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Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Monday Misc. - True Cat Love
Okay so I'm at the grocery store the other day and like a good little vegan, I picked out a salad. But I didn't do it from a healthy standpoint - I did it because Outlaw hovers over me every time I eat hoping for a piece of lettuce and I had run out.
I'm literally standing by the leaves-in-a-bag thinking of my cat. I bought it solely to give my little feline a treat that makes him so happy.
That's true kitty love.
I'm literally standing by the leaves-in-a-bag thinking of my cat. I bought it solely to give my little feline a treat that makes him so happy.
He goes NUTS for salad!
That's true kitty love.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYBODY!
Labels:
Misc. Monday
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Baker Street Saturday - Robert Downey Jr. Has Baby Boy
I love wonderful news so I thought I'd share what I learned this week about Robert Downey Jr. and wife Susan. On Tuesday, February 7th, they had a 7 pound, 5 ounce baby boy, 20 inches long.
They named him Exton Elias.
An interesting name. I wonder if this is a 'celebrity' thing or a 'Robert & Susan' thing. As a Jennifer, I know what it's like to think about unusual baby names. Or in my case, character names. As far as celebrity baby namings go, though, Exton is not that bizarre. It doesn't lend itself to a nickname but neither does my sister's name, whereas 'Jennifer' provides enough nicknames that every third person calls me something different!
What about you? Did your normal/unusual name make you go opposite in naming your children?
Did you consider nicknames before naming your child?
Why did your parents name you what they did?
Any nickname horror stories or great stories?
 |
| Susan & Robert Downey Jr. From Google Images |
They named him Exton Elias.
An interesting name. I wonder if this is a 'celebrity' thing or a 'Robert & Susan' thing. As a Jennifer, I know what it's like to think about unusual baby names. Or in my case, character names. As far as celebrity baby namings go, though, Exton is not that bizarre. It doesn't lend itself to a nickname but neither does my sister's name, whereas 'Jennifer' provides enough nicknames that every third person calls me something different!
What about you? Did your normal/unusual name make you go opposite in naming your children?
Did you consider nicknames before naming your child?
Why did your parents name you what they did?
Any nickname horror stories or great stories?
Labels:
Baker Street Saturday
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Author Interview - Kris Wampler 'Love Train'
Today, I have the pleasure of asking Kris Wampler, author of Love Train, a few questions.
1. What’s your favorite part of Love Train (as a reader, not an author)?
The fight scenes. They're deliberately over the top and filled with ridiculous puns which, together, fulfill the twin duties of parodying the action genre and entertaining the reader. My goal here was to create characters that are both superhuman in strength and feat, while relatable to all of us with their goofy and awkward habits.
2. What was the hardest part of the book to write?
I had to figure out how the train's electrical system was connected to the hospital's system. This required a little bit of research and creativity. There's obviously no way the bad guy could have pulled off the stunt he did, but then, most events in action films and books are impossible, too. And that's the point.
3. What was your road to publication like? What would you do different? What advice would you give other authors?
I wrote and developed this as a 100% indie project, meaning from the beginning I intended to self-publish. I was inspired to publish on the Kindle platform after reading about another indie author who experienced success with it. The only thing I would have done differently was begin the marketing campaign before the book was done. As it was, I finished the book in mid-October; right before this I re-joined Facebook and began investigating social media and how it can be used for marketing. I should have started this back in July or August and built hype around the book, so I was a little late to the game.
I would advise any authors to start early when it comes to marketing. Build your network early and have everything in place so you can hit the ground running when your book is done. I know in interviewing and reading about other authors that this is something many would have done differently. Failing to do so is certainly not fatal to your writing project, it just makes it more difficult to catch up later. Better to get this part of the work out of the way first.
4. I notice you’re not on Smashwords. Is there a reason for that? (What about readers who don’t have a Kindle and don’t want the Kindle for PC?)
Right now I'm just focusing on Amazon since they own most of the e-book market. I'm also enrolled in the KDP Select program which means I have to make my digital book exclusive to Amazon for 90 days(if you're an Amazon Prime member, this means you can borrow it for free!) . I haven't foreclosed the possibility of using Smashwords or other sites in the future, but with marketing and blogging there's not much time for that right now anyway. I will add, however, that you can download a free Kindle desktop reader if you don't own the device, allowing you to read Kindle books on your computer.
