tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19866786983676751552024-03-19T15:05:38.772-07:00gennyinabattlemanga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.comBlogger1417125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-33021878614858660012012-05-29T12:51:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.163-07:00Mixed Drinks Inspired by Literary Types<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzRSube7e1I/T8Ujs5ZDuzI/AAAAAAAABU4/8LSCa-wIN5A/s1600/mixed-drinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzRSube7e1I/T8Ujs5ZDuzI/AAAAAAAABU4/8LSCa-wIN5A/s320/mixed-drinks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For those of you who enjoy imbibing the occasional mixed drink or simply like to know trivia about mixed drinks inspired by literary types, here's <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1242273063">an article that lists </a><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://oedb.org/library/features/25-brilliant-and-literary-inspired-mixed-drinks">25 Brilliant & Literary-Inspired Mixed Drinks</a>. To quote the article:</strong><br /><br /><i>Plenty of authors throughout history have drawn inspiration (or consolation, as it may be) from a bottle, and as such, there is no shortage of cocktails, concoctions, and libations that can be related to great <a href="http://www.accreditedonlinecolleges.com/blog">books</a> and their authors. Whether you're hosting a literary-themed party or just want to drink like your favorite author while you read one of his or her works, you certainly won't thirst for options (pun very much intended) when you read through this list of literary-inspired mixed-drinks. You'll find an assortment of titular puns, tributes to authors, and even a few favorites drawn from the lives of famous authors themselves to help you find the perfect bibliophile beverage</i>.<br /><br />Well, I'm not much of a drinker, but after <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/weird-memorial-day-weekend/">this weekend</a>, I might be convinced to try at least one of these. :)<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q8H-CTeX2-4" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-36032653445171242612012-05-26T13:02:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.186-07:00A Quick Trip to the Bookstore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fN5HTu9Z2I/T8EoqsKQeRI/AAAAAAAABSQ/IdDLh3IreEI/s1600/Awake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1fN5HTu9Z2I/T8EoqsKQeRI/AAAAAAAABSQ/IdDLh3IreEI/s320/Awake.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />This morning, I rose earlier than usual. I'm glad I did, because I had plenty of time to eat breakfast, take a shower, get dressed and go through my email. These are all time-consuming chores for someone with a crappy movement disorder<strike> that has no fucking cure and can't be adequately treated for shit</strike>.<br /><br />So, as I was eating breakfast, we were watching a war movie. And I remembered this is Memorial Day weekend. Right. Writers don't get holidays.<br /><br />Now, I can think of at least two blog posts, in which I've referred to wars and being in the shit. <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/weird-veterans-day-thoughts/">This one</a> and <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/im-a-fool/">this one</a>.<br /><br />And I had come to the realization that <i>all</i> entrepreneurs, whether they be authors, bookstores or publishers, must be willing to adapt with changing times.<br /><br />Which is why <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/im-a-fool/">I posted this on my author blog</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sQGxLS0_6A/T8ExkZES_iI/AAAAAAAABTI/I3eYt1B1MVc/s1600/justice_scales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--sQGxLS0_6A/T8ExkZES_iI/AAAAAAAABTI/I3eYt1B1MVc/s1600/justice_scales.jpg" /></a></div><br />Anyhow, when I was done<strike> with all the boring crap</strike>, I rushed <strike>clumped on my gimpy foot hurriedly</strike> to my car and took off. Just to go to a damn bookstore, in order <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/im-in-the-drivers-seat/">to prove to myself that I could still drive my own car</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-9hJ1cqKsM/T8EfY8iTovI/AAAAAAAABRo/EBddPQA4Ak0/s1600/GirlinCar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-9hJ1cqKsM/T8EfY8iTovI/AAAAAAAABRo/EBddPQA4Ak0/s1600/GirlinCar.jpg" /></a></div><br />And, as I drove, I listened to the radio and I swear this song came on:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5tLTb4P1HD8" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Weird, huh? <br /><br />Now, honestly, I have no problem with technology. But let's not forget about our humanity in the process. Everytime I blog, I give my real opinion. I try to be respectful of others online. We should all be respectful of others in business and personal relationships. In any case, it's my opinion that bookstores do serve a function. And other authors share this view. I've seen it expressed online.<br /><br />For some reason, they have it in for B&N, but love indies. I guess because <a href="http://news.bookweb.org/news/working-self-published-authors">indies have been nice enough to work with us indie authors, by placing our books on consignment</a>.<br /><br />Here's the thing. There isn't a single <strike>freaking </strike>indie bookstore worth a damn convenient to where I live, okay?<br /><br />Plus, if I may ask, what about that whole returning books to the publisher and getting a 100% refund thing? Seriously, how are publishers going to compete effectively against a huge fucking technology company/publisher/retailer that can give authors whatever they want, including the author you chose to make this video:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hWFzP2zRUY0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />The amazing <a href="http://www.annpatchett.com/">Ann Patchett</a>, <a href="http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2011/11/parnassus-books-opens-in-nashville.html">owner of Parnassus Books</a> (though she had "no interest in opening a bookstore") and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Getaway-Car-Practical-ebook/dp/B005JEXTBO/">author of THE GETAWAY CAR</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibCfXV0LIyk/T8Ev6yxlUMI/AAAAAAAABS4/45oy0ey_MkI/s1600/Ann-Patchett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibCfXV0LIyk/T8Ev6yxlUMI/AAAAAAAABS4/45oy0ey_MkI/s320/Ann-Patchett.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My most convenient bookstore is a BAM, which is located where the <strike>dead </strike>Borders used to be. And <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/when-the-cosmos-is-laughing-part-2/">I dragged my gimpy ass all the way to an Annapolis B&N to see Jenny Lawson</a>.<br /><br /><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tvpSeEhYJU/T8EwJsymorI/AAAAAAAABTA/soi-Ho8L7PY/s1600/DebbiandJennyL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tvpSeEhYJU/T8EwJsymorI/AAAAAAAABTA/soi-Ho8L7PY/s320/DebbiandJennyL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two New York Times bestselling authors in green shirts</td></tr></tbody></table>Just to be clear, Jenny Lawson writes about zombies. I don't. Nor am I one. Furthermore, I do actually eat real food and brush my hair, now and then. And I'm not a junkie.<br /><br />PS: I went to the bookstore to find Rick Steves travel guides for my trip to the UK. Because <a href="http://debbimack.com/debbi.html">I love to travel<strike>, damn it</strike></a>. While I was there, I looked for a Robert Crais book, (<a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/more-bouchercon-awesomeness/">Robert Crais is my hero, because he's a blue collar writer</a>) and would you believe, they didn't have <i>one</i> stinking title? I nearly got so mad, I could've knocked down the shelf, except I was too tired<strike> and gimpy</strike>, and I figured, oh, fuck it. So, while trudging toward the checkout counter, I passed a book display. And one of the books was <a href="http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2008/08/things-they-carried-has-weight.html">THE THINGS THEY CARRIED by Tim O' Brien</a>. And I thought, <i>I'm with you, brother.