ON THE ROAD AGAIN - Morgan Mandel

It's about 12:30 early Wednesday morning. We're leaving in about 4 hours for Wisconsin. I may be able to post something later today, but if not, that means I'm having too good a time eating and hopefully winning at Lake of the Torches Casino.

If you haven't done so, don't forget to check out the Rascal video on youtube. The link is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNDXV-zu-YM

You'll find some others of mine there as well.

Until later,

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

Tweets for Today

• 07:44 On train trying to think up something for blog. See Rascal if you haven't yet at tinyurl.com/5mech8 #

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LAST ONE OUT IS A ROTTEN EGG By Morgan Mandel

Being last out isn't fun.

My husband used to be the last one out the door in the morning. His work hours changed. Now I'm it and I hate it.

There are all sorts of things I need to do before leaving. I have to make sure all the lights are off. I need to check the stove and other appliances and make sure Rascal is put in her room. Lastly, I need to lock the door behind me. So being last one out, though a minor inconvenience, is irritating.

I don't like being the last one out of the train either. What if the door closes while I'm trying to leave or just before? It's never happened yet, but I still get uneasy.

I don't like being the last one out of an elevator either because sometimes the doors want to close right before or while I'm trying to get out.

So, being last out is no fun.

Same thing with books. I had a title all picked out for my debut mystery. I was going to call it Dead Wrong, but that name was already taken. It took me a while, but I figured out a new title and settled on Two Wrongs, which I like. Still, I wasn't happy at the time.

Then there's popular trends in books. I could go with what's hot now. Maybe I will, but I'm not sure. It could be the trends will change by the time my book is published and I'll be last out or maybe not.

Anyway, I'll just write what I want and take a chance. Whether it's first or last out, I'll deal with it like I always do.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

Tweets for Today

• 17:25 Or go straight to youtube for your Rascal fix. tinyurl.com/5mech8 #
• 17:26 Cute photo of Rascal at morganmandel.blogspot.com & link to youtube video - OK, I'm her Mom, but it's the truth! #

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RASCAL VIDEO UP AT YOUTUBE By Morgan Mandel

I intend to finish my book about Rascal, our Amstaff/Dalmatian mix who was born without hearing, but for now I'm sharing some of her fun moments.

Yesterday, my husband and I followed her to her favorite hangout, Bentley's Corner Bakery. Lately every time we walk her she turns and pulls in that direction. Co-owner, Giovanni, says Bentley's has many such loyal customers who do the same thing!

Here's the YouTube link to my video, which is one in a series about Rascal's visit to Bentley's Corner Barkery. Hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNDXV-zu-YM

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

Tweets for Today

• 12:58 @AngelaWilson - Yuck - Don't you remember how messy carbons were? I hated when I had to correct them. Copy machines are a blessing. #
• 12:59 @AngelaWilson MaBell isn't half as bad as the cable companies. They run wild! #
• 13:00 Hate packing? Read my post at morganmandel.blogspot.com Got it done early today for a change! #
• 17:36 @AngelaWilson You need to get a new e-mail addie & pretend to be someone else when you log onto your computers. They don't like you. #
• 17:38 Just taped Rascal at her favorite hangout - Bentley's Corner Barkery - Doing a video for youtube with the others there - click morganmandel #

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GETTING A BOOK READY IS LIKE GETTING READY FOR VACATION By Morgan Mandel

Big Arbor Vitae Lake, WI


I hate packing. I'm supposed to leave for vacation Wednesday morning. Tomorrow night I have a Chicago-North RWA meeting and Tuesday night is loading-the-car night, since we want to leave at the crack of dawn of Wednesday. That means today I need to perform a miracle. I have to find the necessary items that are scattered around the house and organize them neatly so they're ready to go.

Some of the basics I usually haul with are my camera and film, walkie talkies with battery chargers (essential when the DH is out fishing on the lake so I can reach him if the cell phone won't connect), dog food and treats, people snacks, pills, sunglasses, books,magazines to read when I'm not at the casino or writing, cash, credit cards, more clothes than I usually need.

