fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
On Writing & Publishing Anxiety
By: Annie Ngu
Tags: Anxiety, Life, Writer, Storytelling, Authors

The next morning, I woke up feeling a slight pressure filling my chest.

I immediately recognized it. Hello, anxiety — my old friend. It’s been a while since I felt this way so I decided I would meditate. After a few moments, I had a small breakthrough: I’m feeling anxious because my work is published and I can’t delete it if I wanted to.

Now, hello to the perfectionist in my head.

With online posts, I can easily archive or delete them. I can’t ⎈⌘⌫ a printed book —and that lowkey freaks me TF out. But it’s not like that’s what I want. That’s just not an option for me. So if my work isn’t good enough, I can’t change it.

Right now, I have about 50 drafts on Medium. And while I write more than the average person, I think the fact that I always don’t share them, I’m struggling with the idea of my work is physically ✨ p u b l i s h e d ✨.

Do you understand what that means?

My words. My personal journey. P-R-I-N-T-E-D. In a book. With more than one copy. For thousands (if not, millions) of eyes to see.

As soon as I realized that, this is what I spiralled into:

Did I share too much?

Can the readers relate to it?

What will the biggest takeaway be for the readers?

Will my words have a positive impact?

Am I qualified to write about personal growth?

Does the chapter flow?

What do people who know me IRL really think?

I know. I know. I KNOW. Spiralling doesn’t solve problems. It’s also hard to stop it once you’re on a roll. But there are ways to slow your thoughts down:

Legit slow TF down. Reflect and release—doesn’t matter how you do it. I like to write them down like a letter to myself. Listen to feel good/meditative beats—or whatever makes you feel good. I help myself to a good serving of R&B/Soul. If this is a pattern, post kind reminders or keep a preventative routine for the next time that works for you. I’m still figuring this out. So far, I text/call a friend, vent and get it out of my system, and go back to #2.

I keep having to remind myself that there’s no right or wrong answer to any of the questions I obsessively asked myself.

Higher Me understands that it’s a matter of belief. Do I believe that my words will change someone’s life? Maybe eventually. Current Me believes a variety of things because nothing is certain and what is control? But taking a step back, I do believe that by owning my story, I’m taking my power back. I went through what I went through and that’s the truth.
We speak freedom
By: Ase' Music, Poetry - Podcast
Tags: Slow Jam Goddess, Poetry Writing, Alicia C Lacy, Ase Slow Jam And Poetry, Authors

We speak to freedom

Allies in freedom called upon us like a wave in synchronicity.

We beaconed to the call by honoring freedom first as a monumental cry of endless revolt with truth at the helm. The righteous stood in the midst of the flames and the thunder asked if there were any other but the one who took place to be’.

We speak to freedom.

Many looked in amazement. They went silent. They were lifeless and ashamed. They had no pleasantries.

We speak to freedom.

As the voice of thunder shook them yet again, no one would ever understand the acts of life that took placed in each journey further by the calling of men.

The voice said” Did I not make it plain and clear to you of the walk upon this earth? No one had an answer. Some even tried to mumble with the word of forgiveness and mercy as if it were a boundless duty to a house.

We speak to freedom.

The voice then said what house? They had no answer.

Before they spoke again the voice said calmly you the vast numbers are of a people greater than which you know yourselves to be. How is it that you’ve lost tradition in the face of a house owned by men?

Do you not see my work, or is it that you wish to blindly stumble upon them?

We speak to freedom.

These houses may quake and the voices within will be a reminder of the calling that which was set upon you to be. With it there is no choice of fashion or adornment. In this no undertaking or body will present you a following. Those that it is meant for will choose accordingly. In freedom there is no house. Freedom by my will is that you walk in the goodness of the gift provided to you the day you were given life.

In it you will find your freedom and all things by my will.

We speak to freedom.

Alicia C Lacy ©
COMPASSION
Tags: Compassion, Empathy, Drcsbuch, Authors

COMPASSION

Compassion means “to suffer together” and is an emotional response of sympathy. Compassion creates desire to help. When you see the suffering of the fellow human beings or even the animals or pets and get moved emotionally and think of helping them to get out of it, you are compassionate. Appropriate touching, being helpful, conveying thanks or smile or doing things for others and empathizing with them, are the steps by which your compassion is visible. Compassion motivates to offer physical, mental, emotional or spiritual support to others. To be helpful you need to be aware, be ready, have Courage & Skill Both.

We normally try to help people in trouble, due to compassion, if it is within our capacity and without much disturbance to self or family. Ordinary people work like this but extra ordinary persons can be an example of courage in helping others in spite of themselves not being in that good personal, social or financial situation.
Highlighting Karen Pokras Toz & Millicent Marie
By: Reem Alomari
Tags: Indie Author, Author, Qamber Kids, Self Publishing

From the Award-Winning Author of the Nate Rocks Books.

Twelve-year-old Millicent Marie does not like her name. After all, she was named for a woman who died more than fifty years ago and was not the most lovable member of the Harris family. Her friends call her Millie, but when she writes in her diary she refers to herself as Amanda — the name she always wished she had.

