Sandra Fitzgerald's Blog, page 4
December 6, 2014
Does that go there or there . . .
As an Indie Author and consequently, financially anorexic, one of the biggest struggles I have is editing.
With a couple of manuscripts under my belt (Maggie’s Five is out and Luke’s Five is up for release in 2015. Oh, the joy!) I have a new found respect for every single editor out there. Yay You!
I have come to learn – very quickly – that editing is a lot harder than it looks and that being an avid reader does not really help locate the mistakes on a manuscript I have written and read over a dozen times.
I found I have tendency to automatically self-correct without consciously seeing the errors, and thus, (**dramatic sigh***) they go undetected. Over and over and- you get the point.
The other area I am always getting confused by is punctuating dialogue and direct quotations. Just quietly and no offence intended, i have a sneaky feeling that I’m not the only one. As a reader, I’m pretty forgiving and as one of the healthiest culprits, hope that my readers are too. You could say I’m a work in progress kind of girl. But I am working on it. I imagine some of this goes in the ‘Lost in Translation’ basket, (different countries – different rules and all that) now that we’re all about the WWW.
No – I’m not talking about wrestling, though powerful muscular topless men in tight clothing . . .
. . . huh-hum, sorry.
I digress.
I am, of course, referring to the wondrous Webmosphere that is making our pretty blue planet much smaller and accessible.
In my never ending endeavour at least appear like I know what I’m doing I came across this work sheet:
Punctuating Dialogue and Direct Quotations: A dozen Rules.
http://teacherweb.com/FL/PembrokePinesCharterHighSchool/Cabeza/punctuating1.pdf
The sheet covers these things like . . .
1. Use quotation marks to begin and end a direct quotation. Separate the quoted material from the dialogue tag by commas. Do not use quotation marks to set off an indirect quotation.
2. If a question mark or an exclamation point occurs where one of the separating commas should be used, omit the comma and use the question mark or exclamation point to separate the quoted material.
3. The speaker’s words are set off from the rest of the sentence with quotation marks, and the first word of the quotation is capitalized. When the end of the quotation is also the end of the sentence, the period falls inside the quotation marks.
4. Both parts of a divided quotation are enclosed in quotation marks. The first word of the second part is not capitalized unless it begins a new sentence.
5. When writing only a part of a quoted sentence, do not begin the quotation with a capital letter unless the person you are quoting capitalized it or it is the first word in your sentence.
6. Quotes within quotes: If you need to have one character directly quoting another character, then use double quotes for your main dialogue and single quotes for the quote-within-a-quote.
Hope you put your best comma forward , or at least know where to put it. ;)
Cheers and Happy Reading
Sandra
With a couple of manuscripts under my belt (Maggie’s Five is out and Luke’s Five is up for release in 2015. Oh, the joy!) I have a new found respect for every single editor out there. Yay You!
I have come to learn – very quickly – that editing is a lot harder than it looks and that being an avid reader does not really help locate the mistakes on a manuscript I have written and read over a dozen times.
I found I have tendency to automatically self-correct without consciously seeing the errors, and thus, (**dramatic sigh***) they go undetected. Over and over and- you get the point.
The other area I am always getting confused by is punctuating dialogue and direct quotations. Just quietly and no offence intended, i have a sneaky feeling that I’m not the only one. As a reader, I’m pretty forgiving and as one of the healthiest culprits, hope that my readers are too. You could say I’m a work in progress kind of girl. But I am working on it. I imagine some of this goes in the ‘Lost in Translation’ basket, (different countries – different rules and all that) now that we’re all about the WWW.
No – I’m not talking about wrestling, though powerful muscular topless men in tight clothing . . .
. . . huh-hum, sorry.
I digress.
I am, of course, referring to the wondrous Webmosphere that is making our pretty blue planet much smaller and accessible.
In my never ending endeavour at least appear like I know what I’m doing I came across this work sheet:
Punctuating Dialogue and Direct Quotations: A dozen Rules.
http://teacherweb.com/FL/PembrokePinesCharterHighSchool/Cabeza/punctuating1.pdf
The sheet covers these things like . . .
1. Use quotation marks to begin and end a direct quotation. Separate the quoted material from the dialogue tag by commas. Do not use quotation marks to set off an indirect quotation.
2. If a question mark or an exclamation point occurs where one of the separating commas should be used, omit the comma and use the question mark or exclamation point to separate the quoted material.
