It's a new week. Lots to do. Lots to accomplish. Let's be productive and use every opportunity to serve as well.
Btw.... Well done, Argo. You did it again at last night's awards!
Have a fabulous week y'all!
Ciao
F.Anna is a writer who also wears many other hats (educator, academic researcher, novelist, and poet). Read her official blog, snippets from her books and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Happy New Day & Week
It's a new week. Lots to do. Lots to accomplish. Let's be productive and use every opportunity to serve as well.
Btw.... Well done, Argo. You did it again at last night's awards!
Have a fabulous week y'all!
Ciao
THE 10 DOS AND DON’TS OF WRITING A QUERY LETTER
January 25, 2013
http://www.writersdigest.com/author/brian-a-klems
Learning how to write a must-read query letter is nearly as important as writing a must-read manuscript—after all, an enticing query letter is what will get an agent to say, “Love your story. Send me the full manuscript.”
While query letters vary a little depending on who the agent is (and their guidelines) and what type of book you’re writing (novel, nonfiction, poetry, etc.), there are many elements that remain the same. That’s why I’ve developed this list of dos and don’ts to help you navigate what’s really important to include in your pitch and, also, what should be avoided at all costs. By sticking to these 10 specific dos and don’ts of writing a query letter, you’ll give yourself the best opportunity to find success and land an agent. Good luck!
When Writing a Query Letter Do …
Address the agent by name. When sending query letters to an agent, you always want to use his or her name. Generic letters addressed to “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Literary Agent” are much less likely to connect with someone at an agency. By using an agent’s name, you not only personalize your message but also show you’ve done a little research—and agents take writers who do research a little more seriously than writers who do not. Just make sure you spell the agent’s name correctly.
Cut right to the chase. Don’t waste the opening paragraph of your query letter introducing yourself. Save that for later. Much like a book, you want to hook that agent with your first sentence. The best way to do that is to introduce the hook of your manuscript right away.
Sell your manuscript. The summary of your book will ultimately make or break your chances of landing the agent. Write this section the same way you would write the copy that would appear on the back of the book jacket—one or two paragraphs that sell the heart and soul of your book. Remember, this is the most important part of your query. Spend the most time on it. (Looking for a professional editor to tell you if your summary is strong enough? I recommend a 2nd Draft Query Critique.)
Explain why you’ve chosen to query this specific agent. When salespeople go out to make a sale, they attempt to learn everything they can about a client before making their pitch. The more you know, the more likely you are to target the right person and find success. When pitching to an agent, it’s important you know a little bit about that agent—namely, what other books they represent. In your query, be sure to mention one or two of these books and briefly explain why you think your book is a good fit in that group. (NOTE: If your book isn’t similar in genre or scope to others the agent represents, you’re likely pitching to the wrong agent.)
Mention your platform (if you have one). Have a blog that gets 20,000 pageviews a month? Mention it. Speak at writing conferences 10 or more times a year? Mention it. Have a Twitter following of more than 30,000 followers? Mention it. Basically, having a platform can only enhance your opportunity to reach an audience of readers—which enhances your opportunity to sell books. If an agent knows you have the resources to reach an audience on your own, it makes you a more attractive client. And if you don’t have a platform, don’t worry (and don’t mention it). But consider starting to build a platform now. (Here is a great resource on everything you need to build your writer platform.)
Study other successful query letters. Thousands of others have found success when querying agents. No need to reinvent the felt-tipped pen. Spend time studying actual query letter examples that other writers—many of whom had no previous writing credits or platform—have used to land their literary agents. Here are several query letter examples that may help.
When Writing a Query Letter Don’t …
Be arrogant. Never say anything in your query like “my manuscript is a bestseller in the making” or “you’d be lucky to represent my book.” (You laugh, but some people do this.) Save all bragging until the end, and even then it should be focused on meaningful writing credits and authoritative credentials (the final “don’t” on the list covers this).
Include your age. There is no real upside to this. In fact, it often can create unintentional bias and make it more difficult for you to sell your book.
Tell agents that you value their time. I learned this from my agent, Tina Wexler. Many writers waste a sentence or two in their query explaining that they know how busy the agent is and that they value their time. There’s no need for this, as agents are well aware of how busy they are. More important, though, is that this is wasted space in your query that could be used to give more information about (and sell the idea of) your manuscript.
Include writing credits that aren’t meaningful. Unless you’ve had books published through a publishing house before or have had work appear in something prestigious, like The New Yorker, it’s best to not say anything. Just stick to selling your story and your concept. Now, if you have other non-writing credentials that are valuable—such as you’re writing a nonfiction book on financial planning and you’ve spent 15 years working as a financial planner at a major financial firm—you want to mention that. Anything that makes you an authority on your topic is worth noting.
http://www.writersdigest.com/author/brian-a-klems
AN AWESOME MIXED BAG OF GOODIES...
Hi there!
How's your week going?
I would
like to give a big shout out to you all who make time to visit my website. I
know you all stop by for different reasons :). Regardless, I hope there are always interesting things to engage your
attention, challenge your thoughts and you learn from. There is always something
new to learn. Learning is lifelong. When you stop learning, you stop growing.
And you know the implications, or should I say, the opposite of that.
That I
contribute to your language learning, skills acquisition or enjoyment is a
privilege. No one should hoard knowledge or information and no one is a sole
custodian thereof. As an academic, I find interacting with you truly humbling.
May I
just say something?
This
website rocks! :)
I'm still
basking in the euphoria of it all. So diversely awesome!
Talking
about diverse....
I was
pleasantly surprised by the gift of assorted clothing this weekend! Perfect
choices, colors, fabrics and fit! It was a bag filled with an assortment of
beautiful things! I am very grateful!.
Recently,
we've been ordering and catching up on some seasons of some TV shows.
Effectively
combining my writing, research work and other things needing my attention calls
for efficient use of my time. Hoping for grace and that my time management skills serve me well. I'm doing great but there's
always room for improvement.
I got the app "Pages" installed on my "electronic companion" and can now be justified in adding "writing" before "companion". Can't wait to start a new project on it! With Pages and Textilus apps installed, the gadget is set to fully serve its functions.
I got the app "Pages" installed on my "electronic companion" and can now be justified in adding "writing" before "companion". Can't wait to start a new project on it! With Pages and Textilus apps installed, the gadget is set to fully serve its functions.
What are
you doing this week? How is it going? Are you being productive?
Enjoy the
rest of your week!
Ciao!
TO A FABULOUS WEEKEND...
Do you spend too much time on the social media?
Are you happy with what you have?
Here are some answers:
Improve your time management skills and try being more disciplined. Tough but can be done.
Be satisfied with what you have. Accept your losses and move on.
Be content and appreciative of what you have.
Love yourself, love your life, love everyone... even those it is difficult to love.
And be hopeful, knowing that better things are ahead!
Above all, Love GOD. It puts everything else in perspective.
These are some keys to a truly happy life.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Ciao!
Are you happy with what you have?
Here are some answers:
Improve your time management skills and try being more disciplined. Tough but can be done.
Be satisfied with what you have. Accept your losses and move on.
Be content and appreciative of what you have.
Love yourself, love your life, love everyone... even those it is difficult to love.
And be hopeful, knowing that better things are ahead!
Above all, Love GOD. It puts everything else in perspective.
These are some keys to a truly happy life.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Ciao!
5 things that may interfere with your goals
Hope your day is as cheery as the sunshine this beautiful day!
On my website, I have written about goal setting a number of times. The need to set short, mid- and long term goals is not debatable. Neither is the wisdom in setting SMART goals in dispute.
We set goals in areas such as career, education, health,
finance, leisure, relationship, religious/spiritual, etc
Setting goals is only a part of the process. It is only
after goals are accomplished that we receive the success package.
It is true that accomplishment lists are more gratifying than
to-do lists.
What stops you from transforming your to-do list into
accomplishment list? A whole lot of things!
Let’s briefly look at 5 of them:
1.
Lack of discipline.
2.
Distractions/Poor time management
3.
Family and friends needing a lot of your time
4.
Your goals may not be SMART, after all
5.
Personal problems affecting your motivation or
ability to work towards set goals.
What are some other reasons why we find it difficult keeping
up with our goals?
GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS 2013
This year's Golden Globe Awards was quite interesting. Nearly everyone who presented a prize had something original and comical to offer. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey did an awesome job hosting it last night. Every nominee represented outstanding work in film and television.
I was really excited for big winners like Game Change, Django Unchained, Les Miserables and Argo. Ben Affleck, Anne Hathaway... you rock!
It was a great way to conclude the weekend:).
So, here we are. A new week. So thankful!
Today has been such a SATISFYING day! I am very thankful.
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Adios Amigos
WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY!
I am very thankful for several reasons. I hope, so are you.
I am also excited right now! :). Yes, the new face of my website keeps me grinning from ear to ear. That's among other things :).
The sunshine and clear, blue sky are cheering - adding to my already high level of excitement.
What can I say?
What a wonderful day!
And the weekend is here! Have an awesome one!
Be safe. God bless.
Ciao :)
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!
I am VERY excited about the new look of my website. Every part of the design, from top to bottom, is PERFECT! The colors, fonts, photos and all! Simply awesome! Did you see the Live Traffic Feed? Oh my gosh! I've always wanted that!
I can't believe the weekend is almost here! How time flies!
How's your week going? Are you making the most of it? Are you doing your best to be a giver, not only a receiver? Remember, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Everyone has something to give and it is not only money and food. An act of kindness, a hug, a smile, a greeting, a prayer: they cost you nothing but means so much to someone. AND BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.
Be happy and thankful in spite of the challenges you may be facing. Everybody is facing some kind of challenge. There is ALWAYS SOMETHING to be thankful for!
Many kudos to one of my favorites, THE HUNGER GAMES, for an excellent performance at the 39th Annual People's Choice Awards held at Nokia Theater L A Live in Los Angeles yesterday. Such a big winner: six awards, including Favorite Movie!
OSCAR NOMINATIONS 2013: To see the complete list ( and video)of the 85th Annual Academy Award nominations announced this morning, go to:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/list-85th-annual-academy-award-nominations-18179346
Let's see as it goes on February 24, 2013. Good luck to the nominees!
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Ciao!
5 Ways to Come Up With Great Story Ideas
We all have a million excellent ideas for stories, but, without fail, they magically disappear the minute we sit down to write. It seems impossible, but it happens constantly. Hours are wasted staring at a blank page. And, no matter how many cups of coffee are in our systems, we still can't find the energy to kick our muses into gear and develop story ideas.
Have no fear: I have five ways that will help pump up your creativity muscle and build story ideas that will keep you writing for hours on end. Here they are.
1. Reinvent a scene from a book.
Take a very small, seemingly non-important scene from one of your favorite books and consider what it'd be like if that were the opening scene to your novel. Change the characters of course, and add one or more unique elements to that scene. The key is to give you a starting point and then let your imagination run wild. While there are many ways to stay inspired, this challenge really takes something that you love (an old book) and gives it new life.
2. Use junk mail as inspiration.
Take the next two pieces of spam mail you receive (either snail mail or e-mail) and use it to determine the profession on your protagonist and your protagonist's love interest. I get this type of mail all of the time, particularly from politicians, credit card companies and auto dealerships-and that's just what's delivered by the United States Postal Service! When I add in the junk sent to my e-mail inbox, I get "foreign ambassadors from Nigeria" looking for million dollar loans and women begging me to click through to get "erotic" pictures of them. Any one of these jobs will lead to many fun and unusual situations-and will give you plenty of fodder to write about.
