By Beth Barany
This is a tale with a strong heroine by the name Henrietta. It is also a tale of the magic of dragons and witches.
Henrietta, along with her traveling companions, Franc the knight, Jaxter the court jester, and Paulette the apprentice witch, Take on an arduous journey to Plumaria. Franc is on a mission from the king to find Henrietta the Dragon Slayer and bring her back to Plumaria.
The foursome encounters many hardships along the way, least of which is Henrietta’s fear of water. She must steel herself for a long sea voyage from the mainland to Plumaria to find the reason for her summons to the island, and what the king wishes of her since Franc is not forthcoming with much information.
Henrietta is on a mission of her own, to restore the health of her ailing mentor Master Chen, although she left after a heated exchange with him to join the King’s Army. Master Chen is much like a farther to her as well as her mentor in the fighting arts with the use of swords.
Will she be in time to same Master Chen if she travels to Plumaria to do the King’s bidding?
Beth, best known for strong heroines in her stories, this story is no exception. It is a tale of righteousness and overcoming adversity including magic. Who or what are the guardians she encounters along the way, and why do they hide in shadows as they speak to her. She is reluctant to listen to them as she in not ready to be a believer yet.
If you enjoy stories of mysticism, magic, and dragons this is a story for you. If you enjoy a good tale this story is for you, and if you enjoy a good read Henrietta the Dragon Slayer is the book for you.
This reviewer enjoyed reading the book and look forward to reading more of Beth’s writing.
This book receives a four and a half out of five stars along with a must read recommendation from this reviewer.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
LinkedIn For The Clueless
By Victoria Ipri
Do not let the title LinkedIn For The Clueless dissuade you from reading LinkedIn For The Clueless if you wish to learn more about how to use LinkedIn as a marketing tool for your business.
In case, you haven’t heard of LinkedIn, a site for professionals, or are an experienced user there is a good deal of information for the user of LinkedIn in LinkedIn For The Clueless.
Today’s business and professionals must realize that “social networking” is akin to advertising and posting your CV/Résumé via your profile page. The point made in LinkedIn For The Clueless is to make it less a CV/Résumé and make it more personal. There are real people on LinkedIn and they would like to know other people, not just any profile.
Victoria wrote with tongue-in-cheek LinkedIn For The Clueless as the title, but LinkedIn For The Clueless is anything but. After reading LinkedIn For The Clueless, cover to cover. As a reviewer and a member of the LinkedIn community for some time, I found information, which I will incorporate into my presence in the LinkedIn community.
This reviewer awards LinkedIn For The Clueless a five star must read rating. This reviewer will recommend LinkedIn For The Clueless to any contacts that are looking for a source of information about social networking and the LinkedIn community.
Do not let the title LinkedIn For The Clueless dissuade you from reading LinkedIn For The Clueless if you wish to learn more about how to use LinkedIn as a marketing tool for your business.
In case, you haven’t heard of LinkedIn, a site for professionals, or are an experienced user there is a good deal of information for the user of LinkedIn in LinkedIn For The Clueless.
Today’s business and professionals must realize that “social networking” is akin to advertising and posting your CV/Résumé via your profile page. The point made in LinkedIn For The Clueless is to make it less a CV/Résumé and make it more personal. There are real people on LinkedIn and they would like to know other people, not just any profile.
Victoria wrote with tongue-in-cheek LinkedIn For The Clueless as the title, but LinkedIn For The Clueless is anything but. After reading LinkedIn For The Clueless, cover to cover. As a reviewer and a member of the LinkedIn community for some time, I found information, which I will incorporate into my presence in the LinkedIn community.
This reviewer awards LinkedIn For The Clueless a five star must read rating. This reviewer will recommend LinkedIn For The Clueless to any contacts that are looking for a source of information about social networking and the LinkedIn community.
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
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)
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