Keyboard Shortcuts When Using Microsoft Word

Most PC users have Microsoft Office and use Word as the word processing software on the their computers. There are several keyboard shortcuts that can be utilized to make working in Word faster. And, we all know that faster means a better use of our time.

Right click is your friend! The mouse has a right and left button. Each accesses different option menus. You may copy, cut, paste, change font settings, adjust your paragraph settings, create bulleted or numbered lists, add a hyperlink, look up a word online, find a synonym, get a translation of a word in another language, or adjust your style settings by utilizing the right click button.

This next feature comes in handy when your document is large and there are many occurrences of a word or phrase. Pressing Ctrl and F together (Ctrl+F) opens a box that allows you to type in the word or exact phrase that you are looking for in your document. Type the word or phrase in the box that reads: “Find what.” Click OK and Word will start from the point in your document where your cursor is located and find the next word or phrase that is exactly as you typed in the search. Click “find next” to go to the next place that word or phrase appears in your document.

To replace that particular word or word phrase, click the “replace” tab at the top of the search box and type the word or phrase you want to substitute in the “replace with” box . If you click “replace,” Word will replace one at a time so you may review each change or all of the occurrences at the same time. If you select “replace all,” Word will replace all occurrences of the word or phrase at one time. If you need to select words that are only lower or uppercase, explore the More >> button on the left hand side near the bottom of the box.

In this same search box, you may click on the “go to” tab and locate a particular page number. This is very useful if you have a lot of pages to scroll through but you know that you want to be on a certain page. Just type in a page number and Word will take you there. This option is also accessed by Ctrl+G.

Pressing Ctrl+A will highlight everything in your document.
Pressing Ctrl+C will allow you to copy the text currently highlighted onto your clipboard. If you used Ctrl+A, it will copy everything in that doc!
Pressing Ctrl+V will paste whatever was last copied to your clipboard.
Pressing Ctrl+X will cut the currently highlighted text.
Pressing Ctrl+Z will un-do whatever change you just made.
Ctrl+S will save your document to the last place it was saved. If it hasn’t been saved yet, it will open the “save as” option so you may specify where you want it saved.
Highlight the text you want to use to “hide” a URL. Press Ctrl+K to open the box. Type in the URL in the bottom blank where it reads “address” and click okay. You can also use the drop down menu to show and select from recently used URLs.
Pressing Ctrl+Home will take you to the very top of a document.
Pressing Ctrl+End will take you to the very end of a document.

These are only some of the shortcuts Word has to offer. And, did you know that many of these commands will also work when you are browsing the Internet? Give it a try!

Yvonne Perry, is the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services—a team of highly qualified writers and editors with many years of experience in writing for articles, books, ad copy, media releases, PR kits, Web text, biographical sketches, and newsletters. Editing, proofreading, book review, and book evaluation services offered individually and as packages. Find us online at http://www.writersinthesky.com

Follow WITS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/writersinthesky

If you liked this article, please share it on del.icio.us, StumbleUpon or Digg. I’d appreciate it.

Free Teleseminar - Allison Maslan Offers Her Expert Advice to Twitter Followers!

New Twitter followers of @AllisonMaslan get a free download of a teleseminar on “Creating Your Own Financial Freedom, The Steps to Becoming a Winning Entrepreneur.”

In this audio, Allison offers practical advice, leads you through one of her amazing exercises of self discovery, explains some of her innovative processes, and provides many how to tips and advice in this jam packed 60-minute free teleseminar recording.

Here are a few questions she answers:

What makes this a good time to start a business venture?

Tips to figure out what kind of business to start

How to start a new business while working in your old job

The cardinal rule of business success (can you guess this one?)

How to stay motivated and positive when naysayers, doubting relatives, and environmental negativity surround you

What kind of "ducks" need to be "put in a row" when you launch a business (legal, accounting, web support, vision statement, and more)?

Click here to follow Allison on Twitter and subscribe to the “Creating Financial Freedom Teleseminar.”

Kill the Addiction: Stop Smoking, Without Quitting

Have you been trying unsuccessfully to quit smoking?

Then, this book by John English is for you! In fact, anyone who has ever struggled to kick the nicotine habit, will appreciate the simple yet miraculous method outlined in Kill the Addiction: Stop Smoking Without Quitting. This method has been proven to help people stop smoking permanently-without quitting. Even if you've smoked for decades. The author smoked for 50 years!

Listen to Writers in the Sky Podcast today as John joins show host Barbara Milbourn to discuss his first book, Kill the Addiction: Stop Smoking Without Quitting.

John English was born in Grenoble, France in 1930 to an English teacher. Raised in England, he left for Canada at the age of 21, made it his home, and eventually became Canadian CEO for three consecutive multinational companies in the beauty products business, over a 25-year span. Now retired, he and his wife divide their time equally between Florida and Canada.

John is a former smoker of fifty years. He was unable to quit smoking but was concerned about his health, so he devised a way to become smoke-free without quitting! He has been happily free of his addiction for over seven years now, and wants to share the secrets of his method with anyone and everyone anxious to kick the habit, and become drug-free.

Click here to listen... to the entire interview

Read more on John's Web site: www.budurl.com/ryma

****************************

Listening to Writers in the Sky Podcast on a computer is easy. Just click this link: http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com and go to my blog.On the right sidebar there is a list of archived shows. Click on the interview you would like to hear and it will open a post that has a link to the audio file.

Have you thought of hosting your own podcast? It's easy. Learn how at http://nashvillewriter.audioacrobat.com/

If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to leave a comment on iTunes to help others find it.

Accenting Your Writing

Our modern English language is a hodgepodge of many languages. We borrow words from another language when we say crêpe, à la carte, résumé, or señor, but when writing these words, we stare at a blank screen wondering how to create these characters needed to cause our employment history to be pronounced résumé rather than resume.

I remember learning to read and write while in grammar school. One way the teacher helped us pronounce words was to separate the syllables and use accent marks to show where the emphasis or strongest beat should be. Take a look at the dictionary. In the pronunciation guide you will see some strange characters called diacritical marks above or below a letter to modify the way a word is pronounced. I remember writing a long dash over the letter “a” to make it a long vowel (ā) and putting a small cup over the “a” to make it a short vowel (ă). Now I know that the long mark is called a macron and the short mark is called a breve. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diacritic to learn more about diacritical marks.

