Alexander M. Zoltai's Blog, page 219

Were You Forced To Learn Reading Too Early?

Some kids are ready to learn to read later than school systems' timetables. It appears this may produce fluent readers who lack important comprehension skills.

I was recently led to the GeekMom Blog and its post: Reading Readiness Has To Do With The Body.

Apparently, a child's "…development is cued to movement. These bodily experiences prepare children for the magic found when shapes become words, words become stories, and they become readers."

The post was written by Laura Grace Weldon who's written a book called, Free Range Learning: How Homeschooling Changes Everything.

Laura's post has a number of links to medical source material and includes this statement:

"In order for children to read, write and spell they must be developmentally ready. Some are ready at the age of four or five, some not for many more years. This readiness includes complex neurological pathways and kinesthetic awareness. Such readiness isn't created by workbooks or computer programs. It's the result of brain maturation as well as rich experiences found in bodily sensation and movement."

I don't honestly remember how early I was forced to read. I was born in the USA in 1946 to parents who were not fans of reading; but, I became an omnivorous Reader.

Perhaps I lucked out–my neural pathways were ready for development and aided by lots of outside movement and challenge.

Do you know children who've suffered from too-early reading training?

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: Child, GeekMom, GeekMom Blog, Homeschooling, learning, Neural pathway, reading, reading readiness

Why Do Humans Write?

Gwenette WriterSinclair is a friend on Google Plus. She left a comment on yesterday's post, Why Do Authors Do What They Do?, and I'm lifting that comment into this post:

"I think there is a biological answer to your core question, which is basically: Why do we write at all?? (The push to share or sell is a separate question, yes??) When I write, my MIND is very active seeing visions, seeking words, hearing sounds . . . and I actually experience an altered state of being, I sense my own mind and I sense completeness when the vision, words and sounds all slide together, meshing into a perfect form . . I actually feel a chemical happenstance in my brain and body . . . and I Like it! That is why I write. This is true whether I am writing an essay, a short story, a poem, a political treatise or a technical manual:) Whether anyone else reads it or experiences it . . that is an added pleasure. As a teacher, I do know that, if I experience that state of perfect meshing then use that piece with my students, they DO respond differently. They sense the balance I think – the state of communication in equipoise:) Information in equipoise can be more readily envisioned and accepted. Written and spoken language (I include singing and chanting here) is inherently a pathway to CONNECT with others. Those direct connections are almost as good as the first creation sensation . . . almost ;-) So, we reach out to share and sell . . ."

Gwenette likes the feeling of Equipoise, the sense of Completeness, and the opportunity to Connect.

What about our distant ancestors?

Was making a tally of trade goods the cause for feeling equipoise?

Did pictographics of the lives of gods bring a sense of completeness?

Were scribes eager to connect with others?

Obviously, not all acts of writing induce altered states; but, many could be tweaked to supply the writer's high…

Even if it was only in your diary, has writing ever helped you feel more or gain satisfaction or enliven your life?

What is it about recording words that carries such power?

What Are Words?

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: Gwenette Sinclair, Gwenette Writer, Gwenette WriterSinclair, why do we write, why writers write, word, words, writing

Why Do Authors Do What They Do?

Why do authors spend inordinate amounts of time alone, carefully creating stories that may or may not get published; and, even if self-published, may or may not sell well?

There are something like 2,000 books published in the world, Every Day…

I found an article by Cory Doctorow, Why Should Anyone Care?, that should be read by any writer who's uncertain they have what it takes to pour themselves into endeavors that have slim odds of paying off–even if the pay-off is only having a lot of folks read their books.

Here's Cory's description of the normal routine in a book's life in a bookstore:

"…a publisher's rep would come in and tell us breathlessly about the lead titles–how much promotion they were up for, how much the house believed in the title, how well the author had done before. We'd order a pile of hardcovers, generally a smaller pile than we'd been asked to take, and usually, they'd sell modestly well. Then we'd return the leftovers, and some months later, they'd resurface as remainders, with their dustjackets clipped or magic-markered lines drawn on their page-edges. Then they'd come in as paperbacks, hang around for a few months longer, and vanish. Sometimes, a copy or two would surface as used trade-ins, and sometimes a regular would ask us to order a copy, but within a short time, the book would no longer be in the publisher's catalog in any form. It would be gone. "

But, what about the Internet?

"The advent of online stores like Amazon combined with efficiencies in short print runs has made it possible to keep modest sellers in the stream of commerce for something like perpetuity. But one thing hasn't changed: most books–even those that are deservedly well-loved by publishers, readers, and booksellers–make hardly a ripple on release and fade away to nothing before you know it. "

Cory also addresses those who feel they have what it takes to market/promote their own books and I encourage you, whether you're a writer or know a writer, to read the full article.

