tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45761541673216198882024-03-21T06:18:05.634-07:00A Non-blogger's BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-43114630726956773792015-02-21T13:04:00.000-08:002015-02-21T13:04:17.953-08:00A Peek at the Upcoming "Targeted", Book 3 in the Ray Schiller Series<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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As promised, here's the opening chapter to <i>Targeted</i>, the soon-to-be-released third novel in the exciting Ray Schiller series. Ray has had his share of amazing ups and downs in <i>Dear Crossing </i>(Book 1) and <i>Shadow Tag </i>(Book 2), but never before has a case had the impact on him this one does. Ironically, the case isn't even officially his. </div>
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Until the upcoming release of <i>Targeted</i>, if you haven't already enjoyed <i>Dear Crossing</i> and <i>Shadow Tag, </i>now's your chance.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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As always, I'd love to get your comments. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span></span></span> <br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fear is pain arising from the anticipation of evil.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">~~Aristotle </span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Targeted</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 200%;">1</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 103.5pt 175.5pt center 3.0in;">
Minneapolis,
Minnesota – Late October<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“Urgent you come home immediately. Please!” Hugh Conley
read his wife’s frantic message a second time before slamming his laptop shut.
Knowing he’d missed his flight to Jacksonville wasn’t sitting well. “This had
better be good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 103.5pt; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: black;">The cab driver squinted at his passenger’s dim reflection
in the rearview mirror. “You say something?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 103.5pt; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: black;">“Yeah, to myself. Just drive.” Conley cringed at the odor
coming from the cabbie—a smell like rancid meat and stale beer. He cranked his
window down another inch and checked his watch: 10:50 PM. According to the
time stamp, Amy’s message had been sent nearly thirty-five minutes earlier. The
email aroused more curiosity than concern when she didn’t answer the call he’d
made before leaving the airport. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> With his cell phone MIA, he decided Amy was lucky he’d
checked his laptop, luckier still he<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> </b></span></span>hadn’t ignored her damned email and boarded the plane. It
was time the stupid bitch realized how fortunate she was to be married to
him—to accept she’d never be able to manage on her own if she went through with
the divorce. Whatever her problem was, he looked forward to gloating about it
in person. It might even make missing his flight worthwhile. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The taxi rolled to a stop in front of their Edwardian-style
house in the Elliot Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. Silence shrouded the
street, and except for a light at the front door, the house stood dark and
silent against the starless sky. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 103.5pt; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: black;">“It’s so damned urgent she didn’t even bother to wait
up.” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The cabbie cast a glance toward the back seat. “What?”
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“I wasn’t talking to you.” Conley tossed several bills
over the seat in the driver’s general direction and gathered up his laptop and
single suitcase. “Listen up, pal. Here’s the best tip you’ll get all night:
spend some of that money on a bar of soap and a bottle of mouthwash.” With
that he slipped out of the cab into the chilly night and slammed the cab door
as the driver sped away, the taxi’s tires squealing in protest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Hugh strode up the walk to the front door. The house’s lead
glass windows, the wood trim and moldings, the pocket doors, the fireplaces, the
claw foot tubs—all of it had captivated Amy from the start. She called the
house a classic. He called it antiquated. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Brittle, wind-driven leaves swirled around his legs as he
let himself in with his key. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“Amy!” His voice bounced off the walls as he lowered his
6’1” frame and set the suitcase and laptop down in the foyer. “Amy, where are
you? Whatever your problem is, it had better be awfully damned important.”
His mood was as dark as his hair and eyes. He ambled from one downstairs
room to another giving each a cursory glance before moving on. Cursing
under his breath, he flung his tan, cashmere topcoat over the back of the
couch. “Where the hell are you?” he shouted. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Overhead, a floorboard creaked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Taking his time, he went to the liquor cabinet and filled a
glass with three fingers of scotch. Tipping his face toward the ceiling, he
hollered, “You’d better have one hell of a good excuse for screwing up my plans
tonight.” The liquor burned a trail down his throat, reigniting the dying
embers fueled by earlier drinks. “I had to reschedule my flight. Now I’ll have
to track Larry down at the convention in the morning.” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Another creak. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Tossing the remainder of the scotch after the rest, he sauntered
to the staircase and looked toward the second floor. “Are you going to get your
damned ass down here and tell me what this is about?” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Silence answered.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“Bitch,” he muttered. Ripping the tie from his neck, he
draped it over the oak banister. “Larry makes me a partner, throws a party for
me, and the first thing I do is bail out on him. You’ve made me look like a
jackass.” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Conley set his empty glass on a stair tread, started up the
steps and flipped the light switch. He flicked the switch a second time, then a
third, but the staircase remained dark. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“Frickin’ house,” he mumbled.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">He climbed the stairs to the still-darker landing and felt
for the hallway light switch. Like the other, it did no good. “You better not
have called me back here to fix a blown fuse or I’m going to be beyond pissed.”
