Wow! This is so encouraging! I keep getting asked when the first Bedbug book will be out. I'm receiving daily requests about The Bedbug Who Wouldn't Bite (copyright Melody Rhodes, 2009).
I created The Bedbug Blog and have just created a page, The Bedbug Books at Facebook, and, for the most part, will be sharing updates and news at these sites. But, I will give this a mention at this blog occasionally.
Today, I received two inquires, and in both cases, the questions were the same: When will the first Bedbug book be out?
I've checked with my publisher and things are progressing. The book should be published well before Christmas. Many people have small nephews and nieces or have kids of their own they want to buy the book and bug for.
I'm compiling a list for those who want signed copies and I'll be discussing this with my publisher. I'll have to make arrangements for a box of books to be delivered to me so that I can sign the copies.
It's been encouraging to see the level of interest in the Bedbug books.
* Another quick mention: another newly published book is receiving good reviews:
Who's Taking a Bath? by Blogger blogger Alice Berger. The story is one that kids will relate to: splashing, sploshing, giggles and fun . . . but . . . uh-oh! . . . mother's coming!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
When Will the First Bedbug Book Be Out?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Moon by Max Ehrman
"I would, if I could, bring back into fashion the moon and the stars, the dawn and the sunset.
I rarely hear anyone speak of them.
One would think these perpetual wonders had passed from sight.
There is peace and rest in the contemplation of these miracles that nature paints on the canvas of the sky.
But we do not want peace and rest;
we are enamored of noise and motion.
A St. Vitus dance has seized us.
Things must change. The nerves have a limit of endurance.
Tonight I looked at the moon for a while.
There was a faint circle around it.
A friend came by and asked what I was looking at.
I pointed to the moon.
"I don't see anything."
"The moon", I said.
He chuckled and went on. He will report me as growing queer.
The mystery of the night!
And our own mystery!
Who knows what we are?
No science has yet grasped us.
The moon - the beautiful, mystical moon -
playing nightly to empty seats!"
* This is one of my favorite poems--especially the last line.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Hand of Sister Bridgett by Annie Hinstala
Today, for readers' enjoyment, I'm including poetry by writer, Annie Hinstala.
Six novices dressed in black and white...
In the smoky incense, wafting, choking, lingering above our heads,Praying we kneeled, to Mother Mary for those long dead.
Six novices dressed in black and white,
Holding beads in fingers tight.
We prayed and rose, kneeled and crossed in turn
Dipping hands in holy water for those that burn.
We ate together every night,
Holding hands in fingers tight.
At vespers in our rooms we shared,
Our souls weren’t all we bared.
We rose for mass, confession and sacraments all,
Till the first white clad novice ran to fall,
She leapt away calling in fright,
Holding the wall in fingers tight.
Five novices rose for prayers, chores and tight lipped looks,
Hiding smiles, worries, laughter and all behind our books.
No words passed our lips in Mother's sight,
Whispered secrets in the night,
Then one morning there was a room left empty,
Two had fled and now there were only three.
As the day came nearer, the Bishop clearer,
All the innocence and freedom all seemed dearer.
So together we took flight,
Holding hands in fingers tight,
And I and Sister Bridgett with her soft hands,
Together ran away to distant lands.
Photo credit: clarita
Slow Blog Loading Time
I've been working at getting this blog to load faster. Unfortunately, I've had to delete some of the features that I had installed on the blog--but I think, over all, readers will appreciate the faster loading time. I know for myself that I dislike pages that take forever to reveal their contents.
For blogging tips, I've moved relevant links over to Make a Living From Your Computer and will include any blogging-related material over at that blog, as I've simply run out of room at Write and Earn a Living.
I think this is the better scenario because this blog is for freelance writers. While many of us are bloggers, too, I think readers will be better served with this change. At the same time, I will still share blogging insights over at the other pages.
I recently did an analysis of this blog and found I had exceeded the recommended number of URL's, which might explain why I've been plagued with slow page loading times.
I also learned I had exceeded size limits. Huh! That was news to me!
How did I learn this? I went to Submit Express and typed in my URL in the Meta Tags Analyzer section
So, if you see items disappearing from this blog, it is a necessary adjustment to improve functionality. I guess I was a tad too zealous in trying to offer helpful info. to readers.
