Read An Ebook Week!

Electronic Books Are Here To Stay!
By
N. J. Walters


March 7 – 13th is Read An Ebook Week! Like it or not ebooks are here to stay. It’s unlikely they will ever totally replace the printed page, but they do allow readers easy access to books, wherever they are in the world, at any time of the day or night.

No more do readers have to lament that their local store doesn’t carry their favorite authors. No more special ordering. No more being snowed in and having nothing to read. A few clicks of the mouse and books can be downloaded to your computer or your ebook reader. It’s fast and it’s easy. And it takes away the need to live near an actual bookstore. No matter where you live in the world, as long as you have computer access, you can order books.

I am an avid reader and have been for years. There is nothing I like more than to curl up on the corner of my sofa and read a good book. But even for someone like me, there is a place in my life for ebooks. And the big companies have finally gotten on board so there is no looking back.

The Kindle, Sony Reader, Nook and eBookwise Readers are readily available to many readers. And the price is getting more affordable. For those of you who can’t afford ebook readers, you can download free software from MS Reader and Adobe so you can read straight from your computer.

No longer will you have to lament the lack of space on your bookshelves. You can store thousands of books easily on a flash drive or memory card. Your bookshelves can be kept for your favorite authors that you must have in paperback or hardcover. I know there are many authors that I will continue to buy their paperback books for as long as they keep writing. However, I would be more likely to try a new author in an ebook because it costs less than a paperback.

And that’s good news in this economy. I know most, if not all, of us are tightening our purse strings. That doesn’t mean not buying books. Just the thought gives me the shakes. No, it means being more selective on how I do spend my book money. I want the most bang for my buck. And that means buying more ebooks.

A word of advice for those of you new to ebooks—remember to check the individual publishers, as well as the larger shops like Sony and Amazon. Many times the ebook will be cheaper on the publishers website because you’re cutting out the middleman. But you can buy your books wherever and whenever you choose. That’s the beauty of it. And some websites occasionally offer ebooks for free to tempt you to try one or two.

The world of ebooks has changed dramatically since my first ebook was published by Ellora’s Cave back in October 2004. They are much more readily available now and many of the large New York publishing houses that first disparaged ebooks have now seen the limitless possibilities and are offering the books of many of the best and most popular authors in ebook format. Newspapers and magazines are also being offered at a reduced rate in electronic formats. And why not? It’s simply another form that allows readers to access and enjoy books.

What can be wrong with that?

So, celebrate Read An Ebook week. And if you’ve never purchased an ebook before, maybe this is the week to give it a try. And if hot, spicy romance is your read of choice, maybe you’ll even consider trying one of mine.

http://www.njwalters.com
http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)

Welcome to Winter!

The pretty lights and sparkles of December have given way to the seeming unending darkness of January. In many parts of the world, the cold, bleak winter has settled in now that the holidays are behind us. I know it’s cold and snowy where I live.

Now, that’s great if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. There’s skiing, skating, hitting the trails on your snowmobile and a host of other snow-related activities to participate in. I, however, am not a winter person. I much prefer the sunny, hot days of summer, which is ironic considering I live in a place where there is definitely more winter than summer. This is the time of year I tend to make like a bear and hibernate.

Now it’s not all bad. I do like to go out for walks on those crisp, cold winter days when the wind is not blowing a gale. This is also the time of year I like to stockpile my writing so when it gets warmer I can take some time off. From January to May, I like to write two or three books, depending on length. Summer is an easy time to write as well because of the long days and hours of sunshine. Personally, I find autumn the hardest season of all to get any work done. And you can forget getting anything done during the month of December. You’d think I’d learn, but each year I tell myself I’ll get so much writing done before the holidays hit and wind up disappointed.

Oh well, it’s a new year and winter is a good time to curl up inside and get some good writing done. It’s also a great time to curl up with one of the many books in my TBR pile and enjoy. After all, you can’t work all the time and there are plenty of long, cold nights ahead that are perfect for curling up with a cup of tea, a blanket and a good book.

The wind is howling and rattling the windowpanes, the snow is whipping up outside, and summer is but a distant memory. But I’m nice and toasty inside. All in all, it’s not so bad.

