Well, Christmas was fun, got what I wanted, a new ski jacket. Actually, I knew about this gift beforehand, so it wasn't a surprise. (I picked it out and tried it on at the ski shop.) But I didn't wear it until Christmas day, so it did seem like a real present. I love it. It is black, with pin stripes on part of it, and looks good, and I've never had a black ski jacket. The one I've been wearing I still like a lot. It's sort of a gray blue, with purplish accents, and so warm.... That is a requirement. I hate being cold. I once had a ski jacket, a red one, that I talked myself into buying because I liked how it fit, but it was not warm. It was actually a shell, with no insulation of its own. For several years I froze wearing that jacket, convinced that if I just put enough sweaters on underneath it, it would be as warm as an insulated jacket. But it wasn't. I think I developed a lot of new blood vessels wearing it though, a result of my body searching for ways to keep me from shivering. I have noticed that when I'm biking now, I wear a lot less clothing than everybody else in the cool weather, and I stay warm. Of course, that could also be because I ski and many of my bicycling friends don't.
So, now I have this great new warm ski jacket to wear when we go up north to ski soon. I'll be ski racing again this winter, amateur stuff, as will my husband and my daughter. Angie is incredibly fast. She has been able to beat me racing since she was ten years old. She started skiing at three, and was really good then. I remember taking her out to our local ski area and lifting her onto the chairlift, holding her so she wouldn't fall, and then helping her off and skiing to the top of a moderately moguled hill. (A mogul is a small to large bump in the snow made by skiers skiing back and forth, pushing the snow into little piles, and also digging ruts around the piles.) By the end of a snowy day some slopes are covered with them. Many skiers find them intimidating because it takes a bit of finesse and experience to ski them well.
Anyway, I remember the two of us waiting at the top of that slope, Angie so tiny and babylike in her tiny skis and cute little ski hat, a number of adults and teenagers standing there with us, hesitating to ski down this heavily moguled slope. Then I gave the signal and my little Angie took off, skiing smoothly around each mogul, all taller than she was, and hearing a collective gasp from the onlookers.... She is and has always been an accomplished skier.
So, we will all be racing again this winter, and it will be fun. I am not as fast as I once was, but I still enjoy it. Shooting across the finish line, hoping my time will at least be competitive, is still a thrill. My daughter's fiance, new to ski racing, will be giving it a try this winter. He skis pretty well, and is athletic, plays hockey, a goalie, and mountain bikes in the summer. He's looking forward to it. It will be fun watching him, giving him tips etc. He also got a new ski jacket for Christmas, a Spyder. It is cool, and I just remembered, black also. Come to think of it, Angie's jacket she bought last season is also black. Guess all of us will match, except my husband, who has a wild looking blue and orange and yellow one. I never have trouble spotting him on the slopes.
Well, got to go. Hope you're enjoying the holidays and happy new year!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
skiing soon, Christmas was fun, new ski jacket, keep me from shivering, I stay warm, go up north, top of the slope, little Angie, skiing smoothly, racing again this winter, Spyder ski jacket, enjoy the holidays, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Shop 'til you drop...
Christmas is just around the corner, and of course I'm not finished shopping yet. I have done some of my shopping, and actually I am ahead of schedule considering my usual habits. I usually wait until a week before Christmas to begin, when the panic really starts to set in. I then wander aimlessly around the mall for several days in a row, hoping the perfect choices for gifts will magically appear. They don't. I then drop hints to loved ones to tell me what they want now, or suffer the consequences. They are not surprised. They've seen this before.
Unlike most women, someone forgot to give me the shopping gene. I am like a few men I know in that respect. I wish I could give cash sometimes, or gift cards, but that is so very impersonal. I wouldn't like it, so I can't possibly do it. But if my loved ones aren't going to like what I buy, and must either take it back or not use it, what is the point in buying it? I am happiest when the ordeal is over, and the gifts are under the tree, and I've managed to somehow come up with a few nice surprises. The joy is seeing the looks on their faces.
I did enjoy the mall though this year. I took a day just to look at the lights and the decorations, and sit and enjoy a coffee and biscotti at Starbucks while all the shoppers rushed by. Somehow this relaxed approach helped clear my head, and I actually found some nice presents this way; I think because I didn't go there to shop, just to look around.
But I'm not done, though I am close. And I still have seven days, a lot of time. Like I said, most years I wouldn't even get started until now. I think I feel relieved already.
Hope you enjoy the holidays!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
Christmas is just around the corner, not finished shopping yet, loved ones, forgot to give me the shopping gene, enjoy the mall, coffee and biscotti at Starbucks, nice presents, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Unlike most women, someone forgot to give me the shopping gene. I am like a few men I know in that respect. I wish I could give cash sometimes, or gift cards, but that is so very impersonal. I wouldn't like it, so I can't possibly do it. But if my loved ones aren't going to like what I buy, and must either take it back or not use it, what is the point in buying it? I am happiest when the ordeal is over, and the gifts are under the tree, and I've managed to somehow come up with a few nice surprises. The joy is seeing the looks on their faces.
I did enjoy the mall though this year. I took a day just to look at the lights and the decorations, and sit and enjoy a coffee and biscotti at Starbucks while all the shoppers rushed by. Somehow this relaxed approach helped clear my head, and I actually found some nice presents this way; I think because I didn't go there to shop, just to look around.
But I'm not done, though I am close. And I still have seven days, a lot of time. Like I said, most years I wouldn't even get started until now. I think I feel relieved already.
Hope you enjoy the holidays!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
Christmas is just around the corner, not finished shopping yet, loved ones, forgot to give me the shopping gene, enjoy the mall, coffee and biscotti at Starbucks, nice presents, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Day before Thanksgiving
I'm sitting at my computer, as usual, completing some projects. Slicky, my long haired black cat, is sitting just below me on his papers near my feet. He has a fondness for colored tissue paper, the kind you put in gift boxes, and likes to both play with it and lie on it for some reason. Right now he is reclining on light and dark pink paper, plus some white. Seems very content. It's nice to know he likes to hang out with me.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and though we usually go to Julie and Neil's house, my niece and her husband, we won't be this year. Her sister-in-law wants to do Thanksgiving instead this time. That's too bad, because it's fun at my niece's, and my sister and her husband show up, and my daughter and her fiance, and I get to see my niece's children, who are growing up way too fast. But my niece thinks she may have another holiday party possibly, so we can all get together then. But, the way it gets over the holidays, it may not happen. Time just seems to fly during this time.
So tomorrow it is just my husband and I, then the day after Thanksgiving my daughter and her fiance are coming over. He promised to visit his own parents on Thanksgiving, which is fine. He is very good about spending time with both of our families. I am instead making a small ham tomorrow, and keeping it fairly simple. Then the day after Thanksgiving I will roast the large turkey I bought. So, in a way we will have two Thanksgiving dinners. Also, my bicycle group usually does a Thankgiving day ride, which I always miss because of other plans, but I could actually go this time if I want. But I may not, as I like to watch the Thanksgiving parade on t.v., and see Santa Claus show up on his sleigh, doing the HO, HO, HO thing.
I only attended the downtown Thanksgiving parade once (except another time as a student band member when I marched in the parade). My daughter and I rode down in a charter bus that picked people up from the community center near our home. Angie was in high school then, and it was a cold cold day, and we were dressed warm but still freezing. I even brought chemical heater packs for our toes and hands, but it barely helped. When the bus parked, we walked down a little ways, maybe a half a block, and stood and watched it all. Then after Santa passed by, we hurried back smiling to get on the warm bus. But all the smiling quickly stopped as we watched the bus start pulling away. Angie and I just looked at each other and started running. We were downtown after all, thirty miles from home, and no cell phones back then, or even payphones, plus all the stores were closed.
It was awful! We would run, almost catch the bus (moving slowly through traffic) then the light would change from red to green and the bus would start up again. We ran after that bus for two or three blocks, waving and screaming. Finally, just before the bus was about to turn onto the freeway ramp, we came alongside the driver's window and yelled and pointed at ourselves and then at the bus. He did stop then and we got on. The only excuse anyone could give was that it was so cold that everyone got back on the bus long before the parade ended. And no one did a head count. No excuse. Needless to say it was our last parade, but I do still like watching it on t.v. :)
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
I'm sitting at my computer, Slicky my long haired black cat, colored tissue paper, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, holidays, roast the large turkey I bought, parade on t.v., Thanksgiving day parade, Santa Claus show up on his sleigh, cold cold day, catch the bus, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and though we usually go to Julie and Neil's house, my niece and her husband, we won't be this year. Her sister-in-law wants to do Thanksgiving instead this time. That's too bad, because it's fun at my niece's, and my sister and her husband show up, and my daughter and her fiance, and I get to see my niece's children, who are growing up way too fast. But my niece thinks she may have another holiday party possibly, so we can all get together then. But, the way it gets over the holidays, it may not happen. Time just seems to fly during this time.
