Ellen Jacobson's Blog, page 25
February 11, 2018
You Know It's Going To Be A Great Day When...
You know it's going to be a great day when...
...you have just enough milk left for your morning coffee.
...all the news headlines are about adorable kittens and puppies, instead of politics.
...dolphins frolic around your boat.
...nothing new hurts when you stretch in the morning.
...you've magically lost five pounds overnight and can button your jeans with ease.
...you find $40 in the pocket of your jeans.
...you do your taxes and realize you're going to get a refund.
...you finally submit your first novel to your editor.
...you forget to put sugar in your morning oatmeal and it still tastes great.
How do you know when it's going to be a great day?
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!
February 10, 2018
Saturday Spotlight | 10 Minute Novelists Conference
In addition to the usual blog posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday about our travel adventures and day-to-day life living aboard a sailboat, I also occasionally post on Saturdays, focusing on things related to writing such as cover reveals, book launches, reviews, interviews with authors etc. So if you're a bit of a book nerd like I am, check in on Saturdays - you never know what might pop up.
Today, we have a guest post by Pam Humphrey about the 10 Minute Novelists conference in August. It sounds like a great opportunity to connect with fellow writers and hear from some amazing speakers. Take it away, Pam.
****
By Pam Humphrey
As writers, some days we struggle to find ten minutes in a day to dedicate to our writing. We scrape together small snippets of time each day, adding words to our work-in-progress. Those words add up. Our small things, brought together, can make something great.
The writers of the Facebook group 10 Minute Novelists believe that this is true. Started by Katharine Grubb, who wrote the book, Write A Novel in Ten Minutes A Day, the Facebook group offers tips, encouragement, and community for time-crunched writers worldwide.
August 9-11, 10 Minute Novelists will be hosting their first ever conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. The theme is fitting: Small Things Brought Together. The conference hopes to bring this online community of hard-working writers together for learning, support, and fun. Through the speakers and learning opportunities, they hope writers can make connections, amplify writing energy, and add tools to their writing toolbelt.
Their speakers include:
James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Plot & Structure, and award-winning thrillers like Final Witness, Romeo’s Rules, Don’t Leave Me, Blind Justice, Deceived, Try Dying, Watch Your Back, and One More Lie, will give the keynote.
Donald Maass, founder of the Donald Maass Literary Agency and author of The Career Novelist (1996), Writing the Breakout Novel (2001), Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook (2004), The Fire in Fiction (2009), The Breakout Novelist (2011) and Writing 21st Century Fiction (2012), will speak on The Fire In Fiction. This hands-on presentation will reveal how master contemporary novelists make every book great—and how participants can use the techniques of greatness in their current manuscripts.
Janice Hardy, founder and owner of FICTION UNIVERSITY, is the award-winning author of The Healing Wars trilogy, including The Shifter, Blue Fire, Darkfall from Balzer+Bray/Harper Collins, and of multiple books on writing, including the bestselling, Understanding Show, Don’t Tell (And Really Getting It). She’ll be speaking twice on Saturday: Planning Your Novel in Ten Easy Steps: 10 Surefire Steps to Planning a Bestseller! and (later that day) on Revision Readiness: How to Revise. For more information go to http://www.10MinCon.com. The conference price is $329, but will go up to $379 after March 1, 2018. Price does not include travel, airfare, or hotel accommodation. Price does include lunch for Friday, August 10 and Saturday, August 11. Hotel accommodation information is also available at www.10MinCon.com.
Make time for your writing this summer. Join us at 10MinCon!
****
Pamela Humphrey, author of Finding Claire and Finding Kate, has been a member of 10 Minute Novelists since March 2016. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, sons, black cats, and a leopard gecko.
Have you ever been to a writing conference? Are you planning on attending 10MinCon? Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!
Today, we have a guest post by Pam Humphrey about the 10 Minute Novelists conference in August. It sounds like a great opportunity to connect with fellow writers and hear from some amazing speakers. Take it away, Pam.
****
By Pam Humphrey
As writers, some days we struggle to find ten minutes in a day to dedicate to our writing. We scrape together small snippets of time each day, adding words to our work-in-progress. Those words add up. Our small things, brought together, can make something great.
The writers of the Facebook group 10 Minute Novelists believe that this is true. Started by Katharine Grubb, who wrote the book, Write A Novel in Ten Minutes A Day, the Facebook group offers tips, encouragement, and community for time-crunched writers worldwide.
August 9-11, 10 Minute Novelists will be hosting their first ever conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. The theme is fitting: Small Things Brought Together. The conference hopes to bring this online community of hard-working writers together for learning, support, and fun. Through the speakers and learning opportunities, they hope writers can make connections, amplify writing energy, and add tools to their writing toolbelt.