The only sound was the faint echo of his voice coming off the hardwood floors.
“What’s the matter, Amy? Are you afraid to come out and play in the
dark?” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">His taunts faded and the house lapsed back into sullen silence.
Using the wall, he felt his way to the door of the master bedroom. As he
entered the unlit room, the dim glow of a streetlight backlit a silhouette
midway between him and a bedroom window. He saw the outline of shoulder-length
hair and recognized the subtle fragrance of Amy’s favorite perfume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“Okay, I’m here. Now what’s so damned important?” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Light glinted off metal as an outstretched arm rose in his
direction. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Beginning to comprehend, he watched in horror. “Amy, what
are you doing?” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The raised arm held steady, leveled at his chest. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“What the hell? Amy, c’mon. Stop horsing around.” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The sound of a gunshot reverberated through the room.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The bullet ripped through his flesh. He staggered back,
stunned by the impact and searing pain, “Amy, don’t! Please, no!” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Two more shots followed, and Hugh Conley slumped to the
floor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-22502803930205421962013-11-10T09:11:00.002-08:002015-02-20T13:27:14.966-08:00"IT"-- To Be or Not To Be?A lot of writers blog about important issues like how to create a story's atmosphere; how to develop characters; writing believable dialogue and the like. Not me, though! While I'm <i>not</i> out to become the trivial topic titleholder, some not-so-obvious matters have a way of capturing my attention now and then. When that happens, I like to share. Are you ready? Drumroll, please. <br />
<br />
Today I'm taking issue with the word "it". WOW, right? While certainly not an earth-shattering subject, or even a blip on most people's "take notice" meters, that tiny, inconspicuous, two-letter word is capable of weakening your writing. That's true, I swear! <br />
<br />
In everyday conversation--no big deal. In print, however, both the overabundance and 'fuzzy' usage of "IT" can sabotage clarity and dull your writing's sharpness. You don't believe me? Hmmm. Let me see if I can give a quick example to illustrate those points.<br />
<u><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></u>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><i>It </i>began as a note, then line by line, evolved into a three-page letter. Ethan folded <i>it</i> and tucked <i>it </i>into his jacket pocket. Once Kathleen read<i> it</i>, <i>it</i> would be too late. <i>It</i> would be over. </u></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></u>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, six "ITs" is taking this example to the extreme, but shows how easily the word can pop up while making perfect (if unclear) sense and dooming the writing to "blahness". </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the revised version below, the elimination of the "ITs" serves two purposes. Removing them breathes more life into the writing while providing more specificity. The changes make the intended meaning crystal clear. </span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></u><br />
<br />
<u><i>The message</i> began as a note, then line by line, evolved into a three-page letter. Ethan folded <i>the sheets</i> and tucked <i>them</i> into his jacket pocket. Once Kathleen read his confession, <i>there was no taking the admission back. Their relationship would be over.</i></u><br />
<br />
<br />
Should "IT" be banned altogether? Pfft! Perish the thought. We need "IT"...just not plastered all over the place in lieu of more carefully chosen words and phrases. Doesn't that take a lot more effort? Darned right, but that effort will pay off in terrific results.<br />
<br />
Try this. Go over your writing. Everywhere you find an "IT", check your options. See if another word, phrase, or whatever would result in bringing more life and/or clarity to the writing. Don't worry; not every "IT" will need replacing. Make it (See there?) a habit and, before long, using livelier, clearer replacements will become habit. <br />
<br />
All right, I'm off to create more problems for my protagonist. Poor Ray Schiller! He's got no idea what's in store for him this time around.<br />
<br />
Don't forget to leave your comments! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this or any other topic.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-53691442789730949952013-08-09T16:07:00.002-07:002015-02-20T13:26:40.489-08:00Proofreading and Editing<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Proofreading and Editing - DIY?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you’re a writer, you know the
importance of proofing and editing your work…or should. Creating the very best
story you can is your first task as a writer. Proofreading and editing are a
secondary but essential part of that job. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many think “proofreading” and “editing”
are interchangeable terms. They’re not. While both are part of the revision
process, each focuses on different aspects of writing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Editing deals with content, clarity, style
and structure. That sounds pretty straightforward, but given the same
manuscript, editors often disagree on their recommendations—the result of personal
taste and interpretation. Editing, therefore, is somewhat subjective. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So who should edit your work? You could
certainly ask family members and friends for their opinions but, considering a relationship
is at stake, are they more likely to be candid or kind? You may want to look
for a professional editor to “kick you in the shins”, so to speak. Your ego might