</i><br /><br />And <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/blog-of-note-nik-naks-old-peculiar/">why does <i>that</i> sound so familiar?</a> :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czU1FTqXLqk/T8E1H7R20_I/AAAAAAAABTg/lyPfVWCNNmU/s1600/Doctor_Who_Tennant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czU1FTqXLqk/T8E1H7R20_I/AAAAAAAABTg/lyPfVWCNNmU/s320/Doctor_Who_Tennant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>PPS: I had no interest in being a gimp, but no one gave me a choice about that. So, <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/a-happy-fools-weekend/">I choose to be a happy fool</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q3zayRCau0/T8EzCKJ76vI/AAAAAAAABTQ/v4KJU9l9iC0/s1600/SnoopyDancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q3zayRCau0/T8EzCKJ76vI/AAAAAAAABTQ/v4KJU9l9iC0/s1600/SnoopyDancing.jpg" /></a></div><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-17721007655043813342012-05-22T13:16:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.234-07:00'Blue Suburban Skies' by Richard Peabody<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw8lX_TWghU/T7vt8EFQkdI/AAAAAAAABQg/ggdAT5ptqRs/s1600/BlueSubSkies_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw8lX_TWghU/T7vt8EFQkdI/AAAAAAAABQg/ggdAT5ptqRs/s320/BlueSubSkies_Cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />Just to be clear, this isn't a review. If you read this blog, you'd know that I support independent bookstores and online booksellers that compete with <a href="http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/11/ff_bezos/">the great big huge online bookseller that's trying to take over the Internet</a>. (I'll leave names out of it.)<br /><br />And, just so you know, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/richardpeabody1">Richard Peabody</a> has published this book, and <a href="http://www.mainstreetrag.com/RPeabody.html">it's available for pre-release order at a discounted price online, but not through the great big huge online bookseller, etc., etc.</a><br /><br />FYI, <a href="http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2012/03/astro-city-by-richard-peabody.html">I've previously blogged here about Richard Peabody</a>.<br /><br />And he's a DC-area author who cares about literature, and he loves French Toast.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iB_VtluqcMA/T7vxnivjQMI/AAAAAAAABQw/0stw1QY829s/s1600/FrenchToast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iB_VtluqcMA/T7vxnivjQMI/AAAAAAAABQw/0stw1QY829s/s1600/FrenchToast.jpg" /></a></div><br />I rest my case. :)<br /><br />PS: <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2012/may/21/waterstones-kindle-amazon-deal">Waterstones doesn't mind having its stores used as showrooms for the great big huge online retailer/publisher, etc., etc. Apparently</a>.<br /><br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-63722039110522401422012-05-19T11:37:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.250-07:00Review of 'The Post-College Guide to Happiness'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACMW_3kTVYo/T7fdy1t0gyI/AAAAAAAABPQ/BRsLAYOiviU/s1600/Post-CollegeGuidetoHappiness_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACMW_3kTVYo/T7fdy1t0gyI/AAAAAAAABPQ/BRsLAYOiviU/s320/Post-CollegeGuidetoHappiness_Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />REVIEW: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Post-College-Guide-Happiness-ebook/dp/B005VDE59I/">THE POST-COLLEGE GUIDE TO HAPPINESS</a><br />AUTHOR: <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/BryanCohenBooks">Bryan Cohen</a><br /><br />Just so you know, this isn't a typical review. In fact, this book was extremely useful to me, which is why I recommend it.<br /><br />I thought I'd explain why I found it so useful.<br /><br />This book is a guide. As such, you'll find advice, tools and exercises that can aid you in becoming a happier person.<br /><br />Here's how it worked for me. <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/march-madness/">I was suffering from depression</a>. <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/i-should-write-much-funnier-posts/">I also have a tendency to dismiss "easy" self-help solutions</a>. However, after a talk with my doctor and <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/its-all-good/">reading this book, I realized I could choose to be happy</a>, no matter what.<br /><br />Which is why I wrote this endorsement for the book: "If troubles seem insurmountable or overwhelming, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-post-college-guide-to-happiness-bryan-cohen/1106726808?ean=2940013287419"><i>The Post-College Guide to Happiness</i></a> provides a straightforward guide on how to find happiness by making better choices. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a better life."<br /><br />PS: I just wanted to add the happy news that <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/pegbrantley">Peg Brantley</a>'s first novel <a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Book-Review-Red-Tide-by-Peg-Brantley-3569734.php#page-1">RED TIDE got an awesome review</a>! :D I'm still reading it and loving it, so far.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWeOqd8mo_E/T7fmJk6DMUI/AAAAAAAABPk/QShnwmLEh_U/s1600/REDTIDE_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWeOqd8mo_E/T7fmJk6DMUI/AAAAAAAABPk/QShnwmLEh_U/s320/REDTIDE_cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />PPS: Did you know that <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/the-happy-fools-guide-to-success/">"bonzer" is Australian slang that means "awesome"</a>? :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JZPnWJV2Tk/T7fn9fX1fVI/AAAAAAAABPs/3Cs3Gl6LcNg/s1600/1-one-step-at-a-time-marlene-robbins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JZPnWJV2Tk/T7fn9fX1fVI/AAAAAAAABPs/3Cs3Gl6LcNg/s320/1-one-step-at-a-time-marlene-robbins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-37330382729973266012012-05-15T12:22:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.268-07:00Mystery Scene Review of 'Beastly Things'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVe684C1FBM/T7KqUiOtkWI/AAAAAAAABNY/x0KRlWuCb14/s1600/BeastlyThings_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVe684C1FBM/T7KqUiOtkWI/AAAAAAAABNY/x0KRlWuCb14/s320/BeastlyThings_Cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />Here's my <a href="http://mysteryscenemag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2627%3Abeastly-things&catid=26%3Abooks&Itemid=185">Mystery Scene Magazine review</a> of <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780802120236/donna-leon/beastly-things">BEASTLY THINGS</a> by <a href="http://www.donnaleon.net/">Donna Leon</a>. In an interesting coincidence of sorts, I've not only been to Venice, but I suffer a rare disorder that deforms, but doesn't kill people, and I've published a mystery involving the poultry industry, as <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/reasons-to-be-a-happy-fool/">I blogged about here</a>.<br /><br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-64086622069635236072012-05-12T13:54:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.282-07:00Mystery Scene Review of 'Ice Fire'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LM7_PbJM-Ms/T67KZs9UaTI/AAAAAAAABM8/a7ojkrmhuug/s1600/IceFire_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LM7_PbJM-Ms/T67KZs9UaTI/AAAAAAAABM8/a7ojkrmhuug/s320/IceFire_Cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />Here's my <a href="http://mysteryscenemag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2630%3Aice-fire&catid=26%3Abooks&Itemid=185">Mystery Scene Magazine review</a> of <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781451629293">ICE FIRE</a>, a thriller I found particularly awesome for reasons that should become obvious when you read the review and consider that <a href="http://greenrealitycheck.blogspot.com/">I'm a lawyer, who's interested in sustainability issues</a>.