Their speakers include:
James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Plot & Structure, and award-winning thrillers like Final Witness, Romeo’s Rules, Don’t Leave Me, Blind Justice, Deceived, Try Dying, Watch Your Back, and One More Lie, will give the keynote.
Donald Maass, founder of the Donald Maass Literary Agency and author of The Career Novelist (1996), Writing the Breakout Novel (2001), Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook (2004), The Fire in Fiction (2009), The Breakout Novelist (2011) and Writing 21st Century Fiction (2012), will speak on The Fire In Fiction. This hands-on presentation will reveal how master contemporary novelists make every book great—and how participants can use the techniques of greatness in their current manuscripts.
Janice Hardy, founder and owner of FICTION UNIVERSITY, is the award-winning author of The Healing Wars trilogy, including The Shifter, Blue Fire, Darkfall from Balzer+Bray/Harper Collins, and of multiple books on writing, including the bestselling, Understanding Show, Don’t Tell (And Really Getting It). She’ll be speaking twice on Saturday: Planning Your Novel in Ten Easy Steps: 10 Surefire Steps to Planning a Bestseller! and (later that day) on Revision Readiness: How to Revise. For more information go to http://www.10MinCon.com. The conference price is $329, but will go up to $379 after March 1, 2018. Price does not include travel, airfare, or hotel accommodation. Price does include lunch for Friday, August 10 and Saturday, August 11. Hotel accommodation information is also available at www.10MinCon.com.
Make time for your writing this summer. Join us at 10MinCon!
****
Pamela Humphrey, author of Finding Claire and Finding Kate, has been a member of 10 Minute Novelists since March 2016. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, sons, black cats, and a leopard gecko.
Have you ever been to a writing conference? Are you planning on attending 10MinCon? Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!
February 9, 2018
Life Lately At Indiantown Marina
This is what life looks like lately at Indiantown Marina for me.
I'm knee deep in wading through beta reader feedback and making the final revisions to >>Murder at the Marina<< before I send it to the editor on Monday. This round of editing is taking way longer than I thought it would, but I've learned heaps in the process.
When I need a bit of a break from editing, I've been looking through my Boat Galley cookbook for recipe ideas.
No, I'm not looking for bread recipes. I'm on the hunt for a fabulous canned meat recipe. Yes, you read that right - canned meat. One of the essential provisions to have on board your boat if you're a non-vegetarian cruiser. We're having a canned meat cook-off this weekend and I want to experiment with a new recipe. Who knows, maybe I'll be just crazy enough to try something with Spam.
And in other news, winter appears to be over in southern Florida (at least for now).
When the real feel temperature hit 89 yesterday, I broke down and plugged in our air conditioning unit. I do feel a little guilty basking in air conditioning, while much of the rest of the northern hemisphere is still battling snow, but I have to say, it beats wearing three pairs of socks.
What's life been lately where you are? Any good canned meat recipes to share?
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - we'd love for you to pop by and say hi!
I'm knee deep in wading through beta reader feedback and making the final revisions to >>Murder at the Marina<< before I send it to the editor on Monday. This round of editing is taking way longer than I thought it would, but I've learned heaps in the process.
When I need a bit of a break from editing, I've been looking through my Boat Galley cookbook for recipe ideas.
No, I'm not looking for bread recipes. I'm on the hunt for a fabulous canned meat recipe. Yes, you read that right - canned meat. One of the essential provisions to have on board your boat if you're a non-vegetarian cruiser. We're having a canned meat cook-off this weekend and I want to experiment with a new recipe. Who knows, maybe I'll be just crazy enough to try something with Spam.
And in other news, winter appears to be over in southern Florida (at least for now).
When the real feel temperature hit 89 yesterday, I broke down and plugged in our air conditioning unit. I do feel a little guilty basking in air conditioning, while much of the rest of the northern hemisphere is still battling snow, but I have to say, it beats wearing three pairs of socks.
What's life been lately where you are? Any good canned meat recipes to share?
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - we'd love for you to pop by and say hi!
February 7, 2018
Simon The Time Traveling Cat Gets Evicted | IWSG
The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is a place to share and encourage, where writers can express their doubts and concerns without appearing foolish or weak. It's a great place to mingle with like minded people each month during IWSG day.
Every month there's an optional question which may prompt folks to share advice, insights, a personal experience or story. Some folks answer the question in their IWSG blog post or let it inspire them if they're struggling with what to say.
This month's question is:
"What do you love about the genre you write the most in?"