3. Invent a history for someone with whom you've lost touch.
We have all had friends in our lives from grade school, high school or college that we knew quite well back then, but haven't seen much (if at all) since. In fact, most of their lives are a mystery to us. Pick one of those old friends and write about the life they've been leading ever since you lost touch. What happened in his or her family life? What career path did he or she choose? Was he or she involved in something that led them to a life of crime? The possibilities are endless, which should drive you to be as creative as possible.
4. Eavesdrop on a conversation.
Just because you're stuck in a bit of a funk when it comes to ideas doesn't mean that other people are. Take your notepad or laptop out of the house, sit down somewhere and observe the scenery around you-and listen to any and every conversation within earshot. You can do this at a park, restaurant, coffee shop or, my personal favorite, a bar (people who have a few drinks in them tend to share the best stories). Remember, jot down all the stories you hear but be sure to give them a twist to make them your own.
5. Find a writing prompt and run with it.
Sometimes the best cure for writer's block is to let someone else start your story for you. You can search the web and find a number of sites that offer them, or check out our database of creative writing prompts that gets updated every Tuesday. And who knows: The idea you get from a writing prompt may be just the inspiration you need to spark your creativity and write a short story or novel that sells.
Have your own suggestions on how to beat writer's block and get your creative juices flowing? Leave it in the comments section here. The more suggestions we have, the better the chances none of us will ever have to sit there staring blankly at a page again.
Article source: Writer's Digest
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NEW YEAR, NEW WEEK, NEW WEBSITE!
Is this cool or what? :) .... Woot! Woot! I think it is. AMAZING!
I have to say that I am VERY excited about the new look of my website! Wow, what a rebrand, if I may say so! Awesome job here even though finishing touches are being put in place. Excellent kudos to my website designer! I'm so proud of you!
OCEAN'S DAUGHTER! The count down continues! Many thanks to everyone who's supporting its release through retweets, reposts, enquiries and and several other ways. It means so much to me! THANK YOU!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Week!
Happy Monday!
HAVE AN AWESOME ONE!
Ciao!
I have to say that I am VERY excited about the new look of my website! Wow, what a rebrand, if I may say so! Awesome job here even though finishing touches are being put in place. Excellent kudos to my website designer! I'm so proud of you!
OCEAN'S DAUGHTER! The count down continues! Many thanks to everyone who's supporting its release through retweets, reposts, enquiries and and several other ways. It means so much to me! THANK YOU!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Week!
Happy Monday!
HAVE AN AWESOME ONE!
Ciao!
HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year to you!
Hope you had a wonderful holiday.
I certainly did have an awesome time!
I hoped for it: and Up Island, we had a white Christmas! :)
Have you begun work on your short, mid- and long term goals for the year? Best to hit the ground running!
Goal-setting is highly recommended whether you subscribe to New Year resolutions or not. Goals are helpful pacesetters, motivators and a compass of sorts. Have your goals documented and placed in a strategic location for easy, continued access.
Wishing you the very best in 2013!
God bless y'all!
Hope you had a wonderful holiday.
I certainly did have an awesome time!
I hoped for it: and Up Island, we had a white Christmas! :)
Have you begun work on your short, mid- and long term goals for the year? Best to hit the ground running!
Goal-setting is highly recommended whether you subscribe to New Year resolutions or not. Goals are helpful pacesetters, motivators and a compass of sorts. Have your goals documented and placed in a strategic location for easy, continued access.
Wishing you the very best in 2013!
God bless y'all!
'TIS THE SEASON...
'Tis the season to be jolly,: Fa la la la la, la la la la.... :)))
It's the season for giving, connecting with family and friends, and above all, celebrating the Messiah's birth!
It's the season for lots of laughter, dancing, gifting, eating and doing lots of fun things.
It's the season to be merry! And may you be merry, not only during this holiday season but also, all year round!
As you relish the festivities of the Yuletide season, my wish is that you enter the new year in a celebratory mood. And remain joyful always!
Indeed, it is that wonderful, joyous time of the year!
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you!
Be safe!
Ciao!
It's the season for giving, connecting with family and friends, and above all, celebrating the Messiah's birth!
It's the season for lots of laughter, dancing, gifting, eating and doing lots of fun things.
It's the season to be merry! And may you be merry, not only during this holiday season but also, all year round!
As you relish the festivities of the Yuletide season, my wish is that you enter the new year in a celebratory mood. And remain joyful always!
Indeed, it is that wonderful, joyous time of the year!
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you!
Be safe!
Ciao!
VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Are you basking in the sunshine or totally engrossed in the inherent beauty of snow covered landscape? Either way, it's a win win situation. Taking in the serene picture of snow capped trees, roofs, roads, sidewalks and driveways is certainly enthralling.
I'm so glad it's that wonderful time of the year! :)
Here's a blog post by one of my favorite authors, Francine Rivers. Interesting that she draws her analogy from one of my favorite classics, Ben Hur.
Enjoy!
.................................
Ben Hur
Shortly after Rick returned from Vietnam, he and I, with his parents, went to a Christmas cinematic presentation of “Ben Hur” in San Francisco. The theater was magnificent, red velvet seats, an enormous screen, all the gilt and glamor of what movie theaters used to be. It was the first time Rick held my hand. “Ben Hur” became indelibly fixed in my mind as something special.
Last night, Rick and I watched the movie and enjoyed it as much as we did forty-four years ago. Judah Ben Hur’s story is interwoven with Jesus’ throughout the entire movie, but it isn’t until the end Judah Ben Hur encounters the Christ. I still get choked up and teary when Jesus goes to the cross. I still get goose bumps when the storm comes, ripping trees up by the roots, wind howling and Miriam knows Jesus has died – and within moments, Miriam and Tirzah are miraculously healed of leprosy. I still cry at the end when the blood of Jesus runs down the cross, mingles with the rain and runs like a river into the land, and when Judah Ben-Hur returns home having witnessed the way Jesus died. “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” And Judah repents of his desire for revenge against Rome and allows God to remove the sword from his hand. I still marvel at Jesus’ paying the price for my salvation.
Each day brings us closer to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It is a time of celebration, a time of wonder and reflection. God in Christ came to earth, born of a virgin who conceived by the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus could live a sin-free life. Only He could be the perfect sacrifice for all our sins – past, present, future. By His blood we are saved. He was born to die so we might live through faith in Him.
A movie is fine, but there is far more depth in a book. I’m not talking about Lew Wallace’s masterpiece. This season, I hope you’ll read the real story of Christmas in THE Book – the Bible. The story of Jesus’ birth is in Luke 1-2. After that, read more about who Jesus is in Colossians 1:15-23. Consider reading His life story beginning in Genesis when He walked in the Garden with Adam and Eve. He was. He is. He always will be.
God’s unfailing love has always been available for the asking. Have you done so?
http://www.francinerivers.com/
IT IS THAT WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!
Compliments of the season!
Can you smell the excitement in the air? I can smell and feel it:)....
Christmas is two weeks away (15 days to be exact). Lots of end of year parties are taking place, Christmas shopping is at its climax and holiday travels are not left out. Postal services are at their busiest. And many places are covered in snow. I wonder if the ice princess will be visiting soon and maybe we have a white Christmas here. Not that I'm necessarily a fan, just saying.
Don't forget the reason for one of the most celebrated holidays: to commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus. The controversy surrounding the actual date isn't really important. What's important is for everyone who participates in this festive season to remember that it's the time to celebrate the Savior's birth!
The Christmas decorations, lightings, carols, trees, shopping, food, exchange of gifts, santa, stores offering wonderful deals and promotions, yuletide movies and TV shows, and on and on.... What's there not to like? :) :) :)
The excitement is palpable!
We engage in these activities as we deem fit. Some people go all out, others in moderation, and yet others, in a unique way. Whether you choose to celebrate in an elaborate or austere manner, I bet you're still all excited about Christmas!
Indeed, it's that wonderful time of the year!
May your Christmas be MERRY!!!
Ciao
Can you smell the excitement in the air? I can smell and feel it:)....
Christmas is two weeks away (15 days to be exact). Lots of end of year parties are taking place, Christmas shopping is at its climax and holiday travels are not left out. Postal services are at their busiest. And many places are covered in snow. I wonder if the ice princess will be visiting soon and maybe we have a white Christmas here. Not that I'm necessarily a fan, just saying.
Don't forget the reason for one of the most celebrated holidays: to commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus. The controversy surrounding the actual date isn't really important. What's important is for everyone who participates in this festive season to remember that it's the time to celebrate the Savior's birth!
The Christmas decorations, lightings, carols, trees, shopping, food, exchange of gifts, santa, stores offering wonderful deals and promotions, yuletide movies and TV shows, and on and on.... What's there not to like? :) :) :)
The excitement is palpable!
We engage in these activities as we deem fit. Some people go all out, others in moderation, and yet others, in a unique way. Whether you choose to celebrate in an elaborate or austere manner, I bet you're still all excited about Christmas!
Indeed, it's that wonderful time of the year!
May your Christmas be MERRY!!!
Ciao
KICK START YOUR WRITING CAREER
2013 is just around the corner! And you're probably working as fast as you can to accomplish the remaining goals you set for yourself this year.
As 2012 draws to a close, would you say that you've achieved all your writing goals?
Excellent kudos to you if you did accomplish all your writing goals. However, if you didn't get to do as much as you'd hoped to, there's no need to fret.
If you're ready to kick start your writing career this January, it's time to begin to reevaluate 2012 goals to note what worked, what didn't, and why. Then set SMART ('smarter') goals for 2013. And take it from there. There's nothing like hitting the ground running. It's, to say the least, exhilarating and rewarding!
This same principle is applicable in all kinds of short, mid and long term goals, for people in all walks of life.
Let's get to work!
Have an awesome weekend!
Ciao!
As 2012 draws to a close, would you say that you've achieved all your writing goals?
Excellent kudos to you if you did accomplish all your writing goals. However, if you didn't get to do as much as you'd hoped to, there's no need to fret.
If you're ready to kick start your writing career this January, it's time to begin to reevaluate 2012 goals to note what worked, what didn't, and why. Then set SMART ('smarter') goals for 2013. And take it from there. There's nothing like hitting the ground running. It's, to say the least, exhilarating and rewarding!
This same principle is applicable in all kinds of short, mid and long term goals, for people in all walks of life.
Let's get to work!
Have an awesome weekend!
Ciao!
What if Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Had Been Rejected?
* Hi there!
Here's another satire for your laughing, oops, reading pleasure :)....
Enjoy!
_______
Here's another satire for your laughing, oops, reading pleasure :)....
Enjoy!
_______
REJECT A HIT: CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Categories: Humor & Comedy Writing,
December 4, 2012 | Brian A. Klems
Let’s step once again into the role of the unconvinced, perhaps even curmudgeonly or fool-hearted editor: What harsh rejection letters might the authors of some of our favorite hit books have had to endure?
This contribution comes from Chris Gay of Manchester, Conn., who found Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol to be as tedious as a bowl of plum pudding.
19 December 1843
Dear Mr. Charles Dickens:
Regretfully, we have elected to reject A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
Our primary issue is its preposterous main premise. We will grant that readers may indeed be willing to accept the idea of four omnipotent ghosts returning to Earth to do good for the betterment of mankind. However, it stretches the boundaries of credibility to their very limits to expect anyone to believe a CEO would repent his ways via voluntary monetary penance. Pay his secretary’s mortgage? Double his salary? Are you certain, Mr. Dickens, that you did not intend to submit this manuscript to our humor publishing subsidiary?
Furthermore, though we respect your sincere attempt to present the public with an uplifting, enduring yuletide classic, we feel any positive message your literary work may convey would ultimately be overshadowed by its extension of the waning popularity of plum pudding at Christmas. Quite frankly, plum pudding sucks, and we do not wish to bear any responsibility for inflicting more such pudding on England for decades to come.