So tomorrow it is just my husband and I, then the day after Thanksgiving my daughter and her fiance are coming over. He promised to visit his own parents on Thanksgiving, which is fine. He is very good about spending time with both of our families. I am instead making a small ham tomorrow, and keeping it fairly simple. Then the day after Thanksgiving I will roast the large turkey I bought. So, in a way we will have two Thanksgiving dinners. Also, my bicycle group usually does a Thankgiving day ride, which I always miss because of other plans, but I could actually go this time if I want. But I may not, as I like to watch the Thanksgiving parade on t.v., and see Santa Claus show up on his sleigh, doing the HO, HO, HO thing.
I only attended the downtown Thanksgiving parade once (except another time as a student band member when I marched in the parade). My daughter and I rode down in a charter bus that picked people up from the community center near our home. Angie was in high school then, and it was a cold cold day, and we were dressed warm but still freezing. I even brought chemical heater packs for our toes and hands, but it barely helped. When the bus parked, we walked down a little ways, maybe a half a block, and stood and watched it all. Then after Santa passed by, we hurried back smiling to get on the warm bus. But all the smiling quickly stopped as we watched the bus start pulling away. Angie and I just looked at each other and started running. We were downtown after all, thirty miles from home, and no cell phones back then, or even payphones, plus all the stores were closed.
It was awful! We would run, almost catch the bus (moving slowly through traffic) then the light would change from red to green and the bus would start up again. We ran after that bus for two or three blocks, waving and screaming. Finally, just before the bus was about to turn onto the freeway ramp, we came alongside the driver's window and yelled and pointed at ourselves and then at the bus. He did stop then and we got on. The only excuse anyone could give was that it was so cold that everyone got back on the bus long before the parade ended. And no one did a head count. No excuse. Needless to say it was our last parade, but I do still like watching it on t.v. :)
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
I'm sitting at my computer, Slicky my long haired black cat, colored tissue paper, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, holidays, roast the large turkey I bought, parade on t.v., Thanksgiving day parade, Santa Claus show up on his sleigh, cold cold day, catch the bus, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Something Spooky.... ):0
Well, in just a few hours the kiddies will be marching up to the door yelling Treat or Tree-eeat!!! It's a nice night for it, mild temperatures and no rain. Should be good. My husband and I drove over to the new Super Walmart today and I went through the candy bins, and got a few good deals, though I didn't know it until check out at the cash register. A large bag of mixed candy was $4.98 (way expensive for last minute shoppers!) but at the register it was marked down to $3.50. Much better. I added another smaller bag of Raisinets, and that was that. I did point at a decent looking pumpkin, but my husband made a face, so we didn't buy one. We usually do, and I might have vetoed the nixed pumpkin, but I don't feel like carving one tonight. In fact, I feel like taking a nap, and I still might.
I had my own Devil's Night yesterday evening coming home from my bike ride. The car broke down in the left hand turning lane of a five lane highway. It wasn't too busy though, so I called AAA, and then waited for the tow truck. It took about twenty minutes, and by that time I'd been honked at a few times even though the hazard lights were on and blinking. I guess they are a mystery to some people. So, I got out of the car and waved people around. Still, a few continued to sit there anyway. No clue I guess. Hard to comprehend....
A police car rolled up after a while, and a guy came to my window, and I told him the tow truck would be there momentarily. He didn't ask for my driver's license at first, then came back and requested it. He may have noticed my weird attire, and bike stuff all over the car, plus the mountain bike in the back. And really, it is their job to make sure you're not a criminal. I had to smile though, since my driving record is so squeaky clean it's embarrassing. I haven't had a moving violation in over thirty years. My insurance company would probably like to clone me.
The police guy asked if I needed a ride home, and though I thought about it, I decided to go with the tow truck. The young tow truck guy and I had a real interesting conversation. (I love riding in tow trucks for some reason. Don't ask me why....) I learned he used to play soccer, and is married with two boys, one three and the other seven, and he and his wife want to have more kids, and are hoping for a girl. I told him about my own daughter, and my feathered grandchild, Makamae (Crested Cockatoo) that I had babysat this past weekend while my daughter was in Florida with her fiance.
Well, just got the call to go pick up my car, more on that later....
Thursday evening, Nov. 1:
Okay, my car is fine. The repairman couldn't find anything wrong with it, drove it around, started and stopped it over the course of a day. Nothing. It did not do anything. Since I said it had stalled, and when I restarted it and pressed on the gas nothing happened, he decided to adjust the choke, but that's all.
Now that is odd. I tried several times to get it going while I sat there waiting for the tow truck, pressed on the gas, nothing, turned it off, restarted it, pressed on the gas, still nothing.... I must have done this four times before I finally gave up. Then, when the tow truck guy arrived, it worked (of course) but I decided to have it towed anyway. Later that night, my husband and I went back to the station to get my bike out of the car, and I tried again to move the car, and again, nothing....
So I drove it yesterday, and again today expecting the worst, but it ran perfectly fine. I have to admit it all seems pretty spooky though. Maybe goblins and ghosts were playing tricks on me.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
trick or treat, new Super Walmart, candy bins, pumpkin, taking a nap, Devil's night, AAA, waited for a tow truck, hazard lights, a police car rolled up, interesting conversation, my feathered grandchild, babysitting, repairman couldn't find anything wrong, ghosts and goblins, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
I had my own Devil's Night yesterday evening coming home from my bike ride. The car broke down in the left hand turning lane of a five lane highway. It wasn't too busy though, so I called AAA, and then waited for the tow truck. It took about twenty minutes, and by that time I'd been honked at a few times even though the hazard lights were on and blinking. I guess they are a mystery to some people. So, I got out of the car and waved people around. Still, a few continued to sit there anyway. No clue I guess. Hard to comprehend....
A police car rolled up after a while, and a guy came to my window, and I told him the tow truck would be there momentarily. He didn't ask for my driver's license at first, then came back and requested it. He may have noticed my weird attire, and bike stuff all over the car, plus the mountain bike in the back. And really, it is their job to make sure you're not a criminal. I had to smile though, since my driving record is so squeaky clean it's embarrassing. I haven't had a moving violation in over thirty years. My insurance company would probably like to clone me.
The police guy asked if I needed a ride home, and though I thought about it, I decided to go with the tow truck. The young tow truck guy and I had a real interesting conversation. (I love riding in tow trucks for some reason. Don't ask me why....) I learned he used to play soccer, and is married with two boys, one three and the other seven, and he and his wife want to have more kids, and are hoping for a girl. I told him about my own daughter, and my feathered grandchild, Makamae (Crested Cockatoo) that I had babysat this past weekend while my daughter was in Florida with her fiance.
Well, just got the call to go pick up my car, more on that later....
Thursday evening, Nov. 1:
Okay, my car is fine. The repairman couldn't find anything wrong with it, drove it around, started and stopped it over the course of a day. Nothing. It did not do anything. Since I said it had stalled, and when I restarted it and pressed on the gas nothing happened, he decided to adjust the choke, but that's all.
Now that is odd. I tried several times to get it going while I sat there waiting for the tow truck, pressed on the gas, nothing, turned it off, restarted it, pressed on the gas, still nothing.... I must have done this four times before I finally gave up. Then, when the tow truck guy arrived, it worked (of course) but I decided to have it towed anyway. Later that night, my husband and I went back to the station to get my bike out of the car, and I tried again to move the car, and again, nothing....
So I drove it yesterday, and again today expecting the worst, but it ran perfectly fine. I have to admit it all seems pretty spooky though. Maybe goblins and ghosts were playing tricks on me.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
trick or treat, new Super Walmart, candy bins, pumpkin, taking a nap, Devil's night, AAA, waited for a tow truck, hazard lights, a police car rolled up, interesting conversation, my feathered grandchild, babysitting, repairman couldn't find anything wrong, ghosts and goblins, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Friday, October 26, 2007
Night Ride
Well, the weather is turning colder and it's getting dark earlier and earlier, but as an avid bicyclist, that's not really much of a problem. We just go on NIGHT RIDES! I actually enjoy these rides in some ways more than the the day rides. It's exciting! And around Halloween you can check out all the decorations displayed in the neighborhoods when the pace slows down. It is, of course, necessary to have taillights and superior headlights to do this. I have two headlights I use, a headlamp on my helmet (like a miner) and a set of lights for my bike. The headlamp is sort of necessary because if you have a flat, you must be able to focus light on the tire in order to change it. Fortunately, since I ride with a group, I don't need to do this myself. Guys seem to love to change tires. And that's good! It's messy, greasy, and often frustrating if you haven't done it in a while. And we use moutain bikes to ride at night, so the tires are an especially huge pain to change.
But about the ride. I dressed warm, but ended up unzipping my jacket in a very short time. The pace was a bit brisk, since only five riders showed up, and me the only girl. Usually we get ten to fifteen riders, but this was the first colder ride, and there was a chance of rain. Bad combination. Tends to scare people off. I have an older mountain bike, a good one, a Trek, but very heavy compared to the newer models, and a tank compared to the carbon fiber models available today. And then some riders use cross bikes, much lighter, so for them the ride is a bit easier I suspect. I like my old bike though, very retro, and I get an especially good hill work out.