get bruised, but your writing will benefit, and your personal relationships will still be intact!</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you go with professional editing,
don’t close your eyes and throw a dart at a list of editing services. Ask
others about their experiences and make an informed decision before choosing
your editor. Also, be aware that rates vary. Some editors charge per word,
others may charge in some other fashion. Occasionally time constraints and
other factors affect the cost as well. Do some checking. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Compared to editing, proofreading is the
more objective process. Proofreading consists of a methodical search for punctuation
and grammar errors, misspellings, typos, and missing words. The process is tedious
but crucial. Presenting a carefully proofed story, essay, or book says the writer
takes pride in his/her work and respects the readers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If someone points out that 1 + 1 = 3 is
incorrect, there should be no cause for hurt feelings. The same should be true
of proofreading catches. For that reason, getting help from friends and family
shouldn’t put those relationships at risk as editing does. But—and it’s a big <s>butt
</s>(Ha!)—make sure the person you ask for help is qualified to do the job. (Yous
guys don’t want no grammar mangler doing the job, know what I’m sayin’?) If you
don’t have a qualified person tucked away somewhere, spending the money for a professional
proofreader is a sound investment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Like editing, the prices for proofreading
services vary greatly. Some proofreaders charge per book, others per page
and/or turnaround time. As in the case of editing, researching the cost and
asking for recommendations is helpful. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Keep in mind that language and
punctuation rules are continually evolving. What your proofreader calls an
error may be your idea of “personal style”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s your call, but remember that you’re
paying for the professional input. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Creeeak!</i>
(That’s the sound of the fence you’ll be straddling while you decide whether to
go with their opinion or your own.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It's been nice "talking" with you. If you’d like to add your thoughts or
comments, please do! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-76958483991341005472013-07-21T16:42:00.000-07:002013-07-21T16:42:48.403-07:00Ray's Back!<br />
<br />
<br />
The process of publishing Detective Ray Schiller's newest case has been almost as harrowing as the case itself, but he's back! The stakes are high and they're getting still higher. In Shadow Tag, Ray's out to finish what he started, if it doesn't finish him first. <br />
<br />
I'm not sure if he got that characteristic from me, or if I got that from him, but doggone if I haven't felt the same way while trying to get Shadow Tag published. And, frankly, I'm not quite done yet. It's available in e-book format right now, but I'm still waiting to get the "print" file from my formatter.<br />
<br />
With this novel, my first mistake, if you want to call it that, was deciding to use a few lines of song lyrics in the book, which I mentioned in another post. Since then I've learned that the fee for using the lyrics only covers "X" number of copies whether they're sold or downloaded for free. Beyond that number of "sales", the use of the lyrics must be re-licensed. Holy cow, Batman! Oh, well. But I offer that tidbit of information as a heads-up to other writers.<br />
<br />
The licensing process itself, however, took me beyond my self-imposed Winter publication deadline.Okay, shooting for Spring didn't seem too bad, but then my computer went on the offensive, and my well-documented technophobia (a.k.a techno-ignorance) saw another season slip right through my fingers like a greased banana. Then...a virtual miracle--to me, anyway. I'll bet I'm the last person to know this, but someone else can actually fix your computer problems, and even download your files and "what-have-you" by remote control. And, almost by accident, I found one of those computer wizards. Thank you, God! (I'm not swearing; that's a genuine prayer of gratitude.) <br />
<br />
<h2>
Book 1 </h2>
<h2>
Book 2<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJUwJ94Qkoo/UexTQo4djfI/AAAAAAAAAI0/mDgmwS3v6Do/s1600/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJUwJ94Qkoo/UexTQo4djfI/AAAAAAAAAI0/mDgmwS3v6Do/s400/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" width="262" /></a></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woY4Y04BpIs/UexQtNUbLhI/AAAAAAAAAIk/Rslp7-cR0tY/s1600/ShadowTag3+-+book+cover+-+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woY4Y04BpIs/UexQtNUbLhI/AAAAAAAAAIk/Rslp7-cR0tY/s400/ShadowTag3+-+book+cover+-+final.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h2>
<br /></h2>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On another happy note, the actual downloading of
this novel went more smoothly this time around than last. It gives me hope that the whole process will get easier with each new
project. (Shhh. Don't rock my boat.) <br />
<br />
So, now...with renewed faith in the universe and my place in it as a high-technology failure, I'm holding my head high, shoulders back, and working with enthusiasm on Ray Schiller's next case while I wait awhile longer on my final formatting file so I can publish the print version of Shadow Tag. I guess Ray can use a brief rest, because his next case promises to be the most difficult and personally trying of all.<br />
<br />
If you have comments about your own experiences with publication, etc., I'd love to hear them. Please feel free to share. Maybe sharing stories will serve as sort of a mini support group. And, honestly, what Indie author can't benefit from that? <br />
<br />
All the best, and take care!<br />
Marjorie<br />
<br />
<br /> <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-51729589095109624862013-04-01T12:38:00.000-07:002013-04-01T20:46:56.288-07:00<br />
<br />
<h2>
It's About Time! ...a heads-up to other writers </h2>
<br />