Another issue we have with A CHRISTMAS CAROL is that of Ebenezer Scrooge’s so-called redemption. It is more of a self-preservation, is it not? The unamiable Mr. Scrooge sees fit to dole out tongue-lashings and biting sarcasm to the first timid yet good-natured apparitions he encounters. Only when the final specter, Death, pays him a visit does Scrooge’s tune change, and right quick. Really Mr. Dickens, would you have us believe that his reaction to the Grim Reaper’s ultimatum is in actuality some earnest conversion? Nice try.
In conclusion, it is our belief that the greatest impact A CHRISTMAS CAROL could have would be various movie adaptations. Unfortunately, the old saying “Timing is everything!” is particularly relevant in your case, as motion pictures are still half a century away. In fact, Alastair Sim won’t even be born for another 57 years. Sorry. If it serves as any consolation, I will be required to read your unbearably lengthy GREAT EXPECTATIONS sometime around 1990.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Gay
Senior Editor/Sarcastic Prodigy
http://click.writers-community.com/?qs=45156b0f19c4ecf13d5435ecbe3a06939...
BECOMING EQUALS PROGRESSION (DYNAMISM)
A self is not something static, tied up in a pretty parcel and handed to the child, finished and complete. A self is always becoming.
- Madeleine L'Engle
The author of A Wrinkle in Time was born on this day (11/29/2012) in 1918.
-Goodreads
----------
When you stop becoming you stop growing. Then, retrogression sets in.
I'd like to keep becoming and I'm guessing, so would you. It's good, positive, dynamic.
Let's keep 'becoming' in belief, love, work, service, study/learning, leisure and every other area of our lives.
If you'll be seeing Anna Karenina tomorrow, happy viewing. The musical drama, Les Miserables opens on Christmas Day, December 25, 2012 (although initial release date is December 20). I know many of my writer friends are so looking forward to seeing these movies! I've always liked Anne Hathaway (thanks to Princess Diary!)
It's already Thursday! Enjoy the rest of your week ... and have a wonderful weekend!
:)
HAPPY MONDAY! HAPPY CYBER MONDAY!
Hi there!
I welcome myself back on the beat! Last week, my electronic writing companion took a break, a short one I hope:). Anyway, that made it possible for me to acquire the #1 item on my wishlist. And it wasn't a Black Friday or Cyber Monday purchase. I'm now the grinning owner of every writer's electronic best friend! I'm still trying to learn the ropes....I'm figuring out how some apps on this gadget work. I'm so excited and enjoying every bit of it!
How's your Cyber Monday going? Have a good one and let prudence guide you.
Here's a nice quote I received today by email via Goodreads: " The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." - William Arthur Ward
Everyone likes to say how positive they are. Only very few people admit to being,sometimes or often, negative. Regardless, each of us knows who we really are. So who are you? A pessimist? An optimist? A realist? A mix of all?
Happy and wise online shopping!
:)
I welcome myself back on the beat! Last week, my electronic writing companion took a break, a short one I hope:). Anyway, that made it possible for me to acquire the #1 item on my wishlist. And it wasn't a Black Friday or Cyber Monday purchase. I'm now the grinning owner of every writer's electronic best friend! I'm still trying to learn the ropes....I'm figuring out how some apps on this gadget work. I'm so excited and enjoying every bit of it!
How's your Cyber Monday going? Have a good one and let prudence guide you.
Here's a nice quote I received today by email via Goodreads: " The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." - William Arthur Ward
Everyone likes to say how positive they are. Only very few people admit to being,sometimes or often, negative. Regardless, each of us knows who we really are. So who are you? A pessimist? An optimist? A realist? A mix of all?
Happy and wise online shopping!
:)
Overflowing with Thanksgiving
We live in different parts of the globe. Some of us mark this holiday at a different time than in the US (e.g. Canada) and some don't celebrate it at all. Regardless, it's a reminder to everyone of the need to be thankful at all times in spite of the challenges we may be facing. A lifestyle of gratitude is attainable by deliberate and consistent focus on our blessings. There's always something to be thankful for.
It's a true saying that if you don't have gratitude, you have resentment. Which of the two do you have? Which do you consider nurturing?
On the aside, we need to look at ourselves in the mirror and be thankful for what we see. For instance, I'm so blessed to be myself. I like me...I love me. I'm so perfectly happy to be me inside out. I wouldn't trade me for anyone else! Yet I'm aware of my imperfections and so daily aspire to be a better person.
While counting our blessings, it's good to look inward and strive to get rid of the negative things (e.g. hatred, bitterness, deception, greed, dishonesty, among several others)that taint us. Be thankful, let go, then build on the positives.
Wishing everyone, especially my friends and fans in the States, safety and joy this holiday!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Love, peace and blessing.
The Can-Do Attitude
One of the numerous, wonderful things I'm blessed with in my man is his can-do attitude. I see this manifesting in many ways and my deep respect and love for him keeps growing. I'm highly optimistic. In spite of that, I've learned and continue to learn much from him.
The 2012 NaNoWriMo is half-way gone. Many kudos to everyone participating. It's your can-do attitude that will see you through on a successful note. It's perhaps cliched but important to remember that attitude takes you where altitude may not. Look at it this way: by the end of the month, you'd have a complete manuscript! You may be talented but if you don't put that talent to use, of what use is it then? Outside of NaNoWriMo, we can set SMART goals for ourselves and make sure we accomplish them. It takes a can-do attitude to overcome obstacles in the process. This applies to all kinds of goals: writing, career, study, health, relationship, religious, leisure, and so on.
In life, everyone faces challenges - that's the way it is. Challenges may appear in different colors and shades of colors. How you handle each challenge absolutely depends on you. As Henry Ford succintly puts it:"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right". But remember, a can-do attitude can make a positive impact, help you deal with challenges and attain desirable results.
Carl Sagan said that "Every one of us is, in the cosmic perspective, precious. If a human disagrees with you, let him live. In a hundred billion galaxies, you will not find another." This resonates with me, especially from the Scriptural point of view. We must have a clear conscience, free of malice, towards everyone (even those you choose to have nothing to do with) regardless of how they may have treated, fought or hated us for no just cause. Everyone is precious but at the same time, ultimately accountable for their actions. I live by the scriptural principle that the battle is the Lord's.
But I digress a bit....
Regardless of your beliefs, you've been gifted in some ways. Look at your hands. They're not empty. There's something there that you can use to make your life, and those of everyone you come in contact with, better. People should be happy, not regret, they ever knew or met you. Everyone can be a blessing to themselves and to others. Your positive can-do attitude will help you face challenges and overcome them. There's the saying that bad habits are easy to form but difficult to get rid of. But a can-do attitude will help you succeed.
Seek to imbibe a can-do attitude and you'll find that you can!
Enjoy the rest of your week and may your weekend be awesome!
Many blessings to you.
Ciao!
The 2012 NaNoWriMo is half-way gone. Many kudos to everyone participating. It's your can-do attitude that will see you through on a successful note. It's perhaps cliched but important to remember that attitude takes you where altitude may not. Look at it this way: by the end of the month, you'd have a complete manuscript! You may be talented but if you don't put that talent to use, of what use is it then? Outside of NaNoWriMo, we can set SMART goals for ourselves and make sure we accomplish them. It takes a can-do attitude to overcome obstacles in the process. This applies to all kinds of goals: writing, career, study, health, relationship, religious, leisure, and so on.
In life, everyone faces challenges - that's the way it is. Challenges may appear in different colors and shades of colors. How you handle each challenge absolutely depends on you. As Henry Ford succintly puts it:"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right". But remember, a can-do attitude can make a positive impact, help you deal with challenges and attain desirable results.
Carl Sagan said that "Every one of us is, in the cosmic perspective, precious. If a human disagrees with you, let him live. In a hundred billion galaxies, you will not find another." This resonates with me, especially from the Scriptural point of view. We must have a clear conscience, free of malice, towards everyone (even those you choose to have nothing to do with) regardless of how they may have treated, fought or hated us for no just cause. Everyone is precious but at the same time, ultimately accountable for their actions. I live by the scriptural principle that the battle is the Lord's.
But I digress a bit....
Regardless of your beliefs, you've been gifted in some ways. Look at your hands. They're not empty. There's something there that you can use to make your life, and those of everyone you come in contact with, better. People should be happy, not regret, they ever knew or met you. Everyone can be a blessing to themselves and to others. Your positive can-do attitude will help you face challenges and overcome them. There's the saying that bad habits are easy to form but difficult to get rid of. But a can-do attitude will help you succeed.
Seek to imbibe a can-do attitude and you'll find that you can!
Enjoy the rest of your week and may your weekend be awesome!
Many blessings to you.
Ciao!
HAPPY WEEKEND!
Hi Everyone!
It's Friday! Yeeeaah! The weekend is here and it's a long one!
It doesn't matter which town, city or country you live in.... Enjoy your weekend everyone whether it's sunny, rainy, snowy, warm or cold! Have a wonderful one!
:)
It's Friday! Yeeeaah! The weekend is here and it's a long one!
It doesn't matter which town, city or country you live in.... Enjoy your weekend everyone whether it's sunny, rainy, snowy, warm or cold! Have a wonderful one!
:)
Denzel Washington Gives Oscar-worthy Performance in 'Flight'
Here's a very insightful review of 'Flight' featuring American actor, film director, and film producer Denzel Washington.
_______
Written by Shantella Y. Sherman, WI Assistant Editor
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 19:51
The term daemonic genius calculates personal frailty with a peculiar ability to exhibit extraordinary wisdom and acts with unfailing valor in the face of danger. Academy Award winner, Denzel Washington exemplifies daemonic genius as Whip Whitaker, a seasoned airline pilot, who miraculously crash lands a commercial flight after a mid-air catastrophe. Though he saves most passengers aboard the doomed flight, Whip is confronted with a firestorm of both accolades and accusations about his role in the accident after his toxicology report tests positive for alcohol.
In this manner, the film Flight is less about a plane crash than it is the nosedive Whip's life takes when confronted with the ferocious alcoholism that has bankrupted his life. What audiences witness after the first thirty minutes of the film is an emotional, often painful glimpse, of functional alcoholism and how long-term addicts learn to mask their addictions through lies and fabrication. Viewers want Whip to win; he is after all, likeable, charismatic, handsome, and extremely skilled. He has kept an airplane from slamming headfirst into the neighborhoods below it by flipping the craft upside down to regain stabilization. Unfortunately, he is also troubled, arrogant, and unpredictable. Washington sticks this role masterfully, and gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Whip Whitaker.
Director Robert Zemeckis, (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and Cast Away), said he was attracted to the film because of its abstruse characters and the script's treatment of human nature.
"What I was attracted to with Flight was that this was like the morally ambiguous movies that I loved coming up in the 70s. I thought it was just great — I loved the fact that all of the characters are so complex, especially Denzel's character. And then everything, and everybody, is this shade of gray, and this ambiguous, "What's really going on here?" It kind of reminded me of real life," Zemeckis said.
Indeed, Whip is perhaps the most conflicted and multifarious screen character since Dustin Hoffman's Benjamin Braddock (The Graduate, 1967). For Washington, who admits there were some difficult scenes to tackle, the challenge was to approach the film as a quest.
"This was an adventure -- first of all, starting with the screenplay in collaboration with the filmmaker, getting the chance to fly around in these MD-80 flight simulators, hanging upside down in a plane, and playing a drunk. I'm not going to say it was easy. Maybe a painful scene – I don't know if it's painful – but this scene when I go to my ex-wife's house and get into this wrestling match with my son. You know, I've gotten into wrestling matches with my son in not quite the same circumstance, but it's just raw. Your nerves are raw. So that sticks out," Washington said.
