Hi Gang,
When I got home from walking Rascal into town Friday evening and turned on my computer, I had the pleasure of seeing my Twitter followers hit the 1,000 mark! Thanks to everyone who's been following me over there.
Twitter is an easy and effective way to get the word out about blogs and special events. Best of all, no commercials to wade through.
All you need to do is go to http://twitter.com/ and sign up, then please follow me. Just because I hit 1,000 doesn't mean there isn't room for more. Come on over and join the fun.
Here's my address, if you want to follow me: http://twitter.com/morganmandel
Have I convinced you? If not, why not? Do you already belong to Twitter? If so, please comment with your twitter address so we can all go over and follow you and vice versa.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Country Music Rocks!
One thing led to another when I blogged Put A Girl in It at Make Mine Mystery about including romance in mysteries.
From that, a lively discussion started on pumpupyourblog listserv about whether or not Reba sang in Put A Girl In It with Brooks & Dunn. So, as proof I dug up a link from Youtube where she did sing with them at an awards show. If you click Put A Girl In It above, and go to the second song, there she is!
Anyway, one thing led to another and we started sharing country music likes and dislikes. I've taken the discussion public here, so everyone can share.
Anyone who's read my blogs before knows I'm obsessed with country music. At home I wake up and go to sleep to US 99.5 FM, America's Country Station. On vacation, it's WJJQ from Tomahawk, Wisconsin. In fact the Tomahawk station is what really got me hooked on country. One summer the hit was Passionate Kisses and the DH and I would laugh everytime it came on and we sang loudly along. Way before that, I enjoyed Glen Campbell and some of the other country singers, but wasn't quite as much into the country scene.
GAC is a great TV station for background music when I write, despite the fact I sometimes have to leap up to watch a favorite video.
Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw (when he's not singing depressing songs), Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, and so many more are my favorites.
What about you? Do you like country? If so, what got you started? Do you have favorites? Please share.
From that, a lively discussion started on pumpupyourblog listserv about whether or not Reba sang in Put A Girl In It with Brooks & Dunn. So, as proof I dug up a link from Youtube where she did sing with them at an awards show. If you click Put A Girl In It above, and go to the second song, there she is!
Anyway, one thing led to another and we started sharing country music likes and dislikes. I've taken the discussion public here, so everyone can share.
Anyone who's read my blogs before knows I'm obsessed with country music. At home I wake up and go to sleep to US 99.5 FM, America's Country Station. On vacation, it's WJJQ from Tomahawk, Wisconsin. In fact the Tomahawk station is what really got me hooked on country. One summer the hit was Passionate Kisses and the DH and I would laugh everytime it came on and we sang loudly along. Way before that, I enjoyed Glen Campbell and some of the other country singers, but wasn't quite as much into the country scene.
GAC is a great TV station for background music when I write, despite the fact I sometimes have to leap up to watch a favorite video.
Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw (when he's not singing depressing songs), Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, and so many more are my favorites.
What about you? Do you like country? If so, what got you started? Do you have favorites? Please share.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Hop On Over Please
Hi Gang,
I've got a great guest over at my group blog today. Please hop on over and welcome mystery author and faithful blogger, F.M. (Marilyn) Meredith, at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
If you're so inclined, please comment that you're going over.
Thanks,
Morgan Mandel
I've got a great guest over at my group blog today. Please hop on over and welcome mystery author and faithful blogger, F.M. (Marilyn) Meredith, at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
If you're so inclined, please comment that you're going over.
Thanks,
Morgan Mandel
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Chicago Tonight at WTTW Channel 11 on Monday night held a special about the boat crew dyeing the Chicago River Green. As bystanders cheered, the crew zoomed across the water, distributing 40 pounds of green vegetable dye in the process.
Parades, four leaf clovers, shamrocks, Irish jigs, singing Danny Boy - People have all sorts of ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It seems everyone wants to be Irish even if they're not.
We've got some corned beef in the refrigerator. The DH, who's Polish and German, is wearing his green shirt and vest today. I've got on a part green blouse. I'm Irish on my Dad's side and Italian on my Mom's.
St. Patrick's Day and days like it are a great diversion from the everyday rut.
