First, I'd like to thank everyone who commented on my last blog post. The winner of WHO DARES WINS: The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed by Bob Mayer is E.A. West. I really hope you enjoy the book!
I recently joined FaceBook and I think every person I used to know in HS has come out of the woodwork. It's kind of strange. People I haven't seen in like 25 years. When did I get old? It's strange, but it's nice too. We were all kind of crazy back then. Well, some still are, but most of us turned out ok. Have jobs. Families. Bald heads. Gray hair. Children. Grandchildren even. Crazy.
The world has changed so much since I was a teenager. I learned to type on a typewriter. Heck, my first teaching job I taught Advanced Typing on a typewriter/processor. Computers were just starting to enter homes and schools. I was learning as I was teaching. Now my kids have to teach me about ipods and well, FaceBook. We live in times where technology has made things easy, maybe too easy. We sit in front of our computers and IM, or text on our phones. Things are just different.
But some things are just the same. Like Senior Ball. I right of passage. The first all-nigher (at least in this house hold). I stood and watched as about 26 young men and women tried to organize one big photo shoot. I listened to parents lecture their kids about safely, driving, and reminding them that the prom is alcohol free and they are not legal anyway.
I watched my daughter and her date drive off. Next year she goes to college. I think it just hit me how different my life will be. It's another turning point. Something new. Something to get used too. Only two hockey teams to manage instead of three. Only two kids to get to school instead of three. It will be a big change for her as well. Mom won't be there to make her crapes and strawberries when she's blue. Mom won't be doing her laundry. Mom won't be hovering over her every move.
We got through different points in our lives. Everything changes. Yet, in an odd way, it all stays the same.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
FEAR AND OUR EVERYDAY LIVES
WHO DARES WINS: The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed by Bob Mayer.
This book is a great Father's Day gift. It's also a book I think everyone can benefit from. It's a book that will give you the tools necessary to overcome whatever it is that is holding you back from achieving your goals in every aspect of your life. Usually it's fear that stops us from becoming whatever it is we want to be. Or Do.
There is that old saying - You have nothing to fear but fear itself. Not sure that is entirely true. I mean, there is some fear that is good. It's an indication that something might not be right. Like, lets say a rattle snake is coiling in front of you ready to strike. Yeah, think we'd all be a little frightened. Would we all know what to do? I wouldn't. We don't have rattle snakes up here.
I'm terrified of flying. I do it, but it scares the crap out of me. I'm one of those people who actually pull out the little guide while the flight attendant is going over all the safety measures and follow along. I note the exits and find the one closest to me. I actually, sort of, plan for that plane to crash. Think about what I would do and how I would get out in case I had to. Twisted, I know. Except, how many people would know what to do if the plane went down?
When I was little, my father has this thing about teaching us kids the hard way. I mean, the hard way. He used to take us out in the worst storms on Lake George. I'm talking dark nights, five foot whitecaps, rain, lightening, bring it all on. And then he'd turn the helm over and say, "Take me home James." Funny, his name was James. Anyway, his thought process was if we could handle that, we could handle any thing that came out way. Yeah, right. Would I go out in a storm for shits and giggles? Nope. No way. While I'm confident I could handle it, it's still scary and not really safe.
I remember learning how to change a tire and my father telling me how I might find myself stranded on the side of the road and have to do this. I thought, well I'll figure it out when it happens. Thank goodness I knew how to change a tire when I got a flat in the middle of nowhere at night. We didn't' have cell phones back then.
In my father's world, there was always something you needed to be prepared for and it was never good. I used to think he sat on the back patio coming up worse case scenarios just for fun. Thought it amused him or something. But looking back, those scenarios taught me a few things. One was that in order to get to the other side, I had to do something. Take action. If I was afraid of crossing the road, figure out why. Was it a reasonable fear? Like getting hit by a car if I had to cross a four lane highway. Then ask myself do I have to cross the road? Is there another way? My father told me that the best plans were usually the worst. Know and understand all options and then decided. Don't be stupid, be smart. Smart people survive. Yeah, he was a hard ass.
But my point is this, I have fears. Many of them. Some I can't explain, like my fear of frogs. Don't ask, cuz I'm not telling. I'm afraid of sharks. Even in fresh water. Yeah, I know, a bit unreasonable considering I love water and spend all day in it in the summer. Just not after the sun sets. I'm afraid to fly, but I do it. I'm often afraid people won't like me. But if I don't put myself out there, I won't ever know, will I? Fear is apart of life. Now maybe more than ever. So many uncertainties with the economy. Fear can cripple us. Stop us from taking action. Stop us from achieving our goals. My grandmother once told me that I could be anything, if I just put my mind to it, then acted on it. She said it took two things to make something happen, a thought, and an action. A thought is but a dream, an action is what makes a dream a reality.
