Joshua Graham's Blog, page 11

Lost in Translation

Sometimes trying to translate word-for-word what you mean in one language doesn't go well.

TERMINUS Audible Giveaways Winners Announced

We have two winners for the TERMINUS audiobook giveaway! Carol Younkin and Douglas Dutcher! Congratulations to you both. I’ll be getting in touch with you in order to coordinate sending you your prizes Thanks for participating, and keep an eye out for the next giveaway.

Giveaway Time! A Free Copy of TERMINUS (Audiobook edition)

It's that time again!

I'm doing a giveaway and I hope you'll take advantage of it.

The Prize: 1 FREE COPY of TERMINUS (Audible audiobook edition).

Ghost Mouse?? My Windows 8 Adventure

...Everything looked good until I hooked the laptop via HDMI to my Samsung Central Station external monitor/docking station. That's when my mouse became:



Paranormal Ghost Mouse!
My external USB mouse was going all over the place on its own, teleporting to random spots on my external monitor like Hiro Nakamura from NBC's "HEROES", clicking on whatever it felt like. In fact, even when I disconnected the mouse, the pointer would wink out, appear somewhere else in its 1900x1080 pixel screen.

Insane!

Joshua Graham Launches new Radio Show with a Live Interview with Guest Steven James

I’m thrilled to be hosting bestselling and award-winning thriller writer Steven James on August 28, 2013 on Thriller Radio. This past July, I had the pleasure of meeting Steve at the International Thriller Writers big annual event Thrillerfest and we had a chance to talk a bit about–you guessed it–writing. I spoke recently with Steve and he was kind enough to take time out of his extremely busy schedule to do a pre-interview-interview.   JG: What really sparks your interest when reading a book? SJ: Whatever genre it is, I’m always drawn to stories that impact me emotionally. Sometimes that might mean they make me afraid or sad or inspired or whatever. Often this is because I connect with the struggles of the main character. I write suspense and love suspense. Anytime there are twists, that’s a huge draw for me. I guess I’m not into romance as much, or even horror. I’d rather read a book that is a white-knuckle thriller than one that grosses me out.   JG: How would you describe your writing process (structured, free-flowing)? SJ: Definitely free-flowing. I don’t outline my books or try to plot them out, but rather try to follow organically where the story threads and struggles of the main characters lead. I can’t imagine starting a book knowing exactly how it will end. I would be bored writing it and it would seem like work instead of play to me. My readers are very astute, and if I can guess how a book will end, I anticipate that many of them will be able to as well. Once again, it’s about those twists.   JG: Do you have a favorite time of day/night to write? SJ: I typically try to write in the mornings for at least a few hours. Late afternoon and early evening also work well for me. Usually later in the day, for whatever reason, it’s easier for me to come up with new ideas. Copyediting and proofreading tend to be things I do in the morning. Whatever time of day it is, some French roast coffee always helps.   JG: How can readers best keep up with you, your books, and writing? SJ: The most up to date info is usually on my Facebook Fan Page and my website. Also on my site, there are sample chapters of the books that people can read for free. My Amazon Page lists all the books I’ve written.   JG: Thanks for being my guest on the Thriller Radio Steve, looking forward to our live interview on Wednesday August 28 at 9:30 AM PST/12:30 PM EST on Thriller Radio here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thriller... Check out the Thriller Radio Official Website here:  www.ThrillerRadio.org

The Making of a New Hero

I'm at stage in the process where I've already got the book proposal set, but I've decided my protagonist needs a better name.

Want to be a part of this process and be able to say about the book series, "That was the part I contributed"?

Well, here's your chance!

The End of an Era and the Beginning of a New One

If you've been keeping up with me, you'll know that for the past three years I've been a host on an a wonderful internet radio program called DIALOGUE: Between the Lines. Today was my final episode with Susan Wingate as I am moving onto a whole new venue as the host of THRILLER RADIO, which airs on Wednesday Mornings at 9:30AM PST.

On this final episode, around the 30 minute mark, Susan surprised me by inviting some friends and colleagues to a mini-roast, a touching tribute. I had no idea! What a treat to hear from Jill Urbach, Michael Angel, and Steve Berry!

We Thought We Were Safe… Smartphone Pics on Social Media can be Dangerous

Being a conspiracy theory fiction writer, you can imagine how difficult it is living with me. My saying is this:

It's hard to live with a thriller writer because we're always imagining the worst case scenario.
But in the case of this news report (see video below), a little paranoia can be good.

Mysterious Priest or Angel Sighted at Missouri Accident Scene

According to reports, a mysterious priest came to the scene of a car accident and at the request of the victim who was trapped inside the vehicle and about to reach a critical juncture in the rescue attempt, prayed for her and two other emergency workers. A miracle ensued.

OBAMA and Amazon (Free ebook!)

The day after President Obama toured an Amazon fulfillment center facility in Chattanooga, TN, Amazon released a free Kindle Single with an interview. During his visit, the President gave a speech on jobs and corporate tax rates. This happened as Amazon announced its plans to hire over 5000 new full-time employees. The controversy arises from the independent bookstores and other retailers who consider Amazon's pricing "predatory."

Here's a chance to hear from President Obama himself in this free ebook. Click this link below to download FREE.

So what do you think? Should Obama be putting his weight behind Amazon, which strives to bring the best possible prices to its consumers, or is doing so hurting independent and brick and mortar retailers? Please discuss in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

Description

In this Kindle Singles Interview, President Barack Obama decried the "change in culture" that has changed our view of the American Dream. "There was not that window into the lifestyles of the rich and famous," the President said. "Kids weren’t monitoring everyday what Kim Kardashian was wearing, or where Kanye West was going on vacation, and thinking that somehow that was the mark of success." He addressed the jobs issue from a personal perspective, reflecting on how his own life might have been different had he not experienced success in politics. "I could picture myself being a good teacher," the President mused.

In the interview, which took place on July 30, 2013, at an Amazon facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Obama discussed the increasing need for government programs that can actually make a difference. Sticking close to his standard message, he spoke frankly about the increasing polarization of American politics since the Great Recession and Republican Party intransigence over his agenda. On a personal note, he reflected that he and First Lady Michelle Obama are constantly reminding their daughters of the “slightly unreal environment that they’re in,” as children of privilege in a world constrained by unemployment and recession.

The interview was conducted by David Blum. Blum works for Amazon as the editor of Kindle Singles. He began his career as a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal, and has been the editor-in-chief of The Village Voice, the New York Press and 02138 Magazine. He was previously a writer and editor at The New York Times Magazine, and a contributing editor at New York and Esquire magazines. He has written two books: "Flash in the Pan: The Life and Death of an American Restaurant" (1992), and "Tick...Tick...Tick...: The Long Life & Turbulent Times of 60 Minutes" (2004). He received his B.A. degree in English literature at the University of Chicago.

Cover design by Adil Dara Kim/Official White House Photo