Kindle and coming soon in a new print version!)  Christine has had short fiction published in various anthologies including Timeshares and the upcoming Steampunk'd from DAW Books, plus in Dragons Composed and The Bitter End: Nautical Tales of Terror. Her latest spooky stories in eBook include "Motherly Love" and "The Killer Valentine Ball" (coming in Oct.)

1. Tell us about Petey, the Dachshund, and Snowy, the Malamute mix, they are too cute for words. Besides that, why are they included in your blog header at Candid Canine ? Is either one included in any of your books?

I know you're a big dog fan, Morgan. I love dogs, too, (Hi Rascal!) and try to add them to most of my fiction.

The funny thing is I add a dog to all my dollhouses and miniature rooms, too. (One project, The Dogcatcher's House, has at least 100 dogs. See my website and click miniatures.)

Petey the Dachshund plays a big role in my kid's mystery, Searching for a Starry Night. Besides causing trouble, he uncovers some clues, too. Snowy, the Malamute mix, is part of my adult mystery set in a diner that I'm sending around to publishers. She's modeled after my real-life dog, Shania, whose picture (the white dog) is on my blog header.

2. When did you first get fascinated by minis, and how do they figure in your books?

I've been collecting miniatures for longer than I care to admit. Ha! I think I've always been fascinated by small things. Once I discovered there were actual dollhouse shows that sold just about everything you use in real life, only smaller, I was hooked. In Searching for a Starry Night, Sam and her friend, Lita, are searching for a lost miniature replica of Van Gogh's "Starry Night."

I also own an actual miniature oil reproduction of the painting, which can be seen at my blog here.

3. Tell us about something that happened at one of your book signings. Anyone ask you where the bathroom was? That seems to be a favorite question. (g)

Yes, I directed some people to the bathroom at Barnes and Noble. Ha! I think my most memorable, funny, and stunning experience was at a dog show. Not a good event choice, it turned out. But this one woman when asked if she liked to read admitted she only read religious nonfiction. When asked about fiction, she said, "No, I wouldn't waste my time." Well.

4. Do you prefer personal appearances over online promotion, or are they equal in your eyes?

I enjoy online promotion, but I've noticed in the last year, especially with Kindle and ebooks, etc., there is starting to be a glut of writers. We all are promoting to each other! I think it may be getting near the saturation point of too many voices in the stream, especially with more and more writers coming online. So a writer will have to make dents in other ways as well.

I also write in other genres, with a nonfiction, how-to book on miniatures coming out next year, so I wear two promotional hats. I hope to attend a miniatures show this fall and in spring which lets me share my handmade miniatures and my books. I also enjoy bookstore promotions and talking to younger readers.

5. Do you belong to any writing groups, in person and/or online?

I belong to a fantastic small critique group in Wisconsin led by science fiction writer Jean Rabe, whom I met at a book signing event. I also enjoy writing groups online through Yahoo groups. I am planning on joining Sisters in Crime in the future.

6. Do you have a set writing schedule?

As a journalist, I'm used to writing every day without fail. I continue to write nonfiction so I work on that besides fiction, short fiction, blog writing, etc. No rest for the wicked. Lol.

7. Tell us how you got involved with Mysterical-e. What do you enjoy most about being part of its process?

I've been involved with Mysterical-e as a columnist for a number of years as part of my own online presence and because I enjoy doing interviews. I like talking to other authors via my Author Snapshot column (as I did with Morgan, see her interview here and giving them another platform for their books and writing.

8. What about ebooks? Are they a good or bad thing for the book industry?

I think ebooks are an interesting innovation and any additional way to get people interested in reading has to be good. Plus, there's a lower selling price, which is also a bonus in our present economy.

9. What else would you like to say? Spill the beans for us.

A new version of Searching for a Starry Night is coming out in print shortly and is being designed as I speak. I'm hoping that readers will try either the Kindle or ebook version, or get the new print version if that is their preference.


Morgan, thanks for letting me meet your blog visitors!


**CONTEST: Anyone commenting on any of the blog stops on the tour can win:
* One person who comments on any of the blog tour stops will win a free Kindle copy of Searching for a Starry Night. (You can download Kindle for PC free here.)
* One person will also win a miniaturized dollhouse collector's edition of the first chapter from the first print edition, made by miniaturist LeeAnn Borgia. See myblog for links and photo.