Welcome to Winter.

Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com
http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awakeningdesires/ (newsletter group)
THREAD OF DESTINY—Ellora’s Cave
BY THE BOOK—Samhain Publishing

Life goes on

One of the things that still amazes me in a crisis is that life doesn't stand still. Because you want it to. You're in turmoil and you want life to stop coming at you for a few minutes. You want the mundane things to stop going on as you pause.

But it never happens like that.

Life goes on and the cycle must keep turning. Homework must get done. Critters must be fed. Kids must get bussed to and fro. Dinner must be fixed.

And writing must go on.

That's a hard one. Because it's hard to sit down and do what you do every day while your mind is somewhere else.

Yes, life comes at you fast. And it's all in how you react.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a safe and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

NJ

Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!

http://www.njwalters.com

Winter Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice to you all. It officially arrived at 7:04 AM EST.

Today is the shortest day of the year, which means it's the longest night of the year. After today the days will start to get a little bit longer.

Welcome to the official start of winter.

Take some time today to reflect on the year gone by. What have you done? What things did you mean to do that somehow slipped by?

This time of year always makes me stop and think about what I want out of the coming year. This is not about New Year's resolutions, but about checking in with yourself to see if you're living the kind of life that feeds your soul or depletes it. If it's the later, then it's time to think about changes.

Me, I want to open my life up a bit more. I've always been a stay-at-home kinda gal, but working at home as a writer these past few years has really closed off my life in many ways. I need to get out there in the world, take a course of some kind, meet new people...something. I'm still thinking about it.

Whatever your circumstances in this tumultuous world, I hope the holiday season brings you joy and peace. And may the you find light and happiness to your life in the days ahead.

Video Blather and Chats

Hi all,

I just published my very first video blog! Yay! It's over at my website -- Click Here

But in addition, me and as many authors as can make it from the Holiday Hottie contest are chatting live at both the Ellora's Cave and the Samhain Cafe reader loops. In addition to closing out the Holiday Hottie contest so we can announce the grand prize winners, we'll also be doing some contests, recipe swaps, jokes and just plain ole fun.

When: December 19, 2009
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm EST
Where: Ellora's Cave and Samhain Cafe Yahoo groups

Now...go check out my first vBlog! And no laughing...on second thought do laugh because I'm just plain silly ;D

TJ
www.tjmichaels.com

The year of living dangerously

This year, I've resolved to do a lot of things for myself. See, last year, I used to promise myself rewards for writing and never follow through. It had gotten to the point that I didn't belive myself. No more. I'm going to do things for me and write outside my comfort zone. Those were my New Year's Resolutions.

And I've already started. I'm taking an online class on Ireland. Why? Because I want to. It sounds interesting. I have no idea when I'll use it, but I'm so excited to be taking it.

I'm working on a story that will fulfill a goal that I've had for two years that I haven't had nerve enough to do. Not this year. Even if I get rejected, I'm going to finish this story and submit.

I'm feeling rather happy about these two resolutions and as I just wrote 3 K, well, I think my muse is happy, too. I feel like I'm getting my groove back on.

What are you doing or planning to do these days to get your groove back on?

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com/
http://www.melanylogen.com/

At Year's End!

2007 is at an end.

It’s been a year of ups and downs, of excitement and sadness, of taking one leap forward and two steps back. In short, it’s been a year like many others.

As far as my writing career goes, I feel as if 2007 was a good year, yet I still have so much more I want to accomplish. That leads me to the time-honored tradition of New Year’s Eve—resolutions!

Most folks make the same resolutions every December 31st—take off weight, stop smoking, eat better, focus on career, etc… You know what I mean. Personally, I try not to be quite so specific. I usually say I want to be happy and health. Now, I’m generally a healthy and happy person, so that’s not asking for much. LOL

This year, I think I’ll take a different approach and get very specific.

I want to cut back on the sugar intake and take off the ten pounds I’ve put on since I’ve started writing full time. Nothing like leaving a physical day job and sitting in a chair at a computer all day to pack the pounds on. I also want to get back to doing yoga at least four days a week. I used to do it all the time. I’m not great at it, but it made me feel better.

