tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12902733921969586732024-03-14T01:47:20.955-07:00Author Maria C. FerrerStories and scribbles for your reading pleasure.Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-48109582247837075252015-02-22T21:22:00.000-08:002015-02-22T21:22:13.256-08:00LATINAS WRITE ROMANCE: PURPOSE FOR WRITING by Mercedes Cruz<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Please help me welcome author Mercedes to our blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This post is part of a month-long Latinas
Write Romance blog tour with Mercedes Cruz, Vanessa Peters and myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rX3sjC7zgGs/VOqahNyPklI/AAAAAAAAICw/HtMMxMjoUO4/s1600/writer%2Bsurrounded%2Bby%2Bpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rX3sjC7zgGs/VOqahNyPklI/AAAAAAAAICw/HtMMxMjoUO4/s1600/writer%2Bsurrounded%2Bby%2Bpaper.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When an Author sits down to write anything they start with a purpose,
the end result of their writing; what message they want to relay to the
prospective readers. As an author I try to always keep this in mind before I
start my writing session, therefore I can focus my writing and stay on topic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all of that said, I also know the importance of just writing even
if you have not yet established your purpose for writing. The practice of
writing using pen, pencil, crayon, markers, keyboard, and dictation, whatever
works is just as important as having a purpose or outcome. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My purpose for writing has changed over the course of the last five years.
I started out with children’s picture books; yes one of the hardest if not the
hardest publishing genres to get into. In my spare time I read a few Erotic
Fiction novels by a famous female African American author. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was instantly intrigued by the genre. I took
an online course on the basics of writing Romance Novels, and I read how-to-books
on Writing a Novel. However it wasn’t until I got very clear on my message that
I actually started to take my writing serious and started to call myself a
writer in public.#</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Mercedes Cruz lives and writes in the great Borough of Brooklyn, New
York. She writes short stories and is working on her first novella besides of
multicultural charters living in New York City and the Tri-State area. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit her at: </em></span><a href="http://www.mercedescruz.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>www.MercedesCruz.com</em></span></a><em>.</em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Twitter: @MercedesAuthor </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Facebook Page: Mercedes Cruz Romance</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span>Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-67478484940851787392015-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:002015-02-21T05:32:56.437-08:00LATINAS WRITE ROMANCE: A VALENTINE TANGO<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjWBhECzBO8/VN6L-PihNTI/AAAAAAAAIAI/qfyFxpV1JZ0/s1600/tango%2Bwith%2Bhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjWBhECzBO8/VN6L-PihNTI/AAAAAAAAIAI/qfyFxpV1JZ0/s1600/tango%2Bwith%2Bhat.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s Valentine’s Day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Forget the
chocolate and the flowers, instead, let’s Tango.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Tango
started in Argentina and has conquered the world. In Puerto Rico, we have boleros. Slow dancing.
Partners come together; circle each other, while passion hovers around them. Boleros are like a prelude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Tango
is action. It’s both sensual and sexual. It’s both ethereal and carnal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Tango
screams desire, passion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It screams SEX.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The dancers
come together in an open embrace. The
female’s hands are draped over the male’s shoulders. His hands at her back to guide her, to
establish the rhythm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He advances, she retreats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The
footwork is fast and calculated. The
dancers invade each other’s space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Legs
entangled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hands caress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There’s heat, friction, intensity,
possession, and at last, surrender.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Like love,
the Tango captivates and mesmerizes both dancers and lovers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some
of my favorite Tango scenes from some great movies: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynEX9k3LuC0/VN6QjI6N04I/AAAAAAAAIAU/UqWjbsT4VeM/s1600/tango%2Bantonio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynEX9k3LuC0/VN6QjI6N04I/AAAAAAAAIAU/UqWjbsT4VeM/s1600/tango%2Bantonio.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From “Take the Lead” with Antonio Banderas, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lAKlYTQVKY">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From “Scent of a Woman," click </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2zTd_YwTvo" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">From “Frida, The Movie,” click<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06u-a5jmi6o"> here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">(This one is between Frida and
Tina!)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From “Dirty Dancing," click </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpmILPAcRQo" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Love this Patrick!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CPAQoHGTiQ/VN6Qy-djcII/AAAAAAAAIAc/gdLBC-0Bcx0/s1600/tango%2Bfrida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CPAQoHGTiQ/VN6Qy-djcII/AAAAAAAAIAc/gdLBC-0Bcx0/s1600/tango%2Bfrida.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you want to try a few steps with your partner, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSj6SPiWFpA">here</a> for a quick lesson from Tango expert Jesus Reyes Ortiz.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that you've learned my passion for the Tango. Check out what other Latinas are writing about on Valentine’s
Day:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For <b>Mercedes Cruz</b>, click <a href="http://www.mercedescruzromance.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For <b>Vanessa Peters</b>, click <a href="http://vanessa-peters.com/">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Click on the "pencil" on the right for her blog.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Feliz Dia de los Enamorados!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May your Tango last forever!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-20217550867150066922015-02-11T19:37:00.001-08:002015-02-13T15:39:36.561-08:00LATINAS WRITE ROMANCE: A WRITERS DESK<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2ZCfOVa13Q/VNwfVv_sI2I/AAAAAAAAH7o/uLxNokxgv5k/s1600/writersdesk%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2ZCfOVa13Q/VNwfVv_sI2I/AAAAAAAAH7o/uLxNokxgv5k/s1600/writersdesk%2B1.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A writer writes, always.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">A
writer writes anywhere and everywhere.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">At least, I do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">And, everything
and anything can serve as a desk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">I have
a “real” desk that is more of a paper holder than a “writing desk.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">I have not sat in it for years.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Instead, I prefer to sit and write on my sofa;
in the summer, at a little table on my terrace; and always on the subway to and
from work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">To me
it’s not the desk that matters but the words on the paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNdkO_Fdn5I/VNwfepGKzdI/AAAAAAAAH7w/mIe_2P1T0Nw/s1600/writersdesk%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNdkO_Fdn5I/VNwfepGKzdI/AAAAAAAAH7w/mIe_2P1T0Nw/s1600/writersdesk%2B3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">I find that
I write faster using pen and paper rather than a laptop. I guess it’s because on a laptop I feel like
I have to watch my grammar and spelling, whereas when I am writing in my
notebook the words just flow. And while I
don’t much care about a desk, I do care about my notebooks. I like them bright and colorful, and I often
decorate them with postcards or magazine ads.