3. The speaker’s words are set off from the rest of the sentence with quotation marks, and the first word of the quotation is capitalized. When the end of the quotation is also the end of the sentence, the period falls inside the quotation marks.
4. Both parts of a divided quotation are enclosed in quotation marks. The first word of the second part is not capitalized unless it begins a new sentence.
5. When writing only a part of a quoted sentence, do not begin the quotation with a capital letter unless the person you are quoting capitalized it or it is the first word in your sentence.
6. Quotes within quotes: If you need to have one character directly quoting another character, then use double quotes for your main dialogue and single quotes for the quote-within-a-quote.
Hope you put your best comma forward , or at least know where to put it. ;)
Cheers and Happy Reading
Sandra
November 4, 2014
What the tech . . . ?
What the tech does that even mean?
It appears time has run out for the humble eye candy.
It’s sad but true.
I never thought that having a good perv at a hottie would ever become super-seated for hot computer graphics.
Alas, there is no more pretty-boy (or girl) eye candy for you. Now it’s all about the extra graphics to make a (Web) page look better. It is good to know though, that some things haven’t changed. You see, as with all excessive steroid use, Less is still More.
And when did PDF turn into a curse word?
Seriously, when did that PDFing happen!
The once humble changer of word documents is, tearfully, not so humble any longer.
These days it’s all about TMI and being photoshopped. The Plug-and-play so you can Rant-and-rave. Honestly, it’s enough to cause my old brain boil and wonder if it’s time to opt-out. Sometimes I feel like I’m in perpetual yoyo-mode, flat out surfin for showstoppers or stressing over becoming unplugged.
So I desperately need your help.
If you are able to share the meanings of one or more of the many modern ( or not so modern) abbreviations out there, please, please let me know and I will add it to the list I am calling . . .
New Age Tech Stuff To Help Us Deal With New Age Tech Brains.
Here’s a few that I've found so far.
URL: A uniform resource locator (abbreviated URL) also known as a web address, (particularly when used with HTTP) is a specific character string that constitutes a reference to a resource. Most web browsers display the URL of a web page above the page in an address bar (thanks Wikipedia! You’re great.)
SEO: Search engine optimization is the process of affecting the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine's "natural" or un-paid ("organic") search results. In general, the earlier (or higher ranked on the search results page), and more frequently a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine's users. SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, video search, academic search,[1] news search and industry-specific vertical search engines. (Yup - Curtesy of Wikipedia)
ARC: Advanced reader copy. A free, not-quite-final version of a book often distributed to reviewers or book convention attendees. (According to the online Urban Dictionary)
And here are some definitions from www.netlingo.com/top50/common-ecpressions.
You can go there to find out more.
opt-out - Any time a user requests to be removed from any kind of online program - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-...
photoshopped - A play on the word "Photoshop," the software graphics program created by Adobe - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.BJOha25A.dpuf
plug-and-play - A standard for add-in hardware that requires it to identify itself on demand - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
rant-and-rave - To speak on and on about something you feel passionate for - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
spammin' - Slang for speaking aimlessly on a mishmash of topics, - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
showstopper - Slang for anything that has the potential to halt the shipment or to stop the launch - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
surf or surfing - To browse or look at information on the Web by pointing and clicking and navigating.. - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
thread - Originally it referred to a chain of postings on a single subject in a newsgroup - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
TMI - Online jargon, also known as text message shorthand, used primarily in texting, - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
unplugged - Slang for being not connected. The opposite of wired. - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
yoyo mode - The state in which a computer rapidly alternates several times between being up and - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
Cheers and Happy Reading :)
It appears time has run out for the humble eye candy. It’s sad but true.
I never thought that having a good perv at a hottie would ever become super-seated for hot computer graphics.
Alas, there is no more pretty-boy (or girl) eye candy for you. Now it’s all about the extra graphics to make a (Web) page look better. It is good to know though, that some things haven’t changed. You see, as with all excessive steroid use, Less is still More.
And when did PDF turn into a curse word? Seriously, when did that PDFing happen!
The once humble changer of word documents is, tearfully, not so humble any longer.
These days it’s all about TMI and being photoshopped. The Plug-and-play so you can Rant-and-rave. Honestly, it’s enough to cause my old brain boil and wonder if it’s time to opt-out. Sometimes I feel like I’m in perpetual yoyo-mode, flat out surfin for showstoppers or stressing over becoming unplugged.