What about you? Are you Irish? Even if you're not, do you wear green on St. Patrick's Day? How do you celebrate? Or don't you? Please share
Parades, four leaf clovers, shamrocks, Irish jigs, singing Danny Boy - People have all sorts of ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It seems everyone wants to be Irish even if they're not.
We've got some corned beef in the refrigerator. The DH, who's Polish and German, is wearing his green shirt and vest today. I've got on a part green blouse. I'm Irish on my Dad's side and Italian on my Mom's.
St. Patrick's Day and days like it are a great diversion from the everyday rut.
What about you? Are you Irish? Even if you're not, do you wear green on St. Patrick's Day? How do you celebrate? Or don't you? Please share
Monday, March 16, 2009
Behind
Seems like when I manage to get one thing done, other things suffer. I thought I had my income tax figured out in time, but then I discovered I needed to count up all the medical expenses because they might also be deductible.
And - being Sunday was the nicest day we've had in our neck of the USA in a long time, we took Rascal for a very long walk and a visit to Bentley's Corner Barkery, that's after two shorter walks earlier in the day.
So, here I am calling Sears for a copy of the eyeglasses receipt, then going to Osco Monday night to ask for a printout of prescriptions. Also, looking for a missing credit card statement.
I did manage to do the Blog Talk Radio Show Sunday. If you haven't heard it, you'll find it in the left column player. It came out okay, even though my cell phone cut out for a few minutes. Fortunately, Barry Eva, my guest, was a trooper and kept the ball rolling until I made it back on the air.
Anyay, I did manage to file away a few papers on my desk that were getting in the way. I also put up my own blog here for Sunday, and concocted one at Make Mine Mystery, since Dana's away on vacation.
So, I did get this blog finished very late at night and this morning on the way to work I'll figure out one for my regular turn at Make Mine Mystery.
I'm always behind. What about you? Are you ahead or behind most of the time? Please share.
And - being Sunday was the nicest day we've had in our neck of the USA in a long time, we took Rascal for a very long walk and a visit to Bentley's Corner Barkery, that's after two shorter walks earlier in the day.
So, here I am calling Sears for a copy of the eyeglasses receipt, then going to Osco Monday night to ask for a printout of prescriptions. Also, looking for a missing credit card statement.
I did manage to do the Blog Talk Radio Show Sunday. If you haven't heard it, you'll find it in the left column player. It came out okay, even though my cell phone cut out for a few minutes. Fortunately, Barry Eva, my guest, was a trooper and kept the ball rolling until I made it back on the air.
Anyay, I did manage to file away a few papers on my desk that were getting in the way. I also put up my own blog here for Sunday, and concocted one at Make Mine Mystery, since Dana's away on vacation.
So, I did get this blog finished very late at night and this morning on the way to work I'll figure out one for my regular turn at Make Mine Mystery.
I'm always behind. What about you? Are you ahead or behind most of the time? Please share.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Blog Talk Radio Show Today
Today, I'm featuring Barry Eva a/k/a Storyheart on my Blog Talk Radio Show, from 4pm-4:15pm Central Daylight Savings Time (Illinois time). For more information, you can check my show page at http://blogtalkradio.com/booksandblogs.
If you'd like to call in, the number is 347-308-8605. Use your cell phone, since it's a New York call.
Barry is the author of a Young Adult Romance called Across the Pond. We'll learn more about him and his book during the show.
What do you think of Blog Talk Radio? Do you like listening to broadcasts? Or do you prefer written blogs, or maybe both?
Would you like to be a guest on my show? If so, let me know below.
If you have your own show, let us know where to find you.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Waiting to Eat
First, a Commercial ----- Another Blog Talk Radio Show this Sunday, March 15, 4pm Central Daylight Savings Time - My Guest is Barry Eva, author of Across the Pond - Call in #347-308-8605 - For More Info, Check Out: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/booksandblogs
Friday night we went to a fish fry. It wasn't very well organized. The DH and I sat and waited for about half an hour to get served. He hates to wait to get fed. I'm a little more patient, but only for so long.
When we did get our helping, it was one piece of fish, a small dish of cole slaw and some hard fries. Two of the people at our table had to wait at least half an hour longer to get their food.