I find that a “creative” notebook stimulates my creativity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Now
some writers have wonderful desks in front of big windows or desks hidden among
a forest of books. Each writer is different in how they write and where they
write. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">In
fact, two of my friends are also talking about their writing desks today. Please visit Vanessa Peters and Mercedes Cruz
at the following links:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For Vanessa Peters,
click <a href="http://vanessa-peters.com/a-writers-desk/">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For Mercedes Cruz, click
</span><a href="http://mercedescruzromance.blogspot.com/2015/02/my-writing-desk.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">And, whatever
your writing style or the size of your desk, remember that a writer writes,
always.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Happy Writing.♥</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
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Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-50718189934584579712015-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:002015-02-09T00:00:06.077-08:00SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR AUTHORS: BLOGGINGby Maria C. Ferrer<div>
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<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDqWdPvbgoY/VMvfaBJiJkI/AAAAAAAAH3g/9-0X-DMTySQ/s1600/social%2Bnetworking%2Bwallpaper%2Ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDqWdPvbgoY/VMvfaBJiJkI/AAAAAAAAH3g/9-0X-DMTySQ/s1600/social%2Bnetworking%2Bwallpaper%2Ball.jpg" /></a></div>
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To blog or not to blog?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I say, YES! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As I mentioned last month, editors and agents are looking and buying
authors who are on the social networks.
Authors need to be seen and heard.
A blog is a perfect vehicle for both.
A blog is like a public journal that is always active and
available. A website is too, but I consider
websites more of a PR kits, where readers can visit and check out your photo,
bio; read some excerpts; browse your bibliography and oh-and-ah over the book
covers. Websites are “book marks” for
your public face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A blog, on the other hand, is a living, breathing journal. A blog is where you write about yet another
NYC snowstorm and how your slip in the middle of the Food Market inspired a
short romance between a TV celebrity chef and “the milkmaid” selling her
family’s dairy products.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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(NOTE: For those who don’t know
much about blogging, think of a blog post as an article for the
newsletter. Only you are writing for your own personal newsletter aka blog.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On your blog you can be as brief or as verbose as you want to be. Or you can write nothing at all and just post
pictures of frozen fountains, hanging icicles and red-cheeked boy-toys. You can blog about anything and everything.
And then you can link those blog posts to your website, Facebook and Twitter
pages, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Now the big question is – What do I blog about?!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here’s a short list of blogging topics:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Write
about writing – the process, conferences, fantasy worlds you enjoy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Interview
interesting people you meet – other writers, the dog walker or President
Clinton (I met him last year. Got the photo to prove it!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Write
about things you love – dogs, knitting, water towers, Indian captives, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Share
quotes that inspire you or enrage you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Share
a playlist or your TBR pile list.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The secret to a successful blog is to make it a fun and a provocative
place for readers to visit. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
For example, I have always loved Kwana’s blog (<a href="http://www.kwana.com/">www.kwana.com</a>) because
she always includes a note about Jack, her dog.
I enjoy reading Nalini Singh’s blog and newsletter (<a href="http://www.nalinisingh.com/">www.nalinisingh.com</a>)
because she always adds a new excerpt or a free short story. I am having fun reading Sylvia Baumgarten’s
new blog (<a href="http://sylviahalliday.blogspot.com/">http://sylviahalliday.blogspot.com</a>) because of its title, Life
Lessons From An Old Bitch. And, let’s
not forget Elizabeth Mahon’s Scandalous Women blog
(<a href="http://scandalouswoman.blogspot.com/">scandalouswoman.blogspot.com</a>), which became a book! I love reading about daring, fearless women
who are not afraid to live life to the fullest.
(I want to be just like them!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Visit some of these blogs. Check
out other blogs by your favorite authors /editors /agents /celebrities. And, of
course, visit the RWA/NYC Chapter <a href="http://www.rwanycblogginginthebigapple.blogspot.com/">Blog</a>, with hundreds of posts from numerous romance writers; plus, sexy book covers
every Friday! Visit the blogs. Study
them. Ask yourself, what you like about them? What can you "borrpw" from them?
And, also see what does NOT appeal to you and make sure you don’t do that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Big question #2 – Do I have to
blog every day, every week? </b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I say, NO! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Study your personal and writing schedules. Take a day, and write two, three or more
articles on different topics, and then schedule them throughout the month. And since you will have linked your blog to
your social media pages, you are all set. Viola! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Are you ready to start blogging?!