** To celebrate the revised Searching for a Starry Night, one person will win a copy of the new print version when it is available.
Links:
* Website
* Blog
* eBooks page
* Searching For A Starry Night on Kindle,

Blog Tour Schedule Next Three Stops:

Tues, 7/27: Killer Hobbies with Camille Minichino - Crafts and Writing, what comes first?
Weds, 7/28: Marian Allen's Blog at http://www.marianallen.com/ - Talking about Writing
Thurs, 7/29: Helen Ginger, Straight from Hel - Getting Kindleized
Full Schedule, including posts you may have missed, can be found at: http://cverstraete.com/news.html

Okay, gang, don't forget to comment to be eligible to win a prize! Leaving an email address would be helpful to find you when you win. Think positive, but if you don't win, you can always buy the kindle from the handy Amazon link above. Thanks for visiting Double M today, Chris.
- Morgan Mandel 

E-Book Wars - Another Skirmish

It's official. In case you didn't know it before, the war is on. Here's evidence of one more skirmish among many - this time with Random House and an agency.

http://www.businessinsider.com/book-war-random-house-nixes-wylie-over-e-editions-of-nabakov-roth-others-2010-7


Morgan Mandel

You Don't Hear This Much

Celia Yeary's blog post Monday at http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/index.htm reminded me of a participation blog I'd been wanting to write, but kept forgetting.

Now that I remember, here goes:

When I grew up I heard so many phrases that were a normal part of speech. I thought nothing special of them at the time.  Now that I don't hear them much any more, and I kind of miss them.

Some of them are:
Don't dilly dally
None of that monkeyshine business, you hear?
That's really icky
Were you born in a barn?

I know there are more, but right now I can't think of them. How about you? Which ones do you remember?

Making Room in My Life

Right now my work in progress is occupying a large part of my free time. I'm going to find one of those meter things and stick it on my blog here so people can see I'm really doing something. It will also be a great motivator for me to get to the end.

I do have some great guests coming up here and at Acme Authors Link. You'll be learning about them soon.

Also, I plan on making some changes to free up more of my time to do things I really enjoy, like blogging, but that will have to wait a few more months until I can set my plan in motion.

Until then, I'll do what I can. You can usually find me on Facebook, by the way, since there's a pretty fast app for it on my Iphone and I can zing in and out of there quite often.

Here's my spot over there - http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel

I've also got a fan page, but that's for just in case my followers multiply twice as much as they are now and turn into 5,000. That one's at http://facebook.com/morganmandelauthor

Morgan

Another pic

Here's another from the holidays

Was 4th of July Weekend Busy For You?

Do you sometimes find that Holidays can be more busy than workdays? That turned out to be the case for my 4th of July Holiday weekend which extended through Monday. The time flew by.

One reason is I'm on the committee at our local festival, Frontier Days, in Arlington Heights, so I volunteered to wrap hot dogs for Disability Day, plus be a marshal in our parade keeping kids diving for candy away from moving vehicles.

Two of the days I also signed books at the Frontier Days Marketplace with fellow author friends, Debra St. John, June Sproat and Margot Justes.

Any other free time was spent cooling off at home, until evening came along and I went back to the Festival to enjoy the entertainment. We were very lucky the rain passed us by for the most part. Only one incident where it poured for about half an hour at an off time when I wasn't there. Then it went away the rest of the Fest.

Now I'm back at work, which is not as much fun. The only good thing about returning to work is the air conditioning. It is very hot in this part of the USA lately.

What about you? Were you busy this past Holiday weekend? Or did you use the time to relax or get more accomplished on your WIP?

Mount Prospect Lions Club Festival

More Productive Week?

Here's to a more productive week this time around. One not filled with coughing fits, getting tech stuff figured out and other not so fun stuff.

With the help of at&t tech support, I got a tethering problem solved with my new iphone. After I  had set it up to tether, when I got home my laptop computer wouldn't work independently off of my dsl network. It insisted on being hooked to the iphone.

After a not enlightening very long session with Apple, I called at&t and the guy had the problem fixed pretty fast. Now, maybe I can enjoy the phone and get down to doing more work on the WIP.

Unless more coughing fits interrupt, but so far today it's been better. Summer colds are the pits.

Morgan

Distractions - Bad and Good

Not much time to blog or do much on my WIP this week. Too many distractions.

One is a major irration - another cold! I already paid my dues with my May cold, but lucky me, I picked up another one.

One is major fun - Speaking of picking up, I picked up my new Iphone 4 today! So far, I love it. Also, got a new cute pink case for it. My picture here doesn't do it justice.