Just a brief note today to say hello and thanks for stopping by. While my blog has been getting little or no attention from me of late, I hope to remedy that very soon. <br />
<br />
Over the past months, I committed myself to forcing my protagonist, Detective Ray Schiller, into harrowing new situations in <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Shadow Tag</em></span>, the second book of the series. Of course that means I was also committed to devising resolutions to the precarious situations thrust upon him by yours truly.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4whtCCaHmoo/UVnOlaunWRI/AAAAAAAAAHo/besPN0YDZiU/s1600/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4whtCCaHmoo/UVnOlaunWRI/AAAAAAAAAHo/besPN0YDZiU/s320/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES+large.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/JQqo5y">http://amzn.to/JQqo5y</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ray charged out of the starting blocks in<em> Dear Crossing</em> in April of 2012. My self-imposed deadline for the release of <em>Shadow Tag </em>was this past winter. (Yes, the one that officially ended only days ago.) Am I disappointed? You bet!<br />
<br />
Still, I'm not <em>too</em> far behind schedule at this point. The writing has been completed, but much of what happens now is in the hands of someone else. That, my friends, is the subject of the "heads-up" portion of this blog.<br />
<br />
What's the hold-up? It's this: I chose to use a few lines of lyrics from an old song. In order to do that, an author needs permission. To get that "print license", <u>you must furnish the necessary information</u>: the exact title, composer/arranger/author name(s) and product code number, the complete copyright notice, your name, the number of copies, and a brief description of your intended use of the song.<br />
<br />
<br />
Simple, right? Not exactly. After doing the necessary research, I contacted EMI, who sent me to Universal, who sent me to Hal Leonard--all music publishers. Hal Leonard sent me back to Universal, who sent me back to Hal Leonard. Nice folks...every last one who dealt with my request! I really mean that. They couldn't have been nicer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irbFrljQe6Q/Tmgckm6h43I/AAAAAAAABBc/O2HX3yQExkw/s1600/IANpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Independent Author Network " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irbFrljQe6Q/Tmgckm6h43I/AAAAAAAABBc/O2HX3yQExkw/s240/IANpic.jpg" /></a>As things stand now, though, I'm only several days into what could be up to a three-week waiting period. The cost, at this point, has been $100, and that doesn't guarantee permission. (Sigh) Am I sorry I chose to use the lyrics in my novel? Nope! For my purposes, they're perfect. I hope I get to use them.<br />
<br />
The moral of the story is this: if you want to use lyrics, be prepared to spend some money, do the research, and have the patience of Jobe. Most of all, tackle the "permission" end of things early on.<br />
<br />
With any luck, next time I hope to have the book cover of <em>Shadow Tag</em> to show you.<br />
<br />
Later! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-77923021528791551012013-03-12T11:44:00.001-07:002013-03-12T11:44:44.535-07:00SMALL TOWN AUTHORS: Meet Marjorie Doering - this week's featured autho...<a href="http://smalltownauthors.blogspot.com/2013/03/meet-marjorie-doering-this-weeks.html?spref=bl">SMALL TOWN AUTHORS: Meet Marjorie Doering - this week's featured autho...</a>: This week's featured author is Marjorie Doering who lives in Birchwood, a small town with a population of 528 in Northwest Wisconsin. ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-6093015433680096712012-10-26T13:36:00.000-07:002012-10-26T16:11:30.987-07:00So Simple You'll Be Kicking Yourself!<br />
<br />
It's clear I'm an inconsistent blogger at best. Not a good thing, I know. I'm just taking a short break from editing Shadow Tag, the second in my Ray Schiller mystery series, to share something I should have shared ages ago.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwdZH0Q3ajI/UIrunJw1zvI/AAAAAAAAAFw/B4NVxhqUgDs/s1600/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwdZH0Q3ajI/UIrunJw1zvI/AAAAAAAAAFw/B4NVxhqUgDs/s320/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/JQqo5y">http://amzn.to/JQqo5y</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Short and sweet, it's the "I" vs. "me" issue. <br />
<br />
a) Steve went to the store with Mary and I.<br />
b) Steve went to the store with Mary and me.<br />
<br />
a) He gave Mary and I cash and a list of items.<br />
b) He gave Mary and me cash and a list of items.<br />
<br />
a) Mary and me came back with no change.<br />
b) Mary and I came back with no change. <br />
<br />
If you're not sure, here's the solution: When deciding whether "I" or "me" is the right choice, forget nominative and objective case, prepositions and all the rest. All you <em>really</em> need to do is forget Mary! I don't care if Mary is "Miss Universe", or if the items are gold ingots, or even if they came back with a million dollars. Get rid of Mary ... or Tom, Dick and Harry or anyone else who might be tagging along.<br />
<br />
It's the simplest solution to a too-frequent problem. Just take the other/others out of the equation temporarily. You'll see what I mean below.<br />
<br />
a) Steve went to the store with I. <br />
b) Steve went to the store with me.<br />
<br />
a) He gave I cash and a list of items.<br />
b) He gave me cash and a list of items.<br />
<br />
a) Me came back with no change.<br />
b) I came back with no change.<br />
<br />
Could it get any easier? I don't think so!<br />
<br />
Once you've callously ditched any and all companions and made the proper choice, go ahead and invite Mary and the whole Tabernacle Choir along again if you like, but you can finally move on with confidence. Don't you wish they'd have taught you that little trick back in school? Now that you know, you can either snicker at others still struggling with the I/me issue, send them here, or make a friend for life and share this tip yourself.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-91943149816441235812012-08-11T15:34:00.000-07:002012-08-21T12:36:51.404-07:00There It Is Again!<div style="text-align: justify;">