So I desperately need your help.
If you are able to share the meanings of one or more of the many modern ( or not so modern) abbreviations out there, please, please let me know and I will add it to the list I am calling . . .
New Age Tech Stuff To Help Us Deal With New Age Tech Brains.
Here’s a few that I've found so far.
URL: A uniform resource locator (abbreviated URL) also known as a web address, (particularly when used with HTTP) is a specific character string that constitutes a reference to a resource. Most web browsers display the URL of a web page above the page in an address bar (thanks Wikipedia! You’re great.)
SEO: Search engine optimization is the process of affecting the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine's "natural" or un-paid ("organic") search results. In general, the earlier (or higher ranked on the search results page), and more frequently a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine's users. SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, video search, academic search,[1] news search and industry-specific vertical search engines. (Yup - Curtesy of Wikipedia)
ARC: Advanced reader copy. A free, not-quite-final version of a book often distributed to reviewers or book convention attendees. (According to the online Urban Dictionary)
And here are some definitions from www.netlingo.com/top50/common-ecpressions.
You can go there to find out more.
opt-out - Any time a user requests to be removed from any kind of online program - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-...
photoshopped - A play on the word "Photoshop," the software graphics program created by Adobe - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.BJOha25A.dpuf
plug-and-play - A standard for add-in hardware that requires it to identify itself on demand - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
rant-and-rave - To speak on and on about something you feel passionate for - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
spammin' - Slang for speaking aimlessly on a mishmash of topics, - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
showstopper - Slang for anything that has the potential to halt the shipment or to stop the launch - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
surf or surfing - To browse or look at information on the Web by pointing and clicking and navigating.. - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
thread - Originally it referred to a chain of postings on a single subject in a newsgroup - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
TMI - Online jargon, also known as text message shorthand, used primarily in texting, - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
unplugged - Slang for being not connected. The opposite of wired. - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
yoyo mode - The state in which a computer rapidly alternates several times between being up and - See more at: http://www.netlingo.com/top50/common-expressions.php#sthash.dCoJO21K.dpuf
Cheers and Happy Reading :)
September 28, 2014
Cheers to the Book Blogger
Still new to the world of all things Bookishly Indie, I’m quickly becoming aware of the humble Book Blogger.
Book Bloggers are avid readers, often writers and editors, with an extraordinary knack for summing up a story.
They know how much to give without giving too much, what quotes to highlight to whet the appetite. How to turn an unassuming sentence into a rousing moment in time . . .
“My life has become filled with turbulent highs bursting with lust and escape and bone crushing lows so dark and overwhelming my life could end and bring a smile to my face.”
‘Maggie’s Five’
Review by Debbie, Lustful Literature
The further I delve, the more I’m learning that there is a lot more to the mild mannered Book Blogger than their ability to read faster than a locomotive and leap a tall book stand in a single bound. They promote and support and share readily. They house a wealth of knowledge that they offer freely and support authors to no end.
So with this said, I would like to thank all Book Bloggers. Without them I would be lost. I genuinely appreciate you and your support.
Before you misunderstand my intentions, I want you to know that I’m scouring the internet for bloggers to increase my personal learning, not for promotional gain. Should they decide to review my work it’s done through the regular channels and usual amount of grovelling. The fact that you see their picture does not mean they have or will read my books. However, here are a few samples of the sharing I’m talking about, in no particular order:
12 Sex Things Men Don't Care About
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a31111/sex-things-men-dont-care-about/
14 Things Every Fat Girl Absolutely Needs to Hear
But I think every chick should read this one.
http://www.worldlifestyle.com/beauty-style/14-things-every-fat-girl-absolutely-needs-to-hear
The Curious Case of Ellora’s Cave
http://dearauthor.com/ebooks/the-curious-case-of-elloras-cave/
Surprising Self-Publishing Statistics
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/pw-select/article/63455-surprising-self-publishing-statistics.html
5 ways for authors to handle bad reviews.
http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2013/5-ways-for-authors-to-handle-bad-reviews/
Cheers and Happy Ready :)
Sandra
August 30, 2014
The Winners Have Been Selected!
Thank you to everyone who participated in my birthday month fun.It's been a great 31 days made all the more better by YOU!
Check out Maggie's Five's amazing stats.
Talk about blown away!