Celebrated actor Don Cheadle (A Lesson before Dying, Ocean's Eleven, and Hotel Rwanda) and Washington pair up for the first time since the 1995 Carl Franklin film, Devil in a Blue Dress. As the staunch-collared attorney Hugh Lang, Cheadle is a far cry from the character "Mouse" in Devil, but similarly plays off of an on-screen balancing act as straight man to Washington's renegade. Cheadle is clever and believable as the cocky, but equally frustrated Lang and plays well against both Washington and Bruce Greenwood (who portrays Whip's friend and airline union representative).
Tamara Tunie, best known for her portrayal of Medical Examiner Melinda Warner on Law and Order, also gives a noteworthy performance as Flight Leader Margaret Thomason, who helps Whip safely crash the plane but is then conflicted over what to tell investigators about his drinking habits. Garcelle Beauvais and John Goodman also make marked appearances in Flight, as Whip's ex-wife and his "supplier," respectfully.
The cinematography of Flight is flawless, particularly the actual airplane scenes, which are sure to have anyone who has ever flown before hanging onto the edge of their theater seats. Director of Photography Don Burgess and Special Effects Supervisor Michael Lantieri, along with Visual Effects Supervisor Kevin Baillie, provide one of the most provocative action film sequences in film history.
Flight is a film that quickly captures both the imagination and emotions of audiences and then holds on until the very end. In addition to the tearful moments—there are quite a few, the film offers a bit of dry humor and wittiness as well. Easily one of the Informer's Top Ten Movies of 2012, Flight is memorable from the opening to closing credits. Flight opened Friday, Nov. 2. Check local listings for theaters and screening times.
Last modified on Thursday, 08 November 2012 17:12
http://washingtoninformer.com/index.php/lifestyle/entertainment/item/122...
_______
Written by Shantella Y. Sherman, WI Assistant Editor
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 19:51
The term daemonic genius calculates personal frailty with a peculiar ability to exhibit extraordinary wisdom and acts with unfailing valor in the face of danger. Academy Award winner, Denzel Washington exemplifies daemonic genius as Whip Whitaker, a seasoned airline pilot, who miraculously crash lands a commercial flight after a mid-air catastrophe. Though he saves most passengers aboard the doomed flight, Whip is confronted with a firestorm of both accolades and accusations about his role in the accident after his toxicology report tests positive for alcohol.
In this manner, the film Flight is less about a plane crash than it is the nosedive Whip's life takes when confronted with the ferocious alcoholism that has bankrupted his life. What audiences witness after the first thirty minutes of the film is an emotional, often painful glimpse, of functional alcoholism and how long-term addicts learn to mask their addictions through lies and fabrication. Viewers want Whip to win; he is after all, likeable, charismatic, handsome, and extremely skilled. He has kept an airplane from slamming headfirst into the neighborhoods below it by flipping the craft upside down to regain stabilization. Unfortunately, he is also troubled, arrogant, and unpredictable. Washington sticks this role masterfully, and gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Whip Whitaker.
Director Robert Zemeckis, (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and Cast Away), said he was attracted to the film because of its abstruse characters and the script's treatment of human nature.
"What I was attracted to with Flight was that this was like the morally ambiguous movies that I loved coming up in the 70s. I thought it was just great — I loved the fact that all of the characters are so complex, especially Denzel's character. And then everything, and everybody, is this shade of gray, and this ambiguous, "What's really going on here?" It kind of reminded me of real life," Zemeckis said.
Indeed, Whip is perhaps the most conflicted and multifarious screen character since Dustin Hoffman's Benjamin Braddock (The Graduate, 1967). For Washington, who admits there were some difficult scenes to tackle, the challenge was to approach the film as a quest.
"This was an adventure -- first of all, starting with the screenplay in collaboration with the filmmaker, getting the chance to fly around in these MD-80 flight simulators, hanging upside down in a plane, and playing a drunk. I'm not going to say it was easy. Maybe a painful scene – I don't know if it's painful – but this scene when I go to my ex-wife's house and get into this wrestling match with my son. You know, I've gotten into wrestling matches with my son in not quite the same circumstance, but it's just raw. Your nerves are raw. So that sticks out," Washington said.
Celebrated actor Don Cheadle (A Lesson before Dying, Ocean's Eleven, and Hotel Rwanda) and Washington pair up for the first time since the 1995 Carl Franklin film, Devil in a Blue Dress. As the staunch-collared attorney Hugh Lang, Cheadle is a far cry from the character "Mouse" in Devil, but similarly plays off of an on-screen balancing act as straight man to Washington's renegade. Cheadle is clever and believable as the cocky, but equally frustrated Lang and plays well against both Washington and Bruce Greenwood (who portrays Whip's friend and airline union representative).
Tamara Tunie, best known for her portrayal of Medical Examiner Melinda Warner on Law and Order, also gives a noteworthy performance as Flight Leader Margaret Thomason, who helps Whip safely crash the plane but is then conflicted over what to tell investigators about his drinking habits. Garcelle Beauvais and John Goodman also make marked appearances in Flight, as Whip's ex-wife and his "supplier," respectfully.
The cinematography of Flight is flawless, particularly the actual airplane scenes, which are sure to have anyone who has ever flown before hanging onto the edge of their theater seats. Director of Photography Don Burgess and Special Effects Supervisor Michael Lantieri, along with Visual Effects Supervisor Kevin Baillie, provide one of the most provocative action film sequences in film history.
Flight is a film that quickly captures both the imagination and emotions of audiences and then holds on until the very end. In addition to the tearful moments—there are quite a few, the film offers a bit of dry humor and wittiness as well. Easily one of the Informer's Top Ten Movies of 2012, Flight is memorable from the opening to closing credits. Flight opened Friday, Nov. 2. Check local listings for theaters and screening times.
Last modified on Thursday, 08 November 2012 17:12
http://washingtoninformer.com/index.php/lifestyle/entertainment/item/122...
WEBSITE REDESIGN
Hi Everyone! I hope all's well with you.
I'm really excited at the progress on my website redesign. You must have noticed months back when I removed most of the design on this site. Thanks to you all for keeping the traffic to my website high. My website is being redesigned to facilitate blogging which has become my primary focus. There's so much I need to share with you about writing that can best be done using a blogging format rather than traditional website. Gradually, I'm moving towards my long term career goal by Gg. Can't wait to show you all the new website!
Otherwise, how's your day going? Mine's going great:); hope yours is too:).
For those participating in the 2012 NaNoWriMo, how is it going for you? Let the inspiration and focus flow :). Keep up the good work and in 3 weeks, you'll have a complete first draft! Good luck to you!
Much blessings.
Ciao
I'm really excited at the progress on my website redesign. You must have noticed months back when I removed most of the design on this site. Thanks to you all for keeping the traffic to my website high. My website is being redesigned to facilitate blogging which has become my primary focus. There's so much I need to share with you about writing that can best be done using a blogging format rather than traditional website. Gradually, I'm moving towards my long term career goal by Gg. Can't wait to show you all the new website!
Otherwise, how's your day going? Mine's going great:); hope yours is too:).
For those participating in the 2012 NaNoWriMo, how is it going for you? Let the inspiration and focus flow :). Keep up the good work and in 3 weeks, you'll have a complete first draft! Good luck to you!
Much blessings.
Ciao
'FLIGHT' WITH DENZEL WASHINGTON
Denzel Washington is one of my all-time favorite actors. The Book of Eli is one of my favs.
Flight opened today, Friday October 29, 2012. Can't wait to see it....
Here's one review:
'Flight' With Denzel Washington Is Good, But The Film Just Doesn't Soar
November 2nd, 2012 3:00pm EDT |By: Two Jews On Film
_______
Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) has a secret...He's an alcoholic/coke addict. Whip is also an extraordinary pilot who miraculously crash lands a plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving all but 6 people on board.
After the crash, Whip is hailed a 'hero', but he certainly doesn't feel like one. To avoid the press, he escapes to his childhood farm where he tries to kick the booze.
At first, he's successful...Even has some help from an exjunkie (Kelly Reilly) who he met during his hospital stay.
All goes well at first...No alchol and lots of loving from Kelly. But when National Transportation Board starts to investigate Whip for being high on the morning of the flight (which he was) Whip once again, picks up the bottle and doesn't put it down until. Well don't want to SPOIL anything, so I better move on.
The big problem I had with 'Flight' directed by Robert Zemeckis ('Forest Gump', 'Castaway') is that the film had a very familiar, 'old fashion' feel to it. It's a story we've seen so many times...An alcoholic who won't face the fact that he is an 'alcoholic'.
There's really nothing new here. Denzel does a good job portraying a character in denial, but we never learn what causes him to drink...We never see or understand Whip's demons and for me, that's a big problem.
The supporting cast is fine...John Goodman as the comic relief, gives a very entertaining, over the top performance as Whip's drug dealer...
Don Cheadle, Whip's lawyer and Bruce Greenwood, head of Pilots union spend most of their time trying to keep Whip sober.
Finally, Brian Geraghty as Whip's born-again co-pilot was quite good.
http://www.starpulse.com/news/Two_Jews_On_Film/2012/11/02/flight_denzel_...
Flight opened today, Friday October 29, 2012. Can't wait to see it....
Here's one review:
'Flight' With Denzel Washington Is Good, But The Film Just Doesn't Soar
November 2nd, 2012 3:00pm EDT |By: Two Jews On Film
_______
Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) has a secret...He's an alcoholic/coke addict. Whip is also an extraordinary pilot who miraculously crash lands a plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving all but 6 people on board.
After the crash, Whip is hailed a 'hero', but he certainly doesn't feel like one. To avoid the press, he escapes to his childhood farm where he tries to kick the booze.
At first, he's successful...Even has some help from an exjunkie (Kelly Reilly) who he met during his hospital stay.
All goes well at first...No alchol and lots of loving from Kelly. But when National Transportation Board starts to investigate Whip for being high on the morning of the flight (which he was) Whip once again, picks up the bottle and doesn't put it down until. Well don't want to SPOIL anything, so I better move on.
The big problem I had with 'Flight' directed by Robert Zemeckis ('Forest Gump', 'Castaway') is that the film had a very familiar, 'old fashion' feel to it. It's a story we've seen so many times...An alcoholic who won't face the fact that he is an 'alcoholic'.
There's really nothing new here. Denzel does a good job portraying a character in denial, but we never learn what causes him to drink...We never see or understand Whip's demons and for me, that's a big problem.
The supporting cast is fine...John Goodman as the comic relief, gives a very entertaining, over the top performance as Whip's drug dealer...
Don Cheadle, Whip's lawyer and Bruce Greenwood, head of Pilots union spend most of their time trying to keep Whip sober.
Finally, Brian Geraghty as Whip's born-again co-pilot was quite good.
http://www.starpulse.com/news/Two_Jews_On_Film/2012/11/02/flight_denzel_...
NaNoWriMo is here again!
* NaNoWriMo is here again! Are you in?
GOOD LUCK!
And it's Friday! Woot Woot!
What are you reading this weekend? What are you writing?
Have a great weekend whether you're writing, reading or engaged in other (fun) activities....
Blessings.
* National Novel Writing Month
http://www.nanowrimo.org/
GOOD LUCK!
And it's Friday! Woot Woot!
What are you reading this weekend? What are you writing?
Have a great weekend whether you're writing, reading or engaged in other (fun) activities....
Blessings.
* National Novel Writing Month
http://www.nanowrimo.org/
New month new beginnings
Welcome to the month of November!
