Published Authors Forum

George Bush's legacy

Shelagh — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:23:23 GMT

"The Bush legacy will not be peace in the Middle East nor an end to conflict in Iraq, but it could be a political earthquake among voters so dismayed by the mess he has made of America's foreign policy and fearful of economic recession that they are deserting his party in droves. " Leonard Doyle in New Hampshire and Andrew Buncombe in Islamabad

Monday, 7 January 2008

www.independent.co.uk/

So, what is George Bush's legacy?

Phrases I'm sick of hearing

Dick Stodghill — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:48:52 GMT

Shortly before setting my lap on fire this morning I was thinking about things people say that start me grinding my teeth and wishing I could wrap my hands around the speaker's throat and begin squeezing.

One that has been around for years is "at this point in time." What's wrong with "at this point" or "at this time" rather than saying the exact same thing twice in a mere five words? This is a favorite with many people and particularly chiefs of police hoping ...

Holy Days (Holidays)

Abe F. March — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:17:26 GMT

In reading the book, "The Reformation," I was reminded of the reference to

days off from work we refer to as holidays. As you may know, the word

�holiday� is derived from the word, �holy day.� The observation of �Holy Days� most often included attendance at a church service.

Today we use the word holiday as a day off from work. It is a day to remember, reflect and/or commemorate a significant event of the past. Very few days in America are set-aside for religious (or holy) ...

Morality clause

Jim Woods — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:12:50 GMT

FYI, here's a link to Random House's new contractual morality clause for children's authors.

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/21/random-house-asks-yo.html

Jim Woods

www.ultrasw.com/jwoods

THE 45TH ARMORED BRIGADE REUNION (AN ARMADILLO PARTY)

Betty Fasig — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:34:11 GMT

A little story for you all to enjoy.

Love,

Betty

THE 45TH ARMORED BRIGADE REUNION (AN ARMADILLO PARTY)

Mildred and Claudie lived under an old blue car that had been there since before time began. They had built their first home there years ago. At first it was just a tunnel and a single compartment, but every year they had added to it until today it had no less than ten rooms. All the compartmentsran off the main hallway and there were many nooks of cozy attraction and ...

Martin Luther

Abe F. March — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:54:50 GMT

Yesterday our Men's choir had its annual field trip and we traveled to Worms, Germany.

Enroute, we found a place by the Rhine river where we had a picnic (brunch). We carry everything with us: tables, benches, food, drink and all the amenities that go with it. When it comes to eating, we can have the site set up and ready to consume within 10 to 15 minutes. Afterwards, knives, forks, drinking glasses, etc., are washed, dried and put away for the next picnic.

We first visited the Jewish ...

Amazon Keeps Rolling Along - Buys Shelfari

Malcolm — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:10:57 GMT

"It�s an exciting day here at Shelfari. The rain has stopped, the birds are chirping and the biggest news of all � we are being acquired by Amazon.com."

For the rest of Shelfari's news release about its aquisition by Amazon, follow this link: http://shelfari.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/shelfari-joins-the-amazoncom-family.html

Malcolm

Only in the South

Jim Woods — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:15:38 GMT

This news just in:

All of the Wal-Marts across Alabama sold out of

ammunition as of yesterday. A reliable source said that one of the

purchasers commented that while Russia may have invaded Georgia, they

sure as hell ain't doin' it to Alabama.

How about it, Phil?

Jim Woods

www.ultrasw.com/jwoods

Georgia

Abe F. March — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:07:46 GMT

Two republics in Georgia want their independence. Georgia doesn�t want to allow it. Yesterday these countries made their case in Russia and it was given a positive response.

Our Mr. Bush is opposed to it, supports Georgia, and gives warnings to Russia. Our Mr. Bush was in favor of Kosovo breaking away from Serbia when Russia opposed it. Talk about flip-flopping!

Why do women do this?

Dick Stodghill — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:21:18 GMT

We were paid a visit by relatives recently, Joe and Cindy Hesson from Richmond, Indiana. This triggered one of Jackie's cleaning frenzies, of course. I appreciate clean surroundings as much as the next guy, but it seems the place is in pretty good shape all the time.

