WordProverb

Upcoming Book Reviews and Contest!

2009-07-10T03:00:00.005-05:00

Great news! I've received my copy of Death by Dorlana Vann (containing Jaclyn's Ghost and Passage to Mesentia) and A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II with a story by Susan H. Miller. I first mentioned these books in my post, WordProverb: Writers Group News and Success!

I'll be posting full reviews in the future!

In the meantime, I am pleased to announce my first ever giveaway/contest on this blog!

Da-ta-ta-da!! What will you win? ...drum roll, please

There will actually be two lucky winners. 1st place winner receives their choice; Death by Dorlana Vann or A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II. Second place winner will receive the remaining book. I'm working on getting the books autographed too, but can't promise that yet!

I'm so excited and I hope you will be too, because it is so easy to win. To enter, just leave a comment (yes, that easy). Here are the rules:

Comments are eligible for the contest until midnight, July 16, 2009 Central Time zone.
I will use the Custom Random Number Generator to pick 1st and 2nd place, and announce the winners on this blog on July 17.
The winners will need to contact me by email before 10pm Central Time on July 27, 2009 or another winner will be selected.
Sorry, only residents of the continental U.S. and APO/FPO and Canadian addresses are eligible.

Please note - to be eligible, your comment must appear on this post on the WordProverb blog. If you are reading this on Facebook or elsewhere, please visit the actual blog post to add your comment.

Thank you and good luck!

A Sense of Accomplishment - One Task at a Time

2009-07-08T05:00:00.002-05:00

My mother always told me to make sure I accomplished one thing a day, whatever the task, but usually always something house related. I used to follow her advice. But in recent years, it seems I had forgotten that piece of wisdom.

Recently though, something caused me to conjure back that memory, and I've put it back into practice. It works. I truly do feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in getting just one thing completed each day. I’m not a week into this yet, but so far I've:

Scoured the bathrooms, including washing the baseboards and woodwork
Cleaned the stovetop
Washed the baseboard in the foyer and living room
Dusted and polished the old piano
Rotated the mattress on the bed

Back in our DINK days (Double Income No Kids), my husband and I hired a housekeeper to clean our home every two weeks. We got that “whole house clean at one time feeling” and it was great. But with kids, work, and obligations of life, I’ll settle for the one thing a day routine. It works pretty well. Thanks Mom!

What are your tricks and tips on getting things done? What gives you a sense of accomplishment?

Book Review - I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse by Michael Franzese

2009-07-03T11:30:00.001-05:00

I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse: Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss by Michael Franzese

rating: 2 of 5 stars

In I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse, Michael Franzese, former capo in the Colombo crime family, shares his insight and wisdom in running and making the most of your business. From the basics, like creating a written business plan, to keeping it legal, Michael offers antidotes and stories that describe how he reached success while a high ranking member of the mob.

But therein lies the problem. There were double standards throughout the book. For example, Michael Franzese tells us to put together a clear, focused, and written business plan. However, not if you are a mobster. A mobster’s objective is always to get as much money as possible, as fast as possible, and they prefer not to have paper trails as these can be incriminating. So if Michael Franzese did it the mobster way, without a written plan, why is he telling his readers to do it another way?

The business information contained in the book wasn’t particularly unique or fresh. Play it straight, learn to listen, put a lid on greed, don’t gamble, and operate with integrity are just some of the significant messages explored in the book, but a lot of the information felt like common sense. Certainly good lessons with moral appeal, but not new, insightful, eye-opening information for most people (perhaps I think too highly of the integrity of the human race?).

One of the best aspects of I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse is its strong message of motivation and encouragement. Michael Franzese devotes an entire chapter to failures. He explains that failure is normal, and that some failure in life is to be expected. But value comes from using the failure as a tool for learning and improving, and the best way to handle failure is to pick yourself up and dust yourself off.

Michael Franzese writes with a strong, wise-guy voice that is easy to read and entertaining, but may not be the business book readers think. He writes, “Life is all about the ingredients.” Put in good ingredients and you’ll get a good product. I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse is less a lesson in running a business, and more instruction in living a good moral life.

More Telecommuting Benefits

2009-07-01T22:22:00.001-05:00

Do you dread yet another morning sitting in the stalled commuter traffic on Interstate Highway (IH)10? Or is US-59 or US-290 where your stoppage occurs? Whatever your commuter nightmare, perhaps telecommuting is the answer.

