Book clubs 2

So much has been going on in the wonderful world of writing. I discovered Mitch Albom! For our very first book club discussion we talked about "Tuesday's With Morrie." What a work of art that book is! It truly effected my outlook on life as well as my style of writing.

I am yearning to write a narrative, close to home, true of my own life. Nothing like non-fiction to touch us in places we didn't know could be reached.

Have you considered a new genre for writing after reading a great work of art?

Q. August
Motivate. Rejuvenate. Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/

book clubs

Have you ever been a member of a book club? As a writer I believe it is important for us to constantly be reading. We need to know what is out there. We need to stretch our minds. Enjoy not just the fruits of our own labor but that of others.

I have a new book club which is going to be meeting at Barnes and Noble. Want to start a book club...here are 5 tips for you:

1- look for like minds. Interests can vary but a true love of writing should be a commonality

2- find a convenient location

3- choose a time that the members can dedicate to. share the responsibility of keeping the scheduled dates

4- be respectful. know that everyone will not share the same view points but the real value is in the dialogue

5- read books about book clubs so that you become familiar with the ways to successfully run and host them

Happy reading!

Q. August
Motivate. Rejuvenate. Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/

E-book release

Can't wait any longer to get my new e-book?
"10 Time and Money Transformation Steps" is available NOW!
Act fast to get it for the introductory price of $9.99.
The Mentality Makeovers in these 78 pages will change your life!

Click the link below to complete a secured purchase thruogh PayPal:

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Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.

http://www.qaugust.com/

Raising a Reader for Life!

Something mystical happened on August 3, 2011...my baby got something special.

Her very first LIBRARY CARD!

This was a special time in both our lives. I have read to her since she rest peacefully and other times playfully in my womb. It is so very important to read to your children.

I captured some the precious moment on video and photos for you to enjoy!

Q. August
Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/

Something About Stillettos

I was looking through my following list on twitter and noticed that two women authors that I admire had something in common. Yes they are both published authors who are well known for uplifting women. But that's not it...
Both use stillettos as a symbol in their writing.

Allow me to introduce you to two women you should get to know:

Shanel Cooper Sykes

Lynette Lewis

Now I don't know what it is about stillettos...but it sells!

Follow these ladies on twitter like me and discover all of their powerful tools and life changing books.

Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.

http://www.qaugust.com/

I know the AUTHOR!

On this week my friend's mother had terrific treat for me! It was an autographed copy of her newly released book "Silent Tears to LOUD VICTORY". I could not put the book down. It was absolutely amazing! I reccomend this book for everyone, especially anyone you suspect that may have endured abuse, mothers, fathers, and friends. It helps to know how the child feels and what some signs are that a child is being abused. In addition to a great story there are terrific poems and glimpses into the history of my hometown Ypsilanti. Great job Mrs. Edith Eddins. Her book is available on amazon.com for a real steal of a price. Watch this video to learn a little bit more about her book. 

 

Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.

http://www.qaugust.com/



These are a few of my favorite things- Sample

Yes I am still on my love of lists kick! Today's list comes from Redbook Magazine August 2011 edition

Summer's Guilty Pleasures A-Z

A another lip gloss

B baby swimsuits

C Celine Dion

D deep-fried whatever

E excuses (really good ones)

F fancy flip-flops

G gossip magazines

H hogging the bathroom

I impractical shoes

J J.Lo

K kiddie cereal

L lying there and letting him do all the work

M mother-in-law jokes

N naps

O online shopping

P purses-lots of 'em

Q quirky kid names

R real housewives of anything

S Sonic's chocolate shakes

T Twilight

U using his razor

V very hot farmers

W Whoopie pies

X ex-Stalking, Facebook-style

Y yelling

Z zone-out apps

I thought this list was right on the money, especially kiddie cereal (Yummy). That has been a guilty pleasure of mines this Summer indeed. Fruity Cheerios and Chocolate Cheerios are my fave for this season. Another guilty pleasure is staying up way past bedtime.

What are your guilty pleasures this Summer?

Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.

http://www.qaugust.com/

Old treasures lead to new treasures

I had the pleasantry of being able to slooow down on this week. I visited a local library and took time to browse around for books I didn't necessarily need. It saddens me that the tradition of visiting libraries is dying in some areas. For me there is nothing like the stench that comes with aging of books. My eyes dart all over the place scanning the shelves and shelves of books varying by height, jacket, width, and title. It is a place of sanctity.

Above all there is writing that covers every topic, inquiry, problem, idea in the world! "There's nothing new under the sun" rings true. I found books relating to current topics in my life that had been written 20, 30, 40 years ago. It dawned on me that the road to the new treasures I desire in my life begins within the confines of these old treasures (books) at the library.

Keep libraries alive. Discover the old treasures. I challenge you to slow down and devote time to enjoy the library with no objective in mind.