Not so, apparently. In the midst of her vacuuming and dusting and running from one place to another, Jackie took time to drop a dust rag beside my desk. "This is probably cleaner than the one you usually use," she ...

"Sciency" types of things ...

A Ahad — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:12:30 GMT

I was ploughing through some google pages and came upon a very interesting post by a friend of mine (his name is 'Javid' - bless him) going back a few years:

http://www.bautforum.com/archive/index.php/t-26193.html

See, whoever said you can't make science fun?

If you are thinking of blogging, try Yahoo!

Shelagh — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:09:02 GMT

Don't ask me why because I don't know the answer but my Yahoo blog has received 20,118 hits since I set it up last February.

http://uk.360.yahoo.com/shelaghwatkins

I don't do anything at all to promote it and it attracts visitors all by itself. My blogger blog doesn't receive nearly the same attention. Weird.

About impulse buying and hurricanes...

madhatter — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:04:15 GMT

AH...another tropical system washes across Florida. People freak out.

And, I had to share...in Tallahassee, they all rush out to buy bottled water, bread, and toilet paper.

I get the water bit. I understand the bread. But, TOILET PAPER?

Hm...humans...aren't we an odd lot?

Look what the wind blew in....

gracebridges1 — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:47:59 GMT

Hey there, I'm new here...

I go by Grace Bridges in the cyberworld. Only Grace is real

I'm 29, a sci-fi freak (Go Trekkies!) a perpetual traveller (7 years in Bavaria, currently in Ireland) home is New Zealand. For porridge money, I translate horrible technical texts from German.

My first book Faith Awakened came out on Lulu last October. It deals with the spiritual potential of virtual reality in an end-times disaster scenario in Northern Ireland. My second, Legendary Space Pilgrims(kinda ...

My first video!

A Ahad — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:09:22 GMT

It's too dark, it's badly compressed, giving a very poor quality image on you tube and it is hard to make heads or tails of what it is it's trying to say. So, you'd think people will just take one look and puke?

I have 6 five star ratings:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=385GaYmGeR8

Just goes to show...

Okay, Banned Books Week is coming and I'm already angry

Malcolm — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:15:02 GMT

Bottom line, I see "red" about some things. When people tell me my kids can't read a book because they don't want their kids reading the book, I become so furious, I can't see straight.

Or talk straight either. Banned Books Week "pushes my buttons" and reminds me that there are still people out there I don't understand and they make me lose my cool.

What about you? Stop by my latest Writers Notebook post and see just how srewed up I am about this whole thing: ...

Influences

Abe F. March — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:12:52 GMT

Influences

How much are we affected by the influence of Politics and Religion?

Politics:

If one is a registered Republican, can that person look at a Democratic

candidate for President on his/her merits alone or does the party affiliation

influence the decision? How can one shed the stigma of a party affiliation when evaluating a person�s capabilities and their stated plans for the presidency?

Religion:

If one is a Christian, can that person look at a non-Christian without prejudice? ...

First Book Trailer: Native American Archaeology Book

flashgordon — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:49:26 GMT

I've just finished my first book trailer. What fun it was. I know it is a little long and slow, and not as flashy as many marketing people suggest, but it was sure fun to make and my first attempt. Next time I'll make it shorter.

If anyone wants to check it out you can watch it on Youtube or my book page: Native American Cultural Affiliation I Archaeology in the American West.

B & N Cancels Obama book order

zadaconnaway — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:29:19 GMT

In this morning's PWWeekly, virtual edition, they report that B & N have canceled a 10,000 copy order for the Obama book, due to the publisher, Chelsea Green making the book available early, but only exclusively through Amazon.com. Borders is keeping their order with the publisher, however, saying it is an important work.