Ours came a bit earlier because I got impatient and asked one of the servers, who was a very young girl like most of them working there were, when we'd get fed.
It was supposed to be all you can eat, but the trick of that was people's patience wore so thin, I don't believe many of them asked for too much more. Someone did come around with a plate of seconds and I had one and the DH had two more pieces, but it took a long time for that to happen.
So, we've decided not to go back there next week. I have a feeling the event was the victim of its own success. I don't believe the people holding it expected such a response. I won't name the organization or place because I do feel sorry for them because they were so unprepared.
What about you? Have you ever been to a function that was poorly run? What about when you go to a restaurant, will you wait twenty minutes, thirty or even more to get fed? Please share.
Friday night we went to a fish fry. It wasn't very well organized. The DH and I sat and waited for about half an hour to get served. He hates to wait to get fed. I'm a little more patient, but only for so long.
When we did get our helping, it was one piece of fish, a small dish of cole slaw and some hard fries. Two of the people at our table had to wait at least half an hour longer to get their food.
Ours came a bit earlier because I got impatient and asked one of the servers, who was a very young girl like most of them working there were, when we'd get fed.
It was supposed to be all you can eat, but the trick of that was people's patience wore so thin, I don't believe many of them asked for too much more. Someone did come around with a plate of seconds and I had one and the DH had two more pieces, but it took a long time for that to happen.
So, we've decided not to go back there next week. I have a feeling the event was the victim of its own success. I don't believe the people holding it expected such a response. I won't name the organization or place because I do feel sorry for them because they were so unprepared.
What about you? Have you ever been to a function that was poorly run? What about when you go to a restaurant, will you wait twenty minutes, thirty or even more to get fed? Please share.
Friday, March 13, 2009
My Personal Best
Well, Tuesday night I scored my personal best. How was that?
I fell asleep on the couch during the Jay Leno show. The next thing I knew, it was after 4am, the longest amount of time I've ever dozed off while watching TV.
The funny thing was the DH had to leave for work early on Wednesday and his alarm went off a minute after I woke up. Good timing, though I really didn't plan it that way.
Anyway, I stumbled to bed and kind of fell asleep, I think. Sometimes it's hard to tell, but since the time went by pretty fast, I must have slept, at least a little.
What about you? What's your personal best?
I fell asleep on the couch during the Jay Leno show. The next thing I knew, it was after 4am, the longest amount of time I've ever dozed off while watching TV.
The funny thing was the DH had to leave for work early on Wednesday and his alarm went off a minute after I woke up. Good timing, though I really didn't plan it that way.
Anyway, I stumbled to bed and kind of fell asleep, I think. Sometimes it's hard to tell, but since the time went by pretty fast, I must have slept, at least a little.
What about you? What's your personal best?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Please Welcome My Guest, Sheri Kaye Hoff
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sheri Kaye Hoff resides in Parker, CO with her husband and three children. She is a Life Coach and owner of the Sheri K Hoff International Coaching Company. She teaches college classes as an adjunct faculty member and has earned her Master of Arts in Organizational Management.
Her new book, Keys to Living Joyfully, offers a way of living a meaningful, successful and joy filled life. Ms. Hoff is a personal and executive life coach. Spirituality is a vital part of her life's work. Prayer and meditation are integral pieces of her daily ritual, which enables her to pursue her life's passions and live a truly joyful life.Her words on faith are derived from her own Christian walk and spiritual self-discoveries. Her action steps mix faith and years of leadership training, mentoring, and management.
Sheri Kaye Hoff suffered the tragic death of her younger brother when she was a teenager and struggled for years to rediscover the capacity to feel joy and to enjoy her successes. She has a heart felt desire to pass on her knowledge and discoveries that have led to a truly transformational life.
