Thursday, December 2, 2010

101 Ways to Power-Up Your Writing

By Ugur Akinci Ph.D. a copy-and technical writer with 20 years of experience, the last 13 with Fortune 500 corporations.

As a web content consultant he has published over 600 articles on the internet and has written dozens of corporate blogs and newsletters.

101 Ways to Power-Up Your Writing is a book for anyone that writes or is thinking about writing.

In 101 Ways to Power-Up Your Writing the reader will learn techniques to improve their writing with newfound clarity, substance, and power.

Ugur not only talks the talk, but walks the walk in daily life. He explains lessons learned over time by writing for companies and more. He is an authority on the written word and how to improve your writing. This reviewer finds that 101 Ways to Power-Up Your Writing is a book to be kept close at hand as a ready reference to be read more than once.

If you are a new writer, practicing writer or accomplished writer, you will find 101 Ways to Power-Up Your Writing has techniques that will help writers of all levels.

All writers should work toward improving their writing skills. 101 Ways to Power-Up Your Writing is a tool to help all writers improve their writing as they write more; whether it be copy, blogs, fiction or nonfiction.

Do yourself a favor and get your hands on a copy of 101 Ways to Power-Up Your Writing at the following link.

This reviewer highly recommends 101 Ways to Power-Up Your Writing with a five out of five star rating.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Outline or By-the-Seat of Your Pants Writer?

By Elysabeth Eldering

National Novel Writing Month, or better known as NaNo, occurs in November. This is a time when everyone and anyone puts forth the effort to write a novel, or at least the beginnings of a full fledged novel. The goal of NaNo is to write 50,000 words in 30 days (about 1667 words a day). But 50,000 words isn't really a full novel. If you accomplish this goal, you may have about a novel that is 2/3 completed. You could actually write a complete novella in the 30 days but not a full-fledged novel.

I have participated in NaNo for several years now, mostly as a cheerleader and the "official word keeper" for our region but I did write a novella or young adult novel one year, although I didn't really start writing it until late in the month and it took me a couple of weeks into December to complete it. I hope to edit that story within the next few months, once my series is more stabilized and the state stories are just being plucked up by my illustrator for layout and all, and publish it.

So how does one go about finding ideas to write at the frenzied pace of 1667 words a day? Ideas are everywhere and as long as you have the burning desire to meet the challenge, you can accomplish this task with very few problems.

Some folks start planning several months ahead by outlining and developing characters and scenarios that they would like to see occur in their novel; some folks wait until the last minute to come up with the topic for their novel. Those who outline and plot and plan ahead of time seem to be more invested in their writing than those of us who write by-the-seat-of-our-pants. On the other hand, some very good writing has come from the "pantsers." So how do you know which is the way to go? Experiment.

I don't outline so much as I have a system for my stories. Since I do mostly short stories and there is no real plot in them, outlining wouldn't work for me. If I were to ever jump into doing a 75,000 word or more novel, I might try outlining some basic plot points. Or if the idea had been brewing for a while, I would probably do some generalized outlining. Until then, I will remain a "pantser" and am accepting of that.

If you have a couple of hours a day to spend writing, I challenge you to participate in NaNo. You can sign up at the NaNo website and take the challenge. See if you are an outliner or a pantser.

State of Wilderness, State of Quarries, State of Reservations, State of Successes (first four and in that order) are published already; State of Heights will be released within the next couple of weeks. E :)

--
Elysabeth Eldering
Author of the Junior Geography Detective Squad (JGDS), 50-state, mystery, trivia series


by Elysabeth Eldering

STATE OF WILDERNESS, Book 1 of 50 now available.
STATE OF QUARRIES, book 2 of 50 now available
STATE OF RESERVATIONS, book 3 of 50 now available
STATE OF SUCCESSES, book 4 of 50 now available
STATE OF HEIGHTS, coming October 2010
STATE OF NATURE, coming January 2011
STATE OF ACCELERATION, coming February 2011
STATE OF IMAGINATION, coming May 2011

WHERE WILL THE ADVENTURE TAKE YOU NEXT?