Morgan Mandel

Free Public WiFi Mystery

Read about the Free Public WiFi mystery at
http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/2010/06/free-public-wifi-by-morgan-mandel.html

Thanks,
Morgan

Updates - Yikes!

Trying to get things done, but updates keep getting in the way. The Itunes - Quicktime one popped up on my desktop, so I had to do that one.

On my laptop, the ATT Communication Manager wanted to do an update.  I finished it and then the laptop wouldn't connect to the Internet. Fortunately, a restart solved that problem.

Now I've got to put Itunes and Quicktime updates on the laptop. Sometimes having more than one computer is not a good thing!

Morgan

Now I've Done It!

It was time for a change, so I tried out some of the new Blogger Designs. Lots of them were way too jazzy for me, so I settled for something kind of plain, and I hope businesslike. Afterwards I realized the colors look a lot like my webpage at http://www.morganmandel.com/, which I should update one of these days.

I could always says I was trying to match them up and be consistent, but the truth is my mind runs in circles. (G)

Morgan

Now Blogger Has Really Done It!

That's what I get for not paying attention to my blogs. Now Blogger has really done it!

Everything's wide open with them, kind of like what's happening in the publishing industry. Blogger has added a new Design feature, with so many tons of choices it's too hard for me to comprehend, especially at this late hour. You can access it on the top right where you sign in.

I just got through redesigning Acme Authors Link at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/, using basic choices that were just the tip of the iceberg. Now, I know I'll want to redesign this one. If you stop over there, check out my Wednesday blog about Inadvertent Publicity.

Getting back to Blogger. I'm so happy they're back in the ballgame. Their choices before were utterly limited. Now, it's fun time!

Lee Wins and I Have Souvenirs!

The DH and I were over at Mt Prospect Village Green for the American Idol finale. We were hoping and it happened - the local guy, Lee DeWyze won!

When I get involved with anything, I like to get little souvenirs and stuff to stoke my enthusiasm and also as keepsakes, like when I bought the keychain saying I Brake For Garage Sales, or when I bought all the Bingo paraphernalia - the carrying case, the dabbers, at one time electronic chips and a special magnet wand to scoop them up, not to mention the little trinkets to arrange near the cards for good luck.

 

So, it was no exception at the celebration. Beforehand, I had my friend, Deb, pick up a Vote 4 Lee tee shirt, which I wore to the occasion. I came home with another tee shirt saying Mt Prospect's own American Idol, Lee DeWyze, plus a wristband that says I voted for Lee, plus a balloon that says BE LEE VE. I took lots of photos also. It was a really fun night.

What about you? Are you into getting all the little extras to remember an occasion or to reinforce your enjoyment of a hobby?

At Acme Wednesday - Are you in a Routine or Rut

Come on over to http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ where the discusssion is about routines and ruts.

Thanks,
Morgan

Build Your Brand by Blythe Gifford

Come on over to http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/ for excellent advice from my guest, Blythe Gifford, about the First Steps to Build Your Author Brand.

Thanks,
Morgan

Trying to get it all together

Still trying to get it all together. After I decided to spend more time on my WIP, wouldn't you know it, I caught the cold from hell. It appears to be getting better, fingers and toes crossed. Anyway, I'll be here when I can, on Facebook also, doing my group blog days, and generally playing catchup while trying to whip out my WIP.

We'll see how it all goes.
Morgan
PS - Here's my Facebook address -
http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Tour Turn - Make Up a Story About - Pop Goes Your Powerline

On the way in to work on the train, being the nosy person I am, I happened to notice a headline in the paper of someone seated in front of me. It was called Pop Goes the Powerline.  It made me think of a fun writing exercise. If you accept the challenge, do a blurb or paragraph using this story as a spinoff. For added incentive to participate, if you wish you may include your website and/or blogspot and a buy link for one of your books. If you don't have a book out, you can still have fun with this one.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-talk-mylar-balloon-power-outage-0520100517,0,4109178.story

Plug your book

Plug your book at http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/ today

Lee DeWyze - American Idol Finalist Celebrates the American Dream

Not often do I hear a feel good story in the news. That's why it was so heartwarming when a Mt Prospect guy who worked in a paint store by the name of Lee DeWyze got into the final three of American Idol. Because of that,  he got to throw out the first pitch at a Cubs game, was in a parade, was on radio stations, spoke at schools and topped it all off with a concert attended by 41,000 fans at Arlington Park.