Giveaway dates: Aug 01 - Aug 30, 2014
4 copies available, 846 people requesting
Countries available: US, CA, and GB more
read on goodreads
Congratulation to the 4 lucky winners.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Remember you can still find Maggie's Five on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LKMGP4M
Cheers and Happy Reading
August 17, 2014
SUGAR RUSH
Maggie's five
It's my birthday and I want the celebrations last longer than a day.
So as my number continues to go up (sad but true) Maggie's five has gone down.
From today until August 25th you can get 'Maggie's Five on Amazon ebook for only .99
It's my birthday and I want the celebrations last longer than a day.
So as my number continues to go up (sad but true) Maggie's five has gone down.
From today until August 25th you can get 'Maggie's Five on Amazon ebook for only .99
BIRTHDAY SUGAR RUSH!
Today is my
BIG DAY!
Happy Birthday Everyone
Because today is the day my number goes up
(Ugh that's totally like swearing)
Maggie's Five is going down.
From August 18 to August 25 Maggie's ebook is only .99c
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LKMGP4M
BIG DAY!
Happy Birthday Everyone
Because today is the day my number goes up (Ugh that's totally like swearing)
Maggie's Five is going down.
From August 18 to August 25 Maggie's ebook is only .99c
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LKMGP4M
August 11, 2014
The Best Ever Happy Birthday Week Quotes.
To help celebrate my BIG day, I've been sharing a quote from
Maggie's Five
every for the past seven days.
If you missed any of them here they are.
Hope you like them.
Happy Reading
Maggie's Quote #1
Maggie's Quote #2
Maggie's Quote #3
Maggie's Quote #4
Maggie's Quote #5
Maggie's Quote #6
Maggie's Quote #7
Maggie's Five
every for the past seven days.
If you missed any of them here they are.
Hope you like them.
Happy Reading
Maggie's Quote #1
Maggie's Quote #2
Maggie's Quote #3
Maggie's Quote #4
Maggie's Quote #5
Maggie's Quote #6
Maggie's Quote #7
The Best Ever Happy Birthday Week Continues!
We're now in the lead up to my birthday . . . day. Yaaayyyy!!!
And to keep with the giving I'm going to add a quote from Maggie's five every day until the 18th of August. That'a the big day.
I'm going to open Maggie's Five to a random page and quote away.
Given I'm already a day behind, I'm sharing two to get us started.
And to keep with the giving I'm going to add a quote from Maggie's five every day until the 18th of August. That'a the big day.
I'm going to open Maggie's Five to a random page and quote away.
Given I'm already a day behind, I'm sharing two to get us started.
August 1, 2014
AUGUST ROCKS!
IT'S MY BIRTHDAY MONTH GUYS!!
What?
I'm allowed.
And no celebrating for an entire month is not greedy-
overly greedy.
Okay . . . maybe it is a little . . . indulgent.
To help share the celebrations of the amazing month of August, and with the help of the wonders at
I'm giving a paperback copy of
'Maggie's Five'
away
every week for four weeks.
All books will be posted out at the start of September 2014
All you need to do to get involved is follow the link:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/102042-maggie-s-five
and click on the 'Enter to Win' button.
So put down the prezzies and cake, ( you can give them to me later) and enter already!
I sure hope you win
Happy Reading xx
What?
I'm allowed.
And no celebrating for an entire month is not greedy-
overly greedy.
Okay . . . maybe it is a little . . . indulgent.
To help share the celebrations of the amazing month of August, and with the help of the wonders at
I'm giving a paperback copy of
'Maggie's Five'
away
every week for four weeks.
All books will be posted out at the start of September 2014
All you need to do to get involved is follow the link:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/102042-maggie-s-five
and click on the 'Enter to Win' button.
So put down the prezzies and cake, ( you can give them to me later) and enter already!
I sure hope you win
Happy Reading xx
July 28, 2014
Turning EPaper into the Real Paper.
If you're not into using one of these . . . .
for anything other than this . . .
If you still prefer to use of one
these . . . . . . because. . . come on . . .
we're talking a piano on an iPad!
How cool is that?
To do a some
of this . . .
Has allowed me to turn
this . . .
This little company here . . . .
you may have heard of them?
Into these . . .
aren't they purty.... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LKMGP4M
You can find Maggie's paperback directly at:
https://www.createspace.com/4891892?ref=1147694&utm_id=6026
or here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LKMGP4M
Happy Reading X