When Millie’s younger brother finds her diary on her computer, he decides to publish it as a blog for the entire world to see, including the boy Millie has a crush on. In the midst of all the mayhem, Millie/Amanda discovers she is suddenly Springside Elementary’s most sought after sixth-grade mystery gossip and advice columnist.

But not all is fun and games, as Millie quickly learns, once she realizes feelings are at stake. Nobody, least of all Millie, expects things to turn out as they do in this tale of friendship and respect.

Millie’s Story Continues!

Twelve-year-old Millicent Marie Harris thought her advice-giving days were over. After all, her blog had been an epic disaster. But when her former crush convinces her it’s time to take her skills to the big league, aka the school newspaper, she decides it might be worth giving it another try. It seems life might finally be getting back to normal for this sixth-grader.

However, there are other big problems brewing at Springside Elementary. Mr. Stiles, the school’s long-standing and beloved principal leaves abruptly — replaced by Dr. Feather Foster, a newcomer with a harsh rule list a mile long. To make matters worse, there is trouble with the school play and suspicions that Millie’s brother is still sneaking around her diary. Enlisting the help of her friends, Millie sets out to find the truth, in hopes of restoring peace to Springside Elementary before the school year is over and any more disasters occur.
Four Things to Do Before You Publish That Will Help Your Book Sell
By: Catherine Lee
Tags: Writing Tips, Entrepreneurship, Writing, Self Publishing, Authors

1. Get a good cover

This is the single most important selling tool your book is going to have. If you can only afford to pay for one thing to market your book, get a good cover.

So what is a good cover?

A good cover is genre-specific. I get it, you don’t want your book-baby to look like all the other books in the store. Your work needs to stand out. It’s a piece of art, right? Wrong. Your book cover is packaging, not art. Your book cover has one job — get the attention of your reader.

Readers of all genres know what they like, and they know what that looks like. Remember, you’re trying to sell your book in an online store with literally millions of other books. If a reader happens upon your book, all they will see in the first instance is a tiny thumbnail image of your cover. That cover has to catch their eye, which is scanning for something their brain already has pre-programmed — what their favorite books look like. If yours is too different their eye will skip right past.

You have about two seconds to catch a potential reader’s eye with your cover. Don’t waste those two seconds. I learned this the hard way. My first books went through three cover iterations before I finally got covers that sell. And the difference in sales was amazing.

If you want to sell books, a good cover is essential. I highly recommend enlisting the services of a professional cover designer for this step.
Speak to Type
Tags: Author, Dictation, Drbuch, Speech Typing, Stt

Dear Fellow Authors ,you all have different habits of writing some right in the notepads others in journals and others may directly type to the computer. I have found that if we tried to write directly by speech what is known as text to speech or TTS engine of which many are available we can type large number of words and save time the most important commodity of our life Not only it will make our work faster but easier and allows us to achieve our target so speak & write and enjoy the author journey.

This text of 7 lines,95 words and 499 with spaces was typed in 1 minute without correction so I would think to type 500 words you need about a little above 5minute and if you wanted to type it will take a longer time.

I have used many STT but I do suggest to use free online speechtexter.com

and speed up your authorship journey. Do click the Claps on authorbuch.medium.com
10 Things I Am Grateful For This Year
By: D'Angelo Thompson
Tags: Gratitude, Yoga Breathing, 2020, Covid 19, Authors

Book Cover Designed by Retna Media

Let’s all do a global exhalation.

We can all agree, I think, that 2020 was the year for all of us to walk through the fire. Many did not make it to the other side due to COVID, job loss, mental health, suicide, and so much more. For those of us who are still standing, lean purposely into gratitude.

Now, is the time to re-event ourselves, upgrade our skills, work on our relationships, reassess our careers, and overall make better life choices.

As many of us have observed or experienced, there are lots to rebuild from the ground up.

First, start with gratitude:

I am grateful to have been able to connect deeply with family, friends, and colleagues. I am grateful for the essential workers, may their sacrifices and hard work never be forgotten. I am grateful for acts of kindness. I am grateful to be able to create and learn. I am grateful to know my strengths and weaknesses. I am grateful for all the truth(s) revealed. I am grateful for all blessings seen and unseen. I am grateful for my health. I am grateful to live in this present time. I am grateful for how love shows up in my life.

**BONUS- I am grateful for national and global reckoning around inequality and racism. **
Books That Make Great Holiday Gifts
By: Edita Kaye
Tags: Edita Kaye, Author, Holidays, Books, Reading

Thinking about giving books as gifts this holiday season? It makes sense to consider the people receiving the gift. Most people have different interests. The idea is to buy a book recipient will enjoy reading. Not what the gift giver thinks they should read.

Consider things like age, gender, reading level, and interests. Put some effort into learning the genre the recipient enjoys. Giving the gift of reading is an excellent choice, especially in winter when in many climates inside is where people stay.

Books About Sports History

A book on sports history is a brilliant choice for any sports lover — baseball, basketball, tennis, track, Olympic sports, and football. Go to Pigskin Books and look over their inventory of football history books. Find books about famous players or teams. This buying strategy works for fans of any gender or age.

Cookbooks Continue to Give Year-Round.