I'm very thankful as I count my blessings. Are you counting yours?
May the new month bring new, wonderful blessings your way. And new beginnings in areas where you have need thereof.
Have a great day!
I'm very thankful as I count my blessings. Are you counting yours?
May the new month bring new, wonderful blessings your way. And new beginnings in areas where you have need thereof.
Have a great day!
HAPPY HOUR: BEING MYSELF
It's halloween.
"Although mostly thought of as a family holiday, Halloween isn't without controversy." The National Post (October 31, 2012) refers to it as "the year's most controversial holiday". And I agree in toto.
Welcome to Happy Hour!
We're still living in the euphoria of our recent celebration. We feel truly blessed to have each other.
One thing I'm good at is being myself. Gladly, it has served and continues to serve me well in my personal life and career. I don't go out of my way to impress anyone. All I do is be myself and that naturally garners me favor and respect from those above or under me. One of my pet peeves is seeing people trying to be something they are not in order to serve a selfish motive. It comes off making them disparage themselves and lose credibility. It shows some form of psychological problem too; and so I find a feeling of compassion going out to the person.
As a university professor, I've seen my students imitate me in positive ways. In a couple of universities and countries, female students had shown me photos they took of me as I was teaching because they liked my style of teaching, my attire, wanted to copy a dress style or simply found a demonstration I was doing very comical. Recently, my experience with students has been at ESL classrooms at the University of Victoria (Study Centre), immigrant centre, public libraries or cafes. I'm VERY happy with the direction my life has taken. I would never trade the blessings in my life for any past success - no two ways about it. I'm deeply excited about my personal life, my research work at a federal government agency and my writing. Of course, I do some professional editing of manuscripts - it gladdens my heart when another writer entrusts me with editing their work. Ultimately, what makes my day is the feedback I get from them afterwards. These are my dream jobs and so are perfect for me! I'm very thankful!
Still on being myself, when I notice someone trying to be me, copying my expressions or posting styles, I feel truly humbled. It means that someone is learning something from me. Often, what differentiates quest for knowledge from a selfish attempt to impress by being something you're not is that the latter comes off inadvertently exposing ignorance. Motives affect what we do or say in more ways than we know. Others see what you may not want to reveal through what you say or write or do. Best to just be yourself while at the same time genuinely seeking to improve yourself. There are no short-cuts.
I have my flaws but I'm always happy to be the imperfect me. I'm happy to be what I've been created to be and I'm happy for the very wonderful people in my life at a personal level and professionally. I'm happy to be a positive role model to many as well as a blessing to everyone I come in contact with. One of the principles I live by is: "I've been blessed to be a blessing". Blessings come in many shades of colors. Money is only one of the several kinds. Even when I don't have money, I can still be a blessing by a kind gesture, encouraging or motivating someone, offering a helping hand, showing sacrificial love, giving a smile or kind word to brighten someone's day, giving, giving and giving. Do not be a pharisee by seeking attention and the praise of people. Do it selflessly. With love (agape). That's rewarding, admirable and attractive.
I know that I'm a work in progress because God isn't finished with me but I'm gaining in perfection each day. That's who I am. Me. I'm so excited to be me. Thank You God for making me me.
I'm satisfied with my blessings and do not envy anyone's blessing or possession. I have the BEST!
Enjoy the rest of your week everyone.
Many blessings to you!
Ciao!
"Although mostly thought of as a family holiday, Halloween isn't without controversy." The National Post (October 31, 2012) refers to it as "the year's most controversial holiday". And I agree in toto.
Welcome to Happy Hour!
We're still living in the euphoria of our recent celebration. We feel truly blessed to have each other.
One thing I'm good at is being myself. Gladly, it has served and continues to serve me well in my personal life and career. I don't go out of my way to impress anyone. All I do is be myself and that naturally garners me favor and respect from those above or under me. One of my pet peeves is seeing people trying to be something they are not in order to serve a selfish motive. It comes off making them disparage themselves and lose credibility. It shows some form of psychological problem too; and so I find a feeling of compassion going out to the person.
As a university professor, I've seen my students imitate me in positive ways. In a couple of universities and countries, female students had shown me photos they took of me as I was teaching because they liked my style of teaching, my attire, wanted to copy a dress style or simply found a demonstration I was doing very comical. Recently, my experience with students has been at ESL classrooms at the University of Victoria (Study Centre), immigrant centre, public libraries or cafes. I'm VERY happy with the direction my life has taken. I would never trade the blessings in my life for any past success - no two ways about it. I'm deeply excited about my personal life, my research work at a federal government agency and my writing. Of course, I do some professional editing of manuscripts - it gladdens my heart when another writer entrusts me with editing their work. Ultimately, what makes my day is the feedback I get from them afterwards. These are my dream jobs and so are perfect for me! I'm very thankful!
Still on being myself, when I notice someone trying to be me, copying my expressions or posting styles, I feel truly humbled. It means that someone is learning something from me. Often, what differentiates quest for knowledge from a selfish attempt to impress by being something you're not is that the latter comes off inadvertently exposing ignorance. Motives affect what we do or say in more ways than we know. Others see what you may not want to reveal through what you say or write or do. Best to just be yourself while at the same time genuinely seeking to improve yourself. There are no short-cuts.
I have my flaws but I'm always happy to be the imperfect me. I'm happy to be what I've been created to be and I'm happy for the very wonderful people in my life at a personal level and professionally. I'm happy to be a positive role model to many as well as a blessing to everyone I come in contact with. One of the principles I live by is: "I've been blessed to be a blessing". Blessings come in many shades of colors. Money is only one of the several kinds. Even when I don't have money, I can still be a blessing by a kind gesture, encouraging or motivating someone, offering a helping hand, showing sacrificial love, giving a smile or kind word to brighten someone's day, giving, giving and giving. Do not be a pharisee by seeking attention and the praise of people. Do it selflessly. With love (agape). That's rewarding, admirable and attractive.
I know that I'm a work in progress because God isn't finished with me but I'm gaining in perfection each day. That's who I am. Me. I'm so excited to be me. Thank You God for making me me.
I'm satisfied with my blessings and do not envy anyone's blessing or possession. I have the BEST!
Enjoy the rest of your week everyone.
Many blessings to you!
Ciao!
5 Things to Stop Doing (If You Really Want to Finish Writing Your Novel)
Great post by Brian A. Klems
Your novel isn’t going to write itself (I mean, if it were, it probably would have finished itself a long time ago!). Here are the five things you need to stop doing immediately if you want turn yourself into someone who stops asking questions about how to write a manuscript and starts bragging to friends about how you completed your manuscript.
1. Nix the excuses.
We get it, life is busy and writing is hard work sometimes. Still, excuses never changed anything, never inspired anybody, and never made any dreams a reality. Goals like writing a novel don’t die on their own. We suffocate them with our excuses.
2. Stop trying. Your novel needs less “trying” and more “doing” from you. Like Yoda said, Do or do not. There is no try.
3. Stop the Inner Critic’s crazy rants. Shut it down. Duct tape its mouth. Stand on its neck. Whatever you do, don’t let the Inner Critic make you doubt yourself. There’s no reason to. This is open range and there are no rules, no right and wrong. You can do Whatever. You. Want.
4. Don’t overdose on caffeine. Seriously. I’m sorry, but it has to be said. Call it tough love if you want, but more writers go stark raving mad in espresso-fueled rages than any other artists (with the exception of polka musicians, for obvious reasons).
Trust me on this. You don’t want your neighbors finding you crawling through their pet door at 3am in search of more coffee because you ran out at your house two hours earlier. Not that that’s happened to me. I’ve just heard stories.
5. Stop thinking it should be easier. That’s like hoping gravity will get less gravity … er … ish. Less gravity like. OK, poor choice of words. You know what I mean. Bottom line: writing is what it is. Sometimes it’s easier than at other times. Expect it to be work and you’ll be thrilled when it doesn’t feel that way.
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/5-things-to-stop-doing-if-you...
Your novel isn’t going to write itself (I mean, if it were, it probably would have finished itself a long time ago!). Here are the five things you need to stop doing immediately if you want turn yourself into someone who stops asking questions about how to write a manuscript and starts bragging to friends about how you completed your manuscript.
1. Nix the excuses.
We get it, life is busy and writing is hard work sometimes. Still, excuses never changed anything, never inspired anybody, and never made any dreams a reality. Goals like writing a novel don’t die on their own. We suffocate them with our excuses.
2. Stop trying. Your novel needs less “trying” and more “doing” from you. Like Yoda said, Do or do not. There is no try.
3. Stop the Inner Critic’s crazy rants. Shut it down. Duct tape its mouth. Stand on its neck. Whatever you do, don’t let the Inner Critic make you doubt yourself. There’s no reason to. This is open range and there are no rules, no right and wrong. You can do Whatever. You. Want.
4. Don’t overdose on caffeine. Seriously. I’m sorry, but it has to be said. Call it tough love if you want, but more writers go stark raving mad in espresso-fueled rages than any other artists (with the exception of polka musicians, for obvious reasons).
Trust me on this. You don’t want your neighbors finding you crawling through their pet door at 3am in search of more coffee because you ran out at your house two hours earlier. Not that that’s happened to me. I’ve just heard stories.
5. Stop thinking it should be easier. That’s like hoping gravity will get less gravity … er … ish. Less gravity like. OK, poor choice of words. You know what I mean. Bottom line: writing is what it is. Sometimes it’s easier than at other times. Expect it to be work and you’ll be thrilled when it doesn’t feel that way.
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/5-things-to-stop-doing-if-you...
UPDATES...
Wow... it was a celebration like no other, very special, one of a lifetime in every way! It was also a time of bonding and sharing.... including stuff about some funny or weird events in the past, ha ha ha... and about our future. So good to be so loved!I'm truly blessed.
More than 5 million people are without power in the States. Some zones in NYC, the subway, stock exchange, airports and several other places are closed or evacuated because of the storm, Sandy.
My friends, although without power, in New Jersey are fine and I'm thankful. I wish everyone in the East Coast (US and Canada) safety.
More than 5 million people are without power in the States. Some zones in NYC, the subway, stock exchange, airports and several other places are closed or evacuated because of the storm, Sandy.
My friends, although without power, in New Jersey are fine and I'm thankful. I wish everyone in the East Coast (US and Canada) safety.
HAPPY HOUR: IT'S CELEBRATION TIME!
Hi there! The countdown is almost done!
Would you like to read "Endless Seasons" for free on Kindle? I'm offering a 3-day free promo from October 27 to October 29. Do remember to leave a review. http://www.amazon.com/Endless-Seasons-ebook/dp/B003TO5C9I/ref=sr_1_10?ie...
It's celebration galore! Join in!
Would you like to read "Endless Seasons" for free on Kindle? I'm offering a 3-day free promo from October 27 to October 29. Do remember to leave a review. http://www.amazon.com/Endless-Seasons-ebook/dp/B003TO5C9I/ref=sr_1_10?ie...
It's celebration galore! Join in!
The Malahat Review's 2013 Open Season Awards
2013 Open Season Awards
Deadline: November 1, 2012 (postmarked)
Prize: $1000 CAD in each of three categories
Entry fee:
$35 CAD for residents of Canada
$40 USD for residents of the USA
$45 USD for entries from elsewhere
(entry fee includes a one-year subscription to The Malahat Review)
Enter either three poems (100 lines max. each), one work of short fiction (2500 words max.), or one work of creative nonfiction (2500 words max.).