Check out how people have answered this month's question, as well as the other insecurities and writing topics they may have shared by visiting the IWSG sign-up list here. If you want to see how I answered the question, have a look below.
****
Image courtesy of The Graphics FairySimon the Time Traveling Cat sprawled on the table, knocking my highlighters on the floor. Then, he washed carefully behind his ears before rolling onto his back.
"Scratch my belly, lady," he demanded while batting at my hand with his paw.
"Stop it, Simon. I'm busy working on this month's IWSG post - what I love the most about writing cozy mysteries."
Simon batted at my hand some more, this time with his claws fully extended.
"Ouch!" I pulled my hand away and checked for blood. I was going to need a bandaid. I glared at Simon. "You know what I love about writing cozy mysteries? Being able to kill off characters."
"Why are you looking at me, lady?" he asked. "What, you think you can kill me off? Hah! All of your readers would revolt."
"Revolt? Not a chance. They'd sympathize. After all, in just the past week, you've hacked up hairballs on my bed, you knocked a bowl off the counter on purpose, spilling soup everywhere, and to top it all off, you've scratched me. . .again!"
Simon blinked slowly at me. "But, I'm a cat. Everyone knows you can't kill off a cat in a cozy mystery. People who read those books are crazy about cats."
I sighed. "Fine, you're right. I won't kill you off. How about we just evict you instead?"
****
In all seriousness, I do wonder if people are getting tired of Simon the Time Traveling Cat popping up each month. He's been hanging around for almost a year. {Click here to read the original Simon post.} Other characters pop up from time to time, like Esme the Annoying Life Coach, but Simon really has seemed to take over things.
So, what do you think - should Simon be evicted?
(a) Yes, evict Simon.
(b) No, keep Simon.
(c) Have Simon stay, but on a part-time basis.
(d) None of the above.
So, what do you think - should Simon be evicted? Leave your answer and reasons why in the comments below.
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - we'd love for you to pop by and say hi!
February 5, 2018
Hand-Knit Sweaters For Koala Bears, Or Strange Emails People Send Us
We often get emails asking us to advertise products and services on our blog. Usually, I send a quick reply back saying "thanks, but no thanks." After all, the person sending the email is generally some peon in a cubicle making peanuts.
But recently, I was tempted to send a more detailed response. Something along the lines of:
It all came about when I received this form email (the highlighting in red is mine).
Let's just dissect this, shall we?
First of all, she says that she came across our >>post<<. Well, the link she provided takes you to >>this page<< , where we have links to various posts on blogging tips and tricks. It's not an actual post.
Next, she says that it was >>super insightful<<. Uh, okay. What exactly did she find insightful about it? It's just a page with a listing of blog posts. Did she find it insightful that I know how to insert hyperlinks? I think what was supposed to happen here is that I'd be so flattered that she called it *insightful* and put a *super* in front of it, that I would jump at the chance of doing her bidding.
Then, she mentions the importance of >>online businesses<< and talks about my >>work<< later on. That's what got me thinking maybe there is some money to be made in hand-knit sweaters for koalas or starting up a mobile unicorn grooming business.
If she had actually looked at our blog for even a nanosecond, she'd probably have figured out that we aren't selling anything.* In fact, we don't monetize our blog.** {Yep, all of this crazy, random nonsense - it's all yours for free.} Something, she'd know if she had read >>this post<< I wrote a couple of years ago about annoying form emails we get from people wanting us to flog their stuff.
Although, maybe she did read that post as she didn't offer any sort of compensation for publicizing their web hosting guide. By the way, I'm pretty sure they make their money by recommending certain web-hosting services. Our share of that profit - zero. Unless, you count the fact that they'd be >>thrilled<< if we helped out as compensation.
Which leads me to the reference to >>web-hosting<<. Yeah, we don't pay anyone to host our site. We do things the cheap and cheerful way around here by using Blogger's free service. No domain, no hosting, nothing. So, why would we be interesting in talking about web-hosting?
What kind of strange, annoying and/or stupid emails or slow mail do you get? If you have a blog, do you monetize it? Ever knit a sweater for a koala bear or brushed a unicorn's mane?
*Disclaimer: In all fairness, I've had a link up here before for the IWSG anthology I had a story published in and I'll do the same when I publish my cozy mystery. So, I guess I am selling stuff.
**Another Disclaimer: I did try Amazon Affiliates for a while, primarily with links to books I reviewed. We made a whopping $10. We're no longer part of the program. And, by the way, there's absolutely nothing wrong with monetizing your site. If it makes you happy and it works for you, go for it!
You can find links to our other posts on blogging tips & tricks on here.
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!