Now, that is my life lessons. I try not to let fear rule me, but sometimes it does. WHO DARES WINS: The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed by Bob Mayer is a book that I know will help me continue on the path I want to be on. That is the successful path.
I have ordered a copy of this book for myself, and a few friends. I have also ordered this book to one lucky winner from this blog. But you have to comment. Sending me an email doesn't count. Sorry. Tell me your fears. How you over come them. How this book will help you. Or just say hello. Next week I will draw a winner, so have fun.
I'm going to make this very easy for you. Below are links so you can order this book for yourself, a friend, a father, whoever. Also, click here to read an interview I did with Mr. Mayer on my group blog. It's very interesting.
Bob Mayer's Website
Amazon
This book is a great Father's Day gift. It's also a book I think everyone can benefit from. It's a book that will give you the tools necessary to overcome whatever it is that is holding you back from achieving your goals in every aspect of your life. Usually it's fear that stops us from becoming whatever it is we want to be. Or Do.
There is that old saying - You have nothing to fear but fear itself. Not sure that is entirely true. I mean, there is some fear that is good. It's an indication that something might not be right. Like, lets say a rattle snake is coiling in front of you ready to strike. Yeah, think we'd all be a little frightened. Would we all know what to do? I wouldn't. We don't have rattle snakes up here.
I'm terrified of flying. I do it, but it scares the crap out of me. I'm one of those people who actually pull out the little guide while the flight attendant is going over all the safety measures and follow along. I note the exits and find the one closest to me. I actually, sort of, plan for that plane to crash. Think about what I would do and how I would get out in case I had to. Twisted, I know. Except, how many people would know what to do if the plane went down?
When I was little, my father has this thing about teaching us kids the hard way. I mean, the hard way. He used to take us out in the worst storms on Lake George. I'm talking dark nights, five foot whitecaps, rain, lightening, bring it all on. And then he'd turn the helm over and say, "Take me home James." Funny, his name was James. Anyway, his thought process was if we could handle that, we could handle any thing that came out way. Yeah, right. Would I go out in a storm for shits and giggles? Nope. No way. While I'm confident I could handle it, it's still scary and not really safe.
I remember learning how to change a tire and my father telling me how I might find myself stranded on the side of the road and have to do this. I thought, well I'll figure it out when it happens. Thank goodness I knew how to change a tire when I got a flat in the middle of nowhere at night. We didn't' have cell phones back then.
In my father's world, there was always something you needed to be prepared for and it was never good. I used to think he sat on the back patio coming up worse case scenarios just for fun. Thought it amused him or something. But looking back, those scenarios taught me a few things. One was that in order to get to the other side, I had to do something. Take action. If I was afraid of crossing the road, figure out why. Was it a reasonable fear? Like getting hit by a car if I had to cross a four lane highway. Then ask myself do I have to cross the road? Is there another way? My father told me that the best plans were usually the worst. Know and understand all options and then decided. Don't be stupid, be smart. Smart people survive. Yeah, he was a hard ass.
But my point is this, I have fears. Many of them. Some I can't explain, like my fear of frogs. Don't ask, cuz I'm not telling. I'm afraid of sharks. Even in fresh water. Yeah, I know, a bit unreasonable considering I love water and spend all day in it in the summer. Just not after the sun sets. I'm afraid to fly, but I do it. I'm often afraid people won't like me. But if I don't put myself out there, I won't ever know, will I? Fear is apart of life. Now maybe more than ever. So many uncertainties with the economy. Fear can cripple us. Stop us from taking action. Stop us from achieving our goals. My grandmother once told me that I could be anything, if I just put my mind to it, then acted on it. She said it took two things to make something happen, a thought, and an action. A thought is but a dream, an action is what makes a dream a reality.
Now, that is my life lessons. I try not to let fear rule me, but sometimes it does. WHO DARES WINS: The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed by Bob Mayer is a book that I know will help me continue on the path I want to be on. That is the successful path.
I have ordered a copy of this book for myself, and a few friends. I have also ordered this book to one lucky winner from this blog. But you have to comment. Sending me an email doesn't count. Sorry. Tell me your fears. How you over come them. How this book will help you. Or just say hello. Next week I will draw a winner, so have fun.
I'm going to make this very easy for you. Below are links so you can order this book for yourself, a friend, a father, whoever. Also, click here to read an interview I did with Mr. Mayer on my group blog. It's very interesting.
Bob Mayer's Website
Amazon
Saturday, May 23, 2009
MEMORIAL DAY
When most people think of Memorial Day Weekend, they think of the start of summer. I myself have headed to the lake. We put in the dock today. The hoist. The boat. We helped our neighbors do the same. It is a tradition. One I truly enjoy. But that is not what Memorial Day is all about.