So we flew through the night, up and down both paved and chuck hole filled dirt roads..... I grew up on a dirt road, before helmets, and shock absorbers, and wide tires, so I tend to be fearless on the downhills. I get into the most arrow position I can and just let it rip. It reminds me of skiing. Of course, it you fall skiing at speed you tend to slide; if you fall biking you tend to break things. So, I hang on tight, and look for eyes in the woods, small animals foolish enough to cross the road, and deer. That could be real bad.
We did only twenty-three miles since our ride leader needed to be home early, but it was long enough. Have to clean my bike though now. Lots of mud.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
weather is turning colder, avid bicyclist, enjoy these rides more than the day rides, set of lights for my bike, guys seem to love changing tires, we use mountain bikes to ride at night, the pace was a bit brisk, some riders use cross bikes, good hill workout, flew through the night, fearless on the downhills, fall biking you tend to break things, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter, free excerpt
But about the ride. I dressed warm, but ended up unzipping my jacket in a very short time. The pace was a bit brisk, since only five riders showed up, and me the only girl. Usually we get ten to fifteen riders, but this was the first colder ride, and there was a chance of rain. Bad combination. Tends to scare people off. I have an older mountain bike, a good one, a Trek, but very heavy compared to the newer models, and a tank compared to the carbon fiber models available today. And then some riders use cross bikes, much lighter, so for them the ride is a bit easier I suspect. I like my old bike though, very retro, and I get an especially good hill work out.
So we flew through the night, up and down both paved and chuck hole filled dirt roads..... I grew up on a dirt road, before helmets, and shock absorbers, and wide tires, so I tend to be fearless on the downhills. I get into the most arrow position I can and just let it rip. It reminds me of skiing. Of course, it you fall skiing at speed you tend to slide; if you fall biking you tend to break things. So, I hang on tight, and look for eyes in the woods, small animals foolish enough to cross the road, and deer. That could be real bad.
We did only twenty-three miles since our ride leader needed to be home early, but it was long enough. Have to clean my bike though now. Lots of mud.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
weather is turning colder, avid bicyclist, enjoy these rides more than the day rides, set of lights for my bike, guys seem to love changing tires, we use mountain bikes to ride at night, the pace was a bit brisk, some riders use cross bikes, good hill workout, flew through the night, fearless on the downhills, fall biking you tend to break things, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter, free excerpt
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Great Customer Review on Amazon!
I am so happy! I got an unexpected surprise when I went over to my Amazon page today, a new customer review!
I must admit I worried at first. I've seen some awful reviews given to authors, even some of the bestselling ones, and that has to hurt! I don't care how talented you are; it's got to be very difficult to write one great, compelling book after the other, hoping to please the majority of your readers ... then get an awful review from one of them.
Every writer I've ever met is sensitive, no matter how successful, no matter how talented. Writing novels is their thing, and their ego is very much tied into how people view their work. The entire world could have loved their last book, but they still worry that it won't happen on the next one.
Yet though sensitive, writers are also tough. The majority of writers I've known have been told no, many many times, over and over again, before they finally made it into print. Rejection just goes with the territory. It's a subjective business, and the only thing writers can do is keep trying, keep hoping, and continue to give it their very best shot.
So when I got this nice review today, I must admit I was ecstatic! Here it is word for word.
Murder Mystery Thriller, October 6, 2007
By Sunny One - NC USA
"Nancy Johnson's first book is definitely a winner! Wow, I honestly could not read it fast enough. There were so many twists and turns in this who dunnit that I wasn't successful at guessing who killed her sister. Keep writing, Ms. Johnson, you are a natural. You will love this book!"
Of course, it's my debut novel, not my first book, but how could she know that? I've written two other books, neither published, and two complete rewrites that took longer to write than the novels themselves. But what a really nice, great thing for her to say! She made my day! Completely made my day!
I thank you, Sunny One. I thank you very, very much. :)
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
great customer review on Amazon, amazon page, write a compelling book, writing novels, unexpected surprise, how people view their work, sensitive writers, rejection, majority of writers have been told no, writers are tough, writers keep trying, nice review today, first book definitely a winner, visit my website, Free Excerpt, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
I must admit I worried at first. I've seen some awful reviews given to authors, even some of the bestselling ones, and that has to hurt! I don't care how talented you are; it's got to be very difficult to write one great, compelling book after the other, hoping to please the majority of your readers ... then get an awful review from one of them.
Every writer I've ever met is sensitive, no matter how successful, no matter how talented. Writing novels is their thing, and their ego is very much tied into how people view their work. The entire world could have loved their last book, but they still worry that it won't happen on the next one.
Yet though sensitive, writers are also tough. The majority of writers I've known have been told no, many many times, over and over again, before they finally made it into print. Rejection just goes with the territory. It's a subjective business, and the only thing writers can do is keep trying, keep hoping, and continue to give it their very best shot.
So when I got this nice review today, I must admit I was ecstatic! Here it is word for word.
Murder Mystery Thriller, October 6, 2007
By Sunny One - NC USA
"Nancy Johnson's first book is definitely a winner! Wow, I honestly could not read it fast enough. There were so many twists and turns in this who dunnit that I wasn't successful at guessing who killed her sister. Keep writing, Ms. Johnson, you are a natural. You will love this book!"
Of course, it's my debut novel, not my first book, but how could she know that? I've written two other books, neither published, and two complete rewrites that took longer to write than the novels themselves. But what a really nice, great thing for her to say! She made my day! Completely made my day!
I thank you, Sunny One. I thank you very, very much. :)
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
great customer review on Amazon, amazon page, write a compelling book, writing novels, unexpected surprise, how people view their work, sensitive writers, rejection, majority of writers have been told no, writers are tough, writers keep trying, nice review today, first book definitely a winner, visit my website, Free Excerpt, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Friday, October 5, 2007
A Good Day To Feel Bad
I'm feeling a little down today, and yet the weather is exactly what I would like it to be, warm, almost hot out. And it's supposed to continue, so chances are I'll get out of this funk soon. We're going out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants tonight, so that should take care of it.
I just took a walk around the neighborhood, exchanged courtesies with a squirrel on a telephone phone, he/she letting me know I'd best move on. But instead I ignored him (let's just say it's a him) and stood there, listening to him jabber at me for a while.
Slicky just stuck his head in here. Slicky is my long haired black cat. It must be getting close to dinner time, and he wants his special food. I give him wet food in the evening, along with the dry food available to him all day. The evening meal gives him something to look forward to, since his life isn't all that exciting. (He's an inside cat, mainly because he's let us know he wants nothing to do with the outdoors.) It may be because of the traumatic experience he had as a kitten, or maybe it's just his genetics. He used to have a twitch, kind of a weird twitchy thing on his back, like a nerve acting up, but that has more or less disappeared. It used to act up a lot, and when it did he'd take off like a shot across the room, like he thought someone was messing with him. Funny....
Well, I need to get ready for tonight, make myself look as good as possible considering I badly need a professional haircut. I've been self-trimming, always a bad idea. I never know whether my hair will work for or against me now. I could have done something about it yesterday, today, but I've procrastinated so I'll just have to hope the hair dryer will perform a miracle tonight. Otherwise, just need to avoid the mirrors.
Okay, I'm out of here.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
a good day to feel bad, feeling down today, walk around the neighborhood, squirrel on a telephone pole, long haired black cat, inside cat, kitten, professional hair cut, procrastinated, hair dryer, visit my website, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
I just took a walk around the neighborhood, exchanged courtesies with a squirrel on a telephone phone, he/she letting me know I'd best move on. But instead I ignored him (let's just say it's a him) and stood there, listening to him jabber at me for a while.
Slicky just stuck his head in here. Slicky is my long haired black cat. It must be getting close to dinner time, and he wants his special food. I give him wet food in the evening, along with the dry food available to him all day. The evening meal gives him something to look forward to, since his life isn't all that exciting. (He's an inside cat, mainly because he's let us know he wants nothing to do with the outdoors.) It may be because of the traumatic experience he had as a kitten, or maybe it's just his genetics. He used to have a twitch, kind of a weird twitchy thing on his back, like a nerve acting up, but that has more or less disappeared. It used to act up a lot, and when it did he'd take off like a shot across the room, like he thought someone was messing with him. Funny....
Well, I need to get ready for tonight, make myself look as good as possible considering I badly need a professional haircut. I've been self-trimming, always a bad idea. I never know whether my hair will work for or against me now. I could have done something about it yesterday, today, but I've procrastinated so I'll just have to hope the hair dryer will perform a miracle tonight. Otherwise, just need to avoid the mirrors.