But recently, I was tempted to send a more detailed response. Something along the lines of:
"Thank you for your inquiry. Before we proceed with advertising your product in exchange for absolutely no compensation for our time and effort, can you clarify which of our online businesses you were referring to? Was it the one where we sell hand-knit sweaters for koala bears? Or, did you mean our mobile unicorn grooming business?"
It all came about when I received this form email (the highlighting in red is mine).
Let's just dissect this, shall we?
First of all, she says that she came across our >>post<<. Well, the link she provided takes you to >>this page<< , where we have links to various posts on blogging tips and tricks. It's not an actual post.
Next, she says that it was >>super insightful<<. Uh, okay. What exactly did she find insightful about it? It's just a page with a listing of blog posts. Did she find it insightful that I know how to insert hyperlinks? I think what was supposed to happen here is that I'd be so flattered that she called it *insightful* and put a *super* in front of it, that I would jump at the chance of doing her bidding.
Then, she mentions the importance of >>online businesses<< and talks about my >>work<< later on. That's what got me thinking maybe there is some money to be made in hand-knit sweaters for koalas or starting up a mobile unicorn grooming business.
If she had actually looked at our blog for even a nanosecond, she'd probably have figured out that we aren't selling anything.* In fact, we don't monetize our blog.** {Yep, all of this crazy, random nonsense - it's all yours for free.} Something, she'd know if she had read >>this post<< I wrote a couple of years ago about annoying form emails we get from people wanting us to flog their stuff.
Although, maybe she did read that post as she didn't offer any sort of compensation for publicizing their web hosting guide. By the way, I'm pretty sure they make their money by recommending certain web-hosting services. Our share of that profit - zero. Unless, you count the fact that they'd be >>thrilled<< if we helped out as compensation.
Which leads me to the reference to >>web-hosting<<. Yeah, we don't pay anyone to host our site. We do things the cheap and cheerful way around here by using Blogger's free service. No domain, no hosting, nothing. So, why would we be interesting in talking about web-hosting?
What kind of strange, annoying and/or stupid emails or slow mail do you get? If you have a blog, do you monetize it? Ever knit a sweater for a koala bear or brushed a unicorn's mane?
*Disclaimer: In all fairness, I've had a link up here before for the IWSG anthology I had a story published in and I'll do the same when I publish my cozy mystery. So, I guess I am selling stuff.
**Another Disclaimer: I did try Amazon Affiliates for a while, primarily with links to books I reviewed. We made a whopping $10. We're no longer part of the program. And, by the way, there's absolutely nothing wrong with monetizing your site. If it makes you happy and it works for you, go for it!
You can find links to our other posts on blogging tips & tricks on here.
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!
February 3, 2018
Saturday Spotlight | Sailing Book Reviews
In addition to the usual blog posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday about our eccentric travel adventures and day-to-day life living aboard a sailboat, I also occasionally post on Saturdays, focusing on things related to writing such as cover reveals, book launches, reviews, interviews with authors etc. So if you're a bit of a book nerd like I am, check in on Saturdays - you never know what might pop up.
****
Today, I'm featuring reviews of three sailing-related books. Two were written by fellow members of the Women Who Sail Facebook group - Jackie Parry and Daria Blackwell - and recount their adventures crossing oceans, exploring new countries and cultures, and connecting with fellow cruisers. Chris DiCroce's book is jam-packed with information about the ins and outs of traveling along the Atlantic ICW (intracoastal waterway).
THIS IS IT: 2 HEMISPHERES, 2 PEOPLE, AND 1 BOAT | by Jackie Parry
>>This is It<< is a wonderfully well-written memoir of the author's adventures buying a sailboat in San Francisco with her husband, and then sailing it across the Pacific back to their home in Australia. The author has a beautiful voice and way with words which effortlessly draws the reader in and makes them feel like they're part of the adventure.
During the course of the book, we follow the crew of Pyewacket from San Francisco on the first part of their journey through Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama and then across the Pacific with stops at fascinating places like Pitcairn, the Gambiers, and Suwarrow. The descriptions of the highs and lows of cruising are fascinating. I loved reading about their experiences immersing themselves in local cultures, and the friendships they made with fellow cruisers. There were also times when I was sitting at the edge of my seat with my pulse racing as the author described the treacherous conditions they faced during their journey.
Bonus material is provided at the end of the book with information about buying a boat in a foreign country, the areas where they cruised, and the process of importing a boat into Australia.
This book is far more than a travel memoir about sailing; it helps you understand the restless spirit that drives and inspires people to lead a nomadic life in search of their next adventure. A great read for anyone who is dreaming about cruising, as well as those already out there living the dream.