You can read the article here:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6588537.html?nid=2286&source=title&rid=1609285953

B&N reporting lower sales

zadaconnaway — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:10:48 GMT

Publisher's Weekly daily edition reports:

Sales Fall at B&N; Lowers Sales Outlook

Read the article here:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6589358.html?nid=2286&source=title&rid=1609285953

Enjoying writing

Carol Troestler — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:50:04 GMT

I was thinking how much I enjoy writing: putting words together, forming chapters in my mind, doing research on a variety of subjects, and then even rewriting and moving things around.

So, do you think you enjoy writing as much, more, or less than than other writers, like those at the top of the bestseller list?

Carol

An Anthology Not Our Own

Jim Woods — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:32:41 GMT

This is not about our own Published Authors anthology, FOREVER FRIENDS, but another to which I'm a chance contributor.

There is an on-line literary magazine based in one of the politically-blue New England states, and its quarterly content reflects the liberal leanings of the poets and writers that make up the complement of registered and guest contributors. I sent them an essay in 2006 primarily to tease the editorial staff with a contribution from a red-state gunwriter, which is how I presented ...

Which one

Kenneth C. Crowe — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:15:53 GMT

[size=12]Which of these flags would be more likely to attract a reader to my novel, THE JYNX:

THE JYNX: A Long Island clammer and a political operative fall into a pragmatic affair. Her money enables him to fulfill his ambition to sculpt in exchange for protecting her against a crazed Vietnam veteran set on revenge.

THE JYNX is a novel of clamming, art, Swiftboat politics, and revenge in the age of Karl Rove.

[/size]

Sent my manuscript, The Forgiveness Cycle, off today

Charlie Moore — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:38:17 GMT

I usually don't say things about unpublished works, but I believe here I'm among friends and I wanted my friends to know that I've just submitted a new manuscript to Covenant Communications for their consideration. They are located in American Fork, Utah, just south of Salt Lake and they cater primarily to an LDS audience. Some of their publications are suitable for a wider audience, however. Anyway, wish me luck.

Charlie

Sneak Your Book Onto Oprah - 6 Steps

dtpollard — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:02:53 GMT

Six easy steps to get your book on the Oprah show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF9sdgqX1Ns

http://DTPollard.com

Somebody--turn down the heat!!

zadaconnaway — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:11:24 GMT

Good grief, I think I have been waking up in Arizona the last several days! Thursday it hit 101 degrees. Friday (yesterday) it was 102, and today it hit 104! This is supposed to be the cool zone.

I guess global warming is here to stay. Thank heavens, it is supposed to start colling down tonight. At least, I think that is what the weather guy said. I hope!

Is There A Doctor In The House?

rainbow689 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:29:30 GMT

The company I'm working for has no medical

benefits. About 7 weeks ago I got 7/8 'insect' or something bites, 3 on my

back, a couple on each arm and on my legs. The first week the calf on my right

leg was very painful. The pain went away, but I could not and cannot put any pressure on

the ball of my right foot, it just collapses if I try.

Subsequently, my left arm has lost a lot of its strength and I cannot grip with my left

hand. Also my left leg is somewhat weak. Also, my left arm and ...

Web Linkage ....

Forest Elf — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:07:39 GMT

Most of us have websites.

Probably most of us also have a links page on our sites.

I have several writer friends linked on my page.

I'd be happy to add anyone here to my links page if you are willing to link me on your links page.

This way we can help each other get more internet exposure.

Just send me a private message or email if you want to share links.

Falling Behind on Your Book Signings???

Malcolm — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:23:10 GMT

Here's a solution. Fake it:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/20/usa2

Malcolm

When will the earth die. 2012?

Betty Fasig — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:29:23 GMT

I am not this pessimistic, and I consider that it is all a bunch of bunk. But here it is.

http://nahdek.blogspot.com/2008/02/will-earth-meat-its-end-by-2012.html

Love,

Betty

THE EZEKIEL CODE - A Metaphysical/Mystery/Adventure/Thriller

Code9 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:04:58 GMT

The Ezekiel Code

By Gary Val Tenuta

Prologue

December 15, 1999

Frank McClintock paced the floor and watched the clock as he waited for Professor Alan Kline to arrive. He�s late, McClintock

thought to himself. He�s never late for anything. Maybe I better call

him. As he reached for the phone the doorbell rang. He moved quickly

across the room and opened the door. �Alan! Glad you could make it.