Today more and more companies are offering telecommuting options to their employees, and for several good reasons. Telecommuting can be good for the employee, but equally beneficial to the employer. Previously I posted Nine Reasons I Love to Work From Home. Here are a few company benefits to telecommuting.

Most employees like the option to work from home. If even just one day a week, most workers enjoy the break from commuter traffic and the autonomy of working from home. They appreciate the cost savings in gas, wear and tear on their vehicle, and a day in which they don’t have to wear their “work” attire, saving on associated wardrobe costs. This makes for happier and more satisfied employees.

Offering work at home options also enables companies to boast “green.” By reducing the number of staff commuting into the office on a daily basis, the company is helping the environment by reducing auto emissions. Since auto emissions are a major contributor to ground level ozone, this also helps reduce the likelihood of high ozone days, which is a danger to people with asthma or compromised lung functionality.

While not all jobs can be performed on a telecommuting basis, many can, and it’s worth your while to approach your employer about working from home. Do your homework first, and be able to provide your boss with all the benefits to the arrangement. You never know, perhaps the next major bottleneck on IH-10 will be one vehicle less – yours!

New TV Series review, Make It or Break It

2009-06-23T09:00:00.003-05:00

Make It or Break It, a new TV show featuring the drama surrounding national champion gymnast hopefuls, premiered last night on ABC Family. Of course, having a gymnast in the family, we couldn't wait to see this new show.

Like watching the Olympics, I enjoyed seeing the spectacular feats performed on the beam, bars, floor, and vault. Since I did not see a whole routine executed start to finish without a lot of flashes to the feet, I am curious who performs the routines for the filming. It requires great physical strength, balance, and poise to be a gymnast, and the exercises performed appeared advanced to me. I would love to know who the actual gymnasts are!

Although I missed the beginning and didn't see the complete episode, part of what I saw was a lot of cutthroat between the team members. The show appeared to be as much drama as gymnastics, and heavily geared to the teen viewer. My daughter said she really liked the show, and I am reserving my opinion until after I've seen a full, future episode.

My hope is that the show will continue to feature amazing feats that will lure more spectators and participants into the sport of gymnastics. Even for kids not competing at a national level (lets face it, most of them aren't), the physical benefits of gymnastics are easily evident. My daughter is in excellent shape as a result of the sport.

Did you see Make It or Break It? What did you think?

Keeping Cool When the Temperature Soars

2009-06-22T16:40:00.004-05:00

What do you do when average daily temperatures are in the upper 90's, high humidity makes those temperatures feel even higher, and your central air conditioner breaks? I recently experienced just that, and here's what I learned are the best ways to stay cool when the A/C is broke and the temperature's sizzling.

Under no circumstances should you use the oven
Close the blinds to reflect the sun away
Open all your windows
Use your ceiling fans and get the air moving
Keep oscillating fans on you in the room you are in
Dress skimpily
Take cool showers
Rinse the dishes in cool water
Take the kids to the swimming pool (this one gives you great brownie points with the kids)
Go shopping - your A/C may be broke but it isn't broke at the mall
Run errands - any excuse to get into the air conditioned car
Keep the lights turned off as much as possible
Hair up or in a ponytail
Light, cool meals are best - simple sandwiches, fresh fruit, cucumbers in olive oil & vinegar
Better yet - eat out!

Any other ideas or suggestions? These helped for me, but I'm sure there are more great ideas out there.

Writers Group News and Success!

2009-06-15T04:00:00.003-05:00

I’m pleased as punch to share some great news from my writers group, Humble Fiction Café.

Publishing Success!

Death by Dorlana Vann
Representing the death card in Tease Publication’s Dark Tarot Series, this is a two-in-one novel containing Jaclyn’s Ghost and Passage to Mesentia. Two great paranormal novels in one book, click here for details and brief descriptions of both stories. Available now at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II by Colleen Sell
This is a collection of fifty great dog stories. Susan H. Miller contributed The Dachshund That (Almost) Conquered the World, a most enjoyable story for dog lovers everywhere. Available now at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

I encourage you to purchase these books and enjoy the talent of both Dorlana and Sue!

Other Success!

Kelli Meyer was accepted into the esteemed Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop. They only accept 16 students each year, so it’s quite an accomplishment to be accepted into this six-week writing program.

Way to go Dorlana, Sue and Kelli!

Handling all those Twitter Tweets – TweetDeck versus Seesmic

2009-06-11T19:00:00.004-05:00

Hello. I'm Sheryltut, and I'm a Twitter user. Hi Sheryl.

