T.K. Rayford's Blog, page 6
October 16, 2011
Abstrus- Book Trailer
After weeks of working at it, I've finally developed a trailer for "Abstrus" that I think is worth sharing. Most of that time went to my learning how to use Photoshop to create the graphics and the rest went to finding the right software to convert the original PowerPoint into a video.
I'm very pleased with the outcome and definitely would love your feedback on the trailer. Maybe someday soon I will even get around to writing a "how I did it" post, but as far as procrastination goes, I'm the reining Queen. So we will see how well that works out.
I'm very pleased with the outcome and definitely would love your feedback on the trailer. Maybe someday soon I will even get around to writing a "how I did it" post, but as far as procrastination goes, I'm the reining Queen. So we will see how well that works out.
October 15, 2011
Who Wants free Stuff?
My laptop, Simon, experienced a terrible life event yesterday, but was brought back from the brink by the Geek Squad. Many thanks to the genius guy with the glasses who saved us. Needless to say, I probably couldn't survive without Simon. I can't even be too upset at the $60 charging cord that I had to buy.
But anwho, on to the nitty gritty. I noticed how most bloggers write posts that are pages long, but I'm a more to the point kinda gal. I try to save the pages for a book (which probably makes me a blog slacker in reality.) The point is I'm ready to give away more free stuff!
Go to the tkRayford Facebook fanpage, http://facebook.com/tkRayford, and click the nice "Like" button there.
The 20th person to like the page will receive some cool "Abstrus" freebies , the 25th person will receive an "Abstrus" t-shirt, and the 30th will receive a free Kindle copy of "Abstrus".
Let the games begin good people. So go click the like button!
But anwho, on to the nitty gritty. I noticed how most bloggers write posts that are pages long, but I'm a more to the point kinda gal. I try to save the pages for a book (which probably makes me a blog slacker in reality.) The point is I'm ready to give away more free stuff!
Go to the tkRayford Facebook fanpage, http://facebook.com/tkRayford, and click the nice "Like" button there.
The 20th person to like the page will receive some cool "Abstrus" freebies , the 25th person will receive an "Abstrus" t-shirt, and the 30th will receive a free Kindle copy of "Abstrus".
Let the games begin good people. So go click the like button!
October 11, 2011
There Really is a Book 2... Really and My Little Soap Box
I don't have much at this point to say about book 2 of The Planet Abstrus Series just yet, except it's coming! Yay! I will be releasing the title very soon so be on the lookout for that and more info about it.
What I really want to share right now though is something I learned from a class I'm taking. Lots of the issues the world faces would be erased completely if we learned how to love one another... yes this is indeed the universal love everybody message. No worries. I don't have a soap box to stand on right now and tell you to get it together if you're not loving your neighbor. I just want to share the four types of love. I thought they were pretty cool... but then it doesn't take much to impress me.
These are the Greek words:
Phileo:
A love between friends; a relationship of warm attachment Phileo love is that "something" that you see in another person that draws you to be their friend. Storge:
Is described as the love between family members Is most clearly evident in the love of parents for their children. Is a physical show of affection that results from a PURE motive, it may be a hug, a kiss, or another expression of genuine affection.
Eros
Is based on feelings- sensual and physical attractions The feelings of eros are not love but a way to express real love within marriage.
Agape:
The highest love of all and the only love that is unselfish in nature and is unconditional in that it does not expect anything in return. Is unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another. It gives regardless of what the other person does or does not do.
What I really want to share right now though is something I learned from a class I'm taking. Lots of the issues the world faces would be erased completely if we learned how to love one another... yes this is indeed the universal love everybody message. No worries. I don't have a soap box to stand on right now and tell you to get it together if you're not loving your neighbor. I just want to share the four types of love. I thought they were pretty cool... but then it doesn't take much to impress me.
These are the Greek words:
Phileo:
A love between friends; a relationship of warm attachment Phileo love is that "something" that you see in another person that draws you to be their friend. Storge:
Is described as the love between family members Is most clearly evident in the love of parents for their children. Is a physical show of affection that results from a PURE motive, it may be a hug, a kiss, or another expression of genuine affection.