Q. August
Generate. Rejuvenate. Motivate.
http://www.qaugust.com/

Good morning writing!

I am still on my list kick. There are just so many valuable and utterly entertaining lists that exist in my world. This morning I woke up to a delightful list about writers tools. It was sent from the best Book PR Coach in the state of Michigan. None other than Pam Perry Herself sent me the fabulous list. Lucky for you I will share the list as well as some links for you to begin connecting with her and getting your hands on some other tools you need.

Now here's the list she sent to my email:

10 Tools You Need to Get Started Writing

1- Find a motivational statement, picture, or object to help you while you are writing.

2- Creae a storage place for all of your relevant book materials.

3- Load Microsoft Word or another word processing software on your computer to type in.

4- Buy a 3 ring binder to use as yoru book file.

5- Buy manila folders to separate your loose writing material and papers you may collect.

6- Buy computer disks to save yoru work on.

7- Get plenty of note cards to write down ideas for your book.

8- Have a notebook to take with you when you work on your book away from home.

9- Buy highlighters in multiple colors to help you identify facts in articles/books that you use.

10- Have plenty of pens handy.

She encouraged me with the motivated me through the following attached message:

"Take time to get organized ith the tools you need to write your book at or away from home. We spend coutnless hours searching for lost items. You do not want to lose any time while working on your book. Getting organized ahead of time will help you finish your writing and get published faster."



Thanks Pam!!!

You can get connected to Pam Perry by visiting www.e-junkie.com/pamperry 

View her blog at http://www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com/blog

Check her out on Youtube www.youtube.com/pamperry

Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.

http://www.qaugust.com/

Do Something Different!

I recently got the great idea to combine two things I love- showering and reading. I was leery at first considering the possibility of getting the beloved pages of my book soaked. I then considered how long the book had been sitting on my shelf. I had been wanting to really dig into it for over a year. It might as well not exist. And like any other writer I coaxed myself into it with the disclaimer "at least I'll have a story to tell!" Indeed I do. I loved it. I can't remember the last time I read while standing. Yes sprinkles landed on each page. And that's okay. The ink didn't run. It was a relaxing, new, and exciting experience. While you can't compare it to bungy jumping there was a thrill element present.

Another thing I sometimes do is read a book from back to front.

I challenge you to do something unique and different related to reading and writing on this week. And if your are really feeling bold try shower reading.

Q. August
Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/

Books I am reading now

I am in a book club but I still do some reading on my own time.

The following is a list of what I am reading now with it's intended purpose

1. Kid CEO- family and household management support
2. Teaching outside the box- professional growth
3. Summer and the city - pleasure/interest

These readings are in addition to that required by my graduate program and biblical readings for my relationship with Christ.

Most writers are avid readers.

"Reading is the ultimate prerequisite to learning" - Professor R. Petrone
That is one of my mottos in life. What are your mottos about reading?
Part of why I write is because I feel that answers to our challenges in life are written. It is my duty to provide some answers for someone out there.

Q. August
Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/

Lists-places to go

My last blog talked about list writing, their differentiations and varying levels of importance.

Today's list is of my 5 favorite places to go

1. Northridge church- refreshing
2. Party City- boosts my creativity level
3. Whole Foods- inspiring
4. Bath/Shower- spirituality, connecting to God
5. Bookstores- motivating

List the places you love to go and why or perhaps even make a list of places you would like to go!

Q. August
Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/

Lists lists lists

Lists are one of the very many organizational tools that lead to succes.

The way they are used can very from person to person.

All week long I will be sharing samples of lists that I like.

I use lists in the following ways:

• chores I need to get done on a given day or week
• new products I want to buy
• topics to cover in my books or workshops
• my favorite new items, I usually include this in letters to friends
• things I am grateful for, I usually do this at the beginning or end of my day
• favorite songs of the season for playlists
• goals
• plans of action

I thought the following list was pretty clever! I read it in Glamour magazine, I am unsure of what issue/volume.

"9 Things You Should Remember Forever..." -By Eliza Marston

1. The heat of your first kiss.
2. Your social security #, blood type, and European shoe size.
3. The stories your grandma told you about escaping from the old country with diamonds and a loaf of bread hidden in her coat.
4. The best compliment you ever got in bed.
5. Teh exact scientific combination of hair products that resulted in the greatest hair day of your life.
6. Just how brilliant and gorgeous you thought you were when you were 5 years old.
7. For every relationship that didn't work out, the true reasons why.
8. The scents of our baby's head and your mother's perfumed hug.
9. How good it feels to do the right thing.

I must admit that #9 is my favorite. Start creating some lists to utilize in your everyday life and see the positive changes that will occur.

Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate

http://www.qaugust.com/

ART in Books

With the emergence of E-books our options for the delivery of written works has grown.


I recently read Molly Ringwald's "Getting the Pretty Back".
I t was a pleasant surprise to see illustrations appropriately placed within the pages of the book. It added an artistic element and relaxed feel to the reading.