If you are like me and have been listening to various sources extol the value of social networking, then it's likely you've also jumped on board some of those sites, including Twitter. At first I wondered, what's the point? Who really cares what I did this morning or what I'm doing now in 140 characters or less, but then I learned it's much more than that. Twitter provides an easy way to stay connected with people and to learn about topics of interest. It's a tool to listen to what is being said.

I signed up July 2008, but didn't really start using Twitter until 2009. What I quickly learned is that it's impossible to read all the tweets posted by the people you follow. Yet I knew that if Twitter was this great tool for listening and communicating like everybody says, then there had to be a way to capture and manage those tweets you wanted to read.

And there is, although I'm still learning these tools.

Following are the pros and cons of two tools I've tested for organizing and managing tweets. I've had more time with TweetDeck since I discovered it first, and I'm still on the fence as to which one to use going forward. I would appreciate any and all additional feedback in the comments.

TweetDeck - Click here for more information or to download TweetDeck.

TweetDeck Pros

Easy to use
Simultaneously tweet and update Facebook, or select which application to update
Allows for grouping
Search keywords (search becomes a group)
Free
Auto shorten tweets (helps to fit within 140 character limit)
Shorten url links using one of several built-in choices
Drop-down box for recent hashtags
Integrates with Facebook

TweetDeck Cons

Only allows for 10 columns
No way to move pop-up notifications and for me they pop-up in an inconvenient location
No help feature (or at least not easily evident)
Frequently run out of Twitter API

Seesmic - Click here for more information or to download Seesmic Desktop.

Seesmic Desktop Pros

Easy to use
Tweet or update Facebook
Allows for grouping
Search keywords (search becomes a group)
Free
Auto shorten tweets (helps to fit within 140 character limit)
Shorten url links using one of several built-in choices
Integrates with Facebook
Allows for many columns (not sure if there is a limit?)
Columns can be static/detached or viewed with a click

Seesmic Desktop Cons

Allows Tweet or Facebook update, but not both simultaneously
No help feature (or at least not easily evident)

Pretty evenly matched in the pros and cons. And as I mentioned, I'm still on the fence and not sure which application to use.

The big thing I like about TweetDeck is the ability to simultaneously update Twitter and Facebook. The drawback is the 10 column limit.

What I like most about Seesmic is the unlimited columns and easy viewability. What I don't like is that you can't update Twitter and Facebook together.

So what I like about one is what I dislike about the other, and vice-versa. So, which is the best tool?

-------> June 25 UPDATE - Seesmic has added functionality that enables users to post simultaneously to facebook and twitter. A big plus!

Time Management Tools Needed

2009-06-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Help, please!

Lately, I've been pulled in multiple directions. Between the kids, part-time job, contract work, blog creation and writing assignments, work on my novel, my husband's cleaning business, girl scout leader responsibilities, and editing the church newsletter, I barely have time for housework, reading, or _______ (fill in the blank - just about anything else fits here). I look back and wonder, how did I used to handle a full load? And I ponder, how do others do it?

I remember when I worked for AT&T Microelectronics years ago, I utilized a Day-Runner calendar and time management system. It was a paper system, but it worked, only now I would prefer something electronic. My Palm Zire 31 (older model without telephone) is great for contact and calendaring functions, but I haven't utilized the tasks portion of the device. I'm going to give it a try.

What's out there for time management solutions, and what works well? Your ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

* Photo courtesy of bigfoto.com.

____________________
UPDATE:
I read the blog Rants & Ramblings by Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent. She posted a great article on time management. Her article is not about the tools to use for time management, but rather the importance of continually prioritizing. Enjoy!

Snap Shots from Snap.com

2009-05-31T10:36:00.001-05:00

I recently installed a tool on this site called Snap Shots. It enhances links with visual previews of the destination site, interactive excerpts of Wikipedia articles, and more. Sometimes Snap Shots bring you the information you need without your having to leave the site, while other times it lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not.

Please let me know if this is an enhancement to the site, or if the screen shots get in your way. You can also opt-out by clicking the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot.

Thanks for your feedback!

New Post on Endings

2009-05-26T17:00:00.001-05:00

Please visit my novel blog, Hope and Faith, where I've posted Six Common Types Endings, the information gleaned from an endings class given by Linda Lindsey of HFC. It was an outstanding class full of valuable insight, too good not to share!