Writing the dash is one thing; typing it is another matter entirely. There are shortcuts you can use to create diacritical marks. When you engage CAPSLOCK, and hold down the ALT key and type in a number on the numeric keypad, you can create almost any character. For example to get this symbol: é press the CAPSLOCK, press alt and type in 0233 on your numeric keypad. Mac users would select the “option” and “e” to create this same character. For a list of other shortcuts for both Microsoft and Apple, see http://www.personal.psu.edu/staff/e/j/ejp10/psu/gotunicode/macron.html.

There are so many characters available you might have a hard time remembering all the shortcuts. The best way to make a symbol appear in your Word document is to use the character map, which requires you to cut and paste individual symbols from a preset list. This is done by going to Windows Start menu on the lower left side of your screen and selecting “all programs,” then “accessories,” then “system tools” and finally “character map.” This opens a grid of characters for you to choose from by scrolling down or right. The font on the dropdown list should match that of the document you are creating, but you can get a different set of characters when you choose Times New Roman versus Wing Dings as your font. If the character you want is not in the grid, change the font. When you’ve found the character you want to place in your document, double click on it and the image will be placed on the clipboard to be copied. You can put several symbols on the clipboard. When you are ready to paste the symbol, highlight it in the “characters to copy” list and click the “copy” button. Then, find the place in your document or any Windows application and insert the character by choosing “paste” on your edit menu. The character should appear.

And now that we’ve had our lesson for today, I’ll end with a mark that you may have seen at the end of a magazine article. 𵯻

Yvonne Perry, is the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services—a team of highly qualified writers and editors with many years of experience in writing for articles, books, ad copy, media releases, PR kits, Web text, biographical sketches, and newsletters. Editing, proofreading, book review, and book evaluation services offered individually and as packages. Find us online at http://www.writersinthesky.com

Follow WITS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/writersinthesky

If you liked this article, please share it on del.icio.us, StumbleUpon or Digg. I’d appreciate it.

Academic Editing

Do you want a professional eye to review your term paper before submitting it to your professor? Do you need help making your college or graduate school application essay as strong as possible? Does that English essay just not seem as dynamic as it could be? Team member Sarah Moore, a former high school and college teacher who has taught courses in research and writing, is available for your academic editing needs. She WILL NOT write the paper for you, but will mark all spelling and grammar errors as well as offer extensive comments and suggestions concerning the structure and overall quality of your writing. You will notice a difference in the quality of your assignments!

Cost for this service: $4.00 per 250 words.

Read more or contact Sarah

Author John English Shares How He Stopped Smoking

This coming Friday, September 25, author John English will be joining us on Writers in the Sky Podcast today September 25, 2009 to discuss his first book, Kill the Addiction: Stop Smoking: Without Quitting.

John English was born in Grenoble, France in 1930 to an English teacher. Raised in England he left for Canada at the age of 21, made it his home and eventually became Canadian CEO for three consecutive multinational companies in the Beauty products business, over a 25 year span. Now retired, he and his wife divide their time equally between Florida and Canada. John is a former smoker of fifty years. He was unable to quit smoking but was concerned about his health, so he devised a way to become smoke-free without quitting! He has been happily free of his addiction for over seven years now, and wants to share the secrets of his method with anyone and everyone anxious to kick the habit, and become drug-free.

John English battled an addiction to nicotine for fifty years and in Kill the Addiction, he lays out in detail his method to stop smoking. Knowing the difficulty that comes when someone tries to quit this difficult habit, John is anxious to share his solution with others.

He will be discussing the unique benefits of his method as well as whether or not his method can be used to treat addictions other than smoking. Interested listeners may purchase Kill the Addiction by visiting the Amazon Web site.

Learn more on John's Web site: www.budurl.com/ryma

TGIF September 18, 2009! Author Barbara Joye

TGIFriday! I have uploaded a new show to my podcast this week!

Today Barbara Joye will be joining Sarah Moore on Writers in the Sky Podcast to discuss her new book The Light Won: A Tutorial in Co-Creation.

In the book, The Light Won, the Angelic Realm is communicating to humanity what is keeping each and every member from living the life of their dreams. Further, The Light Won delves deeply into beliefs, how they are created, how they are held, and how they can be identified and shifted. With this awareness, the writing takes the next step to speak to the act of and actions necessary to co-create with The Divine/The All. This book truly is a tutorial in why humanity is not living the lives they desire and how they can c0-create lives of joy and abundance and beauty. The book The Light Won connects with audiences of all ages and nationalities…for who does not want to live a fuller and more empowered life?

Click here to listen... to the entire interview!

Barbara Joye is a Soul Connection therapist and Intuitive Re-invention Life Coach, practicing in the South Denver, Colorado area. Through this practice, Barbara has the opportunity to assist individuals in connecting to their 'higher' or Soul selves, the Angelic Realm, and their Spirit Guides, so they may better understand their current life and the agenda their Soul came to accomplish. This work led her to her own deeper connection with the Angelic Realm, and thus her new inspiring and insightful book, The Light Won was created.

Barbara Joye has been laughingly and lovingly proclaimed as The Shift Guru, as she assists her clients in meeting the challenges and joys of shifting their beliefs and therefore, their lives.

To learn more about Barbara Joye visit http://the-light-won.com/.

**********************************

Listening to Writers in the Sky Podcast on a computer is easy. Just click this link: http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/ and go to my blog.On the right sidebar there is a list of archived shows. Click on the interview you would like to hear and it will open a post that has a link to the audio file.

Have you thought of hosting your own podcast? It's easy. Learn how at http://nashvillewriter.audioacrobat.com/

If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to leave a comment on iTunes to help others find it.

Interview with Author Eliza Earsman

Writers in the Sky team member Sarah Moore recently sat down with author Eliza Earsman to discuss her new book Days of Elijah (Revised and Expanded): A True Story.

Sarah: Please share the premise of Days of Elijah (Revised and Expanded): A True Story so that we may start by knowing a bit about the book’s content.

Eliza: My book is authenticated non-fiction which can be classified under history, autobiography, or current events. I have become an unintended agent provocateur to the UGLE (United Grand Lodge England ) British Masonic Mountbatten-Windsor royal family, their inner circles, and their familiar spirits. Fierce and deliberate attempts have been made against my life for my efforts to share what I have learned. In this book I recount, in part, details of what I suffered to promote justice and truth. That suffering is in small measure in comparison to what Masonic script masters are doing internationally in places such as Iraq. In the book, I assert that the Scottish Ritual Freemasonry’s World War III/New World Order contentions and intentions are verifiably satanic! Days of Elijah: A True Story is a war document. Details were lodged with the Institute of War Documentation, Holland.

Sarah: You make the claim that the Scottish Ritual Freemasonry is behind some of the deadliest acts of terror in recent memory as well as both World War I and World War II.