As a child and through my teens, I spent my summers in Lake George at Camp Chingachgook. We had lots of traditions. There is an enormous amount of history there. I enjoyed it there more than anyplace in the world. Even today, I will often reflect my time there.
Many of the traditions were set in place by the Native American history that touched the land. Like the name of the camp, CHINGACHGOOK many of the names given to things such as cabins or boats were Indian names. UNCUS I remember was one of the Boston Whalers we used to water ski behind. The legend of the H-Man, a tale we told around the camp fire.
But also, since the camp at one point had been a Boy Scout camp, we took on many of their traditions as well. Revelry blew every morning. We learned not to sleep in pj's but shorts and t-shirts as were were to run to the flag pole, make sure every one was present and accounted for, then did our morning exercises. Every day. We raised the flag every morning. Lowered it every night. We learned how to treat our flag. How to fold it. How to take care of it. And then, at the very end of the day, Taps would blow. All lights were turned off and we sat in our cabins, silent. We always waited a moment or two after before finishing getting ready for bed.
If we were at some activity, like a late night camp fire, we would sing Taps. It's a very touching thing. At least it was for me. It meant something, and even if at the time I did not fully comprehend what it meant, I felt it deep in my heart. I still do.
Monday is not really the beginning of summer. Its a day we need to stop and remember the fallen heroes who protected this nation. Who protected each and everyone of us. Even if you don't go to the parade, or visit a fallen heroes grave, stop, just for a moment, and remember them. Thank them. Thank all who has served. Thank those who will serve. They are all our heroes.
Thank you.
As a child and through my teens, I spent my summers in Lake George at Camp Chingachgook. We had lots of traditions. There is an enormous amount of history there. I enjoyed it there more than anyplace in the world. Even today, I will often reflect my time there.
Many of the traditions were set in place by the Native American history that touched the land. Like the name of the camp, CHINGACHGOOK many of the names given to things such as cabins or boats were Indian names. UNCUS I remember was one of the Boston Whalers we used to water ski behind. The legend of the H-Man, a tale we told around the camp fire.
But also, since the camp at one point had been a Boy Scout camp, we took on many of their traditions as well. Revelry blew every morning. We learned not to sleep in pj's but shorts and t-shirts as were were to run to the flag pole, make sure every one was present and accounted for, then did our morning exercises. Every day. We raised the flag every morning. Lowered it every night. We learned how to treat our flag. How to fold it. How to take care of it. And then, at the very end of the day, Taps would blow. All lights were turned off and we sat in our cabins, silent. We always waited a moment or two after before finishing getting ready for bed.
If we were at some activity, like a late night camp fire, we would sing Taps. It's a very touching thing. At least it was for me. It meant something, and even if at the time I did not fully comprehend what it meant, I felt it deep in my heart. I still do.
Monday is not really the beginning of summer. Its a day we need to stop and remember the fallen heroes who protected this nation. Who protected each and everyone of us. Even if you don't go to the parade, or visit a fallen heroes grave, stop, just for a moment, and remember them. Thank them. Thank all who has served. Thank those who will serve. They are all our heroes.
Thank you.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
FATHER'S DAY GIFT RECOMMENDATION
I haven't always been a reader. Haven't always been a writer. Actually, back in high school, I dreaded opening up a book. I am dyslexic and reading wasn't high on my list of things to do. I had no problem standing in front of the class and talking, though. My favorite class back then was Public Speaking. I rarely wrote a speech, but talked from the hip, something I thought I was pretty good at. Still am. Well, at least with a subject matter I am comfortable with. Anyway, I had to take an English Elective and I choose Media Studies. It was my senior year and it was 1984. Yes, now you all can do the math and figure out how old I will be.
Anyway, we had read the book 1984 by George Orwell. I was bummed. I thought we'd be talking about television, my favorite past-time, at the time anyway. But that wasn't the case. I opened the book and it took me all night to get through the first chapter, and to understand it. I found myself with a bigger problem. I loved the concept of the book. The whole idea of Big Brother intrigued me. And the fact that it was 1984, well, that just put the icing on the cake for me. I was a huge Star Trek fan, so anything that described what future life might be like I enjoyed, well, on television that is. I didn't read. But I had to read that book.
This was one of the few classes I actually went to on a regular basis and paid attention to. I loved listening to the talks about the book because it helped me understand the damn thing. I didn't say much though, kind of unusual for me. I just listened. It was the first step in becoming a reader.