Recipe books are perfect gifts for people just learning to cook or know their way around a kitchen. The choice is almost infinite — well-known and talented chefs share their secrets in books. From Bbq to gourmet cuisine and baking, books will teach the beginner or veterans something new.

Children’s Books

Even before they can read, books should be an essential part of childhood. As parents read to them, their children are getting their first lessons in literacy. This experience is the first lesson in how writing, sounds, and language all work together. And the bonus, they enjoy hearing the story and learning at the same time.

The Young Adult Genre Helps Experience Life Through Reading and Imagination.

Youth on the verge of adulthood is the time of life when thoughts fill with the possibilities. Relationships, the first stirrings of romance, and emerging sexuality make for a confusing, exciting, and sometimes painful time. Reading once again offers knowledge, experience, imagination, and exploration under the safety net of words on a page.

Many other genres exist, Action/adventure, Self Improvement, adult romantic, humor, historical fiction, and many more. The trick is understanding what the receiver of the gift will appreciate. Match for the book to the reader, and it is a win. When done with care, gifting books brings joy and often becomes a cherished treasure.
Make Your Book A Bestseller by Doing This!
By: Ellen Violette
Tags: Storytelling, Books And Authors, Storytelling For Business, Authors

Engage your readers.

How do you do that?

By telling stories.

And the first story you need to tell is your own- how you went on a journey, had a crisis, which you overcame, and how it transformed you.

But, it’s not enough to tell your story. You also have to tell it in a compelling way that makes the audience feel the emotions you felt as you experienced that journey, which means digging deep, allowing yourself to feel what you felt at that time, and being willing to be vulnerable enough to share what it was REALLY like.

And that is the rub. I know, because for a long time, I told my story the wrong way. I rattled it off like it was a chronology of events, no real emotion in it. It never occurred to me to tell it a different way, until one day when I was watching a Russell Brunson presentation in the One Funnel Away Challenge and I got it! People weren’t FEELING the pain I had felt when I was in the crisis or the exhilaration I felt when I made the transformation.

I had to change THE WAY I told my story.

But, that’s just the beginning.

Next, you have to tell additional stories, stories about how your clients got the results they got and possibly success and failure stories of other public companies if applicable. And you have to decide which structure you are going to use in your storytelling.

Are you going to tell stories that illustrate points that you are trying to make throughout your book? Or, are you going to write the book using one story like Michael Gerber does in The E-Myth? In this case, the entire book was written as if he were walking one client through the process they need to go through to understand the process he teaches.

Or, are you going to write it like the One-Minute Millionaire, The Enlightened Way to Wealth where the story is told on one side of the page and the how-to is told on the other side of the page throughout the book?

Once you know your story-telling structure, make a list of your stories. Write down as many stories as you can think of so as you write your book you can refer back to your list and pick the best story that brings the point(s) alive!

If you aren’t sure which stories are the best ones to tell, test them out. Share them on social media. Share them when you write articles. Share them on podcasts. See which ones get the most response. Your audience will let you know what resonates with them the most.

If you want to write books that people will read and get them to take the next step (whatever your call to action is in your book) learn how to tell stories; your books will sell better and your business will grow!
Tonight on the Write Stuff — Parker’s Top Ten Picks for 2020
By: Parker J Cole
Tags: Podcast, Top 10, Christianity, Authors, Books

On this special episode of Write Stuff, I do something I’ve never done before: a top ten list.

I hemmed and hawed over this idea for a while. After all, I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve highlighted on Write Stuff. I’ve made friends with some wonderful authors. I’ve had the pleasure of following their careers as they’ve grown into their purpose as authors. So, how it is possible that to take all these lovely books and par them down to ten? It was difficult but we did it.

Join me as I go over my top ten favorite books of 2020 for the Write Stuff. Helping me is returning guest co-host and contributor, Rachel Rossano. Listen in at 646–668–8485. Download Stitcher on your mobile device. Follow us on iTunes. Add PJC Media to Spotify or iHeart Radio. Or, click on the link here: http://tobtr.com/s/11867677.
Putting Passion Back Into Publishing
By: Jenn T. Grace, Publish Your Purpose Press
Tags: Publishing, Authors, Authorpreneur, Podcast, Publishers

In this episode of Invisible Stories, I speak with award-winning author and owner of HALO Publishing International, Lisa Umina. Lisa founded HALO Publishing to publish the voices of authors around the world. Lisa created The Milo and Lisa Show after writing her first children’s book, Milo Finds His Best Friend. Her third book, Milo and the Green Wagon won the national Christian Indie Publishing Award. Lisa traveled and performed with Milo and as a motivational speaker all over. Writing led to her full-time career as an international publisher.

Lisa blended a number of her different passions together (writing, speaking, comedy, and publishing) in order to create her business and brand. She shares her knowledge on the publishing industry, and how she helps authors to find their own voice and get it out into the world. Lisa and I chat about:
Athenaeum Scientific Publishers
By: Athenaeum Scientific Publishers
Tags: Open Access, Articles, Publishing, Authors

Athenaeum Scientific Publishers is an Internationally peer-reviewed publishing group that is indulged in publishing original articles with an emphasis on latest research findings.

https://athenaeumpub.com
I’ve heard so much about him and his books, Jill!
By: Karen Degroot Carter
Tags: Books, Reading, Fiction, Authors

Bylines in Publishers Weekly, the Syracuse (NY) Post-Standard, others. One Sister’s Song (novel). Not Nearly Everything You Need to Know About Writing (ebook).
Hi, yesterday I finished “the fault in our stars” and I can without doubt say that I have never…
Tags: John Green, The Fault In Our Stars, Authors, Books, Crying

Hi, yesterday I finished “the fault in our stars” and I can without doubt say that I have never cried so much from a book than that book. I just couldn’t stop crying.

