Ronald E. Yates's Blog, page 99

“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...

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...

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...

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...

“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...

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...

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...

Get Ready for Unparalleled Presidential Bashing

I can’t help wondering why Donald Trump decided to run for president. If his long and agonizing battle with 16 other Republican hopefuls during the primaries wasn’t enough, now he has to deal with a mainstream media still seething over its glaring failure to understand the American public’s distaste for Hillary Clinton and its preference ... Read more...

Obama’s Shameful Treachery & Betrayal of Israel

President Obama cannot exit the White House fast enough for Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The problem is, our feckless president still has another 20 days in office and one has a feeling that Obama’s attempts to eviscerate Israel for the Islamic Palestinian settlement are not finished. It began last week when the United ... Read more...