Graham Downs's Blog, page 42
March 5, 2013
Crossword Puzzle - March 2013
The March 2013 Crossword is out! I'm really exciting about this one because I think it's on some levels going to be a lot more challenging, and on others a lot less, than the last two. I hope you enjoy it! If you get all the answers, please tweet me a screenshot of the completed puzzle, or send a message to my Facebook Page with your answers. I will give a mention on this blog to the first person who gives me the correct answers. Have fun! This crossword was created by Graham Downs with EclipseCrossword - www.eclipsecrossword.com
1 2 3 45 6 78 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21AcrossPolygyny has many of theseThe first wife of OrionEtruscan goddess of the earthThe 34th Discworld novelA shelf for heatingWomen's clothing store in the USIt's stickyOmegaOf a jokeYou have to have it to take something onSix of these under ground DownDeceitfully craftyAnnoy with trivial mattersPolitical institution or body in a RepublicTeenage girl's life is over if she gets oneSouth African clothing storeStyle of heavyweight wrestlingCrouched in fearAlso ReggieOf a sound typically made by an owlDog, with a puglike faceIt's considered rude to do thisImprisonedType of natural surfaceRemove lumps from a powdery substance
February 26, 2013
Reader Buying Habits: Online vs Brick-and-mortar
I've been doing some thinking lately about the similarities and differences between purchasing a book in a physical bookstore, versus purchasing one online. In particular, I've been thinking about how purchasing a digital-only book (an e-book) compares to purchasing a physical one at a physical store. A survey I read recently said that, just like people who buy physical books, the vast majority of people who buy digital books don't know what they want to buy when they first visit the store. So, in order to get your book purchased, you need to focus on the following things, in order:Your book needs a great cover image, and it needs to look good as both a thumbnail, as well as in a higher resolution. Seeing a list full of book cover images is the equivalent in the "physical" world of someone standing in a bookstore and scanning over all the books on the shelves, from a distance. Clicking on a great looking book cover is then the equivalent of walking up to one of those books, picking it up off the shelf, and taking a closer look.Similarly, a catchy title is the next thing that gets a potential reader's attention, and it's what makes a reader want to read the synopsis of your book. This is the equivalent of a browser in a physical bookstore turning over the book and reading the blurb on the back cover.That synopsis, if written properly, makes the reader want to download your book's Free Sample, which is the equivalent of the reader flipping open your book in the bookstore and scanning through the first couple of paragraphs.Only if you've done all of the above right, and you've managed to grab the attention of exactly the right reader, does that reader click the "Buy Now" link. That's the equivalent of that reader carrying his new treasure (and your labour of love) with him to the counter to pay!Despite the above similarities, I think are are two very big differences between purchasing books in physical bookstores, and purchasing them online (aside from the obvious fact, that buying books online does not require the reader to get out of his pyjamas's or go anywhere!):In the physical bookstore, once the reader has picked up your book and is heading towards the counter, he is still bombarded by every other book on the shelves, as he makes his way. He can always still notice something that he thinks is better, put your book back, and change his mind and pick something else. He can still do this online, but he's not forced to look at any other options if he doesn't want to. He can proceed directly to checkout and never know that any other options were available.Two words: Community Reviews! Community Reviews are an online publisher's bread and butter. They're kind of the equivalent of word of mouth advertising for physical books, but on steroids because readers can read what other people have had to say about your book, even though they've never met (and never will)! You simply cannot get that kind of exposure in a physical bookstore.It's interesting to me to look at all the similarities in buying patterns, and what makes people buy books online, as opposed to in a brick-and-mortar store. What do you think about it? Have you ever sat and thought about it, or do I just have too much time on my hands? If you liked what I had to say here, then won't you please consider taking a look at my short fantasy tale, A Petition to Magic? It's a story about a Wizard who has forsworn casting magic. The story has been described by reviewers as a fun, short read, with a clear message, reading almost like a parable. It's available at various ebook retailers. Please Google it, and have a look!
