Summer lends itself to some well-deserved time off spent in enjoyable pursuits. I recently had the good fortune to be in the Parrsboro area. Readers who are familiar with this neck of Canada may enjoy Terry's blog: Discover Parrsboro. When I have a few minutes, I curl up with some tea and give her posts a read-through.
As readers will be aware, I've been busy preparing for the launch of my children's book,
The Bedbug Who Wouldn't Bite copyright Melody Rhodes, 2009.
I've sent out three queries to agents for a concept book. I plan on taking a duel approach with this particular story, sending the synopsis to agents and the manuscript to publishers to see what response I get. Either way, it's all good--as I have an inkling this one will be published, too.
I've had to go on hiatus from my Triond writing so haven't produced daily or weekly articles as I had intended. I have a monthly income amount I'm working towards so still plan on writing for Triond, as time permits. I did manage to produce one article that is getting many responses: Abortion Survivors: Tiny Victims That Beat the Odds.
This month, I plan to get back to my Suite 101 writing. Being under contract, I have to produce a certain number of articles to maintain my author status, so this is one writing gig I can't put on the backburner. I enjoyed researching The Mysterious Nazca Lines of Southern Peru. I've always been fascinated by these geoglyphs that are seen to best advantage from the air.
I haven't had much chance to write for Bukisa; however, 22 people have signed up under me. One writer has produced a prolific 53 articles since joining Bukisa last month. She is working hard to grow ongoing monthly earnings. Mommyfreelancer mentions that she has discovered a love for freelance writing. I believe she will reach her goals.
I mentioned previously that I would keep readers up to speed on how Bukisa was shaping up. I've submitted 19 articles. I planned on submitting far more but, as can be seen, my plate has been full lately. For anyone who wants to earn residual income, a good beginning approach would be to set a goal of 50 articles. This is what I had planned on. I will go back to Bukisa once circumstances permit.
I haven't had much chance to work on my blogs but I spent an evening setting up The Bedbug Blog, so that readers can keep abreast of Bedbug news. I also created a Facebook page so that users can access information at The Bedbug Books page.
I'm trying to set aside time each day to work at some projects around my home that need attention. Struggling with ongoing health issues means that I have to do anything physical in small doses. I can't accomplish as much as I would like but still can see forward progress. Fortunately, freelance writing does not require physical strength.
I've been trying to get back into Silva again and find the induction and different techniques relaxing and effective. Silva is an powerful tool when you need to unwind and destress or change your outlook or circumstances.
Well, that's it--my round-up of recent activities. Let me know if you've enjoyed this posting and have a great summer!
Monday, August 03, 2009
Writing Dribbles and Drabbles
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tui's Friends by Jan Pendergrast-Children's Book a Hit
The launch of a new book is always exciting and even more so when the book sells out!
Tui's Friends is a new story by Jan Pendergrast that is proving a welcome addition to the world of children's books.
This colorful book offers insights about native birds and plants in New Zealand, giving young ones a glimpse into a beautiful corner of the world.
Tui's Friends tells the story of Tui, who wants a garden to himself and bullies the other birds into leaving. But Tui discovers that keeping something all to himself isn't quite what he expected.
Tui's Friends teaches important insights about life and our interactions with others around us. The book is beautifully illustrated with colorful pictures by illustrator Ruth Reinsfield.
Tui's Friends is capturing worldwide attention.
Further Reading
Saturday, July 18, 2009
When Will the First Bedbug Book Be Out?
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!
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.
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