His closing thoughts are somewhere between "Chilling" and "Realistic".

"Getting people to care about the products of your imagination is a profound and infinitely complex task that will absorb as much attention as you give it. Every book and every author brings a different proposition to the negotiation with readers, but there's one thing they all have in common: unless someone takes charge of doing something, something clever and active and good and slightly improbable, no one will care about the book or the person who wrote it."

Of course, with a person as experienced and well-known as Mr. Doctorow, the comments readers left are equally interesting…

Are you a creative writer? Do you know one?

Why do authors pour so much of themselves into creations that may not be appreciated?

Why do so many take on the burden of promoting their own work?

I'm a self-published writer who's doing my own promotion. Am I crazy?

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: author, book, book marketing, book promotion, Cory Doctorow, publish, self-publish, writer

Author Interview ~ J. G. Weller

As the Events Manager on Book Island in Second Life, I produce the weekly newsletter. One of our Features is the Author Mini-Interview. This week we talked with J. G. Weller, a man who tends to parachute into our events :-)

J. G., tell us about your writing style.

My writing style has been crafted out of a combination of Dr. Seuss' style, Edgar Allan Poe's style, J.M. Barrie's Style, and my own twisted imagination.

When did you first start writing or telling stories?

I have been telling stories since I first learned to talk.  And I've been writing since I learned how to write.  Everything I've ever done in life has focused around the story I could tell about it.

Fascinating, J. G.…

You've already published your first book. Would you tell us about that?

Last year, I published Of Tea and Jellybeans.  It's about a sixteen-year-old dreamer/writer who is suffering from writer's block.  One morning he wakes up from a dream that causes his imagination to overload and sends him into his dreamworld where he lives out the rest of the dream he just woke up from.  In the end, he receives the inspiration of a lifetime.

You can pick up a copy on Amazon and at RoseDog Books.

What writers or types of books do you enjoy reading?

Wow…  Since this is a mini-interview, I'll try to keep it short…  As everybody knows, I love Dr. Seuss.  I also really enjoy J.M. Barrie, Longfellow, H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, and various recent authors that I won't go into great detail about :-)

So, what's next for J. G. Weller?

I'm currently working on a book that I have titled, Jonathon Archer: Hero of Nowheresville.  Here's a synopsis:

The synopsis is a special addition for this post–not available in the original interview…

The year? 3204.  The place?  Horizon Creek, the town that time forgot.  The unlikeliest of heroes?  Absolutely.

When fourteen-year-old Jonathon Archer's hometown is overrun by an intergalactic virus, the townsfolk become mindless blood-thirsty beasts.  Being the only one unaffected by the infection, Jonathon must travel to the futuristic metropolis of Celestion in search of a cure.

However, what awaits him in Celestion is not just the cure, but rather the adventure of a lifetime!  Intergalactic travel, space pirates, extraordinary alien planets, and the girl he always dreamed of meeting!

Barely returning to Horizon Creek before the entire population is destroyed, Jonathon stopped being known simply as Jonathon Archer…

Now, he was Jonathon Archer: HERO OF NOWHERESVILLE!

Thanks for the interview J. G.!!  I hope you'll be able to parachute in here to answer any questions from our readers :-)

Folks, take a peek at his WebSite…

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: author interview, Book Island, Dr. Seuss, J. G. Weller, J.M. Barrie, Jules Verne, Of Tea and Jellybeans, Second Life

Words That Give Birth To Words . . .

WARNING: This post contains Poetry…

I have a friend named John who writes some of the most amazing poetry–often, so ripe with meaning, I come away gasping for my literary breath.

In response to his poem "No Longer Middle Ground" I responded with these words:

"All is

Lost but the

Chance to

Lose it

All."

John then produced …in interaction and appreciation of the poetic words of Alexander M. Zoltai…

I'm going to post the poem right here but first want to say:

When someone honors you for something you've written that deeply affected them, don't consider why they honored you as much as considering why you should honor them :-)

JOHN'S POEM

Aptly expressed; a delicious thought, actually.

There is unequalled truth to this, the bailiwick

of those who know no doubt that blessings and curses

of this life are in fact inexhaustible, inextinguishable.

What is left then, but Creation, itself? What courage

does it take to approach all aspiration and consummation

in the ashes? Every planet's doom is reunion with its star;

every star, its own appointment with the beginning

and the end of all that matters and energy's just what's left over.

And perhaps this is, after all, the raison d'être

for the inexhaustible,

the indivisible, inextinguishable

pain or sorrow, joy or bliss

within the mansions of this world.

If it is of God, it will last beyond leaving,

and as the longed for inauguration into the Next.