Anyone following American Idol knows about him already, but just in case, here's the link to the story in the Daily Herald. So, I was happy that Friday was a day of celebration for a change. It beats hearing all the crummy news lately.

http://dailyherald.com/story/?id=380716

Please Welcome My Guest, Blythe Gifford, Historical Romance Author

I'm so happy to host my good friend and twice-a-month dinner companion, the multi-published, talented historical romance author, Blythe Gifford.



BLYTHE GIFFORD is the author of five medieval romances from Harlequin Historical. She specializes in characters born on the wrong side of the royal blanket. With HIS BORDER BRIDE, she crosses the border and sets a story in Scotland for the first time, where the rules of chivalry don’t always apply.


Here’s a brief description:

Royal Rogue: He is the bastard son of an English prince and a Scotswoman. A rebel without a country, he has darkness in his soul.

Innocent Lady: Daughter of a Scottish border lord, she can recite the laws of chivalry, and knows this man has broken every one. But she’s gripped by desire for him—could he be the one to unleash the dangerous urges she’s hidden until now?

Her 2009 release, IN THE MASTER’S BED, has just finaled in the Readers Crown contest. Blythe loves to have visitors at http://www.blythegifford.com/ or www.facebook.com/BlytheGifford.

Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ®and T are trademarks of Harlequin Enterprises Limited and/or its affiliated companies, used under license. Copyright 2010 ■ Author photo by Jennifer Girard

And Now For Blythe's Post -

Will the real Gavin Fitzjohn please stand up?

Nearly every author will say their characters “come alive” to them. So when I saw an email in my inbox from “Gavin Fitzjohn,” hero of my May release, HIS BORDER BRIDE, my first thought was: “When did he learn to use a computer?”

A logical question, since the internet didn’t exist in the 14th century, when my story is set and where he “lives” within the pages of my book.

I took another sip of coffee. The subject line was “Your Book.”

My second thought was: “What’s wrong with the way I wrote his story?”

(We shall not psychoanalyze why I didn’t expect a fan letter from him. It’s a writer thing.)

My third thought was: “What the ---?!”

With trepidation, I double clicked.

Alas, not an email from my hero, but from someone with the same name, who obviously makes good use of Google Alerts. He wrote: “Uncannily, this is my name and I have never met or even heard of anyone with the same name. I’m actually from Wales in the UK. How did you come up with this name?”

Thoroughly awake now, I did what, perhaps, I should have done months before: I Googled “Gavin Fitzjohn.” Turns out he is a modest fellow, because he’s not just “from Wales.” He plays trumpet and other “blowy things” with Paolo Nutini, a Scottish singer-songwriter, best known to me for “New Shoes,” a song I really like.

I had a squee moment and emailed my dear writing friend, Pat White, who is a HUGE Paolo Nutini fan. We exchanged visions of being invited backstage at his next U.S. concert.

So I wrote Gavin and explained that his name, or the character’s name, was a combination of “Fitzjohn,” which was medieval for the bastard son of a man named John, and “Gavin,” my tribute to Gawain, the perfect knight. The name is ironic in context since the character’s armor is more tarnished than shiny as the story opens.

The really strange part was that my original name for the character wasn’t Gavin at all. It was Kenneth, which apparently doesn’t sound nearly as dashing in the British Isles as it does in my imagination. The name “Kenneth” was the one thing in the proposal that my editor wanted me to change.

Gavin, I mean, well, Gavin, responded graciously with the history of his name and background. It was not a family name, but his parents wanted something Celtic. He was writing from the airport where he was waiting to board a plane to visit, alas again, his girlfriend.

I trust her name is NOT Clare Carr.

So Gavin, if your Google alert is on, please know I have joined The Gavin Fitzjohn Appreciation Society on Facebook. And if you read the book, I hope it makes you happy.

And if you ever need a romance writer groupie backstage, send me an email.



If you feel the urge, here's a handy link to order Blythe's book.

Remember, Blythe loves to have visitors at http://www.blythegifford.com/ or www.facebook.com/BlytheGifford.




I'm sure Blythe would appreciate your comments, so please be sure to leave one.

Word Play is Going On Today at Blood Red Pencil

Just thought I'd mention the Word Play game is going on today at http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/
Today's word is Spring!
Thanks,
Morgan

Vacation in May?

You may wonder if I uploaded the correct photos from my computer here, but I assure you, these photos were taken today on the last day of our vacation in Wisconsin! For a few more, come on over to http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel

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?