Emily March Fans discussion
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Wow - what a fiasco, Linda! I feel so bad for the author when that happens, because they've been ill-advised. Earlier this afternoon, I was reading an article by an author who said, essentially, "just get it out there - you can always fix it later." To me, that's just inexcusable. You never have a second chance to make a good first impression. I'll never understand the concept of speed over quality.
I have to agree with all of you. I hate it when there are a ton of errors in a book. Whatever happened to spellcheck and grammar check. Many of the errors would be found, but not all so proofreading is the only way. Linda, I read an ebook once where a whole section was left out and I later found it towards the end of the book. I wanted to cut and paste so bad. LOL! I really don't understand how anyone would let a book be published riddled with errors. It is frustrating to read and if I read a review that says a book has a lot of errors I won't get it.
Kay wrote: "I have to agree with all if you. I hate it when there are a ton of errors in a book. Whatever happened to spellcheck and grammar check. Many of the errors would be found, but not all so proofreadin..."
One thing I've had to learn to do as a proofreader/beta-reader for authors from the UK, Ireland and Australia is to recognize the differences in spelling, grammar and usage that are unique to their target audience. Sometimes it feels like learning a different language! I always find out what I can about the author when I see something that could simply be colloquial - but, sadly, that's usually not the case. An article I read earlier today about social media marketing for authors reinforced the idea that everything you write as an author - including your social media posts - establishes your reputation as a writer. I shared it on my FB page because I think too few serious authors take that advice seriously.
One thing I've had to learn to do as a proofreader/beta-reader for authors from the UK, Ireland and Australia is to recognize the differences in spelling, grammar and usage that are unique to their target audience. Sometimes it feels like learning a different language! I always find out what I can about the author when I see something that could simply be colloquial - but, sadly, that's usually not the case. An article I read earlier today about social media marketing for authors reinforced the idea that everything you write as an author - including your social media posts - establishes your reputation as a writer. I shared it on my FB page because I think too few serious authors take that advice seriously.
I had not really thought of the difference in countries and language Paula. I read a book and just expect it to flow the same as everything else I have read. I will definitely keep that in mind in future. Having said that the errors I have seen were actally errors and really should have been caught before printing. I am not in this industry so I don't understand the whole process but I know I probably have missed out on some good authors because of reviews noting errors. I do have to say I have to have several reviews saying the same thing, which I feel is only fair to the author.
Kay wrote: "I had not really thought of the difference in countries and language Paula. I read a book and just expect it to flow the same as everything else I have read. I will definitely keep that in mind in ..."
I agree, Kay. Hopefully the author gets that message and re-edits the work. It's so much harder to write a book than I ever imagined, it's a shame for that effort to go to waste.
I agree, Kay. Hopefully the author gets that message and re-edits the work. It's so much harder to write a book than I ever imagined, it's a shame for that effort to go to waste.
This might not be the place for this but I just wanted to know that everyone in the group is ok 'weather wise' in the US. If you are caught up in the snow etc., please take care of yourselves. I expect we may well get some of your bad weather in about two weeks time here in the UK, we usually do.
Here in Montana we have been having a mild winter it was in the upper 40's yesterday. Jina Did you get a lot of the snow?Hugs Lola
YEAH!!!!! Carolina !!!!! Go Cam Go !!!!! MVP !!!!!!!!What a game ,I loved it!
Hugs Lola
Dear group,We were lucky we only got some ice and some flurries but no accumulation. It was a rough few days anyway since I was in a car accident in which I got hit from behind and hit the person in front of me at the stop light. There was no damage to the people's car I hit and the only injury were my knees where they hit the underside of the dash. The car that hit me took off but they left 4 black paint marks on my bumper and it broke their headlight because their was broken headlight plastic on my bumper when we pulled over. My front and rear bumper have to be replaced but our insurance should pick most of the repairs up.