Eliza: That is so. Scottish Ritual Freemasonry and anti-Masonic dissident activity is (now) easily identifiable. Masonic veils of deceit, crime and corruption have been lifted. Individual Masonic files are open and public! Scottish Ritual Freemasonry has a current New World Order/One World (Masonic) Government agenda. We saw that also prior to/during World Wars I and II. I have left notes on pages 68-70 for journalists/others to do with them as they think fit. Second generation Scottish Ritual Masonic Nazis, Skull and Bones Lodge USA, and Cullen House Scotland do not go unseen, unknown or unmentioned.

Sarah: One of the incidents you mention is the Lockerbie bombing, a horrible incident that has been in the news again recently. How do you believe the Freemasons were involved in this deadly plot?

Eliza: What has to be remembered is that the bombing of Pan Am 103 (The Maid of the Seas) was retaliatory action for a previous major incident involving the USS Vincennes. In 1988, crew on that ship shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf killing all 290 civilian passengers. Nothing of significance was done to or about those responsible. There is a phrase in Scotland which says “getting off Scot free.” What that really means is Scottish Ritual

Freemasonry is answerable and accountable to no one. The Maid of the Seas cockpit fell to earth at Tundergarth near Lockerbie. By a few yards it is directly opposite Tundergarth Church which holds christening, marriage and burial records of some of my ancestors. If that bombing had to occur – and it did not happen by the Hand of God – then it has touched down in such a place that its source on earth can be identified. (That plane was running late and should have been out over the Atlantic.)

In Days of Elijah I have detailed Masonic activities of major players in the aftermath of that bombing, and there is not an honest face among them.

Do I believe Mr Megrahi is guilty of the crimes involved? Knowing and having been on the receiving end of Masonic prosecutors, I would not believe a single word that comes from them.’ Mr Megrahi claims innocence. Until or unless he is proven otherwise, I believe him.

In view of the ongoing controversies and before further flare ups, Robert Mueller III, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States, has been asked to examine the details in Days of Elijah. So have others. Mr. Mueller has acknowledged receipt of that request. He was involved in the initial December 1988 Pan Am 103 enquiries. Public queries as to his position in this matter should be involved.

Sarah: What is the connection of the British royal family to the Masonic plot that you describe?

Eliza: As central to the cost and loss involved since 1987 by Scottish Ritual Freemasonry, Queen Elizabeth II, reigning monarch of Britain is responsible. It is she who holds accountability for the evil made manifest. Expanded and authenticated details are in the book.

Sarah: In Days of Elijah, you equate the Freemasons with Baal on many occasions. Does this mean that the Masons are direct agents of Satan, incarnations of Satan, etc?

Eliza: The cult and occult practices of Scottish Ritual Freemasonry are not difficult to recognize and understand. They are in direct contrast in all aspects from that which is taught by Almighty God, which major religious faiths around the world hold as being valid.

From the point of choosing to join Freemasonry, the entered bonded apprentices become tools in their master’s hand. They are not incarnations of Satan. Their occult and deviant activities prove, and have proven, the details contained within that cult. Freemasons are small in number, approximately five million worldwide, and are servants of Satan.

Sarah: Besides this book, how have been working to share your beliefs regarding the Masonic intentions with the general public?

Eliza: “Beliefs” would be better described as being “unadulterated and authenticated evidence.” I have presented details, traveled internationally, joined press groups, issued press releases, networked intensively and frequently. I have asked for and received help in raising URGENT international awareness. Awareness is being enhanced daily.

Sarah: You begin each chapter of Days of Elijah with a passage from Scripture and you mention the importance of your faith throughout the book. How has your faith affected your research into the Masons and your efforts to share your findings?

Eliza: The Scripture passages are very relevant and serve to anchor both me and readers. Only by the close and active Presence of God Almighty have I come this far. Without His very near and very dear Presence I would be where freemasonry has fought long and hard to put me, which is six feet under the earth with the lid on.

Faith in God is certain knowledge - both by experience and understanding. How does faith affect me? “Almighty God does not leave alone those He calls or those who call to He.” He is always near.

Sarah: You mention in your book the significance of the lineage of Elijah, Elisha, and now you—Eliza. Could you please explain this?

Eliza: The Old Testament prophet Elijah and his work are documented in the Book of Kings in the Holy Bible. Elisha was called as successor to Elijah, after which Elijah was taken to Heaven. The closing words of the Old Testament in Malachi 4:5-6 state clearly that Elijah and the work of Elijah will precede the Second Coming of Jesus.

My birth was foretold from four generations back of a non-Masonic family. That is detailed in the book about which we talk—Days of Elijah (Revised and Expanded): A True Story. Trust in Almighty God was to be carried through the generational line until the fourth generation of the female line. In the fortieth year of that female, God would prove true! That does not make me special, but that Calling of Almighty God is quite specific. That is exactly what happened in 1987.
Eschatological and indisputable evidence shows that the Days of Elijah are on time.

Sarah: Why is the year 1987 so crucial to your discoveries concerning your life’s purpose and the talents you were given to fulfill this purpose?

Eliza: As mentioned, God-given trust was to be carried through the generations until the fourth generation of the female line. In the fortieth year of that person, God would prove true. I was born in 1947. 1987 was my fortieth year. Freemasons in my local area knew these details, which is why so much was planned by them around the time of my birthday.

Sarah: In Days of Elijah, you share with the readers many details concerning your childhood. How did your upbringing prepare you for your current work?

Eliza: Plain simple clean teaching works wonders. So does fresh air, nature, and memories of good and true! I have no need of expensive habits and am reasonably flexible and adaptable. I have for a long time recognized that less in the material and more in the spiritual is right for me. Weathering the venomous Masonic storms has been time-consuming and killing. They won’t win.

Sarah: You share some ways in which those in positions of power have worked to silence you. Could you please explain a couple of these efforts in detail?

Eliza: This quote may in part serve the purpose and answer the question:
‘Telling the amazing story of Eliza Earsman, I was unprepared for what was about to unfold before my eyes ... What is so interesting about this story is its sheer unbelievableness. Yet all the facts are clearly presented. Pictures are offered … names and dates and locations are all given. Why has this story - and all that it entails - been kept locked away and never told? The answer to these questions is revealed in the story - one that you will have to read to believe. If you have an intriguing mind or have experienced some things in your life that have led you to question the currently presented storyline of history, then this book is a must have. It will open your eyes to what is going on around, and your heart to the author for having the courage and will to present this story.’