>> Find out more about Jackie and her books at Amazon | Website <<
THE NAKED TRUTH: A NAUTICAL MURDER MYSTERY | by Daria Blackwell
If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to cross the Atlantic on a sailboat and cruise in the Caribbean, then this book is for you. >>The Naked Truth<< reads like a fictional travel memoir with a “murderous” twist.
The two main characters, Xander and Jessica Lynch, are exploring the Canary Islands on their Oyster 47 ketch, Arcadia, when Jessica witnesses a brutal murder. Unfortunately, the murder remains an unsolved mystery when they depart the Canaries and sail to Barbados. Other mysterious events take place during their time in the Caribbean which turn out to have a surprising cause.
This nautical murder mystery is set against the fascinating background of living aboard and cruising on a sailboat. Throughout the book, the reader is treated to descriptions of various Caribbean islands, their people, and history. Different aspects of life aboard a boat are shared in an engaging way – including provisioning, communication on passage, clearing into different countries, the deep connections one forms with fellow cruisers, weather forecasting, seasickness, and watchkeeping. The author also describes Xander and Jessica's desire to write a book on anchoring, something the author and her husband have done in real life.
Whether you're a fellow cruiser or an armchair sailor, >>The Naked Truth<< will be a fascinating read and may inspire adventures of your own.
>> Find out more about Daria and her books at Amazon | Website <<
WHAT'S UP DITCH!: THE INS AND OUTS OF CRUISING THE ATLANTIC ICW | by Chris DiCroce
The author and his wife have traveled up and down the ICW numerous times. He provides his views, based on their experience, on a range of topics including preparing your boat (focusing on what's essential vs. nice-to-have); holding tanks and pumping out; navigation and weather; navigation and charts; currents and tides; bridges; engine issues; dinghies; having a dog onboard; anchoring; connectivity; going aground; and the importance of being courteous to your fellow boater.
As the author states, >>What's Up Ditch!<< isn't meant to be a guidebook or a “how-to-sail” book. Instead, he provides his personal perspective on traveling on the ICW and shares the things that they've learned and the misadventures they've had in order to ease fears and help “nudge” people into exploring this waterway. I enjoyed his humorous, light-hearted approach to the subject matter, which made it feel like he was sharing stories about his experiences over a cold beer at anchor.
This is a great introduction for people who are considering cruising on the ICW. Even if you're an experienced boater and have traveled the ICW before, you're bound to pick up some new insights.
>> Find out more about Chris and his books at Amazon | Website <<
Note: I won a copy of >>What's Up Ditch<< courtesy of Saving to Sail (a site dedicated to learning how to make money online, while sailing the world) and voluntarily chose to leave an honest review.
****
Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy
Have you read a good book lately? One of the best ways you can thank an author is to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. One of my New Year's resolutions is to try and be better about leaving reviews, especially for indie authors.
What books have you been reading lately? Have you read any of the sailing books featured here today? Do you leave book reviews?
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!
****
Today, I'm featuring reviews of three sailing-related books. Two were written by fellow members of the Women Who Sail Facebook group - Jackie Parry and Daria Blackwell - and recount their adventures crossing oceans, exploring new countries and cultures, and connecting with fellow cruisers. Chris DiCroce's book is jam-packed with information about the ins and outs of traveling along the Atlantic ICW (intracoastal waterway).
THIS IS IT: 2 HEMISPHERES, 2 PEOPLE, AND 1 BOAT | by Jackie Parry
>>This is It<< is a wonderfully well-written memoir of the author's adventures buying a sailboat in San Francisco with her husband, and then sailing it across the Pacific back to their home in Australia. The author has a beautiful voice and way with words which effortlessly draws the reader in and makes them feel like they're part of the adventure.
During the course of the book, we follow the crew of Pyewacket from San Francisco on the first part of their journey through Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama and then across the Pacific with stops at fascinating places like Pitcairn, the Gambiers, and Suwarrow. The descriptions of the highs and lows of cruising are fascinating. I loved reading about their experiences immersing themselves in local cultures, and the friendships they made with fellow cruisers. There were also times when I was sitting at the edge of my seat with my pulse racing as the author described the treacherous conditions they faced during their journey.
Bonus material is provided at the end of the book with information about buying a boat in a foreign country, the areas where they cruised, and the process of importing a boat into Australia.
This book is far more than a travel memoir about sailing; it helps you understand the restless spirit that drives and inspires people to lead a nomadic life in search of their next adventure. A great read for anyone who is dreaming about cruising, as well as those already out there living the dream.