Five Things I Hope to Accomplish This Summer

2009-05-22T08:00:00.003-05:00

Fun related:

A Trip to Disney World – This is something I've talked about summer after summer. Our last visit was just after 9/11, the park was empty – no lines, no wait. But the kids were too young to remember. It's way past time for another Disney vacation.

Writing related:

Work on my Novel – Get at least half-way through the rewrite of my novel, Hope and Faith. The Humble Fiction Café writers' group classes for our Six Month Novel Project (6MoNo) will be completed. No more excuses!

Write one short story and post to my blog. This is part of my New Year's Resolutions.

House related:

Wash the windows on the front and sides of the house. I recently did the back windows and they look so much better!
Organize and clean out my office. Perhaps a better name for my office would be multi-purpose room, as it serves as my day job office, writing space, and sewing area (lol – as though I sew). It also contains the household record-keeping area, bill-paying site, reference books, and the piano. It has a tendency to collect material, and needs a thorough organization/cleaning.

What's on your agenda for the summer?

New Short Story Posted - The Middle Child

2009-05-18T05:30:00.000-05:00

I invite you to read and comment on my newest short story, The Middle Child. I've received several comments from people that they know someone like my character Heather in the story.

What about you? Do you know someone like Heather? What other feedback would you offer?

Jesus Didn't Tap - A Sermon Remembered

2009-05-12T11:38:00.009-05:00

During Lent, the pastor at my church (Woodforest Presbyterian Church) delivered a couple of outstanding sermons. I wanted to immediately write about them to share with you, but my busy schedule made that impossible. As it turns out, I have only been able to find the bulletin to one of those sermons, and I don’t remember the bible readings for the other.

My memory is hazy on the actual sermon, so this is a brief recap of what it said to me. And while I don’t know what my preacher called the sermon, I’m calling this...

Jesus Didn’t Tap

The bible readings:

Jeremiah 31:31-34:

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant which they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each man teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

John 12: 20-33 (Sermon text)

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew went with Philip and they told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify thy name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing by heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show by what death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?”

My youngest daughter takes martial arts lessons, and a popular clothing amongst these enthusiasts contains the phrase “Jesus Didn’t Tap.” Here’s the link to the clothing line. For the longest time, I watched each new design proudly worn. And I wondered, what did it mean?

Through a Google search and conversation with other parents, I learned that in martial arts, a participant will “tap” when they give up. They tap the floor, indicating an end to the match, a concession, a surrender. They tap to avoid further injury.

Jesus didn’t tap though, despite the fact that he knew what was ahead of him. When the Greeks came to see Jesus just days before his crucifixion, he knew then what was coming. He would be persecuted. He would suffer. Jesus could have said, “Father, save me from this hour,” but he didn’t. He knew his purpose and he stayed true.

Thanks be to God - Jesus didn’t tap and our iniquities are forgiven.

Have you heard a particularly good sermon that has spoken to you?

Book Review - The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

2009-05-01T21:50:00.003-05:00

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
rating: 2 of 5 stars

When I first picked up The Haunting of Hill House, I wondered if it would be a wise read before bedtime. Easily it is and with no nightmares to report. The Haunting of Hill House is not the scary horror story you would expect.

This is the story of a scientist out to prove that Hill House is haunted. He enlists the aid of two women with prior paranormal experience and a man that is heir to the house. Much of the story is in the head of its characters, and the reader is left to wonder if the bizarre events actually happen or are imagined. In any case, they aren’t that scary. And because it wasn’t always clear whether an occurrence was real or imagined, there were places in the story I found confusing.

While this book was already on my “to read” list, it was also recommended reading in preparation for an upcoming writing class on endings. The Haunting of Hill House was on the list of books with bad endings, and there it did not disappoint. The ending felt abrupt, rushed, and out of character with the rest of the story.

On the upside, the story moved along and held my interest, although I kept expecting something a little more. I liked it OK, but there are certainly better choices of books to read.

View all my reviews.

Hooky Day – A Mother/Daughter Tradition

2009-04-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

With less than six weeks left of school, it's time now to start planning my annual Hooky Day with the kids.

"What is Hooky Day?" you ask (everyone does, adults and kids alike).

Hooky Day is an event where I celebrate with each of my children individually their success at school. Taken towards the end of the school year, it is a reward for their hard work and diligence, and for missing minimal classes throughout the year. Both girls are A/B students, complete and turn in their homework on time, take school seriously, and have fun!