Sarah: You were sentenced to a psychiatric hospital and labeled a paranoid schizophrenic by the British authorities. Why do you think these steps were taken against you?

Eliza: There was no sentencing. Corrupt officials wanted to have me put “under, out and away,” as they do to others, also. Apparently I wasn’t going “out or under” as swiftly as they wanted. I am not paranoid—I have never been. I am not of broken or unsound mind. By God’s Grace I have not been, and hopefully never will be.

Sarah: Several times in Days of Elijah, you offer short segments from a Days of Elijah film script. Is there a film in the works? If so, please share how that is progressing. If not, is a film something you would like to pursue for this book?

Eliza: A non-fiction third draft film script is available. The international public has a need and a right to know what is going on. There is enough also for documentaries.
Sarah: How long did it take to write this book? Any interesting tidbits you would like to share concerning your writing method or how the book developed?

Eliza: Days of Elijah (Revised and Expanded): A True Story has been lived daily. Getting Days of Elijah into the global domain for independent analysis, recognition and verification, has been time consuming but rewarding. The authenticated work is gaining support and going further public. Despite Masonic contention and difficult circumstances Days of Elijah has, in recent years, gone public both through the internet and book printings in 2007 and 2008. These editions are now out of print. This new 2009 edition, Days of Elijah (Revised and Expanded): A True Story. 230 pages, has been professionally edited and typeset and has a professional cover. I hope to make that available also in e-book formats. An affiliated Collection of Verse, which is non-fiction as well, expands on some of the data in Days of Elijah.

Sarah: How did you publish your book? Tell me about your publishing experience and what you learned from it.

Eliza: As a matter of urgency I visited New York publishing house and literary agents. I also sent details internationally by post. Experience taught me that most of the major publishing houses are now owned by the Scottish Ritual Masonic. As a result of experience over a number of years, I set to and learned how to be a publisher. In this 2009 publication of Days of Elijah (Revised and Expanded): A True Story professionals have been employed to deal with cover design, editing and typesetting. I hope to learn more.

Sarah: Where is your book available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?

Eliza: Further information, a press release, and my biography are available at www.elizaearsman.com. Days of Elijah (Revised and Expanded): A True Story is currently discounted at www.amazon.com. Orders over $25.00 qualify for free shipping in the United States. A Collection of Verse is also available at Amazon.com. A new blog is on http://elizaearsmanbooks.wordpress.com/about. I still have work to do on that one.

Sarah: Do you have any future writing projects in the works? Please tell us a bit about what we can expect next!

Eliza: As I mentioned, the third draft film script is available. Hopefully I will publish further works but nothing at this very minute! A deserved rest will be appreciated.

Sarah: What do you want readers to take away from reading Days of Elijah? Are there specific actions you hope people will take?

Eliza: Days of Elijah (Revised and Expanded): A True Story is cross-cultural and interdenominational. It is topical, educational, historical non-fiction for monotheistic and sensible readers! Remember the killing fields of the Masonic agenda.

Sarah: Any other comments you would like to share about your new book, Days of Elijah (Revised and Expanded): A True Story?

Eliza: God is great! Push for truth, do not be misled, waylaid, or thwarted. At no time be swamped by mention of Scottish Ritual Freemasonry’s details. Help get the light through and expand international awareness. Commend these books to others. Be happy!

Sarah: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you well in your journey as an author.

Eliza: Thank you.
www.elizaearsman.com

Setting a Google Alert to Determine Who is Using Your Articles

I set a Google alert for each of my articles by going to http://www.google.com/alerts and typing in the full name of my article. Google then sends me an email with a link to the site(s) that have my article posted. Be sure to spell and punctuate the title of your article exactly as you posted it on the article directory. Also be sure to use quotation marks around the title to refine the search criteria and avoid getting email alerts that are not related to your article.

Google alerts are also a great way to be sure that those who are picking up your articles are including your resource box on their site. It also works for your book title, company name, or topic of your book. You can get a notice on all things that are pertinent to you.

Yvonne Perry, is the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services—a team of highly qualified writers and editors with many years of experience in writing for articles, books, ad copy, media releases, PR kits, Web text, biographical sketches, and newsletters. Editing, proofreading, book review, and book evaluation services offered individually and as packages. Find us online at http://www.writersinthesky.com

Follow WITS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/writersinthesky

If you liked this article, please share it on del.icio.us, StumbleUpon or Digg. I’d appreciate it.

Alzheimer's A Caretaker's Journal

Today is the launch of Marie Fostino’s book, Alzheimer’s A Caretaker’s Journal.

Marie took care of her father-in-law while he had Alzheimer's and kept a journal of her daily interactions. After his passing, she turned her journal into a book hoping to help others who are experiencing this disease. She is hoping to see her Alzheimer’s book as one of the top 100 Best Sellers on Amazon. It would bring more awareness to this disease, and help thousands of families that are dealing with it on a daily basis.

So, let’s help her get the word out there by letting others know about her book and inviting them to purchase a copy today. Everyone gets a slew of bonus prizes just for purchasing the book on today, September 15. See http://mariefostino.com/specialoffer for details.


Here is a review that I wrote for the book:

Alzheimer’s A Caretaker’s Journal
Marie Fostino
ISBN: 978-1-59663-562-3
Reviewed by Yvonne Perry

As the title implies, Alzheimer’s A Caretaker’s Journal, is about dealing with a family member who has Alzheimer’s. The book truly is a caretakers journal. There is little commentary from the author to cloud our opinion. Instead, we get to see into the personal lives of Jim and Marie as they take on the daunting task of caring for Jim’s father, Joe. As Joe’s dementia worsens, Marie rises to the call of a saint.

The passion of the author was noted throughout the book and my emotions were stirred as I read Marie’s account of her time spent with Dad—a man who didn’t even know her once he had progressed into the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. “Lady” is what he called his own daughter-in-law.

“Show, not tell” is what I often repeat to my authors when I am editing their books. Marie instinctively did this in Alzheimer’s A Caretaker’s Journal. She shows us who she is, what she is capable of, and how she managed day by day. Never once did she brag on herself. Using a chronological diary format, she showed us her human frailty and gave us a true picture of what it is like to watch a loved one’s mental and physical demise.

I was especially touched that both of the author’s daughters gave a short commentary about what it was like to live in the house with their grandfather in his impaired condition. The author’s husband, Jim, also shared his thoughts. Therefore, we get to see how this disease affected the entire family. I hope I never have to go through something like this, but if I do, I pray I have the strength and wherewithal to endure and persevere the way Marie did.

Check out Marie’s book website at http://www.mariefostino.com/.