Come on in.�

�For crying out loud,� the professor complained, trying to shake

off ...

International Nuclear Weapons Ban

P. Gordon Kennedy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:31:34 GMT

In order to prevent a distructive third world war, I think nuclear weapons should be banned world wide. There's a lot of talk about why North Korea or Iran should not have nuclear weapons, but I think nobody, not even the United States or Russia should have them. I think the nations of the world should agree to an international treaty to dismantle and destroy their nuclear arsonals and never rebuild them. A large scale nuclear exchange could kill hundreds of millions and prehaps billions of people ...

My Book on Revelation, Revealingly Different

Maurice A. Williams — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:42:37 GMT

The Book of Revelation has been interpreted many different ways throughout history. The most widely read interpretations, today, propose that most of the prophecies have not yet happened. It seems strange to me that a revelation that begins with the words "which must happen very soon" and ends with the words "has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon" should not have happened for twenty centuries.

In my book: �Revelation: Fall of Judea, Rise of ...

The first draft ... How often is it good enough?

Charlie Moore — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:00:55 GMT

Here is a question for you. How often is the first draft of something your seriously writing good enough as your end product? Now, before everyone jumps all over me with "the first draft is never good enough" I am only referring to the overall body of your manuscript. Obviously, there will be a need for editing and tweeking of any first draft to refine and perfect it. But how often does this, the editing and tweeking, alter your original so much that you've created essentially something ...

What Are Some of our Writing Activities?

Brenda Hill — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:19:00 GMT

Shelagh asked me on another thread what I�ve done since PA and I thought I�d answer. That led me to wonder about some of my fellow writers on this board, so, I�ll post some of my activities, and I hope you�ll do the same. I�d love to hear what everyone is doing.

Let�s see . . .

Since Ten Times Guilty, I�ve completed another novel, signed with an agent and talked to the acquiring editor at a major publishing house who was interested; however, they decided to abandon that particular line ...

Greetings, Earthlings!

Code9 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:08:45 GMT

Okay, so I'm not from another planet. But having gone through the whole publishing ordeal and countless hours, days, weeks, months of promoting my debut novel, The Ezekiel Code, I feel like I've been on another planet! I bet many of you know what I mean.

Summer Olympics

Betty Fasig — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:22:19 GMT

I wonder if I am wrong in remembering the Summer Olympics including the High Jump, The Shot Put, and Foot Races. The Pole Vault. Where are those events? Are they in another Olympics? All I see is Swimming, Diving and Volley Ball and gymnastics. Are other things yet to come and I am in a time warp all my own with no clue?

Love,

Betty

THE SPUR (for novelists)

Kenneth C. Crowe — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:14:11 GMT

THE SPUR. Why are you writing a novel? Fame, money, fulfillment, an incomprehensible drive? My story of writing�starting with poetry in college, next short stories, then the long trek across the desert with the occasional oasis of achievement and satisfaction in writing novels. I am in it for fulfillment propelled by an incomprehensible drive, because I am certainly not making any money or achieving fame.

Period or Question Mark

Sue Sunshine — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:18:07 GMT

In the following sentences does one use a question mark or a period?

"As I read and realized I was still struggling with two year old issues, I wondered why "

"While blogging I came across a question that I have had before: to use a period or question mark "

I figured since we have been discussing semicolons I would throw this at you, too.

Thanks for the help!

Deadline for 'That First Line' Writing Contest is Sept 1

Malcolm — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:08:05 GMT

Do you have a great first line looking for a novel? If so, that--and a $5 entry fee--might be your road to fame. Or, at least $500 if you're the winner.

Information here: http://www.thatfirstline.com/

Malcolm

RIVER RUNS RED website

Jeffrey J. Mariotte — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:45:28 GMT

The website for my forthcoming supernatural thriller River Runs Red is up!