<br /><br />Thanks, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/davidlyonsautho">David Lyons</a>, for writing such a great book! :)<br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-11971729142475649492012-05-08T12:42:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.356-07:00Mystery Scene Review of 'Strindberg's Star'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-Ayl7Bv9SY/T6lz0XOR7yI/AAAAAAAABMY/dJq0hVzMOfk/s1600/StrindbergsStar_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-Ayl7Bv9SY/T6lz0XOR7yI/AAAAAAAABMY/dJq0hVzMOfk/s320/StrindbergsStar_Cover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />For those of you looking for a thriller with a lot more than the usual, here's my <a href="http://mysteryscenemag.com/component/content/article/26-books/2613-strindbergs-star">Mystery Scene Magazine review</a> of <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780670023578">STRINDBERG'S STAR</a> by <a href="http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Author/AuthorPage/0,,1000078544,00.html">Jan Wallentin</a>.<br /><br />Jan ... get a website ... seriously ... :)<br /><br />PS: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/books/maurice-sendak-childrens-author-dies-at-83.html?_r=1">RIP Maurice Sendak</a>. :(<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/01-PqqifyjA" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-82145861125515265132012-05-07T03:29:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:29:37.749-07:00Nature Wall Decals-Nature Wall Stickers<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Nature Wall Decals And Nature Wall Stickers. The tendency of many people today are more like something that nature and fresh. Similarly, wall hangings, many in the living room decorated with natural ornaments. It is also a great choice for your room and your kitchen, child's room is also decorated with this ideal because as they grow older and their tastes change, you can easily give the room a new look.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img alt="Nature Wall Decals,Nature Wall Stickers" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ITOoCaBmDn3pEwPjaTdy0_5FzGw5vCKi8mCatlfR7J-WsvB2YyJNa9BmemibF2vys9PhvtEWTG1WHMUA_W3OkfsC0_uwpEgIHo-OoJhaRLEHIyF18vOtJkOhHJ_nNB-1VKYCrtoZzSI/s320/Natural+Wall+Decals+Nursery.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img alt="Nature Wall Decals,Nature Wall Stickers" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybyqDkZZxZZHpiukYkVY3ZAOIwBfB25rXbvt8vnTVzEA10I7fVIKC2PsVy5G05oHZ59QpHqxL5F2PhrtFLExrPzcgvvju_U5R4KmsBnQwhQ09giKhk9K-5GxH-8ppz0qoWwBcHL2sHuY/s320/Nature+Wall+Decals.jpeg" width="320" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img alt="Nature Wall Decals,Nature Wall Stickers" border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL6wWi6zYPRXRplai_zFJFLfFJL3wvR3Rbv3hy3mkN_VyvsAdQUGtyor3AEhy-8WzN2Mp5HEnzgUcjARZPoTixv3YMfpNL4fsJsg72CK9FPff4pqn_x6Mkb6ZjiGjG9EhDjcXqv2d8cI/s320/Nature+Wall+Mural+Wallpapers.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">It decl wall nature allows you to bring the views of the forest into your living room, pictures of forest to your indoor patio area. And if you have a gym, you can bring the game up close and personal with the beach picture. Try it, you will feel the beauty of this world up close.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img alt="Nature Wall Decals,Nature Wall Stickers" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG-Xt4X8Uhxktj5qJp7YQR7T8wUlZLS6UcxoJ8uNgf_uY-rVfBLrjPh-LZHVeJdDxIU_X9Ds0daw-Zpq1ndd7Uwny5u45Sj_rFubX5AT9EGvFRmu2JuQQgr4-8R-d19Y5Z47hVS5zf0g/s1600/Nature+Wall+Stickers.jpg" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img alt="Nature Wall Decals,Nature Wall Stickers" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2DhTHdcWswiw5nxdZvQ9xtrsxp8WSNLMOGCrgJAPQxbSGXXHQe9P801-_H3yeMBc_Nz1nEi8CXMTtR67ump2sZAOaL04R-rO3DiU_pNNR7eS5Flo_khT8hK_-N8R7R8A1vELVvCxz7g/s320/Nature's+Harmony+Wall+Murals.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">This decoration is not very easy to install. in price depending on size wall mural you want, but I'm sure you do not need to sell your valuables to get a natural wall murals.</div>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-27049337723564220082012-05-07T03:00:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:29:37.822-07:00Tree Wall Murals For Teenage Bedroom<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b>Tree Wall Murals For Teenage Bedroom.</b> Do you know the teenage is the most memorable in my life. Everything was beautiful and all-round challenge. Teen have fulfilled all his wishes. You never feel it's ...<br />As a parent you should know what is most preferred for his special teenage bedroom wall.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img alt="Coconut Wall Murals For Teenage Bedroom" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPK5-V8nrSF8SubD2vWiQFixEdO97cP524cPtALHNVtPKK-xthEuqFLxBWRyDNwFhbCNzSDqXA1nTFAtjtaYtoWcFTsJgdllVDDwwc0E5WHbd4qy-9o3hkp02r-qDPpWcIMTn-jCIy-c/s320/Coconut+Wall+Murals+For+Teenage+Bedroom.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img alt="Flower Wall Murals For Teenage Bedroom" border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11oxDc248cP6wBkyt1-2PVyaH28eU-awZ3xQh3DuJHIupgbHr3a72CRm9KY3tSKkabISL8ZKShGP-fad6dVfx1vNUh2JuhVZ_-tIYXrxOOe_4KGWa7RltMpIe5aer6H7YTfBxO7E1sY4/s320/Flower+Wall+Murals+For+Teenage+Bedroom.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img alt="Rose Wall Murals For Teenage Bedroom" border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO014HPE-T9PQtxh_gXioqby9TFjcntk1MSzutzWV6rxyQkF_ru41oltuj7hu4KTcuFvFaVuhmFy2h9BNMOThTLJKAfglfVnf7wv-UAO9uCH1Yux7k0gPG41ihuPr5mDYAPmbF3zVPD4/s320/Rose+Wall+Murals+For+Teenage+Bedroom.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><img alt="Tree Wall Murals For Teenage Bedroom" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCjUh75hr6hmBQzkUeV8Asx9Hf9gxRBJ5hA1NmXqxpODxRXHp7aqGfsVALOvnSew50t6ezcaZRL11WKCpCcg0T1w8D8BS2hnRBB82_wUZppTfSdm5x3CkQ_Efe43LBXR76MkPp8aWvD8/s320/Trees+Wall+Murals+For+Teenage+Bedroom.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Trees are a favorite among teens in decorating the walls. it is true, the bedroom feels cool and comfortable with tree wall mural. When your child home from campus and the rest in the room, they will feel very comfortable with the atmosphere of the room whose walls are decorated with wall murals trees.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many types of plants you can install to decorate the walls. Girl usually prefer pictures of flowers such as roses or jasmine. whereas for a boy you could put a picture of palm trees or the other according to your teen craze.</div></div>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-55723896839216494542012-05-05T13:00:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.406-07:00How a Bookstore May Have Saved My Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ge-n2Ti9obc/T6WCrKcCfvI/AAAAAAAABL8/jasb9nWrRMc/s1600/Awake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ge-n2Ti9obc/T6WCrKcCfvI/AAAAAAAABL8/jasb9nWrRMc/s320/Awake.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />Since I've been supporting indie bookstores on this blog, I thought I'd share <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/get-out-of-the-house/">this story from another blog about how Barnes & Noble may have saved my life</a>.<br /><br />Now ... I realize, it's a B&N, not an indie. But as I've blogged before, <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/hey-you-step-back-from-the-keyboard/">we don't have any really decent indie bookstores convenient to where I live</a>.<br /><br />Which is why I was saddened to see Borders go under. And I wrote <a href="http://writing4hire.blogspot.com/2011/11/dont-dance-on-graves-of-bookstores.html">this post on another blog</a>.<br /><br />However, we all have to adapt to survive. As an author and one in this for the long haul, I'm interested in the possibility of using crowdsourcing as a way of producing books.