My question is, would you consider adding artwork to your books? This is something I have considered yet I am still on the fence a bit.

Do you feel that yoru writte works stand as art alone?

Q. August
http://www.quagust.com/
motivate.rejuvenate.generate

Who is your audience?

Good writers
-Know their audience
-Write what that particular body of people needs and want to know
-Use a voice and tone that will reach their audience

For me, I have more than one audience. I have a lot of information to share.

Things that shape our writing
-Life experiences
-Imagination
-Education
-Roles
-Jobs
-Family

My primary audiences are as follows:
1-Parents & Educators
2-Business people & Entreprenuers
3-College students
4-Children

Who is your audiece? Wat have you written for them lately? What do you believe they want you to write about next?

Q. August
Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.quaugst.com/

Convenience at Borders

I love bookstores. Bookstores are a haven from the real world. It is there that you can find new worlds to transcend into.

Recently I stumbled upon the treasure of http://www.borders.com/ for used books and materials. The staff there was happy to help me search for what I wanted. We ordered items priced regularly at $25.99 and $16.99 for $2.65 and $3.46!!!! And I didn't even have to pay for shipping and handling because I had the items delivered to that particular store/haven. Talk about happy. My packages arrived about 1week later. You can utilize this service either at the counters in their stores or even from home. The key for me is the free shipping to the store.

Here is a sneak peak at what I got:

If you'd like to connect with me this week you can indulge in the same brainfood.

I am reading Molly Ringwald's (Remember her? The cute red-head star in 16 candles? The Breakfast Club?) "Getting the Pretty Back". 

I am viewing Rhonda Byrne's "The Secret."

What are you reading, viewing, and listening to this season?

Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate

http://www.qaugust.com/

The thing about Quotes is...

"Sometimes I actually hated the book, even while I loved it."

- J.K. Rowling 

My favorite quote this week (listed above) is one written by author J.K. Rowling who penned the Harry Potter series. Within her online biography she uses those words to describe her journey writing the first novel.

Three ways to use quotes:

1- Weave them throughout your own book as examples of what your text is claiming
2- Use them as chapter introductions
3- Use them within beautiful vignettes as a take-away bonus for your readers

About authors and quotes...

Strong authors quote well, accurately, without error!
Strong authors are sure to give credit for ideas that are not their own.
Strong authors keep a journal of quotes that they like or that support their ideas. They do this so they don't have to rely on their memories.
Strong authors are usually quoted by others!


Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/

E-books

Have You Read An E-book Lately?

Thanks to technology today's writers can offer their readers e-books.
E-books (or computer hosted books to the less informed) are trending heavily right now.

E-books sell because:

-Their availability
E-books are available on the spot and can be downloaded in minutes

-Their convenience
E-books are on your computer, Ipad, Nook, or whatever electronic device you choose for your reading.
Because they are electronic they are not heavy or bulky and can be brought along to the beach or flights with ease.

-Their reasonability
E-books normally cost a little less than the same book would cost in hardcover or paperback form.
Many e-books are offered free of charge.

-Their appeal
E-books are formatted for the computer, so many come loaded with bright photos and images laced throughout the text and are typically accompanied by a bolder and larger text.



Today's authors should consider offering their texts in both hard copy and e-book format. I myself have gotten into the groove of reading e-books. So far this year I have purchased 2.

Have you purchased any e-books this year? How was the experience? What is your preferrred book type?


Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/



Reading to Succeed: 5 Strategies

Here are 5 ways to be sure your reading leads to success:

1- Have a goal in mind!
After reading the title and description of a book's content what do you think you could learn? Know what you are seeking to find and it will be that much easier to pinpoint once you begin indulging in your written text.

2- Have reading tools on hand!
If you have a highlighter in hand or post-it tabs you can save your pages without adding unwanted wear and tear on your books. It is much neater to place the sticky tabs on pages you want to revisit than to have a book full of "doggy ears" that you've given several pages.

3- Read from at least two different mindframes!
When I read I am reading from an educator's point of view, a writer's point of view, and a motivator's point of view. I get the most out of reading this way. I can appreciate the writer's style, construct, and presentation of information all the more.

4- Take away quotes!
When you read a line that evokes more emotion than all the others commit it to memory. The line could be a witty joke, advice, a moral, omen, or scripture. Memorize it and the author and recall it often.

5- Write about it!
When you have finished the book revist all the pages you flagged with post-its. Consider how you can apply what you've read to your own life. Summarize your findings, emotions, and ideas in a notebook. Write the author a thank you note of praise. Write an opinion of the book for others considering purchasing it. Mention the book in your blog.

These 5 strategies are sure to make your reading endeavors more successful. Can you implement any one of these strategies today?

Q. August

Motivate.Rejuvenate.Generate.
http://www.qaugust.com/