Blogger (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/">www.blogger.com</a>) and WordPress (<a href="http://www.wordpress.com/">www.wordpress.com</a>) are two free
sites. I use Blogger. I find it simple to post and schedule my
articles. Try it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Start blogging today! Remember,
you want to be seen and heard.♥<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-33174077639353934932015-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:002015-02-04T04:10:41.040-08:00LATINAS WRITE ROMANCE....with author Vanessa Peters <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am
proud to introduce you to author and painter <b>Vanessa Peters</b>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">She is our Guest Blogger today and part of
the Latinas Write Romance Blog Tour this month.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Welcome, Vanessa!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>MY
FAVORITE TYPE OF ROMANCE….FATED LOVE</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">by
Vanessa Peters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyTFmrnFOvM/VNEZML3A_hI/AAAAAAAAH5g/GUeJKCDivbI/s1600/lovers%2Bpainting%2Bwater%2Bcolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyTFmrnFOvM/VNEZML3A_hI/AAAAAAAAH5g/GUeJKCDivbI/s1600/lovers%2Bpainting%2Bwater%2Bcolors.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is an undercurrent to all romance stories that pulls the reader in. Sure the sexy and steamy parts are a big
draw, but what keeps our dear Constant Reader coming back again and again is
the love story at the core of it all. We
all have our predilections towards a certain type of romance -- tragic love,
unrequited love, first love…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But,
what is it that attracts a reader to a particular type of love story? Why is one tale of romance more alluring than
another? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As a
teenager, I was drawn to any and all types of tragic romances, the darker the
better. But with age and experience, taste
and tendencies change, now in my thirties I find I prefer a love story centered
on…sigh…fated romance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is a seed that is planted in the mind of our dear Constant Reader from every
tale we weave of fated love. It is a
seed born of lost loves, old crushes and lovers of days past, which blooms at
the end of each story. Fantasies of what-ifs
and a force greater than ourselves that could lead the love they lost at 18 to
suddenly reappear. Fate would weave a
web of events and chance encounters that would bring that one great love back
to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
then maybe they end up being a werewolf too…but that’s a story for another day.♥<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Born
and raised in New York, <b>Vanessa Peters</b> lives and works out of her apartment in
Brooklyn. A lover of art and
self-professed romance junkie, she spends her free time, when not writing,
reading and visiting galleries throughout the city. She is a true believer in
love at first sight, and that the best stories come when opposites attract and
sparks fly. Vanessa is currently working
on her first full length novel under the name Vita Perez. Visit
her at </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: DE;"> <span lang="DE"><a href="http://www.vanessa-peters.com/">www.vanessa-peters.com</a>. </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Twitter</span></b></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> @VPetersBKNY
<b>Instagram</b> @vpetersbkny. And, visit Vita at <a href="http://www.vitapetezwrites.blogspot.com/">www.vitapetezwrites.blogspot.com</a>. <b>Twitter</b> @VitaPerezWrites.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Visit
the first stop on the Latinas Write Romance blog tour by clicking <a href="http://vanessa-peters.com/latinas-write-romance-author-mercedes-cruz/">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-5310898161391033472015-01-30T11:36:00.001-08:002015-02-03T10:59:09.171-08:00SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR AUTHORS<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">by Maria C. Ferrer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LrtdJXLYHg/VMvcphjS8eI/AAAAAAAAH3E/8BLpyHDxbjE/s1600/Keep%2Bcalm%2Bwrite%2BRomance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LrtdJXLYHg/VMvcphjS8eI/AAAAAAAAH3E/8BLpyHDxbjE/s1600/Keep%2Bcalm%2Bwrite%2BRomance.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You heard it all
last year -- an author's presence on the social networks helps to sell books.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yes, it's true! Your
Facebook page, Twitter account and Pinterest files are being watched by editors
and agents alike. In fact, the number of your friends, likes and retweets can
guarantee you a sale. What does this mean to us authors? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It means that we need to
be seen and heard on the social networks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>SEEN </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Here are the basic four I
recommend: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1. Website -- think of this as your "business card" on
the web. This is a stationery location for all your data, including bio,
photos, books or works in progress, links to your blog and social networks,
excerpts, etc. Keep it updated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2. Blog -- think of this as your soap box. Chat about your
writing, your research, your opinion of the latest episode of Scandal, the
runway in Paris, etc. You can even do interviews with editors, agents, other
authors, etc. These are very popular. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">3. Facebook -- great place to catch up with friends and authors
and make connections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">4. Twitter -- another
great place to chat and one that forces you to be witty in 140 characters or
less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Remember that you can link
all your social networks to each other and your website and blog. This way your
presence is everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>HEARD </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You need to be
"heard" on the social networks. Here are some tips on being
"heard:" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1. Start by commenting about a TV show. For example, while
"Scandal" is on, thousands of fans are chatting online. Use the
hashtag and join in on the "conversation." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2. Like and retweet comments from other writers, publishers,
industry professionals, friends, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">3. Make comments of your own to what others are posting. You want
to make your presence known. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.65pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">4. Do interviews with
editors, agents, authors and others. Post them on your blog and then promote on
your social networks. Again, you want to get your name out there and people
commenting on your posts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Now before you run off and
sign up for every social network in the universe, let's be realistic. Before
catching up with all the social networks, let's look at our writing schedule. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Some people recommend
posting at least five times a day; others recommend five times a week. I
recommend studying YOUR writing schedule and THEN making the best choice for
you. But note that even once a day, once a week is fine.♥ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This article first appeared in the January 2015 issue of Keynotes, the newsletter for the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.rwanyc.com/">Romance Writers of America/ New York City Chapter. </a> It will be a monthly column, which I will share here on my blog as well. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-81680240098882714112014-06-15T20:52:00.000-07:002014-06-15T20:52:32.603-07:00THE BORINQUENEERS: WRITING MILITARY HEROES<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICnF3mksIB0/U55o6eaFkvI/AAAAAAAAHDY/KiHW8SYVcFw/s1600/Borinqueneers+patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICnF3mksIB0/U55o6eaFkvI/AAAAAAAAHDY/KiHW8SYVcFw/s1600/Borinqueneers+patch.jpg" height="200" width="179" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Soldiers
