R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 32

Ron’s Tip of the Day Keeping Fit

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Keeping Fit.

Do you Exercise?

This blog is not a health seminar. But as an author you want to be as fit as possible. You may be overweight, underweight, or right at your proper weight, but you all need to keep at your best. And exercise is part of the equation (proper diet is the other part).

I’m not talking about going to the gym although that wouldn’t be a bad idea. Nor am I talking about getting to your right weight. I’m talking about increasing your energy level, improving your focus, and just plain feeling better.

What kind of exercise are you talking about?

Before answering that let me be clear: the amount of exercise and the type of exercise will vary individually. You may need to consult your doctor; at the very least you want to be comfortable with the exercise routine you follow.

Depending on age, health, and doctor’s advice here are some ideas:

WalkingJoggingPushupsSitups

Those are basics that most people could do. If you’re not use to exercising, start with low impact and light reps. Then increase incrementally until you get to a 25-minute workout. Also vary the workout from day to day.

Tip of the Day : Light to medium to heavy exercise can help you maintain or improve your health. Better health means better focus and writing results.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Surviving COVID-19

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Surviving COVID-19.

Don’t get caught up in the hype!

Unfortunately the ‘fake news’ or media can’t just report the news, they must also bend it toward their own bias. How often have we heard that Trump said this or Trump said that and ‘offered no proof’? This is a classic attempt to erode support and/or undermine the President.

The truth is that we should pay more attention to what the Federal government says and what your state government says than the television, radio, and printed press say. You will stay saner longer if you do.

An example of this hype is the constant drivel about the ‘cases’. Yes, this is an extremely contagious disease and you should follow commonsense practices as shown at both the national level (.gov) and at your state level. But you need to also remember that the death rate is an extremely low 3.6% of the cases. Compare this to other diseases. Be concerned, but don’t panic.

But what else should we do to survive?

For writers I suggest:

Start a new bookFocus on research for current/future booksPlan aheadGive yourself a treatRelaxGet COVID-19 information from the Coronavirus Task Force and your State government.

The virus’ impact changes daily. So trust the government’s wisdom and advice. And pray that it will all end soon.

Tip of the Day : Use this time as an opportunity, be informed, and don’t panic. Most important: pray.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Good Posture

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Good Posture.

Maintaining good posture is not always easy, but it is necessary. Here are some tips:

Eyes should be level with the top of computer monitor.Shoulders should be relaxed and low, not high and hunched up.Lower arms should be parallel to the floor and supported.Don’t reach too far for keyboard and mouse. Keep arms bent at elbow.Feet flat on the floor.Upper back should be straight. Your lower back has a natural curve that should be supported by your chair.Don’t slouch in your chair. Your hips should be as close to the back of the chair as possible.Upper legs should be at a 90° angle from your body. If you’re short, this may mean that you need a footrest. If you’re particularly tall, you’ll need a higher chair (and may also require a higher desk).Sit up straight and your screen should be a full arm’s length away from you.Don’t lean. It can cause your spine to curve.

Tip of the Day : Good posture leads to better, clearer focus.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Story Telling

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in micro-blogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Story Telling.

What Do I Need to be an Author?

I believe the first thing you need other than the call of God (if you’re a Christian) is an imagination. Believe it or not I think that everyone has an imagination.

What is an Imagination?

Imagination is ‘the process of forming mental images’. For example you can imagine a story. Children do this all the time.

Is Imagination the same as Story Telling?

Technically they are different. But you need imagination to tell a story. And story telling is basically the ability or act of writing down or vocally relating your imagined or true story. Again, as children you probably did this with your friends. For example, girls do it with their doll houses and boys might do it with their toy trucks, etc.

As an author you tap into your imagination and then you ‘tell’ the story. All the other stuff like research, grammar, spelling, etc. comes after. If you don’t have imagination, you won’t have a very exciting book.

Tip of the Day : Tap into your imagination and ‘tell the story’

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Visualizing

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Visualizing.

What is Visualizing?

According to the dictionary visualize means to ‘form a mental image’.

It doesn’t sound like much, but it is an important part of your writing tool bag. I have called it identifying with your character. Form a mental image for each character of your book with emphasis on your primary protagonist.

But How?

