A.D. Duling's Blog, page 4
August 30, 2012
Attention: Blog post about Books, Writing Tips & Other Random Stuff that Suits my Fancy…Maybe Yours?
Here she goes again? Yep that is the title of my blog, so of course… here I go again.
I am a writer (Thank you Author Jeff Goins) and as a writer, posts and articles about writing will of course catch my I (or is that eye?) I want tips, recommends, inspiration and just plain fun when it comes to what comes with the word writing. Being that your here you are either a reader (well of course, you are reading this) or a writer who wants the same thing (well for the reader, some of the same thing).
Being that my thoughts are random, of course be prepared for random things to follow this sentence. Here we go…
Character development. Where do your characters come from? Need some tips on that? Novel Publicity has just that. Here’s a taste of what Ria Majumdar had to say.
1. Writing yourself
“Go for this source if you are absolutely sure that you can be objective about the flaws (in you/your character). Because if done well, this is the best source to tap from. Hey, don’t tell me I am the only lazy writer who doesn’t like to do an extensive back story for her characters.”
Click on the link above to read more great tips on that Character development from Ria.
Having trouble pacing yourself in writing that novel? Novel Publicity has some advice on that as well. Cynthia Vespia says this:
“Writing is a tricky business. It’s important to know all the tried and true techniques that will help mold and shape your novel or story. Once you learn those basics, however, it’s up to you to take what you’ve learned and throw out what you don’t need.”
“A lot of it is pacing. Your scenes should develop in a way that builds toward an event or a question of what is to follow. The way you deliver that most effectively is with action.”
Click here to read more great advice on pacing in your story telling.
Being an Indie author (that means I self- pubbed myself) I know how it feels to get caught up in the dream realm of publication and success in it. I want to be just as sucessful as any other author and a year ago when I entered the self- publication world, that was exactly how I thought. A year later, I’ve learned a few things. One of which is called Reality. It’s ok to dream about sucess, but don’t just write for it. Don’t just write to get published. When writing, think about just that: writing. Focus on your work rather than all the stuff that could come later (hey it’s ok to dream…it drives us). Kamy Wicoff says just that and the way she explains it is a wonderful tale. Here’s the title to give you an idea. It’s the Story, Stupid! (Trying Hard Not To Think About Publishing While Writing)
“And now, as I am slogging through a difficult moment in writing my novel (the middle), wondering if it’s any good, I find myself thinking of this conversation again. I need to focus entirely on my story, I know it. But I am having trouble getting the “will anyone ever read this?” and “will it ever get published?” demons out of my head.”
Click here to read her article.
Now you need some writing tips on how you should write your masterpiece. Russel Blake has a few and they are very, very good!
“ Write as though your life depends on it. This speaks to quality. Write each book as though it was the only one of yours anyone will ever read. Because if it isn’t good, it will be.”
“Don’t be lazy. If a reader is to be expected to invest hours into reading your work, you owe the reader your very best effort. A shoulder shrug and the thought, “That’s good enough,” cheats you both.”
Click here to “write better“.
Ok now I need to add something benificial for my readers. After all there are readers as well as writers and being an Indie author, I need to cater to my readers as well. So who wants some great book recommends? Who wants FREE ebooks? If I could see them, I am sure many hands went up. Have you heard of ENT (Ereader News Today)? Well, they’ve got a bunch of FREE Kindle book listings that make it convienent for you to pick from. Click here to go there. Now here are a few recomends from me…
Ok, ok, I know I threw my book in there, but come on? I had to, wouldn’t you have? Well here are my recommends anyway. Need a yummy treat to munch on while you read? Heard of Tastey Kakes? Well their really good, at least in taste. Probably not so good for the hips, so stick to one or two:0)
Happy Reading and Tastey Cake eating!
Tagged: A.D. Duling, Book recommends, character development, Deborah J. Hughes, Emlyn Chand, ENT, ereader news today, Free kindle reads, H.P. Mallory, Jennifer Armentrout, Lene Kaaberol, Marissa Meyer, mystery, Novel Publicity, Paranormal, Pavarti K. Tyler, Russel Blake, Tastey cakes, Veronica Rossi, writing tips
August 20, 2012
To My Readers and Fellow Writers; I Need Help! Contest with Rewards involved.
