Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 64

The Growing eBooks Trend_Guest Blogger Barbara Joe Williams

Best selling author, Barbara Joe Williams joins us today with her take on the ebook trend. With books in both paperback and ebook format, she has a keen insight that some of us indie authors lack. Here's what she says:

With the growing trend towards eBook purchases, I have to say, “Paperbacks aren’t dead, but they’re definitely on a life support system.”Take a peek »

CHILDREN & SOCIAL MEDIA_TOO MUCH DRAMA

Social media has become an intricate part of our world. From Facebook, to Twitter, Pinterest, to Linkedin, and Instagram to Keek, we are interconnected to everyone on a global basis. But what happens when the sharing of a simple picture or story with close friends, turns to cyber bullying between our children?

My daughter often begs to have a Facebook page, twitter account, or Instagram. I have told her no for the last few years, because I don't think that she's ready for it.

My oldest son, now 20, begged and begged for a Facebook or My Space account for a couple of years before we finally gave in. We went over all of our rules with him and the do's and don'ts. He was 16 and had the account for less than 2 months before a "friend" who he had shared his password with, posted some derogatory remarks about my son on FB, pretending to be him. Lesson learned!

Monday afternoon my daughter shared with me, that some girls had posted some inflammatory comments about another student on the social network, Keek. Somehow the information became all twisted around, (telephone), and supposedly my daughter was the culprit behind posting the message according to one of the girls. Needless to say not only had my daughter not posted the message, but she hadn't seen, or heard about the message. Why? Because we have not allowed her to have a social media account, and her internet access has been extremely limited lately. The poor child can't even keep up with her cell phone and she has lost 3 of them, so yes, she's been without a cell phone and couldn't possibly post anything. As the drama continued to unfold other children were blamed for the situation as well.

The rumor kept spreading around before adults finally became involved, and all the children rumored to be involved were questioned. Once they investigated, my daughter was rapidly counted out of the group of culprits. But the issue gets worse from there, the child who actually posted the message, also posted a statement encouraging the recipients to share it with at least 10 people, or they would die.

We strive and strive to protect our children from the horrors of this life and the predators out there lurking. But what happens when the attacks come from your own back yard? What happens when the preying and assaults are on their own level, and the intimidators sit in the desk next to them, or in the seat behind theirs on the bus?

When do we say enough is enough? My husband and I talk openly and honestly with our children about the issues going on in the outside world, as well as the issues they will face daily in school. We also educate them on social media, and yes one day they each will receive their own social media accounts. But I just believe 12 and 13-year-olds are still too immature to handle the responsibility that comes along with social media. They are still having an identity crisis of their own, as they plod through middle school trying to either fit in, or create who they believe they want to be perceived as.

What are the ramifications children should face when engaging in this form of behavior? What responsibility do the parents hold? How should the schools handle and discourage this form of behavior? And how do children stand up against it in a world, where they just want to belong and fit in?

Yes, this is a call to action...I'm asking you these questions and I want to hear from you. What are you as an adult doing to be vigilant and making a stance?



If you enjoyed this post, I encourage you to share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until next time I'm...

JUST WRITING MY DREAMSBy: C. Michelle Ramsey www.cmichelleramsey.com

GIRLFRIENDS...WHO IS YOUR BFF? MJ KANE

Ladieesss...this one is for you. My fellow author, Mrs. MJ Kane stops by to dish dirt on our girlfriends...our besties, our girls! Check it out...
Take a peek »

BOOK SPOTLIGHT TUESDAY_BEJEWELED

Today's book spotlight brings you a sneak peek into my current unedited WIP, BeJeweled. This story focuses on a salon owner, who works to bring her Christian mentality into her shop, BeJeweled. But when the devil keeps taking aim at all of her stylists, it may just be her undoing. Here's a peek into the world of a character by the name of Wesley.