Okay, I'm out of here.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
a good day to feel bad, feeling down today, walk around the neighborhood, squirrel on a telephone pole, long haired black cat, inside cat, kitten, professional hair cut, procrastinated, hair dryer, visit my website, mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Monday, October 1, 2007
Best Laid Plans
Huh, funny how you never know how things will go. I thought I was going to be viewing two new pilots for t.v. tonight with my daughter and her fiance, but that's not what happened.
I got four free tickets for this t.v. preview thing (well actually a friend got them and gave them to me.) She and her husband couldn't make it and wondered if I wanted the tickets. I had actually done one of these preview things years ago, and I remembered it being kind of fun, so I thought, okay sure....
Then I forgot about the tickets until my daughter called today and mentioned it was October first, and wasn't that the night of the preview thing? I'd called her before and asked if she wanted to join me, knowing my husband probably wouldn't be interested. And as it turned out, Cliff Hanger was on t.v. so the preview thing was out of the question.
It was raining and a crummy night out anyway, and the event was at the Radisson Hotel and not too far away, so off the three of us went to see the t.v. preview. We were supposed to view two pilot episodes that could possibly end up on national t.v., and I figured we would be asked to fill out a form and rate each, but that would be okay. The program started at 7:30 p.m., so I figured we would be out of there by 9:00 at the lastest.
So we get there, and ask the guy taking tickets how long this event will last, only to be told 10:00 p.m. I say we might not be able to stay quite that long, and without even blinking, he hands back the tickets and says maybe we should sign up for a night when we can actually stay. He also mentions that not only would we be seeing the two half hour pilots, but also a bunch of commercials, and must answer 60 questions. (This is sounding better and better all the time.) I look over and glimpse their idea of refreshments for this two and a half hour sentence ... water, and maybe some ice to go with it.
We leave, and I'm feeling bad that I've wasted my daughter and her fiance's time, but they are okay about it. They are more worried about disappointing me. So, I suggest we at least get some kind of treat, and offer to buy at the nearby Tim Horton's. I love their coffee and cookies. We have fun drinking coffee (decaf) and eating oatmeal raisin and macadamia nut cookies and then head back. Instead, we end up playing games with Makamae, my daughter's baby cockatoo, who is very happy to be let out his cage and not have to go to bed early.
Not the evening we planned, but fun....
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
I got four free tickets for this t.v. preview thing (well actually a friend got them and gave them to me.) She and her husband couldn't make it and wondered if I wanted the tickets. I had actually done one of these preview things years ago, and I remembered it being kind of fun, so I thought, okay sure....
Then I forgot about the tickets until my daughter called today and mentioned it was October first, and wasn't that the night of the preview thing? I'd called her before and asked if she wanted to join me, knowing my husband probably wouldn't be interested. And as it turned out, Cliff Hanger was on t.v. so the preview thing was out of the question.
It was raining and a crummy night out anyway, and the event was at the Radisson Hotel and not too far away, so off the three of us went to see the t.v. preview. We were supposed to view two pilot episodes that could possibly end up on national t.v., and I figured we would be asked to fill out a form and rate each, but that would be okay. The program started at 7:30 p.m., so I figured we would be out of there by 9:00 at the lastest.
So we get there, and ask the guy taking tickets how long this event will last, only to be told 10:00 p.m. I say we might not be able to stay quite that long, and without even blinking, he hands back the tickets and says maybe we should sign up for a night when we can actually stay. He also mentions that not only would we be seeing the two half hour pilots, but also a bunch of commercials, and must answer 60 questions. (This is sounding better and better all the time.) I look over and glimpse their idea of refreshments for this two and a half hour sentence ... water, and maybe some ice to go with it.
We leave, and I'm feeling bad that I've wasted my daughter and her fiance's time, but they are okay about it. They are more worried about disappointing me. So, I suggest we at least get some kind of treat, and offer to buy at the nearby Tim Horton's. I love their coffee and cookies. We have fun drinking coffee (decaf) and eating oatmeal raisin and macadamia nut cookies and then head back. Instead, we end up playing games with Makamae, my daughter's baby cockatoo, who is very happy to be let out his cage and not have to go to bed early.
Not the evening we planned, but fun....
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
End of a great summer....
I'm so happy to see the weather return to summer-like conditions. It was so depresssing a week or so ago to have to put on long pants, full gloves, and a thick vest for my morning Saturday ride. I've been warmer skiing than I was biking.
Anyway, I rode last night over on the east side, Gross Pointe, and it was very enjoyable because it's so flat there. I wouldn't want to do it on a regular basis, but it's a nice treat once in a while. I've improved greatly since June, when I struggled to hang onto the group, and got left on Jefferson riding alone. Last night, I not only kept up, but passed quite a few people, but after about three minutes or so of going 27 to 30 miles an hour, I was done.... But the rest of the ride was a decent pace and then my favorite stop, Starbucks for coffee at the tables outside, before heading back to our starting point.
It was so nice to ride in a sleeveless jersey and shorts again, and it didn't cool down even after the sun set. Then we had dinner at Champs, about eight of us cramped together at a table outside, but that's the way it had to be since the patio was crowded. It appeared everybody else wanted to eat out in the nice weather too.
I am not looking forward to summer ending, and hope that this summery streak continues for a while. For one thing, I'll miss the crickets. They were really loud last night, especially as it grew dark. Guess they were glad to be out in the warm weather again too.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter,
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Anyway, I rode last night over on the east side, Gross Pointe, and it was very enjoyable because it's so flat there. I wouldn't want to do it on a regular basis, but it's a nice treat once in a while. I've improved greatly since June, when I struggled to hang onto the group, and got left on Jefferson riding alone. Last night, I not only kept up, but passed quite a few people, but after about three minutes or so of going 27 to 30 miles an hour, I was done.... But the rest of the ride was a decent pace and then my favorite stop, Starbucks for coffee at the tables outside, before heading back to our starting point.
It was so nice to ride in a sleeveless jersey and shorts again, and it didn't cool down even after the sun set. Then we had dinner at Champs, about eight of us cramped together at a table outside, but that's the way it had to be since the patio was crowded. It appeared everybody else wanted to eat out in the nice weather too.
I am not looking forward to summer ending, and hope that this summery streak continues for a while. For one thing, I'll miss the crickets. They were really loud last night, especially as it grew dark. Guess they were glad to be out in the warm weather again too.
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter,
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
A Good Deed
Well, I just had to know more about my page partner on Amazon, so I went over to Borders to check her out. I guess I just wanted to see if I thought she was as good of a writer as it appeared she was. And well ... she was. I didn't read the whole book while I stood there, but I read enough to know that she is certainly a very talented writer.
Of course, on the drive over to the bookstore I was still a little miffed, and didn't know how I felt exactly. All I knew was "she" didn't appear to be helping my cause, seated next to me on my Amazon page. But I had visited her website earlier, and read her bio, and saw that it didn't come easy for her either. She had worked hard to get to where she is now.
And so, the softy in me came out, and I straightened her book section (since it was a little messy) and took a damaged copy off the shelf and turned it in to one of the girls who worked there. I felt a whole lot better when I left.
And here's the funny thing, absolutely true I swear. My book sales have risen every day since....
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Of course, on the drive over to the bookstore I was still a little miffed, and didn't know how I felt exactly. All I knew was "she" didn't appear to be helping my cause, seated next to me on my Amazon page. But I had visited her website earlier, and read her bio, and saw that it didn't come easy for her either. She had worked hard to get to where she is now.
And so, the softy in me came out, and I straightened her book section (since it was a little messy) and took a damaged copy off the shelf and turned it in to one of the girls who worked there. I felt a whole lot better when I left.
And here's the funny thing, absolutely true I swear. My book sales have risen every day since....
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Not So Sure About This....
Okay, I've got company on my Amazon page, since about a week ago. At first I thought it was pretty cool, but now I'm not so sure.... I feel like I'm at an author's signing, but I'm seated beside a seasoned bestselling author that everybody knows about, and unfortunately I'm the unknown newby.
Amazon has this program called "Better Together" which I actually considered purchasing to advertise my book, but it turned out to be quite expensive, and with no guarantee of sales. For that much money I figured I could do a lot of other types of advertising that might be more effective. What I didn't consider was that another author might decide on "togetherness" with me. To be honest, I doubt my new seat mate chose me, but Amazon did. This is a real compliment, for sure. Amazon saying that her new bestselling book (and she has several others) is comparable to mine and we should be paired is a good thing. Unless ... yes, unless those who clicked on my book with intentions to buy get distracted by her astounding sales and forget about my worthy well-written book trying to grab a bit of the spotlight.
I keep hoping that readers will do what I think they were supposed to do - buy both of our books. But since she appeared on the scene, my steadily increasing sales figures ... well ....
Hey, but she's a guest, and if nothing else I should at least try to see why Amazon chose to pair her with me. I may even have to buy one of her books, see if I agree. And good grief, she does have over twenty-two pages of listings on Google. (I stopped reading at that point.)
And no, I won't say who she is. You'll have to go on Amazon and check out my book site.... And while you're there, maybe you could buy my book. Or yeah, hers too if you must....