Ms. Hoff publishes a free weekly inspiration newsletter, Coach Sheri's Weekly Inspiration Tips. The Sheri K Hoff International Coaching Company also offers: * Teleclasses. * Webinars * In person small and large group Coaching * Corporate Training * Keynote speaking * Seminars * Individual Career and Life Coaching (For a limited time- receive a free introductory one hour life coaching session)
You can visit her website at http://www.lifeisjoyful.org/.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Keys to Living Joyfully is an inspirational book on experiencing joy, peace, passion, and energy in daily life. It is designed to demonstrate the powerful roles of thoughts, action, and faith. The book is a merging of Sheri Kaye Hoff's spiritual life and lifelong interests in leadership and motivation. The ideas presented in the book are techniques and processes that have worked for the author and clients. Foreword is written by Michele Caron, creator of MyLIfeCoach.com
The book, Keys to Living Joyfully, was born out of a heartfelt desire to share the keys that lead to living a transformational life. Ms. Hoff is a personal and executive coach working with individuals, small businesses, and corporations. Her words on faith are derived from her own Christian walk and spiritual self-discoveries. Her action steps are a mix of faith. love, leadership skills, and management experience. Chapters include topics such as: Is your heart thinking right? And how to tap into intrinsic motivation. This book, Keys to Living Joyfully, offers the techniques and insights that move people towards more peace, joy, energy, and passion in everyday life.
WHAT SHERI HAS TO SAY TO US:
The Key is to Dream and Take Action
by Inspirational Author, Sheri Kaye Hoffy
“You are never given a dream without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however. Richard Bach”
This is a beautiful quote and so true. I interpret this quote as telling me that my dreams are important. If I am dreaming something, I have or can acquire the tools, skills, and resources to make the dream a reality.
The second part of the quote indicates that there needs to be action. Many people dream and do nothing. The key is to dream and take action. I had a dream ever since I was a young woman that I would be a published author one day. I just knew it would happen. I gave several attempts to writing books. I thought I would write a novel. I never really got going, though. I would write a few chapters and stall. I began to see that my first book did not need to be a novel. I should write what I was born to write and motivated to write.
A lifelong interest for me is personal leadership. I have read hundreds of leadership books. My graduate studies have focused on leadership and my doctoral studies have also focused on leadership. I am and have been fascinated by the fact that people with similar skills and backgrounds achieve on drastically different levels. I also live a spiritual life and devote time to prayer and meditation. I began to see my spiritual life merge with personal leadership skills, and I also experienced recovery from a tragedy in my life. I realized that my book would really be my story. I would describe my quest of recovery and seeking joy and success in life. I had the book inside of me.
When I began to write seriously, it took me five and half weeks to complete my inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully. Five and half months from day one of working on the book- I published. I had a huge learning curve regarding publishing, but I had the power to make it happen.
Did it take work? Yes, it most definitely did. However, it was truly joyful work, and it all started with a dream.
Sheri Kaye Hoff
Compliments of Pump Up Your Book Promotion
“We take books to the virtual level!”
http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/
Please welcome Sheri with your comments below.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
DePaul Pulls Off Miracle Win
My husband and I met at DePaul in sophomore year and got married a year after we graduated. For a while, we were both rabid DePaul basketball fans. Those were the days of Coach Ray Meyer, Mark Aguirre, Terry Cummings, and other basketball greats. We agonized each year about whether or not DePaul would make it to the NCAA, then we turned into basket cases the times they did get in.
Well, the DH is still a loyal fan. He's stuck with the team through the years, which have turned very lean, this year being one of the worst. They lost every game in their conference. Some say they're outclassed in the Big East Conference.
I don't watch or go to as many games as I used to. I'd rather write or read a book. In fact, my mystery Two Wrongs, features a main character who's a pro basketball player.
Still, when my husband called me at work on Tuesday to say DePaul beat Cincinnati in the conference tournament, I did feel a rush of joy, reminiscent of how I felt way back when. They play again at 11:00 a.m. today, so we'll see how they do. Even if they lose, we'll still be happy they had their one shining moment this year.
What about you? Are you a sports fan? If so, what kind of sport do you like? If not, that's okay, too. You can join my club of fair weather fans. Please share.
P.S. DePaul lost by 9 points today, but at least they had one brief shining moment of happiness. Kind of like life, I guess.
Well, the DH is still a loyal fan. He's stuck with the team through the years, which have turned very lean, this year being one of the worst. They lost every game in their conference. Some say they're outclassed in the Big East Conference.
I don't watch or go to as many games as I used to. I'd rather write or read a book. In fact, my mystery Two Wrongs, features a main character who's a pro basketball player.