<br /><br /><a href="http://gigaom.com/cleantech/the-kickstarter-for-solar-could-make-you-money-starting-this-summer/?goback=.gde_94811_member_112942284">Other businesses are doing this</a>. And authors are entrepreneurs, too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-16811506351817438762012-05-01T16:00:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:15:06.093-07:00Imagine, Singleton Hippie Art Original<br /><br />IMAGINE<br />(C) Singleton<br />A Hippe Art Box of Thoughts....<br /><br />I reached down and scooped uptiny abandoned periwinkle shells, the colors of pastel rainbows,and buried them deep into my pockets....Seaweed, a deep forest green,wrapped itself around my ankles,an impromptu braided bracelet from the tides....And I knewI was in Love again....With all my forgotten Dreams,my lost imagination......And I knew manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-13758384877874920112012-05-01T11:35:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.425-07:00'The Assassin's Mistress' and Other Stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ww_PebrKuYU/T6Ao1WwXF8I/AAAAAAAABLI/BCaFn4jE-7s/s1600/AssassinsMistress_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ww_PebrKuYU/T6Ao1WwXF8I/AAAAAAAABLI/BCaFn4jE-7s/s320/AssassinsMistress_Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />REVIEW: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Assassins-Mistress-ebook/dp/B007BOC0OW/">THE ASSASSIN'S MISTRESS</a> (Pretur 2012)<br />AUTHOR: <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/JHBogran">J. H. Bográn</a><br /><br />Although this short ebook is entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Assassins-Mistress-ebook/dp/B007BOC0OW/">THE ASSASSIN'S MISTRESS</a>, it's actually comprised of a short story by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/JHBogran">J. H. Bográn</a> and excerpts from his other work and two other authors. This small collection makes for highly diverse, satisfying and enjoyable reading.<br /><br />"The Assassin's Mistress" is a quick and thrilling look at a hitman's difficult choices and how life can pull the rug out from under the most prepared and stoic individual. I highly recommend it.<br /><br />The excerpts of <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/face-the-winter-naked-bonnie-turner/1100073065?ean=2940000833421">FACE THE WINTER NAKED</a> by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/BonnieTurner9">Bonnie Turner</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bro-magnet-lauren-baratz-logsted/1107929242?ean=2940013836280">THE BRO-MAGNET</a> by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/LaurenBaratzL">Lauren Baratz-Logsted</a> make this 99 cent ebook way more than a bargain.<br /><br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-49847287359076398872012-04-26T20:24:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.441-07:00Saturday Has Been Cancelled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5-juaR_3Xw/T5oOvbqJOzI/AAAAAAAABKs/EuPMpvWGkwo/s1600/Agatha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5-juaR_3Xw/T5oOvbqJOzI/AAAAAAAABKs/EuPMpvWGkwo/s1600/Agatha.jpg" /></a></div><br />This weekend is the <a href="http://www.malicedomestic.org/">Malice Domestic</a> mystery convention, which I'm <strike>not officially</strike> attending. I'll be busy <strike>hobbling</strike> running around, finding really awesome people, including the one mentioned in <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/hurray-for-kathy-griffin/">this post</a>.<br /><br />While I have your attention, coming next month ...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uziG4CYNUEw/T5oQw3CnVTI/AAAAAAAABK0/5oe0tSzsP2k/s1600/Riptide_Cover3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uziG4CYNUEw/T5oQw3CnVTI/AAAAAAAABK0/5oe0tSzsP2k/s320/Riptide_Cover3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />The print version! :)<br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-69855661377824013732012-04-24T13:46:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.532-07:00A Book Lover's Dilemma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5PRoc3d3lk/T5cCtwW7WsI/AAAAAAAABIs/B4WZHlB8XLU/s1600/BooksAllOver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5PRoc3d3lk/T5cCtwW7WsI/AAAAAAAABIs/B4WZHlB8XLU/s320/BooksAllOver.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is kind of what my house looks like. Except it's inside a completely different house. And those two people look like me and my husband. Except we wouldn't be smiling. Or we would be smiling only because someone was taking a picture of our books piled outside of our house, which isn't really our house. And we'd have to borrow a Jeep. That is a Jeep, right? Whatever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So ... my point is that after having <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/im-in-the-drivers-seat/">a really eventful day just driving my car and doing some shopping</a>, I decided I needed to part ways with some of my beloved books, at my husband's <strike>continual nagging</strike> incessant urging.</div><br />This meant I had to decide which books really meant something to me. I kept thinking that I loved them all, because I love all books, damn it. That's why this blog is called The Book Grrl, and not The Reading Device Grrl or whatever. Not that it matters. Stories are stories, regardless of technology, right? This is a story right here. A really boring story, maybe. Too bad. Ha ha!<br /><br />So then I figured, okay, I simply can't keep ALL these books. I'm not a library. I fell back on my own advice. <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/dream-big-and-keep-going/"><i>Share your toys</i></a>.<br /><br />That's when I decided, here's what to do: If you love a book, donate it so others can enjoy it; if you cherish a book, keep it so you'll always remember why it was awesome.<br /><br />That still left me with the decision of which books I loved and which I cherished. Some decisions came easier than others. The ones close to the line were toughest.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EENRXhoqATQ/T5cH8Jvr_GI/AAAAAAAABJA/Ek_9vhW9McY/s1600/DecisionsAreHard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EENRXhoqATQ/T5cH8Jvr_GI/AAAAAAAABJA/Ek_9vhW9McY/s1600/DecisionsAreHard.jpg" /></a></div><br />But I survived! And I'm <strike>ditching</strike> donating a whole <strike>sh*tload</strike> lot of books. That's a whole lot of reading to share with others. And I did it, despite <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/is-this-an-internet-miracle/">my gimpiness</a>. In my hand and my curled-in foot. :D<br /><br /><br />If I'd had a hat on, I would have thrown it in the fucking air. :)<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oBTWF1bDPn0" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />While I was piling all the books around and figuring out which to donate, I happened to find an old <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/LawrenceBlock/">Lawrence Block</a> paperback called <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780380763627">IN THE MIDST OF DEATH</a>. It's a Matthew Scudder book, and I love Matthew Scudder like nobody's business.<br /><br />It occurred to me that Matthew Scudder is driven by guilt. And <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/the-dalai-lama-cant-solve-the-worlds-problems/">guilt has figured largely in my writing</a>. Weird.<br /><br />Then, I opened the book and flipped through the first few pages. On the second page, there's a woman named Portia Carr. The protagonist in the young adult novel I'm writing is named Portia. Weird.<br /><br />So ... I walked around the house, clutching the book like grim death. Or maybe it was just my dystonia. <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/im-a-fool/">Whatever</a>. #iamfoolish<br /><br />PS: I really love those striped socks, but on me they would just look fucking ridiculous.<br /><br />PPS: <a href="http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2012/4/23/curious-george-reopens/">Curious George is awesome!</a> :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afleO7Ot92U/T5cb719loKI/AAAAAAAABJM/vYLGjwjQk9A/s1600/curious-george.