Balance. I’ve been trying to find it for a few years now, but it has continued to elude me. Since I work from home, I’m always working. If I’m not working, I feel as if I should be. Gotta love that Protestant Work Ethic and the resulting guilt. NOT! I really need to block out time for exercise and hobbies and fun.

As far as my career goes, I want to plan out this year so I know what I’m doing. I think a lot of writers spend much of their time feeling as if they are trying to catch up or get ahead of projects.

I also want to move this year. We’ve been in the same apartment for a while now and the time has come for a change. I’m feeling the need to shake things up a bit. It’s a daunting thought to have to move—it was much easier when I was younger—but I’m finally ready for it to happen.

All in all, not life-shattering goals, yet goals that are important to me. In the end, I guess that’s all that matters. Everyone’s hopes and dreams are different, but all are valid and important.

So pour the champagne and toast 2007, the year that was, and welcome 2008! Whatever you wish for in the coming year, I hope that you achieve at least some of it. May 2008 bring you health, happiness, and prosperity.

See you next year. :-)

I feel so writerly

For the past two years, I've been writing where ever I can. Mostly the couch or kitchen table. A few months ago, my hubby saw me trying to get together a package to mail out. He blinked because my stuff was spread across three separate rooms and I had to walk back and forth.

Since then, he's been trying to talk me into setting up an office at home. We finally took the plunge this past weekend, getting a desk.

I still have a lot to set up, but I'm very excited to have my "own space." Yeah, it's shared with both the kids and cat, but LOL it's much more my own than the kitchen table.

Am I any more an author than I was yesterday? Nah, still the same. I just have a spot to do it in. I plan to set it up with my favorite pictures and get some nice feng shui going.

Mechele aka Lany of Melany Logen

You know its time to clean when...

1. You reach for the remote and the spiders slap your hand.
2. You reach into the meat keeper in the fridge and the cheese is growing over the contents.
3. You look into the fridge and realize most of the contents are a mystery to you.
4. The dust bunnies chase the dogs out of the bedroom.
5. When you try to sweep the floor, the dust bunnies grab the broom and hit you.
6. You have to use a lead rope to guide guests into your house.
7. You have the remote in hand and can't find the tv.
8. Your clean clothes are more wadded up than the dirty ones.
9. The dog carries around the food bowl for fear of losing it.
10. When you realize your youngest child has been buried alive under stacks of Cosmopolitan from 1979.

This is what I know...

Today is my forty-second birthday and in honor of this auspicious occasion, I thought I'd share some of the hard-won lessons of those years.

This is what I know...

Never ask permission, ask for forgiveness instead.
When dealing with a man, if he won't listen to reason then work your way around him.
Lose the excuses, put on your Big Girl panties and own up to your shortcomings.
Learn how to change a tire, it's not rocket science.
Low fat does not equal, low calories.
Eat dessert first unless you're having macaroni and cheese - that comes first.
Don't save your nice things for an 'occasion', do you really want others using your 'good' stuff for your funeral?
Apologize.
Oreo's and anything chocolate make up the fifth food group.
You are not incharge of anyone's happiness other than your own.
It's not a sin to have a cocktail at lunch - try something fruity, be good to your body!
The world was created without your help.
Don't sweat over clean underwear, if you get into a serious accident you're going to poop in them anyway.
Sometimes it just isn't about you.
Buy a vibrator, make a date with yourself.
Buy your clothing a size too big, feel good about yourself!
See a therapist, its one of the most loving things you will do for yourself.
Fitted pants have no place in your closet.
The world doesn't end because you've worn white pants after Labor Day.
Ban all girdles and control top pantyhose from your closet.
It's okay to go to dinner alone.
Strive to be the best (insert name here) you can be.

And finally, my latest theme song. ;) This is from the Broadway show, RENT:

Another Day

The heart may freeze
or it can burn
The pain will ease
if I can learn
There is no future
There is no past
I live this moment as my last

There's only us
There's only this
Forget regret
Or life is yours to miss
No other road
No other way
No day but today

There's only yes
Only tonight
We must let go
To know what's right
No other course
No other way
No day but today

I can't control
My destiny
I trust my soul
My only goal is just
To be

There's only now
There's only here
Give in to love
Or live in fear
No other path
No other way
No day but today...