The Light Won: A Tutorial in Co-Creation

Barbara Joye will be joining Sarah Moore on Writers in the Sky Podcast September 18, 2009 to discuss her new book, The Light Won: A Tutorial in Co-Creation.

Barbara Joye is a Soul Connection therapist and Intuitive Re-invention Life Coach, practicing in the South Denver, Colorado area. Through this practice, Barbara has the opportunity to assist individuals in connecting to their 'higher' or Soul selves, the Angelic Realm, and their Spirit Guides, so they may better understand their current life and the agenda their Soul came to accomplish. This work led her to her own deeper connection with the Angelic Realm, and thus her new inspiring and insightful book, The Light Won was created.

Barbara Joye has been laughingly and lovingly proclaimed as The Shift Guru, as she assists her clients in meeting the challenges and joys of shifting their beliefs and therefore, their lives.

In The Light Won, Barbara shares what keeps us from living a fuller and more empowered life. She explains how to identify and alter your personal beliefs in order to have the life you desire. This life is one that each of us can co-create once we learn to communicate with The Divine/The All. Barbara will be talking about how readers can apply the principles in her book to their own lives, regardless of their age, nationality, or personal experiences.

To learn more about Barbara Joye visit http://the-light-won.com/.

**********************************

Listening to Writers in the Sky Podcast on a computer is easy. Just click this link: http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/ and go to my blog.On the right sidebar there is a list of archived shows. Click on the interview you would like to hear and it will open a post that has a link to the audio file.

TGIF September 11, 2009! Author Patrick Shannon

TGIFriday! I have uploaded a new show to my podcast this week!

Today Patrick Shannon joins the podcast to share his work of fiction, Viva Cisco, with the Writers in the Sky audience. This book, aimed primarily at younger readers, details a world of fantasy in which a parrot named Cisco is willing to try anything to become famous. After several unsuccessful attempts to develop new talents, Cisco leads his friends on an adventure that may finally be the path to his desired fame. Patrick Shannon will discuss how he created the unique story idea, how adults and children alike can enjoy the stories, and the message that he hopes to share with readers through Cisco the parrot.

Click here to listen... to the entire interview.

Patrick Shannon is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. After serving in the United States Coast Guard, he worked thirty-three years for a major oil company, bringing him rich experiences from traveling Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. Born and raised in Southern California, Shannon attended UCLA, Oklahoma and East Carolina universities.

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Listening to Writers in the Sky Podcast on a computer is easy. Just click this link: http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/ and go to my blog.On the right sidebar there is a list of archived shows. Click on the interview you would like to hear and it will open a post that has a link to the audio file.

Have you thought of hosting your own podcast? It's easy. Learn how at http://nashvillewriter.audioacrobat.com/

If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to leave a comment on iTunes to help others find it.

Fund Raiser for Alzheimer's Association

Join WITS in a fund raiser for the Alzheimer’s Association and book launch for Marie Fostino’s book, Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal. If you are a caregiver or plan to be one, do yourself a favor and buy this book. If you know of a caregiver who could use a helping hand, give this book as a gift. If you are a professional, share copies of this book with your clients. You will be warmly touched and heavenly inspired.

On Tuesday, September 15, you will have an opportunity to help the Alzheimer’s Association and get nine free gifts for yourself when you purchase Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal that day. See http://mariefostino.com/specialoffer for details.

Here is Marie’s message to WITS community:

We all start out as infants in this world, depending on someone to nurture, love, and take care of us. We go through the discovery of everything being new, fresh, and exciting. Then the adolescent years come upon us and, as we become young adults, we learn different kinds of lessons about life from the people around us. Time goes on and we get older as do our mothers and fathers.

One day we may find ourselves expected to take care of them. We know that, as we get older, we may lose our sight, hearing, and memory. But nothing can prepare us for what happens when our loved one's dementia turns into Alzheimer's. The caretaker inevitably feels lost and alone. Our loved ones are not themselves anymore--at least not the way we remember them. They don't know who we are and they don't know who they are.

Some of us listen to what the doctors say and put them in the hands of professionals in a care center for the elderly. But some of us take on the challenge of caring directly for our parents, just as they once took care of us. We're not sure what is on the road ahead, but we know that we love our parents and want only the best for them.

Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal is a story of tough love. When it was discovered that my father-in-law was not himself and his mental health was deteriorating we took on the task to care for him. It was hard to deal with the man he had become. We had to remember that he was now a victim of the disease--that this person was not longer really him anymore. It was a greater challenge than we could have imagined, caring for him to his dying day; but it was also rewarding.

I wanted to write and share this journal in the hope that it might help others who are taking care of, or are considering caring for, their aging parents. I wrote it in a chronological diary format to give a true picture of what it is like to watch a loved one’s mental and physical demise. I want them to know that they are not alone. Don't feel that you've failed when you're aggravated, depressed, or angry. These emotions only show that you are human. I discovered "sun-downers" which is when the person is disoriented at dusk, and that was when dad was really not himself. As he was getting into the later stages of Alzheimer’s he was restless and agitated and I started him on Risperdol to help try to keep him calm. I used adult day cares for respite time a few hours of the day, just so I could let my mind and body rest. I also ran miles and prayed for strength to get me through this stressful time. Support groups also were very helpful for advice and knowledge from others dealing with this disease. And hospice was wonderful as dad was in the final stages of his Alzheimer's and helped us get ready for his death.

Calling for Submissions for October 2009 Newsletter!

Requesting Your Annoucements for WITS Newsletter!

Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services produces a free monthly newsletter filled with articles, announcements, and information about the craft and business of writing, publishing, and book marketing. We accept announcements from our readers. Subscribe or read our submission guidelines at http://www.writersinthesky.com/writing-newsletter.html.

Yvonne Perry
www.writersinthesky.com
Follow WITS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/writersinthesky

Special Podcast for Laboring Writers

Authors never take a day off from writing and book promotion. Our way of celebrating the Labor Day holiday is to have a special podcast in the middle of the week!

Join us on WITS Podcast today, Wednesday, September 9 as we feature Cassandra Sams' labor of love—a book titled Celestial Desire.

Celestial Desire is a novel about spiritual growth through our relationships with others. It is also an exploration of the author's own inner struggle with the split in female consciousness frequently referred to in feminist literature as "the madonna/whore complex." Despite how lofty this sounds, Celestial Desire contains a great storyline about two women from the opposite extremes in life, who become wonderful friends and share one another's sorrows. An entertaining read that evokes thought and emotion.