Then Samantha, my oldest daughter, who usually isnt sick and doesnt have insurance got really ill. Come to find out she had several kidney stones, some in her kidney, bladder and ureters. Her blood pressure was so high (170/118) that her eye got a haemorrhage. Meanwhile, I dont know whats going on with me. I am extremely fatigued and this headache just wont go away. But all is not bad news. My Carolina Panthers won last night and are headed to the Superbowl! Cam has so much fun playing the game he is a joy to watch. Anyway, i hope all of you are safe and warm and happy today. Paula, Words cant express how deeply saddened I am to hear of your mothers passing. If there is anything I can do to ease your pain do not hesitate to tell me.
Love to all,
Jina
Jina, I hope you all are feeling better soon!!!
We only have had flurries here weatherwise.
Those that were accepted for the Readers Judging, you should be receiving your books soon. I must say the ones for the contemporary are good this year. Two Brenda Novaks, a Carolyn Brown, and a Christa McHugh. The last author is not one I am familiar with.
Hope everyone is staying warm!
I got my books today ,to my surprise, on the front cover of one was a quote from our Emily. The book is The Color of Time by Julianne MacLean. So of course I will read that one first. I have never read anything by her.Almost all our snow is gone. I got my seeds today so I will start my tomatoes and celery tomorrow. I grew celery for the first time last year ,like everything else home grown the flavor was so much better. I still have fresh carrots from my garden ,I ate some tonight in a veggie saute, with fresh celery ,cauliflower, bell pepper and onions. Was so good ,and low in calories.
Hugs Lola
Brandi wrote: "Jina, I hope you all are feeling better soon!!!
We only have had flurries here weatherwise.
Those that were accepted for the Readers Judging, you should be receiving your books soon. I must say..."
Hi Brandi,
I got a book by Carolyn Brown too , The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop. Hugs Lola
Cool. My two Novak books were The Other Sister and This Heart of Mine. I started with the author I was unfamiliar with and it was good.
Hi. I'm also reading and judging contemporary fiction for the NRCA, but I haven't heard of my authors before. I have two by Emma Leigh Reed, one by Cindy Kirk, and one by Crista McHugh so all will be new for me. I read one by Carolyn Brown last year and now she's one of my new favorite authors!
I had the Crista McHugh book. She might be a good new author for me.
I haven't gotten my books yet but it doesn't surprise me...we live so far out it always takes at least one extra day. But I'll be watching out for them!
Paula wrote: "I haven't gotten my books yet but it doesn't surprise me...we live so far out it always takes at least one extra day. But I'll be watching out for them!"Dear Paula ,
How are you doing? My Bro in law will be buried tomorrow , I'm sorry I can not be there. Love & Hugs Lola
Dear Group,I haven't been on lately. All my girls have been in the Emergency room in the last week. Sarah Faith for fainting and bad POTS episode, then Saturday Samantha was in the hospital for kidney stones lodged in her kidneys, bladder and ureters. Her blood pressure was 170/118 mostly because of the pain. Her high blood pressure also caused a peticial haemorrhage in her eye. Then Tuesday Heather took a real bad turn and still isnt very well but she is at home now. She started to faint and lucky Samantha was hanging on to her while walking. Heather went into a bad seizure which triggered heart failure so her ICD pacemaker/defibrillator shocked her (after the download we found out the her heart rate was 389 beats per minute). She was still having a seizure while I got on the phone and called for the ambulance. It took about 8 minutes for the ambulance to get to our house. She was starting to breathe a little bit better and her color was coming back but her eyes weren't focusing and she was in pain. They hooked her up to the monitors and told me her heart wasnt working at all on its own. The pacemaker was completely operating her heart at that time and they were taking her to the hospital to get checked out even though she was coming around. We were in the ER for 9 hours in the trauma unit of the paediatric emergency room. They got her stable and sent us home. Today she is still very fatigued and has dizzy spells. They are putting a rush on sending us to Duke Hospital and are adding the cardiology and neurology departments as Doctors the girls will see on top of the genetics and Fabrys disease dept. I dont know if Heathers heart has gotten that much worse that quick or if its a medication issue but I am praying for answers and that I will have Heather with me for as long as God blesses me with this beautiful young lady. Right now I am taking it a day at a time and have cried a lot since Tuesday but I got up this morning and put my big girl panties on and wont waste this precious time bawling. I just have always had a hard time with kids being sick. No kids should be sick, they should be going to dances and having fun with friends with their whole life ahead of them instead of wondering if they will have a tomorrow.