Subterfuge...

I've been a good girl lately (koff) and I've been working (aka slogging) through my edits for Winter's Daughter - the release date is December 7, 2007 - a day that will live in infamy for more than one reason now!

Okay, where was I?

Oh yes, so I was sitting at home deep into the edits when my phone rang. A friend has been having troubles with her computer and honestly I was tired of dealing with it over the phone so I told her I'd come out and take care of it. So I grabbed my disks and my dog and together we headed north.

It was only when I was more than 2/3 of the way there that I realized...yes...I'd grabbed the wrong disks. (How does that happen??) So I decided to go on up as heck, the least she could do was feed me since I Tried to help her at least. :)

Did I mention she was getting ready to move?

So to make a long story short, I ended up spending hours in the depths of her basement packing canning jars she probably hadn't touched since ninteen eighty. Amid the myriad of spider webs (I didn't have my glasses on so I couldn't see the spiders at least) and inches of dust, she wouldn't let me out until I was coated in dirt along with a fine layer of cat hair.

Lovely.

Then when I did finally manage to climb out a basement window (shoulda seen me trying to shove my dog's fat ass out the window, it was ugly) I then was hit by a 747 right in the head. Now Deb said it was a horse fly, but I'm pretty sure it was a plane of some sort. A fly couldn't possibly weigh THAT much!

See what happens why you try to help someone out?? I ended up stuck in a pit with god only knows how many six legged creatures and cats that I'm allergic to.

Opps, the phone is ringing and no, I'm not answering it. So if you're the calling me, don't be disappointed, I'll be rinsing the spiderwebs out of my hair. :)

No pain...no gain...

Now, for anyone who really knows me, my purpose in life is to become one with the couch. I'm all about sprawling in a chair, or on the bed - until I literally need to be dusted. I'm also at my computer for ten to twelve hours a day - yet another position that doesn't allow much physical activity.

So one day this spring, I decided it was past time to do something to get my butt moving so I bought a membership to the local recreation center. It's very swanky with a rubberized walking track (great for my bum knee) two large swimming pools, basketball court and a state of the art fitness room.

The reason I purchased said membership is because I do own an exercise bicycle, but I can't find it under all of the laundry.

Hey, it has to go SOMEWHERE and dumping on the floor is SO last year!

I love the pool. I must have been a mermaid in a previous life as I can barely be pried out of the water so I use the membership for the pool. I'd taken some water aerobics classes and now that I know the moves, I just do them on my own at my own speed and when time permits.

Of course, time rarely permits.

It's been at least two weeks since I hit the pool, bad, bad JC, so I woke up early, forced my fat ass out of bed and into the bathing suit.

First off, I really don't think any woman should have to deal with that much lycra first thing in the morning. It really is a horrifying experience when you're half asleep and you're trying to force your flab into a bathing suit AND get it arranged so that you look vaguely symetrical...you don't want your arm flab to suddenly pop out where your breast should be.

I mean, come on - lives are at stake people!

Secondly - I don't know about anyone else but I usually feel a little bloated in the morning. I'm dehydrated from sleeping and then the body hangs onto every drop of water it can so when you are squeezing your butt into the dreaded bathing suit, it is magnified by knowing you're hanging onto an extra few pounds.

Let's face it - bathing suits are just ugly business.

So I'm in my old-lady black and white bathing suit and I grab the gym bag and headed out the door. It's about a quarter after seven which is the middle of the night for me, so I'm sleepy but looking forward to the pool - I'd pep talked myself you see - so I was ready to get my heart pumping and maybe shave a pound off my butt.

When I arrived at the rec center, the parking lot is empty...not a good sign. So I pop out of the car and run to the door - they're CLOSED for remodeling.

Don't they understand I GOT OUT OF BED EARLY TO BE HERE?

Don't they understand I'M WEARING A BATHING SUIT AND I WANT THE POOL???

DON'T THEY UNDERSTAND THAT I'M A FAT WOMAN AND RUNNING AROUND LIKE THIS COULD KILL ME???

Yes I was cranky but I went home and broke out the Hostess Twinkies - I felt much better after that. :)