February 16, 2013
Psychology 101 for Writers & Their Characters
I read this little essay/instructional piece last week. I've decided that, at least once a month, I'm going to read something about writing. Whether I use the advice or not, it's good to get different perspectives on what to do and what not to do, as a writer. My overall impression of Psychology 101 for Writers & Their Characters is that it contains some sound advice, but it's pretty poorly written. It speaks about various psychological aspects that may help or hinder you in your writing, and explains how to use those same aspects when describing the characters you write about, so that they come across as real people instead of one-dimensional cardboard cut-outs. The problem seems to be, to me, that it's written much like a dissertation in psychology. The author uses very technical language, and jargon, which makes it difficult to follow at times. You can read my full (and admittedly, rather harsh) review on Goodreads, here. The article itself is available for free from various online ebook retailers. I'm sure a Google search will turn it up. Oh, and while you're about it, won't you please consider taking a look at my short fantasy tale, A Petition to Magic? It's a story about a Wizard who has forsworn casting magic. The story has been described by reviewers as a fun, short read, with a clear message, reading almost like a parable. It's likewise available at various ebook retailers. Please Google it, and have a look!
February 12, 2013
February Crossword Answers
And so, without any tweets for February's crossword puzzle, here are the answers. I can only assume that people have been trying furiously to solve it since last week, and nobody has as yet been able to. Well, I think you're all going to kick yourself when you see this! There'll be another puzzle in March. But for now, without further ado, let the kicking begin! February Crossword - Answers This crossword was created by Graham Downs with EclipseCrossword - www.eclipsecrossword.com
12J Z I E 34 5 6S W I N C E R 7 8 O R E A O F 9 10 F T A D V 1112 13 A R T U M E 1415 16 A E P R U B Y 17 1819 P I T T H I N K S O A E 20 21 2223 24S O D G L U G H E A D 25 S D E E A H 26 27 E L O I N M 28 D I D M E 29 A X E G 30 31 32Q U E E N N EAcrossA roller for moving textile fabric through a dyeing vatRock containing minerals with metalsIATA airline designator for Air FinlandFirst name of leader of American grunge-metal bandA paintingMyself and ISong by Kaiser ChiefsA hole in the ground2001 Novel by British author David LodgeAn unpleasant or obnoxious personSound of liquid being swallowedYou lose it when you get angryAbbreviation for ampere-hourA cut of meatDocument of citizenshipUsed to chop woodSupreme ruler of a monarchy DownA dynasty in Chinese historyAmerican pronounciation of the letter ZA long upholstered seatSynonym for usIt has nine livesFootball clubs in Blackburn and TranmereMusical composition for two instrumentsRodent with pointed snoutThe ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameterThe Internet domain for BoliviaThe state of an unobstructed pawn (in chess)Meaning keptWeaken or subdueIt lays eggsFemale equivilant of knightA visual representationThe fourteenth letter of the alphabetThe US state of Nebraska
February 5, 2013
February Crossword Puzzle
January's crossword puzzle turned out to be such a success, that I thought I'd do another. I hope you enjoy solving this one as much as last month's. Once again, if you have the answers, you can tweet me @GrahamDowns. The first person with the correct answers will get a mention from me on this blog and Twitter. Answers next week. Good luck! This crossword was created by Graham Downs with EclipseCrossword - www.eclipsecrossword.com
12 34 5 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 1415 16 17 1819 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32AcrossA roller for moving textile fabric through a dyeing vatRock containing minerals with metalsIATA airline designator for Air FinlandFirst name of leader of American grunge-metal bandA paintingMyself and ISong by Kaiser ChiefsA hole in the ground2001 Novel by British author David LodgeAn unpleasant or obnoxious personSound of liquid being swallowedYou lose it when you get angryAbbreviation for ampere-hourA cut of meatDocument of citizenshipUsed to chop woodSupreme ruler of a monarchy DownA dynasty in Chinese historyAmerican pronounciation of the letter ZA long upholstered seatSynonym for usIt has nine livesFootball clubs in Blackburn and TranmereMusical composition for two instrumentsRodent with pointed snoutThe ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameterThe Internet domain for BoliviaThe state of an unobstructed pawn (in chess)Meaning keptWeaken or subdueIt lays eggsFemale equivalent of knightA visual representationThe fourteenth letter of the alphabetThe US state of Nebraska
January 29, 2013
The Only Writing Rules You'll Ever Need?