HER LAST LETTER - by Nancy C. Johnson (that's me)
I'm sure she's a very nice person.
P.S. If you would like to guess, her initials are C.G.
Update: I have a new author next to me now, Jan Coffey. And my former page partner was Cindy Gerard. :)
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Amazon has this program called "Better Together" which I actually considered purchasing to advertise my book, but it turned out to be quite expensive, and with no guarantee of sales. For that much money I figured I could do a lot of other types of advertising that might be more effective. What I didn't consider was that another author might decide on "togetherness" with me. To be honest, I doubt my new seat mate chose me, but Amazon did. This is a real compliment, for sure. Amazon saying that her new bestselling book (and she has several others) is comparable to mine and we should be paired is a good thing. Unless ... yes, unless those who clicked on my book with intentions to buy get distracted by her astounding sales and forget about my worthy well-written book trying to grab a bit of the spotlight.
I keep hoping that readers will do what I think they were supposed to do - buy both of our books. But since she appeared on the scene, my steadily increasing sales figures ... well ....
Hey, but she's a guest, and if nothing else I should at least try to see why Amazon chose to pair her with me. I may even have to buy one of her books, see if I agree. And good grief, she does have over twenty-two pages of listings on Google. (I stopped reading at that point.)
And no, I won't say who she is. You'll have to go on Amazon and check out my book site.... And while you're there, maybe you could buy my book. Or yeah, hers too if you must....
HER LAST LETTER - by Nancy C. Johnson (that's me)
I'm sure she's a very nice person.
P.S. If you would like to guess, her initials are C.G.
Update: I have a new author next to me now, Jan Coffey. And my former page partner was Cindy Gerard. :)
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
About the Free EBooks
Someone from Edmonton, Alberta downloaded one of my free EBooks today. I have no idea where this person (whose name I will not mention, of course) found out about my free book offer. I know I didn't advertise in Alberta certainly....
When my website was designed, I had no idea I would be as curious as I am now to know details, but I would love to know the chain of events that led this person to find my site and decide to download my book. (If I had known how curious I would be, I would have included an area on the download page for adding this information. Of course, I could still change it.)
Several people (okay, ladies) downloaded my book in India too. I didn't advertise there either. I can only guess that somehow they found me on the web. But I would sure like to know how. Did someone just happen across my website, and then tell a few friends?
And many from the U.S. have downloaded my book ... in the north, south, east, and west. This I can sort of understand, as I did some target advertising in certain cities. But though I advertised in those certain cities, many books were downloaded in states I did not advertise in. Hmmm, how did that happen?
I guess I'll never know, and I guess it doesn't matter. I guess all I can do is keep trying to get the word out, and keep marveling each time someone from a distant city, perhaps on the other side of the world, finds my book....
Of course, if any of you happen to be reading this now, I hope you enjoyed the book!
And please, write and let me know how you found me! Nancy :)
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
When my website was designed, I had no idea I would be as curious as I am now to know details, but I would love to know the chain of events that led this person to find my site and decide to download my book. (If I had known how curious I would be, I would have included an area on the download page for adding this information. Of course, I could still change it.)
Several people (okay, ladies) downloaded my book in India too. I didn't advertise there either. I can only guess that somehow they found me on the web. But I would sure like to know how. Did someone just happen across my website, and then tell a few friends?
And many from the U.S. have downloaded my book ... in the north, south, east, and west. This I can sort of understand, as I did some target advertising in certain cities. But though I advertised in those certain cities, many books were downloaded in states I did not advertise in. Hmmm, how did that happen?
I guess I'll never know, and I guess it doesn't matter. I guess all I can do is keep trying to get the word out, and keep marveling each time someone from a distant city, perhaps on the other side of the world, finds my book....
Of course, if any of you happen to be reading this now, I hope you enjoyed the book!
And please, write and let me know how you found me! Nancy :)
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Already August
Summer is going by way too fast. Already it is August and I barely remember July. I am enjoying the new table and chairs out on the deck a lot though. I forgot how much I liked sitting there just outside the kitchen. For several years now since we threw out the old wooden table and bench seats (they rotted and fell apart) the deck has been devoid of a place to sit. I did use the set out on the lawn once in a while, but the mosquitoes would get me in the evening, and it was more of a production to go back and forth. With the table on the deck, I can run out for a few minutes and drink my coffee or tea, then run in again to do something else. It's more like an extension of the kitchen itself. It looks nice from the kitchen too ... kind of invites you to go outside and relax for a minute.
The relaxing part of my life seems to have disappeared lately. Now I have to spend time trying to get the word out about my book. Not that I mind that much. It's just new to me. I try to look at it as a challenge. It's just odd trying to promote my own work. Though I am confident that I wrote a good book, it's wierd to always be doing the "buy my book" or "read my book" thing. It feels so self oriented, and of course it is. It would be easier and far preferable to write books and leave the marketing to someone else, but if I want people to read my books, I can't take a backseat and hope someone else will do all the work for me. If I want people to find me, I have to do the uncomfortable thing and promote ... promote ... promote.
Among other things, I am planning to sign up with a company that does a heavy duty email campaign and use an ad I wrote recently. I hope it will encourage people to buy my book or to at least download the free e-book. It doesn't cost much and is "spamless." I won't be annoying a bunch of people who don't want to receive offers in their email. I'll give it a test run and see how it works. Fortunately, it's a month to month thing, so if I don't get results, I can easily cancel.
I have several other ideas too. I might try a few of those as well, if not now, after I see how this email blitz thing goes. I want to be able to know what works and what doesn't.
If anyone has any great marketing ideas for me, my ears are open. If you can't write me here, use the contact link on my website. I would appreciate any help you might offer.
Thanks, Nancy
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
The relaxing part of my life seems to have disappeared lately. Now I have to spend time trying to get the word out about my book. Not that I mind that much. It's just new to me. I try to look at it as a challenge. It's just odd trying to promote my own work. Though I am confident that I wrote a good book, it's wierd to always be doing the "buy my book" or "read my book" thing. It feels so self oriented, and of course it is. It would be easier and far preferable to write books and leave the marketing to someone else, but if I want people to read my books, I can't take a backseat and hope someone else will do all the work for me. If I want people to find me, I have to do the uncomfortable thing and promote ... promote ... promote.
Among other things, I am planning to sign up with a company that does a heavy duty email campaign and use an ad I wrote recently. I hope it will encourage people to buy my book or to at least download the free e-book. It doesn't cost much and is "spamless." I won't be annoying a bunch of people who don't want to receive offers in their email. I'll give it a test run and see how it works. Fortunately, it's a month to month thing, so if I don't get results, I can easily cancel.
I have several other ideas too. I might try a few of those as well, if not now, after I see how this email blitz thing goes. I want to be able to know what works and what doesn't.
If anyone has any great marketing ideas for me, my ears are open. If you can't write me here, use the contact link on my website. I would appreciate any help you might offer.
Thanks, Nancy
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
My Website is finally live!
Actually, my website was live a week ago, on July 11, my birthday. So, I had something to celebrate! It was a nice day for me too, met my sister for lunch in Birmingham at one of my favorite restaurants, and then we sat and talked for a couple hours, always fun. Our waiter was very nice, even gave us a great dessert free. I'm trying to think of the name of it, right on the tip of my tongue, a sort of soft sweet vanilla pudding with a thin crust and delicious strawberries on top of that. It was wonderful, full of calories I'm sure, but hey, it was my birthday. Then I had dinner out with family at another of my favorite restaurants, a chain, but still great. Unfortunately, they took my favorite entree off the menu, and that wasn't cool, but replaced it with a very similar dish, so I wasn't too disappointed.
So ... now if anyone wants my free E-Book or my Paperback or CD, they are easy to access. Someday I would love to offer an audio book too. I love audio books myself, especially if they are well done. I would make sure mine was of great quality when the time comes.
I have lots to do still, but don't feel as frantic as I've felt for the past year, trying to get mine and my daughter's website launched, plus finish my book and get that out. It's nice to slow down a tad, even though I know there is still lots to do. No one will buy my Paperback or download my E-Book if they don't know it exists. My placement on Amazon is pretty good, so I'm hoping people will be able to find me now. And I added "Search Inside the Book" also, so that they could read a bit of it. I always like to do that before I buy a book, read the first few pages, then flip through and read a few more. I also put a free ad on Craig's list yesterday, a local one. Then for fun, I tried to put a similar ad on Craig's list London, UK . It didn't take, but the local one didn't take either until I submitted it a second time, so I'll try to do that again today. It would be so cool if someone in London downloaded my E-Book, or bought my book on Amazon. I can't ship outside the U.S. from my website, too costly at this point, but Amazon can.
Well, I need to get going on my "to do" list for the day. Please take a look at my website and tell me what you think. You can leave comments on my contact page. I think you'll find the home page is especially cool. Nancy
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
So ... now if anyone wants my free E-Book or my Paperback or CD, they are easy to access. Someday I would love to offer an audio book too. I love audio books myself, especially if they are well done. I would make sure mine was of great quality when the time comes.