make the best romance heroes for their unselfish desire to protect, their
undying loyalty to their country, and their firm bodies that can squeeze a
lover ever so tightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Some
of the best soldiers in US history are from Puerto Rico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you know that Puerto Ricans have been
fighting on behalf of this country since the American Revolution?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Puerto Rico did not become a US Territory
until 1898 with the end of the Spanish American War, and did not organize an
infantry until 1901.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for the past
century, Puerto Ricans have fought bravely for a land that still treats them as
second class, and that often forgets that YES, Virginia, Puerto Ricans are US
citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In 1950, the 65<sup>th</sup> Infantry
Regiment gave themselves the nickname of the Borinqueneers in honor of the
island’s Taino name, Borinquen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
brave men have distinguished themselves throughout WWI, WWII, the Korean War,
Iraq and now Afghanistan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
was dedicated to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To date, the Borinqueneers
have earned 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, 250 Silver Stars, 600 Bronze
Stars, 3,000 Purple Hearts, and finally, on June 10, President Obama awarded
them Congressional Gold Medals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A handful
of the original soldiers were there to accept.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It is this dedication to country and
duty; it is their honor and bravery that make soldiers such good romance heroes
whether they hail from Puerto Rico, New York, Texas, et al.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Soldiers are a worthy subject of
songs and stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can write about
the idealistic boy joining the army, the brave vet storming the beaches or the
wounded hero returning home. All heroes, all ready to protect our lives,
liberty and pursuit of happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now
let’s honor them by writing them a happy ending full peace, harmony and above
all love.♥</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYg1o10grtc/U55pEfPIiHI/AAAAAAAAHDg/NwCMER13IPU/s1600/Borinqueneers+wObama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYg1o10grtc/U55pEfPIiHI/AAAAAAAAHDg/NwCMER13IPU/s1600/Borinqueneers+wObama.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 10, 2014-- Original Borinqueneers look on as President Obama awards them Congressional Gold Medals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-60347345880103052512014-05-02T08:32:00.003-07:002014-05-02T08:32:56.788-07:00NEW YORK FRIDAYS: TRAIN ART<br /><br />Art is everywhere, and thanks to the MTA art is also on subway platforms everywhere. I found these the other day and just love them. The mosaic artist did an excellent job. Happy Friday!--m<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNAd3svBceY/U2O6E8sj2aI/AAAAAAAAG8g/ibGG6lVV2G0/s1600/Train+art+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNAd3svBceY/U2O6E8sj2aI/AAAAAAAAG8g/ibGG6lVV2G0/s1600/Train+art+girl.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga1IUtQgz00/U2O6LJPZWYI/AAAAAAAAG8o/tCJgogYng6E/s1600/Train+art+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga1IUtQgz00/U2O6LJPZWYI/AAAAAAAAG8o/tCJgogYng6E/s1600/Train+art+dog.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcqS9_rtcdE/U2O6TL_A_EI/AAAAAAAAG8w/8YHgRDLKq_8/s1600/Train+art+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcqS9_rtcdE/U2O6TL_A_EI/AAAAAAAAG8w/8YHgRDLKq_8/s1600/Train+art+bird.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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ART IS EVERYWHERE!</div>
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Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-22569778179070814842014-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:002014-04-25T00:00:10.533-07:00NEW YORK FRIDAYS: Farmer's Markets<br />
I love Farmer's Markets. The smells, the colors, the variety of fruits and vegetables; Plus, assorted jams and jellies, breads, meats, wines, etc.<br />
<br />
Farmer's Markets are also great places to take photographs. Here's my vegetable photo of the day -- onions. I love their long lines and the jolly way they are leaning over each other, like someone told a good joke and they all fell over laughing. (The writer in me sees stories everywhere!)<br />
<br />
Happy Friday! ---m<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcfGXqxIRa8/U0bgUPmG0ZI/AAAAAAAAG2s/XdVx0-VqYlE/s1600/marketplace+--+onions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcfGXqxIRa8/U0bgUPmG0ZI/AAAAAAAAG2s/XdVx0-VqYlE/s1600/marketplace+--+onions.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-39845179744443725482014-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:002014-04-21T00:00:11.152-07:00WHAT TO BLOG ABOUT
<br />
Blogging is a great way to get name recognition, build an audience and promote yourself. Here are some suggestions of what to blog about on your site:<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HP6eD7wxZM/U06U8WtjSNI/AAAAAAAAG3g/GM-HzEp9E8M/s1600/writing+woman+chic.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HP6eD7wxZM/U06U8WtjSNI/AAAAAAAAG3g/GM-HzEp9E8M/s1600/writing+woman+chic.bmp" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Your
writing process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blog about where you
got the inspiration for the story; your research; locations where you’ve set
your story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blog about your characters;
do interviews with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blog about writer’s
conferences/ workshops you attend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Showcase
your writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Post scenes, dialogue, excerpts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wets the reader’s appetite for more of
your work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, author Diana Gabaldon
used to post her work on the internet for readers to critique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time her book was published, she had
hundreds of people waiting for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Use
pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All your blog posts should
contain photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But photos can be blogs
in and of themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A picture is truly
worth a 1000 words so share away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example, flowers, dogs/cats, locations, dresses, landmarks, oceans, et al.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put up photos of what your characters look
like; photos of locations/cities where you’ve set your book. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your readers will love it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Do
interviews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interview other authors,
editors, agents, other bloggers, librarians, booksellers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also interview people that are in the
same profession as your characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These can be great learning experiences for you and other writers and readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hobbies/Pets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, hobbies and pets make good blog
fodder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are fun ways to connect
with readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, author K.M.