THIS IS A TEST! Don't say I didn't warn you. What follows may sound like meaningless chitchat, but don't be fooled. There's a purpose behind it, so soldier on and read to the end. Okay? Okay.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First of all, let me say that I've been very busy lately so I haven't been blogging with the kind of regularity that I'd hoped to achieve. On the other hand, I did call this A Non-blogger's Blog for good reason. By now it's obvious that I'm not a disciplined blogger. I add blogs on a hit-or-miss basis as time allows. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjSdjvTJeXQ/UCbOcgIpf-I/AAAAAAAAAFY/Fz5_TBOOaW0/s1600/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjSdjvTJeXQ/UCbOcgIpf-I/AAAAAAAAAFY/Fz5_TBOOaW0/s400/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/JQq05y">http://amzn.to/JQq05y</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week I was away for five days, visiting my family in the Milwaukee area. While I was there, I did a little multi-tasking by donating copies of my novel to several librarians that wanted a copy for separate libraries in three nearby towns.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All right! Enough already! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At this point, I'm willing to bet you're scratching your head, wondering what point I'm trying to make. Here it is. Lately I've noticed a prevalent, four-letter word creeping into a lot of writing where it doesn't belong. That word is "that"! (Yes, I meant for the last sentence to be ironic.) It often goes unnoticed, much like poison ivy when you pull down your pants in the woods to... Well, never mind; you get the idea. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The word "that" certainly has its place, but it's not to be peppered around willy-nilly. Check out the second paragraph again. This time leave out each "that". Didn't miss a single one of them, did you? Used as they were, each was nothing but a pointless, extra word. It seems they like to crop up everywhere. Did you notice them on your own? Check your writing for those sneaky, little critters and boot them out; they won't be missed. And, like Scrooge McDuck, you'll be pleased to find you even save a little ink. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One last thing. Find "that" in the third paragraph. Something is definitely needed there, but it's not "that". When referring to humans, use "who". It's an easy rule to remember. </div>
<br />
"That" definitely serves a purpose, many in fact. My Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary even dedicated a five full inches of space explaining its uses. So, when it's needed, use it. When it isn't, don't. It's easy to tell the difference. <br />
<br />
And that, as they say, is that!<br />
<br />
Feel free to comment! If you want to target some other overlooked issues, grab a comment box and have at it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-58160917833686216452012-07-04T13:36:00.000-07:002012-07-22T18:49:41.054-07:00Tags and Beats. Huh?<br />
<br />
Dialogue is a vital part of most stories. Whether it brings the story to life or bores readers half to death is dependent on how the writer handles it. Done well, it fleshes out the characters and advances the storyline. Done poorly, it falls flat.<br />
Naturally, there's a lot of territory to cover when it comes to dialogue, and we'll get to those areas another day, but for now, let's limit this discussion to <em>speech tags</em> and <em>action beats.</em> What the heck are those? They're those nifty little "identifiers" found outside the quotation marks that help the reader keep track of who's saying what. They serve the same basic purpose but in different ways.<br />
<em> Speech tags</em> are brief and to the point--he said/she said, and the like, being examples of the most common and unobtrusive, which is their claim to fame. <br />
<em>Action beats </em>identify the speakers by describing non-verbal communication taking place during the dialogue exchange. In addition, when done right, <em>beats </em>help set the scene--a definite plus.<br />
It sounds simple, but either can go seriously wrong as in the following sample.<br />
<br />
"Ron!" Clay shouted loudly. "Where do you think you're going?"<br />
<br />
"To Dave's place," he grumbled. "I'll be back in an hour."<br />
<br />
Clay looked at his stepson. "You're not going anywhere until you mow the lawn," he snapped angrily.<br />
<br />
Ron shook his head. "The grass can't wait an hour?" he asked defiantly.<br />
<br />
Clay's arms were crossed. "You can get away with that crap with your mother, but not with me."<br />
<br />
Look at the verbs used in place of "said." While an occasional variation may liven up a scene, in general, they're better saved for action rather than speech tags. They sap the strength of the dialogue and do nothing to help the reader visualize the scene. In fact, in the case of a conversation involving only two people, speech tags can often be eliminated without causing any confusion at all.<br />
Check the adverbs in the sample's speech tags. They weaken the dialogue. The emotion should come through in the character's words and actions, not in an explanation. It's the age-old case of "show, don't tell." <br />
<em> Beats</em> require careful use as well. If they're used randomly and without purpose, they're a waste of time and ink, not to mention being a source of irritation. On the other hand, when action beats are used to complement and strengthen the dialogue, they become the writer's ally. A word of caution. Focus on the most important actions in the scene. Don't flood your prose with shrugs, smiles, and other generic actions that don't enhance the scene.<br />
Here's a revised version of the conversation with improved tags and beats:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq6ofseM200/T_SmgDF3OaI/AAAAAAAAAFI/bULVhUmz_lQ/s1600/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uq6ofseM200/T_SmgDF3OaI/AAAAAAAAAFI/bULVhUmz_lQ/s320/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://amzn.to/JQqo5y</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"Ron! Where do you think you're going?" <br />