I will check in when I can. Love you all.
Jina
Dear Jina,My Dear sweet girl you have had a rough time lately , how you keep going is a wonder to me ! I pray that you hit that smooth calm lake after going down the rapids. Know that we all keep you and your girls in our prayers and hearts! I wish I was closer so I could give you a hand. But for now I send you my love and Hugs , Lola
Jina wrote: "Dear Group,I haven't been on lately. All my girls have been in the Emergency room in the last week. Sarah Faith for fainting and bad POTS episode, then Saturday Samantha was in the hospital for ki..."
Dear Jina,
My prayers are with you. I can not even come close to imagining the stress you must be feeling. Please know that you are important to us and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you travel this journey of your life. I don't understand why we have such difficult times where everything seems to happen all at one time, but I do know that God will be with us through the difficult times and will give us His strength to endure the obsticles we face and through His love and grace we will come out on the other side ok.
God bless you my friend, I know life has been hard lately. I wish I could do something to ease the burden for you. I can't be there physically, but I can stand with you spiritually. My prayers for you and your girls are constant. Please know that you are not alone.
Peace be with you
Linda Manthey
Dear Jina, So sorry to hear about all the continuing health problems with the girls. Please try & stay strong & ask for help from anyone who is prepared to help you. We are all routing for you all.
Jina,I hope things smooth out for your family! It seems like you have had your share of bad times lately.
Mod
Dearest Jina,Sending love and hugs to all of you.
Please know that you all are thought of daily, and remain in my prayers. May God bless you with His strength, and may you feel the warmth of His embrace as you greet each new day.
Peace be with you, my friend
Linda Manthey
Dear group,Thank you all for your kindness, prayers and support. You guys are the best!!!
Yesterday after Heather had an appointment with her pediatrician and many phone calls between her and the cardiologist and our pharmacist we were able to get Heather back on Nadolol, its a cardiac medicine. Last fall the insurance quit covering it so the Dr had to go to an alternative medicine. Heathers system is very sensitive. Heather had 15 serious cardiac "events" since switching which the defibrillator had to shock her to get her heart back to a safe beat. Her pacemaker/defibrillator has been implanted since January of 2013. Its supposed to last 5-7 years between needing batteries. Heathers pacemaker has had to operate so much that the low battery warning beep started yesterday. Surgery to upgrade will have to happen soon. Meanwhile, armed with the proof that this medicine wasnt working for Heather compared to when she was on Nadolol (only 8 shocks in 9 months) we were able to do an exemption and the insurance company authorized approval to put Heather back on Nadolol starting today. Yippee!!!! I know it will take a couple days to build up the medication in her to get to feeling much better but it's a start to getting Heather back to her old self. We will still have to watch her real closely until after the pacemaker is updated with new batteries etc but there is a brighter tomorrow knowing she is taking medicine that works well for her.
Sam is feeling better. Her eye is still bloodshot but that will take a while to heal.
Sarah Faith is doing ok. Her POTS, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome gets worse with stress so I am hoping that sending her to spend time with her bestie Chy will help her feel better and Chys family is wonderful and I am sure that they are giving her fits of the giggles and playing games and watching movies and eating junk food.
For myself, I am tired and behind in my housework but things are looking up and I can vaccuum tomorrow if I dont get to it today. Bummer. Love you all. Thanks for everything!