Long story short, after HS I found out I was dyslexic, learned to overcome it, and started reading everything in sight. I kid you not. I didn't care about genre, I just started reading. And reading. And reading. And I never stopped. I still read at least one to two books a week. Right now I'm reading DOWN RIVER by John Hart. I'm about halfway through and I really like it. Guess that's my first book recommendation.
So, I generally give books for gifts. My step-father always enjoys the books I give him (he reads more than I do!) especially the ones I get signed for him from some of his favorite authors. And since he's in the middle of a move right now, I don't think he'll be reading this blog post, so I can tell you the book I'm getting him for father's day. It comes out June 2, 2009, so there is plenty of time to purchase said book.
The title is WHO DARES WINS: The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed by Bob Mayer. It is a non-fiction book and I know my step-father will really enjoy it. He likes books like that. Granted, I haven't read since it's not out yet, however, I have taken writing workshops from the author and heard him talk about this concept, and well, am buying one for myself as well.
If the man in your life is a golfer, such as mine, I have two recommendations for you. The first is THE PRO: Lessons About Golf and Life from my Father, Claude Harmon, Sr. by Claude "Butch" Harmon, Jr. This is a book near and dear to my heart as Craig Harmon (Butch's brother) is the golf pro at Oak Hill Country Club in my hometown. The second golf book is DAVE PELZ'S PUTTING BIBLE. I recommend this book because it is one of the few book my husband has read cover to cover. A book a putting? Go figure.
It's always hard for me to recommend fiction in general. If someone asks me for a good book in a specific genre, or by a specific author, well, it's a little easier then. It depends on what you are looking for. I like books of all kinds, I don't discriminate. Well, I didn't read the putting book, but my husband liked it.
If the man in your life enjoys a good mystery, then I'd go with GREASING THE PINATA by Tim Maleeny.
If the man in your life enjoys something a bit more on the dark side, I'd go with CALLING MR. LONELY HEARTS by Laura Benedict. Excellent book.
A political thriller? Well, then I'd go with LOST GIRLS, by Robert Doherty. Excellent book.
Another thriller I enjoyed was THE FOOTPRINTS OF GOD, by Greg Iles.
A paranormal is needed? I just finished DEATH DEALER by Heather Graham. Very interesting indeed.Something very twisted? Well, WHEN SHE WAS BAD, by Jonathan Nasaw.
So, there you have it, my book recommendations. Happy reading.
Anyway, we had read the book 1984 by George Orwell. I was bummed. I thought we'd be talking about television, my favorite past-time, at the time anyway. But that wasn't the case. I opened the book and it took me all night to get through the first chapter, and to understand it. I found myself with a bigger problem. I loved the concept of the book. The whole idea of Big Brother intrigued me. And the fact that it was 1984, well, that just put the icing on the cake for me. I was a huge Star Trek fan, so anything that described what future life might be like I enjoyed, well, on television that is. I didn't read. But I had to read that book.
This was one of the few classes I actually went to on a regular basis and paid attention to. I loved listening to the talks about the book because it helped me understand the damn thing. I didn't say much though, kind of unusual for me. I just listened. It was the first step in becoming a reader.
Long story short, after HS I found out I was dyslexic, learned to overcome it, and started reading everything in sight. I kid you not. I didn't care about genre, I just started reading. And reading. And reading. And I never stopped. I still read at least one to two books a week. Right now I'm reading DOWN RIVER by John Hart. I'm about halfway through and I really like it. Guess that's my first book recommendation.
So, I generally give books for gifts. My step-father always enjoys the books I give him (he reads more than I do!) especially the ones I get signed for him from some of his favorite authors. And since he's in the middle of a move right now, I don't think he'll be reading this blog post, so I can tell you the book I'm getting him for father's day. It comes out June 2, 2009, so there is plenty of time to purchase said book.
The title is WHO DARES WINS: The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed by Bob Mayer. It is a non-fiction book and I know my step-father will really enjoy it. He likes books like that. Granted, I haven't read since it's not out yet, however, I have taken writing workshops from the author and heard him talk about this concept, and well, am buying one for myself as well.
If the man in your life is a golfer, such as mine, I have two recommendations for you. The first is THE PRO: Lessons About Golf and Life from my Father, Claude Harmon, Sr. by Claude "Butch" Harmon, Jr. This is a book near and dear to my heart as Craig Harmon (Butch's brother) is the golf pro at Oak Hill Country Club in my hometown. The second golf book is DAVE PELZ'S PUTTING BIBLE. I recommend this book because it is one of the few book my husband has read cover to cover. A book a putting? Go figure.
It's always hard for me to recommend fiction in general. If someone asks me for a good book in a specific genre, or by a specific author, well, it's a little easier then. It depends on what you are looking for. I like books of all kinds, I don't discriminate. Well, I didn't read the putting book, but my husband liked it.