I'll keep making adjustments until I get it to where I want it to be--but at least, I now know what has been causing the problems.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Announcement: BEDBUG Blog Launched
I have exciting news. The BEDBUG Blog has been launched and is now up and running.
Visit the BEDBUG blog to keep abreast of the latest news about BEDBUG.
I'll be announcing the publication date in the near future, as well as sites where copies of the book can be ordered.
Each book comes with the adorable BEDBUG you see in the pictures.
Initial testing with BEDBUG shows he's a hit with youngsters. And orders are coming in already!
I've provided a Contact Form and an Email Me function at the blog so that people can have their names put on a list.
- A limited number of signed copies of The Bedbug Who Wouldn't Bite © Melody Rhodes, 2009will be available to family and friends.
- The Bedbug Who Wouldn't Bite © Melody Rhodes, 2009 is the first book in the Bedbug series.
Important Blog Tweaks for Blogger Bloggers
Many people like the functionality that Blogger offers. Blogger allows users to set up a free blog and monetize it with AdSense or other forms of advertising.
Additionally, bloggers can now purchase their own domain name via Blogger for a reasonable once-per-year fee. A domain name gives your blog a professional look and I've heard that it protects against blog theft.
I often am contacted because bloggers have questions, which I will touch on below.
Blogger FAQs
1. How do I add Meta Tags to my blog's template?
2. Can I accept Credit Card Payments?
3. How do I install a PayPal Button?
4. How do I install a Contact Form?
5. How do I set up Email Me?
6. How do I install a Chat Box?
7. How do I add AdSense?
My article Free Blogger Training Videos offers resources so that you can take your blog to the next level.
Further Reading:
- Top 10 Sites for Free Photos--are you looking for pictures for your articles or blog posts?
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
The Night Boy by Jack Newsome
Imagine being a published author before you've even reached puberty!
That's been Jack Newsome's experience. The young author wrote a story and got it published. Quite an achievement, no matter which way you slice it.
Young Jack has caused quite a stir, with newspapers carrying the story. The Taranaki Daily News reported that members at Jack's school dressed in green to celebrate the author's achievement.
It's not surprising that the book has been a hit because what youngster doesn't want to stay up late watching TV? How many pre-teens wish their parents were oblivious?
Breakfast show Interview with Jack and His Mother
(after commercial)
The Night Boy
- Copies of the book are available by calling 06 756 8517
Youngsters will enjoy reading this story--from someone who knows what it's like to be and think like an eight-year-old.
One can only hope that this young author continues his writing career.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
New Bedbug Blog
The response to THE BEDBUG WHO WOULDN'T BITE © Melody Rhodes, 2009 has been awesome! My Inbox has been flooded and Facebook has been abuzz.
Because of this, I've set up a blog devoted exclusively to BEDBUG. The blog should be up and running in a couple of days.
The BEDBUG blog will provide insights into the creation of this lovable character and breaking news about release dates and related news.
All sites will be interlinked.
A big thank you to everyone who has been so supportive!
- The Bedbug Who Wouldn't Bite © Melody Rhodes, 2009 will be available via ONLINE booksellers and Studio Seven Publishers.
- Signed Copies--Requests are pouring in! A limited number of signed copies of Bedbug will be available, once the book is in print. Contact me and I'll add your name to the list.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Why Won't Bedbug Bite?
Why won't BEDBUG bite?
After all, aren't bedbugs supposed to . . . er . . . bite?
(You CAN bite . . . but you CAN CHOOSE not to!)
Children are going "ga-ga" over this little character!
THE BEDBUG WHO WOULDN'T BITE © Melody Rhodes, 2009 will be making an appearance soon.
Story: Melody Rhodes
Illustrations: Edward Aish
Bug Creation and Design: Carolyn Ann Aish
Author Photo Credit: Bruce Wayne Dyke
Discover more about BEDBUG
- The Bedbug Who Wouldn't Bite © Melody Rhodes, 2009 will be available via ONLINE booksellers and Studio Seven Publishers.