It is all written so well. I mean, I could feel every emotion that was involved. I could hear the crushing of the trophies, and I could definitely feel the heartbreak that went through Hazel. It truly felt like it was MY boyfriend who died, MY hope, MY safety. I was turning into a waterfall when I read through the funeral. The words and the emotions and the tension during the so called speeches. It was all just so heartbreaking. I kept wishing it was all a prank or that Hazel was just imagining it all. I can’t even imagine losing someone who is so close to you. Losing your light, your happiness, your reason to live. It is beyond my imagination.

John Green did a wonderful and tearful job with this book. I mean, how is it possible that I get so connected to the book that I just lay under the sheets, clutching the book in my hands while I try to stop all the tears from running down my face. How is it possible to be a such amazing author. He is truly something for himself.
The Fetterman Massacre; Patton Dies; Winter Solstice
By: Bob Mayer
Tags: Writer, Readinglist, Authors, Books, Reading

Stonehenge

I was looking at what today is, and what happened in history on this day, and realized that over my 30 years of writing, I’ve covered a lot of ground. My wife is kinda tired of me saying “I wrote about that” when something comes up on TV.

The Fetterman Massacre in 1866 was a prelude to what happened to Custer a decade later. I’ve been to the site of Fort Kearney walked “over Lodge Pole Ridge” as Fetterman did when breaking orders — to be massacreed. I’ve written about it and Custer in several books, both fiction and non-fiction. In the Atlantis series one theme is how past massacres play a role in a future event in terms of psychic energy. I also cover what exactly led to Custer’s disaster in The Green Beret Guide to Seven Great Disasters (I).

Patton’s death is the second chapter in The Line, a book about a coup by West Pointers in the present. Patton was so outspoken about pushing the war on to Russia, that one of the premises of the book is that the only way to control him was to kill him.

The Winter Solstice as viewed via Stonehenge, above, plays a role in my Area 51 series, where an alien spaceship is buried under Stonehenge; except it turns out not to be aliens. Not exactly. My Area 51 series covered a lot of earth history and locales, including Giza, The Great Wall of China, Easter Island, Stonehenge, Glastonbury Tor, Devil’s Island — and oh yeah, Area 51. I joke I rewrote then entire history of mankind in that series, but it’s not a joke. In fact, the last book, Earth Abides, loops us back to a book coming next: Area 51: Genesis.

I was reminded of something else this morning when someone tweeted about the pandemic, that I wrote my pandemic books years ago: Z: Final Countdown.

My career has done the opposite of what the experts recommend: pick one niche and stay there. But my niche is interesting people, places and things. And it’s a lot of fun and I’m thankful for the readers who’ve come along for the ride.

Stay safe and happy holidays!
After my first published book
By: Lisa Jacovsky
Tags: Publishing, Writing, Authors

The first book in my series Lets Talk! came out in July 2020. This has been a total dream come true. Since it has been published i have actually written book two, three and half of book four. I know the structure and ideas behind the fifth and sixth final book as well.

It has been an interesting time with the pandemic. I feel like because i have been home more i have been able to be creative and write more. Writing has kept me busy and helped me to channel my creative side.

Since publishing, it has been a total blur to understand the world of being a children’s book author. There are so many doors that open such as reviewing books and getting into marketing. It can be overwhelming and at times I feel like I am failing at it. But when I am actually on top of things it feels amazing. It is like this whole new world opened up for me and I can explore and make it my own.

Also, something I realized is how much freedom i had with self publishing my book. I always thought I would want a traditional publisher and still do but now with this experience under my belt, I feel like ill be smarter when and if a traditional publisher comes along. Looking forward to more of my books being published and all the fun that comes with it in the world of writers.
Paying It Forward
By: Jarl Jensen
Tags: Helping Others, Writing, Pay It Forward, Authors, Books

Paying It Forward

If you’re like me, you have a lot of questions….about the economy, pandemic, and the incredible divide seen among United States citizens.

Add to this a holiday month which includes buying, budgeting, uncertainty about the future, and credit card statements soon to rear their ugly heads in January. I’m ready for solutions that put the welfare of our country’s citizens as top priority. I’m ready to gather thoughts and ideas as a springboard to build upon. I’m ready to share decades of experience in the idea industry to think outside the box. I’m ready to listen to inequities and devise ways to correct them. I’m also ready to admit that sometimes, change comes from within an organization, community, and even a country. It isn’t always top-down, nor should it be. Ideas are born from necessity. Right now we have people in need of help — communities are struggling. The backbone of this country is in a tough spot. It’s time to do what we can. Here are a few ideas, pandemic-safe, for how we can each contribute.