If the man in your life enjoys a good mystery, then I'd go with GREASING THE PINATA by Tim Maleeny.
If the man in your life enjoys something a bit more on the dark side, I'd go with CALLING MR. LONELY HEARTS by Laura Benedict. Excellent book.
A political thriller? Well, then I'd go with LOST GIRLS, by Robert Doherty. Excellent book.
Another thriller I enjoyed was THE FOOTPRINTS OF GOD, by Greg Iles.
A paranormal is needed? I just finished DEATH DEALER by Heather Graham. Very interesting indeed.Something very twisted? Well, WHEN SHE WAS BAD, by Jonathan Nasaw.
So, there you have it, my book recommendations. Happy reading.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
There is blogging, myspacing, facebooking, twitter and probably a bunch more that I just don't know about. And yes, I do all of the above. Just click on the links and you will see myspace, facebook, and my twitter.
I believe word of mouth is still the best way to get your name, or product, or whatever, out there. I'm having some work done around my home, landscaping, concrete stamped patio and having my deck stained. Used to do all this work myself, but since you can't clone humans yet, well, decided to hire someone. Besides, must do my part to boost economy. However, I digress. Anyway, point being, I called my neighbors and friends and asked for recommendations. Heck, the guy coming over in about a half hour, I got off of Facebook. Yep. Facebook. And he's an old friend from high school. This should be interesting. So, I called only those recommended by people I know and trust. Generally, do the same with almost everything. Books. Computers. Software. Doctors. Even where to get my nails done (I've got the best girl ever, if anyone is interested). It's all word of mouth. Who needs the yellow pages. Just google it.
So, I think all these places are great places to be seen, get your name out there (if you like me and have a new book out!), get the name of your business out there, connect with fans, other business, anyway to network. That's the name of the game. And truthfully, networking, advertising, isn't about sales numbers. For me, it's not about selling a single book, but about saying, hey, this me, I write sexy, edgy romantic suspense novels and I happen to be a hockey mom times 3. Or whatever.
Even when a company purchases radio time, print ads, televisions, or even an ad in the yellow pages, it's really not about sales, but getting the right information out to the right people at hopefully the right time. Think about all those Superbowl commercials. Do we go running out to buy those products? Nope. But the ones we remember will stick with our subconscious so when we are out, and we see that product, whether we actually remember that commercial or not, the product seems, or feels familiar, and there is a good chance an impulse buy might occur.
Funny, I can still recite the Big Mac song. I can do it backwards. That is good advertising. But I won't buy a big mac. Not the point. Everyone knows the yellow arches.
So, how does someone create that kind of recognition? How does someone just starting, or with no marketing, advertising budget (like most authors) get their book, name, whatever, out there? I do think social networks, websites, are a great way to do that. I have meet a lot wonderful people there and have gotten many great recommendations for books that I might have never heard of. I think it can be a very effective and powerful tool. It is a time suck, but once you get it set up, established, and then only commit a certain amount of time to it each day, it can do a lot for you. I truly believe that, although I have no proof to back it up.
However, I wonder how much is becoming redundant. Today, while on my TweetDeck, which gives me both twitter and facebook updates, I realized, some people I follow on Twitter, or follow me, or both, and those I am "friends" with on facebook, are the same, therefore, I am getting the same updates. So, I went to myspace page and found that many of my friends there are now my friends on facebook and we follow each other on twitter. While it's really not that many (I didn't count) there is some overlap and I wondered how many people are getting annoyed with me because they are getting the same information more than once, or worse not seeing it all because they are being bombarded with it so many times they just gloss over it. I found myself doing that. I saw something come up on my Facebook page from someone and though, Oh, I just saw her on twitter, so I don't need to read this. Lucky for me, it was a good friend who had also sent me an email telling that the article she had put there she thought I would be interested in, and she was right.
One thing to consider. My myspace page seems to be more professional in a way. Most of my "friends" are fellow authors, a few fans, and fans of some of my fellow authors. My Facebook page consists really of more true friends, or as of late, everyone I used to know in high school but haven't seen in decades, but they live right down the street and we shop at the same grocery store. That was simply exhausting to write. Anyway, I tend to use facebook more to talk to friends. Sure, what I post on Twitter, also goes on Facebook, and on Myspace, but those are status quotes. I actually blog on myspace. Will put this blog post up there. Twitter I tend to ReTweet more than anything. I have friends who are experts or have really great books that I like to let other people know about. My Facebook friends are enjoying those status updates, although, I have frightened a few with my sending them to my friends blog regarding forensics for writers. But, I did send my friends to an author who has a book coming out which will make a great father's day gift. Wonder if they purchased. Could be. In that case, all of this is worth it. Well, at least for the author of the book. Which, by the way, you can get if you click here. Look for the book that comes out 2 June. WDW. You'll see what I mean when you get there.