I have lots to do still, but don't feel as frantic as I've felt for the past year, trying to get mine and my daughter's website launched, plus finish my book and get that out. It's nice to slow down a tad, even though I know there is still lots to do. No one will buy my Paperback or download my E-Book if they don't know it exists. My placement on Amazon is pretty good, so I'm hoping people will be able to find me now. And I added "Search Inside the Book" also, so that they could read a bit of it. I always like to do that before I buy a book, read the first few pages, then flip through and read a few more. I also put a free ad on Craig's list yesterday, a local one. Then for fun, I tried to put a similar ad on Craig's list London, UK . It didn't take, but the local one didn't take either until I submitted it a second time, so I'll try to do that again today. It would be so cool if someone in London downloaded my E-Book, or bought my book on Amazon. I can't ship outside the U.S. from my website, too costly at this point, but Amazon can.
Well, I need to get going on my "to do" list for the day. Please take a look at my website and tell me what you think. You can leave comments on my contact page. I think you'll find the home page is especially cool. Nancy
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Sunday afternoon
It's Sunday afternoon and I plan to spend the rest of the day outside once I finish this post. It's going to be a short one as I don't really have much in the way of news today. I did talk to Ginger who is a great lady who offered to help me promote my new book, Her Last Letter, once my website goes live. She and her husband John floated over on their pontoon boat and stopped by and talked for a little while. The action is crazy out on the lake today, boats flying back and forth, and the water is a perfect temperature, cool but not too cool. I should go jump in the lake, or go float on a raft, or even take the kayak out. That's the great thing about living on a lake, you don't feel the need to head to the public parks, and people like to drop by and keep you company.
There is a nice breeze coming off the water, and we need that as the temps will reach the mid-nineties today. My daughter Angie and her fiance Marty are coming over, and we'll barbecue chicken etc. and just relax and enjoy. I do love summer!
I think my website will be completed this week, just a few little blips keeping it from going live, should be resolved soon. I can't wait! Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
There is a nice breeze coming off the water, and we need that as the temps will reach the mid-nineties today. My daughter Angie and her fiance Marty are coming over, and we'll barbecue chicken etc. and just relax and enjoy. I do love summer!
I think my website will be completed this week, just a few little blips keeping it from going live, should be resolved soon. I can't wait! Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Neglecting my riding and writing
Hello,
I've been neglecting both my bike riding and writing this blog, and actually I should start zeroing in on the topic for my next novel. I do this all the time though, and eventually I hit on an idea that sticks and it becomes my new book. So I'm not going to worry about it, and besides, I need to promote my current novel before moving on to something new. I've been pushing myself hard lately, working on the website particulars and a million other things, and that's why I decided it was time to do a ride with my fellow Wolverines (Michigan bicycle group).
So this morning I drove over to Beverly Hills (Michigan) and did 42 miles with the gang. I haven't been riding much compared to the kind of riding I've done every year for the past 15, so I was a little worried about keeping up. I know I'm not in shape, and that wouldn't be much of a problem except that everybody else is! I've probably done less than two hundred miles since spring, barely anything. Riders talk a lot about miles, how many miles they rode on a given day, how many for the season, how many for the year. Oddly, other riders are actually interested in this stuff, unless the rider in question goes on and on about it. Gives them a chance to mention their miles, for the day, for the season.... You get the idea.
Anyway, the flats were fairly easy and I kidded myself into thinking I was okay. We hit the first set of hills and I struggled, but didn't fall behind ... too much. We usually stop for coffee and a sweet roll midway, and I was fine until we were about two miles from the stop, then I bonked some and lost the group, but knew the rest of the way fortunately so it wasn't a problem.
But on the way back my lack of conditioning really began to show, and when we hit Kirk in the Hills, normally a fun set of ups and downs, I fell apart. I literally almost fell over I was going so slow on one hill. I lost the group again, but fortunately my friend Steve took pity on me (he knows I don't know the way back at all) and led me out. The group stopped and waited around the corner, which was nice of them. Steve and I would have missed them totally, but they yelled out to us and we were able to rejoin them. I plan not to let this happen again, and will keep a better riding schedule. I don't like it when people have to wait for me. Plus it's my fault, not theirs, that I haven't been riding. It's also a lot more fun to ride when you're in shape, less heavy breathing, cramping etc.
But I'm glad I went. I missed everybody, and it hasn't felt normal lately. I love to ride, especially with my group. It was a great day! Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
I've been neglecting both my bike riding and writing this blog, and actually I should start zeroing in on the topic for my next novel. I do this all the time though, and eventually I hit on an idea that sticks and it becomes my new book. So I'm not going to worry about it, and besides, I need to promote my current novel before moving on to something new. I've been pushing myself hard lately, working on the website particulars and a million other things, and that's why I decided it was time to do a ride with my fellow Wolverines (Michigan bicycle group).
So this morning I drove over to Beverly Hills (Michigan) and did 42 miles with the gang. I haven't been riding much compared to the kind of riding I've done every year for the past 15, so I was a little worried about keeping up. I know I'm not in shape, and that wouldn't be much of a problem except that everybody else is! I've probably done less than two hundred miles since spring, barely anything. Riders talk a lot about miles, how many miles they rode on a given day, how many for the season, how many for the year. Oddly, other riders are actually interested in this stuff, unless the rider in question goes on and on about it. Gives them a chance to mention their miles, for the day, for the season.... You get the idea.
Anyway, the flats were fairly easy and I kidded myself into thinking I was okay. We hit the first set of hills and I struggled, but didn't fall behind ... too much. We usually stop for coffee and a sweet roll midway, and I was fine until we were about two miles from the stop, then I bonked some and lost the group, but knew the rest of the way fortunately so it wasn't a problem.
But on the way back my lack of conditioning really began to show, and when we hit Kirk in the Hills, normally a fun set of ups and downs, I fell apart. I literally almost fell over I was going so slow on one hill. I lost the group again, but fortunately my friend Steve took pity on me (he knows I don't know the way back at all) and led me out. The group stopped and waited around the corner, which was nice of them. Steve and I would have missed them totally, but they yelled out to us and we were able to rejoin them. I plan not to let this happen again, and will keep a better riding schedule. I don't like it when people have to wait for me. Plus it's my fault, not theirs, that I haven't been riding. It's also a lot more fun to ride when you're in shape, less heavy breathing, cramping etc.
But I'm glad I went. I missed everybody, and it hasn't felt normal lately. I love to ride, especially with my group. It was a great day! Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
I finally have High Speed Internet!
Hello everyone,
Yes, I know getting High Speed Internet isn't a really big deal to most people, but it is to me. I don't like to admit this to myself, or to anyone else for that matter, but I tend to make changes very slowly and only after much consideration. I am one of the least compulsive people I know! Dial up was just fine with me, and like those turtle people on t.v., the Slowskis, using a slow connection wasn't much of a problem for me at all. It was a problem for those who wanted to get a hold of me though. Since I'm on the Internet more than usual lately, my phone just rang and rang and rang ... no answering machine ... nothing. I never heard it, of course. Plus, I didn't miss getting any of the telemarketing calls (I mean, who would?) and I got a lot done because I wasn't interrupted. But I couldn't watch videos or listen to audios and it was very frustrating when something interesting presented itself. If you've never had dial up, you wouldn't be aware that audios and videos are impossible to listen to or watch. It's like trying to watch someone with the hiccups trying to talk!
The nice thing is that it isn't going to cost a lot more than we were paying before, and we get better t.v. programming too. We even get an assortment of free movies, some of them pretty decent.
My book, Her Last Letter, is available on Amazon now. And Angie and I uploaded the cover image recently and it looks really good! It's also available at barnesandnoble.com, but the cover image isn't up yet. We're planning to take care of that this weekend. My website is almost complete, just taking care of some shipping and handling details needed by PayPal. It's a lot more work than I thought it would be. I want to offer the most reasonable shipping possible, and also the quickest. I worked a lot on that the last few days, and I think I have it just about under control.
Well, it's late and I'm exhausted. So, I think I'll get to bed. Been on the computer too much tonight. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Yes, I know getting High Speed Internet isn't a really big deal to most people, but it is to me. I don't like to admit this to myself, or to anyone else for that matter, but I tend to make changes very slowly and only after much consideration. I am one of the least compulsive people I know! Dial up was just fine with me, and like those turtle people on t.v., the Slowskis, using a slow connection wasn't much of a problem for me at all. It was a problem for those who wanted to get a hold of me though. Since I'm on the Internet more than usual lately, my phone just rang and rang and rang ... no answering machine ... nothing. I never heard it, of course. Plus, I didn't miss getting any of the telemarketing calls (I mean, who would?) and I got a lot done because I wasn't interrupted. But I couldn't watch videos or listen to audios and it was very frustrating when something interesting presented itself. If you've never had dial up, you wouldn't be aware that audios and videos are impossible to listen to or watch. It's like trying to watch someone with the hiccups trying to talk!