Cassandra Sams is a licensed mental health professional who counsels adolescent girls at a behavioral facility in Florida. She is here today to talk with us about her first novel Celestial Desire published this year by Outskirts Press.

One Dash or Two? Using En and Em Dashes in Writing

Some people do not use dashes in their writing because they are not sure of how to use them correctly. However, proper use of dashes can add zest to your writing, so why not learn the proper way to punctuate a sentence with them?

Whenever you write a sentence that requires a break in thought, you may be accustomed to using double hyphens or two dashes (--); however, the proper length of the dash is dependent upon the punctuation needed in the sentence. The proper name of the symbol(s) you need is either an “en” dash, an “em” dash or a 3-m dash. Originally the en dash was the width of the letter "N" on a typeset, and the width of the em dash was the width of "M"; hence the names.

En dashes (–) are used to show duration such as when writing the time 9:00–5:00, or range such a date April 15–31 or number 100–150. The en dash can also be used as a hyphen in compound adjectives in which one part consists of two words or a hyphenated word: pre–World War I era. En dashes do not have spaces in front or behind them.

En dashes are created on a Mac computer by simultaneously pressing option-hyphen. For Windows users, the en dash is created by holding down ALT while typing 0150 on the numeric keypad.

Em dashes (—) are used in place of a colon or parenthesis to show an abrupt change in thought or to separate clauses in a sentence. Em dashes may be also used to show an open range: Jane Smith, 1987—

Mac users press shift-option-hyphen to create an em dash. The em dash is created in Windows by holding down ALT and typing 0151 on the numeric keypad. Microsoft Word will automatically create an em dash whenever you type two hyphens without spaces between them and without spaces before or after the words connected by the hyphens: word--word will convert to word—word.

Hyphens are used to connect two words and to separate characters in a phone number (123-555-0123).

The 3-em dash uses six hyphens before and after a word ( ------ and ------ ) when a person’s name or some other word(s) is being omitted. You may want to start in the middle of a longer quote while indicating that other words actually preceded or followed the part of the quote you used. For example:

------ that religion is a matter that lies soley between man and his God ------ thus building a wall of separation between Church and State. ~ Thomas Jefferson

Now you have the facts about dashes and it’s up to you whether you decided to dash or not to dash!

Yvonne Perry, is the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services—a team of highly qualified writers and editors with many years of experience in writing for articles, books, ad copy, media releases, PR kits, Web text, biographical sketches, and newsletters. Editing, proofreading, book review, and book evaluation services offered individually and as packages. Find us online at http://www.writersinthesky.com

Follow WITS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/writersinthesky

If you liked this article, please share it on del.icio.us, StumbleUpon or Digg. I’d appreciate it.

Viva Cisco

Patrick Shannon will be joining us on Writers in the Sky Podcast to share his work of fiction, Viva Cisco, on September 11th, 2009!

Patrick Shannon is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. After serving in the United States Coast Guard, he worked thirty-three years for a major oil company, bringing him rich experiences from traveling Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. Born and raised in Southern California, Shannon attended UCLA, Oklahoma and East Carolina universities.

Synopsis of Viva Cisco

Visit the valley of Topopootl on any given day, and chances are it will be in a stew over another one of Cisco the Parrot's schemes. In Book One, his show biz debut bombs big-time; he is trounced, in Anything Goes Wrestling, by a pair of cockroaches; his attempt at a high altitude flying record ends in a crash landing; and then he starts the weirdest business you ever heard of.

Book Two has Cisco registering 10 on the Richter Scale as a private eye who, amazingly, solves a crime. Only it isn't a crime.

In Book Three, Cisco and his pals go on a dangerous but wacky mission to find a long forgotten story, preserved in a secret room in a strange pyramid. What they seek is the answer to a nagging question: "Why do we owe the skunks so much?"

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Listening to Writers in the Sky Podcast on a computer is easy. Just click this link: http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/ and go to my blog.On the right sidebar there is a list of archived shows. Click on the interview you would like to hear and it will open a post that has a link to the audio file.

Meet Michelle McPeters

Michelle McPeters, also known to family and friends as Missy, is a writer, lyricist, songwriter, and mom to three amazing children.

Born in North Carolina to a mother who was a writer and father who was a part-time musician, Michelle was brought into the world of words and music at a very young age.

As a child, Missy moved with her family to Tennessee where she continued her love for music and writing. She wrote her first song by the time she was ten; and by age 15, she knew that she wanted a career that allowed her to make her living by using her pen.

While staying home as a full-time mom for fifteen years, Missy immersed herself and her children into books and music. She was signed on as a writer member at ASCAP Nashville in 2004. McPeters has had the pleasure of working with some of the nicest, most influential, and talented musicians and songwriters in Nashville. Today, she has over 100 songs in her catalog. Her letters to the editor have been published in the Tennessean newspaper along with a guest article about the debate of SSA in our schools.

With Cherokee Indian and Irish ancestry known for masterful storytelling, Missy draws upon her heritage as a source for her literary writing. In late 2008, she began her first book, Ella, which is a fantasy faerie series that brings the two cultures together.

Ms. McPeters’ hobbies include antiquing, studying music and world history, reading, photography, and creating Celtic calligraphy. She calls herself a simple person, having dreams of health and happiness for her three children.

Missy resides in Old Hickory, Tennessee about fifteen minutes from downtown Nashville. Although she has traveled much and even plans on making a dream trip to Ireland someday, she says Nashville is her heart’s home.

Missy loves a challenge and considers herself a constant learner. A quote by one of her favorite writers, Ernest Hemingway, sums up her life as she embarks upon a new adventure as a freelance writer, “Courage is grace under pressure.” Missy is being mentored by Yvonne Perry—editor, ghostwriter, and owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services.

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This bio was written as an assignment in class one. If you are interested in our mentoring program, please visit http://writersinthesky.com/writing-classes.html.

Make Money Promoting A Great Book

Greetings, WITS community,

You and I have partnered either on my blog, newsletter, podcast, or as clients, and I appreciate our networking business relationship. I love sharing things that help others live a better life and that's why I'm writing about a book and joint venture opportunity to help you realize your dreams and reach your goals.

Recently, I let the Universe know that I wanted a fresh start with a new perspective on my business and career. Sure, I love editing and writing, but I wanted to take my business to a new level of operation. A few short weeks after I put the energy for change out there, the Universe responded. That’s when I found out about Allison Maslan, author of the book Blast Off, which is being published in January 2010.

Blast Off is a truly holistic approach to success in life, and I really believe all of you would resonate with its approach. I know I did. That’s why I’m following Allison’s career coaching advice by reading her book and doing the action steps in her workbook. I’m already seeing results, so I have decided to partner with Allison to help her with her book launch in mid-January.