So, I'm thinking all this is good, but I want to know what everyone else thinks. I say twitter, and some people run for the hills.
I am a firm believe that all these social networks have a purpose, and used properly, can really help with branding and name recognition and ultimately building a base. Tell me your thoughts on the subject.
I believe word of mouth is still the best way to get your name, or product, or whatever, out there. I'm having some work done around my home, landscaping, concrete stamped patio and having my deck stained. Used to do all this work myself, but since you can't clone humans yet, well, decided to hire someone. Besides, must do my part to boost economy. However, I digress. Anyway, point being, I called my neighbors and friends and asked for recommendations. Heck, the guy coming over in about a half hour, I got off of Facebook. Yep. Facebook. And he's an old friend from high school. This should be interesting. So, I called only those recommended by people I know and trust. Generally, do the same with almost everything. Books. Computers. Software. Doctors. Even where to get my nails done (I've got the best girl ever, if anyone is interested). It's all word of mouth. Who needs the yellow pages. Just google it.
So, I think all these places are great places to be seen, get your name out there (if you like me and have a new book out!), get the name of your business out there, connect with fans, other business, anyway to network. That's the name of the game. And truthfully, networking, advertising, isn't about sales numbers. For me, it's not about selling a single book, but about saying, hey, this me, I write sexy, edgy romantic suspense novels and I happen to be a hockey mom times 3. Or whatever.
Even when a company purchases radio time, print ads, televisions, or even an ad in the yellow pages, it's really not about sales, but getting the right information out to the right people at hopefully the right time. Think about all those Superbowl commercials. Do we go running out to buy those products? Nope. But the ones we remember will stick with our subconscious so when we are out, and we see that product, whether we actually remember that commercial or not, the product seems, or feels familiar, and there is a good chance an impulse buy might occur.
Funny, I can still recite the Big Mac song. I can do it backwards. That is good advertising. But I won't buy a big mac. Not the point. Everyone knows the yellow arches.
So, how does someone create that kind of recognition? How does someone just starting, or with no marketing, advertising budget (like most authors) get their book, name, whatever, out there? I do think social networks, websites, are a great way to do that. I have meet a lot wonderful people there and have gotten many great recommendations for books that I might have never heard of. I think it can be a very effective and powerful tool. It is a time suck, but once you get it set up, established, and then only commit a certain amount of time to it each day, it can do a lot for you. I truly believe that, although I have no proof to back it up.
However, I wonder how much is becoming redundant. Today, while on my TweetDeck, which gives me both twitter and facebook updates, I realized, some people I follow on Twitter, or follow me, or both, and those I am "friends" with on facebook, are the same, therefore, I am getting the same updates. So, I went to myspace page and found that many of my friends there are now my friends on facebook and we follow each other on twitter. While it's really not that many (I didn't count) there is some overlap and I wondered how many people are getting annoyed with me because they are getting the same information more than once, or worse not seeing it all because they are being bombarded with it so many times they just gloss over it. I found myself doing that. I saw something come up on my Facebook page from someone and though, Oh, I just saw her on twitter, so I don't need to read this. Lucky for me, it was a good friend who had also sent me an email telling that the article she had put there she thought I would be interested in, and she was right.
One thing to consider. My myspace page seems to be more professional in a way. Most of my "friends" are fellow authors, a few fans, and fans of some of my fellow authors. My Facebook page consists really of more true friends, or as of late, everyone I used to know in high school but haven't seen in decades, but they live right down the street and we shop at the same grocery store. That was simply exhausting to write. Anyway, I tend to use facebook more to talk to friends. Sure, what I post on Twitter, also goes on Facebook, and on Myspace, but those are status quotes. I actually blog on myspace. Will put this blog post up there. Twitter I tend to ReTweet more than anything. I have friends who are experts or have really great books that I like to let other people know about. My Facebook friends are enjoying those status updates, although, I have frightened a few with my sending them to my friends blog regarding forensics for writers. But, I did send my friends to an author who has a book coming out which will make a great father's day gift. Wonder if they purchased. Could be. In that case, all of this is worth it. Well, at least for the author of the book. Which, by the way, you can get if you click here. Look for the book that comes out 2 June. WDW. You'll see what I mean when you get there.
So, I'm thinking all this is good, but I want to know what everyone else thinks. I say twitter, and some people run for the hills.
I am a firm believe that all these social networks have a purpose, and used properly, can really help with branding and name recognition and ultimately building a base. Tell me your thoughts on the subject.