Read full contest guidelines on our website.
http://www.malahatreview.ca/contests/open_season/info.html
www.malahatreview.ca
Deadline: November 1, 2012 (postmarked)
Prize: $1000 CAD in each of three categories
Entry fee:
$35 CAD for residents of Canada
$40 USD for residents of the USA
$45 USD for entries from elsewhere
(entry fee includes a one-year subscription to The Malahat Review)
Enter either three poems (100 lines max. each), one work of short fiction (2500 words max.), or one work of creative nonfiction (2500 words max.).
Read full contest guidelines on our website.
http://www.malahatreview.ca/contests/open_season/info.html
www.malahatreview.ca
HAPPY HOUR 3: THE WRITER IN ME
Welcome to Happy Hour! I hope you had a wonderful weekend too!
We were very delighted by the scenery today as always. Each day has something uniquely beautiful to offer and we are so appreciative of it all. There is beauty everywhere! All you need do is open your eyes.
Writing is one of the things that adds to my happiness. I find pleasure in the activity itself, not a particular plot or event in the story I am creating. It is like a cocoon, a world of my own, woven by me as pleasing adrenaline flows, producing intangible rebirth of sorts.
I have been a prolific writer for as long as I can remember. My writing talent was evident by the time I was 13. As an avid reader from an early age, I had a rich vocabulary and received accolades from my English teachers for my writing ability. It is not surprising that I studied English and became a university English professor.
In the last two decades, I have written many short stories, an English textbook for college students and many academic papers. My writing ability ensured that the "Publish or Perish" slogan in academia never hung over my head. The academic papers are published in various academic journals. Endless Seasons is my first book of poetry. One of the poems "Saved" was selected in a poetry competition and published in the anthology, "Transcending Moments". An excerpt from Endless Seasons was quoted by Craig and Marc Kielburger, founders of Free the Children in a Huffington Post article. Also, the African edition of Endless Seasons was one of the three finalists for poetry in the 2010 ANA Literary Prizes.
In the last couple of years, I have been engaged in fiction writing. My first published novel will soon be out in Kindle.
The more I write, the more my admiration for established authors increases. In many ways, writing is a rough, solitary road to tread. While writing remains one thing I do without feeling that I should be doing something else, it still has its ups and downs. Sometimes, the challenges seem insurmountable....Thankfully, I'm always able to catch myself and focus on my goals.
Although I found my niche - writing - many years ago, I'm still on a journey and have many ideas percolating. I'll continue to give voice to those ideas.
Everyone has been blessed with diverse talents. What are yours? Are you using them and for good?
Here's to great use of those gifted "hands"!
Have an awesome week everyone!
CIAO!
We were very delighted by the scenery today as always. Each day has something uniquely beautiful to offer and we are so appreciative of it all. There is beauty everywhere! All you need do is open your eyes.
Writing is one of the things that adds to my happiness. I find pleasure in the activity itself, not a particular plot or event in the story I am creating. It is like a cocoon, a world of my own, woven by me as pleasing adrenaline flows, producing intangible rebirth of sorts.
I have been a prolific writer for as long as I can remember. My writing talent was evident by the time I was 13. As an avid reader from an early age, I had a rich vocabulary and received accolades from my English teachers for my writing ability. It is not surprising that I studied English and became a university English professor.
In the last two decades, I have written many short stories, an English textbook for college students and many academic papers. My writing ability ensured that the "Publish or Perish" slogan in academia never hung over my head. The academic papers are published in various academic journals. Endless Seasons is my first book of poetry. One of the poems "Saved" was selected in a poetry competition and published in the anthology, "Transcending Moments". An excerpt from Endless Seasons was quoted by Craig and Marc Kielburger, founders of Free the Children in a Huffington Post article. Also, the African edition of Endless Seasons was one of the three finalists for poetry in the 2010 ANA Literary Prizes.
In the last couple of years, I have been engaged in fiction writing. My first published novel will soon be out in Kindle.
The more I write, the more my admiration for established authors increases. In many ways, writing is a rough, solitary road to tread. While writing remains one thing I do without feeling that I should be doing something else, it still has its ups and downs. Sometimes, the challenges seem insurmountable....Thankfully, I'm always able to catch myself and focus on my goals.
Although I found my niche - writing - many years ago, I'm still on a journey and have many ideas percolating. I'll continue to give voice to those ideas.
Everyone has been blessed with diverse talents. What are yours? Are you using them and for good?
Here's to great use of those gifted "hands"!
Have an awesome week everyone!
CIAO!
DORIS LESSING - MILESTONE
A simple grateful thought turned heavenwards is the most perfect prayer.
- Doris Lessing
The Nobel laureate was born on this day (10/22/2012) in 1919.
*******
Have a wonderful week everyone!
- Doris Lessing
The Nobel laureate was born on this day (10/22/2012) in 1919.
*******
Have a wonderful week everyone!
How to Write a Script: Push Your Protagonist to the Edge
By Neil Landau
The climax is the ultimate test. The protagonist’s facing his/her ultimate fear, and usually requires a final challenge of the character’s growth or change. A deep understanding of the needs, wants and fears that drive the hero allows for the creation of an “ultimate” test, action or crucial symbolic “graduation” that is the best fit for that particular protagonist, genre and film. Choose wisely.
I believe that all movies are, on some level, coming-of-age stories – no matter the age of the protagonist. For it is this test that shows us, the audience, if the hero has, in fact, grown. After the climax, there are usually only one or two scenes of resolution, reaffirming that the hero has really changed, and then the film is over. Sometimes the change is substantial. Sometimes the change is almost imperceptible. What matters most is that we care.
Heighten the climax.
The anticlimactic ending is predictable and lacks dramatic heat. A potent climax will be surprising and even explosive. Some touchstones for an effective climax can include making the protagonist:
a) confront the true antagonist;
b) overcome character flaws;
c) come-of-age (a rite of passage);
d) deliver the truth; e) face an ultimate moral dilemma; and
f) emerge as a freer and/or truer self (aka catharsis – more on this below).
In “Jerry Maguire,” Jerry (Tom Cruise) is great at friendship, but terrible at intimacy. In the climax, he puts himself completely out there for love. His audience is a bitter group of divorced women. He tells Dorothy (Renée Zellweger) that she completes him and then waits. He is emotionally naked, raw and vulnerable. Will she love him back?
In “127 Hours,” Aron Ralston’s (James Franco) lowest point at the end of act two is when he finally gives up hope and resigns himself to death. But then he wills himself to live – intentionally snapping the bone in his arm and cutting off his own limb with a small, dull blade. After he extricates himself, he’s still not home free; Aron must hike back to civilization for medical attention and sustenance. The worst thing that could happen at the climax would be for him to have come this far and still not survive. His subsequent rescue is the resolution. The marvel of this unconventional film is how our expectation of his self-amputation is not even his ultimate test.
In “50/50,” Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), our mid-20’s protagonist gets diagnosed with life-threatening cancer, which he fights through chemotherapy and counseling. In the end, he finds a deeper connection with his best friend, Kyle (Seth Rogen), the spark of real love with his mid-20’s therapist, Katherine (Anna Kendrick), and a more grown-up relationship with his mother (Anjelica Huston). The “worst thing” that could happen after all that growth is for him to die before he has a chance to really live. The climax is when he says his goodbyes before the potentially deadly surgery, knowing that whether he lives or dies is out of his hands.
In the comedy, “There’s Something About Mary,” Ted (Ben Stiller) has dreamed about Mary (Cameron Diaz) for decades since his unfortunate prom night zipper accident in high school. Twenty years later, he goes through hell to reconnect with her, they hit it off, and are beginning to fall in love. The “worst thing” that could happen at this point is that she would find out that he set one or more dangerous “stalkers” loose on her in his quest to find her – and Ted could lose Mary forever.
There is often a difference between the emotional (story) climax and the physical (plot) climax of the movie.
In “Juno,” the emotional climax occurs when the cynical, too-clever-for-her-own-good Juno (Ellen Page) discovers that Vanessa and Mark Loring (Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman) are splitting up and not planning to offer her baby the idyllic, two-parent home Juno had hoped for. This is a major rite of passage for Juno – her loss of innocence. Juno rushes out of the Loring’s house, gets into her vehicle, and takes off. The snarky, happy-go-lucky Juno’s bottled-up emotions get the best of her. She pulls over to the side of the road and starts bawling, like a baby. Her protective, maternal instincts are kicking in – and the ordinarily insouciant Juno feels lost, vulnerable, and scared. She’s a high school girl and can’t handle all of this right now. She comes home and reaches out to her meddling stepmom and dad for emotional support and guidance.
On the plot level, the physical climax of the film is when her water breaks and she goes into labor. This is the highest level of conflict in the plot, but Juno is less vulnerable here because she’s evolved into a more balanced, mature young woman. And even though she decides to go through with placing the newborn baby up for adoption – with the soon-to-be-single mother, Vanessa – Juno is now ready to admit her true feelings for Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). She emerges at the end more authentic. It’s an unpredictable, bittersweet, and emotionally satisfying ending, offering no easy solutions. The gravitas of what begins as a superficial response to her pregnancy is impacted by morality, irony, truth and consequences.
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/how-to-write-a-script-push-yo...
The climax is the ultimate test. The protagonist’s facing his/her ultimate fear, and usually requires a final challenge of the character’s growth or change. A deep understanding of the needs, wants and fears that drive the hero allows for the creation of an “ultimate” test, action or crucial symbolic “graduation” that is the best fit for that particular protagonist, genre and film. Choose wisely.
I believe that all movies are, on some level, coming-of-age stories – no matter the age of the protagonist. For it is this test that shows us, the audience, if the hero has, in fact, grown. After the climax, there are usually only one or two scenes of resolution, reaffirming that the hero has really changed, and then the film is over. Sometimes the change is substantial. Sometimes the change is almost imperceptible. What matters most is that we care.
Heighten the climax.
The anticlimactic ending is predictable and lacks dramatic heat. A potent climax will be surprising and even explosive. Some touchstones for an effective climax can include making the protagonist:
a) confront the true antagonist;
b) overcome character flaws;
c) come-of-age (a rite of passage);
d) deliver the truth; e) face an ultimate moral dilemma; and
f) emerge as a freer and/or truer self (aka catharsis – more on this below).
In “Jerry Maguire,” Jerry (Tom Cruise) is great at friendship, but terrible at intimacy. In the climax, he puts himself completely out there for love. His audience is a bitter group of divorced women. He tells Dorothy (Renée Zellweger) that she completes him and then waits. He is emotionally naked, raw and vulnerable. Will she love him back?
In “127 Hours,” Aron Ralston’s (James Franco) lowest point at the end of act two is when he finally gives up hope and resigns himself to death. But then he wills himself to live – intentionally snapping the bone in his arm and cutting off his own limb with a small, dull blade. After he extricates himself, he’s still not home free; Aron must hike back to civilization for medical attention and sustenance. The worst thing that could happen at the climax would be for him to have come this far and still not survive. His subsequent rescue is the resolution. The marvel of this unconventional film is how our expectation of his self-amputation is not even his ultimate test.
In “50/50,” Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), our mid-20’s protagonist gets diagnosed with life-threatening cancer, which he fights through chemotherapy and counseling. In the end, he finds a deeper connection with his best friend, Kyle (Seth Rogen), the spark of real love with his mid-20’s therapist, Katherine (Anna Kendrick), and a more grown-up relationship with his mother (Anjelica Huston). The “worst thing” that could happen after all that growth is for him to die before he has a chance to really live. The climax is when he says his goodbyes before the potentially deadly surgery, knowing that whether he lives or dies is out of his hands.
In the comedy, “There’s Something About Mary,” Ted (Ben Stiller) has dreamed about Mary (Cameron Diaz) for decades since his unfortunate prom night zipper accident in high school. Twenty years later, he goes through hell to reconnect with her, they hit it off, and are beginning to fall in love. The “worst thing” that could happen at this point is that she would find out that he set one or more dangerous “stalkers” loose on her in his quest to find her – and Ted could lose Mary forever.