1) Create a meeting of community minds on Zoom — decide where your time/energy/money would be best spent to help those struggling within your local area.

2) Meet virtually with co-workers to decide how to help a local charity/group that’s been hit hard by the pandemic, even furloughed co-workers or employees who’ve lost jobs due to COVID-19. Consider groups or businesses your company partners with. Reach out to see how your energies and resources can be of assistance to those who helped you in the past. Pay it forward.

3) Don’t forget local government. Have an idea that could benefit your county or community? Get involved. There may be like-minded people with the same idea just waiting to mobilize. There’s power in numbers. Perhaps you can meet in person (with masks) or else virtually, but regardless of how you do it, voice your concerns, gather, and organize. Discuss which tangible steps can be taken to present your ideas to those who may implement them.

If you feel one voice can’t make a difference, you may feel differently after reading my books, The Wolfe Series. Its latest installment, The Big Solution, will be released in 2021 so now is a great time to catch up with Parts 1 and 2! My protagonist is an example of one voice very much making a difference. I utilize the fictional plot and characters to illustrate methods that could help real life communities and the world. All are available on Amazon and might make worthwhile holiday presents for anyone who feels demoralized or confused at how to progress in today’s culture.
Thank you so much to each one of you for taking out time and read my conversation with Sylvia…
By: Rishabh Chaddha
Tags: France, Business, Authors, Books, Bookstores

Thank you so much to each one of you for taking out time and read my conversation with Sylvia Whitman about Bookselling Business Ecosystem.

Ev Williams Sam DeBrule

Anunaya Tandon Cinto Kristine PJ Caalim anniewood Pragati Kritika Chaddha Dr. Alessandro Crimi Haneen AbuFarha ✍🏼🇵🇸 Christopher Kokoski Stella Hulsman Rejoice Denhere Vaibhav Jain James Lloyd Davis Olya Aman Antonija Osojnik Aditi K Dennis De Silva Muhammad Nasrullah Khan avnishanand Polina Kroik Bob Eckstein Strand Book Store Books Are Magic Literati Bookstore U of M Creative Writing Hub Letters from Paris Jenny Kroik Jason Chatfield The New Yorker Neera Mahajan Lori LamotheThe Writing Cooperative Powell's Books Chronicle Books Riverhead Books TED Books Bookstore Day Transworld Books The New York Times The New Yorker Lisa R Marshall

It would really mean a lot to Sylvia Whitman & David , if each one of you also share this article/interview with your family or friends. through social media channels(Like Facebook , Instagram Stories/Posts , twitter). We need to support indie bookstore like these. They are patrons of the society. If any of you can manage, then do support the bookshop by taking the membership known as Friends of Shakespeare and Company

https://friendsofshakespeareandcompany.com

Again thank you so much for all the love!
Happy reading, Pallvi!
By: Karen Degroot Carter
Tags: Books, Reading, Authors

Bylines in Publishers Weekly, the Syracuse (NY) Post-Standard, others. One Sister’s Song (novel). Not Nearly Everything You Need to Know About Writing (ebook).
You’re very welcome, Pallvi! Thanks for reading!
By: Karen Degroot Carter
Tags: Books, Reading, Writing, Authors

Bylines in Publishers Weekly, the Syracuse (NY) Post-Standard, others. One Sister’s Song (novel). Not Nearly Everything You Need to Know About Writing (ebook).
Blog of the month at ENVIE Magazine
By: Aisha Urooj
Tags: Blogger, Blogging, Writing, Blog, Authors

I am happy to announce that Aisha’s Writing Corner has been selected as the Blog of the Month in Envie! magazine 🥳

I am greatly honored that my blog was featured. You can find my interview with lovely Anna Page in the November issue at enviemagazine.com. You can subscribe to the great newsletter for free. It features up and coming Indie authors and their works.

When I started my blog, early this year, I had no idea that it will reach this far and I will have so many lovely followers. Thank you for reading my blog posts. I hope to write more about art, movies, animations and books that are inspiring. I hope that you discover something new from my blog posts.

Thank you for dropping by! 😊

Published by Aisha Urooj

I live in Toronto, Ontario. I love living in my multicultural city. My hobbies include writing, reading, painting and photography. I adore classic books and hope to someday emulate the books that I love and cherish. View more posts
A Handful of Books Changed my Life
Tags: Book Review, Writing, Authors, Books, Reading

A Handful of Books Changed my Life

Books by Hermann

The Denomata by Darren Shan:

Funny what blood, death and a bit of magic do to the mind of a young adult. In my case, these books captivated my attention. To the degree that I read the books over and over.

This book series actually directed me towards physics and the many-worlds interpretation. I still don’t understand physics but the journey was a good one.

A book on Leonardo da Vinci**

A brilliant book. It follows Leonardo’s life chronologically, providing period details. Yet there is no unnecessary “fluff”. The author does not move onto tangents and expound on the social dynamics of history…blah blah Zzzzz.

Instead, this is a vibrant and lively account of the polymath’s life. This is the book that directed me towards science.

Vampire Hunter D series by Hideyuki Kikuchi

This is a long book series. But the idea is interesting. Set a few thousand years in the future a half vampire half human hunts down vampires. Hideyuki Kikuchi builds a novel world, you start to understand this world by book twenty…

This book series is what drove me to hike across multiple countries while camping on the side of the road. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King had some input there too.

