Links: Julius Caesar 2010 Edition

Friday, March 19th, 2010 at 9:58 AM | Category: Books, Business, Language, Links, Meryl's Notes Blog, Tech, Writing No comments
The senators encircle Caesar.
Image via Wikipedia

“What the …? Julius Caesar?” OK, I used St. Patrick’s Day last week so it’d appear before the actual day. Easter and Passover (Eastover? Passter?) are not until next week. OK, so the Ides of March as mentioned in Julius Caesar comes before St. Patrick’s Day, but I was outta ideas. Since we’re talking Roman dates, this could be the XIX edition. So is this my Seinfeld post for the month where I talk about nothing?

Brain food…

And for fun because we’re allowed…

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Books and eBooks: Keep or Purge?

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at 5:22 PM | Category: Books, Meryl's Notes Blog 16 comments
A Picture of a eBook
Image via Wikipedia

Joel Capparella asked a great question in Twitter. “After you’ve read a book, do you purge it or keep it?”

My reply, “Purge fiction. Keep nonfiction.” Of course, if I hated the book, out it goes.

@RobertHruzek: I keep it if I like it. I’ve still got books from forever ago!

@Vanessa_LW: I’ve been purging a lot more lately. Or better yet, getting from the library.

@elisapr: Keep!

@stenoknight: I keep it; books are my favorite element of home decor. Also, if book is worth reading once, it’s often worth rereading.

I like what @stenoknight said because it’s true in my home. My small home office squeezes in one tall bookshelf. The newish add-on loft is more of a library (and dumping ground for kid toys). AND we still have bookshelves in each kid’s room and one in the game room. I also organize the books. (You’ll see two bookshelves in the picture, but that’s not how it’s set up anymore.)

I rarely buy fiction books. Most of my fiction books from library book sales, or borrowed from the library. Besides, I read little fiction with the work I do with non-fiction books. I don’t like to read a book twice as I have too many waiting for me. Instead, I refer to a non-fiction book again as needed.

For book club reads, I buy them cheap as I don’t want to worry about library due dates. Besides, I prefer the feel of a retail paperback and hard cover over the library covers. This may sound weird, but I love how a book feels in my hands especially those with the soft paperback covers.

I’ve been making an effort to use the library more often. My son brought home the Scholastic Book Club catalog (I managed to not go crazy buying too many as it had a lot of goodies this time), and he circled a book I would love for him to read. The book was hardcover and more than I wanted to spend (almost as much as I spent for the entire order). So I’ve put in a request through the library’s online system.

When I came across a book title about applying to college (I have a 10th grader), I reserved that through the library and read it quickly. The college application process changes so much in a short time, so it’ll probably be outdated before kid #2 (5th grader) starts the college hunt.

Now that I have a Kindle, I pondered this question further. Do you keep all your Kindle (Nook or whatever) books loaded and then purge if you run out of space? How do you manage them?

I also wonder how people decide what ebooks to buy, if they still read pbooks (print). I browsed the Kindle catalog and can’t decide how to handle this. It’s a shame you can’t send your print books to Amazon in exchange for the ebooks that you want to make notes on, or some way to receive an electronic copy of the pbooks you own. This would not work fairly for the other way around as paper, ink and printing process cost much more than creating ebooks.

Children’s books are another story. I move books from oldest to youngest as they outgrow them or grow into them. I’ve moved books that the youngest has outgrown to another shelf in another room. I’ll sort through them later to decide what to keep. I bought children’s books long before I had children, so they won’t all disappear.

P.S. I just returned from the library where we checked out books for my son’s book club :)

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Links: Just Before March Roars 2010 Edition

Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 10:08 AM | Category: Blogging, Books, Links, Meryl's Notes Blog, Tech, Writing 1 comment
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games Inukshuk

Image by erjkprunczyk via Flickr

I can remember being big on the Olympics back to 1976 watching gymnastics and pretending to be one of the Romanian gymnasts with a friend of mine. We even made our own banners with the country on it. Then when I went to basketball camp in 1984, I went to the TV room to catch whatever I could. Well, to my surprise, my younger two kids took an interest in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and I let them watch it even when TV watching time was over. I think I finally understand Curling.

What are your favorite Olympic stories or memories?

Brain food…

And for fun because we’re allowed…

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Links: Happy Sweet 16 2010 Edition

Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 9:35 AM | Category: Books, Links, Meryl's Notes Blog, Social Media 5 comments

My oldest and only daughter turned 16 on Wednesday. Now I don’t have to schlep her to school when she wants to go early. When she was younger, we captured her on video saying that she didn’t want to drive. Of course, that changed and she was itching for her birthday to arrive.