WESLEY He had a hard time getting her out of his heart, let alone his mind. She had consumed his every thought both day and night. He didn’t know why he was so consumed with her. He never had difficulty getting attention from a woman. Where some men had difficulty getting a woman into intimate situations, women quite often threw themselves at him and he turned down more women than he cared to mention. It wasn’t something he bragged about and sometimes he hated the way women would lower themselves just to get his attention and try to get into his bed. He wanted something more than that. He was looking for a woman that had something going for herself; a good Christian woman that had dreams in life and wasn’t scared to pursue them. He wanted a woman who would allow him to lead her and knew how to make a good home for him to come to at the end of the day. But why couldn’t he get this woman out of his mind and heart? He had prayed to God over and over again to turn that love off, to get her out of his head but it wasn’t to be.

“Alright Mrs. Dunham, don’t forget to stop at the receptionist desk and have Maya schedule your next week’s appointment,” he said to his current client.
As he headed for the door her words stopped him.
“Are you okay Wesley?” she asked with a look of concern on her face.
“Yes ma’am, what’s wrong?” he asked.
“I don’t know you seem distracted today,” she stated.
“I’m sorry if I didn’t give you…” he began.
“No baby, your fingers were just fine. My massage was wonderful as always. Hell, if my husband could make my body feel half the way your fingers do, maybe he would get some more often. No, it’s just usually you’re very attentive. You talk to me and listen intently, and while you replied at all the right times today, I could tell your mind was a million miles away,” she observed.
“I’m just tired that’s all between school and working, but it won’t last long. I’m sorry Mrs. Dunham,” he apologized.
“Don’t apologize sugar. What can I do to make it all better for you? You know I’ll do anything…I mean anything at all just to see that sexy smile on your face,” she said, licking her lips. “You just say the word and we can hook up wherever you want,” she replied.
He smiled his devastating smile at her and walked back to where she sat, on the massage table. He wrapped her in a hug and squeezed gently. “Awww that’s my girl. I’m glad to know I can count on you when the rest of the world lets me down. Thanks Mrs. D.,” he said and let her go and headed back to the door. But she squeezed his butt before he could get too far. All he could do was shake his head and laugh as he went off in search of Nikki.
Mrs. Dunham didn’t know what woman had his head all strung out like that, but what she did know was how to repair a man like him. He just needed a real woman who knew how to handle all that fine man and his world would be straight again. And Pamela Dunham was determined to be the woman to not only repair him, but she planned on rocking his world and Clarence Dunham would be none the wiser. Her little escapades were what made their love life interesting.   If you enjoyed this post, I encourage you to share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. For more on my works, you can visit me at my website below.  Until next time I'm...

JUST WRITING MY DREAMSBy: C. Michelle Ramsey www.cmichelleramsey.com
 

MONDAY MOTIVATIONAL MOMENT_FAMILY

"Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten." David Ogden Stiers  

EXTENDED FAMILY:

When we take a moment to reflect on our families, sure we can find something wrong with a member or two. Yes, Uncle Nate can be a bit boisterous, Aunt Natalie may seem a little boozhee, and Cousin Junebug is definitely ghetto. But they're still a part of us.

Family is our lifeblood, they're who defines us and what makes us who we are today. Whether we speak to them on an ongoing basis and let them know how much we love them, or we avoid them like the bubonic plague, they are family. At the end of the day our character, personality, integrity, and self-esteem is a result of the people we grew up with, who raised us, and had a powerful impact on our lives.

Sometimes they commit a grievous error against us that we believe we cannot forgive. Depending on the nature of the wrong, it may be in our best interest to move on and sever the relationship, especially if continuing in it could be detrimental to our life or health. But we must still learn to forgive, and love them from a distance. After all, I'm sure they could definitely point out some of our failings and flaws that they could do without.

IMMEDIATE FAMILY:

My husband and my children are my world and they define the woman I have become. There are still strong parts of my personality that I hold on to as a result of my extended family; however, my immediate family continues to mold and shape me today. They are my purpose for pushing forward through the trials and tribulations life throws my way. They are there to bask in the victories with me, rejoice in my proud moments, and point out the times when I am operating in a spirit of error. 