5. What is the last book you read? Did you like it?
Of Mice and Men. Not a bad read although it's fairly depressing (the scene with the sheepdog being put down was the most disturbing, as I own two of them myself). I'm hoping to re-read The Giver soon, a dystopian fiction that's aimed at young adults but quite enjoyable by readers of all ages. It's one of those books that seems to have a cult following: not many know about it, but those who do love it. Highly recommended!
6. A review of Love Train on Amazon suggests Leslie Nielsen would be perfect if the book was turned into a movie. Would you agree? Who else would you place in roles and why?
Once Love Train was done, I looked to see if there was a particular category of humor, other than general parody, it fell into. I had a sense about the type of comedic devices I was using but wasn't sure if there might be a name for it. The first movie I thought of that employed a similar style was Airplane! and The Naked Gun series, so naturally this made me think of Leslie Nielsen. However, given that Mr. Nielsen is no longer with us, I can't say he would be perfect for the movie version!
Originally I envisioned George Clooney, Anne Hathaway, and John Malkovich as playing Vic Steelbrass, Anastasia Romanov, and Crunchy. I think Malkovich works for Crunchy because I could see him being a mix of serious and absurd. I doubt Clooney and Hathaway would be good for Vic and Anastasia.
7. Are you working on more books? What’s next for you?
I have three general ideas for future books rolling around in my head right now. In the next week or so I'm going to have to settle on one, but I want to write all three at once! They range from a comedy in the same style as Love Train (but with completely original characters) to a serious novel which could end up becoming a series. I'm also trying to do some freelance writing for my local paper and am continuing the blogging.
I also plan to offer Love Train for free as a promotional at some point soon, so please keep an eye out on my blog (kriswampler.wordpress.com) for this!
8. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Food, beverages, containers containing the food and beverages, cold air, electricity lighting the light bulb, refrigerator parts, and three-dimensional space.
9. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The plot of Love Train is truly original. As a device for parodying the action-adventure genre, it's perfect. Keeping that goal in mind I believe readers will enjoy the fast-paced storyline and spot-on humor that Love Train delivers. If you read the preview, you'll be hooked. And if you read the book and like what you read, please consider giving a review on Amazon.com.
I'd also like to remind readers that I run a blog which features indie writers and their marketing efforts. It's designed to share authors' works and their tips for getting their books out there on the market. The address is kriswampler.wordpress.com, and if anyone is interested in being interviewed they can email me at indiewriting@gmail.com. Thanks for the interview Jennifer!
Love Train:
"In a style his own, author Kris Wampler introduces this fast-paced and hilarious send up of the action-adventure genre.
1. What’s your favorite part of Love Train (as a reader, not an author)?
The fight scenes. They're deliberately over the top and filled with ridiculous puns which, together, fulfill the twin duties of parodying the action genre and entertaining the reader. My goal here was to create characters that are both superhuman in strength and feat, while relatable to all of us with their goofy and awkward habits.
2. What was the hardest part of the book to write?
I had to figure out how the train's electrical system was connected to the hospital's system. This required a little bit of research and creativity. There's obviously no way the bad guy could have pulled off the stunt he did, but then, most events in action films and books are impossible, too. And that's the point.
3. What was your road to publication like? What would you do different? What advice would you give other authors?
I wrote and developed this as a 100% indie project, meaning from the beginning I intended to self-publish. I was inspired to publish on the Kindle platform after reading about another indie author who experienced success with it. The only thing I would have done differently was begin the marketing campaign before the book was done. As it was, I finished the book in mid-October; right before this I re-joined Facebook and began investigating social media and how it can be used for marketing. I should have started this back in July or August and built hype around the book, so I was a little late to the game.
I would advise any authors to start early when it comes to marketing. Build your network early and have everything in place so you can hit the ground running when your book is done. I know in interviewing and reading about other authors that this is something many would have done differently. Failing to do so is certainly not fatal to your writing project, it just makes it more difficult to catch up later. Better to get this part of the work out of the way first.
4. I notice you’re not on Smashwords. Is there a reason for that? (What about readers who don’t have a Kindle and don’t want the Kindle for PC?)
Right now I'm just focusing on Amazon since they own most of the e-book market. I'm also enrolled in the KDP Select program which means I have to make my digital book exclusive to Amazon for 90 days(if you're an Amazon Prime member, this means you can borrow it for free!) . I haven't foreclosed the possibility of using Smashwords or other sites in the future, but with marketing and blogging there's not much time for that right now anyway. I will add, however, that you can download a free Kindle desktop reader if you don't own the device, allowing you to read Kindle books on your computer.