Jina
Jina wrote: "Dear group,Thank you all for your kindness, prayers and support. You guys are the best!!!
Yesterday after Heather had an appointment with her pediatrician and many phone calls between her and the..."
So glad to know things are improving. I'm sure it is a big relief to know this medication has worked in the past. Insurance companies are the worst to deal with. I really wish they could do something to reign in their control over doctor's decisions and work in the patients best interest. I know, from personal experience, how frustrating it can be when someone who has never seen you, knows nothing about you or your situation, decides what your treatment should be. I think insurance companies have way too much power. Our premiums are outrageously high and yet we have no say on what happens in our treatment. OK rant over .
Try to get some rest when you can. Do you have someone who can come and be with the girls while you get some personal time? I wish I were closer. I would be more than happy to do so. I will pray for the Lord to send someone your way. You have to be mentally and emotionaly exhausted. You really need to take time to breathe and clear your head so you can remain strong for your family. We are human, we can not expect to go constantly and not burn out. I pray for your peace and comfort daily. Hang in there sweetheart, things are going to get better, just wait and see.
God Bless you.
Hugs Linda Manthey
Hi Jina,So sorry to hear of your troubles. We will keep y'all in our Prayers and Thoughts! God Bless!
Linda W
Glad that things are looking up. Keeping you and the girls in my prayers.
Paula, I hope things are going as well for you as possible at this difficult time. Jina, I hope that February and the rest of the year is much better for your entire family and the same for you Lola. This has been a very difficult beginning for 2016 for you all. I will pray for you all that the rest if the year is filled with many blessings.
Has it been stated when we are starting the next book?
Dear group,I couldn't sleep last night so I was sketching/coloring because my eyes were too tired to read and I had a thought. Since some of us have had a crappy start to 2016, I think we need a project, or question or challenge. What do y'all think? A pick me up is just what the Dr ordered me thinks. Lol
Hugs to all,
Jina
Dear Jina,Sounds good to me. How about something to do with spring ? A Renewl ,rebirth, and a new start. I have been coloring a lot of flowers to get me in the spring mood. Living up north the days are finally getting longer, still light at 6 YEAH !! Down in Texas I didn't notice it as much,but up here it was dark by 5 the last couple of months.
I started my tomatoes and celery a couple of days ago ,that always helps me get out of my winter blues. I love looking at all the flowers in the seed catalogs. We are taking a trip to Texas next spring in time for the wildflowers, I miss all the bluebonnets !
Hugs Lola
Kay wrote: "Has it been stated when we are starting the next book?"Hi Kay ,
I think we start Matt next week. Not sure of the day. Hugs Lola
Lola wrote: "Paula wrote: "I haven't gotten my books yet but it doesn't surprise me...we live so far out it always takes at least one extra day. But I'll be watching out for them!"
Dear Paula ,
How are you do..."
I do know how you feel about that, Lola. My relationship with my stepfather is very complicated - and because he believes he's doing what mom would have wanted, he arranged her private burial and went through with it - without me. It's too late for me to be there and I feel like I missed the last thing I could have done for her. I can't even begin to come to terms with that right now - except I know that it is not the essence of my mother who's now buried there -- that is my only comfort.
This weekend has been very hard for me, but I respect the grieving process and go wherever it takes me, good, bad or ambivalent. My stepfather means well - he's just a very possessive, controlling man who does things his own way. She loved him, so I will respect that, too, and not read anything into it.
Next week this time I will be on a mountain, and I will feel close to heaven - and her. Nothing can compare to that sense of joy.
Take care.
Dear Paula ,
How are you do..."
I do know how you feel about that, Lola. My relationship with my stepfather is very complicated - and because he believes he's doing what mom would have wanted, he arranged her private burial and went through with it - without me. It's too late for me to be there and I feel like I missed the last thing I could have done for her. I can't even begin to come to terms with that right now - except I know that it is not the essence of my mother who's now buried there -- that is my only comfort.