Our immediate family loves us in spite of our flaws and failings. Our children generally have that unconditional love. Yes, they may be upset if we tell them no about something, or discipline them, but they love us enough to forgive and move forward. Our spouses...where would we be without them? If yours is anything like mine, you're a better person because of your spouse. They help us to grow, give us guidance, have our back in the midst of the storm, and love us when we're at our worst...physically and emotionally.

So no matter what you have gone through with your family, no matter how you've been hurt...just remember they always have been and always will be a part of who you are. They are the defining characters of your life. Love them in spite of their flaws, as they surely love you in spite of yours.

If you enjoyed this post, I encourage you to share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until next time I'm...

JUST WRITING MY DREAMSBy: C. Michelle Ramsey www.cmichelleramsey.com

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY_XMEN

It's Friday and I have nothing planned for the weekend, except I know my family and I will be outside doing yard work.


 
 
 












I also plan to get some writing in this weekend, I have to because it's Nanowrimo, right? Not to mention there's a deadline looming for my current WIP "BeJeweled."

But I just wanted to share a few photos my family and I took last week and last night, during our photo break out sessions, as we went about the business of living. Sometimes we just stop to take pictures to capture the moments. Nothing spectacular but we know what we were experiencing and feeling at the moment.




 (Me & Beast) My baby boy is growing up, but he'll always be my baby.   
Beast & Storm and their version of their X-Men pose.   
Getting rid of the evidence
It's easy to disguise a body on Halloween! 
Best Kept Secret of the Century: Professor X & Jean Grey had a loving, compassionate, and nurturing love affair. But when she turned to Phoenix it was burning hot love! His telepathic powers can help enhance hers to levels she never dared to dream of. When she was cool, it was all good, but when she's mad, she can take out the planet.    
 Professor X is very protective over his wards: Storm is getting her payback on Beast who had agitated her only moments earlier.  
Beast agitating Storm    
Beast is up to his antics again...he thinks he's soooo slick.   
But we love him anyway.   
Professor X is going to hand out candy to the kids in the back of his truck. It's a twist on the traditional Halloween celebration.   
 
And the Beast & Storm are checking out a new spin on some powers they recently uncovered. It's called  TOBOC, or "Their Own Brand of Craziness."




Maybe I shouldn't have stepped away to do photos because I burnt my gravy, and the pork chops were barely edible. Watch out people...I feel a little Phoenix coming on, and Jean Grey can not stop her!


Stay Tuned for more adventures in:

JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,
By: C. Michelle Ramsey
www.cmichelleramsey.com

THURSDAY'S TOP 5

 
#1 Fave Dessert We all have those special things in life that make us who we are. Whether it's our favorite sayings, TV shows, foods, quirks that no one but our closest friends and family know about, we all have them. Today I'm sharing a few of my Top Five Lists. My foods, TV shows, movies, etc. So here goes:

TOP 5 DESSERTS:
Butter Pecan Ice CreamRed Velvet CakeDutch Crumb Apple PieBrowniesCookies
TOP 5 FOODS:
Marv's Famous Macaroni & Cheese PizzaBroccoli w/cheeseGarlic Mashed PotatoesFried Chicken (extra crispy)
TOP 5 MOVIES:
Imitation of LifeThe Color PurpleGreaseTransporterMisery

TOP 5 RECORDING ARTISTS:
Yolanda AdamsAnita BakerJill ScottChrisette MicheleIndia Arie
TOP 5 PET PEEVES:   #3
People who mess with my children/husbandPeople who smack when they eatPeople who talk loudly on their cell phones in the elevatorPeople walking around with their pants around their knees and then have the nerve to wear a beltPeople walking in public with their pajamas; or women with tight leggings on showing every smile from here to Disney World and they know they need to stop!!!! TOP 5 QUIRKS:
Open doors (closet, cabinets, drawers, etc..)Sheets not tucked in at the bottom of the bedNeed a good book to read whenever I eat a meal aloneHave to eat dessert after my bathHave to eat my foods in a certain order
#3

What would your list of top fives look like?