5. What is the last book you read? Did you like it?
Of Mice and Men. Not a bad read although it's fairly depressing (the scene with the sheepdog being put down was the most disturbing, as I own two of them myself). I'm hoping to re-read The Giver soon, a dystopian fiction that's aimed at young adults but quite enjoyable by readers of all ages. It's one of those books that seems to have a cult following: not many know about it, but those who do love it. Highly recommended!
6. A review of Love Train on Amazon suggests Leslie Nielsen would be perfect if the book was turned into a movie. Would you agree? Who else would you place in roles and why?
Once Love Train was done, I looked to see if there was a particular category of humor, other than general parody, it fell into. I had a sense about the type of comedic devices I was using but wasn't sure if there might be a name for it. The first movie I thought of that employed a similar style was Airplane! and The Naked Gun series, so naturally this made me think of Leslie Nielsen. However, given that Mr. Nielsen is no longer with us, I can't say he would be perfect for the movie version!
Originally I envisioned George Clooney, Anne Hathaway, and John Malkovich as playing Vic Steelbrass, Anastasia Romanov, and Crunchy. I think Malkovich works for Crunchy because I could see him being a mix of serious and absurd. I doubt Clooney and Hathaway would be good for Vic and Anastasia.
7. Are you working on more books? What’s next for you?
I have three general ideas for future books rolling around in my head right now. In the next week or so I'm going to have to settle on one, but I want to write all three at once! They range from a comedy in the same style as Love Train (but with completely original characters) to a serious novel which could end up becoming a series. I'm also trying to do some freelance writing for my local paper and am continuing the blogging.
I also plan to offer Love Train for free as a promotional at some point soon, so please keep an eye out on my blog (kriswampler.wordpress.com) for this!
8. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Food, beverages, containers containing the food and beverages, cold air, electricity lighting the light bulb, refrigerator parts, and three-dimensional space.
9. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The plot of Love Train is truly original. As a device for parodying the action-adventure genre, it's perfect. Keeping that goal in mind I believe readers will enjoy the fast-paced storyline and spot-on humor that Love Train delivers. If you read the preview, you'll be hooked. And if you read the book and like what you read, please consider giving a review on Amazon.com.
I'd also like to remind readers that I run a blog which features indie writers and their marketing efforts. It's designed to share authors' works and their tips for getting their books out there on the market. The address is kriswampler.wordpress.com, and if anyone is interested in being interviewed they can email me at indiewriting@gmail.com. Thanks for the interview Jennifer!
Love Train:
"In a style his own, author Kris Wampler introduces this fast-paced and hilarious send up of the action-adventure genre.
When he boarded the 10:45 train, Vic Steelbrass had just one mission: learn PowerPoint by the time he reached New York. But when Anastasia Romanov walked into his life, fate handed him a different mission. Suddenly, he has to seduce a beautiful Russian, foil a madman's bomb plot, AND learn PowerPoint. With countless - or at least more than a few - lives on the line, Steelbrass must prove love is worth believing in...and kill a whole lot of bad guys in the process. He woke that morning as just your average, ex-millionaire, alligator-wrestling, skydiving businessman. But his life would be forever changed when he bought a ticket on...the LOVE TRAIN!"
Monday, January 30, 2012
2012 New Year's Resolutions
It's been a month. How have I been doing on my New Year's Resolutions?
Let's see:
On the 'Be bored' front (I'm so busy/stressed I miss the sweet moments in life), I've been struggling. I've been so busy I'm not getting stuff done I want to get done. (As per usual, I guess. Which is where this resolution came from!)
It snowed on the first or second day of this year and I sat in the window and watched the beauty nature had to offer. That counts. I've been slowing down to watch my cats. Since they're not 'new' anymore (I've had them for two wonderful years now), I've been taking them for granted. We have our routines and live our lives and I enjoy them but I've been really enjoying the enjoyment, if that makes sense. (They are so adorable!)
My sister came to town for about 48 hours and had dinner plans and then breakfast plans. I've been at work far more than my usual so getting nothing done on the book front. I planned my morning to work on the novel I'm nearly ready to publish. Her breakfast got canceled. She asked if I wanted to play Monopoly on the iPad. I hesitated for a split second but said yes. I can't remember the last time this girl played a board game with me. (Were we kids?) I sat there for a few moments thinking I ought to be working on my book when this Resolution entered my brain. I swiped my finger across the touchscreen to roll the dice and realized there was nowhere else I'd rather be in the whole world than sitting right there in my pajamas playing Monopoly with my little sister.