Chemistry: Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide by Houk & Post

I have never come across a better book on chemistry. This book starts at the beginning but gets you to a point of understanding chemical concepts. It sets the groundwork for pre-organic chemistry. I even used it for biochemistry at university.

The Power of Now — Eckhart Tolle

This is a very simple book. It is also complex. But seems to point you in the right direction when your life turns upside down. And believe me, given enough time, your life will twist itself into a horror show. When that happens, this book will point you North.

Sam Walton: Made in America

Not the most popular book by a long shot. Sam taught me how to grind. And subsequently how to find meaning in the grind. This man pretty much built Walmart. He recounts how he did it and the problems that he had to face and overcome.

I recall reading this book and was blown away with the effort Sam put into building Walmart. He spent time in the stores of his competitors trying to understand what they could teach him. He would crawl along the floor and measure the distance between aisles. All in an attempt to create a better store.

** I do not recall the name of the author of the book on Leonardo da Vinci. This is unfortunate. As a remedy, I suggest you go and read every book written on da Vinci. You will probably find it.

Enjoy
It’s approaching the middle of December and it’s getting colder and darker in London.
By: Donald B Mcfarlane
Tags: SciFi, Writer, Storytelling, Blog, Authors

It’s approaching the middle of December and it’s getting colder and darker in London.

Over the last few weeks, things have gone rather well from a productivity standpoint. I’ve been able to release two novels: Murder on Valtameri and Escape from Jarosis. These are both standalone projects with the Earth Saga Universe, and there is the chance that one or two of the characters from these projects might get their own spin-offs. Time will tell.

Recently, I’ve been focused on editing the 7th book in the Earth Saga series, The Battle for Jupiter. This is taking time, but we are well placed to release this instalment of the series before summer.

Other than work, there isn’t much to report. I’ve been on a few walks around town, but considering the time of year we’re in and the current Covid threat level, things are rather dull. I look forward to the days of going to the museum or the cinema or out to a bar. Fingers crossed we’ll be back to normal by the end of 2021, because I don’t think we’ll be in the clear anytime in the next six months.

Looking at the rest of the year, all efforts are now on getting The Battle for Jupiter finished, and then moving on to the 8th book in the Earth Saga series. This is a 9 book series which means we are coming to a conclusion of a story that I started back in 2013. I aim to have the 9th book available at some point in 2021.

In addition to the 3 Earth Saga books I want to release next year, I’m sitting on 2 standalone books, both finished, and in various states of editing; A War Beneath the Clouds and my still unnamed Virus book. I’m looking at a summer release for both of these projects.

After the Earth Saga is put to bed, I have a myriad of other projects planned, several standalone books, but there are a few 3-part series planned. I’ve come to the conclusion that a nine book series is a stretch, so any future projects will be on a smaller scale, but they will remain in the Earth Saga Universe to the foreseeable future, primarily travelling back in time to help fill in the time-line from the beginning of the Empire to present day. There are 2 human-centric projects planned post Earth Saga, but those might need a year or two to stew before pen is put to paper.

Either way, we’re aiming to have 5 books released next year, added to the fact that all the books in the series are being given a professional edit, hopefully delivering a superior product to readers.

Now, it’s back to editing The Battle for Jupiter.

Enjoy the holidays and stay safe out there.
Good Morning Friends.
By: Jawahar Lalla
Tags: Writer, Blogger, Jawaharlalla, Authors, Jbl

Good Morning Friends.

From few days now we all would be celebrating #Christmas 🎅 🎄 .I was marveling whether #Santa Claus would come with mask on his face, distribute sanitizers and keeps distancing while distribute the good gifts,bounties & blessings for all of us against #covid 19 #corona pandemic end thru the vaccines being injected in our bodies coming year

Jingle bells, jingle bells.Jingle all the way Santa Claus is coming to take away all our worries, concerns, troubles with him

Hope #SantaClaus in coming year 2021 would guarantee that #New York the city would never sleeps again.

Santa Claus devotes that #Paris will be back in action as the center of romance

& fashion city.

Santa Claus safeguards that #Switzerland the beautiful romantic city is no more deserted.

Santa Claus assigns #Disney land parks to be back in action & spread its magic on children once again.

Santa Claus insures #India is back in action & becoming emerging country.

Santa Claus enriches that all temples

churches, public visiting places, monuments, stadiums are once again filled back with their devotees & visitors.

Santa Claus guarantees that most dreaded sanitarium's, infirmaries,hospitals and cemeteries are empty & deserted again.

Santa Claus pl secure all sports stadiums,the famous football leagues , the fashion shows, exotic weddings, & festivals are celebrated & commemorated with joy & happiness in coming year once again.

Santa Claus bless us that our business & jobs are back in action in year 2021.

Santa Claus pl secure that sun always shine, moon is cool & calm, our almighty God blessings are conferred on all of us.

It's is said to live in this earth is a pleasure, honour & privilege, we are earth Dharti mata guests, not her owners! Let respect her & bestow her blessings of her as well.🌹🌻🌹🌻🌈#jawaharlalla#@jbl7blogs#jbl7#blogger#writer#christmas#santaclaus.