>> Find out more about Jackie and her books at Amazon | Website <<
THE NAKED TRUTH: A NAUTICAL MURDER MYSTERY | by Daria Blackwell
If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to cross the Atlantic on a sailboat and cruise in the Caribbean, then this book is for you. >>The Naked Truth<< reads like a fictional travel memoir with a “murderous” twist.
The two main characters, Xander and Jessica Lynch, are exploring the Canary Islands on their Oyster 47 ketch, Arcadia, when Jessica witnesses a brutal murder. Unfortunately, the murder remains an unsolved mystery when they depart the Canaries and sail to Barbados. Other mysterious events take place during their time in the Caribbean which turn out to have a surprising cause.
This nautical murder mystery is set against the fascinating background of living aboard and cruising on a sailboat. Throughout the book, the reader is treated to descriptions of various Caribbean islands, their people, and history. Different aspects of life aboard a boat are shared in an engaging way – including provisioning, communication on passage, clearing into different countries, the deep connections one forms with fellow cruisers, weather forecasting, seasickness, and watchkeeping. The author also describes Xander and Jessica's desire to write a book on anchoring, something the author and her husband have done in real life.
Whether you're a fellow cruiser or an armchair sailor, >>The Naked Truth<< will be a fascinating read and may inspire adventures of your own.
>> Find out more about Daria and her books at Amazon | Website <<
WHAT'S UP DITCH!: THE INS AND OUTS OF CRUISING THE ATLANTIC ICW | by Chris DiCroce
The author and his wife have traveled up and down the ICW numerous times. He provides his views, based on their experience, on a range of topics including preparing your boat (focusing on what's essential vs. nice-to-have); holding tanks and pumping out; navigation and weather; navigation and charts; currents and tides; bridges; engine issues; dinghies; having a dog onboard; anchoring; connectivity; going aground; and the importance of being courteous to your fellow boater.
As the author states, >>What's Up Ditch!<< isn't meant to be a guidebook or a “how-to-sail” book. Instead, he provides his personal perspective on traveling on the ICW and shares the things that they've learned and the misadventures they've had in order to ease fears and help “nudge” people into exploring this waterway. I enjoyed his humorous, light-hearted approach to the subject matter, which made it feel like he was sharing stories about his experiences over a cold beer at anchor.
This is a great introduction for people who are considering cruising on the ICW. Even if you're an experienced boater and have traveled the ICW before, you're bound to pick up some new insights.
>> Find out more about Chris and his books at Amazon | Website <<
Note: I won a copy of >>What's Up Ditch<< courtesy of Saving to Sail (a site dedicated to learning how to make money online, while sailing the world) and voluntarily chose to leave an honest review.
****
Image courtesy of The Graphics FairyHave you read a good book lately? One of the best ways you can thank an author is to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. One of my New Year's resolutions is to try and be better about leaving reviews, especially for indie authors.
What books have you been reading lately? Have you read any of the sailing books featured here today? Do you leave book reviews?
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!
February 2, 2018
January In Numbers
Clockwise from upper left: (1) One of the books I won; (2) Star Wars Cosmic Shells that some friends gifted me; (3) Van party!; (4) Another book that I won; (5) English translation for a Spanish song that was sung at one of the cruiser get-togethers; and (6) Gifts from my mother.It's time for our usual monthly recap by the numbers. January was chock-full of Indiantown Party Posse get-togethers (lots of fun and full of calories), saying goodbye to friends heading off on new adventures, and countless hours making final revisions before sending my cozy mystery, >>Murder at the Marina<<, off to the editor.
So, enough with all of those words, here's the usual random nonsense recap by the numbers:
17 - How many books I won last month. Winning stuff is fun! 15 of them were sailing-related books from Melody at Saving to Sail. If you're interested in learning how to make money online in order to give yourself the freedom to travel, check her site out. I also won two cozy mysteries - Stowed Away by Barbara Ross and Survival of the Fritters by Ginger Bolton.$11.52 (Canadian) - How much the postage was for one of the cozy mysteries to be sent to Florida from Canada. That's a lot of money! Very sweet of the author to do that. $0.81 (American) - How much you'll get for one Canadian dollar (at time of writing). I feel bad for our Canadian friends here in the States. The exchange rate sucks. Does anyone else remember when it used to be close to par?3 - Number of replacement fire extinguishers we got for our boat. We keep one in the aft cabin (where we sleep), one in the lazarette in the cockpit, and one by the companionway. Kidde has recalled almost 40 million fire extinguishers. If you have a fire extinguisher, check to make sure your model hasn't been recalled. It could save your life.22,700 - How many bees it takes to make a jar of honey. A wonderful couple here at the marina gave me a jar of honey that they made from their very own bees. How many people can say that they have their very own bees? Pretty cool. 100 - How many books I've set as a target to read this year as part of the Goodreads challenge. 18 - How many books I read in January. It may seem like a lot, but three were short and several were cozy mysteries, which tend to be quick reads. Once we get back in the full swing of boat projects and head out cruising again, I won't be able to read as much. 342 - How many M&Ms are in a 11.4 oz bag. My mom sent me unicorn socks and a M&Ms. How's that for a truly awesome present? The M&Ms didn't last long. It's surprising how quickly one can eat 342 of them. $9.11 - How much it cost to see a matinee of Star Wars. We rarely go to the movie theater anymore. It's so expensive and we're often disappointed in the movie. However, exceptions are made for movies like Star Wars. 17 - How many chapters are in my book. I've given them weird titles, like "Weevils" and "My Little Sweet Potato." It will all make sense if you read it one day. At least, I hope it will.