Monday, May 11, 2009
ROUTINE AND TO DO LISTS
How do you stay organized and get everything done? It’s a question that people ask me all the time and I tell them – if you were married to my husband, you’d be insanely organized too. Only part of that statement is true. DH is very organized. Insanely organized. At work and with sports. Not so much at home. The man can’t find the hamper with his eyes wide open and all the lights on. Hell, he couldn’t find the hamper if he were standing in it. But, he does send me a color coded calendar on a weekly basis that has my schedule, his schedule, and our kids schedule.
One sure fire way to make you organized is let your kids get involved in Travel Hockey. All three of mine play and on any given weekend, we could be in three different places spread across two countries. We average 170 games a season. And if each kid practices a minimum of 2x a week, and I have three, you can imagine how much time we spend at the rink…. Can anyone say multitasking? This is where I got the reputation for being antisocial because I tend to bring my computer to the rink and write. Hey, if it’s the only time I get, and I’m stuck there for a double practice for like 4 hours, well, I write. Or read. Or now that my kids are older, I do other things, like shopping. I really hate to shop, so I really hate spending a good day when the kids are at school and I could be writing, shopping. So I do those things then. Banking. Post Office. Whatever. That way, I stay organized.
So, how do I really stay organized? Routine and to do lists.
I am a firm believer in routine. If you want something to become a habit, do it every day, at the same time, for a few weeks and it will become routine. I can’t write until my house is picked up. I just can’t. So, the first thing I do every night, is do the once over, and in the morning, I do the once over again. At night, it is simply making sure dishes are in the dishwasher, the kids have done their chores, and things are picked up. In the morning, its different every day. I actually have a schedule. Like Monday’s is strip beds day. I vacuum on another day.
So as I'm writing this I'm realizing I'm very rigid. Or am I just really organized? I mean, being organized isn't a bad thing, if you ask me, but rigid? Not so sure if that is a good thing. Sigh, don't think I could function if I flew by the seat of my pants. I know I can't write by the seat of my pants. Have to plot, and plan, and figure out characters, plot points, extra before I even sit down to write. Of course, the house has to be clean before I do that... sigh...
One sure fire way to make you organized is let your kids get involved in Travel Hockey. All three of mine play and on any given weekend, we could be in three different places spread across two countries. We average 170 games a season. And if each kid practices a minimum of 2x a week, and I have three, you can imagine how much time we spend at the rink…. Can anyone say multitasking? This is where I got the reputation for being antisocial because I tend to bring my computer to the rink and write. Hey, if it’s the only time I get, and I’m stuck there for a double practice for like 4 hours, well, I write. Or read. Or now that my kids are older, I do other things, like shopping. I really hate to shop, so I really hate spending a good day when the kids are at school and I could be writing, shopping. So I do those things then. Banking. Post Office. Whatever. That way, I stay organized.
So, how do I really stay organized? Routine and to do lists.
I am a firm believer in routine. If you want something to become a habit, do it every day, at the same time, for a few weeks and it will become routine. I can’t write until my house is picked up. I just can’t. So, the first thing I do every night, is do the once over, and in the morning, I do the once over again. At night, it is simply making sure dishes are in the dishwasher, the kids have done their chores, and things are picked up. In the morning, its different every day. I actually have a schedule. Like Monday’s is strip beds day. I vacuum on another day.
So as I'm writing this I'm realizing I'm very rigid. Or am I just really organized? I mean, being organized isn't a bad thing, if you ask me, but rigid? Not so sure if that is a good thing. Sigh, don't think I could function if I flew by the seat of my pants. I know I can't write by the seat of my pants. Have to plot, and plan, and figure out characters, plot points, extra before I even sit down to write. Of course, the house has to be clean before I do that... sigh...
Friday, May 8, 2009
WHAT'S NEW
First, I must recommend a book. I've said before that right now this is my favorite book, and it is and I have to recommend it again as I just read it again. Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts by Laura Benedict. It really is fabulous. Laura has one of the strongest voices I have ever read. I can't explain it, but I could read her words forever! Check it out.
Another book that I recently read that I enjoyed was The Sex Club by L.J. Sellers. It's different, which I like. I'm looking forward to her next release Secrets To Die For.
I will be in Ohio at Lori Foster's reader/writer get together. Really looking forward to that. Will have copies of REKINDLED to sign, so that should be fun. My first book signing!
Well. I joined the land of Twitter. It's interesting. Different. Unusually fun. Join me. My favorite twitter is IWhoDaresWins. Tips from Bob Mayer's upcoming book WHO DARES WINS: The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed and/or publishing tips. I like this one for a few reasons. First, the tips about fear and over coming it, and succeeding. I have fear. I want to be successful in my life. So I want to learn to overcome what is holding me back...my fear. Second reason? The tips on publishing. Who wouldn't want tips from someone who will have 40 books published! Yeah, think he knows what he is talking about.