Reblogged from Lauren Kaye Pomeroy:
Alright everyone, so to my readers and fellow writers; I have a favor to ask – help me collectively brainstorm!
I’ve gone into a bad jam of writers block at the point of the beginning of Odette and Derrick’s summers together in my novel for the Swan Princess Retelling, and I would like to hold a contest.
I would love for everyone to brainstorm, think of ideas of things that could happen while Derrick and Odette have their first couple of summers together, at the ages of 12 and 13, 13 and 14, 14 and 15, and 15 and 16.
Check it out... The lovely Lauren K. Pomeroy has something fun for readers and her fellow authors. A contest to have your contribution put into her upcoming book The Vow of Everlasting Death - A Retelling of The Swan Princess. It's a lot of fun! Go and read my romantic escapade and add yours too!
August 10, 2012
Anna Kippling’s interview with Laurie from Laurie’s Paranormal Thoughts & Reviews
Like Giveaways? Want to get to know Anna Kippling a little more? Anna had an interview with Laurie Jenkins from Laurie’s Paranormal Thoughts & Reviews and had a wonderful time answering the interview questions. She is also excited about the giveaway that allows new readers to enter to get a chance to win one of two Kindle Copies of the first book to her series.
Anna Kippling has found a skeleton key that ironically only opens one door and from the wrong side. On the other side of it awaits a world called Tatania. There Anna finds herself in battle with an evil Chancellor and also finds love in a grey eyed, blonde hunk named Hayden.
Anna also finds herself fighting large birds, magically hiding in tree trunks, eating magical beads as she tries to save an Empress. She does all this with just a necklace of invisibility, a time turning bracelet and a dagger. Even with her newly acquired Book of Answers, nothing is ever simple here for Anna Kippling. But Anna is slowly learning nothing is impossible, not even for her.
How far would you go to reach your potential? How much would you sacrifice for love? And is it possible to outwit death?
Can’t wait, wanna buy the book now? It’s only .99 cents click here to visit the Amazon page and read the first two chapters!
Visit Laurie’s blog to enter the giveaway and get a chance to win one out of two Kindle copies of The Key #1 of The Anna Kippling Series. Don’t forget to follow Laurie’s blog and check out her other great giveaways! She currently is participating in the YA giveaway hop where you can enter to win 6 different giveaways!
Click above to enter Laurie’s giveaway!
Click on the book cover to go to Laurie’s blog to read the interview and enter the giveaway!
Thanks again Laurie for the spotlight and thanks everyone for the drop by!
P.S. Don’t forget to leave your authors a review, they really appreciate them!!! Happy Reading!
Tagged: A.D. Duling Laurie's Paranormall Thoughts & Reviews, Amazon Kindle, anna kippling, character interview, ebook giveaway, giveaway, Kindle ebook, Paranormal romance
July 12, 2012
Tips on Blogging, What Indie Authors can learn from Fifty Shades of Grey & How to get Readers to want to Spread the Word
Hey, my blog is called Here she goes again… and it’s called that for a reason. I tend to go on about a ton of different things and all at the same time. I jump from subject to subject rather quickly and rather unexpectedly and I cannot help it. I can’t!
I’ve really tried.
Some may say its because I’m a Gemini. That Gemini’s are known to do that. I think its just because I’m me and that’s how I am. I ramble, I go on and hopefully whatever comes out is useful to you.
This is after all why I created my blog.
I love connecting with others and appreciate the help and advice I get along the way. It’s only polite to return that same courtesy and I am so for that. For my readers(thank you!) and for my fellow authors (Unite!).
So being that I’m a rambling type of gal, it should be no suprise to those who know me or are familiar with me that my headline has three different subjects in it. These are tips for authors, bloggers and I really think for readers too.
Pic courtesy of kaushalpatel.me
Blogging:
From Chazz Writes I was directed to wikihow and their article How to Write a Famous Blog
This was a very interesting article and of course this is why Chazz( I just love him, he’s great) linked this on his blog. There are steps (I love step-by-step) on how to do just that; write a famous blog. How often to post, how to prepare, how to spread the word and what you can learn from other blogs.