In case you missed them, here are some of our favorite blog posts from last month:
Cost of Cruising & Living Aboard a Sailboat | 2017 Recap
New Year's Eve Boat & Camper Crawl
Some Days, You Just Need a Box of Kittens
How did last month go for you? What are you looking forward to this month?
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January 31, 2018
Wordless Wednesday | Farewell To A "Beloved" Rat
Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:
1 - One day, as I was walking past the free table at the marina, I noticed a sign with a picture of a rat on it. I took a closer look and saw that someone was bidding a sad farewell to their "beloved" rat.
2 - I think the sign was a tad sarcastic. If there's one thing people who live on boats don't like, it's having rats take up residence. From what I understand, the people who made the sign had a heck of a time getting rid of their own "special" rat. It was there so long, they ended up naming it Georgette.
3 - There was a huge problem with rats getting on boats in storage this year. Sure, you might be one of those people who has pet rats (and they do make great pets), but rats on a boat is not good news. They chew through everything.
4 - There's probably a correlation between getting rid of the adorable feral cats that used to live here and the increase in the rat population.
What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it?
For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here.
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January 29, 2018
Shiny Toes & Tacos | The Indiantown Party Posse
Sometimes, people come up to me with a worried expression and say something like:
It usually starts when someone posts pictures of a delicious-looking dish, followed by a flurry of messages on Facebook, which evolves into a plan which involves getting together either at the marina and cooking something fabulous (like a low country boil or fish tacos) or heading to the local pub for Taco Tuesday or Wing Wednesday.
Sometimes, it starts when two people talk about going to get mani-pedis which then morphs into an afternoon girls get-together, followed by a van party and Taco Tuesday with the blokes.
Look, shiny toes.
Of course, no girls get-together is complete without sugary treats - like this "fugly" toffee.
Or bubbles and chocolate wine. Yes, you read that right - chocolate wine. I had no idea such a thing existed. Whoever invented that deserves some sort of medal.
Of course, sometimes these get-togethers are bittersweet when we end up saying goodbye to some of the members of the >>Indiantown Party Posse<< as they head off to new adventures. That's part and parcel of a nomadic lifestyle - cool people are constantly coming in and out of your life.
But, the good news is that we're constantly recruiting new members for the posse, provided they can answer one important question:
Have you ever had a moose ball or chocolate wine? What's your idea of a good get-together with friends?
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"You poor thing, all on your lonesome on your boat, while Scott's away. Don't you get bored?"Uh, no. It's impossible to be bored when you have the >>Indiantown Party Posse<< constantly planning new get-togethers, like our New Year's Eve boat and camper crawl.
It usually starts when someone posts pictures of a delicious-looking dish, followed by a flurry of messages on Facebook, which evolves into a plan which involves getting together either at the marina and cooking something fabulous (like a low country boil or fish tacos) or heading to the local pub for Taco Tuesday or Wing Wednesday.
Sometimes, it starts when two people talk about going to get mani-pedis which then morphs into an afternoon girls get-together, followed by a van party and Taco Tuesday with the blokes.
Look, shiny toes.
Of course, no girls get-together is complete without sugary treats - like this "fugly" toffee.
Or bubbles and chocolate wine. Yes, you read that right - chocolate wine. I had no idea such a thing existed. Whoever invented that deserves some sort of medal.
Of course, sometimes these get-togethers are bittersweet when we end up saying goodbye to some of the members of the >>Indiantown Party Posse<< as they head off to new adventures. That's part and parcel of a nomadic lifestyle - cool people are constantly coming in and out of your life.
But, the good news is that we're constantly recruiting new members for the posse, provided they can answer one important question:
"Do you like moose balls?"Don't worry, they're not what you think they are. Unless, you're imagining something with Bailey's in it. Probably the most popular item ever served at the >>Indiantown Party Posse<< get-togethers.