Jackson has a great blog (<a href="http://www.kwanawrites.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.kwanawrites.com</span></a>)
and she always adds snippets about her dog Jack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Readers often ask about him, and keep going
back to her to hear about the dog’s antics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another example, author Nalini Singh (<a href="http://www.nalinisingh.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.nalinisingh.com</span></a>) writes a leopards
and wolves series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also posts photos
of cubs and pubs on her blog, and now her readers are sending her photos for
her blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That engagement with your
readers is priceless, and is what all writers want to achieve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tie-ins
topics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are topics that touch upon
the themes in your book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, if
you are writing a cop thriller, blog about cops, guns, bounty hunters, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are writing paranormals, blog about
zombies, vampires, shape shifters, ghosts, angels that are in your books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your main character is a baseball player,
blog about baseball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Etc. Etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get the idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Blog
for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Volunteer to blog for other
authors and other writer sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
will expose you to other readers and help build your brand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Blogging!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-22418607847863805892014-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:002014-04-18T00:00:15.839-07:00NEW YORK FRIDAYS: They're back!<br />
The good thing about winter and all the snow was that someone took away the City Bikes. But, now that the sun is out, they're back. Yikes!<br />
<br />
Yes, they are good for your health. Yes, they make the city money. But, they also cause me heartburn when I see bikers without helmets playing cat and mouse with oncoming traffic.<br />
<br />
Happy Riding. Happy Friday.--m<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aeq5drlsXuc/U0beewkOUlI/AAAAAAAAG2g/5iezPV4N7Cw/s1600/NYbikes+6-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aeq5drlsXuc/U0beewkOUlI/AAAAAAAAG2g/5iezPV4N7Cw/s1600/NYbikes+6-13.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-55309222709746855352014-04-16T07:30:00.002-07:002014-04-16T07:32:12.532-07:00REASONS TO BLOG<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cvdPUgSTWs/U06UKZSxMWI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/h2A-_BmsMbQ/s1600/writing+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cvdPUgSTWs/U06UKZSxMWI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/h2A-_BmsMbQ/s1600/writing+hand.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Writing
is a business. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Today, the publishing world is going social and digital, and writers
need to do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Editors are looking
a writer’s social numbers – that’s the number of people who follow your blog,
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
P</span>ublicity and marketing is up to the author, and a cheap way to do
both is through a blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">REASONS
TO BLOG</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Name
recognition, also known as brand recognition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>YOU are the brand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New writers
–just as much as published writers -- need to make connections with readers,
booksellers, book reviewers, editors, agents, et al.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Build
an audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family and friends help,
but writers need a wider, far-reaching readership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes time to find readers, and the sooner
a writer starts the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
especially true for unpublished writers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Get your name out there now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Promotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your blog is one of the few places where you
can self-promote again and again without being obnoxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Post a
countdown to your publication date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
the links to all the places your book is available for sale, et al. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Blogging!<br />
</div>
Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-16176993136649114022014-04-11T00:00:00.000-07:002014-04-11T00:00:16.950-07:00NEW YORK FRIDAYS: Spring IS really here!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Yes, it's true Spring is here.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>The snow is gone. The sun is out, and the flowers are bursting forth. </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Happy Friday!</strong></div>
<br />
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Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-11567775827167798082014-03-24T15:59:00.000-07:002014-03-24T15:59:09.043-07:00SELF-PUBLISHING IS NOT FOR THE LAZY <div class="Pa2" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #221e1f;">
</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aO8gOiuT1eU/Ux-Lh4ezK3I/AAAAAAAAGqk/uF0wvSgj-8Y/s1600/hammock.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aO8gOiuT1eU/Ux-Lh4ezK3I/AAAAAAAAGqk/uF0wvSgj-8Y/s1600/hammock.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
<span style="color: black;"></span>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Writers
Write. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Publishers
do everything else, or at least they used to. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Today’s
populace is seduced by the millions authors such as Sylvia Day have made on
their self-published novels. But we must remember that those books were not mega
sellers until they were bought by traditional publishing houses and distributed
worldwide instead of just word of mouth. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Savvy
authors doing their research know that the mad rush by editors to buy up
self-published books is now grinding down to a halt. Unless a self-published
author comes with at least 5000 followers, editors are wary. Don’t get me wrong,
editors are buying self-published but they are looking hard at the author’s
social numbers. </span></div>
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
big question for any author considering self-publishing is do you have the time,
the cash, and the support system in place to get the job done well? </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
self-published author has to be her own editor, designer, typesetter,
proofreader, and printer. I am not going to mention marketer because all
authors, whether published by traditional publishers or self published, have to
do their own marketing. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So
how many hats can you wear well?! Well being the operative word. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Of
course, you can pay for others to do the editing, cover design, typesetting, et
al. And, yes, there are small outfits that will help you self-published your
book, even some agents are getting into the action, but the fees are hefty. Do
you have enough money to pay someone else and will your investment be worth it? </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Self
published authors have to be prepared to do it all. You can’t be lazy. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you publish with a traditional house, you have their expertise and all their
connections immediately at your fingers tips. Self published authors may have to
wait months, if not years, before making those kinds of contacts. But there are
a few indie published author networks that are good sources of support and
information. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">However,
none of that is going to help you if you are not writing. And, if you are not
writing, there is nothing to sell to either a traditional publisher or to self
publish. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
advice is for authors to be flexible. Research the market. Know your strengths.
Manage your time. And, write, write, write. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f;">Most experts will tell you that the best authors today
are the hybrid authors – ones that are selling to traditional houses and doing
their own self publishing on the side. It’s all part of being a smart business
person, and writing is a business. At the end of the day, you are the boss,
whatever hat you want, but remember that your most important hat is that of
writer.♥ </span><br />
<br />
Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-7698131188194673582014-02-10T17:28:00.001-08:002014-02-10T17:28:32.033-08:00LOVE IS….FINDING THE RIGHT WORD CHOICE
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtNJE131q4w/Uvl8d5umUmI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/PUyAUXELxVg/s1600/Couple+hug+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtNJE131q4w/Uvl8d5umUmI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/PUyAUXELxVg/s1600/Couple+hug+day.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I was busy writing
a scene which read: </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">…a blush stained
her cheek… </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The word stained
stopped me for a second and I backtracked and crossed it out and wrote
“colored” over it. Even as I wrote “stained” I knew that it was the wrong word.
It didn’t convey the true meaning of what I wanted my heroine to feel or my
reader to witness. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">…a blush colored
her cheek… </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The imagery is much
better with my new word choice. Plus, I didn’t want a negative connotation
associated with any part of my heroine. Colored gave just the right image. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As writers we make
these word choices intuitively. Sometimes we are not even aware that we are
changing the words because we are in the zone. Then when we are editing and
polishing, again we review our word choices and change some for dramatic
effect. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We’ve shared some
of our favorite words on the Craft Loop, like loathsome, perch, ethereal,
whimsical. Each word choice carries its own meaning, its own identity. And it
is those word choices that populate our novels. (FYI, I had colored our novels
but changed it to populate our novels. More dramatic, no?) It is those word
choices that will create our world, that motivate our characters, that move our
reader. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Eliza Doolittle may
have been sick of words, but they are an author’s bread and butter. The more
words we know the better we can manipulate them and the better our writing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Alice Orr has two
pages of action-words she likes. Thea Devine has a little black book of sexy
phrases she likes to refer to. How many of us don’t have “favorite” words
somewhere, whether it’s jutted down in a notebook or filed away in our heads.