A friend of mine shared this with me last week. I thought that, overall, it had some good advice. I'm no expert on writing, and I don't write nearly as often as I should, so I felt I should explore these rules here, as they apply to my own experiences (or lack thereof):If you write every day, you get better at writing every day—This is something all good writers should be doing: we should read every day, and we should write every day. But most writers have day jobs as well (those who don't are either very lucky, or wish they did; it's practically impossible to make a living as a full-time writer, in my opinion). It can be difficult to find the time, but like any craft, practice makes perfect! For myself, I'm going to keep trying!If it's boring to you, it's boring to your reader—This one goes without saying. Write about things that excite you! Don't write simply for the sake of writing. Different people will have different tastes, so you'll never be able to please everybody. You will be able to please yourself, though!Get a writing routine, and stick with it—Wow, this is another one that I struggle with, and I'm sure you do, too! It does make sense, though. The way to develop any habit (good or bad) is to practice, practice, practice. If you decide that you're going to write every day at 16:00, then stick to it. It will eventually become habit, and you'll feel like something very important in your life is missing if you don't do it for a day.Poetry does NOT have to rhyme—I have to keep reminding myself of this, but it's true; any art form is an expression of one's true self. While you definitely need to be aware of things like spelling and grammar, you shouldn't feel constrained by rules. This is your passion, after all!Resist stereotypes, in real life and in your writing—I think that this can be the difference between a mediocre idea and a great idea. Not every dwarf speaks with a Scottish accent, not every pirate has an eye-patch or a peg-leg, and not every wizard wears a pointy hat. Be creative, be unique, be yourself! If your vampires sparkle, though, you're on your own! (Although seriously, why do you think the Twilight series is so popular?)Writers read. Writers read a lot. Writers read all the time—In my youth, I read a lot. But life happens, and I lost the habit. But over the past year, I think I've read more than I read in my whole life previously. I've read the classics, I've read modern tales. I've read fantasy, I've read horror. I've read drama, and I've read romance. Not only do I feel it's making me a better writer, it's making me a better human being, too!Make lists of your favourite words and books and places and things—This is definitely something I'm going to start doing! So often I run across an older or more obscure word in a book I'm reading, that I haven't heard in a while. I find myself thinking, "That's so cool. I must find a place to use that word!" But then I forget it. I'm going to start using those words in my day-to-day writing.There doesn't always have to be a moral to the story—Sometimes when you write, you write because you want to tell the world something. That's great, but sometimes I think we should all remember that a good story is just a good story.Always bring your notebook. Always bring a spare pen—Or your tablet PC. I also need to learn this. Inspiration can strike at any time. You won't remember later. Write it down!Go for walks. Dance. Pull weeds. Do the dishes. Write about it—This, I believe, is just an extension of rule number 1. Sometimes the reason why you don't write every day is because you've convinced yourself you don't know what to write about, or that what you have to write about is insignificant or irrelevant. Not everybody's going to read everything you write, but everything you write will help to make you a better writer.Don't settle on just one style. Try something new—Indeed. I think a fantasy writer would be amazed at what he can learn by stepping outside of his comfort zone and writing a thriller every once in a while!Learn to tell both sides of the story—My mother always told me that there were two sides to every argument. I think understanding this is an important life skill that all writers naturally have. Use it to your advantage!I hope you've found my interpretation of the above rules useful to you. If you have, then I'd appreciate it if you'd go and check out my fantasy short story, A Petition to Magic. Just Google it—it's currently available on Smashwords, Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and others! After you've read it, let me know how well you think I've followed some of the rules above! Oh, and if you're the person who put together the above poster, please let me know so that I can properly credit you. Good luck in all your future writing endeavours!
January 22, 2013
Why You Should Like Me on Facebook
How do you use Facebook? It seems I'm unique in my usage of Facebook—I use Facebook the way it was intended. I use Facebook to connect to my real life friends, online. I don't accept friend requests from people I clearly don't know, and have never met, in real life. Most people seem to use the social network as just another online meeting place, and accept friend requests from anyone who crosses their path. I've always received a fair number of friend requests from people I don't know. Since I published my book*, that number has increased. It seems to me that if so many people want to connect to me on Facebook, then I should find a way for them to do that without violating my principles or Facebook's terms and conditions. So I created my very first personal Fan Page. If you Like it, you get to see my musings on writing and other random bits and bobs, and find out all the happenings of my books. If you're lucky, you may even get exclusive access to special offers from time to time (no promises, though)! I update sporadically, with whatever takes my fancy at the time. If that suits you just fine, and if you want to connect with me, go check it out: http://www.facebook.com/writergraham/. Maybe you'll be disappointed. Maybe you won't. Go on—dip your feet in, and find out! * A Petition to Magic is my fantasy short story, about a wizard who doesn't want to be a wizard any more. It's available at Smashwords, Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Google it, download the free sample, and see if you like it!