Resolution #1 - conquered.
#2 is more like a goal.
Publish Toxic Train, Unpacking the Undertaker, Georgia Meets Virginia, Mr. E in Cabin 187 (Anthology) and the Masked Rider: Origins.
Toxic Train, Georgia and Mr. E are a couple beta readers away from my sending them to the professional editor. They're short stories and will be published in the next few weeks.
I haven't written the Undertaker yet but the ideas are coming.
The Masked Rider is taking its sweet time.
These goals are so attainable, I'm going to have to add to them.
Hmmm, #3 (reading challenges) was going well but I haven't been reading fiction for fun in a couple weeks. I've only completed the one book so far.
#4 (50 dates) is at a standstill. I've not been working on it. My bad. Recommit!
"I want to enjoy 2012 much like I enjoyed 2011 but with more emphasis and less stress."
I said the above quote and realize I haven't really been enjoying 2012. The excitement of a new year has already worn off - which is exactly why I'm revisiting and recapping my Resolutions. I'm not letting myself off the hook - I'm doing these Resolutions and that's it!!
Let's see:
On the 'Be bored' front (I'm so busy/stressed I miss the sweet moments in life), I've been struggling. I've been so busy I'm not getting stuff done I want to get done. (As per usual, I guess. Which is where this resolution came from!)
It snowed on the first or second day of this year and I sat in the window and watched the beauty nature had to offer. That counts. I've been slowing down to watch my cats. Since they're not 'new' anymore (I've had them for two wonderful years now), I've been taking them for granted. We have our routines and live our lives and I enjoy them but I've been really enjoying the enjoyment, if that makes sense. (They are so adorable!)
My sister came to town for about 48 hours and had dinner plans and then breakfast plans. I've been at work far more than my usual so getting nothing done on the book front. I planned my morning to work on the novel I'm nearly ready to publish. Her breakfast got canceled. She asked if I wanted to play Monopoly on the iPad. I hesitated for a split second but said yes. I can't remember the last time this girl played a board game with me. (Were we kids?) I sat there for a few moments thinking I ought to be working on my book when this Resolution entered my brain. I swiped my finger across the touchscreen to roll the dice and realized there was nowhere else I'd rather be in the whole world than sitting right there in my pajamas playing Monopoly with my little sister.
Resolution #1 - conquered.
#2 is more like a goal.
Publish Toxic Train, Unpacking the Undertaker, Georgia Meets Virginia, Mr. E in Cabin 187 (Anthology) and the Masked Rider: Origins.
Toxic Train, Georgia and Mr. E are a couple beta readers away from my sending them to the professional editor. They're short stories and will be published in the next few weeks.
I haven't written the Undertaker yet but the ideas are coming.
The Masked Rider is taking its sweet time.
These goals are so attainable, I'm going to have to add to them.
Hmmm, #3 (reading challenges) was going well but I haven't been reading fiction for fun in a couple weeks. I've only completed the one book so far.
#4 (50 dates) is at a standstill. I've not been working on it. My bad. Recommit!
"I want to enjoy 2012 much like I enjoyed 2011 but with more emphasis and less stress."
I said the above quote and realize I haven't really been enjoying 2012. The excitement of a new year has already worn off - which is exactly why I'm revisiting and recapping my Resolutions. I'm not letting myself off the hook - I'm doing these Resolutions and that's it!!
Labels:
New Year's Resolutions
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Reading Challenges - Self-Published Reading Challenge
Self-Published Reading Challenge
Hosted by Workaday Reads
Challenge Guidelines:
- This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012.
- Anyone can join, you don't need to be a blogger. If you don't have a blog, feel free to sign-up in the comments. You can post reviews to any book site (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads, etc).
- Any genre, length or format of book counts, as long as it is self-published by the author.
- You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
- When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the Self-Published Reading Challenge.
- You can move up levels, but no moving down.
- Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.
Levels:
- Sentence - 5 books
- Paragraph- 10 books
- Page - 25 books
- Chapter - 50 books
- Short Story - 75 books
- Novel - 100 books
- Series - 150 books
Labels:
Reading Challenge
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