I ran across this article “Adulterers beware – or pay the price.”

Sen. Edgar Espindola said he has proposed a law that would impose fines and enforced community service as punishment for adulterers in an effort to protect family values and shield children from broken homes.

To read more…

Today, I thought I would start off by answering some of the most commonly asked questions that an author may receive. I try to answer every email that I get and will try to assist most when I can; but sometimes I’m sure the recipient is not “totally” satisfied with my responses, which leads me to the first question:

1. I have a good story. I’m learning fast that people don’t or won’t help you. Why is that?

I don’t want you to have the misconception of authors not wanting to help…many of us do.  You also have to keep in mind of your approach. Have you ever contacted this particular author before? Have you ever bought one of their books? My question is, why would you ask for advice from an author if you’ve never purchased or read one of their books? I don’t ask for advice from just anyone. You best believe any writer I approached in the past, I’ve read their entire book; not just an excerpt off their website.

2. Will you read my unpublished manuscript and give me feedback?

For legal reasons a lot of authors will not read the work of people they don’t already have a relationship with in some capacity.   As a writer, we have to protect ourselves because there are too many “sue” happy folks out there.  Please keep that in mind the next time you ask the question and don’t get the response you want. Don’t hold it against the writer.  Also, most writers do not have the time to read other people’s manuscripts because they are too busy working on their own and trying to meet deadlines.  I would suggest joining a writing group where some of the members may be able to assist with critiquing your work.

3. Can you help me write my life story?

Yes, for a price; but most people don’t want to hear that.  They expect you to do something for free. Writing is a passion for most of us but it’s also a business. Don’t get upset if you get turned flat down because you’re not willing to pay for the writer’s time.

Also, keep in mind that if you live long enough, there’s a story within all of us; but not every life’s story is meant to be told. Meaning, just because your life is interesting to you; doesn’t mean we all want to read about it. That’s one reason why I write fiction. Nobody wants to hear about the ins and outs of my life (that’s what blogging is for…lol).

If you have any questions you would like answered, feel free to email them directly to me or leave a comment and I’ll answer them in the next round.

This is courtesy of Shaye (Imagine getting a letter like this):

Dear Employee,     

    It has been brought to management’s attention that some individuals throughout the company have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their co-workers. Due to complaints received from some employees who may be easily offended, this type of language will no longer be tolerated.

    We do, however, realize the critical importance of being able to accurately express your feelings when communicating with co-workers.

    Therefore, a list of 18 New and Innovative “TRY SAYING” phrases have been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue in an effective manner.

 1) TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training.
     INSTEAD OF: You don’t know what the f___ you’re doing.

2) TRY SAYING: She’s an aggressive go-getter.
    INSTEAD OF: She’s a f___ing bit__.

3) TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late.

     INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?

 4) TRY SAYING: I’m certain that isn’t feasible.
     INSTEAD OF: No f___ing way.

5) TRY SAYING: Really?
     INSTEAD OF: You’ve got to be sh___ing me!

6) TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with…
     INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a sh__.

7) TRY SAYING: I wasn’t involved in the project.
    INSTEAD OF: It’s not my f___ing problem.

TRY SAYING: That’s interesting.
    INSTEAD OF: What the f___?

9) TRY SAYING: I’m not sure this can be implemented.
     INSTEAD OF: This sh__ won’t work.

10) TRY SAYING: I’ll try to schedule that.
       INSTEAD OF: Why the f___ didn’t you tell me sooner?

11) TRY SAYING: He’s not familiar with the issues.
       INSTEAD OF: He’s got his head up his a__.

12) TRY SAYING: Excuse me, sir?
       INSTEAD OF: Eat sh__ and die.

13) TRY SAYING: So you weren’t happy with it?
       INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.

14) TRY SAYING: I’m a bit overloaded at the moment.
       INSTEAD OF: F__ it, I’m on salary.

15) TRY SAYING: I don’t think you understand.
      INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.

16) TRY SAYING: I love a challenge.

      INSTEAD OF: This f___ing job sucks.

 17) TRY SAYING: You want me to take care of that?
      INSTEAD OF: Who the f___ died and made you boss?

 18) TRY SAYING: He’s somewhat insensitive.
        INSTEAD OF: He’s a prick.

 

 

Thank You,
Human Resources

 

 

The new shows start this week. I’ve been busy doing so many other things over the summer that it’ll be hard to get back on a regular TV watching schedule. With some of my favorite shows premiering season openers this week, if you call after 7 pm, you might not get an answer.

Below are some of the shows that I like and plan on watching. Game plan for the Fall – Work and Write books during the day and Watch TV and Read books during the night. 

Favorite Game Shows

Deal or No Deal – NBC (I saw it last week and this guy had the $1 million case but had accepted the offer already. I know he was sick.)

The Power of 10 – CBS

Monday night is a CW night:

Everybody Hates Chris - Got to love this show. Little Chris is always getting into something.

Girlfriends – I’ve been watching this show since it first aired. I admit it’s different that the character Toni isn’t on there, but I’m still remaining faithful on the show. Last season Joan finally got her man. I wonder what’s in store this season. Please pay Jill more money so she’ll revise the role of Toni.