Eros
Is based on feelings- sensual and physical attractions The feelings of eros are not love but a way to express real love within marriage.
Agape:
The highest love of all and the only love that is unselfish in nature and is unconditional in that it does not expect anything in return. Is unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another. It gives regardless of what the other person does or does not do.
September 24, 2011
Win a free copy of Abstrus
Good news for all my Kindle people out there. I will be giving away a free Kindle copy of Abstrus to one lucky person. Yay!!! Here are the contest rules:
You must have a Kindle or Kindle app on your phone or computer because this giveaway is for the Kindle version of the book. (The app is easily downloaded for most phones and CPUs) To gain one entry in the contest, leave a comment on this post answering this question: If you got to make up your own planet, what would it be called? To gain an additional entry, write a tweet on twitter and come back and post the link to it here in the comments.A third and final entry can be attained by simply "liking" the tkRayford facebook fan page here. Let the games begin! (wait, now I feel like I'm a part of The Hunger Games, another must read.) But anywho, the contest will run from today, September 24- September 30. The winner will be announced on October 1st.
Keep your eyes peeled for future contests, which are sure to include a giveaway of a print copy of Abstrus.
OAN, I am so depressed about the basketball season. They need to get it together, because if the season doesn't start, I'm gonna have to figure out something to do with my spare time... then I won't have any excuses not to be writing. Go Boston and Memphis Grizzlies!! (Had to throw that in there.)
You must have a Kindle or Kindle app on your phone or computer because this giveaway is for the Kindle version of the book. (The app is easily downloaded for most phones and CPUs) To gain one entry in the contest, leave a comment on this post answering this question: If you got to make up your own planet, what would it be called? To gain an additional entry, write a tweet on twitter and come back and post the link to it here in the comments.A third and final entry can be attained by simply "liking" the tkRayford facebook fan page here. Let the games begin! (wait, now I feel like I'm a part of The Hunger Games, another must read.) But anywho, the contest will run from today, September 24- September 30. The winner will be announced on October 1st.
Keep your eyes peeled for future contests, which are sure to include a giveaway of a print copy of Abstrus.
OAN, I am so depressed about the basketball season. They need to get it together, because if the season doesn't start, I'm gonna have to figure out something to do with my spare time... then I won't have any excuses not to be writing. Go Boston and Memphis Grizzlies!! (Had to throw that in there.)
September 20, 2011
To Appease my Mama
I sure do appreciate my mama. And she wrote this really nice author's bio for me. I have been using a shortened version that did not make her happy at all so I promised that I would at least post it here in its entirety. So here is every single word she wrote, so enjoy my eccentric mother with me!
tkRayford Prude was born in Chicago, IL with her four siblings in the project of Cabrini Green where it all started. She later moved to Memphis, TN where she was raised. She fell in love with writing in the second grade. She has been writting short stories and poems since then and continues to write today. TK is also an avid reader. Her teachers would always say she would become a great writer. She would get mad and insist she would be a doctor, a neurosurgeon at that. She graduated from Hamilton High School as salutitorian and received a large Scholorship to continue her eduation at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. That is where she decided to pursue her career in writing after receiving a C in biology in her second year. She realized writing was her world. She resides in Memphis TN with her son Kadin,her finance Tony, mother Elaine, siblings Chinna,Tarra, Ernie, and Shaun, two brother in laws Frankey and Robert, four nieces, Ashlun, Kalina, Jocelyn, and Erin Elayna, three nephews Kaemon, Kaleil, and Robert III. TK continues to write. Her mother knew she was a great writer and one day would become a great author,so with a lot of pushing, and motivation, TK decided to publish her first book, Abstrus
Yes, she really did name everyone in my entire family lol. And is it just me, or does it start to read a little like an obituary? (Love you mother!) Well, now that you know every little detail about me, I'm gonna sign off and maybe get to writing some more pages on book 2.