Have you ever had a moose ball or chocolate wine? What's your idea of a good get-together with friends?
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January 27, 2018
Saturday Spotlight | Terror On Sunshine Boulevard Blog Tour
In addition to the usual blog posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday about our eccentric travel adventures and day-to-day life living aboard a sailboat, I also occasionally post on Saturdays, focusing on things related to writing such as cover reveals, book launches, reviews, interviews with authors etc. So if you're a bit of a book nerd like I am, check in on Saturdays - you never know what might pop up.
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Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed or investigating mysterious murders are not the usual calls in a Florida retirement community for volunteer first responder Jim Hart.
I'm delighted to have J.Q. Rose join us today on her blog tour for her latest release >>Terror on Sunshine Boulevard<<.
I do love a good murder mystery and this one sounds like a winner. It's set in Florida where we're currently docked. It features a volunteer first responder which is something I could never do (blood and all that). I'm always in awe of and grateful to those folks who volunteer to provide this kind of service. And it involves a naked woman lying in a geranium bed - sounds intriguing!
J.Q. sounds like an interesting and fun lady. Check out her bio, especially the part about hunting salamanders with the grandkids.
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Bio
After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers, and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of fiction. Her mysteries published by BWL Publishing are
Terror on Sunshine Boulevard, Dangerous Sanctuary, and Deadly Undertaking. Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She and her husband, Gardener Ted, spend winters in Florida and summers up north camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her four grandsons and granddaughter.
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Blurb
Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed or investigating mysterious murders are not the usual calls for first responder Jim Hart. He expects slip and fall accidents or low blood pressure emergencies in his retirement community of Citrus Ridge Senior Community and Golf Resort. The ghastly crime scenes turn the winter time fun into a terrifying season of death and mystery when the authorities cannot track down the predator responsible.
Jim and his wife Gloria could escape the horror and grief by returning to their northern home, but concern for their friends and residents keep them in Florida. With the entire community in a dither over the deaths, the Harts participate in the normal winter activities of golfing, dancing, and pool parties with their friends to distract them from the sadness and loss.
Can Jim and Gloria work with the authorities to discover who or what is killing the seniors on Sunshine Boulevard and stop the increasing body count?
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You can buy a copy of >>Terror on Sunshine Boulevard<< here and connect with J.Q. Rose on her blog, Facebook, Google+, Amazon, Goodreads, Pinterest, and through Books We Love.
What have you been reading lately? Have you read >>Terror on Sunshine Boulevard<<?
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!
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Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed or investigating mysterious murders are not the usual calls in a Florida retirement community for volunteer first responder Jim Hart. I'm delighted to have J.Q. Rose join us today on her blog tour for her latest release >>Terror on Sunshine Boulevard<<.
I do love a good murder mystery and this one sounds like a winner. It's set in Florida where we're currently docked. It features a volunteer first responder which is something I could never do (blood and all that). I'm always in awe of and grateful to those folks who volunteer to provide this kind of service. And it involves a naked woman lying in a geranium bed - sounds intriguing!
J.Q. sounds like an interesting and fun lady. Check out her bio, especially the part about hunting salamanders with the grandkids.
****
Bio
After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers, and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of fiction. Her mysteries published by BWL Publishing are
Terror on Sunshine Boulevard, Dangerous Sanctuary, and Deadly Undertaking. Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She and her husband, Gardener Ted, spend winters in Florida and summers up north camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her four grandsons and granddaughter.
****
Blurb
Rescuing a naked woman lying in a geranium bed or investigating mysterious murders are not the usual calls for first responder Jim Hart. He expects slip and fall accidents or low blood pressure emergencies in his retirement community of Citrus Ridge Senior Community and Golf Resort. The ghastly crime scenes turn the winter time fun into a terrifying season of death and mystery when the authorities cannot track down the predator responsible.
Jim and his wife Gloria could escape the horror and grief by returning to their northern home, but concern for their friends and residents keep them in Florida. With the entire community in a dither over the deaths, the Harts participate in the normal winter activities of golfing, dancing, and pool parties with their friends to distract them from the sadness and loss.
Can Jim and Gloria work with the authorities to discover who or what is killing the seniors on Sunshine Boulevard and stop the increasing body count?
****
You can buy a copy of >>Terror on Sunshine Boulevard<< here and connect with J.Q. Rose on her blog, Facebook, Google+, Amazon, Goodreads, Pinterest, and through Books We Love.
What have you been reading lately? Have you read >>Terror on Sunshine Boulevard<<?
Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!