Now the Fifty Shades of Grey mention. Fifty shades has brought a lot of hype and not just for the steamy content. Half hate the writing and half don’t care. Fellow Indie authors ” groaned or laughed hysterically as they read the negative reviews for Fifty Shades” Romance sells and so does sex. I’m a romantic, but I have my reasons for not writing erotica. Some have not a problem writing it and some are like me, we don’t want to or feel that we need to. The point to this is even though romance/erotica books are the big hype now, readers still like good writing. Fifty Shades seems to have a lot of bad writing.
So how did it get so popular?
“it’s struck a chord with a lot of readers, both good and bad.” -Indie Author Ron Hummer
Word of mouth is what helped thrust Fifty Shades into the spotlight. To be a successful Indie Author that word of mouth is so important. So how do we achieve that? Book Clubs is one great idea. (link to article by Ron Hummer)
Blogging is another. Chazz (I just love him, he shares so much great info!) tells you how to get others to spread the word. Blogging helps authors build their platforms. Its been said many of times. Blogging is very useful to bloggers as well. You don’t have to be an author to be a blogger. Many readers blog. Blogging helps connect you with authors and its a great way to get FREE books too. Participating in giveaways and blog hops certinly sends those free books your way. It also helps you discover other authors and a great way to help authors get discovered (if that’s your goal too). I’m a reader, not a writer is a blog that does just that. Kathy is wonderful and hosts tons of blog hops in which I participate in. Many readers/bloggers do too and so do many authors. Novel Publicity , Author Emlyn Chand’s blog hosts blog tours. This is another way to help each other. The reader helps the author and the author helps the reader. This is also another great way to gain followers of your blog. Readers love giveaways!
In Chazz’s article, he shared some more tips on how to get others to spread the word and you can go here to read it all. While your there check out his other great articles, a lot of useful stuff!
So…I’ve rambled and hopefully you got something useful out of it or at least were entertained. :0) Being that I am a rambler and jump rather unexpectedly from subject to subject, here’s a jump. While your off getting the word spread or blogging, you’re gonna need to still make dinner and here is a slow cooker recipie that will do all the work for you while you are off doing all your work.
There are 22 other easy slow cooker recipies there if you’re not to keen on this one.
Happy blogging and thanks for dropping by!
P.S. Speaking of giveaways…here’s my latest one.
Tagged: blog tours, blogging, blogging tips, Chazz Writes, Emlyn Chand, Fifty Shades of Grey, giveaways, good writing, how to, I'm a Reader, Inspired Kathy, not a Writer, Novel Publicity, Ron Hummer, wikihow, word of mouth, writing tips
June 28, 2012
What happened to FEAR FACTOR and Missing the CRANBERRIES…Here she goes again…
Ok we all know what Fear Factor is. I was a dedicated fan when it originally aired and when I heard it was coming back, I got excited. That stuff to me never gets old! I just love watching people stuff disgusting things in their mouth or lay with snakes and spiders just to win some money. NEver gets old…
A couple of shows aired… and they were pretty good! I was looking foward to seeing some heads shaved on a future episode and then…WHAT HAPPENED?!
No more Fear Factor :0( Is anyone else out there devistated like me? Anyone else watching America’s Got Talent? Share your thoughts…random ones are welcomed too…look at me:0)
So as I was thinking about what happened to Fear Factor…yes the show was cancelled. Sorry Joe Rogan! I randomly thought about the Cranberries. You know them. That awesome group with the awesome songs. I bought the tapes (I’m not that old… come on they only went to CD’s what.. twenty years ago.. 20? Really!) listened to them on my walkman (for those who do not know-its like the MP3-which I still call my walkman- leave me alone about it) and got lost for hours.
I loved the song ZOMBIE and loved The CRANBERRIES. Sniff Sniff..
So what did happen?