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tkRayford Prude was born in Chicago, IL with her four siblings in the project of Cabrini Green where it all started. She later moved to Memphis, TN where she was raised. She fell in love with writing in the second grade. She has been writting short stories and poems since then and continues to write today. TK is also an avid reader. Her teachers would always say she would become a great writer. She would get mad and insist she would be a doctor, a neurosurgeon at that. She graduated from Hamilton High School as salutitorian and received a large Scholorship to continue her eduation at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. That is where she decided to pursue her career in writing after receiving a C in biology in her second year. She realized writing was her world. She resides in Memphis TN with her son Kadin,her finance Tony, mother Elaine, siblings Chinna,Tarra, Ernie, and Shaun, two brother in laws Frankey and Robert, four nieces, Ashlun, Kalina, Jocelyn, and Erin Elayna, three nephews Kaemon, Kaleil, and Robert III. TK continues to write. Her mother knew she was a great writer and one day would become a great author,so with a lot of pushing, and motivation, TK decided to publish her first book, Abstrus
Yes, she really did name everyone in my entire family lol. And is it just me, or does it start to read a little like an obituary? (Love you mother!) Well, now that you know every little detail about me, I'm gonna sign off and maybe get to writing some more pages on book 2.
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September 15, 2011
The Hunger Games, The Help, and Abstrus
Howdy folks. I've got a couple of things to share with you and they are all super exciting. The first being that I've updated the Abstrus page to include an excerpt from the book. Click here to read it. Be sure to let me know what you think and don't forget to go to the purchase page to see your options to buy the entire book. Hardcopies of the book will be available very soon so keep an eye out for that.
Secondly, I went to see The Help this past weekend with my friend. I have heard about the book turned movie quite a bit, but hadn't made any moves to go see it. Luckily my friend saved me from myself by suggesting we go and man am I glad! It was a bit long, but what can one expect when they're trying to capture the essence of a phenomenal book on screen. I must say, I definitely recommend this movie so go see it and let me know what you think. I'm going to start reading the book soon, which is a bit backward from the way I like these things to play out. I always read the book first and then see the movie, but in any case, I'm excited to get to the book and see how close the movie got. It's my opinion that movies can never come close to a good book, but the movie as a standalone was much more than I expected. When I read the book, I'll let you all know how I liked it.
And finally, I'm currently reading The Hunger Games Trilogy, and man!!! If you like phenomenal writing then you need to be reading this series. Suzanne Collins has really created a masterpiece. I am on book 2 right now and will tell you a bit more once I've read all three. I can't wait.
Secondly, I went to see The Help this past weekend with my friend. I have heard about the book turned movie quite a bit, but hadn't made any moves to go see it. Luckily my friend saved me from myself by suggesting we go and man am I glad! It was a bit long, but what can one expect when they're trying to capture the essence of a phenomenal book on screen. I must say, I definitely recommend this movie so go see it and let me know what you think. I'm going to start reading the book soon, which is a bit backward from the way I like these things to play out. I always read the book first and then see the movie, but in any case, I'm excited to get to the book and see how close the movie got. It's my opinion that movies can never come close to a good book, but the movie as a standalone was much more than I expected. When I read the book, I'll let you all know how I liked it.
And finally, I'm currently reading The Hunger Games Trilogy, and man!!! If you like phenomenal writing then you need to be reading this series. Suzanne Collins has really created a masterpiece. I am on book 2 right now and will tell you a bit more once I've read all three. I can't wait.
September 9, 2011
Outer space in Real Life
Outer space in science fiction can be so cool! It's pulled right from someone's imagination so it can be anything and can look any way the thinker wants. That's made for some pretty impressive "outer spaces." I was browsing Yahoo news as I like to do and was so excited to find an article they posted on Saturn.
You can read the article here.
I love when real life is better than fiction, which is actually more often than we realize. NASA sent a robotic orbiter into space to take pictures of Saturn, and the pictures it captured were more amazing than anything I could dream up. And as a side note, it took 7 years to reach Saturn, but in my imagination, the technology is much more advanced so you can get anywhere in space in about a month or two :)
But anywho, I just wanted to share the photo that was captured. It's breathtaking. Also, they just sent another orbiter to take pics of Jupiter and it will arrive in 5 years. I can't wait to see how those turn out.