TRAIN OF CLUES, available August 2010

http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com
http://jgdsseries.weebly.com/
http://elysabethsstories.blogspot.com/

Member SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), Carolinas region
Member Sisters in Crime, Greenville Chapter



The Great First Impression Book Proposal:

Everything You Need to Know to Impress a Publisher in Twenty Minutes or Less
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson

The Great First Impression Book Proposal is a book that all authors need to get past the gate keepers as Carolyn refers to them in her books. This book is by no means a step by step plan, but it does give you the basics for publishing your book.

The publishing industry has changed. In today’s environment, more is placed on the author to make a good impression on agents, editor, and publishers if they want to get their manuscript published.

The first impression is all you have to get the attention of those that hold the publishing purse strings. If you do not create something of value for their time and effort in your first impression your chances of becoming a published diminish greatly.

Carolyn’s The Great First Impression Book Proposal while not guaranteeing publishing does offer things that will aid you in the possibility of becoming published.

The Great First Impression Book Proposal is another in a series of pamphlets about various aspects of writing, editing, and publishing.

This is a book that anyone considering writing for publication should read all of Carolyn’s pamphlets about writing. Some may feel that they know the information in Carolyn’s pamphlets, they are still a good source of information and review of what authors need to know about getting past the gate keepers.

This reviewer awards four out of five stars for The Great Impression Book proposal by Carolyn Howard-Johnson.

This reviewer read a complementary copy sent to me by Carolyn at my request. This reviewer offers only unbiased reviews based on the quality of the book.

Defy Gravity: Propel Your Business to High Velocity Growth

By Rebel Brown

Rebel is a good name for the author of this book because it is about being a rebel if your thinking about business and the status quo (doing things in the same old way either because it is comfortable, or your reports are not doing what they should).

The concept of Defy Gravity and the accompanying work book help to create a plan that help businesses to look at their position in a different light, thereby creating a plan to move forward instead of staying where it is (status quo) and move it into a soaring position.

Rebel advices businesses, mangers, and executives on taking their business out of the gravity pit hold them down to crash and burn or soar to new heights. The book and associated workbook are what you need. Rebel has been advising for years. She has helped numerous individuals and businesses succeed in breaking free from gravity and soar in a new found freedom of expanded growth. To move forward by looking at where they are in a fresh way that truly assists them in new thinking in the way they look at there business.

As an executive, manager or business owner are you happy with your results? Can they be better? Defy Gravity and the associated workbook might be the answer to creating a new product stream or to enhance your results reports to reflect a more valuable picture of your business so more informed decisions can be made to guide the business into flying as Rebel Brown puts it.

This reviewer awards four out of five stars to Defy Gravity by Rebel Brown.

This reviewer received a complementary copy of Defy Gravity and the associated workbook for review. This in no way influenced my review for this book. All reviews by this reviewer are unbiased and are based solely on the quality of the book alone.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Froward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success

by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

The Frugal Editor is a book that belongs on the desk of anyone that is either an author, or an aspiring author. This book contains a wealth of information about what it takes to have your manuscript pass the mark toward publication.

This book gives writers needed information on how to create queries, cover letters, book proposals, and manuscripts that are not sloppy which will get you into the round file. Reading this book will assist you in why you need an editor or at least two other sets of eyes for you writing.

If you use Word, the de facto standard, there is information about using the Tracking feature and more to help you with your writing and editing with easy and practical steps in this book.

The Frugal Editor applies to all types of writing. Even those that write business letters, e-mails and more can gain a unique insight into making them better. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone putting words on paper or a computer screen.

The book is conversational in tone as if talking to a fiend that is imparting their secrets and tips to make your writing more professional and your manuscript pass muster with agents or in-house editors. No one wants to submit something that is not their best, which is why writers need a copy of The Frugal Editor.
Do yourself a favor, and find a copy of this book for your reference; you will appreciate it.

This reviewer gives a five star rating to The Frugal Editor.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Designing for the King

by Deana Murphy

Designing for the King is not your normal interior design book, and we are not talking about feng shui, what the book talks about is designing on a spiritual level for the way the person lives and what they do in the design area.

This book, filled with scripture, which enhances the concept of the design set forth by the author, is a unique approach to interior design that anyone can try.

The book comes from an approach that is central to the person’s space, and not a design the designer likes, but designed for the way the client lives, with a spiritual component that is refreshing and worth considering when doing any design.