<br />
"To Dave's place. I'll be back in an hour." Eyes diverted, he chanced a step toward the door. <br />
<br />
Clay placed himself between his stepson and the exit. "You're not going anywhere until you mow the lawn."<br />
<br />
"The grass can't wait an hour?" His hands fisted at his side. <br />
<br />
"You can get away with that crap with your mother," Clay said, "but not with me."<br />
<br />
In an excerpt as short as this, you might even expect to find fewer beats and tags, but it should give some idea of how dialogue can be enhanced rather than encumbered by action beats and speech tags. <br />
Well, I'm off to make sure I've followed my own advice. Happy 4th of July, everyone, whatever country you call home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-80054824190878665522012-06-16T17:29:00.000-07:002012-06-18T14:53:42.955-07:00Sex Scenes!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxn6RR1EWZA/T90iTsJk6sI/AAAAAAAAAEU/ksDFBFZdP9E/s1600/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxn6RR1EWZA/T90iTsJk6sI/AAAAAAAAAEU/ksDFBFZdP9E/s320/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/JQqo5y">http://amzn.to/JQqo5y</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sex sells. No doubt it's true; we've seen it proven time after time whether it's a movie or a bestselling novel. <em>Lolita. Lady Chatterley's Lover. Fifty Shades of Grey.</em> Mention these titles, and what's the first thing that comes to mind, hmm?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm not suggesting that's a bad thing; sex is as common as breathing. There's probably a bit of innocent voyeurism in each of us--call it normal curiosity. Some enjoy a little harmless titillation--maybe even a bit of how-to information. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Whatever the case, just for the record, this isn't about perceptions of morality or immorality. </em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The issue I'm bringing up is much simpler but not without certain complexities. My question is this: What amount and degree of sex is "expected" in each genre? Naturally, this discussion is in regard to stories that fall in the middleground between Young Adult and erotica. </span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNstyHWj76k/T9-iY5tFVHI/AAAAAAAAAEg/RvkwXqkdDfU/s1600/thumbnailCA87STH7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNstyHWj76k/T9-iY5tFVHI/AAAAAAAAAEg/RvkwXqkdDfU/s320/thumbnailCA87STH7.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If a Romance novel doesn't provide a fair share of steamy sex scenes, does it fail to meet the expectancy of the reader? Are writers obliged to provide content that lives up to the cover images of heaving bosoms and bulging biceps--and that just the women! (Okay ... just checking to see if you're paying attention.) Does a Romance writer dare "dumb it down" for fear of traumatizing family and friends by mentioning pubic hairs or engorged body parts? If that's a concern, should they stick to writing in other categories?</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys-F7CwjoBg/T9-jAVrtm6I/AAAAAAAAAEo/OLIvggK62Wk/s1600/thumbnailCAT9P34O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys-F7CwjoBg/T9-jAVrtm6I/AAAAAAAAAEo/OLIvggK62Wk/s320/thumbnailCAT9P34O.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On the other hand, are there unspoken limitations as to the amount and explicitness of sexual depiction in other genres? When is it too much? Too graphic? Would more than a fleeting mention of sex in a "cozy" be stepping over an unspoken boundary? How much is to be expected in a mystery or suspense novel? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Are there limitations? Should there be? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">When it comes to your personal expectations, what 's your opinion? </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-29539411540178490422012-05-25T17:50:00.000-07:002012-05-26T08:55:36.507-07:00Grammar - Pet Peeves Sound-off<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0oiejnINRoo/T8D7bUlVIPI/AAAAAAAAAEI/8swbwDQcRZo/s1600/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0oiejnINRoo/T8D7bUlVIPI/AAAAAAAAAEI/8swbwDQcRZo/s400/DEAR+CROSSING+wo+WHITE+-+HIGH+RES.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://amzn.to/JQqo5y</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
verbal fisticuffs started with a simple comment. The writer expressed her
chagrin at an author’s persistent use of the non-word “irregardless,” and the
battle was on: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"irregardless" vs
"regardless, "altogether" vs "all together." Several
rounds involved dialect as opposed to "proper" English. There was even
some sparring over the use of slang as opposed to "ordinary" language. Accusations
flew, suggesting those who clung more strictly to a Strunk and White version of
grammar were elitist. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This battle was waged on a recent LinkedIn
discussion. Shortly after it began, I offered a comment or two then sat back and followed as
new remarks were added day after day after day. At last count, there were
seventy-six comments added to the thread, enough to weave a virtual rope. The
influx has finally tapered off, but the debate still continues and, no doubt,
always will. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What constitutes proper grammar is a topic that may rank
right up there with religion and politics. The word alone elicits moans and
groans. It causes eyes to roll and eyebrows to arch. It almost invariably causes
conflict. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like everyone else, I've got personal
pet peeves when it comes to grammar. Here’s an example of something that makes
me cringe: He poured himself a cup of coffee. Arrrrgh! That and countless other
variations of it make their way into writing every day. In actuality, he didn't
pour <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">himself</i>; he poured a cup of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">coffee</i> <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">for</span></u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span>himself.