Be it the either which, expressed quite simply,

the Heavens and Earth may cease to exist–

in fact must in the end expire–but His Word

will never pass away, and neither the one

privy to Its existence;

and like all that is, we are in the end,

indivisible, inextinguishable.

Whilst we breathe, so, too, breeds our sacred company,

so, too, our own clear magnification in direct proportion

to recognition of one another and in the reality

of His oneness, our own dear being,

indivisible, inextinguishable.

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: art, God, Literature, losing it all, Poem, poet, Poetic, poetry

Simple Question ~ Can Writers Make Money?

Answering the seemingly simple question, Can Writers Make Money, demands asking for an adjective–freelance? non-fictional? technical? poetic? fictional? Perhaps, even mainstream? or self-published?

Chris Brogan recently finished up a series of posts, all beginning with the words, Writing A Book. The first four posts appended Finding Time, Discipline, Structure, and Marketing And Promotion.

I've read quite of bit of Brogan and find him an intelligent and savvy fellow.

In the last post of his series, Writing A Book–Making Money, he summarizes, after a cogent explanation of his main points:

"You can make much more money faster if you sell your book as a course instead. You can make money if you sell speaking. You can make money by selling digitally instead of in paper form, and you can sell paper books, if you're not scared off yet by my putting it dead last in the options of making money. Publishing in the mainstream doesn't make the list exactly, because it becomes the bait in the larger game."

OK, that works for many kinds of writers but I'm a self-published fiction author.

He does mention fiction and I'm very curious what my readers think of this statement:

"The money for fiction authors? Oh, I forgot that part. That doesn't work. Fiction is about passion except for the very few percent of the herd who really can move books like no one's business."

Anyone out there feel like he might not be looking, closely enough, at the rapid flux in the book business?

Do you think the new opportunities in self-publishing will let more of the "herd" make some money??

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: Business, Chris Brogan, fiction, free books, making money as a writer, money, self-publishing, Writers Resources

Really, no Really, What Does Change Really Mean?

Well, what does "change" mean? The Etymology Dictionary includes this statement: "a sense evolution perhaps from 'to turn' to 'to change', to 'to barter'"

I know, one of the senses is the same as the word–change means change–"come on, you know what it means!"

But consider change meaning to turn–change in direction…

Consider change as bartering–change this for that…

What about when we consider changing ourselves–making decisions and taking actions that re-shape our character?

Do we act in a different direction or do we switch-out certain reactions for others?

What does "changing yourself" mean to you??

One of my contacts on Google Plus, Brett Henley, recently wrote this:

"Anyone who asks, 'What does change really mean?'

"Tell them to write a book."

Having written a couple books, I can heartily concur with Brett :-)

And, while his statement may be taken as merely a humorous indicator of the effort involved in change, I feel it could be a very realistic piece of advice for certain people.

Many authors have written-through or written-up the changes they needed in their lives.

One example: Someone is too timid. They write a book (doesn't have to be long) with a character that represents them and puts them through situations that help them gain more courage.

What are some Write-A-Book-To-Change-Yourself ideas you have?

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: Book Writing, Brett Henley, change, character change, personality change, psychological change, Writers Resources, writing to change

Global Peace ~ Can It Happen?

There's an insidious idea afoot that global peace is impossible. This post will point you toward resources that uphold its possibility and, perhaps, its inevitability.

Saying global peace is impossible depends on folks believing that "human nature" includes an ineradicable desire to be selfish and contentious. Some people feel that "human nature" is such that, given half a chance, any human will "naturally" use violence to attain their ends.

I leave it to you to decide what human nature is; but, what I most propose, what I'm incapable of holding back, is my belief that human nature contains the possibility to be as barbaric as an animal as well as  to be as divine as an angel.

It's education and the human will that are critical in deciding which direction any human takes their potential.

My book, Notes from An Alien, tells the story of a civilization composed of both types of people; they just happen to live 12 light-years from Earth.

Readers and reviewers have agreed that my fictional tale has strong parallels to our experience on Earth and I urge you to read the book (free through the link in the right side-bar) and discuss the issues in our Forums.

There are also Special Documents and Web Resources concerning global peace available in the side-bar.

I also need to call your attention to one particular site:

Global Truce 2012

And, I, with all my heart and mind, hope you will watch this video:

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: Activism and Peace Work, Earth, global peace, Human nature, Lesser Peace, peace, peace on earth, World peace

Selling Your Soul With Social Media

I'm no expert. But I love sharing my considered opinions.

If you follow most of the advice about how to gain "Influence" that's gushing from the Internet, you may win the "Attention Lotto" but your long-term traction will evaporate.

Consider these two ideas:

"Converting visitors into buyers is a soul-less use of your creative energy. Reject it, out of hand."

"I find more value in creating something of value. I find influence a better metric than sales or traffic or reader numbers."