- Signed Copies--Requests are pouring in! A limited number of signed copies of Bedbug will be available, once the book is in print. Contact me and I'll add your name to the list.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
The Bedbug Who Wouldn't Bite © Melody Rhodes, 2009
I have exciting news! We are in prelaunch for my children's book . . .
Studio Seven Publishers Proudly Presents . . .
The Bedbug Who Wouldn't Bite © Melody Rhodes, 2009
You CAN bite . . . but you CAN CHOOSE not to!
BEDBUG is COMING!
. . . the BOOK and the BUG.
Watch for BEDBUG in the coming weeks. Bedbug will be appearing everywhere!
- The Bedbug Who Wouldn't Bite © Melody Rhodes, 2009 will be available via ONLINE booksellers and Studio Seven Publishers.
- Signed Copies--Requests are pouring in! A limited number of signed copies of Bedbug will be available, once the book is in print. Contact me and I'll add your name to the list.
Illustrator: Edward Aish
Bug Designer/Creator: Carolyn Ann Aish
Author Photo Credit: Bruce Wayne Dyke
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Blog Traffic: How to Get Traffic to Your Blog
Many times, people have written to me, stating: "Okay, I've set up a blog . . . but how do I get people to actually read it? How do I to get traffic?"
For newer bloggers starting out, the process seems complicated. For example, many scratch their heads when they hear terms such as trackbacks, pinging, Feeds, etc.
I wrote a recent article: Blogging Basics: 15 Steps to Get Your Blog Noticed designed to demystify the process of building a blog.
In the article, I provided links to relevant sites so that a newer blogger can get started as painlessly as possible.
Setting up and building a blog takes time. Simply creating a blog and posting to it, in most cases, will not be enough to attract Internet spiders or draw a significant reader base. A blog should look attractive, be laid out well to optimize ad potential, should have items appearing "above the fold" and should include items that are updated, such as Feeds.
Occasionally, I help people to set up their Blogger blogs. This scenario is especially applicable for those whose time is at a premium and who want to get a blog off the ground so that they just have to post to it, without worrying about installing widgets, Feeds or settting up Adsense.
With the revamp of Write and Earn a Living, I've received a number of requests for assistance. While, in the past, I've done this for free, my present circumstances and time constraints do not make this possible.
- The "15 Steps" article will help you to get your blog off the ground.
- Check out my blogging links in the right-hand sidebar. Sites such as Blogger Tricks or The Blogger Guide are very helpful. You can watch free movies and check out multiple-column templates.
- The Blogger Training Videos offered by Bob Sommers at Recognized Expert are incredibly good, walking you through absolutely everything you need to know.
- If you desire further assistance, please contact me or check my rates. Contact and rate information can be found at the top of this blog.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Insights into the Income Potential of HubPages
Many are aware of the HubPages challenge: write 100 hubs in 100 days. Today I swung over to HubPages to keep apprised of the latest and stumbled on a page by Lissie that I just had to share with readers.
In her hub: HubChallenge FAILURE and Making Money With Hubpages Lissie discusses the real income potential of HubPages and how those who don't slacken in their efforts will see wallet-friendly results.
Lissie said something that I have long believed: if you are trying to build an income via the Internet, it is possible--but it takes time. Far-sighted individuals who are willing to put the work in will benefit years down the road. Many start off with a bang, then, when they fail to see hoped-for results, they slacken in their efforts. Basically, they write a couple of articles and then give up in disgust.
My insights: if you want to be a writer, than BE ONE. How? By writing constantly, by writing much material. Treat your writing as you would a real job and you will achieve the results you are looking for.
Getting back to Lissie's Hub: it is a wealth of helpful information and links. I plan to revisit it and check out all the goodies touched on--and hopefully learn even more about making money online!
What I found most fascinating of all is mention that some are making thousands with HubPages. Unbelievable! I knew there were a couple of people who were making approximately $200.00 per month with HubPages and I've heard of one woman who makes around $1000.00 each month but . . . however, when I came across Lissie's insights, I'll admit I was encouraged.
I've seen my own AdSense earnings grow over time through consistent and sustained effort.
Anyway, three thumbs up Lissie. What an encouragement for the rest of us!
Further Reading
Posts