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afleO7Ot92U/T5cb719loKI/AAAAAAAABJM/vYLGjwjQk9A/s320/curious-george.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />PPPS: <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2012/04/portrait-of-a-bookstore-to-close-after-26-years.html">If you have to bow out, do so gracefully</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PugCpSHnA_k/T5ccwlRHRkI/AAAAAAAABJU/96busCujWnA/s1600/BookstorePortrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PugCpSHnA_k/T5ccwlRHRkI/AAAAAAAABJU/96busCujWnA/s320/BookstorePortrait.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />PPPPS: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/story/2012-04-23/world-book-night/54476188/1?csp=34life&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20UsatodaycomBooks-TopStories%20%28Life%20-%20Books%20-%20Top%20Stories%29&utm_content=Google%20Reader">World Book Night celebrated reading by giving out print books</a>. Amazon wasn't invited.<br /><br />Quoting the article:<br /><br /><i>The costs of the paperback World Book Night special editions are being underwritten by publishers, printers and paper companies. All 30 authors have waived their royalties.</i><br /><div class="inside-copy"><br /></div><div class="inside-copy"><i>Most of the publishing industry, including the two largest bookstore chains, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million, is involved in some way. The one conspicuous exception: Amazon, the giant e-retailer that's at odds with publishers and traditional bookstores over Amazon's discounted e-book prices.</i></div><div class="inside-copy"><br /></div><div class="inside-copy"><i>Amazon, which sells both print and e-books, wasn't asked to participate. Lennertz says only that "the philosophy behind World Book Night has been about physical books in physical places, handed out person to person.<strike> How can Amazon participate meaningfully without a physical presence? It uses other retailers' stores as its own showrooms. That's just messed up. Plus Amazon doesn't really give a damn about books, anyway. They're a retailer that sells all sorts of stuff and books happen to be among the things they sell.</strike>"</i></div><div class="inside-copy"><i><br /></i></div><div class="inside-copy"><i>But Amazon spokeswoman Sarah Gelman says, "We look forward to talking to the organizers of World Book Night about future opportunities<strike>, after we've run everyone else out of business and we're the only publisher and retailer in the world</strike>."</i></div><div class="inside-copy"><br /></div><div class="inside-copy"><i>Oren Teicher, head of the American Booksellers Association, which represents independent bookstores, says that in Britain last year, World Book Night "triggered an avalanche of publicity for books," which then led to a boost in sales of the same titles that were given away.</i></div><div class="inside-copy"><br /></div><div class="inside-copy"><i>Or, as Lennertz puts it, "We believe that reading begets reading."</i></div><div class="inside-copy"><br /></div><div class="inside-copy">I believe that's the whole concept behind libraries and promotional giveaways.</div><div class="inside-copy"><i></i></div><div class="inside-copy"><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_qZlJMR5_o/T5cgROgTgyI/AAAAAAAABJg/xeN0q6s5J-Y/s1600/Duh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_qZlJMR5_o/T5cgROgTgyI/AAAAAAAABJg/xeN0q6s5J-Y/s320/Duh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="inside-copy"><br /></div>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-83389921611225378452012-04-21T15:11:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.626-07:009 Most Controversial Pulitzer Prize Winners Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_ma7Bf2X2I/T5MicHD1dKI/AAAAAAAABHU/yEJjD3o1uMY/s1600/TempestTeapot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_ma7Bf2X2I/T5MicHD1dKI/AAAAAAAABHU/yEJjD3o1uMY/s1600/TempestTeapot.jpg" /></a></div><br />Timing is interesting, isn't it? I just happened to get <a href="http://www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com/blog/2012/9-most-controversial-pulitzer-prize-winners-of-all-time/">this article</a> in my email. I thought I might share it, as bloggers tend to do.<br /><br />I'll quote the leading paragraph for you:<br /><br /><i>The Pulitzer Prize is the Academy Award for <a href="http://www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com/blog/2011/25-famous-authors-with-learning-disabilities/">writers</a>. Winning it means the admiration of peers and readers, recognition and validation of the subject matter, and a nice cash prize for the author. Like any contest that could define a career, there is the potential for heated debates and passionate disputes. For these nine Pulitzer winners, victory came with a big asterisk</i>.<br /><br />Well, I couldn't help noticing that #6 is no one. I guess we can add 2012 to the list, huh? Or the year to no one. Whatever.<br /><br />Frankly, <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/18/a-techno-idiots-guide-to-philosophy/">here's my feeling about the whole thing</a>. #iamfoolish<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcruHLUw5tI/T5MtUoak8uI/AAAAAAAABHk/3zAP4HD7ayE/s1600/ImAnIdiot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcruHLUw5tI/T5MtUoak8uI/AAAAAAAABHk/3zAP4HD7ayE/s1600/ImAnIdiot.jpg" /></a></div><br />As <a href="http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2011/10/im-not-here-to-bury-booksellers.html">an ebook author who supports indie bookstores</a>, I was out shopping today and I was happy to see that the dead Borders was replaced by a BAM, i.e., Books a Million. I wish it were an indie bookstore, but it wasn't. So, I chose to feel good about having any bookstore at all. Hey, it's something, right? :)<br /><br />PS: Ann, please consider taking my advice. <a href="http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2011/11/parnassus-books-opens-in-nashville.html">You really shouldn't take yourself too seriously</a>. <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/im-a-fool/">I've chosen to be happy, and I think I'm much better off as a result</a>. #iamfoolish<br /><br />I also happened to get this from a fortune cookie: "Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause." True story! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBIvok5LUsg/T5MmDYfZVHI/AAAAAAAABHc/misTT_3rPEs/s1600/irony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBIvok5LUsg/T5MmDYfZVHI/AAAAAAAABHc/misTT_3rPEs/s320/irony.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br /><br />manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-88627729009630783792012-04-17T15:30:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.725-07:00Heroines of Indie Bookselling<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/-733boGJcofY/T43kZvttrFI/AAAAAAAABG0/15MxLM3iMM8/s1600/Emily-Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-733boGJcofY/T43kZvttrFI/AAAAAAAABG0/15MxLM3iMM8/s320/Emily-Books.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa Corson</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>At a time when things are looking tougher than ever for indie bookstores, because of one particular <strike>big, horrible</strike> mammoth online retailer/publisher, I was really thrilled to see <a href="http://techland.time.com/2012/04/16/in-wake-of-apple-case-could-indie-booksellers-help-solve-publishers-e-book-problem/">this article</a>. In <i>Time</i>, no less. Awesome! :D<br /><br />Ever since <a href="http://booksearch.blogspot.com/2012/04/change-to-our-retailer-partner-program.html">Google bailed out on indie bookstores</a>, I've been feeling like they've been <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/when-the-cosmos-laughs/">the butt of a really bad cosmic joke</a>. #iamfoolish<br /><br />Well, let's take a look at who these awesome ladies are. They run an online bookselling business called ... wait for it ...!<br /><br /><i><a href="http://emilybooks.com/">Emily Books</a>. It’s a two-woman operation run by Emily Gould — former Gawker writer and author of <a href="http://www.andtheheartsayswhatever.com/"><i>And the Heart Says Whatever</i></a> — and Ruth Curry.