Hooky Day started out as a day for mom and daughter to do some summer shopping, have lunch, and bond. The day has catapulted into an exciting, fun-filled, sometimes educational annual event that both mom and daughter excitedly anticipate. This year is no exception.

Older daughter and I plan to attend Edwards Houston Marq*e 23 & IMAX. The date and movie is yet to be determined, but the day will include lunch and shopping. Younger daughter and I plan to go to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where we will see the science exhibits, as well as visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Wortham IMAX Theatre.

Does Hooky Day work to motivate my kids to do better in school? It's hard to say. But it does reward the girls for their efforts and provide us with quality time together that is just ours and very special. Hooky Day in the Tuttle household has fast become a mother/daughter tradition.

By the way, I didn't come up with Hooky Day on my own. I remember fondly the times my mother kept me home from school for a special day of shopping and lunch in Vincennes, Indiana.

I've heard of parents paying their kids for every A on a report card or taking them out for a special dinner. What are some of the things you've done to reward your kids for a job well done? What works for you and what doesn't? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Announcing a New Blog

2009-04-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

In a recent post, I mentioned I was working with a colleague on a new blog, one dedicated to business professionals looking for information on initiating new business. I am pleased to announce that New Business Pipeline is officially launched.

Still in its infancy of course, I do invite you to visit. Our vision is for an interactive blog where readers can go to share and learn about effective new business development techniques, particularly as they pertain to prospect calls (I so don't like the term "cold" call).

Please let me know when you visit the site and your initial thoughts. Thank you!

Another Good Deed

2009-04-20T10:44:00.004-05:00

Look who is stunning in her new haircut!

My youngest daughter donated a 10-inch ponytail to Locks of Love.
From their site: Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

My daughter is a beautiful girl - on the inside as well as the outside.

Book Review - Testimony by Anita Shreve

2009-04-14T21:50:00.002-05:00

Testimony by Anita Shreve
rating: 2 of 5 stars

Testimony fell flat, surprisingly, as the few other books I have read by Anita Shreve I have very thoroughly enjoyed.

The story is about a teenage sex scandal in a private high school that alters the lives of everyone involved. The chapters are set up with each one changing to a different point-of-view (POV) character and each character telling their story from a distinct narrative mode; the character Ellen even tells her story in second-person narrative mode, which was interesting since it is so rare. But it didn’t work. The characters lacked depth, and I finished the story not caring about any of them.

Testimony is an easy read however, with short chapters clearly stating the POV character, making it a book effortlessly read in brief time increments. It also very clearly demonstrates the premise that a single action can cause a life to very completely change direction, as we see in the teenagers involved in the sex scandal, as well as their parents and the school headmaster.

While the story is not a riveting page-turner, I wouldn’t say it was bad either. The writing is clear, concise, and easy to follow. I give this novel 2 stars for OK.

View all my reviews.

Nine Reasons I Love to Work At Home

2009-04-08T21:15:00.002-05:00

Here it is, and in no particular order, the top nine reasons I love to work at home (WAH).

Flexibility – I can select the hours I work, within reason. I still have to work business hours for certain tasks while other activities can be done non-business hours.
Availability – While my family understands and knows not to disturb "mom" when she's working, it's still comforting to know I am very quickly available in the event of an actual emergency.
Time – The time I would normally have had to spend on the road getting to work is time I can actually spend working.
Introvert – I'm an INFJ and the I stands for Introvert. It's not that I don't love people, I do, but socializing takes energy. I enjoy people and getting together, even at business meetings, but I am completely exhausted afterwards. I'm much more energetic when I work independently from home.
Cost Savings – Lots of savings here as I don't have to spend money on a business wardrobe, gasoline for the car, or after school care. Not to mention the automobile repair savings through less wear and tear on the car.
Pajamas – Or sweats, or shorts and a t-shirt, or hair in a ponytail, make-up or none – you get the picture. I don't have to dress up for work, and I can be as comfortable as I like.
Convenience – At lunch, I can throw on a load of laundry, unload the dishwasher, or whatever else might need done around the house.
Autonomy – There is no boss standing over my shoulder or sitting in the corner office. I am independent, self-motivated, and responsible for my success or failure.
Kids – The best reason to me is that I am home when the kids are home. And although I am working, I can still monitor their activities, make sure they get their homework done, check in on them, and more.

OK, what have I missed? I need your help coming up with the tenth good reason to WAH.