Those ideas come from Leo Babauta's blog post, The Quiet Theory of Influence. He speaks more broadly than addressing only social media but his ideas are particularly cogent if you want to use social platforms to "gain attention".

To me, the folks who use the over-hyped methods of gaining Internet Attention  have very little of what I want to hear.

Some of them may be making tons of money–from books, lectures, or a plethora of other products; but, I find their products sterile, of no lasting value.

Does this mean a person with something of Value can't make money from it?

No, but it may take longer and involve some of the other ideas Mr. Babauta gives:

"When everyone yells 'Look at me!', become quiet."

"When others try to pull visitors to their sites, let people find you themselves."

"When others brag of their success, let others laud you instead."

If those seem like impossible attitudes you may be ready to take the turn on Life's roads that leads to enduring joyfulness–you may be ripe for internal changes that can reap a life of satisfaction unending…

One last quote from Mr. Babauta:

"Imagine owning a muffin shop. If the muffins are commonplace, you'll have to advertise and do some 'guerilla marketing' to get customers. But if your muffins make people roll their eyes in ecstasy, they will tell the world of your deliciousness, and the world will pound on your muffin-scented door."

Read Leo's post for other valuable ideas…

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: book promotion, Influence, Internet Marketing, Leo Babauta, promotion, social media, zen

Author Interview ~ Rebekah Webb & Car Johnson

I have a friend in the virtual world, Second Life. She hosts readings of her stories on Book Island and lets one of her fictional characters do some of the readings. It's only fair since he also wrote the stories he's reading.

The woman's name in Second Life is Hakeber Haber. Her real life name is Rebekah Webb. Her character's name is Car Johnson.

I was lucky enough to have them both answer a few questions recently.

Enjoy :-)

When did you start writing?

Rebekah:

I started writing when I was a kid. I still have the start of my first fictional story, which I wrote back in elementary school. While pretty good for a nine year old, it had some classics such as "she asked questionally" and characters who suddenly appeared in the story with no explanation of who they were.

Car:

I started writing when I wanted to put down my life story. I'd rather talk about when I first started to sing and write country music. It was in the shower when I was eight. I belted out one of the songs from Mother's favorite radio station and wondered if a little boy from Northern California could be country. I didn't get enough courage to write lyrics until later. For some reason, I didn't mind singing, even though I never hit a tune, but clobbered them over the head with a black board.

What were your early writings about?

Rebekah:

My early writings were varied. I wrote a comedy/mystery as a kid, the same one that had the "she asked questionally." I never really completed much when I was younger. I wrote a few funny plays, some silly Car-like essays for class, some light horror short stories, and a medical thriller about genetic engineering that never got past the first scene, which happened to be a crazy dream sequence that had nothing to do with the story. After that, I kept my writing to half started fan fiction and original stories and extensive free form role plays. It wasn't until I was an adult that I really focused on writing and getting things finished. And I found that all the practice made for really good writing, even though the role playing was the only thing that really gave me real practice.

I guess I had a breakthrough and the dam in my head finally broke. Now I write all the time and have two completed novels, The Life and Times of Car Johnson and Midnight Comes Softly, my novel of interconnected short horror stories I have on submission.

Car:

My early writings were mostly letters to girls I had crushes on. I told them how their hair reminded me of mud puddles or dried bits of yellow fungus and other sweet lines. The girls always slapped me in the face after reading them, though. So, I stuck to writing country music lyrics and it took nearly three years to write one five minute song.

What are your "writing habits"?

Rebekah:

I put words down. Then I revise and fix up any errors, mostly cringe-worthy typos.

Car:

I pray to the lyric god, Lyrica. Actually, I'm not sure if she exists or not. I may have gotten the name from a pharmaceutical commercial.

When were you published?

Rebekah:

I was published when a friend I met at a writer's group liked Car Johnson and decided to host it on his blog. Since that meant Car was technically published, I took all the episodes of Car and turned it into a self-published e-book.

Car:

I wrote a romance guide, but only my family bought it. I guess tips like "when in doubt, wear pants" just aren't for everyone.

Would you tell us a little more about Car's book?

Rebekah:

The Life and Times of Car Johnson is a silly comedy about a lovable loser. Through the raunchy humor and rough edges of the main character, there is an almost sad innocence.

Car:

Car Johnson's Guide to Romance is a fine example of tips for the dating challenged. I mean, most men don't know that women love being compared to your mother. Most women don't either, but that's beside the point.

Thanks, Rebekah and Car. May you both have remarkable success!

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Our Comment Link Is At The Top of The Post :-)

Tagged: author interview, Book Island, Car Johnson, comedy, fictional character, Rebekah Webb, Second Life, The Life and Times of Car Johnson