Make It Real (Article) - 12/25/2017 4:28:49 PM
Thanks for your comment, Ron. Is most of your writing short stories?
Elaine Masters
Make It Real (Article) - 12/25/2017 8:57:53 AM
Good advice. While I spend a lot of time on making descriptions as real as possible, I tend to leave out other senses that could make the experience more real.
In spite of that, I do get comments like that from my short stories. One that I recently got the most comments like this on was Brain Dead. Probably because most people have thought of this happening to them and are trying to experience it as they read my story.
Ron
Life after Life (Article) - 6/26/2017 9:33:47 AM
I often have dreams that appear to be very real. When I've fully wake up I find that they are not. In fact, they are the primary source of my fictional stories. There are times when these dreams involve recent people I have met or are thinking of.
In the case of your daughter, she was both worried about her daughter's progress in the womb and her grandfather's pending death. The dream was real. The fact that he left in the dream just before she woke up and her husband not be able to tell her that she was dreaming, solidified the belief that the dream was reality.
Ron
What is POD? (Article) - 1/16/2017 1:31:21 AM
useful information!!
Never stop writing
m
What is POD? (Article) - 1/14/2017 10:43:57 AM
You did little to accurately describe Print on Demand (POD) but made a clever pitch for selling your books. Amazon is a monopoly that is a bane to a creative, resourceful marketplace. I suggest that anyone who wants to buy a book, by the book from other sources. You and your books, included.
A few years ago, Amazon attempted to take over POD publishing exclusively (they are still doing it through cutthroat marketing like free prime books, undercutting their competitors). My small, family-owned POD publisher, Bootlocker.com, sued Amazon and won. Avoid buying from Amazon if you want to stay in a free, competitive author/publisher marketplace.
Ron
Teacher Hints (Article) - 1/13/2017 9:11:11 AM
enjoyed reading, and learning what teachers in other areas are working on
Never Stop Writing!!
m
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 1/1/2016 7:41:37 AM
Johanna's response to your eulogy for Don, was so lovely and sweet. You and Don created a wonderful loving family together
God blessed you richly. And: you are carrying God's work so beautifully. Ir's an honor and a blessing to us to be your long time friends. Have a Happy New Year! Mary Jane and Rich
Three Successful (?) Book Signings (Article) - 12/2/2015 6:44:02 AM
I've had similar results from my infrequent book signings. For three years, I was invited to join with visual artists at the Abilities Expo here in Houston. I just haven't been aggressive about signing in coffee shops, bookstores, or libraries.
I've noticed also that the public's interest in books has changed. In 1999, my first novel was only available as a ebook. It sold quite well because ebooks were new, there weren't many and they cost much less than any other kind of book. But, within a couple of years, sales dropped off immensely. Then, I had that same book and others made into POD paperbacks. At the first book signing they sold well. By the second book signing a year later, with the same people coming over the three-day event, they didn't sell. With the advent of the iPad, Kindle, and Nook, audiobooks and e-books have once again become the primary way that people read books. Unfortunately, these books can't be signed.
So, my sponsor decided that I should give my signed books away because many of the disabled people that came by did not have money to buy books. On the second day of the event I started to give away books for donations. I gave away several books and sold some, making up for the first day's miserable showing.
Last year, I used the same approach. I signed a lot of books and gave them away and had my best year ever in donations. At the end of the event one woman who is the caregiver for her husband and reads a lot, insisted on buying all of my seven books. I was amazed and grateful. Now I have to figure out how to get my books out beyond the city of Houston.
Keep doing what you're doing, because personal contact with people is the best kind of promotion you can do.
Ron
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 5/3/2010 12:04:13 AM
MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU. Please know that you and I have never met, but Don's sister Neta was my best friend while I was in K.C. I knew that your mother took care of me when I was about 4 years old. Franky your brother was my companion and your father let us watch with excitement the train set in the basement. Your Mom used to play piano and take me to church. Neta used to tell me about Don. He sent her many dolls for her collection. I saw Neta almost 20 yrs. ago. I pray for her and have lost contact with her. I spent many times with your in laws and Neta until I moved to Michigan and completed highschool. God Bless You, You are in my prayers too. In His Love, Pat (Babian) Gruits
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 8/17/2007 5:15:00 AM
This touched my heart. So few people know such love through so many years.
Bless you.
Keith
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 7/29/2007 8:36:20 AM
Elaine: This was such A Wonderful Tribute! It was Very Heartfelt!
Although, we often grieve with the loss of someone we have loved so much, yet, this is what brightens our eyes, heart and our future--the ability to Celebrate Ones Life. Elaine, I celebrate Don's life with you. Thanks for sharing; it touched my heart and gave me great joy. (smile) In His Greatest Love, Sis "D" A Servant of the Most High God.
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 10/16/2006 8:59:13 AM
Beautiful tribute he sounds special.
Keep your wonderful memories you had together.
Hugs Angela
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 8/20/2006 7:31:05 PM
I am sorry for your loss, but am happy you have wonderful memories. Lovely read.
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 8/20/2006 5:11:27 PM
Heard this wonderful eulogy at Don's Memorial Service, and so good to read it here too. Your words make Don's presence so near again. Thanks!
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 8/20/2006 9:46:29 AM
Elaine,
What a wonderful life rich with experience and memories. Next time I hear the bagpipes I'll whisper, "Don, I'd rather have bagpipes, too."
Your memories have made an impression. Thanks for sharing.
Cynthia
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 8/20/2006 3:18:13 AM
Hi Elaine, I'm sorry for your loss. You wrote a beautiful eulogy for your hubby. And what an interesting life you and Don have led. (((hugs)))
Eulogy for My Husband, Don (Article) - 8/20/2006 1:35:24 AM
this ia lovely tribute. enjoyed reading this a lot and the the insight into the man who was your husband. :-) shoma
Kids Can Write--Two (Article) - 6/29/2006 4:36:54 PM
Elaine, I enjoyed read your article on children's writing.
Arthur