</i><br /><i> </i> <br /><i>“I worked with these large publishers for most of my career, and there is a lot of fear over how much power Amazon and Apple have over the marketplace,” says Curry. “But nobody is asking, ‘What can we do?’ or ‘How can we fix this?’”</i><br /><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />Ooh ooh!! Me!! I'm asking! See? I <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/riptide-is-available-for-free-in-all-formats/">posted this today on one of my other blogs</a>.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">I've also <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/hurray-for-smashwords/">offered to be a spokesperson for Smashwords</a>.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">But enough about me. These two women are so awesome I think they're the real heroines in indie bookselling.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">So ... here's the <a href="http://emilybooks.com/">Emily Books website</a>. And here's the really cool <a href="http://emilybooks.tumblr.com/">Emily Books blog</a>! #furiouslyhappy</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUhzTzlkJbI/T43r-AsN-gI/AAAAAAAABG8/R2-vBUvkgbY/s1600/EmilyBooksLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUhzTzlkJbI/T43r-AsN-gI/AAAAAAAABG8/R2-vBUvkgbY/s320/EmilyBooksLogo.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">And there's the logo. Awesome, isn't it?</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">So ... do you guys carry <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/">mysteries</a>? :) I just had to ask.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">PS: I'm still really puzzled by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Getaway-Car-Practical-Writing-ebook/dp/B005JEXTBO/">this</a>, in light of <a href="http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2011/11/parnassus-books-opens-in-nashville.html">this</a>. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/apr/02/ann-patchett-time-most-influential?CMP=twt_gu">Curiouser and curiouser</a>.<br /><br />PPS: Take heart. <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/avantgo/2017991142.html">One fed-up publisher is doing <i>better without</i> Amazon</a>. :) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WcR2c3O5DaQ/T43w2K-KD0I/AAAAAAAABHE/NBnwPCiItwo/s1600/Dont_Panic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WcR2c3O5DaQ/T43w2K-KD0I/AAAAAAAABHE/NBnwPCiItwo/s320/Dont_Panic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />PPPS: I nearly forgot to mention <a href="http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2011/10/im-not-here-to-bury-booksellers.html">this post</a>. <i>Duh!</i><br /><br /></div>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-81297870251204826362012-04-14T15:27:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.822-07:00Get 'Riptide' For Free From Smashwords in Any Format<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8zzq5-IwDU/T4n3_h3c99I/AAAAAAAABFU/4QCir9LFiy0/s1600/Riptide_Cover3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8zzq5-IwDU/T4n3_h3c99I/AAAAAAAABFU/4QCir9LFiy0/s320/Riptide_Cover3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />Since Smashwords offers ebooks in all formats and is no threat at all, when you come down to it, to indie bookstores compared to some <strike>big, horrible</strike> mammoth online retailer/publisher who will remain unnamed, I feel it's fine to promote my Smashwords ebook giveaway right on this here blog.<br /><br />Having said that, here's the deal.<br /><br />As <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/hurray-for-smashwords/">a Smashwords author who has offered to be their spokesperson, simply because they’re so awesome</a>, I’m offering my latest novel <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/145687">RIPTIDE</a> from Smashwords (just click the link to go to the order page) for absolutely FREE.<br /><br />You can get <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/145687">the book</a> for nothing at all in any format at all, including .mobi for Kindle, .epub for Nook, Apple, etc., PDF, etc.<br /><br />All you have to do is use this coupon code <strong>ZX76D</strong> when you check out.<br /><br />And all you have to do to transfer the file to your device is follow <a href="http://www.marksouza.com/2012/01/home-of-the-free-not-at-amazon/">these really easy instructions</a>. Super easy, right? Even I can do it. The <del>gimpy</del> techno-idiot. Honest!<br /><br />However, this promo runs until <strong>Sat., April 21</strong>. So act fast, because I’m only giving away so many ebooks, okay?<br /><br />And all I had to do to post this info is copy and paste the relevant stuff from <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/get-riptide-for-free-any-format/">this blog</a>, but click that link and check out the other stuff, too, okay? Because it's really awesome. Honest! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff3fMz4auBo/T4n47Tlvu8I/AAAAAAAABFc/JIjh0QL950M/s1600/SnoopyDancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff3fMz4auBo/T4n47Tlvu8I/AAAAAAAABFc/JIjh0QL950M/s1600/SnoopyDancing.jpg" /></a></div>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-81055882254666634712012-04-11T02:26:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:29:37.864-07:00Disney Wall Murals for Kids Bedrooms<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Journey to Disneyland during the holidays so much fun and create unforgettable memories. Each time to Disney with the kids to make them not want to go home.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Disney wall murals are very unique and interesting to see, this wall mural makes them remember the sweet memories when sightseeing. With wall murals of life seemed to go to Disney every day.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">wall mural is unique and suited to your child decorate the walls. Disney wall murals in figure added with a picture or a butterfly in the surroundings really make life more beautiful in the lead.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Disney Wall Murals for Kids Bedrooms" border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0ay9ljJnYOXBI6I-f_E2wFJcWn-Rn5EeapJxXydsO0xe-sFYLcTFj5ZmlIm2vji1EmGuoG0TRwQRZlrg9MmDUONpM-TQiVaoEVE8xkGRorqIdEDHaVDhVjBG9ANewL-5i5Gq0F-WQfE/s320/Disney+Wall+Murals+for+Kids+Bedrooms-Princess-wall-mural.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Disney Princess Wall Murals<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Disney Wall Murals for Kids Bedrooms" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbUrdPqjHyjIayr7dwYmkPq-Kw6ahhflO9I__WpROdpDl4jzSri-0J97nhr-6V2H45OZcRi9BoAqH5zgKEJhVtvhDzvxjoA4edmv5ZmGAbAVVl3nerc4GH5ARpNXOlNtl6p8acFfTJgM/s320/Disney+Wall+Murals+for+Kids+Bedrooms.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Disney Mickey Wall Murals</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Disney Wall Murals for Kids Bedrooms" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xT5QObDNXFDmpKpqqbQVlD0UeYDqWYJGlvgVy3iQaTnplXXfnL5ayVrrWywiE8wxLiW0IeeI_EMbmFptb58yLfRQfyW1JJrIY7iaUszlPpvW7ibkRllUG4bO9p7v9LkCCRkPIQxy-tE/s320/Disney+Wall+Murals+for+Kids+Bedrooms-Kids-Disney-Wall-Murals-Room.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Disney Wall Murals Colouring<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Disney Wall Murals for Kids Bedrooms" border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAH2zLKmJ-nBt1xyoRnrOVTk5fsEasX1Kqzujrry6vO_bPNhb46GJOjFZhJ642zH6ilHJnrT6-rKzY1rrYQpIieEqueVfbOM6U77rQkBvgaSiyTHx5pL7TMmDUiWdhjQG7RP5dlKXiJB0/s320/Disney+Wall+Murals+for+Kids+Bedrooms-Pink-Cinderella.