There is often a difference between the emotional (story) climax and the physical (plot) climax of the movie.
In “Juno,” the emotional climax occurs when the cynical, too-clever-for-her-own-good Juno (Ellen Page) discovers that Vanessa and Mark Loring (Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman) are splitting up and not planning to offer her baby the idyllic, two-parent home Juno had hoped for. This is a major rite of passage for Juno – her loss of innocence. Juno rushes out of the Loring’s house, gets into her vehicle, and takes off. The snarky, happy-go-lucky Juno’s bottled-up emotions get the best of her. She pulls over to the side of the road and starts bawling, like a baby. Her protective, maternal instincts are kicking in – and the ordinarily insouciant Juno feels lost, vulnerable, and scared. She’s a high school girl and can’t handle all of this right now. She comes home and reaches out to her meddling stepmom and dad for emotional support and guidance.
On the plot level, the physical climax of the film is when her water breaks and she goes into labor. This is the highest level of conflict in the plot, but Juno is less vulnerable here because she’s evolved into a more balanced, mature young woman. And even though she decides to go through with placing the newborn baby up for adoption – with the soon-to-be-single mother, Vanessa – Juno is now ready to admit her true feelings for Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). She emerges at the end more authentic. It’s an unpredictable, bittersweet, and emotionally satisfying ending, offering no easy solutions. The gravitas of what begins as a superficial response to her pregnancy is impacted by morality, irony, truth and consequences.
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/how-to-write-a-script-push-yo...
Lay vs. Lie (vs. Laid)
Grammar Rules: Brian Klems
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/lay-vs-lie?et_mid=585141&rid=...
lay lie Q: In the battle of lay vs. lie, when do you use each and can you provide examples? —Annemarie V.
Don’t forget about “lain,” my friend! All these verbs have two things in common: They begin with the letter “L” and confuse the bejeezus out of many people. But here’s a simple breakdown that will hopefully help you decipher when to use each one and when to use their past-tense equivalents (I’ve also included a handy chart at the end to help, but we’ll get to that later).
Lay
Lay and lie are both present-tense verbs, but they don’t mean quite the same thing. Lay means to put or set something down, so if the subject is acting on an object, it’s “lay.” For example, I lay down the book. You, the subject, set down the book, the object.
Lie
Lie, on the other hand, is defined as, “to be, to stay or to assume rest in a horizontal position,” so the subject is the one doing the lying—I lie down to sleep or When I pick up a copy of my favorite magazine, Writer’s Digest, I lie down to take in all its great information—and not acting on an object. In both these cases, you, the subject, are setting yourself down. Are you with me so far?
I Lie Down vs. Now I Lay Me Down (to Sleep)
To clarify things further, I’ll answer this question that you’re probably wondering: How can you be lying down in your examples while the classic nighttime prayer for kids clearly begins “Now I lay me down to sleep”? You must be out of your mind! It’s true, I’m totally out of my mind, but both the examples I used and the kids’ prayer are correct—and here’s why.
In I lie down to sleep, there is no object to the sentence, just subject (I). In Now I lay me down to sleep, there is a subject (I) and an object (me). Even though the subject and object are one and the same, the object is still present in the sentence, so you must use lay.
Laid vs. Lay vs. Lain
In the past tense, “lay” becomes “laid” (Last week I laid down the law and told her it was inappropriate for her to pick her nose) and “lie” becomes “lay” (Yesterday she lay down for a nap that afternoon and picked her nose anyway). Yes, “lay” is also the past tense of “lie.” And the confusion doesn’t end there.
To throw you for another loop, “laid” is also the past participle form of “lay.” So, when helping verbs are involved, “lay” becomes “laid” and “lie” becomes “lain.” Grandma had laid the chicken in the oven earlier this morning. The chicken had lain there all day until it was cooked all the way through and ready for us to eat.
Remember: Lay and laid both mean to set something down, while lie, lay and lain all mean the subject is setting itself down.
************
MY EXPERIENCE: Most ESL/EFL students have a hard time understanding that "lay" is the past tense of "lie" (as in "Yesterday she lay down for a nap...." above).
Nice article on grammar rules.
CIAO!
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/lay-vs-lie?et_mid=585141&rid=...
lay lie Q: In the battle of lay vs. lie, when do you use each and can you provide examples? —Annemarie V.
Don’t forget about “lain,” my friend! All these verbs have two things in common: They begin with the letter “L” and confuse the bejeezus out of many people. But here’s a simple breakdown that will hopefully help you decipher when to use each one and when to use their past-tense equivalents (I’ve also included a handy chart at the end to help, but we’ll get to that later).
Lay
Lay and lie are both present-tense verbs, but they don’t mean quite the same thing. Lay means to put or set something down, so if the subject is acting on an object, it’s “lay.” For example, I lay down the book. You, the subject, set down the book, the object.
Lie
Lie, on the other hand, is defined as, “to be, to stay or to assume rest in a horizontal position,” so the subject is the one doing the lying—I lie down to sleep or When I pick up a copy of my favorite magazine, Writer’s Digest, I lie down to take in all its great information—and not acting on an object. In both these cases, you, the subject, are setting yourself down. Are you with me so far?
I Lie Down vs. Now I Lay Me Down (to Sleep)
To clarify things further, I’ll answer this question that you’re probably wondering: How can you be lying down in your examples while the classic nighttime prayer for kids clearly begins “Now I lay me down to sleep”? You must be out of your mind! It’s true, I’m totally out of my mind, but both the examples I used and the kids’ prayer are correct—and here’s why.
In I lie down to sleep, there is no object to the sentence, just subject (I). In Now I lay me down to sleep, there is a subject (I) and an object (me). Even though the subject and object are one and the same, the object is still present in the sentence, so you must use lay.
Laid vs. Lay vs. Lain
In the past tense, “lay” becomes “laid” (Last week I laid down the law and told her it was inappropriate for her to pick her nose) and “lie” becomes “lay” (Yesterday she lay down for a nap that afternoon and picked her nose anyway). Yes, “lay” is also the past tense of “lie.” And the confusion doesn’t end there.
To throw you for another loop, “laid” is also the past participle form of “lay.” So, when helping verbs are involved, “lay” becomes “laid” and “lie” becomes “lain.” Grandma had laid the chicken in the oven earlier this morning. The chicken had lain there all day until it was cooked all the way through and ready for us to eat.
Remember: Lay and laid both mean to set something down, while lie, lay and lain all mean the subject is setting itself down.
************
MY EXPERIENCE: Most ESL/EFL students have a hard time understanding that "lay" is the past tense of "lie" (as in "Yesterday she lay down for a nap...." above).
Nice article on grammar rules.
CIAO!
HAPPY HOUR! THE READER IN ME
Hi there! Welcome to HAPPY HOUR!
Earlier today, I was standing in front of the kitchen sink. Task? To refill the dishwashing liquid container. As I opened the container, a large bubble escaped and began a gentle dance in the air. I followed its movement. And I kept smiling. My smile broadened as the bubble continued to slowly roam above the kitchen counter. For some reason, I didn't want it to burst; so, I used the open container in my hand to catch the bubble. It was an awesome catch! And got me laughing. That was so cool :).
If you have been following my posts over the years, I guess you already know that reading and writing add to my happiness. In high school, I competed with my reading buddies to see who would finish a novel first and how many novels we read in a week. We mostly read Enid Blyton series and Malorey Towers series. The winner had to give a rehash (gist) of the story. In college, I went solo but remained a voracious reader. My reading interests had shifted to African Writers Series and romance. The latter had dominance. Mills and Boon and Silhouette series were my favorite.
I have always maintained that asking me to name my favorite writer is like asking a mother to name her favorite child. As an avid reader, I can mention some of my favorite writers. One of them is Trish Perry. There is something about her novels that resonates in me, a kind of camaraderie or kinship. After reading 'The Perfect Blend' I was hooked. She's one of my favorite novelists. I like her plots and characterization very much!
The affinity I have mentioned may be rooted in her protagonists. It is weird but I see myself in many ways in some of them. They think like I do and share a lot of my strong points. That, in spite of their naivety, they fall in love with an amazing guy who loves them so much, makes me see her writing as something that transcends fiction. I find myself routing for her protagonists all the way! And it may have to do with my own experience as a woman :) and a writer.
What makes you happy? Playing a musical instrument, watching a movie, reading, writing, participating in a sport? The list is endless. Make time for them.
Enjoy your weekend!
Love, peace and blessing to you.
P.S.: Have you read 'Endless Seasons' on Kindle yet? You can read it today on Kindle for free or buy your copy. Please remember to leave a review!
Earlier today, I was standing in front of the kitchen sink. Task? To refill the dishwashing liquid container. As I opened the container, a large bubble escaped and began a gentle dance in the air. I followed its movement. And I kept smiling. My smile broadened as the bubble continued to slowly roam above the kitchen counter. For some reason, I didn't want it to burst; so, I used the open container in my hand to catch the bubble. It was an awesome catch! And got me laughing. That was so cool :).
If you have been following my posts over the years, I guess you already know that reading and writing add to my happiness. In high school, I competed with my reading buddies to see who would finish a novel first and how many novels we read in a week. We mostly read Enid Blyton series and Malorey Towers series. The winner had to give a rehash (gist) of the story. In college, I went solo but remained a voracious reader. My reading interests had shifted to African Writers Series and romance. The latter had dominance. Mills and Boon and Silhouette series were my favorite.
I have always maintained that asking me to name my favorite writer is like asking a mother to name her favorite child. As an avid reader, I can mention some of my favorite writers. One of them is Trish Perry. There is something about her novels that resonates in me, a kind of camaraderie or kinship. After reading 'The Perfect Blend' I was hooked. She's one of my favorite novelists. I like her plots and characterization very much!
The affinity I have mentioned may be rooted in her protagonists. It is weird but I see myself in many ways in some of them. They think like I do and share a lot of my strong points. That, in spite of their naivety, they fall in love with an amazing guy who loves them so much, makes me see her writing as something that transcends fiction. I find myself routing for her protagonists all the way! And it may have to do with my own experience as a woman :) and a writer.
What makes you happy? Playing a musical instrument, watching a movie, reading, writing, participating in a sport? The list is endless. Make time for them.
Enjoy your weekend!
Love, peace and blessing to you.
P.S.: Have you read 'Endless Seasons' on Kindle yet? You can read it today on Kindle for free or buy your copy. Please remember to leave a review!
HAPPY HOUR!
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."
This irrefutable statement is credited to Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. However, the truth behind it cannot be ascribed to a single individual.
In the coming weeks, I will be titling my posts here "Happy Hour". It is a reminder to everyone out there: "BE HAPPY". Problems may temporarily encroach on our happiness but we all have the power to cause a positive shift from sadness and depression to happiness and hope.
I have been through so much that sometimes my level of optimism just needs a divine nudge to reassure me that no one can tamper with my destiny. Any attempt to do so is like fighting a power bigger, greater and stronger than all human beings put together. Remember the potter and clay analogy? It is true.
Each of us must walk in our destiny. No two persons will walk exactly same road. We must keep our eyes on our own path and not be jealous or envious of another. Just be happy, thankful and do what is right. Your best is yet to come. My best is yet to come.
But I digress.
I received that divine nudge an hour ago. Wow! And wow! Double blessings. Blessing galore. He never ceases to amaze me! I AM VERY THANKFUL! A blessing is a blessing: there is no "small" or "big" blessing. Challenges cannot defeat me. They are there to make me stronger and wiser. They are stepping stones to success and greatness. No one can take away who I am. And I know WHO always has my back. Even in the storm, He is there. He calms it in His own time. I AM SO BLESSED! And I believe so are you! Take your eyes off the storm and the quietness will come sooner than you think.