Well of course, I’m always behind on noticing or getting the news. (hey I have six kids and a bunch of pets, oh did i mention a big kid too? So hey, it happens…) So I googled them and find out a lot of other fans had asked that same question. The answer came in 2009 when the band made their declaration they were reuniting. They did a tour in 2009 and still are touring today. Their CD Roses Came out in Febuary this year, closing a ten year gap of no Cranberries on the music shelves.
LOOK WHAT I WAS MISSING!
Heard of Tommorrow?
It gets better…
Roses is only $9.99 and you can get yours on Amazon.
Remember vinyl? You know vinyl records…well they’ve made a comeback. Yep…you can buy Roses on vinyl too. It’s priced a little more…$17.98
Whats vinyl (google it you youngins)
Vinyl’s made a comeback?! When?! Apparently it was still popular in the 90′s for those Dj wanna B’s for their DJ moves. Baby Boomers have kept the drive going too and yes today, vinyl is still selling.
“Oliver Goss of Record Pressing, a San Francisco vinyl factory, says it is a mixture of convenience and beauty. Fans like having something large and heavy to hold in their hands.”
It also turns out half the records that are sold are not even played. “It is just cooler than a download,” explains Steve Redmond, a spokesman for Britain’s annual Record Store Day.
So if you were a fan and didn’t know, enjoy two songs from youtube and then click the Amazon link to buy yours! There’s always Walmart too…
As for Fear Factor…oh poo….well, it was a good try!
Thanks for dropping in and listening to my random thoughts,
P.S. Hop over to my other blog and check out my ebook giveaway…you can enter to win two great books to read while you listen to your new CD or vinyl of the CRanberries!
A.D. Duling’s Diddley Doodle Dandy Writings
Tagged: Cranberries, Fear Factor, Roses, Tomorrow, what ever happened?, Zombie
June 6, 2012
Miley Cyrus- our Hannah Montana is engaged to Liam Hemsworth, hunky Star of the Hunger Games…good luck!
photo courtesy of ego-living.com
They’re engaged!
Miley and Liam met three years ago while shooting The LAst Song(which I loved) and started dating. Three years later Liam popped the question and slipped a 3 carat engagement ring on the 19 year old’s ring finger. We all remember Miley as our infamous Hannah Montana, my girls were big fans and still are. Nineteen is young, I was married at that age and can understand young love.
Marrying young is 50/50 turn out for many. Many do not agree with this choice and I can assume many are already placing bets on how long it’ll last. For me, marrying at nineteen and looking back fourteen years later, I can understand the pros and cons. MArriage is definitely something that should be taken serious and sometimes at nineteen, it isn’t. It’s a whim based on puppy love that turns sour quickly after the union when their dream boat doesn’t seem so dreamy anymore.
So this brings up marriage advice. Miley Liam, first I wish you both the best of luck. Financially they are set, so no worries there. Emotionally, yes for right now they are madly in love with each other. Thats great! Wonderful, but in six months, whats it gonna be like? Well Miley and Liam, your might be butting heads then. IT’s hard bringing two heads to work as one sometimes. It’s hard to accustom to each others idiosyncrasies and flaws. Here are a few tips from me, take them, use them if you want, throw away what you don’t think you need.
1. Be the better partner. Now this doesn’t mean let the other walk all over you, but sometimes to keep things cool, you have to be the better person. Walk away when things get too heated.
2. Pick your battles. Really is it a major sin that he cannot seem to get those socks in the hamper? Does she really need to be able to cook like Gida?
3. Never go to bed or work angry. You never know what can happen and really, is it worth staying angry at each other all day or through the night? (For nightime, you sleep better if you make up and guess what comes with making up;0)
4. Remind yourself no one is perfect. Everyone has flaws and when you marry them, they come with the package.
5. Marriage is never easy. Can you say roller coaster. Yep, it is. Hang in there and you will make it, don’t give up too easily:0) Remember you do love each other. (For us gals, that reminder comes often;0)
Ok, thats it. No more … I wish the lovely couple the best of luck and a big Congratulations!
Thanks for dropping in!
Tagged: good luck!, Hannah Montana engaged, hunger games, Miley and Liam engaged, Miley Cyrus Engaged
June 4, 2012
Expresso Book Machine- EBM by On Demand Books – a Red Box for books?