Designing is not about the material goodies, but more about creating a tranquil space for the rest and comfort of the people. As the author sates, “It is through love that the agreement, respect, patience, loyalty, and integrity will seamlessly flow. So we can say a family on one accord births the awakening of designing with purpose. But this cannot be accomplished without the underpinning of Scripture.”

A home should be a place of peace and emotional sanctuary that breeds closeness of the family. The quotes and scriptures bring this concept home in Designing for the King.

This reviewer gives Designing for the King a four star rating and a must read if the reader is considering changing their living space.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

While this small book talks about Tweeting for retails, by anyone wanting to learn more about Twitter can use the tools that are available to make Twitter work better for your specific needs, not just retailers.

Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers is more than just about Twitter, it is about an approach to social media that businesses, entrepreneurs, or anyone interested in Internet marketing should read. Whether you are new or experienced in social media, there are still things to learn about Twitter found in Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers.

Retailers can learn new ways of promotion for their shops in Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers. A retailer can have their employees use twitter for branding the business, and so can entrepreneurs with some simple techniques found in this book. I know I have, and I plan to implement some of them as time allows.
The one thing not mentioned in this book is that if you are not careful, Twitter can become addictive to the point of becoming a detriment to your day. For retailers and entrepreneurs it can be a way to remain in contact with your customers, and to let more people know about you and your business.

You must also be aware of Twitter etiquette; you do not want to seem spamy on social media, Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers to the rescue. Before you get too involved in Twitter, reading this book will give you some understanding of Twitter etiquette, which can translate to other social media sites.
I found this book easy to read, small at 129 pages, but full of pertinent information for anyone wish to enhance their Twitter presence.
I give this book four stars.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews posted on this site and written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Monday, May 3, 2010

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions

by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions lists a series of frugal ways of promoting your business, in good economic times as well as bad; and not break the bank in the process. Anyone in the retail business should read this 120-page book. There is a good deal of information in a small book that is of use to retailers, and their business no matter the present circumstances.

Many of the ideas are common sense, but also things that retailers may not have thought of. There are many inexpensive concepts that are easy to implement in your store, whether it is large or small. The size does not matter, the ideas in this book are what can help retailers grow their customer base with a few simple adjustments to present stock and how to deal with it. Simple promotion ideas that may cost only a few dollars, to free can increase your business over time. Fortunately, the few ideas listed in this book may trigger some things retailers can come up with on their own.

Do you need more business in your store? A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions can help you with simple ideas form how to move and arrange your stock and more. There are also some simple and effective ways to garner publicity in your local newspaper and have customers send you business with ideas that may cost you nothing expect some time and training of your employees.

A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions is an easy to read book that can help all retailers do more promotion for your business without spending a lot of money.

I recommend this book for any retailer and award it a four star rating.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews posted on this site and written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Friday, April 2, 2010

Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers: The Ultimate Frugal Booklet for Avoiding Word Trippers and Crafting Gatekeeper-Perfect Copy

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson

This pamphlet is only around fifty pages, but filled with an assemblage of word trippers written in a conversational style that will help writers from aspiring to seasoned with their copy.

The best way to appear amateurish as writers is to make simple word usage errors. There are homophone words that writers should know the difference, and which one of them to use in their copy. Some of the most common errors found in editing by author, and editor, Carolyn Howard-Johnson lists in “Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers.”

This reviewer found this pamphlet to be inspirational and a brush up for any writer. Any time a writer submits copy not up to professional standards there is a gatekeeper who will bounce it. Reading this pamphlet can save writers the embarrassment of receiving a rejection slip for poor writing.

“Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers” is a postscript to Carolyn’s book, “The Frugal Editor.” No writer is a consummate writer in every sentence and word choice. Writers can only strive for perfection, but not consumed by it.

This reviewer found this small pamphlet chock full of useful information for all writers. “Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers” receives a five star rating by this reviewer.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (There is however, a small fee for some reviews, and sometimes this reviewer receives complementary copies from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

If you choose one book to aid in marketing your business or product, “Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green” needs to be the book.

Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green
By Jay Conrad Levinson and Shel Horowitz

“Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green” is not your average marketing book. When reading “Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green” you will find stressed are ethical behavior, and reducing your businesses carbon footprint. This is actual steps your business is taking; not just saying your business is green to jump on the environmental bandwagon. This is where the ethical part comes in, ethical in dealing with your customers; also with your marketing materials if you state you rare green or whatever you are touting. You must walk the walk.

“Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green” is also about marketing emphasizing ethical, frugal, and effective methods. There is also a resource section, which lists URLs for even more resources.

This reviewer enjoyed reading a section titled “A Social Movement Around Business Ethics” which contains a “Business Ethics Pledge” and an URL to the Web page to sign the pledge. This reviewer as a businessperson signed it and plans on living by it, and hopes that every business would be willing to do the same. Living ethically is good for personal peace.

“Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green” also addresses subjects like social media, traditional media, turning customers, suppliers, and even competitors into an unofficial sales force, how to have acquaintances become joint-venture partners, and more.

“Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green” is a book that needs to be handy for referencing as you work on your marketing plan and marketing materials. It will be a reference manual for this reviewer within arm’s reach.

If you choose one marketing book to aid in marketing your business or product, “Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green” needs to be the book. You will not be disappointed, and will learn a good deal about ethical, frugal marketing.

This reviewer awards a five star rating to “Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green.”

This reviewer received a complimentary copy of, “Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green” from Wiley upon request. There was no remuneration, and the review is this reviewer’s honest opinion of “Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green.” No reviews are ever biased. Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255

Monday, February 1, 2010

Stir, Laugh, Repeat: Finding Joy While Playing in the Kitchen

By Martha A. Cheves

This is not your ordinary cookbook. This cookbook, written for those that are not familiar with working in a kitchen; or did not have the luxury of being in the kitchen with their mother; grandmother, or even their father and learned the joy of cooking from them while spending time in the kitchen.

The recipes are simple comfort food and some that you may not have heard of. The point is to try them and learn to become comfortable in the kitchen and possibly pass on the joy of cooking to your children. There is no better way to spend time and have fun with your children then to work together in the kitchen as many children did years ago.

The anecdotes along with the recipes are fun to read on their own. What a treat to read while following the easy to prepare dishes in one pot. The recipes are easy to follow and create something special for one or a family.

This reviewer, thought back to the times he spent in the kitchen helping his mother by cutting up things, getting them ready for the pot. It does make for a special bond between child and parent.

For those that are single and avoid the kitchen due to lack of confidence around a stove, think of the sense of accomplishment when you create something yourself in the kitchen. We can’t live by take-out or the microwave all the time. We should strive to eat healthy most of the time.

This reviewer enjoyed Stir, Laugh, Repeat and awards it a five star rating.

Endorsement Disclaimer: All reviews posted written by this reviewer are personal opinions of the book by this reviewer. The reviews are NOT paid endorsements of the book or the author. They are not advertisements. All reviews are honest, forthright and the opinion of this individual reviewer. This reviewer’s opinions are not for sale. (This reviewer received a complimentary copy from the author.) Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255 (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf )

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Theological Terms in Layman Language

Author: Martin Murphy

This book takes theological terms that are used and explains them in simple to understand everyday language. While reading, this reviewer exposed to an understanding of things heard without having to read passages in some confusing lexicon, concordance, or encyclopedia, of which there are many, found the definitions covered most denominations including Catholic.

With experience as a teacher and pastor for 20 years, Mr. Murphy has the knowledge and experience to explain the terms in this book. This reviewer found the reading easy and the theological terms fully explained so that anyone should be able to learn more about theology and its terms without having to spend years in the seminary or bible studies.

Mr. Murphy makes it clear with concise language what terms such as “Achilles Heel of Christianity” to “Works of Satisfaction” mean so that we all can learn and become closer to the lord.

This book is for anyone wishing to learn more about terms used in various religious denominates. In an easy to read format that does not require many other books, and hours spent searching through numerous texts hoping that you can come to some understanding of the terms we’ve been exposed to in our churches and bible study classes, or Sunday school; you will be able to find out what they mean here.
This is a wonderfully written book that explains terms is an alphabetical easy to read style, that taught me some new terms, that I found in one volume, not numerous books spread out all over tables or a desk. This reviewer could hold one book in his hands and learn in the comfort of an easy chair.

This reviewer recommends this book for anyone concerned with learning theological terms, and is awarded a four star rating.

NOTE: This is a compensated review by a professional reviewer.

This book is available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Powell’s Books