Also, he will be a guest blogger on Murder, Mayhem and More. The group blog I do with Sarah Grimm and Melanie Atkins at the end of the month. We get to interview him. That should be fun.
Also, he will be the Speaker at Central New York RWA's Mini Conference in March of 2010. So, lots of stuff going on there.
Along with the twittering, I'm now on FaceBook and MySpace. Interesting, the net. Have found many old high school friends.
What is else is new with me? Really. Not much. Still getting ready to send eldest off to college as we prepare for HS graduation. She will be going off to play Division 3 Women's College Hockey. Meanwhile, we are knee deep in Varsity Golf season with the Freshman in HS boy. And he's now taller than his father. Strange thing when you have to look up to your children. Well, at least one of them. The eleven year old (oops, 12 this month) is playing lacrosse and hockey (yes, still playing hockey, it never ends, ever, really). He is not yet as tall as me, but that will change in about 2 inches. Sigh....
And I'm writing something new. Trying out first person. Trying to "go light" as I have been told I'm too dark. So, that's it for now.
Another book that I recently read that I enjoyed was The Sex Club by L.J. Sellers. It's different, which I like. I'm looking forward to her next release Secrets To Die For.
I will be in Ohio at Lori Foster's reader/writer get together. Really looking forward to that. Will have copies of REKINDLED to sign, so that should be fun. My first book signing!
Well. I joined the land of Twitter. It's interesting. Different. Unusually fun. Join me. My favorite twitter is IWhoDaresWins. Tips from Bob Mayer's upcoming book WHO DARES WINS: The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed and/or publishing tips. I like this one for a few reasons. First, the tips about fear and over coming it, and succeeding. I have fear. I want to be successful in my life. So I want to learn to overcome what is holding me back...my fear. Second reason? The tips on publishing. Who wouldn't want tips from someone who will have 40 books published! Yeah, think he knows what he is talking about.
Also, he will be a guest blogger on Murder, Mayhem and More. The group blog I do with Sarah Grimm and Melanie Atkins at the end of the month. We get to interview him. That should be fun.
Also, he will be the Speaker at Central New York RWA's Mini Conference in March of 2010. So, lots of stuff going on there.
Along with the twittering, I'm now on FaceBook and MySpace. Interesting, the net. Have found many old high school friends.
What is else is new with me? Really. Not much. Still getting ready to send eldest off to college as we prepare for HS graduation. She will be going off to play Division 3 Women's College Hockey. Meanwhile, we are knee deep in Varsity Golf season with the Freshman in HS boy. And he's now taller than his father. Strange thing when you have to look up to your children. Well, at least one of them. The eleven year old (oops, 12 this month) is playing lacrosse and hockey (yes, still playing hockey, it never ends, ever, really). He is not yet as tall as me, but that will change in about 2 inches. Sigh....
And I'm writing something new. Trying out first person. Trying to "go light" as I have been told I'm too dark. So, that's it for now.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
RWA NATIONALS
I was supposed to go to RWA Nationals this year. I had registered and was looking forward to seeing many friends. However, I had to cancel due to family life. I have a daughter going off to college next year and there is much to be done (besides tears, which there will be many as she is going far from home).
Anyway, something had to give, and Nationals was it. I will however be going to the Colorado Gold Conference, The Midnight and Magnolia Conference, and The New Jersey Conference in the fall. I am presenting workshops all the conferences as well has signing books. Also in June I will be Lori Foster's reader/writer get together, so my plate is still full and plenty of opportunity to meet with friends and fellow writers.
One of the great things about these conferences is that I get to hear great speakers and then bring them back to my chapter for our Mini Conference in March. I'm delighted that Bob Mayer will be doing his one-day workshop for Central New York Romance Writers in March of 2010.
One final piece of news. The book with no title dealing with lost memories finally has a title.....drum roll please...... STRANGER WITHIN. Well, that is the title for now. And now, I must really go write.
Anyway, something had to give, and Nationals was it. I will however be going to the Colorado Gold Conference, The Midnight and Magnolia Conference, and The New Jersey Conference in the fall. I am presenting workshops all the conferences as well has signing books. Also in June I will be Lori Foster's reader/writer get together, so my plate is still full and plenty of opportunity to meet with friends and fellow writers.
One of the great things about these conferences is that I get to hear great speakers and then bring them back to my chapter for our Mini Conference in March. I'm delighted that Bob Mayer will be doing his one-day workshop for Central New York Romance Writers in March of 2010.
One final piece of news. The book with no title dealing with lost memories finally has a title.....drum roll please...... STRANGER WITHIN. Well, that is the title for now. And now, I must really go write.
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