Do I understand the meaning of the first version? Sure I do, but the writer might
just as well write: Throw me down the stairs my shoes. Frankly, I don't want to
read that either.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think we, as writers, should be
aware of and use “proper” grammar when it’s appropriate. On the other hand, I
think fiction writing has its own set of ground rules. Weird analogy or not, like
a centerline down a highway, I see quotation marks as the indicators of what we
are and aren’t allowed to do in that regard. Unless it's first-person narration, anything <i>outside</i>
quotation marks needs to adhere to proper usage. As for anything <i>inside
</i>quotation marks, whether it's slang, dialect, or dropping 'g's, whatever
your characters choose to say, however they choose to say it, anything goes, because
it’s the writer’s job to make dialogue sound natural no matter how grammatically
incorrect it may be. It just has to be kept in line with the character's
background, education and personality. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let me share a laugh aimed at
grammarians everywhere. This is from a birthday card I received from a good
friend and member of my critique group. Picture two women chatting at a table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First woman: "Where's your
birthday party at?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Second woman: "Don't end a
sentence with a preposition."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First woman: "Okay. Where's
your birthday party at, bitch?"</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What are YOUR pet grammar peeves?
Post them here. Let’s hear 'em!</span></u></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-86726672763478201852012-05-16T10:01:00.002-07:002012-05-25T18:15:57.969-07:00<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>Self-Promotion Sucks</u></strong></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/JQqo5y"><span style="font-size: small;">http://amzn.to/JQqo5y</span></a> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm sorry, but it does, doesn't it? Here I sit with my fingers worn down to nubs, callouses forming on my fingertips while I try to increase exposure for my novel <em>Dear Crossing.</em> Okay,<em> </em>so I exaggerate ... a little. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Not everyone who stops by here is a writer, but for those of you who are, you know what I'm talking about. If you're like me, you're working as hard as you <em>ever </em>have, glued all the while to your computer chair--no physical activity except for drinking quarts of coffee and running back and forth to the restroom to make room for more. *I haven't swept the floor, or vaccumed the carpeting in longer than I care to admit. Clean dishes are still sitting in the dishwasher, and the dust is getting so thick that, soon, my cats' paw prints will be visible on the window sills. (Okay, I've already admitted I exaggerate--not so much about that last part, though.) Guys, I'm sure you have your own list of "masculine" chores you've been neglecting as well. (Politically incorrect? Oops, sorry!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Worst of all is that I haven't done any writing for... for... Well, for so long I've forgotten the last time I did that. Oh, I've been writing, all right: blogs, socializing on a number of social networks, r</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">equesting book reviews. But I can't seem to get down to work on the writing that I want to do most--<em>my own.</em> Sound familiar? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm convinced that publishing a book--like prescription drugs--has side effects. (*See above) At least it does if you're taking it seriously, and who of us doesn't? Twitter. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Facebook. Amazon. LinkedIn. Goodreads. The list goes on and on. All good. All a help to writers, but--dare I use the term--necessary evils? Do we need them? Oh, yes! Do they take up a lot of our limited personal writing time? Uh-huh. Could we succeed without them? Doubtful. Do I have a solution? Heck, no! I'm just grumbling and offering a shoulder to cry on. (Yes, I know better than to end a sentence in a preposition. Ignore that. Normally, I talk real good English. LOL)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, what's the point of all this. Well, first of all it helped me blow off a little steam. Secondly, I do have a bit of helpful advice for writers who aren't already aware of this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If you're looking for book reviewers, go to<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Indiebookreviewer.</strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">'Nuf said. You'll see.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As for each</span> of those reviewers, God bless them. Whether they accept a request or not, they deserve a big hand for lending a hand. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you'd like to share your experience with self-promotion, have some advice of your own, or just feel like blowing off some steam like me, feel free to leave a comment for the rest of us. We'd like to hear from you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">See you next time! Write on! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color: #474747; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="mailto:marjoriedoering@gmail.com">marjoriedoering@gmail.com</a></span></span><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-10728875741714847312012-05-08T20:44:00.000-07:002012-05-25T18:13:06.520-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Divine Intervention</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://amzn.to/JQqo5y</td></tr>