Still, when my husband called me at work on Tuesday to say DePaul beat Cincinnati in the conference tournament, I did feel a rush of joy, reminiscent of how I felt way back when. They play again at 11:00 a.m. today, so we'll see how they do. Even if they lose, we'll still be happy they had their one shining moment this year.
What about you? Are you a sports fan? If so, what kind of sport do you like? If not, that's okay, too. You can join my club of fair weather fans. Please share.
P.S. DePaul lost by 9 points today, but at least they had one brief shining moment of happiness. Kind of like life, I guess.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Scare
My dog, Rascal, gave me a scare over the weekend. Sunday morning, right before I took her out, she made a little yelp like she was in pain. She wouldn't eat the rest of the day and was shivering off and on. Still, when I walked her, she had no trouble maneuvering, so I didn't think she'd twisted anything.
She has been known to get the shakes before and the vet said some dogs are like that, especially after they've been sleeping. Still, this was happening more often and I could tell she wasn't feeling right. She didn't eat her treats, which is very rare. She didn't want to sleep on her comforter, which she absolutely loves, but slept on the floor instead.
Also, she didn't demand my attention like she usually does when I'm at the keyboard. I didn't know how much I missed her nudges until she stopped doing that.
Since she's my baby, I was worried about her all day at work, and wondering when we should make an appointment at the vet. Maybe a piece of her rawhide bone got stuck in her stomach. Maybe she had samonella. All kinds of horrible thoughts raced through my mind.
Fortunately, she appears to have come around. The DH reported before I went to my Chicago-North RWA meeting that Rascal had eaten a few dog treats. Later he gave her some dog food which she ate, then she also ate more treats and dog food when I got home. Apparently it was an upset stomach. We may never know the exact cause.
The close scare reminded me of how important she is in our lives. What about you? Do you have a pet that means a lot to you, or maybe you once did? Please share.
She has been known to get the shakes before and the vet said some dogs are like that, especially after they've been sleeping. Still, this was happening more often and I could tell she wasn't feeling right. She didn't eat her treats, which is very rare. She didn't want to sleep on her comforter, which she absolutely loves, but slept on the floor instead.
Also, she didn't demand my attention like she usually does when I'm at the keyboard. I didn't know how much I missed her nudges until she stopped doing that.
Since she's my baby, I was worried about her all day at work, and wondering when we should make an appointment at the vet. Maybe a piece of her rawhide bone got stuck in her stomach. Maybe she had samonella. All kinds of horrible thoughts raced through my mind.
Fortunately, she appears to have come around. The DH reported before I went to my Chicago-North RWA meeting that Rascal had eaten a few dog treats. Later he gave her some dog food which she ate, then she also ate more treats and dog food when I got home. Apparently it was an upset stomach. We may never know the exact cause.
The close scare reminded me of how important she is in our lives. What about you? Do you have a pet that means a lot to you, or maybe you once did? Please share.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Blog Talk Radio Show Up
Hi Gang,
For those who didn't get a chance to listen on Sunday, I've posted my Blog Talk Radio show player for you to listen in the left column.
L. Diane Wolfe and Barry Eva called in to say hi. They'll both be guests for interviews at a later date.
Also mentioned in the program were Marvin Wilson and Jean Henry Mead, who will also be featured in upcoming shows.
I'll be setting exact dates soon. I plan to keep the show on Sundays, 4pm or later, especially later when the weather gets better. Yes, Spring and Summer will happen. They always do each year.
Anyone else want to be on the show? Or do plan to host your own show? Or maybe it's not your thing. Please share your thoughts.
For those who didn't get a chance to listen on Sunday, I've posted my Blog Talk Radio show player for you to listen in the left column.
L. Diane Wolfe and Barry Eva called in to say hi. They'll both be guests for interviews at a later date.
Also mentioned in the program were Marvin Wilson and Jean Henry Mead, who will also be featured in upcoming shows.
I'll be setting exact dates soon. I plan to keep the show on Sundays, 4pm or later, especially later when the weather gets better. Yes, Spring and Summer will happen. They always do each year.