By selecting the correct word, we can stir the five senses in our writing and
in our readers, and that makes our job easier (hopefully!) and gets us fans for
life (hopefully!). </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How and where do we
find these words? By reading everything – novels, magazines, newspapers,
tweets, subway ads. By listening everywhere – at the coffee shop, on Pandora
radio, other people’s conversations, TV shows, movies. </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So next time you sit down
to write or are writing down ideas, watch your word choices. Why did you pick
that word over another? What does that word choice convey? Does it pack a
punch? Does it delight the senses? Do you love it?###</span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span>Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-26028686235495291792014-01-09T14:27:00.003-08:002014-01-09T14:27:43.972-08:00PASSION COMES FIRST<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Times,Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Times,Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Times,Times; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Times,Times; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Times,Times; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Times,Times; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Times,Times; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Times,Times; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Times,Times; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nL7bHzfDC_I/Us8iPr7YDKI/AAAAAAAAGeI/IxJfH5GALqU/s1600/woman+holding+up+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nL7bHzfDC_I/Us8iPr7YDKI/AAAAAAAAGeI/IxJfH5GALqU/s1600/woman+holding+up+book.jpg" /></a></div>
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For some strange reason, I have begun collecting quotes and sayings found around the streets on the sides of buses or ads on subway trains. The latest addition to my collection is from a Ketel One ad: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Exceptional Things Come </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When Passion Comes First </div>
<br />
That rang so true to me. I had to take a picture and make it my new opening backdrop. <br />
<br />
It’s a New Year. Time for a new beginning. Time to start a new book, where "exceptional things (will) come." Why? Because "passion comes first." <br />
<br />
Passion comes first for all writers. More than the fame and fortune --stop laughing! -- we writers are enamored of words, of settings, of characters. We can look at a picture and imagine a life. We can hear a word or a sentence and imagine the whole scene and its aftermath. <br />
<br />
What marvelous powers we have! We can create worlds in numerous ages and times and colors. So as you start your New Year, maybe start a new novel, let’s all remember these five tips: <br />
<br />
1) Write what you know <br />
<br />
2) You can’t edit a blank page <br />
<br />
3) Every word counts <br />
<br />
4) Just do it <br />
<br />
5) Passion comes first. <br />
<br />
<br />
Happy New Year! Happy New Beginnings! ---mcf<br />
<br />
</span></span></span>Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-46291593007709769532013-12-02T07:05:00.000-08:002013-12-02T07:05:43.525-08:00KEEP CALM AND TAKE TIME TO WRITE<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bby-EmkXUc/Upyhb4HOqmI/AAAAAAAAGRA/tqdOZxbDYQw/s1600/stars+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bby-EmkXUc/Upyhb4HOqmI/AAAAAAAAGRA/tqdOZxbDYQw/s320/stars+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The holidays are here! This does not mean that you can take much of a break from writing. Your characters may nudge you to get back to their story pronto. But fear not. You need to..... <br />
<br />
<strong>Keep Calm and Take Time To Write.</strong> <br />
<br />
Here are three tips to keep you motivated during the holidays:<br />
<br />
1) <strong><u>Get up one hour earlier every day</u></strong> during the holiday season to write or do some research. Even if all you do is think about your characters and plot some scenes that one hour is worth it. Disappear for an hour or two. Sit on the subway platform to get some writing done or at the local library or neighborhood Starbucks. The people in your house – yes, even the dogs! – can wait an hour until you get home and get the party started, as it where. <br />
<br />
2) <strong><u>Keep pen and paper handy</u></strong>. In your pocketbook, your coat pocket, in the car, by the bed. And, make sure the pen has ink! You never know when you just HAVE to write something down. In case of emergency, napkins and post-it notes will do. <br />
<br />
3) <strong><u>Write when you can</u></strong>. If you only have 30 minutes on the bus, and 15 while waiting at the car wash, and another 30 after the kids are asleep, take them. Write down what you can, when you can. Every word counts. <br />
<br />
<br />
The Holiday Season doesn‘t have to put a stop to your writing or your creativity. Take the time. That 15-minutes, that one-hour will keep you sane and motivated. Give yourself the gift of time. It‘s the best present ever. <br />
<br />
<strong>Happy Holidays!♥</strong><br />
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</strong> <br />Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-7962686720799754612013-11-01T14:28:00.001-07:002013-11-01T14:29:42.509-07:00NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH BEGINS TODAY! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jsYoMcXhFk/Tq_ED_ojDlI/AAAAAAAACmM/aQ7pxyyNXkw/s1600/nanohoodie.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jsYoMcXhFk/Tq_ED_ojDlI/AAAAAAAACmM/aQ7pxyyNXkw/s1600/nanohoodie.jpg.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is it -- November 1. The first day of National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. And the challenge is on – 50,000 words in 30 days.<br />
<br />
The secret to winning this challenge is to write, write and write some more.<br />
<br />
Don’t think.<br />
<br />
Don’t edit.<br />
<br />
Just write.<br />
<br />
Write whatever comes into your head --- dialogue, narrative, lists, et al. If your character is thinking of a song, of a poem, of a blog post, then write it out. It will keep your writing juices flowing.<br />
<br />
Remember that EVERY word counts.<br />
<br />
Don’t cross out any words.<br />
<br />
Don’t delete anything.<br />
<br />
Just write.<br />
<br />
And, don’t stop to do research or track down references. Make a note in your manuscript that you have to research this and that and keep writing. You can do the research later. <br />
<br />
You want to write as many words as possible every day. The mathematical formula states that if you write 1666 words a day, you will reach your goal of 50,000 in 30 days. But let’s be realistic, some days you’ll write more than 1666 words, others you’ll write 66. <br />
<br />
It doesn’t matter how many words you write per day. It only matters that you make the 50,000 by November 30.<br />
<br />
So, don’t get discouraged. <br />
<br />
Remember that every word counts.<br />
<br />
And write, write and write some more.<br />
<br />
Good luck. Happy Writing.♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>Maria Ferrer has entered NaNoWriMo four times and won twice. She is looking for a few good men and, oh yeah, her third NaNo win. </em>Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-12303668770296563122013-10-22T15:36:00.000-07:002013-11-01T14:30:11.624-07:00THINGS TO DO WHILE WAITING FOR “THE CALL” <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5C31UMJ3M0Y/Umb9tg9qYZI/AAAAAAAAGIo/Mr6_TIx91cU/s1600/Woman+and+typewriter+Gibson+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5C31UMJ3M0Y/Umb9tg9qYZI/AAAAAAAAGIo/Mr6_TIx91cU/s320/Woman+and+typewriter+Gibson+girl.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">You’ve finished
