Well, it's happened again ~ my website is down. I don't want it to be down, but it is down and I can't fix it without help. I feel helpless and a little "blonde" because I don't know what to do to resolve the problem. What's even more embarrassing is my sister, yes the one who had the heart attack, brought it to my attention. I didn't know it was down. Bless her healing heart for informing me, but shucks, I feel really dumb just now.
My lovely daughter takes care of my website. Yes, the daughter who last week had a baby. Guess we have been so "baby" oriented we forgot all about paying on-line bills, not just this month, but last month as well. Geesh! I'm a platinum blonde at this point!
So how do I get out of this fix and move on? The bill is paid. Still, no website. I don't want to bug my daughter about my non-existing website, so perhaps I should hire someone else. Where does one go to find a reputable web master? I'm really unprepared for this. I don't want to hire the first person I stumble across. I don't want to pay a lot of money either. What I really want is my old web page back. I feel like a little kid, "put it back! Put it BACK!" But I don't know how to do that either.
So, I'm looking for advice. Good, sensible, EASY answers! Is that being realistic or not? I don't know. I don't know, I don't know! Maybe web pages are hard to maintain. My daughter always said, "send me what you want and I'll do it." That's the extent of my involvement of web paging.
I know it's time to take control of my website. It's time to get a handle on this. Does anyone have any suggestions? Are there any simple steps I could master without losing my mind? Please ~ share your knowledge with me!
Oh, one last thing - I don't want to be a "blonde" anymore!
Til next time ~
DL Larson
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Can We Talk
In real life I don't say much. I have to be very interested in a topic to open up.
When I read or write a book, I'm the opposite. I must have lots of dialog or the book will bore me.
What about you? Are your own habits different than what you expect from a book?
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
When I read or write a book, I'm the opposite. I must have lots of dialog or the book will bore me.
What about you? Are your own habits different than what you expect from a book?
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
When Life REALLY Gets in the Way!
I had set many goals for myself over the past decade or so, both personal and professional, but when my life took an abrupt turn a few years back, I thought at first it had me down for the count. As I pulled myself up from the mud where I was thrown, bruised and confused, I was scared. Really, really scared. Then as the next years went by, and mostly as this last one unfolded, I saw so many more opportunities in my life than I have ever seen before. This presented a different kind of confusion, but almost of a fun nature, in trying to sort out which direction to go first. I was like a kid on Christmas morning, looking for the shiniest wrapping paper and hoping the present was mine.
Well, sometimes you find that shiny wrapping paper and read the tag and see that it is meant for someone else. That’s okay. Part of my healing these past few years has been to wish the best for everyone in my life, past and present, even my “enemies” or those who’ve - at the risk of turning this into a country western lyric - done me wrong. I reserve the right to exclude those people from my life, but I can wish them well at a safe and very great distance. It’s such an emotional burden to carry around hate and anger, and now that some people are no longer in my life I realize just how much hate and anger was part of them, and how much time I have wasted walking beside them and helping them carry their load. Part of my journey these past few years has been to stop carrying anything for anyone else but myself. I breath much better now - both physically and emotionally.
So, I started filling up my life with events and causes that meant something to me and became extremely busy but happy in the frenzied energy of my life. Then, BOOM - and there always seems to be a BOOM - a number of things happened almost at once. From my elderly dog passing away to my elderly friend going towards the end of her life with much difficulty, I haven’t quite had the peaceful year of growth that I had hoped for. Still, I’ve learned quite a bit about life in general, and pet and elderly health care in particular. My writing this year has suffered greatly as I’m simply exhausted at the end of the day. However, I have a wealth of knowledge now to write about many of the things I’ve experienced.
Now to find that peace and quite to do so. I’m getting close, and as I get closer and closer I realize that life really is a journey full of great things, bad things and everything in between. Partly out of frustration and partly out of a need to be free I just want to take my shoes and socks off and run through the rain water. BTW - it’s raining in the Chicago area today - has been for the past two days, on and off, but mostly on.
Oh, and that shiny wrapping paper? Sometimes you also find out that the shiny paper is the best part of the gift. We always say, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” Well, we can add, “Don’t judge a gift by it’s wrapping paper,” or even the person who gave it to you.
Well, sometimes you find that shiny wrapping paper and read the tag and see that it is meant for someone else. That’s okay. Part of my healing these past few years has been to wish the best for everyone in my life, past and present, even my “enemies” or those who’ve - at the risk of turning this into a country western lyric - done me wrong. I reserve the right to exclude those people from my life, but I can wish them well at a safe and very great distance. It’s such an emotional burden to carry around hate and anger, and now that some people are no longer in my life I realize just how much hate and anger was part of them, and how much time I have wasted walking beside them and helping them carry their load. Part of my journey these past few years has been to stop carrying anything for anyone else but myself. I breath much better now - both physically and emotionally.