This weekend has been very hard for me, but I respect the grieving process and go wherever it takes me, good, bad or ambivalent. My stepfather means well - he's just a very possessive, controlling man who does things his own way. She loved him, so I will respect that, too, and not read anything into it.
Next week this time I will be on a mountain, and I will feel close to heaven - and her. Nothing can compare to that sense of joy.
Take care.
Paula wrote: "Lola wrote: "Paula wrote: "I haven't gotten my books yet but it doesn't surprise me...we live so far out it always takes at least one extra day. But I'll be watching out for them!"Dear Paula ,
H..."
Paula, I am so sorry for the trials you have faced at this time. Family should come together at this time no matter their differences. I hope you can find peace with everything and that your time on the mountain is rejuvenating. XOXO
Lola wrote: "Kay wrote: "Has it been stated when we are starting the next book?"Hi Kay ,
I think we start Matt next week. Not sure of the day. Hugs Lola"
Thank you Lola! Look forward to reading the next book. Am really enjoying this reread and the one I am in for J D Robb. So much fun gearing everyone's thoughts on the books.
Dear Group,Heather is feeling a little better today and was able to color a couple pictures for my refrigerator and she brought happy tears to my eyes when she was sitting at the desk and grabbed a pencil and pulled one of my note papers over and wrote "I love my Mom to the moon and back. HBK" God is good. I am so truly and surely blessed.
I spoke earlier of a project. I know some have answered these before but I need your first gut response to just a few questions for my girls. You'll see why later. Here's the girls questions and remember.. first gut response.
What is your zodiac sign?
What is your birth date? ( you dont have to include the year)
What is your favorite background color? (Ex: mine is a toss up between a pale yellow or pale sky blue)
What is your favorite type of dog? Cat?
What flower to you is the "friendliest"?
Thats all they need for now. Thabks for indulging my girls and their ideas. Love you all,
Jina
Jina wrote: "Dear Group,Heather is feeling a little better today and was able to color a couple pictures for my refrigerator and she brought happy tears to my eyes when she was sitting at the desk and grabbed ..."
Oh how sweet Heather! That is where I have my coloring pages too.
1. scorpio
2 Nov. 16
3 sky blue
4 Dog-Labradoodle Cat- a big grey cat like my Norman was.
5 lilac
Hugs Lola
Hi ladies --- I have a lot of catching up to do on the comments and updates you've shared. This has been a difficult weekend for me, as you can probably imagine -- otherwise I would have been on here chatting your ears (eyes?) off.
YES - we start Matt tomorrow (although earlier I think I said Mark - my mind is about as sharp as Jello right now) - I will update the reading list today and post some starter questions for the new book.
And there will be a modest giveaway as we say goodbye to Luke and hello to Matt. I'll post the details before I say goodnight.
I ask that you bear with me through a couple of more weeks of being unsettled. Ray and I had booked a trip to Colorado for Feb 5-13 before my mom's passing. He has a conference there for business and he has to have the continuing ed credits to renew his license by June 30th. Naturally we fly cheap so the tickets and accommodations are pre-paid and non-refundable. I'm overwhelmed with preparing for the trip and dealing with Jello-brain, but eager as always to share the next book in the series with you. Emily's stories are always uplifting and I'm excited to start the new one.
Watch for updates floating around here shortly. Hugs to all.
YES - we start Matt tomorrow (although earlier I think I said Mark - my mind is about as sharp as Jello right now) - I will update the reading list today and post some starter questions for the new book.
And there will be a modest giveaway as we say goodbye to Luke and hello to Matt. I'll post the details before I say goodnight.