your book and have submitted it to an editor or agent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hallelujah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Congratulations! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">However, you
just can’t sit around and wait around for “the call;” the wait will drive you
crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And drive others around you crazy
as well with you checking your phone every other minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some things to entertain yourself
with during the wait:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Greet
the Family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may have grown while
you’ve been in your writing cave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Treat
everyone to dinner out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
probably tired of takeout food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
live alone, then treat yourself to a day at the spa or a long hot bubble bath
and a good book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Clean
the house, because you know they didn’t do it properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, if you have the means, contact a
cleaning service and just supervise. Cleanliness is good for the start of a new
book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Catch
up on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe move up a couple of levels on Candy Crush.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pull
out the outline for book number 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
time to flesh it out so you have something else to show when you get “the
call.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Good luck! ---mcf</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span>Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-31805610896318969322013-08-29T07:04:00.001-07:002013-08-29T07:04:11.664-07:00DO IT ANYWAY!
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Writing is
like exercise. Sometimes you wake up eager to get out and stretch and write.
Other times you wake up and you don‘t have energy even to get out of bed. That
is when you have to say to yourself, Do It Anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Do It
Anyway. A wonderful motto I first heard from author/editor/agent Alice Orr. It
was true ten years ago, as much as it is true today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Your
writing does not have to be perfect. Does not have to be vast. It just has to
be. Like Nora Roberts has said at numerous conferences, she can fix a written
page; she can‘t fix a blank one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If you
want to see results, you have to write. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If you
want to sell a book, you have to write. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If you
want to be a published author, you have to write. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Writing is
not easy. We all have productive days; other days it‘s a struggle to squeeze
out even one line. And, life too does not make things easy. There are
distractions everywhere – family, friends, work, responsibilities, duties, et
al. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Do It
Anyway. Whether you write one sentence, one page, one chapter, just write. If
you have to force yourself, then you know what? Force yourself to write. Every
day or every week. Don‘t go more than a week without writing because, like in
exercise, it will take much longer to warm up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Writing is like a muscle. You have to
keep using it and often. And on those days that nothing seems right, when the
energy is at zero, Do It Anyway. You‘ll thank yourself in the end.<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">♥</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span>Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-66721287479914973362013-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-15T00:00:05.641-07:00COSMO RED HOT READS FROM HARLEQUIN LAUNCHES TODAY! <br />
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<strong>Harlequin</strong>, one of the world’s leading publishers of books for women, and <em><strong>Cosmopolitan</strong></em>, the world’s largest women’s magazine, have formed a book publishing partnership to bring <em>Cosmopolitan’s</em> fun, fearless female sensibility to fiction readers everywhere. <strong>Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin</strong> will present independent, adventurous women in contemporary settings and feature fast-paced plots, great dialogue and compelling romance.<br />
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We asked <strong>Malle Vallik,</strong> Editorial Director of Harlequin’s Digital Editorial Initiatives, who heads this new line, how they planned to marry “Happily Ever After” and “Happy Right Now”? <br />
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MALLE: Great question! Most of our heroines will be in their twenties so I think Happy Right Now may lead to Happily Ever After. While I am a fan of the happily ever after story and read them all the time, I think these shorter (30,000) word stories featuring women living and loving and figuring out their lives and how to achieve the happily ever after can mean finding the great guy who may be the forever guy, but these books can also include plot lines where she realizes she is better off kicking him to the curb and considering his friend who didn’t lie or isn’t afraid of commitment. These stories will be truly current romances. Cosmo readers and romance novel readers will enjoy the HEA but I believe they will also be more than accepting of the heroine having a slightly untraditional HEA. <br />
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<strong>Sylvia Day,</strong> New York Times’ bestselling author and Romance Writers of America President, signed a seven-figure, two-book deal to launch the new series. AFTERBURN, will be released on August 15. The sequel, AFTERSHOCK, will follow on November 15. “I’m excited to share these sizzling new romances with readers, and to do so hand in hand with Harlequin and <em>Cosmopolitan</em>, beloved brands known for giving women exactly what they want,” commented Sylvia in a press release.</div>
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Congratulations to Harlequin, <em>Cosmopolitan</em>, Malle and Sylvia!♥ <br />
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For the full interview, visit <a href="http://www.rwanycblogginginthebigapple.blogspot.com/">www.rwanycblogginginthebigapple.blogspot.com</a>.</div>
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Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-56311026252314159512013-07-05T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-05T00:00:09.686-07:00PICTURE FRIDAY: I♥NY – CITIBIKES<br />
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<em>Citibikes are here to stay. They are everywhere, and I am seeing more and more people on them. The bikes are a good way to stay fit, and better yet, you don’t have to store them in your tiny city apartment. For a while the city – not the bank! – even gave out free helmets. Great promotion. </em><br />
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<em>My problem with these bikes is that not everyone is wearing their helmet, and not everywhere remembers how to ride a bicycle. I almost had a heart attack when a woman on a Citibike crossed into oncoming traffic because she didn’t know how to break. I cringed with her, but luckily, all three cars stopped in time. However, my biggest problem with these bikes is that they obstruct my favorite view -- the bookstore. LOL! </em><br />
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<em>Happy Friday! Happy July! –mcf</em></div>