January 15, 2013
Aspiring Writers: Read This Now!
This past weekend, I read the book The Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success. Having already published my e-book*, I'd already implemented some of the tips in the book, but it still gave me some great ideas for what to try next. Here's what I had to say about it on Goodreads:This book is really good! I would recommend it for anyone who's ever considered getting anything published. Most of the tips in this book are things I'm already doing, or planning on doing. But it does contain a few gems (and some useful insights into how both traditional and online book retailers work), and it has helped to motivate me to do some things I know I should be doing--not the least of which is "write more books!" I honestly think that anyone who's ever thought of writing a book, or publishing a book, should read this first. It's available as a free download at all the major ebook retailers. *If you haven't picked up my short fantasy story yet, please do! It's available on Smashwords, Amazon, and Kobo (more coming soon!).
January 8, 2013
January Crossword Puzzle Winner
Well, I can't say that I got very many entries to last week's crossword puzzle. I guess the clues must've been too hard. I'll try and make the next one a bit easier. I did get one correct entry, however. She said she had to do lots of Googling and Wikipedia research, but she made it in the end. Congratulations @wytch6 on Twitter! Here are the answers. When you've finished kicking yourself, come back next week for the next post: This crossword was created by Graham Downs with EclipseCrossword - www.eclipsecrossword.com
12T S 34 J H E A L T H 5 6 U S H E X A N 7 T O E F 89 E N E T 10 11 D I L L B D 12 13 T I S P R I G B U 14 15 T E A L I 16 17R O A D 18 1920 W A R O N 21 22 A O S H O U T X A R 23 R I P E N SAcrossThe general condition of a person's mind and bodyNot heA goddess in Sumerian mythologyA digitTo catch a fishA herb whose leaves and flowers are sometimes used to flavour foodTitaniumA small stemMix green and blue into whiteA paved thoroughfareOrganised conflictIn contact with and supported by a surfaceMake a loud noiseWhat happens to a fruit DownA levy imposed by the stateThe handle of a toolA point that sticks outMale pronounPrevents from seeingA UNIX text editorIATA code for Dibrugarh AirportA sweetness designation of a dry sparkling wineNitrogen, Oxygen, and ArgonPeriodProduced by beesA loud noise from a wild animalCommune in the Nord department in northern France
January 1, 2013
Crossword Puzzle for Your Frustration and Enjoyment
Happy New Year, everyone! I thought we'd start 2013 off with a bang, and have a little bit of fun with this one. Here's a crossword puzzle I put together. When you think you have the answer, tweet me @GrahamDowns. The first person to get all the answers will get a mention from me, and I'll post the correct answers on this blog. If nobody gets it after an extended period of time, I'll post the answers here, and I win! :) Here goes:
AcrossThe general condition of a person's mind and bodyNot heA goddess in Sumerian mythologyA digitTo catch a fishA herb whose leaves and flowers are sometimes used to flavour foodTitaniumA small stemMix green and blue into whiteA paved thoroughfareOrganised conflictIn contact with and supported by a surfaceMake a loud noiseWhat happens to a fruit DownA levy imposed by the stateThe handle of a toolA point that sticks outMale pronounPrevents from seeingA UNIX text editorIATA code for Dibrugarh AirportA sweetness designation of a dry sparkling wineNitrogen, Oxygen, and ArgonPeriodProduced by beesA loud noise from a wild animalCommune in the Nord department in northern France
This crossword was created by Graham Downs with EclipseCrossword - www.eclipsecrossword.com
12 34 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23AcrossThe general condition of a person's mind and bodyNot heA goddess in Sumerian mythologyA digitTo catch a fishA herb whose leaves and flowers are sometimes used to flavour foodTitaniumA small stemMix green and blue into whiteA paved thoroughfareOrganised conflictIn contact with and supported by a surfaceMake a loud noiseWhat happens to a fruit DownA levy imposed by the stateThe handle of a toolA point that sticks outMale pronounPrevents from seeingA UNIX text editorIATA code for Dibrugarh AirportA sweetness designation of a dry sparkling wineNitrogen, Oxygen, and ArgonPeriodProduced by beesA loud noise from a wild animalCommune in the Nord department in northern France