River Runs Red goes on sale at the end of September from Penguin/Jove. It�s a very loose follow-up to Missing White Girl, and a precursor to next year�s Cold Black Hearts, but they are linked only by their border southwest settings (MWG in Arizona, RRR in Texas, and CBH bridging them in New Mexico) and the fact that they all contain at least some thriller elements along with supernatural horror.

In River Runs Red, ...

Frightening a little creature always disturbs me

Dick Stodghill — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:30:48 GMT

I frightened our little hamster Sophie this morning and it has bothered me all day. She was on the top floor of her four-story cage, sitting on top of the little building that is her potty while Jackie was talking to her, something she loves. I got up from a chair and with the light behind me, Sophie saw me as a dark shadow, possibly a hawk. It's amazing how fast a hamster can move at such a time. Like a shot she was back in her nest and hidden from view.

When something like that happens ...

THE EZEKIEL CODE - A Metaphysical/Mystery/Adventure/Thriller

Code9 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:17:28 GMT

Sequel? Prequel? Companion Book?

Phil Whitley — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:40:49 GMT

I am in a quandary. I have completed the manuscript for the novel that follows (and continues) Keechie.

It is the story of Keehie's ancestors - the ones who originally came to

the area where Keechie's cave is located. It also continues the lives

of the family who still live in Keechie's cave.

My problem is whether I should call it (on the cover) a prequel/sequel

or a companion book. If I pick up a book that looks interesting, then

see that it is a sequel - and I haven't read the first ...

Prologues

Sue Sunshine — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:42:32 GMT

Everytime I get new information (new to me) I seem to look at things with it. Recently we talked about prologues on another thread (under the forum First Chapters). Jim Woods gave me great input.

Today, I saw a prologue to a book that was published in 2006. It had everything in it that Jim said shouldn't be there. So I was wondering where we get the ideas of what should or should not go into a prologue. Is it in Journlism class or somewhere else?

Do any of the rest of you use prologues ...

Publishers Weekly: Book Publishing 101 one day course

zadaconnaway — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:33:45 GMT

For any who are interested, PW WEEKLY is hosting a one day course on 'how publishing really works' called 'Book Publishing 101'. Details can be found here:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/info/CA6579482.html

PW will also collect and read proposals, or a piece of a manuscript in advance of the seminar.

One lucky writer will be profiled in an upcoming issue of PW.

DATE:
Monday, September 22, 2008
TIME:
9-6 pm
LOCATION:
NYU Kimmel Center

60 Washington Square South

New York, NY 10012

Happy Birthday Dick, August 15, 2008

Carol Troestler — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:00:43 GMT

I heard that August 15 is Dick's 83 birthday. Happy birthday, Dick.

Carol

15 Commonly Confused Terms

zadaconnaway — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:00:42 GMT

From a newsletter I receive. Most of us know these things, but a little reminder never hurts, and it may help someone. All copyright information is included, and contact information should anyone wish to receive these newsletters themselves.

Writing For Success Tipsheet #121

August 15, 2008

Editor: Marg McAlister ............ http://www.writing4success.com

"Tips to make your writing sparkle and your career race ahead"

Editor: Marg McAlister ............ http://www.writing4success.com

"Tips ...

Being remembered

Abe F. March — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:31:13 GMT

Sometimes we do something good and are remembered but we never know about it. Here�s what happened:

When I returned from Beirut financially broke, I tried unsuccessfully to get a job. I was deemed over-qualified. Finally in desperation, I went to the car dealer where I had formerly purchased several Mercedes-Benz cars, asking for a job. The owner thought I was joking but I was serious. He said that with my experience I wouldn�t stay. I made a deal with him. I requested a demo car to drive ...

Protocol

Abe F. March — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:14:40 GMT

Customs are in a constant state of change. They also differ from country

to country.

When I was a kid, we referred to adults as Mr. and Mrs. There was no exception. Aunts and Uncles were addressed as i.e., Aunt Ruth or Uncle Bernard. When did this all change? I believe it was a slow process and the moment too much familiarity came into play, discipline began to decline. The saying that �familiarity breeds contempt� has merit. In the workplace bosses were never called by their first ...