So, I started filling up my life with events and causes that meant something to me and became extremely busy but happy in the frenzied energy of my life. Then, BOOM - and there always seems to be a BOOM - a number of things happened almost at once. From my elderly dog passing away to my elderly friend going towards the end of her life with much difficulty, I haven’t quite had the peaceful year of growth that I had hoped for. Still, I’ve learned quite a bit about life in general, and pet and elderly health care in particular. My writing this year has suffered greatly as I’m simply exhausted at the end of the day. However, I have a wealth of knowledge now to write about many of the things I’ve experienced.
Now to find that peace and quite to do so. I’m getting close, and as I get closer and closer I realize that life really is a journey full of great things, bad things and everything in between. Partly out of frustration and partly out of a need to be free I just want to take my shoes and socks off and run through the rain water. BTW - it’s raining in the Chicago area today - has been for the past two days, on and off, but mostly on.
Oh, and that shiny wrapping paper? Sometimes you also find out that the shiny paper is the best part of the gift. We always say, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” Well, we can add, “Don’t judge a gift by it’s wrapping paper,” or even the person who gave it to you.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Crossing Over
Last month I submitted my latest mss to my editor at Wild Rose for consideration. This is Jake's story: the last in my series.
This week I got an e-mail from an editor at the Yellow Rose line at TWRP (Normally I write for the Champagne Rose line, which is contemporary romance.) Since Jake is a bull rider, and his riding is an integral part of the story, the mss was transferred over to the Yellow Rose line which is designated for contemporary western stories: in other words, the cowboy line. She said she was looking forward to reading the mss and would get back to me no later than December 1.
In some ways, December still seems so far away, but it was nice to know things are moving along. I'm excited that my series (If this story gets contracted!) will be somewhat of a cross-over at Wild Rose, spanning two different lines! Maybe it will even increase my reader base.
To celebrate, I thought I'd share some of the pictures I've taken at the rodeo over the past couple of years, featuring my favorite kind of cowboys: those bull riders!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
This week I got an e-mail from an editor at the Yellow Rose line at TWRP (Normally I write for the Champagne Rose line, which is contemporary romance.) Since Jake is a bull rider, and his riding is an integral part of the story, the mss was transferred over to the Yellow Rose line which is designated for contemporary western stories: in other words, the cowboy line. She said she was looking forward to reading the mss and would get back to me no later than December 1.
In some ways, December still seems so far away, but it was nice to know things are moving along. I'm excited that my series (If this story gets contracted!) will be somewhat of a cross-over at Wild Rose, spanning two different lines! Maybe it will even increase my reader base.
To celebrate, I thought I'd share some of the pictures I've taken at the rodeo over the past couple of years, featuring my favorite kind of cowboys: those bull riders!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Good Endings & New Beginings! by DL Larson
I'm happy to share good news that my sister is recovering from her heart attack! She is one tough and very special lady and will be back to "normal" very soon. As for my daughter, she managed to worry my family profoundly and bless us endlessly with a baby boy ~ born just yesterday afternoon. Baby was a hefty 8 lbs. 10 oz. and 22 inches long and rather unwilling to be born. He is finally here, healthy and beautiful, cone-head and all! His name .... well, we're waiting to hear. I call him precious baby!
In the midst of these last stressful weeks, I was asked to critique a children's book. called, "14 Cows for America." It too explains tragedy and the goodness that comes despite the devastation of disaster. The author, Carmen Agra Deedy, wrote a moving story about a Kenyan village and their extraordinary gift to America after the 911 attack.
Kimeli wins a scholarship to study in the U.S. He witnesses the attack in New York and sees how police officers and firemen risk their own lives to help others. He wants to help America too. He learned as a child "to heal a sorrowing heart, give something that is dear to your own." Kimeli returns to his Kenyan village and tells his people what he intends to do. He wants to give America one of his most prized possesions, a cow. The village cows are the most important commodity they own. The villagers hear the story of the two towers toppling and the sadness of America.
An American diplomat visits the village, expecting to meet a few people and accept the cow as a token of friendship. He is greeted by hundreds of people who want to share in the sorrow the United States suffered. Not one cow, but fourteen are given in friendship.
The story ends with a simple, yet poignant statement, "Because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort."
I highly recommend this children's story to those interested in talking about friendship, hardships and how the rest of the world was affected by 911.
We may not always get the "happy ending" we wish for, but I pray goodness will always prevail, whether with families or nations.
Til next time ~
DL Larson
In the midst of these last stressful weeks, I was asked to critique a children's book. called, "14 Cows for America." It too explains tragedy and the goodness that comes despite the devastation of disaster. The author, Carmen Agra Deedy, wrote a moving story about a Kenyan village and their extraordinary gift to America after the 911 attack.
Kimeli wins a scholarship to study in the U.S. He witnesses the attack in New York and sees how police officers and firemen risk their own lives to help others. He wants to help America too. He learned as a child "to heal a sorrowing heart, give something that is dear to your own." Kimeli returns to his Kenyan village and tells his people what he intends to do. He wants to give America one of his most prized possesions, a cow. The village cows are the most important commodity they own. The villagers hear the story of the two towers toppling and the sadness of America.