That’s me next to her car. The first day she has everything she needs to drive the car to school… and it snows. So I took her and posed with her car for posterity. I’ve yet to get a picture of her and her car together. I will! It makes sense that this happened… considering the story of her arrival.

She was born in Alexandria, VA, on a night when we had snow and ice. AND Dallas-Fort Worth — where first time Grandma and Grandpa lived and waited for us to call when I was about to have the baby — also had ice. Yet, Grandma walked in my hospital room four hours before my daughter arrived. She lucked out in catching a late plane just before it pulled away. The airline staff said, “Hold up! First-time Grandma coming.”

If you’re like many of us — stuck at home because of the snow — it’s a great time to play some games.

Brain food…

And for fun because we’re allowed…

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Guest Post: The Supplies You Need to Build a Writer’s Platform

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 11:40 AM | Category: Books, Guest Post, Marketing, Meryl's Notes Blog, Writing 10 comments

Welcome to meryl’s notes blog (this here place you’re lookin’ at) in Plano, Texas. We’re honored to be a stop in Laura Cross’ WOW! Women On Writing Blog tour. We’re giving away a prize. Read on to see what you can win.

About Laura Cross: She is an author, screenwriter, ghostwriter, freelance book editor, and writing coach specializing in nonfiction books and script adaptation (book-to-film projects). She writes two popular blogs, www.NonfictionInk.com and www.AboutAScreenplay.com, and teaches online writing workshops. Her latest book is The Complete Guide To Hiring A Literary Agent: Everything You Need To Know To Become Successfully Published. You can download a free chapter, view the book trailer, read the full table of contents and purchase the eBook at www.GetALiteraryAgent.com.

The Supplies You Need to Build a Writer’s Platform by Laura Cross

Literary agents and publishers are looking for nonfiction writers with established platforms. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to land a book deal or acquire an agent without one. A platform encompasses the ways you are visible and attracting potential readers. It conveys your expertise and influence. Every author’s platform strategy will be unique to him or her. One size does not fit all. You must follow a path that is natural for you and your writing. However, there are five essential components or supplies you need to build a writer’s platform:

1. Understand Your Brand Image: Establish an author identity and use it consistently throughout your material. Your personal brand is how you package and present yourself to readers to distinguish and differentiate yourself from other writers.

2. Develop and Promote Your Expertise: Are you the go-to expert in your field? You can establish your expertise through:

  • Professional credentials
  • Writing articles
  • Being featured on radio and television, and in print media
  • Testimonials and endorsements
  • Speaking engagements
  • Teaching workshops, seminars, teleclasses, and webinars
  • Hosting your own online radio show or podcast
  • Creating informational products
  • Being a resource for reporters, journalists, and television producers
  • Sending out press and news releases
  • Creating and distributing online informational videos
  • Answering questions via LinkedIn groups and YahooAnswers
  • Blogging and guest posts

3. Have an Internet Presence: Every potential author needs a website or blog. If you already have a web presence when you begin approaching media you will have an edge over other writers. A blog can add to your credibility, help you establish your expertise, and provide a means to capture potential readers for your database.

4. Build A List of Contacts: Publishers want to know just how many potential readers there are for your book. The number of fans you have from Facebook, followers on Twitter, connects on LinkedIn, and subscribers to your blog provide tangible figures. Producing a weekly or monthly e-zine or newsletter is an effective way to grow your list of contacts. Your website and blog can include an opt-in page to capture subscribers.

5. Engage In Community: You can network through local and regional events, national conferences and conventions, and online social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Online networking sites give you access to connections and a platform to share your writing and expertise.

Your turn: What are you doing to establish and grow your author platform?

Win: You can win a class (choose from any of the classes — Meryl is jealous because she doesn’t qualify!) or a digital copy of her book. For a chance to win, please leave a comment at least 50 words long answering her question. Or write about your favorite character in a book. You have until 11:59pm on February 16, 2010 to qualify for the drawing. The unbiased and robotic Random.org has the honor of picking the winner.

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Top 25 Books for Writers and Writing-related Topics

Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 8:39 AM | Category: Books, Meryl's Notes Blog, Writing 22 comments

Thank you to all that nominated and voted for the top 25 books for writers on writing. The list is in order beginning with the book that received the most votes. It’s a great list as I’ve read or heard great things about many of the books.