Allison and I have been working on a plan to facilitate her book marketing plan. We are combining her book launch with the release of her brand new membership site Blastation, where joint venture partners (JVP) will be able to make significant affiliate commissions beyond what you would normally gain from a book launch. Allison has a few more goodies in store for her JVPs as well.

Maybe you would like to participate as a joint venture partner with Allison. All you need to do is simply help us promote the launch. Please read her invitation below to find out more about Allison, her book, the online software, and the campaign itself.

Allison is an absolute doll and I am really enjoying working with her. I hope her proposal piques your interest and that you will join her on this wonderful and exciting campaign. Please drop Allison a line at allison@myblastoff.com to ask any questions and register your interest.

If any of you have radio shows and would like to book Allison as a guest, she has some great success tips for your listeners. She's booked for my show on Friday, December 18.

I hope this finds you well and happy, and that you will enjoy collaborating with Allison as much as I am.

With Gratitude,

Yvonne Perry
Author, Editor, Ghostwriter, and Speaker
Author of The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children
http://writersinthesky.com

ALLISON'S INVITATION TO PROSPECTIVE JOINT VENTURE PARTNERS

Dear Friends,

I am excited to announce the January 19th release of my book, Blast Off! The Surefire Success Plan to Launch Your Dreams into Reality and The Blast Off Workbook through Morgan James Publishing.

Blast Off! weaves together motivational stories, strategies and specific action plans to help people to tap into their life purpose and manifest it in ALL areas of their lives, from business, to health, to finding the love of your life.

Why am I an expert in the subject of whole-life success? I am an author, speaker, homeopathic physician and serial entrepreneur. I have had nine of my own businesses and now help others infuse their passions into an inspiring career and personal life. The holistic approach to success I present comes as a culmination of many years of my own personal experience helping people reach their full potential. But most of all, I have personally applied all the principles in my book to reach my own personal success. I even found my own “soul mate”, my wonderful husband, Mike, using the simple principles I teach in my book, Blast Off.

BUT…

I am not just writing to you to celebrate my happiness about my upcoming release. I am writing to you to ask you to SHARE in my great good fortune.

I am on a quest to find a select group of like-minded coaches, speakers, authors who work in the fields of inspiration, success and creativity to partner with me for an unprecedented Internet campaign, where everyone will have the opportunity to see their businesses Blast Off.

I am sure you are familiar with the Amazon bestseller campaigns from other authors. Some of you may have even participated in one. If so, you know that a successful Amazon campaign has the potential to increase your list substantially within a very short time. While my Blast Off campaign will have many similarities, it will also have a unique slant. What will make this campaign different is that it will be linked to the recent release of my fabulous new web-based software program called Blastation. You can view it online right now at www.Interactivelifecoach.com.

Blastation, which maintains the same theme as my book, Blast Off, is an online life and career motivator and organizer to help you reach all of your dreams and goals. It is fun to use and there is nothing like it on the market. It was first launched in January of 2009 and has been receiving rave reviews. Since then, a publisher has picked up the book and will be re-released in January 2010.

Why is this significant? Because every joint venture partner (JVP) will be an automatic 50/50 affiliate for this already highly successful software package, which means you will be making an actual PROFIT during this campaign, and not merely increasing the size of your list.

As a JVP in the Blast Off Amazon book campaign, you will also receive:

• Great exposure to thousands of targeted, new, potential subscribers
• Cross-promotion on all social networks
• Great new working relationships with the other JVPs
• PLUS: Generous affiliate commission of 50% of proceeds for every sign up and monthly subscription fee of Blastation for the life of your referral’s subscription.
• AND FINALLY: Great gifts that I am personally selecting for each of my JVPs

All of that is for you when you work with me to Blast Off my new book and workbook!

As I wish to be very selective in my choice of JVPs, the group will be limited to 20-25 partners only. I know all of you are very busy. So I have hired a VA that will be creating all the promo copy for you, so the only thing you will need to do is get the message out. We will also give you very specific instructions to make it truly easy to participate.

If you would like to join our exciting group of JVPs on my Blast Off Amazon campaign, or you would like to find out more information first before committing, please respond to this offer no later than September 10th. I will get back to you with more specific details.
I am excited to create success for all of you as I feel that the power of a group is magnanimous!

My Very Best,

Allison
Allison Maslan, President/CEO
Blast Off Life and Business Coaching/Speaking
www.MyBlastOff.com
858-794-0787
http://www.youtube.com/user/allisonmaslan

New Author Discusses Vampires and Paranormal on Today's Podcast

Author R. L. Sloan is sitting down today for a conversation with WITS team member Sarah Moore to discuss her new book Embellish. This novel offers its reading audience a new twist on the popular vampire story.

As Embellish unfolds, R. L. Sloan exposes a violent feud between families that has existed for generations, during which different participants have called upon special powers both good and evil. Embellish is also a story of romance, with a compelling attraction that main character Solis Burkes feels for a mysterious vampire named Nacio from their first meeting. Together, Solis and Nacio will fight to end the pattern of violence and death that has followed them. Along the way, readers will meet diabolical characters whose actions will remain with them long after the last pages of Embellish are turned. Who will be victorious in this grand struggle?

R. L. Sloan is a south Texas native who has long held an interest in the paranormal. In addition to her pursuits as a writer, Ms. Sloan is an active participant in community efforts.

Click here to listen... to the entire interview with R. L. Sloan

September 2009 Issue of Writers in the Sky E-zine Now Available!

The September 2009 issue of Writers in the Sky E-zine is now available!

Whether you are a published author or a writer-wanna-be, this e-zine is for you. Here, you will find articles, book reviews, announcements, poetry, and information about the craft and business of writing, publishing, and book marketing written by our readers.

This e-zine contains as many as 25 pages and is issued the first Tuesday of each month. If you would like to read the e-zine in smaller increments, we suggest you visit our e-zine blog and subscribe to the RSS feed there.

You may subscribe to email delivery of our newsletter at http://ow.ly/nTHK

You may read the newsletter online at http://ow.ly/nTOT.

Do You Enjoy Writers in the Sky Podcast?

Hi, folks!

I get all kinds of emails with rave reviews about our podcast, but very few people post these comments where they can be used to help us gain exposure. So, I had this brainstorm of an idea today and I’m asking for your help. It will only take a couple of minutes of your time, but this effort will help WITS podcast move up in the iTunes ranks where more people can find it and hear your interview!