I ask that you bear with me through a couple of more weeks of being unsettled. Ray and I had booked a trip to Colorado for Feb 5-13 before my mom's passing. He has a conference there for business and he has to have the continuing ed credits to renew his license by June 30th. Naturally we fly cheap so the tickets and accommodations are pre-paid and non-refundable. I'm overwhelmed with preparing for the trip and dealing with Jello-brain, but eager as always to share the next book in the series with you. Emily's stories are always uplifting and I'm excited to start the new one.
Watch for updates floating around here shortly. Hugs to all.
Jina wrote: "Dear Group,Heather is feeling a little better today and was able to color a couple pictures for my refrigerator and she brought happy tears to my eyes when she was sitting at the desk and grabbed ..."
You've got me curious girls.
1) Zodiac Sign - Virgo
2) Birthdate- August 28
3) Favorite background color- creamy beige.
4) Dog or Cat- Dog Golden Retriever.. Cat- Calico
5) "Friendliest flower" - Daisy
Have fun girls.
Hugs to all
Linda Manthey
Hi Paula,Don't worry about us !!! Some of us have been where you are now, just take some time to breath. Enjoy your trip, and take a moment when you are alone up on the top of the world in Colorado to say "Hi Mom , I miss you and Love You to the moon and back" as Heather wrote to Jina. Love You Lola
I just checked and I have tomato sprouts , boy these are quick , hope it means lots of tomatoes this summer ! The ones that sprouted are my favorites Brandywine ,oh my mouth is watering just thinking of eating those tomato sandwiches with the juice dripping off my chin. YUM Hugs Lola
Answers for our girls:
Virgo
September 13
Aqua
Greyhound (dog) and a black cat with green eyes
Daisies
Virgo
September 13
Aqua
Greyhound (dog) and a black cat with green eyes
Daisies
Jina wrote: "Dear Group,Heather is feeling a little better today and was able to color a couple pictures for my refrigerator and she brought happy tears to my eyes when she was sitting at the desk and grabbed ..."
Hi girls, here you go, you have me very intrigued.
Libra, 12th October
Red
Dog, we have a beautiful Chocolate Labrador called Beth. Cat- Tabby, our last cat was called Tiger as he had tiger stripes.
Daffodils
Hope you are all doing better.
Very Kind Regards Lesley
Jina wrote: "Dear Group,Heather is feeling a little better today and was able to color a couple pictures for my refrigerator and she brought happy tears to my eyes when she was sitting at the desk and grabbed ..."
This is intriguing Jina.
Virgo
September 10
Sage Green
Boston Terrier, Siamese
Daisy, not my favorite flower but I do think a very friendly flower
XOXO
Hi group! :)Yea February's here and the mean old month of January is over! Fresh new day, fresh start, happy face :) (too much caffeine???) Anyhoo, Heather slept through the night without needing pain medication for the first time in who knows how long. So I think we are past the lastest setback.
Thank you for answering and indulging my kiddos. If you haven't answered yet go ahead. If you dont answer the kids will guess :). By the way, if you want to help with this project you can do something that we will include in the finished (oops almost spoiled the surprise there). You can email me a picture or pictures of your animals, yourself or/and any picture that inspires you. Keep in mind it will be shared with the group when we are done.
Love to all,
Jina
My other email is jinamichelle1969@hotmail.com
Hello Its just me. Again. :)You know the story your mom or grandma used to tell you when you were a little girl about "sprites" or the "Littles", one of my Grandmas little helpers I think she called one group brownies?. Anyway the girls must have spring fever. They have been industrious and creative and busy like those stories Grandma used to tell me about. (Everyone I have ever met, has remembered those kind of stories from when they were little. ) Yea I am getting to the point. We are close to being ready to ship our surprises. Hoping to send them out on Thursday so please email or message me your snail mail address. Thanks.
Signed the kids year round Santa,
Jina
Paula wrote: "Hello, ladies -- today was one of those days when it came and went before we knew what hit us. I had a few appointments downtown - and lunch with a girlfriend - and then I went out and treated myse..."