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Girl Disney Wall Murals</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Hopefully</span> <span class="hps">this</span> <span class="hps">article</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">the picture</span> <span class="hps">can</span> <span class="hps">inspire</span> <span class="hps">you</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Arrowy, <a href="http://www.bedroomdesigndecor.com/archives/category/art-wall" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bedroom Design Decor</a></div>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-43111062817347588142012-04-10T13:26:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:22.923-07:0020 Reasons Why Books Are Awesome for Your Brain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yQq9C4K5Js/T4STwLgmrYI/AAAAAAAABDk/eqKo75B8rss/s1600/GirlReading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yQq9C4K5Js/T4STwLgmrYI/AAAAAAAABDk/eqKo75B8rss/s320/GirlReading.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Those of us who love books know instinctively that they are awesome. However, here's <a href="http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2012/04/09/your-brain-on-books-20-proven-benefits-of-being-an-avid-reader/">an article that explains specifically why books are awesome for your brain</a>.<br /><br />To quote the article:<br /><br /><i>Romantic types like to portray books as flights of fancy offering up imaginative escapes from everyday drudgeries of work, <a href="http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/" target="_blank">school</a>, and the like. But literature, no matter the medium, holds some pretty amazing, scientifically analyzed perks right here on <em>terra firma</em>. Passionate readers generally enjoy more finely-tuned brains than those who prefer more passive (though not lesser) activities, so anyone hoping to improve their minds both psychologically and cognitively might want to think about taking up the habit of regular reading</i>.<br /><br />This is why the girl in the photo is so happy. Because her brain is becoming so awesome from reading that book.<br /><br />So ... if a person with a brain disorder reads enough books, could they be cured? #dystonia<br /><br />That's an interesting thought.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vp-lIS751nA/T4SUtORQk1I/AAAAAAAABDs/GkORUNELFsU/s1600/stephen-hawking-couldnt-read-til-he-was-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vp-lIS751nA/T4SUtORQk1I/AAAAAAAABDs/GkORUNELFsU/s1600/stephen-hawking-couldnt-read-til-he-was-8.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.newser.com/story/103658/stephen-hawking-couldnt-read-til-he-was-8.html">I'm not quite sure what to make of this</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gJyJU61Vkg/T4SW4AYlLrI/AAAAAAAABD0/MRZ6VGhsx78/s1600/Doctor_Who_Tom_Baker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gJyJU61Vkg/T4SW4AYlLrI/AAAAAAAABD0/MRZ6VGhsx78/s200/Doctor_Who_Tom_Baker.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-76505383671994550182012-04-07T11:50:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:23.022-07:00Suspense and Thrills Abound in 'A Vine in the Blood'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrjrdT7IyYY/T4CDvb-bS_I/AAAAAAAABDc/JyZLEdUk9og/s1600/A+Vine+in+the+Blood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrjrdT7IyYY/T4CDvb-bS_I/AAAAAAAABDc/JyZLEdUk9og/s1600/A+Vine+in+the+Blood.jpg" /></a></div><br />REVIEW: <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781616950040">A VINE IN THE BLOOD</a> (Soho Crime 2011)<br />AUTHOR: <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/leightongage">Leighton Gage</a> <br /><br />Mere weeks before the big showdown for the World Cup FIFA futbol (aka soccer, as we gringos call it ;)) championship, Brazil's most awesome player Tico "The Artist" Santos is put through a traumatic ordeal when his dear mother, Juraci Santos is kidnapped. Not only do the kidnappers take Juraci, but they murder her maids in cold blood and her sweet little doggie, and they try unsuccessfully to make it look like a break-in gone bad.<br /><br />Now ... Brazilian pride and sportsmanship are on the line, and Brazil will be playing its arch rival Argentina in the World Cup. Thus, given the political ramifications of same, when Chief Inspector Mario Silva and his associate Arnaldo Nunez are called in to investigate the crime, they're under a lot of pressure to nail the perp. And they have many suspects upon which to focus their suspicions. <br /><br />Leighton Gage's ability to introduce a wide variety of suspects into the story and weave different plotlines around one premise is truly a testament to his storytelling skills. His descriptions of Brazil also set the novel apart from others in the thriller/suspense genre, by giving the story the distinct flavor of that country's culture.<br /><br />Gage also writes very strong and capable female characters, who aren't stereotypes. Highly refreshing to this reader's eyes. :)<br /><br />Which is not to say that Silva and his crew lack a sense of humor. Anything but. Nunez is hilarious. So is "Baby Face" Goncalvez (don't ask -- just read the book :)). Silva has a dry wit and the amazing ability to keep his head when <strike>everything seems to turning to sh*t</strike> the chips are down.<br /><br />So, when the case gets wrapped up and the big awesome exciting ending happens, can Silva handle it? That's the question.<br /><br />But we already know the answer. Or do we?<br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/leightongage">Leighton Gage</a> has written another highly suspenseful winner. <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781616950040">A VINE IN THE BLOOD</a> will keep readers guessing until the very end. Justice is served, one way or the other.manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-66573821044569827402012-04-03T13:31:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:23.116-07:00Keep Your Eye on this Blog (Updated Twice)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H4tImzURxpU/T3taaMJn_YI/AAAAAAAABCs/gchA7d1f9Mw/s1600/Fear+and+Loathing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H4tImzURxpU/T3taaMJn_YI/AAAAAAAABCs/gchA7d1f9Mw/s320/Fear+and+Loathing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />In light of things I've written <a href="http://debbimack.com/current.html">here</a> and <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/bathrooms-are-magic-idea-chambers/">here</a>, plus the <a href="http://mackthewriter.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/its-all-good/">ultimate conclusion I've reached about it all</a>, I'm game to try virtually anything. No pun intended. Ha ha ha ...<br /><br />So, keep an eye on this blog and my others for possible interesting developments in the future.<br /><br />And, just so you know, I am currently working on publishing and selling my work through <a href="http://techcocktail.com/google-launches-ebookstore-2010-12#.T3tVkdV6fh1">the Google bookstore</a>, as fast as my <strike>gimpy</strike> fingers will allow.<br /><br />Am I <a href="http://youtu.be/STeVTzWelns">a mad genius</a> or what?<br /><br />UPDATE: I just found out <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/hybrid?filter0=riptide+debbi+mack&x=35&y=12">my print editions are already on IndieBound</a>. Isn't that awesome? :D<br /><br />UPDATE 2: <a href="http://booksearch.blogspot.com/2012/04/change-to-our-retailer-partner-program.html">Quitters!</a> <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/STeVTzWelns" width="420"></iframe>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-14815289429065063042012-03-31T15:05:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:23.212-07:00Awesome Announcement!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsX1rV0cecI/T3d-vDxQp0I/AAAAAAAABCU/6HfIO8LDrKg/s1600/SmashwordsLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsX1rV0cecI/T3d-vDxQp0I/AAAAAAAABCU/6HfIO8LDrKg/s1600/SmashwordsLogo.