If you enjoyed this post, I encourage you to share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until next time I'm...

JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,
By: C. Michelle Ramsey
www.cmichelleramsey.com

GUEST BLOGGER: INEZ REILLY_WE'VE BUILT IT

This morning I have the honor of welcoming guest blogger, Inez Reilly to Writing My Dreams. As a fellow author, she brings to you a different perspective on the work done by authors, and the secrets hopes and dreams we all share.
The hustle and bustle that accompanies the preparation is intense. We go from moment to moment wondering what the next productive move will be and then we lunge for it. The frenzy picks up, as books are ordered, plans are etched in stone (then scraped off and re-imprinted).  The mind races, and then slows to a tortoise’s crawl; only to ramp up just before the event. Questions come in and out of focus. Prayers are recited, Hail Mary’s are offered up and fingers are crossed. “Please let the reader turnout be great.” We begin to hope that the movie quote is true, in this instance, “If you build it, they will come.”
Haven’t we built it? The weeks, months and sometimes years of time spent on our work, should account for something. The dedication and precious moments missed with family and friends should speak to our dedication to the craft. The money spent, the hairs lost, and the deprivation of sleep is the foundation for a Book Fair. We pack up the car, book the plane tickets and hotel rooms (or call dibbs on our brother’s sofa bed) in hopes of being appreciated by the one group of people that mean more to us than … (well, you decide).
Haven’t we built it? We allow our imaginations to run wild or open up the secret vaults of our lives for the reader. We paint pictures with our words and have other people critique it in hopes to produce a work that is worthy of their time. Our fingers are steadily tapping away at the keyboards and our pens are running out of ink as we create a ‘masterpiece.’ Surely, we have built it, right?
The day arrives and we are excited. We lug boxes, cases and duffle bags filled with the cement blocks that are to be used to build this Book Fair; our books. The hosts of the fair walk anxiously about, silently praying they have done enough advertising and marketing. They see our faces. They can sense our expectation. It mimics their own. They, too, want this to be a success. Their name is on the line. It is their reputation that is at stake with the authors in attendance. Surely, they have built it …
Authors and Book Fair hosts need the reader. We need them to come out and support what we have built over time, over our lives. We need them to understand the sacrifice it takes to please them – the intimacies shared and the testimonials given and the creative channeling that takes place in order to entertain, inspire and motivate them.
Yes, we have built it … Readers, we need you to come.
http://inezreilly.wix.com/iamsproperty

If you enjoyed this post, I encourage you to share it with others by clicking the social media icon below. Thanks for dropping in and as always please leave a comment, because I just love chatting with you. You can link up with me online using the icons above. Until next time I'm...

JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,
By: C. Michelle Ramsey
www.cmichelleramsey.com

AFTER THE STORM_TE RUSS

Today I have the pleasure of sharing with you an excerpt from the new release, "After The Storm," by Té Russ. I've been waiting for another release since her last novel, Always You...and I believe she won't disappoint. Té is also making a special offer today; make sure you read through to the end so that you don't miss her special promotion. Join me now for a sneak peek at her latest novel, After The Storm.
Take a peek »

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we...

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." - Melody Beattie

In this first week of November, take a moment to reflect over your life. Reflect on your trials and tribulations, as well as the victories and triumphs. Think on the life altering moments and the little moments that did not seem significant. All of these moments made you who you are today; whether good, bad, right, or wrong. You have made it through every challenge, every trial, and you are stronger and better for it. If that were not so, you would not still be here.

I challenge you to make a list of twenty seven items you are thankful for, and reflect on one thing each day during the rest of November starting today. Having an attitude of gratitude can turn your life around, and place even the insignificant moments into perspective.

Until the next time I'm just....


WRITING MY DREAMS,By: C. Michelle Ramseywww.cmichelleramsey.com