✍️🍵💐🌹
Communication & Success COMMUNICATION & SUCCESS: Being alive is not enough,one should be LIVE and should live a happy & satisfied life.There is no fun being alive if one was alone at home, city…
Tags: Success, Self Help, Communication, Drbuch, Authors

Communication & Success

COMMUNICATION & SUCCESS:

Being alive is not enough,one should be LIVE and should live a happy & satisfied life.There is no fun being alive if one was alone at home, city, country or an island. Man is a social animal and like all other animals on this planet enjoys the company of community members and so joy & Enjoyment come from interactions with people and so it is very important to learn communication skills for dealing with people.IQ is important but not without good EQ and SQ- The Social Quotient which is HOW well you gel with people.

https://www.facebook.com/drcsbuch
Celeste Rising launched — Bay French
By: Bay French
Tags: SciFi, Science Fiction, Books And Authors, Authors, Books

If you’re looking for a classic SciFi adventure to read, including pirates and a chase for a priceless artefact around the rings of Saturn — I’ve just launched Celeste Rising, my first SF adventure. And you’re welcome to buy it!

Here’s the blurb:

When Ayla and her gang of space pirates attack an abandoned spaceship drifting around Saturn, they get pressed into the service of the mysterious Brotherhood. Suddenly they find themselves chasing around moons and space stations, looking for a priceless ancient artefact that is rumoured to give power over life and death to those who control it. Pursued by an invincible killer, spies, rogue agents, treasure hunters and the solar system’s most famous singer, Ayla’s crew have to fight for their lives while trying to solve a riddle that goes back millennia to a distant, forgotten past. Set in the most fascinating locations in the solar system — a comet turned alien graveyard, a mega-luxury space station, an Egyptology museum, a secretive club of asteroid racers and a sprawling colony of outlaws in Saturn’s orbit — this breathtaking adventure is space opera, pirate yarn and alien mystery all rolled into one.
The Medium Writing Meta I Needed Six Months Ago
By: Teresa J Conway
Tags: Writers On Writing, Writing Tips, Writing, Writers On Medium, Authors

The Medium Writing Meta I Needed Six Months Ago

I read Medium writing articles everyday, and have done since joining the platform in May 20. Whether it’s about writing here or in general I’ve devoured them and incorporated tidbits as I go. I’ve broken the $100 barrier every month since September so something must have stuck. The $100 was a goal to measure myself by, not a part time job, because I haven’t earned this little money an hour since McDonald’s in 1987 @ $3.05/hr.

If you want some help or advice with writing let me know and we can work together on the Story Smith or search your topic up on this fab meta with 125 linked writing articles.
Christmas in July book review: 12 Days of Bookmas / Blogmas
By: Deanna Martinez
Tags: Book Review, Readers, Blogmas, Authors, Books

Let’s look at Christmas in July by Debbie Mason for 12 Days of Bookmas…

Grace Flaherty had given up hope of ever seeing her husband again. After all, it’d been over a year since he went missing in combat. So when he strides through the door of her bakery in downtown Christmas one sunny afternoon, she can hardly believe her eyes. But her happily-ever-after is going to take some effort — because Jack has no memory of his family.

All Jack Flaherty remembers about Christmas is that he couldn’t wait to leave town. Now he’s a local hero with a wife and son he doesn’t know. Even as he struggles to rekindle the romance with his wife, he knows in his heart what he wants: a second chance at love.

Christmas in July on Amazon

I read this book years ago and never wanted to put it down. After all, any book pertaining to a bakery and love is right up my ally!
Book Series to Binge Read This School Holidays
By: Public Libraries Singapore
Tags: Fiction, Authors, Fantasy, Books, Reading

Book series aren’t for everyone. As a young adult, you’ve got homework to finish, chores to do, exams to study for… the list goes on. With only 24 hours a day, reading for pleasure might not be high on your to-do list. But with the school vacation well into its fourth week, why not take a break from bingeing on TV and games, and take your imagination for a spin?

Whether or not the books in these series feature interwoven plots to be read chronologically, or standalone plots that can be read in any order, getting into them (or any series) is a rewarding way to spend your time, because:

1. You Know What to Expect After the First Book

The promise of more of the same adventures that you enjoyed saves you the time of looking for other similar books. [Image source: GIFER — Cinderella]

2. Characters, Relationships and Plots are Richer and More Complex

With thicker plots, more developed characters, and more at stake, your emotional investment in the story becomes larger, and so is the payoff. Suddenly, you care what becomes of the people in the story. [Image source: GIPHY — Little Dog]

3. Themes Are Explored in Greater Depth

Friendship, courage, resilience, coming of age, good vs evil are common themes that can be explored in so many different ways… or all at once. [Image source: GIPHY — Friends]

4. Resolutions are More Rewarding

After going through so many trials and tribulations with the characters, their triumphs become yours. [Image source: GIPHY — The Office]

Whichever genre you enjoy, we’ve got you. These completed series won’t leave you victim of author procrastination, so don’t worry about waiting years between books and having to re-read previous books to get back into the story.