Yes, yes, I am sure many have already heard of this, but for those of you who haven’t, me for one, this is a pleasant surprise! When we say Print on Demand, it makes us think of Create Space, Lulu and many other companies available via the web, but a machine in your library or a book store? Really? Is that a reality? Yes really, it is, and here are a few of many who have this machine.
The Library of Alexandria
The Harvard Book Store
Books Sanseido (Tokyo)
Blackwell’s (Oxford)
McNally Jackson (New York)
The Brooklyn Public Library
Now what exactly is this machine? Espresso Book Machine is manufactured and sold by On Demand Books. This machine makes a paper back book for you in minutes. McNally’s (above) alone increased their book stock by 4 million titles by adding this machine in their place. For customers, all they have to do is walk over to this machine, scroll through the vast selection for a desired title, pick the novel they want, swipe their credit card and select one copy. Within minutes and for about a cent a page, a book then is printed and in with the same industry quality, bounded in a four-color cover and pops out into a tray for you to grab like doing photos with a Kodak machine!
It sounds crazy, but this is real. The future has arrived and this simple to use machine isn’t just beneficial for the readers. These droves of customers flowing into this New York store are not just readers, they are authors too. Self publishing via a EBM is simpler and convenient for authors. Anyone can publish their work quickly and cost-effective with these machines. Staff members that man the machine are also there to answer questions and happy to as well. How great is that for those authors?!
For the traditional print publishing industry, the number of new titles increased by 5 percent from 2009 to 2010, rising to 316,000. In contrast to that, print-on-demand and self-publishing boomed by 169 percent—hitting a stunning 2.8 million unique titles!
On Demand Books (ondemandbooks.com) - Through its EspressNet® digital catalog of content, books can be ordered online or onsite at bookstores, libraries, and non-bookstore retailers. Millions of books are now available to the consumers and in their native language. Being able to print in any langauge is a big benifit to libraries and other institutions where English isn’t the first language.
At their webpage, links above will direct you to locations, Publisher programs, Self-publishing, authors, and how to buy or lease one of these amazing machines.
Wanna learn about their technology? There’s a link for that too!
Have you already discovered this phenomenom? Please share your opinion and experience. Authors and readers!
Thanks for dropping in and happy printng on demand!
Info courtesy of: LIS (library information services) Current Trends and Issues , Live Write Thrive , The EBM technology-Ondemandbooks
Tagged: EBM, Expresso Book Machine, Lis, live Write Thrive, Ond demand books, print on demand, Redbox, self publishing
June 1, 2012
Leandro Carvalho’s Brazil Butt Lift- I (and my butt) have taken the challenge- a lifted Bum Bum in 30 days
Have you heard about the Brazil Butt lift? Leandro says doing his workout will get your “Bum Bum” looking great for the beach. It seems it really works and video’s on You Tube add to the testimonals saying this workout rocks! Being a mommy of six has taken a toll on my Gluteaous Maximus. I have failed the pencil test.
Pencil Test:
If the pencil stays, your sagging. Leandro says after this workout, that pencil will not stay anymore. I have failed the pencil test. Lean is in Leandro and that is how I wanna be, lean, firmed and beach body ready :0) My Bum Bum, I’m sure will thank me. So I ordered this video like many after the infomercial and yesterday was my first day. WOW! I just did the intro video and the Bum Bum (30 min) workout and I was dying!
Now I will reveal to my TMI, I am 145 lbs and 5’6. So I am not having any obesity issues, just unfimed issues :0) All of us ladies get this. With McDonald’s, Taco Bell and tons of other fast food resturants just around the corner, why wouldn’t we? We are being sabataged! Our gluteous Maximus is getting punished! Leandro says he can fix that. After all Lean is in his name. I want to get lean, shaped and firmed, like many other gals. Can he help me, he says he can. So I am taking the challenge. Ive measured (wow that wasn’t fun) and taken a before pic (even worse) and in thirty days (July 1st) I will post my measurments and my before and after pic for the world to see (bathingsuit clad of course) I want to help encourage others and I wanna see what Leandro can do for me.