Our podcast is directly accessible on iTunes.com using this link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=192160101 (shortened URL is http://ow.ly/kIuw). Please go there and leave a rating and a comment about the show. Have your friends and family do the same.

Thank you so much!

Yvonne Perry
Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services
http://writersinthesky.com

Type Setting for Titles of Book Series

WITS editor Barbara Milbourn was asked a common question about how to set off titles of books and series of books.

I know that book titles are set in italic font, but in this next sentence, does the title of a series of books need to be italicized as well? She was a recluse, who spent all her time in her room under a pile of Sweet Valley High books and Archie comics.

Barbara answered: Consulting The Chicago Manual of Style, beginning with Books and Periodicals at 8.178 Freestanding publications through 8.186 Series and editions, this particular sentence should have the series names italicized as follows:

She was a recluse, who spent all her time in her room under a pile of Sweet Valley High books and Archie comics.

If you need a good editor for your nonfiction manuscript, Barbara is a great choice.

Widow's Walk by Kenneth Weene

Today we welcome Kenneth Weene to our writing blog. He is discussing his book Widow’s Walk.

YVONNE: Tell me something about yourself and your writing background.

KENNETH: Let me start talking about me, about Ken Weene the person. I love nature, culture, other people, and experiencing the richness of the world. I have many people who are very special to me. I wish I could mention them all. But, most of all I adore my wife, Roz.

Professionally, I worked as a psychologist and a pastoral counselor. I also have done lots of teaching over the years.

I have always wanted to write and have always been an avid reader. While “Widow’s Walk” is my first published novel, I’ve had other writing published over the years. For example, recently I’ve been a featured poet in Sol and one of my short plays, “The Right Number” was work shopped at Space 55 in Phoenix.

YVONNE: What is the title of your book? Give us the basic story line so we’ll know what it’s about.

KENNETH: Widow’s Walk is the story of Mary Flanagan, a woman caught between her sense of faith, obligation, and responsibility on the one hand and her growing awareness of and desire for a fuller life. It is also the story of her children, her son, Sean, who is a quadriplegic, and her daughter, Kathleen, who works in a hospice. Then, of course, there are the other people in her life, especially her friends and her boyfriend. Widow’s Walk is a book rich with relationships and with sensuality and sexuality. There is also violence and self-centeredness. This is a book about people and about life.

Not surprisingly to people who know me, this novel also raises issues of faith and meaning.

YVONNE: What inspired you to write this book?

KENNETH: Let me start by acknowledging that Mary is reminiscent of a woman with whose family I worked years ago. However, the real motivation was my own search for meaningful faith and answers to my own questions about the nature of God.

YVONNE: Is this the first book you have written?

KENNETH: Actually, I have two other novels currently being improved and looking for publishers, and I have the beginnings of a nonfiction book sitting in my computer. There is also another book, an anthology of my work, which was published by Inkwell Productions; it is called Songs For My Father. I can’t really say which book came into being first. Like many writers I tend to jump back and forth among my “intellectual children.”

YVONNE: How long did it take to write this book? Any interesting tidbits about your writing method or how the book developed?

KENNETH: I think that every book is written over the author’s life. No matter what the content, all books draw on who the author is. In terms of sitting at a desk, I’d say that Widow’s Walk has been the labor of hundreds of hours over the past eight years.

If I were to pick one unique thing about my writing, it would be the personal relationship I feel with the characters. I may start the book and I may have ideas about the plot, but ultimately the characters take on a life of their own. For me, a central part of writing is opening myself to these very real persons who have come into existence on the pages of my novel.

I should elaborate on the idea of opening myself to the characters. I experience them as real people. In my head there are conversations with them. They tell me what they think, what they want, and most importantly what will happen. I can discuss this with them; but in the end, I am telling their story. If I try to change their story or make them do things they don’t agree with, why they simply force themselves into my dreams until I – thoroughly defeated – give in.

YVONNE: How did you publish your book? Tell me about your publishing experience and what you learned from it.

KENNETH: As with most first novels, I sent Widow’s Walk out again and again. I didn’t expect a big house to take on an unknown author, but I wasn’t going to self-publish. All Things That Matter Press has been a good connection for this novel. They have been supportive and informative. However, sure I’d like to be with one of the big guys.

One thing I would say to would be authors, “Edit with care. Your book isn’t finished until it’s actually in the press. Don’t rush that process.”

YVONNE: Where is your book available? Do you have a Web site or blog where we can learn more about you or your book?

KENNETH: “Widow’s Walk” will be available through Amazon and through the publisher. The easiest way to order will probably be to use the links on the website. Please go to HTTP://WIDOWS-WALK.WEBS.COM

YVONNE: Tell me some ways you have promoted your book. Give examples and links to any sites you feel might help other authors.

KENNETH: To be honest, I’ve hired somebody to do a lot of that. She has set up a number of blog and Internet radio events, which I’ll have a good time doing. I’ve also tried to build my presence on networking sites. Perhaps the potentially most interesting thing I’ve done is trying to get a viral video out. That has been done with the assistance of dear friends.

YVONNE: Any other comment you would like to share?

KENNETH: I think “Widow’s Walk” is a great read. I sure hope that folks will enjoy it and grow as a result of reading it.

I want to thank you for giving me this chance to let people know about “Widow’s Walk,” and I wish you and them all the best.

YVONNE: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your book. I wish you well in your journey as an author.

Grammar Done Right!: When to use Bad/Badly and Well/Good

Karen Reddick was my podcast guest earlier this summer and she gave some great tips for editing books. She has a blog, book, and newsletter that I enjoy. Below is a typical example of the emails she sends her subscribers. I find it very useful and thought you might like to sign up to have her send it to you as well.

Hi, Yvonne,

There's a lot of confusion on when to use bad vs. badly and when to use well vs. good.

Try to remember that bad and good are adjectives (they modify a noun).

Examples:

After the two-day conference, Sam [noun] looked bad [adjective].

Susan [noun], on the other hand, looked good [adjective].

I [noun] feel bad [adjective].

The cookies [noun] taste bad [adjective].

And badly and well are adverbs (modify a verb or describes an activity).

Examples:

Sam ran [verb] the race badly [adverb].

Sam did [verb] well [adverb] on his presentation.

Susan sang [verb] well [adverb] at the opening ceremonies.

Susan sang [verb] badly [adverb] at the opening ceremonies.

Happy Writing!-- Karen Reddick, The Red Pen Editor

Read the Editor's blog

Get tips like these an many others in the book version of Grammar Done Right! 2nd Edition available at http://www.grammardoneright.com/