The nice thing is that it isn't going to cost a lot more than we were paying before, and we get better t.v. programming too. We even get an assortment of free movies, some of them pretty decent.
My book, Her Last Letter, is available on Amazon now. And Angie and I uploaded the cover image recently and it looks really good! It's also available at barnesandnoble.com, but the cover image isn't up yet. We're planning to take care of that this weekend. My website is almost complete, just taking care of some shipping and handling details needed by PayPal. It's a lot more work than I thought it would be. I want to offer the most reasonable shipping possible, and also the quickest. I worked a lot on that the last few days, and I think I have it just about under control.
Well, it's late and I'm exhausted. So, I think I'll get to bed. Been on the computer too much tonight. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
My books are here! My books are here!
Hi,
I guess you can tell I am excited. My books were printed and ready for delivery last Monday. And they turned out spectacular! I am so pleased. The cover looks even better than I thought it would, and the interior turned out beautifully too. I love the color of the interior pages, off white, almost a soft yellow, and I love the feel of them. They are smooth and soft to the touch. So far (cross my fingers) I haven't discovered any errors in the text, which would be my fault, since I had many chances to look it over. As much as I liked reading the manuscript, I like reading the actual book even more. I can't wait to get my books into the hands of readers, whom I can only hope will love them as much as I do! I have all kinds of wonderful ideas for my next book too, but first I would like to receive feedback on HER LAST LETTER before beginning in earnest. That way I have a better chance to learn what readers liked about this one.
It's all so very exciting. I am now a published novelist! Whether I sell one book, or many, nothing can change that fact. It has been a long, long road to this point, but I'm finally here! And the view is awesome! Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
I guess you can tell I am excited. My books were printed and ready for delivery last Monday. And they turned out spectacular! I am so pleased. The cover looks even better than I thought it would, and the interior turned out beautifully too. I love the color of the interior pages, off white, almost a soft yellow, and I love the feel of them. They are smooth and soft to the touch. So far (cross my fingers) I haven't discovered any errors in the text, which would be my fault, since I had many chances to look it over. As much as I liked reading the manuscript, I like reading the actual book even more. I can't wait to get my books into the hands of readers, whom I can only hope will love them as much as I do! I have all kinds of wonderful ideas for my next book too, but first I would like to receive feedback on HER LAST LETTER before beginning in earnest. That way I have a better chance to learn what readers liked about this one.
It's all so very exciting. I am now a published novelist! Whether I sell one book, or many, nothing can change that fact. It has been a long, long road to this point, but I'm finally here! And the view is awesome! Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Books arrive as soon as Friday!
Hello,
Well, my books may be ready for delivery as soon as Friday! I can't wait to see them and examine them. Though I already know what the cover will look like, this will be the first time I see the book covers with their beautiful glossy finish. The covers I've seen so far have more of a matt finish. The first thing I'll do is open one up and hope it's as perfect as I think it will be. I've heard horror stories of books printed upside down with missing pages or with globs of ink, etc. I don't think I need to worry about that since a very reputable book printing company is handling the job. I've been very, very pleased with them so far, but I tend to worry about stuff like this. What's that old saying? If anything can go wrong, it will. Let's hope not.
I've been staring at my computer screen too much lately, neglecting to exercise, so I decided to get some air today and took a walk around the neighborhood just before sunset. It was nice to move. I saw a few other people out too. The weather was so pleasant today, started out cold, then warmed up quickly to about seventy-five. I didn't realize it was nice until about three o'clock, when I had to leave to do some errands. I walked out in a sweater and light jacket, only to see people walking around in shorts and sleeveless tanks. That's the funny thing about this time of year in Michigan; people are dressed all kinds of ways, some overdressed, some under. By June everyone seems to have figured it out.
I'm hoping my website will be finished soon. The mockup site does look great, and I like the flash that Lisa has added. My author page, links page, and order page are not ready yet, but it's getting close. Angie's site http://www.angiedesigns.com/ is more complicated than mine, so it's taking a bit more time. I proofread some of her site today and found a few items that needed to be corrected, and will do a little more of that tomorrow. She is so very busy, she just doesn't have time for everything.
Well, it's time for bed. I'll check in soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Well, my books may be ready for delivery as soon as Friday! I can't wait to see them and examine them. Though I already know what the cover will look like, this will be the first time I see the book covers with their beautiful glossy finish. The covers I've seen so far have more of a matt finish. The first thing I'll do is open one up and hope it's as perfect as I think it will be. I've heard horror stories of books printed upside down with missing pages or with globs of ink, etc. I don't think I need to worry about that since a very reputable book printing company is handling the job. I've been very, very pleased with them so far, but I tend to worry about stuff like this. What's that old saying? If anything can go wrong, it will. Let's hope not.
I've been staring at my computer screen too much lately, neglecting to exercise, so I decided to get some air today and took a walk around the neighborhood just before sunset. It was nice to move. I saw a few other people out too. The weather was so pleasant today, started out cold, then warmed up quickly to about seventy-five. I didn't realize it was nice until about three o'clock, when I had to leave to do some errands. I walked out in a sweater and light jacket, only to see people walking around in shorts and sleeveless tanks. That's the funny thing about this time of year in Michigan; people are dressed all kinds of ways, some overdressed, some under. By June everyone seems to have figured it out.
I'm hoping my website will be finished soon. The mockup site does look great, and I like the flash that Lisa has added. My author page, links page, and order page are not ready yet, but it's getting close. Angie's site http://www.angiedesigns.com/ is more complicated than mine, so it's taking a bit more time. I proofread some of her site today and found a few items that needed to be corrected, and will do a little more of that tomorrow. She is so very busy, she just doesn't have time for everything.
Well, it's time for bed. I'll check in soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Press Check
Hi there!
No, this doesn't mean the Press is giving me a check, though I wouldn't mind. Press Check means that before my book is printed, I get one final chance to check the cover as it comes off the press. It was sort of fun, but scary. I stood there with the pressman and the guy handling my account, and watched as my cover came rolling out of the press. I was supposed to look at it and see if the color needed small changes or not. It looked great to me, but they both looked at it and decided the girl on my cover had a little bit too much rouge in her checks. They corrected that and ran two more covers, just to check and make sure everything looked right.
I'd already gone through the process of looking over my proof copy of the book, and a proof of the cover, and was very pleased, but still.... The last thing I want is to have errors in the interior of my book or on the cover, but it's amazing what can be missed! As far as I can see all the pages are there and in the right order. The printer was given a file, so if there are mistakes, more than likely they will be my own. It must be devastating for an author to find errors when it's too late to change them. I looked over another author's new book the other day, and found a mistake on the acknowledgment page, right up front before the book even begins! How sad. I can only hope that at least I've caught any big mistakes. I did change one item on page 194, because even though I checked over my manuscript what felt like a thousand times, I'd left the word hor doerves on two separate lines. Hor was at the end of the first line, and doerves at the beginning of the next. How in the world did I miss that?
I'm not sure if I finished this blog last time, because it appears to end here. ??? I just noticed this now. I only signed on to edit a few mistakes I made. Anyway, it will end here now because I have no idea what I may have written before.... Oh, well. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
No, this doesn't mean the Press is giving me a check, though I wouldn't mind. Press Check means that before my book is printed, I get one final chance to check the cover as it comes off the press. It was sort of fun, but scary. I stood there with the pressman and the guy handling my account, and watched as my cover came rolling out of the press. I was supposed to look at it and see if the color needed small changes or not. It looked great to me, but they both looked at it and decided the girl on my cover had a little bit too much rouge in her checks. They corrected that and ran two more covers, just to check and make sure everything looked right.
I'd already gone through the process of looking over my proof copy of the book, and a proof of the cover, and was very pleased, but still.... The last thing I want is to have errors in the interior of my book or on the cover, but it's amazing what can be missed! As far as I can see all the pages are there and in the right order. The printer was given a file, so if there are mistakes, more than likely they will be my own. It must be devastating for an author to find errors when it's too late to change them. I looked over another author's new book the other day, and found a mistake on the acknowledgment page, right up front before the book even begins! How sad. I can only hope that at least I've caught any big mistakes. I did change one item on page 194, because even though I checked over my manuscript what felt like a thousand times, I'd left the word hor doerves on two separate lines. Hor was at the end of the first line, and doerves at the beginning of the next. How in the world did I miss that?
I'm not sure if I finished this blog last time, because it appears to end here. ??? I just noticed this now. I only signed on to edit a few mistakes I made. Anyway, it will end here now because I have no idea what I may have written before.... Oh, well. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Monday, April 30, 2007
It's good to be home on my own computer, although....