<br />Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-77084028304556807282013-07-01T04:09:00.001-07:002013-07-01T04:09:04.223-07:00A WRITER'S SUMMER READING LISTby Maria C. Ferrer<br />
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Happy July! It’s time to pack the sunscreen, beach chair, umbrella, cooler and how-to writing books.<br />
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Yes, I said how-to writing books. Even as my TBR pile grows exponentially, I still want to make time this summer to read some how-to books. A writer should never stop perfecting her writing skills. Here are five books that I have singled out for summer study:<br />
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THE ARTIST’S WAY: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. This is an oldie but goodie that has never gone out of style in more than a decade. It’s a 12-week “course” on the creative process, and a great excuse to buy a new writing journal.<br />
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THE FIRE IN FICTION: Passion, Purpose and Techniques to Make Your Novel Great by Donald Maass. Maass is a well-known literary agent, who knows the difference between a so-so manuscript and a novel readers can’t forget. This book is meant to help you discover the “passion” within to make all your novels unforgettable.<br />
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THE MARSHALL PLAN FOR NOVEL WRITING: A 16-Step Program Guaranteed to Take You From Idea to Complete Manuscript, by Evan Marshall. Marshall is another literary agent. This book contains sections on plotting, writing fiction like a pro, polishing your manuscript, and marketing your novel. This information never goes out of style. <br />
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THE MARSHALL PLAN WORKBOOK: Writing Your Novel From Start to Finish, by Evan Marshall. The companion to the book above; this one is full of blueprints on how to write your characters, your plotting, fleshing out your story, etc. Great for writing exercises.<br />
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NO MORE REJECTIONS: 50 Secrets to Writing a Manuscript That Sells by Alice Orr. Alice is an author, editor and agent with over 20 years experience. This book is filled with “practical knowledge and advice” from writing the story to writing the sales pitch to improving your story to getting it sold. Alice’s mantra: Just Do It. So I am!<br />
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There are other books on writing that are equally informative and beneficial, but I will start with these.<br />
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What books are you reading this summer? And, are you including any how-to-write books in their number? If so, which books would make your summer reading list?###<br />
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Happy Summer. Happy Reading.♥<br />
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Maria C. Ferrer is President of RWA/NYC and an RWA PRO member. She enjoys reading, writing and sun worshipping. She hopes to do all three soon and often this summer. <br />
<br />Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-53419310360603119702013-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-01T00:00:05.446-07:00THE BUSINESS WOMAN COMES FIRST<br />
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I still have the quote from Linda Lael Miller in my head that Eloisa James shared with members of the RWA/NYC at the annual May Brunch:<br />
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You are 50% business woman, 50% writer. The business woman comes first!</blockquote>
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Which means that I can’t afford to stay inside my cave, writing away, submitting when I have something, selling, and then retreating back to my writing cave? Those days are over. (If they ever were that easy.)<br />
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Nowadays, a writer must become a people person. And, the best time to start is NOW. This goes double for unpublished authors. Like Eloisa said, start building your platform now. When editors look at you, they will look to see if you have a platform, and the more established that platform – that presence – the better. <br />
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You are a writer. You can’t afford to be shy. Get out of your cave. If you are not doing all or some of the following, then get started.<br />
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• <u><strong>Join a writers’ group.</strong></u> You’re ahead of the game since you are a member of RWA/NYC! Now start making friends with your fellow members at the chapter meetings, at the critique group meeting, at the chapter outings.<br />
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<strong><u>• Make your name known</u></strong>. Write for the chapter newsletter and blog; sign up for the chapter blog tours. Check to see that your name is included on the chapter membership page with the link back to your website or blog.<br />
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<strong><u>• Attend readings and writer events</u></strong>. Like the monthly Lady Jane Salon readings, like NJRW’s annual conference, like the Jefferson Library Romance Book Club meeting. (At the latter, you get to read a romance and make friends. Dual benefit!)<br />
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• <strong><u>Make friends on the internet.</u></strong> Setup Facebook and Twitter accounts. If you write under a pseudonym, open the accounts under that name. Like the Lotto’s motto: You have to be in it, to win it. Friend your fellow RWA members, other writers, editors, agents, booksellers. “Share” their info and “retweet” messages. This will send them your name and they may in turn friend/follow you. <br />
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• <strong><u>Start a blog.</u></strong> It can be daily, weekly or monthly. Blog about your writing, your characters, your genre, the world you created, and all items related to any of the above. For example, I am writing a secret baby book so I just realized that I should do a “Baby Day” on my blog. Maybe pictures of cute babies, funny kid situations, kid jokes, et al. (NOTE: If you are scared to start a blog or don’t have time to start your own, write for the Chapter Blog!)<br />
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And, like Eloisa James, mentioned you want to “engage” your readers – even your potential readers. Be yourself. Be your writing persona. Be whomever, but be a savvy business woman.♥<br />
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Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1290273392196958673.post-20430080807122495822013-06-28T09:35:00.001-07:002013-06-28T09:35:53.065-07:00PICTURE FRIDAY: I♥NY – UNION SQUARE<br />
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<em>I love when I discover something new about my city. I found this new art circle at Union Square, where the gigantic silver statue of Andy Warhol used to “sit.” I tried looking for a plaque or something to give this piece a name, but couldn’t find anything. Wish there was an APP that you could send a photo to and it would identify the piece of art. But no matter what its identity, the circle is vibrant and lovely, with a tower at its head. Let’s enjoy it for arts sake. Happy Friday! –mcf</em><br />
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There's a little tower at the top of the circle.</div>
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Tower of London?</div>
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Sleeping Beauty's tower?</div>
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The possibilities are endless.</div>
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Happy Friday!</div>
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Native NYerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16239230892287943136noreply@blogger.com0