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Okay, divine might be going a bit overboard, but I feel like I just spent time with my guardian angel.If he reads this, his face will probably flush a bright red because he's a humble, "Aw, shucks" kind of guy. But what else would you call a man who willingly (no, no kidding ... willingly) undertook the chore of formatting your e-book, created a .mobi file and, on more than one grueling occasion, walked you through finally getting your book into print? Tonight he added another feat to his accomplishments. He helped me create a more visually appealing blog site. Those of you who were good enough to read my debut blog last week know what an improvement this is. The original had all the appeal of a slab of wet cardboard. (You can see I'm not done yet, but thanks to him, it's no longer an eyesore.)</div>
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Impressed? Well, hold onto your britches; I'm not done. All that would be remarkable enough if I had a hint what I was doing, but uh-uh, I was the poster child for "Clueless". With his help I've gotten better but it's painfully slow going. (My fault not his.) For me, writing is a cinch compared to all the computer-related hoops I'm learning to jump through to let readers know I've written a darned good book I'd like them to read. Still, he never raised his voice or stopped smiling. (Or was that snarling? No ... I'm pretty sure it wasn't--90% certain anyhow.) Regardless, if he ever had thoughts about where he could hide my body, he never let it show.</div>
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By now every female reading this knows I'm probably not talking about my husband. (Love you, honey!) After all, that kind of patience usually fades away almost as fast as the last echo of the wedding vows leaves the church. (I'm a kidder. I'm really not all that cynical.)</div>
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Now pay attention; I'm about to divulge this man's identity. (I feel like I'm about to unmask the Lone Ranger here.) I've been talking about Darren Kirby. He's married to his highschool sweetheart Amy. (Great taste, Darren!) Not only does he work full-time, he's in training to run a marathon in the near future, plus he's a writer, too. And a terrific one at that!</div>
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Darren recently released his novella, Coordinates for Murder, a chilling story of two friends whose geocaching adventure turns into a struggle for survival as they face a vicious man known only as the Woodsman. Check it out! If you hurry, you can sign up to win a free copy on Goodreads.</div>
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I just wanted to let Darren know how terrific he is. And having done that, I realize I also owe him for providing me with material for my second blog! Is there no stopping this guy?</div>
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If there's someone you'd like to thank for similar help along the way, feel free to do that right here on my blog ... or in a blog of your own. It doesn't matter where or how you tell them, just do it! (Hey, I sound like a Nike ad.) </div>
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See you next time!</div>
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Marjorie</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4576154167321619888.post-91643999250520826172012-04-29T20:33:00.001-07:002012-05-25T18:15:06.615-07:00Off the Top of My Head<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello everyone. Whether you've looked up my blog intentionally or stumbled across it by accident, thanks for dropping by.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope you'll stick around long enough for us to get acquainted.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b55HXn1otbQ/T53wlsyXcFI/AAAAAAAAAAM/qgyJtWqbPm4/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b55HXn1otbQ/T53wlsyXcFI/AAAAAAAAAAM/qgyJtWqbPm4/s320/cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://amzn.to/JQqo5y</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Let me introduce myself. My name is Marjorie Doering ... Marjorie <em>Swift</em> Doering for writing purposes. I'm totally winging this. I figured I might as well admit it because you've probably guessed as much already. Since this is my debut blog, dipping a toe in the pool seemed smarter than jumping right in cannonball-style. If I write a second, I promise to tackle something more interesting than a "Hi. Howdy" note.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Meanwhile, observant or not, by now it's likely you've noticed the book cover to the right. Being intelligent, discerning individuals, you've probably decided it doesn't belong to a romance novel ... and you'd be right. It's the book cover of the first in my Ray Schiller murder mystery series. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Having already acknowledged your intelligence, and powers of observation and deduction, I find myself wading through waist-high concerns<em>. Will readers think I misspelled D-E-E-R? Will </em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>the bloody axe have everyone thinking the novel is the equivalent of a slasher movie</em>? Good grief! Heaven help me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Actually, referring to the betrayal of loved ones, the title is a play on words--the "dear" referring to the term of endearment. As for the bloody axe... Well, it is what it is, but the story is far from being graphically violent. If you enjoy mysteries, I'd love to have you to read it and check that out for yourselves. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to any comments you'd like to make. In fact, how about adding your thoughts on book covers ... your own or others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thanks, everyone! See you around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Marjorie Doering</span></div>
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<a href="http://marjorieedoering.blogspot.com/">marjorieEdoering.blogspot.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02561111959980721951noreply@blogger.com3