Anyone else want to be on the show? Or do plan to host your own show? Or maybe it's not your thing. Please share your thoughts.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Tax Man is Coming
Please tune in to my Blog Talk Radio show today at 4pm Illinois (Daylight Savings Time) at http://blogtalkradio.com/booksandblogs
I've put off balancing my checkbooks and doing other mundane matters to keep my finances straight. It's finally caught up with me. I spent all day and evening entering numbers into the computer, so I can get one of my checkbooks to balance. I'm finally done. I've got another to do tomorrow.
Then, I need to get all my writing expenses organized. All this needs to be done by next Saturday for the accountant so she can work on it on time for the filing deadlines for Federal and State taxes.
What about you? Are you so organized you don't have to go through this kind of hell?
Please share.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Losing Track of Time - Daylight Savings Time
Please tune in to my Blog Talk Radio Show this Sunday at 4pm Daylight Savings Time - Illinois time - http://blogtalkradio.com/booksandblogs
Friday night I fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up at almost 10:30, I thought the next day was Friday. Then, I got my bearings and remembered it would actually be Saturday in the morning. That was a wonderful surprise to my foggy mind.
On Sunday morning at 2:00 a.m., we'll spring ahead one hour for Daylight Savings Time. I suspect many of us won't wait until 2 to set our clocks, but will set them before we go to bed, or maybe forget about it until we get reminded by someone the next day.
Speaking of losing track of time, this can happen in the book realm. It's a wonderful feeling to get so lost in a book you lose track of time. On the other hand, it's not so wonderful if you're reading a book and you can't keep track of when the events take place.
Authors need to be aware of this and insert small hints about the passage of time, so the readers have some idea if it's been a few minutes, an hour, a day, a week, a month, or more that have passed. You can do this by describing seasons, or even mentioning the sun going down, and in other ways.
What about you? Have you ever fallen asleep and lost track of time? Have you ever lost track of time because you were so engrossed in a book? Authors, do you have any other hints to portray the passage of time in a novel? Please share.
Friday, March 06, 2009
House Swapping and Identity Swapping
Just saw on WGN TV a segment about house swapping, an innovative way to buy a home. You list your home online and swap it with someone who has a house you like. This outside-the-box concept seems to be catching on. I'd say you'd have to be careful if you tried this, but if done correctly, it could be a great opportunity.
What about people swapping? I've read a number of books where for some reason the main character swaps identities with another person and all sorts of mayhem results. Later comes the confrontation and confession. All seems lost, but then by some miracle the day is saved.
One famous swap identities book is The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain.
The original Parent Trap movie with Hayley Mills is a favorite of mine.
Do you know of any other books or movies where a person swap takes place? Or, maybe you've written one yourself. Please share.
What about people swapping? I've read a number of books where for some reason the main character swaps identities with another person and all sorts of mayhem results. Later comes the confrontation and confession. All seems lost, but then by some miracle the day is saved.
One famous swap identities book is The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain.
The original Parent Trap movie with Hayley Mills is a favorite of mine.
Do you know of any other books or movies where a person swap takes place? Or, maybe you've written one yourself. Please share.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Iphones - Kindle, Stanza
Okay, you may know by now that I love my Iphone. I have mentioned that fact here before. Now Apple and Amazon have given me another reason for loving my Iphone.
A few weeks ago, I uploaded the Stanza app to get ebooks on my Iphone.
Today, I was actually able to upload the Kindle app from Itunes, so now I can get Kindle formatted books from Amazon also. Very convenient and tempting.
Who knows what else lies in the future for my handy Iphone.
What about you - do you read ebooks sometimes, never, often? Would you read one if it were convenient? Please share.
A few weeks ago, I uploaded the Stanza app to get ebooks on my Iphone.
Today, I was actually able to upload the Kindle app from Itunes, so now I can get Kindle formatted books from Amazon also. Very convenient and tempting.
Who knows what else lies in the future for my handy Iphone.
What about you - do you read ebooks sometimes, never, often? Would you read one if it were convenient? Please share.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Making Mistakes
We walk a fine line when describing our characters' thoughts and actions. We don't want them to be too intimidating, or the reader may not identify with them. One way to achieve this is to let our characters make mistakes. That way they show their human sides.