Lest I Forget Friday

2009-04-03T13:00:00.000-05:00

A variety of information and topics to share with you

Most of you probably already know, but in case you don't, the Shell Houston Open is in full swing. Held at the Redstone Golf Club – Tournament Course, many charities benefit annually from this event. This year, parents and teachers from Maplebrook Elementary school are staffing the concession booth at the 16^th hole. The funds they raise will benefit the school, so stop by if you're in the area.

I'm very excited to announce that I recently signed up to participate in 31 Days to Build a Better Blog presented by Darren Rowse of ProBlogger. It's a 31 day project to improve your blog through theory and assignments, and it begins on April 6^th. Fingers crossed for some exciting upcoming blog enhancements!

Which leads me to my next topic. If you are a repeat visitor to this blog, you may have noticed a different look – and that is the addition of google ads. So tell me, like 'em or leave 'em? Are they a distraction or not? If I get feedback they're bad, then they're outta here!

If you haven't visited my newly launched blog Hope and Faith, then I invite you to visit and share your thoughts on novel prologues. Do you like them or not, and why or why not? I'd like to get some lively discussion and opinions on the subject, so please feel free to share.

Stay tuned for more information about a potential new blog launch containing valuable information that will help business development professionals, particularly when it comes to cold calling. Brrr, the word itself makes some professionals shiver. I'm in talks with some folks about making this happen, and I'll keep you posted here.

Finally, on a very happy note, I am pleased to announce that despite the heavy rains and hail hurled at earth and in Texas this week, our garden fares well. We've enjoyed radish that is so much tastier than the grocery store variety, and look forward to more tasty treats soon!

Have a great weekend!

A Week of Giving

2009-03-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

What parent isn't proud of their kids? I'm no exception of course. This past week both my kids participated in a "giving" thing.

What's in the bags?
Soda pop tabs. These are just two of the bags my youngest daughter turned in to her school this week for donation to the Ronald McDonald House.

The cold didn't keep my oldest daughter from helping out with Trash Bash on Saturday. She participated with her Girl Scout troop to help clean up Lake Houston.

Good job girls! I'm proud of you!

Check it Out!

2009-03-27T08:42:00.003-05:00

I am pleased to announce the origination of a new blog dedicated solely to my novel, tentatively entitled Hope and Faith. I invite you to check it out at http://sheryltut.wordpress.com/. Please visit, feel free to comment, and ask questions. I appreciate your help in keeping me focused on getting the novel rewritten and manuscript ready! Thank you.

The Proof is in the Pudding

2009-03-19T22:28:00.002-05:00

The other day I found myself sitting on a bench with my youngest daughter's BFF (Best Friend Forever). We were watching my daughter take a karate lesson, which gave the BFF and me plenty of time to talk. First we talked about karate. The BFF asked about the progression of the karate belt colors, getting tips placed on the belts, and preparing for belt tests. Then, we talked about gymnastics and other activities. Eventually, I found myself telling BFF that you can do anything you want if you just practice, and that the only way to get better with something IS to practice.

Hmm. Sounds like good advice for a 40-something year old wanna-be writer too. Actually, good advice for a writer at any age.

You may be familiar with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where participating authors from all over write a 50,000-word novel in one month. For me last November, it translated into a lot of writing, much more than my usual daily quota. It provided an opportunity for a lot of writing practice.

Shortly after NaNoWriMo, I wrote a short story that had been a plague to me for some time. Calling the story a struggle is like calling a tiger tame, but nevertheless, I finally got the story down and finished. Fairly pleased with the story, I put it out for feedback.

As always, I received some great suggestions from my writers' group friends on ways to improve the story. But the most memorable comment was from my mom. She simply said that she liked the story very much, and she could see my improvement from when I first started writing.

Wow. It felt so good to hear that my ability at this craft of writing was improving!

It's true in writing, as in everything else of life, the more we do something – the more we practice – the better we get. After a full month of dedicated writing on my novel, the short story I completed afterwards WAS better than my previous work. The proof is in the pudding.

Armed with this knowledge, I look forward to writing more and better stories. Keep practicing!

Have You Read it Yet?

2009-03-16T10:50:00.004-05:00

I am a Thomas Nelson book review blogger. Having previously received and reviewed The Faith of Barack Obama by Stephen Mansfield, I recently requested a new book to review. Entitled I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse, Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss by Michael Franzese, be on the lookout for a future review of this book.


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Have you read I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse, Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss by Michael Franzese?