Ronald E. Yates's Blog, page 101
February 7, 2017
Some Facts About Books, Publishing and Technology You Didn’t Know
Dear ForeignCorrespondent Followers: This is a re-post–updated a bit to include the latest statistics. For those who may have missed it the first time around, I hope you enjoy it. For those seeing it for the first time, I hope you will find it eye-opening. Ron Yates I am a compulsive collector of trivial information, ... Read more...
February 6, 2017
ADVICE FOR NEW WRITERS
It is a pleasure to share a post about writing by fellow author John W. Howell, author of a trilogy of thrillers about John J. Cannon, an everyman attorney who is unwittingly thrust into a nation-wide terrorist plot. (See below). John’s post focuses on a frequent question often asked of authors: “What should every new ... Read more...
February 5, 2017
“Finding Billy Battles” a Finalist for the Laramie Book Award
I am honored to report that Finding Billy Battles, book one in the Finding Billy Battles trilogy, was just added to the “short list” for the Laramie Book Awards #CAC17, #SeriousAuthors, #LaramieShortlister @ChantiReviews. The Short Listed Semi-Finalists are now in the final rounds of judging for the Five First in Category Positions. The Semi-Finalists and First Place Category Award ... Read more...
January 31, 2017
US Soldiers Who Earned the Medal of Honor Without Touching a Weapon
It’s tough enough to go into battle with a weapon. Imagine doing so without one! But that’s what Desmond Doss did during WW II. He was a conscientious objector and served as a medic during the Battle of Okinawa. His actions during one day saved the lives of 75 of his fellow soldiers. The account ... Read more...
January 30, 2017
Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing: Annotated
Every so often I find it useful to take a look at the late Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing. It is sage advice from a master. In fact, it is so good, that I am reposting them on my blog today. Read ’em and learn. Every writer should read these rules and remember them. ... Read more...
January 27, 2017
A Blog Post Wherein I Get Giddy And Agitated About Definite Articles And Apostrophes…
Today I am delighted to share a post from fellow Author Heidi Mastrogiovanni, author of “La La Pettibone’s Act Two.” In it, she provides a stern lesson on grammar and language. Read it. You won’t be sorry! By Heidi Mastrogiovanni Okay, so, I’m thinking maybe we alternate the Precious Pets Past and Present Posts (wherein I reflect on the beloved cats ... Read more...
January 26, 2017
“Scoop:” A Classic Satire About Foreign Correspondents
(I continue to receive requests that I repost my piece on Evelyn Waugh’s “Scoop,” the classic book that lampoons foreign correspondents. Here it is. Enjoy.) If you have never read Evelyn Waugh’s wonderful satire of British journalism entitled “Scoop,” get thee to Amazon or to a bookstore and buy the book. You won’t be disappointed. ... Read more...
January 17, 2017
Author of the Day on ManyBooks.net
Just a quick note to my followers. If you have a few minutes, check out this link to ManyBooks.net where I am featured as “Author of the Day.” I hope you enjoy it. And by the way, the e-book version of The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles is priced at just $1.99 for today and ... Read more...
A Hullabaloo Over BBC’s “The Real Housewives of ISIS”
People in Great Britain are loopy about a skit entitled The Real Housewives of ISIS aired recently by BBC’s hit comedy series “Revolting.” The skit, which is satirical and pokes fun at Muslim women, has engendered a firestorm of protest from the incessantly offended on one side (the hallmark of good satire) and rave approval ... Read more...
January 13, 2017
A Legendary Journalist is Gone
I learned yesterday that Clare Hollingworth, one of the toughest, most determined, and inexhaustible war correspondents who ever lived, passed away in her Hong Kong home. She was 105 years old, so it shouldn’t have come as a shock. But having known the unconquerable and doughty Clare, I just assumed she would live forever. I ... Read more...