The problem with letting our characters make mistakes is we don't want them to seem too stupid or no one will like them. I'm sure you've read those kind of books or seen those type of movies where the hero or heroine is too stupid to live, running straight into danger instead of doing the sensible thing to avoid it.
Some authors allow their character to make mistakes in judgment by trusting the wrong people or being overconfident in situations where danger is involved.
Have you noticed characters make mistakes? What type? Have you let one or more of your characters make a mistake? Please share.
The problem with letting our characters make mistakes is we don't want them to seem too stupid or no one will like them. I'm sure you've read those kind of books or seen those type of movies where the hero or heroine is too stupid to live, running straight into danger instead of doing the sensible thing to avoid it.
Some authors allow their character to make mistakes in judgment by trusting the wrong people or being overconfident in situations where danger is involved.
Have you noticed characters make mistakes? What type? Have you let one or more of your characters make a mistake? Please share.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
My Pilot Blog Talk Radio Program From 3/1/09,10pm
I was in a wild and crazy mood Sunday night, so I decided to host my own Blog Talk Radio program. Here's the telecast on the left. Just click to listen. It lasts 15 minutes, so listen to whatever you wish. I will be interviewing guests on future programs and talking about their books as well as my own.
To listen to a live show or archived show is free, but calling in is a phone charge to New York for the host and the callers. To get around that, I plan to host my programs on either evenings after 9pm or Saturdays and Sundays using my Iphone. I was surprised it came in so well using the speaker feature. Saved a sore neck.
Anyone who would like to be featured on a future show, let me know below and be sure to include your e-mail address. Also welcome will be phone callers at the time of the show. I'm still investigating more of the ins and outs and will keep you advised of anything I discover. Another fun thing to learn and share.
Hint - If you get tired of listening to my Blog Talk Radio program here, you can always head over to Blood-Red Pencil for my Tuesday post, Carve Your Niche.
To listen to a live show or archived show is free, but calling in is a phone charge to New York for the host and the callers. To get around that, I plan to host my programs on either evenings after 9pm or Saturdays and Sundays using my Iphone. I was surprised it came in so well using the speaker feature. Saved a sore neck.
Anyone who would like to be featured on a future show, let me know below and be sure to include your e-mail address. Also welcome will be phone callers at the time of the show. I'm still investigating more of the ins and outs and will keep you advised of anything I discover. Another fun thing to learn and share.
Hint - If you get tired of listening to my Blog Talk Radio program here, you can always head over to Blood-Red Pencil for my Tuesday post, Carve Your Niche.
Monday, March 02, 2009
I'm Doing It Again
Hate to lead you on more goose chases, but lately I've been blogging at other spots. I don't want to keep you here too long and waste all my efforts, so here you go:
Trust me on this one - or maybe not - Please check out
Trust and Mistrust - Part 2 of my feature at http://mysteriouspeople.blogspot.com/
As luck would have it, Monday's also my semi-monthly day to blog at Make Mine Mystery -
Please check out - Dialogue or Description - What's your forte'? at http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/
As always, I'd love a hi comment here to let me and others know you stopped by.
Thanks, Gang
Trust me on this one - or maybe not - Please check out
Trust and Mistrust - Part 2 of my feature at http://mysteriouspeople.blogspot.com/
As luck would have it, Monday's also my semi-monthly day to blog at Make Mine Mystery -
Please check out - Dialogue or Description - What's your forte'? at http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/
As always, I'd love a hi comment here to let me and others know you stopped by.
Thanks, Gang
Sunday, March 01, 2009
My Interview Is Up at Mysterious People
Hi Gang,
Feel like going on a short trip? Please hop on over to http://mysteriouspeople.blogspot.com/ and check out my interview by Jean Henry Mead and let me know what you think.
Before you go, please let me know you're going over, since I'd hate to have no comments here today.
Thanks a bunch,
Morgan Mandel
Feel like going on a short trip? Please hop on over to http://mysteriouspeople.blogspot.com/ and check out my interview by Jean Henry Mead and let me know what you think.
Before you go, please let me know you're going over, since I'd hate to have no comments here today.
Thanks a bunch,
Morgan Mandel
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