  1. The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B.White: “Though I’ve read two other great books on writing, this one really got me rolling down my writing journey, so it stands out in my mind. I also give it points for being so concise and as a result not very intimidating. For those starting out on their writing path, this is a good bet. It’s basic and effective.” – Bamboo Forest
  2. On Writing by Stephen King: “Simply the best.” – Craig Cardimon
  3. On Writing Well by William Zinsser: “I’ve re-read William Zinsser’s On Writing Well every year since I first read it in high school. Excellent book.” – Will Sansbury
  4. Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott: “Wonderfully sincere, funny and helpful. Just made so much sense to me – loved it!” – Amy Palko
  5. Chicago Manual of Style: “It’s huge, thorough, honest, authoritative, entertaining, and always there to refer to. Knocks Strunk and White into a cocked hat.” – Katy Evans-Bush.
  6. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg: “The one I gift the most to writers.” – Mike Sansone
  7. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: “For a different kind of direction, certainly. And it is early yet in my focused writing.” – Karen Hohman Almeida
  8. Reading like a Writer by Francine Prose: “It has given me the ability to break down why a piece of writing is good, and there’s no better way to learn.” – MeiLin Miranda
  9. If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit by Brenda Ueland: “Great for inspiration.” – Joanne aka soulsprite
  10. Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark
  11. The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
  12. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss
  13. Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande: “For inspirational and ‘pull-your-socks-up.’” - Katy Evans-Bush
  14. The Renegade Writer by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell: “…because I’m always one for breaking the rules!” – Mary
  15. The Renegade Writer’s Query Letters that Rock by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell
  16. 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing (Mentor) by Gary Provost
  17. Style: Toward Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams
  18. Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass: “One of the best I’ve read.” – Dawn Herring
  19. Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy
  20. Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing by David Morrell – “The knowledge that Morrell imparts is educational and constructive.” – Meryl
  21. Between the Lines: The Subtle Elements of Fiction Writing by Jessica Page Morrell
  22. The Well-Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman
  23. The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers by Betsy Lerner
  24. The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law by Norm Goldstein
  25. The Art and Craft of Feature Writing: Based on The Wall Street Journal Guide by William E. Blundell

I’m going to try to always be reading at least one book on writing at any given time. (I have two or three books I read at a time.) This list will make it easier to decide which one to read next as I own some that I haven’t read.

What books have you read? What did you like most about them or what did you learn?

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Links: Happy Birthday, Dad 2010 Edition

Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 8:01 AM | Category: Books, Language, Links, Meryl's Notes Blog, Writing No comments

Al Kaplan, 1953

My dad passed away two years ago. Today would have been his 79th birthday.

Nominate a favorite social media book.

If you receive this post by email, please tell me what’s the best time of the day you’d like to receive these. It used  to go out in the mornings, but I felt overwhelmed by emails in the morning and thought late afternoon / early evening would be better. It doesn’t mean that’s the best time for you. Just reply and let me know. Thank you for reading!

Brain food…

And for fun because we’re allowed…

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Nominate Your Favorite Book on Social Media

Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at 8:00 AM | Category: Books, Meryl's Notes Blog, Social Media 6 comments

If you read this blog, you most likely have an interest in social media and books. A great combination to ask for your nominations for the Top 10 Social Media books.

More and more books on social media keep hitting the streets, but we can’t buy them all. So let’s help each other out by sharing our favorites. Once done, we’ll whittle the list to 10.

How to Nominate Your Favorite Book on Social Media

To keep things simple, leave a comment nominating one book. If someone nominates a book you love, you might want to nominate a second favorite as the voting will come later. Nominate your favorite by 11:59pm CST on January 31.

Let’s do it!

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Links: In Memory of Grandpa Sidney 2010 Edition

Friday, January 8th, 2010 at 10:05 AM | Category: Books, Language, Links, Meryl's Notes Blog, Social Media, Writing 1 comment

My maternal grandfather died on this date in 1987. My favorite memory of him was siting in his living room and listening to him tell a story about his life in Poland before he came to the U.S. in 1925 at age 18.

A little administration. You may know I have game reviews and news happening in this blog, yet separate. If you’re a subscriber, you have different options for subscribing to the content here. Here are the subscriptions:

Please vote for your top 25 books on writing.

Brain food…

And for fun because we’re allowed…

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Links: Christmas 2009 Edition

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 PM | Category: Blogging, Books, Links, Meryl's Notes Blog, Social Media, Tech, Writing 4 comments
Image credit: getwired

Image credit: getwired

Merry Christmas to all my friends who celebrate. Enjoy your time off and the spirit of the holiday. I hope that everyone takes at least one day off and do something that makes you happy.

Thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting. Thank you for connecting with me outside of this teeny place on the web. Thank you for being you.

Brain food…

And for fun because we’re allowed…

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