You can read the article here.
I love when real life is better than fiction, which is actually more often than we realize. NASA sent a robotic orbiter into space to take pictures of Saturn, and the pictures it captured were more amazing than anything I could dream up. And as a side note, it took 7 years to reach Saturn, but in my imagination, the technology is much more advanced so you can get anywhere in space in about a month or two :)
But anywho, I just wanted to share the photo that was captured. It's breathtaking. Also, they just sent another orbiter to take pics of Jupiter and it will arrive in 5 years. I can't wait to see how those turn out.
September 5, 2011
Review the Book
Well, I have successfully made the book available on Nook and Kindle. More eBook formats are to come. I need to write this date on my calendar to make sure I remember it forever. I would love for you to check out the book and leave a review for me. Go to the Purchase page to purchase your copy.
As a side note, for the past week I've been super conscious of my posture. I have horrible poster and tend to sit and stand stooped over. After my mother pointed out how my back is a little curved in a pic she saw of me, I've taken on the irrational fear of developing a hump back in my old age. Well at least I hope that fear is irrational and not at all warranted.
But anyway, that's my random sidebar for the day. I wonder if I'm the only person who goes through this kind of weirdness.
As a side note, for the past week I've been super conscious of my posture. I have horrible poster and tend to sit and stand stooped over. After my mother pointed out how my back is a little curved in a pic she saw of me, I've taken on the irrational fear of developing a hump back in my old age. Well at least I hope that fear is irrational and not at all warranted.
But anyway, that's my random sidebar for the day. I wonder if I'm the only person who goes through this kind of weirdness.
September 1, 2011
To Release Early or Not to Release Early... That is the Question
Well over the past week, my computer has become my best friend. His name is Simon by the way. I have spent more hours with Simon than I have with my bed. I'm probably gonna be out like a light once I log off today.
I'm so excited about the upcoming release of "Abstrus" and I hope everyone else is too. The book won't officially be released for a while, and I'm a bit impatient when it comes to these things. Since this will be my first novel to release, I have decided to do an early "pre-screening" of sorts.
In order to allow some people to read the book and hopefully review it so others will know what to expect for the official release, I'm going to release it in ebook format. This is great news for all you virtual readers out there (I'm an avid one myself). I haven't decided which formats and which eReaders I will make it available on, but that info will be coming soon.
I'm so excited about the upcoming release of "Abstrus" and I hope everyone else is too. The book won't officially be released for a while, and I'm a bit impatient when it comes to these things. Since this will be my first novel to release, I have decided to do an early "pre-screening" of sorts.
In order to allow some people to read the book and hopefully review it so others will know what to expect for the official release, I'm going to release it in ebook format. This is great news for all you virtual readers out there (I'm an avid one myself). I haven't decided which formats and which eReaders I will make it available on, but that info will be coming soon.
August 31, 2011
Book Cover
Well I've been doing some book editing today and have been looking at the computer screen for a total of 17 hours. How's that for dedication? Needless to say I'm about ready to either a. maul somebody or b. claw my own eyes out. But that's a story for another day I guess... I did take a break to go walk around Walmart and that refreshed me right away.
But I digress. I'm up at 2:06am to officially present the book cover for "Abstrus." My cover artist Duowaine put in some long hours to make little ol' me happy and I am very pleased with the outcome. I can't wait to work with him on my other projects! And I thought I was the talent around here. Thanks Duowaine. You're amazing!
So without further ado (so I can go to bed) here is the book cover :)
But I digress. I'm up at 2:06am to officially present the book cover for "Abstrus." My cover artist Duowaine put in some long hours to make little ol' me happy and I am very pleased with the outcome. I can't wait to work with him on my other projects! And I thought I was the talent around here. Thanks Duowaine. You're amazing!
So without further ado (so I can go to bed) here is the book cover :)
![[image error]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ax-p9BVzrlw/Tnk2RIFw3WI/AAAAAAAAAA8/YLhmjuMw8y8/s1600/mother.jpg){kind=link}