An American diplomat visits the village, expecting to meet a few people and accept the cow as a token of friendship. He is greeted by hundreds of people who want to share in the sorrow the United States suffered. Not one cow, but fourteen are given in friendship.
The story ends with a simple, yet poignant statement, "Because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort."
I highly recommend this children's story to those interested in talking about friendship, hardships and how the rest of the world was affected by 911.
We may not always get the "happy ending" we wish for, but I pray goodness will always prevail, whether with families or nations.
Til next time ~
DL Larson
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sunrise, Sunset, Let it Rain
This morning, around five-twenty, I could hardly tell where I was going when I walked our dog. Rascal doesn't like walking in the dark, but today she was in the mood for forging ahead. Wouldn't you know it, we got a few blocks away from the house when I heard a rustling in the trees, followed by rain falling right on mine and Rascal's heads. If there's one thing Rascal hates more than the dark, it's getting wet. Needless to say, we headed back.
Why was it dark today, when it hadn't been a few months ago? Well, I live in Illinois. Friday is the first day of Autumn. The sun now comes up later and sets earlier. Also, with rain in the offing, clouds obscured whatever light we might have had.
What does this have to do with writing? Well, you need to check the visibility ratio for the area and Season you're writing about before you make a flub and say it's dark when it's usually light, or vice versa. People who live in that location would definitely know the difference. You might also want to research whether or not that area is prone to draughts or heavy amounts of rainfall, since clouds can also diminish light.
If you don't have firsthand knowledge, you can ask a friend who lives there, or check the Internet.
Speaking of asking friends, How early does it get light around you these days?
Why was it dark today, when it hadn't been a few months ago? Well, I live in Illinois. Friday is the first day of Autumn. The sun now comes up later and sets earlier. Also, with rain in the offing, clouds obscured whatever light we might have had.
What does this have to do with writing? Well, you need to check the visibility ratio for the area and Season you're writing about before you make a flub and say it's dark when it's usually light, or vice versa. People who live in that location would definitely know the difference. You might also want to research whether or not that area is prone to draughts or heavy amounts of rainfall, since clouds can also diminish light.
If you don't have firsthand knowledge, you can ask a friend who lives there, or check the Internet.
Speaking of asking friends, How early does it get light around you these days?
 |
| Morgan Mandel |
Monday, September 19, 2011
Update! Update!
Over a year ago my publisher decided to close their YA line. I was upset, but understood. I’d written one book and one short story in an anthology that they published. It was my dream to get published and I’d done it. When I received the email that the line was closing I was devastated. Sure, I knew that I had accomplished what I wanted to do, but now what was going to happen to my book? Was it going to disappear into the great abyss? Would it be as if my book never existed?
I had my choice, leave the book in their catalog until they decided to pull it completely (they were keeping the YA book in their lists, just not publishing new titles) or get my rights back and move on. After the grief, (really, I felt like my dream was dying – rapidly!) I realized I needed to move forward. I asked for my rights back and a year ago I put Ordinary Me on kindle.
It was the best thing I could have done for my book. My baby was alive and kicking. Over the past year I've sold just over 1350 copies of Ordinary Me on Kindle alone.
Last month I took another step and made the book available in paperback. The cost is a little higher for the paperback version, but not everyone has a kindle or an app for it, so I wanted to make it available for those readers as well.
It’s amazing to me as an author…there are over 1300 people that have my book. I am just amazed and grateful that this avenue was available. My dream is still alive and building. I received my rights back for the short story I wrote, and I am planning for that story to make its debut on kindle soon.
It’s been a fun ride and I am not ready to get off yet. I hope it goes on and on.
Thanks for checking in and have a great week!
Best,
June
www.junesproat.com
I had my choice, leave the book in their catalog until they decided to pull it completely (they were keeping the YA book in their lists, just not publishing new titles) or get my rights back and move on. After the grief, (really, I felt like my dream was dying – rapidly!) I realized I needed to move forward. I asked for my rights back and a year ago I put Ordinary Me on kindle.
It was the best thing I could have done for my book. My baby was alive and kicking. Over the past year I've sold just over 1350 copies of Ordinary Me on Kindle alone.
Last month I took another step and made the book available in paperback. The cost is a little higher for the paperback version, but not everyone has a kindle or an app for it, so I wanted to make it available for those readers as well.
It’s amazing to me as an author…there are over 1300 people that have my book. I am just amazed and grateful that this avenue was available. My dream is still alive and building. I received my rights back for the short story I wrote, and I am planning for that story to make its debut on kindle soon.
It’s been a fun ride and I am not ready to get off yet. I hope it goes on and on.
Thanks for checking in and have a great week!
Best,
June
www.junesproat.com
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