 I doubt that there is a right way or a wrong way, so I will just talk about my way. I start out with just a basic description of my character and allow my mind to create within me an image of that character. Over the course of the story the image will change because I will be adding new thought patterns, experiences, and growth. That image is ingrained in my mind and it has great control over how he or she reacts to changing environments, activities, and so forth.

Forming an image is a lot like painting, except the canvas is your mind.

It sounds hard.

Not really. You probably do it now. If you read books you probably visualize the characters. Just start doing it as you write.

Tip of the Day : Create mental images of your characters, events, places, and things.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Word Processing Tools

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Word Processing Tools.

There are a number of word processors out there. I am speaking primarily of Microsoft Word, but this information should be helpful elsewhere as well.

The new versions of Word provide updated and more tools such as:

Grammar checkerSpellingClarityConcise wordingDictionary

These are not entirely new, but they are updated and powerful. However, always use them wisely. It is a terrible mistake to be grammatically correct but not relevant to context. Begin with context and evaluate these tools’ suggestions. You might want to reword the passage so both context and tool are in agreement.

Always remember the context of your story. Your tool is a tool, it doesn’t have the ability to know that your character is uneducated and speaks incorrectly. But you know! That’s just one example.

As for the dictionary, there is both the Word dictionary and your dictionary tied to the document you’re working on. Word’s dictionary is not always up-to=date, but you can add words to your dictionary. For example, I often use words from a King James Bible, Word often doesn’t recognize them. So I add them. Again, use the tools wisely and, if possible, conform them to what you want.

Tip of the Day : Tools are there to help, not to be your boss.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day More on Spelling

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at More on Spelling.

In Word Usage I touched on Spelling. I thought it wise to expand on the subject. Here are some thoughts.

Spelling is criticalReader will forgive bad grammar easier than poor spellingGet a good dictionaryWhen in doubt choose dictionary over word processing dictionarySpelling and context must matchWatch for different meanings of same word (there, their, etc.)Don’t assume, make sure

Tip of the Day : Constantly check your spelling

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day More on Grammar

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at More on Grammar.

In Word Usage I touched on Grammar. I thought it wise to expand on the subject. Here are some thoughts.

Grammar is constantGet a grammar book (old or new)You don’t have to be an expert on grammar; learn to use a good grammar bookYour word processor may have a good grammar checker, use itSometimes a grammar checker doesn’t like something; that doesn’t mean you are wrongTry different wording to get your desired meaning and pass grammar checkerIf context doesn’t fit with grammar checker, side with contextGrammar checkers are good, but stay in charge

Tip of the Day : Constantly check your grammar

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Word Usage

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Word Usage.

Word usage is an important but probably overlooked ingredient of a successful story. Here are some thoughts.

Short words tend to speed up a storyLong words tend to slow down a storySome words are more difficult to understand; use clear, concise wordsSome words have different meanings in different contextsSome words are more difficult to pronounce than othersUse verbs and adverbs wisely (check grammar book)Don’t use long sentences unless necessaryShort sentences tend to speed up a storyNormally try to stay at or below 8 sentences in a paragraphCheck your spelling

Tip of the Day : Watch your word usage, including grammar and spelling.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.

Ron’s Tip of the Day Flow of Story

Welcome to Ron’s Tip of the Day. Throughout the week I will share a tip with you. This is an experiment in microblogging. Let me know how I’m doing. Today I am looking at Flow of Story.

The Problem

I don’t know about other authors, but when I started writing one of the most difficult problems I had was mastering the flow of the story.

What is Flow of the Story?

That is keeping the story moving chapter by chapter. Or keeping the reader’s interest throughout.

Solution

I didn’t have a resource like Tip of the Day. I struggled. Here at Tip of the Day I give you tips based on knowledge and experience. Tips that keep the story going. And it’s free!

Tip of the Day : Make a habit of reading these short tips.

You just might find the help you need. And if you save them, copy them, or memorize them, you will have a nice resource that you can access at any time. Then develop them for yourself.

For information on TR Writing Services (“we edit, proof, and publish the book within you”)  contact us at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. Our Free booklet tells you about our services. And we are upfront on our prices (all are low).

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews for R. Frederick Riddle and Tess Riddle books. I value your reviews.

If you would like to review our books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or Epub).

 – – – – – – –

R Frederick Riddle is the Editor of TR Writing Services providing help to struggling and/or new authors to write and publish their books. In addition, he is best known for Christian Historical and Speculative Fiction. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.