Click note to order yours!
Working out with Brazil Butt lift, or already have. Wanna share your story, or wanna join up and we’ll encourage/motivate each other? I love comments and definitaly love words of encouragment!
Thanks for dropping in and Happy Bum Bum lifting!
Tagged: beach body, Brazil Butt lift, challenge, firm up, good luck!, Leandro Carbalho, makeover, workout
May 30, 2012
Confessions of a Scary Mommy… Scary Mommy aka Jill Smokler…are you a Scary Mommy or have one?
Jill Smokler started a blog called Scary Mommy to chronicle her experiences in raising her three kids. Well it transformed quickly into a community of parents. All with the same thought in common:
“Parenting doesn’t have to be perfect.”
Her honest take on parenting became national and on April 3, 2012 her debut novel Confesssions of a Scary Mommy which landed her a bestseller spot in The New York Times within the first week. Being a parent, your never going to be perfect at it, although many of us try to “fake the funk”. Jill is brutally honest about her parenting, and maybe this is why others flocked to her. Being a mother of six kids, I know how tough parenting is. It’s not always fun and I myself could share a few shocking stories..oh my! Hand over the mouth…no way! Oh yes way! Nothing incriminating, come on, I’m not that bad, but I too have something in common to other parents. I am far from perfect, just as they are. I’m not the only one with a few parenting horror stories and Jill’s wonderful blog reminds us of that. From her Scary Mommy Society (dad’s are welcomed too) to her Scary Mommy Community (again, dad’s are welcomed) she has provided a place for fellow parents to converse and confess, anonymously even. (Scary Mommy Confessional)
I am always behind on the news and when I discovered Jill’s book, I of course did the peek.
“We like to paint motherhood as a picture perfect experience” and “She had three young kids as well–was she not going slowly insane, too? Did she not long for an afternoon with out kids wiping their snot on her jeans and a baby spitting up constantly? Sis she not lock herself in the bathroom, ignoring the whining on the other side of the door?”
She’s funny, honest, brutally so and her book as now been added to my “to-read” pile. Sorry, there is a line :0) So if you have not heard of Jill Smokler or of her book Confessions of a Scary Mommy (it is possible- look at me) check it out!
Are you a scary mommy and proud of it? Well you can post this logo shamelessly on your blog if you want, look below.
Logo courtesy of The Truth of Motherhood ran by Deborah Cruz. Her post Road Tripping with Toddlers was posted on Scary Mommy.com. Too funny!
Are you the kid of a Scary Mommy? Remember confessions or purges are being taken at the Scary Mommy Confessional
Thanks for dropping in!
P.S. Want to go to a mommyfessions party? Parents Connect is having one where you can win a copy of Jill’s book!
Tagged: book recommend, confessions, Confessions of a Scary Mommy, Jill Smokler, parenting, Scary Mommy
May 29, 2012
Seedling Braille Books for Children & Emlyn Chand from Novel Publicity…
The lovely Emlyn Chand, President of Novel Publicity posted a share on Facebook about Seedling Braille Books. I clicked the link and went to her post on Novel Publicity.
“Every child deserves the company of a good book, but for some, that company is hard to find. The truth of the matter is, braille books are expensive and difficult to attain, especially for families with limited means.”
Every child deserves the joy that comes from reading, and your vote could help earn Seedlings $25,000 to continue their vital mission! Seedlings Braille Books for Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality, low-cost braille books for blind children in Michigan and around the world. Seedings could win a $25,000 grant in the 2012 Art Van Charity Challenge! It’s new this year and only one vote per email address. Go to the Art Van site by 5/31 and vote!
All you have to do is register, verify email, login and vote for Seedlings! Don’t want to vote, but would like to donate towards the cause? Click here.
When Seedlings was started in 1984 by Director, Debra Bonde, braille materials were scarce and expensive. Her goals were to increase the availability and lower the cost of braille books for children in order to promote their literacy skills and the love of reading. Read more about this company in Emlyn’s article.
Thanks for dropping in and voting!
Tagged: Art Van, charity, donate, Emlyn Chand, Novel Publicity, Seedling Braille books for kids