Then we have the long drive up to the cottage near Minocqua, which could take 6-7 hours, depending on traffic. Once we finally get there, it will all be worth it. I'll see my good friend, Jeanne. I'll go on long walks with Rascal. I'll have fun eating at great restaurants, going shopping, and playing slots at Lake of the Torches Casino. The weather even sounds like it will cooperate.

It's the getting ready that's hard. Kind of like getting a book done. I usually start with an idea and know how the book will end.

It's the rest that's a challenge. I need to round out my character, both physically and mentally. Are there inconsistencies in thinking? Have I provided the correct amount of backstory without administering an overdose? Is my character sympathetic at the beginning, or at least by the end of the book? Are the goals realistic? Have I created enough obstacles and conflict?

What about descriptions? When I wrote my romantic comedy, Girl of My Dreams, I did a lot of online research about Hollywood, Las Vegas, Venice and Paris, so I could depict them accurately. Some people love research. I hate it. I know it's necessary, but it slows me down.

There's lots of details to attend to when I'm getting ready for vacation, also in getting a book ready. Still, the rewards are worth it.

Morgan Mandel
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
www.morganmandel.com
Anyway, you kind of get the picture. There's more to writing a book than just having and idea.

Tweets for Today

• 07:39 Retwitter MWA, RWA, EPIC, NY - morganmandel.blogspot.com #
• 07:41 @AngelaWilson That's why it's surprising when anything arrives on time! I know how you feel. I was without my iphone for a day - awful! #
• 10:34 @blogbooktours Thanks for the headsup on the Grammar Girl article. #
• 10:37 @WritingSpirit Okay, I'll finish writing my book about Rascal. You talked me into it! www.morganmandel.com #

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A FEW LINKS TO CHECK OUT by Morgan Mandel

I'm going out to listen to an oldies group called Retro Rockets tonight. In place of my blog, I'm leaving 2 links for you to check out. One is my interview. The other is my promotional site.

Please stop by them and learn more about what makes me tick as a writer.
http://www.agpress.net/authorspotlightsusa/illinois.html
http://www.booksinsync.com/illinois/mandelmorgan.html

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel

Tweets for Today

• 07:46 @lacreshahayes Great Blog as usual - By the way, how do I bookmark? #
• 07:52 Blog on social networks, bookplace.ning.com and sixtyandsavvy.ning.com. Come join us. See morganmandel.blogspot.com #
• 22:53 MWA, RWA, EPIC, NY - What these initials mean to me - find out at morganmandel.blogspot.com #

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Tweets for Today

• 07:44 On the train, almost at work. Hoping people visit guest blogger, Tim Hallinan, acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com - great mystery writer. #
• 07:48 @EchelonPress - Missing socks - A very universally significant topic for a book. (LOL) #

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BUSY NIGHT By Morgan Mandel

I've had quite a busy night because my new ning network, Sixty and Savvy, got a great influx of members during the day.

I like to welcome each member personally, so it took me a little while to respond to the new 20 members. I'm not complaining.

When I set up my now popular Book Place, http://bookplace.ning.com , with at last count 1,318 members, I did it because I didn't see any free networks where all aspects of books and their promotion could be explored.

My new network, Sixty and Savvy, also fills a gap. People in the age group of almost Sixty and over need a good place to hang out and share memories, fads, photos, life experiences, plus offer tips to each other. So Sixty and Savvy, located at http://sixtyandsavvy.ning.com, is designed to answer that need. It's still in its infancy, but I have high hopes to reach out to more members and achieve my goal.

If you or someone you know would like to join either or both of my ning networks, you're most welcome to do so. You'll get your own free page, be able to post photos, videos, blogs, comment, private messages, list events, participate in forums, all kinds of opportunities.

Hope to see some of you over there.

Morgan Mandel.
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com

Tweets for Today

• 08:24 My dog, Rascal, leaves her mark on my blog today at acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com Will you leave yours? Thanks, Morgan Mandel #
• 14:05 Leave Your Mark at acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com - See my dog, Rascal, too. Are Newspapers Dead? at morganmandel.blogspot.com #
• 14:41 Another blog up about making blogs better, mysteryturtles.blogspot.com. #
• 19:23 @lacreshahayes I just linked to you at morganmandel.blogspot.com. You have a great blogspot going. #
• 19:38 @lacreshahayes Thanks Lacresha #
• 19:53 @AngelaWilson Hope you get your computer on time. I called Dell Sat.,got new monitor Tues,Called DHL today.They picked up old one in 20 min! #

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ARE NEWSPAPERS DEAD? by Morgan Mandel

I wonder how many people read newspapers any more.