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Real quick, because my fingers are really <strike>gimpy</strike> tired, I just wanted to write about <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/hurray-for-smashwords/">the awesome announcement</a> I made on one of my blogs today. I've volunteered to be a spokesperson for Smashwords, the online retailer that's able to serve <i>all</i> readers no matter what devices they use to read ebooks. Awesome! :D<br /><br /><br />Now ... rest assured, I still support indie bookstores made of brick and mortar. And I've been remiss in one department. #shameful<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4cWc28yyIg/T3d-7xJLoNI/AAAAAAAABCc/I64ToM1LZyw/s1600/Google-eBooks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R4cWc28yyIg/T3d-7xJLoNI/AAAAAAAABCc/I64ToM1LZyw/s320/Google-eBooks.png" width="320" /></a></div>However, I will be making my ebooks available in the <a href="http://techcocktail.com/google-launches-ebookstore-2010-12#.T3d57tV6fh0">Google ebookstore</a>, as soon as possible. Promise! :D<br /><br /><br />And here's <a href="http://youtu.be/ZKEaypYJbb4">a video</a> about the highly-threatening Google ebookstore. Ha ha ha ...<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZKEaypYJbb4" width="560"></iframe>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-35460850025920392602012-03-27T15:24:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:23.310-07:00'Astro City' by Richard Peabody<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcZB-p4bOjg/T3I8nn3NzBI/AAAAAAAABAk/rCI-HP-p8WA/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wcZB-p4bOjg/T3I8nn3NzBI/AAAAAAAABAk/rCI-HP-p8WA/s320/writing.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't a real writer</td></tr></tbody></table>One of the things I enjoy doing on this blog is featuring the occasional work of short fiction that appears on the Interwebs. As it happens, I heard tell of such a story being available for reading.<br /><br />This story is called <a href="http://reduxlitjournal.blogspot.com/2012/03/26-astro-city-by-richard-peabody.html?spref=fb">"Astro City"</a> (click on the link to read it) and the author is a DC-area fiction writer named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Peabody">Richard Peabody</a>, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/04/AR2011020405355.html">who doesn't get nearly enough recognition, frankly</a>. But that's just my opinion.<br /><br /><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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jdvcFFsAfCI/T3I88Jav-iI/AAAAAAAABAs/-loxmRt8Eaw/s1600/writer_image4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jdvcFFsAfCI/T3I88Jav-iI/AAAAAAAABAs/-loxmRt8Eaw/s1600/writer_image4.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poser!</td></tr></tbody></table>I've considered suggesting that Peabody <a href="http://midlistlife.wordpress.com/">publish his work as ebooks</a>, because I think he'd at least do better financially. But that's also just my opinion.<br /><br />As you can see, the story is published online in <a href="http://reduxlitjournal.blogspot.com/">Redux: A Literary Journal</a>. The editor is novelist <a href="http://www.lesliepietrzyk.blogspot.com/">Leslie Pietrzyk</a>, who has a <a href="http://www.workinprogressinprogress.blogspot.com/">really awesome blog of her own</a>. :)<br /><br /><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GWCkM6l4ZE/T3I9LohTYyI/AAAAAAAABA0/AAqxlLIWJz8/s1600/writer_image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GWCkM6l4ZE/T3I9LohTYyI/AAAAAAAABA0/AAqxlLIWJz8/s1600/writer_image3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is real</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-40683480036297072762012-03-24T11:33:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:09:23.406-07:00Promoting Literacy with Little Libraries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uql_eAZNFEI/T24Rx2WnIKI/AAAAAAAABAM/2LAXGV5Y4Aw/s1600/LittleLibrary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uql_eAZNFEI/T24Rx2WnIKI/AAAAAAAABAM/2LAXGV5Y4Aw/s320/LittleLibrary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <a href="http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/">"Welcome! This Little Library Needs a Home"</a><br /><br />Please click on that link, because it describes a voluntary book exchange program. The program is supported by volunteers and donations. Cash donations can be made online through Paypal, if you choose.<br /><br />And the program has been in the news. Apparently. Including coverage on NBC Nightly News.<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, March 10 <a href="http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/10/10634425-using-books-to-build-community">Click and watch.</a></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">"All Things Considered" on National</span></span></b><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Public Radio <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/03/07/148170088/little-free-libraries-hope-to-spark-lending-revolution">Listen in!</a></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>In </b></span></span><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>USA Today!</b></span></span></i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-02-21/little-libraries-lawn-boxes-books/53260328/1">See the story and photos.</a><br />TV News: Building Libraries Behind Bars <a href="http://www.news8000.com/news/Building-libraries-behind-bars/-/326/8574352/-/11tw0ffz/-/index.html">Watch it</a></span></span><a href="http://www.news8000.com/news/Building-libraries-behind-bars/-/326/8574352/-/11tw0ffz/-/index.html"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></b></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Front Page, </span></span><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Milwaukee Journal </span></span></i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.jsonline.com/multimedia/photos/137836493.html">See it.</a><br />Little Libraries in Africa! <a href="http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/">Click here.</a> </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And this is a program to establish exchanging print books for absolutely nothing to people who need them, for the sake of literacy. I wonder if <a href="http://writing4hire.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-feel-no-joy-in-posting-this.html">the big online retailer/publisher who cares so much about literacy</a> will be willing to make a huge donation to this program soon. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puU1cO3OEZM/T24SnEVmttI/AAAAAAAABAU/OsfGqyS_HiI/s1600/Doctor_Who_Tom_Baker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puU1cO3OEZM/T24SnEVmttI/AAAAAAAABAU/OsfGqyS_HiI/s320/Doctor_Who_Tom_Baker.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">PS: I would like to thank Star Lawrence, who owns two blogs— <a href="http://healthsass.blogspot.com/">http://HEALTHSass.blogspot.com</a> and a recession site called <a href="http://hopeycopey.blogspot.com/">http://HopeyCopey.blogspot.com</a>—and posts the occasional guest review on this here blog (to pick up the slack for a very <strike>gimpy</strike> <strike>lazy</strike> busy blogger), for alerting me to this awesome literacy program. :D<br /><br />PPS: Look who <a href="http://daletphillips.blogspot.com/2012/03/library-talk.html">made an appearance at the Dunstable, MA public library this very day</a>! Mystery author <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/DalePhillips2">Dale Phillips</a>. Most awesome! :D<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIwd-PevZJo/T253bFbkJcI/AAAAAAAABAc/uGjqZqjgx1c/s1600/DalePhilllips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIwd-PevZJo/T253bFbkJcI/AAAAAAAABAc/uGjqZqjgx1c/s1600/DalePhilllips.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3333ff;"><a href="http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/" title=""></a></span></span>manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1986678698367675155.post-22961943492197619752012-03-22T16:47:00.000-07:002012-06-01T09:15:06.118-07:00The Psychedelic Bird Nest, Singleton Hippie Art Original The Psychedelic Bird Nest(c) Singleton Rafia Ribbon and spent matchsticks,Remnants from an old tye dyed bedspread....Tiny little fragmented moments gathered from the the leftovers of everyday livingand woven againinto a harbor....of comfort.....a place of Peace....A nest of memories,of make~overs,and make~believes....A resting place....A beginning place...."Singleton, Artwork and words.Original manga englishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584903423237655931noreply@blogger.com0