For the Dystopian Fan

Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman

In a dystopian future where parents can choose to “unwind” their unwanted children, aka euthanise and donate their body parts to others, Connor, Risa and Lev are left fighting for their right to live over their parents’ choice to have them unwound.

The series follows the journey of the trio — a delinquent, an orphan, and a tithe (a child raised to believe it’s his duty to be unwound as an act of charity) as they navigate a society that condemns its troublesome children, teenagers and young adults.

From left to right:

Book 1: Unwind | Physical Copy, eBook

Book 2: UnWholly | Physical Copy, eBook

Book 3: UnSouled | Physical Copy, eBook

Book 4: UnDivided | Physical Copy, eBook

Check out A Librarian’s World: Sci-Fi Books You Don’t Have to be a Nerd to Enjoy where we discussed Shusterman’s Unwind too!
Some (more) thoughts on some (different) stuff
By: Amateur Tattletale
Tags: Writers On Writing, Libtard, Matthew McConaughey, Books And Authors, Authors

namely Greenlights by an actor afraid of being ‘cancelled’

I find it implausible that the title book would have advice for me about how to “succeed” in this life/world, because, not only am I certain that all of the “author’s” quote-unquote approaches are simple manifestations of their being straight (cis, ik, but this is not about that, rn), white, and male, but also, the published “work” cannot be much more than self-referential ramblings that enamored the author, themselves, to their own overwhelming mental capacity and obvious genius, which is the first major giveaway of a not-writer — one’s belief in one’s own genius when reading back thoughts that were written down years ago (despite however infrequent these “writings” actually occurred) and calling it “writing.”
What Does It Takes to be A Writer?
Tags: Article Writing, Writer, Writing, Struggling Write, Authors

Some people said that writing is easy, some of them find it like grasping at straws. You don’t know what to do when your pen touches the paper, nor any words to type to change the blinking horizontal straight line on your screen.

You mind is as white as the screen background. Blank.

Although it’s one of the life skills that we have to obtain, it’s not as simple as it seems. One of the Sundanese (one of the Indonesian tribe located in West Java) proverb I’ve ever heard is,

Cikaracak ninggang batu, laun laun jadi dekok

It means if one action done repeatedly, no matter how weak or small the action is, it will have effect. The power of practice makes perfect, I guess?

I’ve been writing myself since I was in elementary school. Wherever I go, I’d have a small notebook, maybe as size as an A5 book, and a pen with me. Whenever I have the idea or any English word I saw on the billboards, or pamphlets, I’ll jot them down on my book.

The question is, did the habit made me as a writer?

Yes, and no. YES because I’ve been used to write everything that I found, thought or even planned. No, because I was not that into writing and I did’t confident enough tho say that I am a writer myself. Thats’ why I put “writes” behind my nickname, not “writer”. The writes itself stands as a verb, not a noun.

It reminds me about what I do, not what I am.

So maybe, this is what I do. Write.
How to find your balance: creation vs promotion
By: Roveena Chand Jassal
Tags: Instagram, Publishing, Entrepreneurship, Authors, Social Media Marketing

See original post: roveenaink.com

I learned a hard lesson this year.

Creation is far more important and sustainable than promotion, especially when you’re running low on content.

I really got caught up in promotion with figuring out what to post for my book, Instagram feed curation, trying to gain followers, and all that marketing stuff that probably matters, but not as much as I thought it did.

When I had creative energy and momentum, I denied myself. I forced myself to focus my attention on posting about my latest works and connecting with people I barely knew.

Of course, some of these marketing efforts were effective.

My balance was way out of whack, though. It got to the point where it had been MONTHS since I had last written a page of my book that I was so called “promoting,” and I longed to simply free write any stories or articles.

I’ve learned a lot in being obsessed with promoting myself, I’ve gained valuable connections, I’ve experimented with email marketing, and I honestly wouldn’t have been able to fundraise the $4,000 needed to publish 120 copies of my book without these so called promotion skills.

However, I’m getting tired. I could feel myself reaching this point, but I just thought I had to do more promoting.

Naturally, I was wrong.

I had the grand idea to just do what I truly wanted to do; to actually do what I was promoting.

I started creating again. I started writing, building words, character profiles, and blog posts. I started dancing, making piano videos, and drawing new designs. I felt this much needed balance of being a creative entrepreneur flow back into my life.

That’s when I realized that I can reap the benefits and positive aspects of both creation and promotion. They compliment one another, and you can’t survive without the other. If you don’t create, you have nothing to promote. If you don’t promote, nobody will know what or why you’re creating.

That doesn’t mean I just promote every single thing I create. The primary reason why I love to create is because it’s for me; it’s my escape, my way to heal, my version of ultimate, pure expression.

Creation is my main priority because it’s always there for me. Promotion gets me out there and allows me to engage with new audiences, but creation is where my fulfillment comes from.

It was difficult to realize that this year because I was so focused on the outwardly results of my book selling well and people actually liking it. I thought promoting, receiving likes and praise in the form of mechanical comments would be more fulfilling than seeing my words splatter on the page.

But, that’s what we call learning the balance of creation and promotion. If I’m being honest, I’m still learning and I know I will be for a long time. The main difference is that I’m just better prepared and more excited than fearful.