We get the Daily Herald delivered to our doorstep every morning. I read the Neighbor Section, the front page, sometimes the Business Section, depending if I'm running late for work or not.

It used to be newspapers were our primary source for news, along with radio and TV. Now it seems most people find out what's happening faster on the Internet instead.
To accommodate this, the newspapers have set up web sites. Many columnists have their own blogs also. Often something that's just happened appears on a newspaper's website right away, which gets confusing.

Despite trying to keep up with the times, I've heard that newspapers like the Chicago Sun Times are hurting for readership and laying off people.

So, I wonder how many people are still faithful to the printed word? Also, how does this apply to books?

At the Frontier Days Festival when I was selling my mystery, Two Wrongs, and my romantic comedy, Girl of My Dreams, I had one woman ask if I had audio versions. It's the only way she can fit books into her busy schedules.

Since the Internet and everything associated with it is so popular, ebooks are gaining in popularity. What used to be the cache of small publishing companies has now become a marketplace for NY publishing houses. Let's face it, ebooks are very convenient. They fit on just about any gizmo, even the popular Iphone, plus you can loads scads of them and carry them around in your purse or pocket, unlike the printed books.

Still, there are many diehard readers out there who prefer the look of paper, the feel of turning actual pages, the satisfaction of physically opening a new book.

I'm glad to say both my books are in print and ebook forms. To me, they both have their merits.

Which do you prefer? I've got a small quiz here where you can show your preference.

Thanks,
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtlesblogspot.com

Tweets for Today

• 07:48 On the way to work. Wishing Internet worked faster with network card. Posted Bling blog last night at morganmandel.blogspot.com #
• 21:56 Went on a long walk with the DH & Rascal - Beautiful night - Blogged about it & my book at morganmandel.blogspot.com #
• 22:08 testing out technorati<a href="technorati.com/claim/kradm96qqi" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a> #

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A LONG WALK by Morgan Mandel

Just went for a long walk with my husband and Rascal. It was a perfect summer night with a gentle breeze. Something to remember when the cold winds blow this winter.

Labor Day happens way too soon. I thought I'd have more time this summer to finish all sorts of things, mainly, the new book I started writing, the e-mails that need pruning, the reorganization of my work space.

I don't think those things will happen soon. But, little by little, yes. I'm encouraged by the steps I'm taking. I received great feedback from my critique at the Chicago-North RWA meeting and have a better idea of where my Mr. Fix-It story is headed.

On the homefront, we received a good quote from Yardworks, Etcetera, Inc, who will soon proceed with trimming the evergreens and clearing out the deadwood, including the Rose of Sharon which refused to bloom this year. It's a shame since I really loved those flowers. The DH has even begun cleaning out the garage, in increments, but at least it's a start.

Everything is falling into place, but not as fast as I'd hoped. That's okay. I'll enjoy the weather, the company of my husband and Rascal, and finish my book a step at a time. It might be a long walk, but I've gone on ones before with Two Wrongs and Girl of My Dreams, so I know I can do it.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com

DO YOU BLING? By Morgan Mandel

HOW MUCH DO YOU BLING? IS THERE A RIGHT OR WRONG TIME TO BLING?




Which glasses have the bling? The ones on the right, obviously.

After four years of wearing the same frames, even after changing prescriptions, I broke down and added more bling to my life. What prompted the change was a small scratch, which I knew would get larger with time, also Sears had a good sale. For the heck of it I tried on some snazzier frames and decided I liked them.

I wear them a lot, but not always. They do have their disadvantages. For one thing, I can see the sides of the new frames in my peripheral vision, which is very distracting. The old frames were open. Because of safety factors, when I’m driving, I still wear the plain frames. Also, when I go to aerobics class, I use the oldies so the new ones won’t get all sweaty.

For a while I even kept the old ones on the nightstand because I was afraid I’d knock the new ones off, but decided I was being overprotective.

I’ve come to the conclusion there’s a time and place for bling, actually many times and places. Also, there’s a time and place for plain.