Have a blessed day everyone!
10/11/12 :)
This irrefutable statement is credited to Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. However, the truth behind it cannot be ascribed to a single individual.
In the coming weeks, I will be titling my posts here "Happy Hour". It is a reminder to everyone out there: "BE HAPPY". Problems may temporarily encroach on our happiness but we all have the power to cause a positive shift from sadness and depression to happiness and hope.
I have been through so much that sometimes my level of optimism just needs a divine nudge to reassure me that no one can tamper with my destiny. Any attempt to do so is like fighting a power bigger, greater and stronger than all human beings put together. Remember the potter and clay analogy? It is true.
Each of us must walk in our destiny. No two persons will walk exactly same road. We must keep our eyes on our own path and not be jealous or envious of another. Just be happy, thankful and do what is right. Your best is yet to come. My best is yet to come.
But I digress.
I received that divine nudge an hour ago. Wow! And wow! Double blessings. Blessing galore. He never ceases to amaze me! I AM VERY THANKFUL! A blessing is a blessing: there is no "small" or "big" blessing. Challenges cannot defeat me. They are there to make me stronger and wiser. They are stepping stones to success and greatness. No one can take away who I am. And I know WHO always has my back. Even in the storm, He is there. He calms it in His own time. I AM SO BLESSED! And I believe so are you! Take your eyes off the storm and the quietness will come sooner than you think.
Have a blessed day everyone!
10/11/12 :)
Raise vs. Rise
Do raise and rise mean the same thing, or is there a difference? —Anonymous
A: It’s hard to believe, but the answer to both of the questions posed is yes. Both words technically mean the same thing (to move upwards), but there is a difference in how you should use each one.
Rise is intransitive verb and does not take an object. What this means is that you use the verb rise when something moves upwards by itself.
The sun rises every morning.
I rise out of bed quickly when the smell of freshly cooked bacon is in the air.
In these examples, the subjects (“the sun” and “I”) move upward on their own, without the physical help of an outside force (though the smell of bacon certainly helps in its own way).
Raise, on the other hand, is a transitive verb that requires that the subject act upon an object. In other words, something raises something else.
The Boy Scouts raised money to offset the cost of their next camping trip.
I raised my hand in the meeting to ask, “Why isn’t there any bacon here?”
In the first sentence, the Boy scouts (subject) raised money (object). In the second, I (subject) raised my hand (object).
When constructing your sentence, just look to see if the subject rises on its own or if it’s raising something else. This will help you determine which verb to use.
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/raise-vs-rise?et_mid=583989&r...
Have a wonderful week everyone!
A: It’s hard to believe, but the answer to both of the questions posed is yes. Both words technically mean the same thing (to move upwards), but there is a difference in how you should use each one.
Rise is intransitive verb and does not take an object. What this means is that you use the verb rise when something moves upwards by itself.
The sun rises every morning.
I rise out of bed quickly when the smell of freshly cooked bacon is in the air.
In these examples, the subjects (“the sun” and “I”) move upward on their own, without the physical help of an outside force (though the smell of bacon certainly helps in its own way).
Raise, on the other hand, is a transitive verb that requires that the subject act upon an object. In other words, something raises something else.
The Boy Scouts raised money to offset the cost of their next camping trip.
I raised my hand in the meeting to ask, “Why isn’t there any bacon here?”
In the first sentence, the Boy scouts (subject) raised money (object). In the second, I (subject) raised my hand (object).
When constructing your sentence, just look to see if the subject rises on its own or if it’s raising something else. This will help you determine which verb to use.
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/raise-vs-rise?et_mid=583989&r...
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Thanksgiving Musings... and still counting
For Canadians, the Thanksgiving Holiday is here again! I am very thankful and I hope you are too. There is always something to be thankful for. If your gratitude level is down, you need to raise the scale. All you need do is take a deep breath, in and out. That's something to be thankful for. Look around you. Take in the beauty in nature. That's something to be thankful for. Look inward. Look at those around you. These are things to be thankful for. You may not have many things you would like to have; but, there are those who lack lots more. The classic saying about someone complaining about not having shoes is apt here. So also is the one about the grass being greener on the other side.
While hoping for better days, contentment helps you achieve serenity. Gratitude and contentment go together. Be content. Scripture says "Godliness with contentment is great gain". Then, as Joel Osteen says, believe that your best is yet to come.
Talking about catch phrases, it is said that the darker the berries, the sweeter the juice. I am thankful for the juice on the side table beside me. I am also thankful that it is not from concentrate :). When you begin to count your blessings; both great and small, you will find yourself smiling.
Keep your gratitude scale raised, not just during this Thanksgiving Holiday but work to be thankful at all times. When situations cause the scale to tilt downward, think about the things you should be thankful for and get yourself back on track. I remember a posting I saw once. It reads: "When I am sad, I remind myself how awesome I am." It was written by a teenager and I thought that was pretty cool. She found what works for her and so should each of us.
Does this look like a writer's ramble? Not exactly.... I choose to describe it as just me musing....
HAPPY THANKSGIVING CANADIANS AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!
The countdown continues in spite of the Thankgiving Holiday :)
While hoping for better days, contentment helps you achieve serenity. Gratitude and contentment go together. Be content. Scripture says "Godliness with contentment is great gain". Then, as Joel Osteen says, believe that your best is yet to come.
Talking about catch phrases, it is said that the darker the berries, the sweeter the juice. I am thankful for the juice on the side table beside me. I am also thankful that it is not from concentrate :). When you begin to count your blessings; both great and small, you will find yourself smiling.
Keep your gratitude scale raised, not just during this Thanksgiving Holiday but work to be thankful at all times. When situations cause the scale to tilt downward, think about the things you should be thankful for and get yourself back on track. I remember a posting I saw once. It reads: "When I am sad, I remind myself how awesome I am." It was written by a teenager and I thought that was pretty cool. She found what works for her and so should each of us.
Does this look like a writer's ramble? Not exactly.... I choose to describe it as just me musing....
HAPPY THANKSGIVING CANADIANS AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!
The countdown continues in spite of the Thankgiving Holiday :)
The Key To Successful Writing Is…
Great post by Jerry B. Jenkins - an all-time favorite.
-----
Writing is hard work. Don’t agree so quickly. Wait till you’ve been dragged down the bumpy road toward publication a few times. For now, admit that you suspect you’re something special. The exceptional exception.
For you, writing will be a breeze. Editors will clamor for your work. You foresee a bidding war over your next book, with your bank account the big winner. Is that Reader’s Digest on the phone?
Not so fast.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
Guest column by Jerry B. Jenkins who is the author of more than 180 books with sales of more than 70 million copies, including the best-selling Left Behind series. Jerry’s writing has appeared in Time, Reader’s Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and dozens of Christian periodicals. Twenty of his books have reached The New York Times best-seller list (seven debuting number one). He owns the Christian Writers Guild (www.christianwritersguild.com) and Jenkins Entertainment, a filmmaking company. He is also a contributing editor to Writer’s Digest.
GIVEAWAY: Jerry is excited to give away a free autographed copy of his new novel, The Breakthrough (A Precinct 11 Novel), to a random commenter. Comment within two weeks; winner must live in Canada/US to receive the book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
I was talking with an editor friend, a veteran of many writers conferences, who has seen all levels of competency. “It’s rare that you find a first-timer who really gets it,” she said. Writing is not a hobby, a spare-time activity, or something to play at. It’s work.
For me, writing is as exhausting as physical labor. After writing and publishing more than 180 books, that still surprises me.
Sometimes, on deadline, I’ll sit at the keyboard for six, eight, ten hours or more. When I’m finished, I’m as spent as if I’ve been ditch-digging all day. I don’t understand it. Writing doesn’t seem physically taxing, but it is. I guess it’s a fact that you must be constantly thinking in order to write.
Creativity will cost you, wear you out.
Don’t ever get the idea writing is easy. If it is, you’re not working hard enough. The stuff that comes easy takes the most rewriting. And stuff that comes hard reads the easiest.
A psychologist friend once asked if I would have lunch with him and give him a few tips. “I’m thinking about doing a little freelance writing in my spare time,” he said.
“Interesting,” I said. “I’ve been thinking about doing a little psychological counseling in my spare time.”
“I didn’t know you were trained for that.”
“Gotcha,” I said.
When you hang out your shingle as a writer, be prepared for unintended slights like that.
People tell me all the time that they have a book in them, if they only had time to write.
That would be like my saying I have a sermon in me, if only I had time to prepare it. Pulpit work is something a person is trained and set apart for.
If people want to tell themselves they could be the one-in-a-thousand writer who could sell a manuscript to a book publisher, if they could only find the time, fine. They’ll learn the truth when they sit before the blank computer screen.
So don’t be one of those who just talks about it or plays at it. Work at it.
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-key-to-successful-writing...
-----
Writing is hard work. Don’t agree so quickly. Wait till you’ve been dragged down the bumpy road toward publication a few times. For now, admit that you suspect you’re something special. The exceptional exception.
For you, writing will be a breeze. Editors will clamor for your work. You foresee a bidding war over your next book, with your bank account the big winner. Is that Reader’s Digest on the phone?
Not so fast.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
Guest column by Jerry B. Jenkins who is the author of more than 180 books with sales of more than 70 million copies, including the best-selling Left Behind series. Jerry’s writing has appeared in Time, Reader’s Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and dozens of Christian periodicals. Twenty of his books have reached The New York Times best-seller list (seven debuting number one). He owns the Christian Writers Guild (www.christianwritersguild.com) and Jenkins Entertainment, a filmmaking company. He is also a contributing editor to Writer’s Digest.
GIVEAWAY: Jerry is excited to give away a free autographed copy of his new novel, The Breakthrough (A Precinct 11 Novel), to a random commenter. Comment within two weeks; winner must live in Canada/US to receive the book by mail. You can win a blog contest even if you’ve won before.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
I was talking with an editor friend, a veteran of many writers conferences, who has seen all levels of competency. “It’s rare that you find a first-timer who really gets it,” she said. Writing is not a hobby, a spare-time activity, or something to play at. It’s work.
For me, writing is as exhausting as physical labor. After writing and publishing more than 180 books, that still surprises me.
Sometimes, on deadline, I’ll sit at the keyboard for six, eight, ten hours or more. When I’m finished, I’m as spent as if I’ve been ditch-digging all day. I don’t understand it. Writing doesn’t seem physically taxing, but it is. I guess it’s a fact that you must be constantly thinking in order to write.
Creativity will cost you, wear you out.
Don’t ever get the idea writing is easy. If it is, you’re not working hard enough. The stuff that comes easy takes the most rewriting. And stuff that comes hard reads the easiest.
A psychologist friend once asked if I would have lunch with him and give him a few tips. “I’m thinking about doing a little freelance writing in my spare time,” he said.
“Interesting,” I said. “I’ve been thinking about doing a little psychological counseling in my spare time.”
“I didn’t know you were trained for that.”
“Gotcha,” I said.
When you hang out your shingle as a writer, be prepared for unintended slights like that.
People tell me all the time that they have a book in them, if they only had time to write.
That would be like my saying I have a sermon in me, if only I had time to prepare it. Pulpit work is something a person is trained and set apart for.
If people want to tell themselves they could be the one-in-a-thousand writer who could sell a manuscript to a book publisher, if they could only find the time, fine. They’ll learn the truth when they sit before the blank computer screen.
So don’t be one of those who just talks about it or plays at it. Work at it.
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-key-to-successful-writing...
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