The Game - I just fell in love with this show. It made me want to watch football and I absolutely hate football. Well hate is a strong word; I don’t like football is a better way to say it. But anyway, this became one of my favorite shows last year.

9 p.m. I have to skip over to CBS

CSI Miami – If I don’t watch any other show on Monday, I try to catch an episode of this show. I’ve been to Miami on many occasions and grant it, it’s an exciting place to visit; but it just wasn’t as exciting as this show. This show makes it “the place to be.”

Tuesday night

The Unit (CBS) – It’s just something about seeing a Black man in a positive role that turns me on and the fact the crew gets into some life threatening situations don’t hurt either.

Cane (CBS) – I saw the previews and the lead character, well he’s hot and truthfully that’s one of the main reasons why I’ll be watching it. The verdict is out on whether or not it’ll be a good show.

Wednesday  night – toss up

Criminal Minds (CBS) – I love these type of shows. One of the characters won’t be back this season which is upsetting, so I’ll see how it goes. I liked the original cast.

Gossip Girl (CW) - Based on the novels, I will give this show a chance and see if it’s something I would want a teenager to watch.

Thursday Night is the Night

UGLY BETTY (ABC) - I didn’t start watching this show until it went into re-runs after the 1st season; but since then I’ve been hooked. I’m curious to see if Betty’s Dad will make it back across the border. Vanessa Williams role as the prima diva is hilarious.

CSI – Original (Las Vegas…CBS) – I hope nothing comes up because the cliffhanger at the end of last season will surely find me in front of the tube watching this on Thursday. The minature killer has struck again and this time close to home.

Without a Trace (CBS) – A good show bringing awareness to missing people.

Friday Before Leaving for a Date (well that is, if I have a date)

Ghost Whisperer (CBS) – Something fascinating about the paranormal.

Sunday Nights – Hmm

Desperate Housewives (ABC) – I didn’t watch too many episodes last season after the previous seasons ridiculous Alfre Woodard storyline, but I’ll see what’s happening in the first few shows to see if I want to return to watching it on a regular basis.

And whenever Lifetime brings back Army Wives, I plan on watching it too.

K’ Ville starring Anthony Anderson came on last week and I liked it so depending on the regular scheduled time, I will alternate watching it.

Well that’s my Fall TV Line UP commentary. What shows do you look forward to seeing and what shows can you do without?

Besides being a writer, I’m a book worm. Let my aunt tell it, I’ve been reading since I was 4 years old.

Here are two books that I’ve read and liked.

Below are my two picks for this week:

Love and Lies by Kimberla Lawson Roby Curtis Black is back. He’s met his match when he married Charlotte. This story is filled with non-stop drama. It has several “Oh no she didn’t” or “oh no he didn’t” moments. The Midnight Hour (A Madaris Family Novel) by Brenda Jackson This book is one reason why she’s one of my favorite romance authors. Romance is the backdrop to a suspenseful novel that will have you on the edge of your seats.

What books have you read recently?

Only Denzel can make playing a bad guy sexy. Check out the movie trailer for the upcoming movie American Gangster.

AMERICAN GANGSTER- Full Trailer Synopsis: American Gangster is a 2007 crime film written by Steve Zaillian and directed by Ridley Scott. The film stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Washington portrays Frank Lucas, a real-life heroin kingpin from Manhattan who smuggled the drug into the country in the coffins of American soldiers returning from the Vietnam War. Crowe portrays… (more) (less)

Read about the man whose life this movie is based on:

http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/features/3649/

I got the term O.P.B. from Don. I can say that I’m down. I love surfing O.P.B. (Other People Blogs).

I think on Friday’s I’ll start highlighting things I’ve seen on O.P.B.s.

First stop is Don’s “Minus the Bars” Blog. He wrote a very interesting blog the other day on 10 things women do that drive men away.

Here’s one tip:

1. Acting sweet to get a man then changing

She used to go to bed in a naughty nightie and didn’t care about sweating the curls out of her head. Now she goes to bed with a head full of rollers and a face covered with Noxzema. When they were dating, she batted her eyes, spoke softly, and always looked sexy. But now that she’s got him, that all changed. The gently batting eyes and shy smiles have been replaced with frowns, pursed lips, and shrill tones. No more sexy clothes. Now she dresses like she doesn’t care what she looks like, every day is a bad hair day, and she’s fast losing the curves in her body and developing a pleasantly plump figure. Of course, men can’t expect women to be superwomen who are able to work, cook, clean, and make love with flawless precision. But a woman shouldn’t start out playing the superwoman role at the beginning and then change. To read more…

I also frequent Blogging in Black. A place where a different writer or reader voice their opinions every day. I contribute my thoughts on the 2nd of each month.

Deatri asked some good questions on the topic – What! We Actually Do Read?

According to Jet Magazine, Blacks Out Read Whites Last Year! To read more…

For some up-to-date news on the hot topics in fashion, entertainment, etc., I visit Princess Dominique’s Blog.

I was thrilled to see she launched a book club.

To learn more, go to Princess Dominique Dishes Pop Culture Launches Blog Book Club

These are just a few blogs I visit during the week.  Please visit the blogs mentioned and leave your comments so they’ll know you were there. Stop back by on next Friday. Who knows, your blog may be linked here.

What blog entries stood out for you this week? Please share.