Even before I changed glasses, I already was into bling. If you take a look at my website at www.morganmandel.com , you’ll find bling on the main page—banners, review site logos, photos, other doo-dads. At one time, it even had an electronic marquee advertising the release of Girl of My Dreams.
I try to make each page unique, depicting the flavor of my novel and the subject matter I’m presenting. You’ll find airplanes and landmark photos on the travelogue that tracks the rounds in Girl of My Dreams. You’ll find a projector on the page with the first chapter excerpt, plus other gimmicks throughout the website designed to grab the reader’s attention.

On my blogs, whenever I can I add some kind of graphic to catch the eye, like the photos of my glasses above.

I belong to a lot of networks on http://ning.com , also am a creator of a few, http://bookplace.ning.com and http://sixtyandsavvy.ning.com, where you’ll find all kinds of bling in the form of photos, trailers, and other gimmicks.

Along with the glitz, I also belong to a great many no-frill listservs - bookblogtours,longandshortromancereviews, MurderMustAdvertise, and too many more to mention. I learned of these groups through networking and also by typing in groups.yahoo.com and choosing topics I was interested in. From these message groups I’ve gained valuable information and valued friends. They are a necessary part of my education,marketing strategy and online social life.

So, which is better, bling or plain? I say they both have their merits.

What about you? Do you like bling? Or plain? Or both, like me?

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com

Tweets for Today

• 14:52 Just posted a blog at morganmandel.blogspot.com about 2 rock groups and the similarity to the Awe-Struck sale to Mundania Press #

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LEADERS LOST AND GAINED - THE METEORS, AWE-STRUCK, MUNDANIA PRESS By Morgan Mandel

The Meteors at Beacon Tap in Des Plaines

Last night was a perfect evening to sit outside and listen to great music. That's exactly what my husband and I did. We'd heard that The Meteors were playing at Beacon Tap in DesPlaines,Illinois, so we decided to drive over and listen to them. An outing to hear a local band play at a beer garden may not sound inspiring, but you need to hear the history of this band.

The Meteors, known as Johnny Star and the Meteors, were quite popular in this area as a cover band for about 30 years. With a powerful voice, the lead singer, Johnny Star, belted out songs by the Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Jay and the Americans. Then something wonderful happened for Johnny. About 3 months ago, Johnny was "discovered" and became an "overnight success." Jay from Jay and the Americans had left their group, they needed a replacement, and they wanted Johnny.

Johnny's big break left The Meteors without a lead singer. They could have given up, but instead reorganized and continued on. When we saw them last night, they didn't seem the same as when Johnny Star was their lead singer, yet they still had a great sound. Judging from the amount of people in the audience who got up to dance, we weren't the only ones who thought The Meteors still had it in them.

I'd have to say many of the authors from Awe-Struck right now probably feel like The Meteors did when they heard Johnny was leaving. The success of Awe-Struck became so daunting the owners, great as they were, couldn't keep up with the volume of tasks. So they did the sensible thing. They sold to another press that could better handle the load.

Now Awe-Struck authors are actually Mundania Press authors, though no outward signs are evident at this time and may not be for quite a while. The switch and all of its implications may seem a bit baffling for these authors, yet from what I understand, exciting days are ahead for them with new opportunities.

The main thin is, like The Meteors, the Awe-Struck authors will still be able to share their talents. Bottom line is that's what really matters.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel

SOCIAL NETWORKS by Morgan Mandel

These flowers have nothing to do with the blog subject, but they're pretty enough to share.

Thanks to Blogger, I've got some neat widgets here you can link to and take you to some great social networks. You may even find me on some of them. BOOK PLACE and SIXTY AND SAVVY at http://bookplace.ning.com and http://sixtyandsavvy.ning.com are my own networks, but I belong to many others on ning. The array is endless and addictive.

I spend endless hours also at MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, Shelfari, Youtube, Goodreads. I gave up on Second Life because it was too confusing for me. You'll find some of my links further down in the left column. There are quite a few. When in doubt, if you type morganmandel in the address, you usually can find me.

Does it help market my books, TWO WRONGS and GIRL OF MY DREAMS? I can't tell for sure now, but I do know I'm making lots of friends without leaving home!

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com