Hi,
Well, the library was an interesting way to spend a few hours getting stuff done, but I'd rather write from home. Though I must say that the chairs at the library are way more comfortable than mine, and if I wanted to spend some money I'd definitely invest in a new computer chair. It's also easy to check out free DVDs while you're at the library, then easily return them the next day. I picked out Pride and Prejudice, a book I read and enjoyed a lot as a young girl. Seeing the movie should be really interesting. Plus, going to the library gave me an excuse to get out of my robe and get dressed, something I'm a little slow doing sometimes, especially if the weather looks bad. I also liked hanging out with the people at the library. Everybody keeps pretty much to themselves, but still there's an air of contentment and comeraderie. You feel that if you asked someone a question, they wouldn't ignore you or be rude, they'd just try to help you out, and then drift back into their silent reverie. I saw an older lady sitting reading a book, alone, but not really. You had to figure she could have read the book at home, but felt more comfortable there among her like-minded library friends. I also noticed a man holding a baby, a very good natured baby, who didn't cry and seemed to have picked up on the contented atmosphere of the library as well. The father sat using the Internet for several hours with the baby crooked in his arm.
Well, I'm tired and I guess I should go to bed. I'll get back to you soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Well, the library was an interesting way to spend a few hours getting stuff done, but I'd rather write from home. Though I must say that the chairs at the library are way more comfortable than mine, and if I wanted to spend some money I'd definitely invest in a new computer chair. It's also easy to check out free DVDs while you're at the library, then easily return them the next day. I picked out Pride and Prejudice, a book I read and enjoyed a lot as a young girl. Seeing the movie should be really interesting. Plus, going to the library gave me an excuse to get out of my robe and get dressed, something I'm a little slow doing sometimes, especially if the weather looks bad. I also liked hanging out with the people at the library. Everybody keeps pretty much to themselves, but still there's an air of contentment and comeraderie. You feel that if you asked someone a question, they wouldn't ignore you or be rude, they'd just try to help you out, and then drift back into their silent reverie. I saw an older lady sitting reading a book, alone, but not really. You had to figure she could have read the book at home, but felt more comfortable there among her like-minded library friends. I also noticed a man holding a baby, a very good natured baby, who didn't cry and seemed to have picked up on the contented atmosphere of the library as well. The father sat using the Internet for several hours with the baby crooked in his arm.
Well, I'm tired and I guess I should go to bed. I'll get back to you soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Internet Down
Hello!
Well, I'm at the library writing this blog as my Internet at home is down. With any luck it will be up and running soon. Like at least one of the characters in my book, I hate it when things break. Actually, that probably applies to all of them. Who likes it when things break? Repairmen are the only ones I can think of at the moment ... and maybe toddlers. I'm planning to go to the book printing company tomorrow, which reminds me, I need to do a map quest before I leave here. I vaguely remember the directions, but I wasn't driving the last time so I wasn't really paying attention. The printing company is huge, or huge to me; I guess it is considered a medium size book printing company as companies go. It is over 10,000 square feet and a cool looking building inside and out! They put out a quality book product, and were nice enough to give me a tour of the building and an explanation of all the equipment housed there, and how it functions. I understood only a little of it, but it was really interesting. The book interior will be printed in sections called "signatures." At their company, a signature is 8 pages. I guess signatures can be as much as 16 or 32 pages. They will be using off-set printing for my book, a good choice. They also offer web printing, also a great choice and lightening fast I'm told!
So, I'll hand over the hard copy (manuscript) proof of my book tomorrow, and also a copy of the cover. They will use each to check against the proof copy they print, I suspect, in case of errors (mine or theirs). It will be 4-5 weeks before the books are printed and ready for me. That will give me time to work on my marketing plans, already in the works. But more on that later.
By the way, it is finally a beautiful Michigan spring Sunday afternoon, so I am anxious to get back outside! I'll talk to you soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Well, I'm at the library writing this blog as my Internet at home is down. With any luck it will be up and running soon. Like at least one of the characters in my book, I hate it when things break. Actually, that probably applies to all of them. Who likes it when things break? Repairmen are the only ones I can think of at the moment ... and maybe toddlers. I'm planning to go to the book printing company tomorrow, which reminds me, I need to do a map quest before I leave here. I vaguely remember the directions, but I wasn't driving the last time so I wasn't really paying attention. The printing company is huge, or huge to me; I guess it is considered a medium size book printing company as companies go. It is over 10,000 square feet and a cool looking building inside and out! They put out a quality book product, and were nice enough to give me a tour of the building and an explanation of all the equipment housed there, and how it functions. I understood only a little of it, but it was really interesting. The book interior will be printed in sections called "signatures." At their company, a signature is 8 pages. I guess signatures can be as much as 16 or 32 pages. They will be using off-set printing for my book, a good choice. They also offer web printing, also a great choice and lightening fast I'm told!
So, I'll hand over the hard copy (manuscript) proof of my book tomorrow, and also a copy of the cover. They will use each to check against the proof copy they print, I suspect, in case of errors (mine or theirs). It will be 4-5 weeks before the books are printed and ready for me. That will give me time to work on my marketing plans, already in the works. But more on that later.
By the way, it is finally a beautiful Michigan spring Sunday afternoon, so I am anxious to get back outside! I'll talk to you soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Book going into production soon!
Hi there!
My mystery/romantic suspense novel, HER LAST LETTER, will be going into production soon. The printing company needs a few things from me first, but I'll take care of that this week. I expect the book will be ready for distribution in a month to two months. I'm very excited about it. I've put a lot of time, effort, and love into my novel, and tried to make it a fun and entertaining read. My aim was always to please a female audience, but it could possibly appeal to a male audience too. Time will tell. The premise for my book is rather unique, or at least I don't remember ever reading a book quite like it. I've included lots of dialogue and action scenes, and the pace of the book increases as more and more of the plot unfolds.
My characters became real for me right from the start, revealing themselves as they acted out their stories. I've been told they also seem real to the women who've read my manuscript. It's fun writing a book, hard work, but fun. In this one endeavor, I have complete control. If I say it rains, it rains. If I say the daffodils are in bloom, they are. Anything can happen and I determine it all. That's exciting for me! Plus, a lot of skill is involved. The words and sentences must have a certain music, a certain rhythm to them, depending on the emotions I hope to invoke. To do this even marginally well takes years of reading good writing and practicing the craft. Still, I feel I have a lot to learn, and am continually looking for ways to improve. I always try to offer the absolute best stories I am capable of writing.
And now I will get off my soap box and get busy fixing dinner. Talk to you soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered at most bookstores.
My mystery/romantic suspense novel, HER LAST LETTER, will be going into production soon. The printing company needs a few things from me first, but I'll take care of that this week. I expect the book will be ready for distribution in a month to two months. I'm very excited about it. I've put a lot of time, effort, and love into my novel, and tried to make it a fun and entertaining read. My aim was always to please a female audience, but it could possibly appeal to a male audience too. Time will tell. The premise for my book is rather unique, or at least I don't remember ever reading a book quite like it. I've included lots of dialogue and action scenes, and the pace of the book increases as more and more of the plot unfolds.
My characters became real for me right from the start, revealing themselves as they acted out their stories. I've been told they also seem real to the women who've read my manuscript. It's fun writing a book, hard work, but fun. In this one endeavor, I have complete control. If I say it rains, it rains. If I say the daffodils are in bloom, they are. Anything can happen and I determine it all. That's exciting for me! Plus, a lot of skill is involved. The words and sentences must have a certain music, a certain rhythm to them, depending on the emotions I hope to invoke. To do this even marginally well takes years of reading good writing and practicing the craft. Still, I feel I have a lot to learn, and am continually looking for ways to improve. I always try to offer the absolute best stories I am capable of writing.
And now I will get off my soap box and get busy fixing dinner. Talk to you soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered at most bookstores.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The day after Friday the thirteenth....
Good morning!
Actually, I've always considered Friday the thirteenth to be lucky ... for me, because my birth date has lucky numbers in it. It's 7/11. Even the year is lucky in that respect, but as a lady, I don't wish to reveal my age. So, for my own reasons, I've decided that Friday the thirteenth is lucky, because good things have always happened to me on that date.
Yesterday my daughter ushered in a new member of the family! But no, it's not a grandchild exactly, more of a feathered grandchild. She brought home Makamae, her baby cockatoo, or "crested parrot" by dictionary definition. He was born a few months ago in Hawaii, and shipped here in the first class section of the airplane. Before his trip he was cared for by the breeder, then a nurse of sort who fed him baby food etc. until he was grown enough to come home. My daughter Angie has already started a baby album, pictures of his egg, of him struggling to crack open his egg, of his wet little bird body, then of him in various stages of growth. They grow fast! Angie adopted a bird because she couldn't have a dog or cat pet because of allergies. I've visited Makamae several times, and will go again to visit him today. He is white, with blue around his eyes, has a gentle nature, and loves to play with his toys. His name in Hawaiian means "cherished or precious." He is already trying to say his name. Maka sounds like the "ma" in mom, and mae sounds like "my."
Though I didn't write anything about writing today, I'll leave you with a quote I found by Ernest Hemingway, another writer I and many others admire.
"My aim is to put down what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way I can tell it."
Ernest Hemingway
I agree with that philosophy! Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
Friday the thirteenth, lucky, birth date has lucky numbers in it, good things have always happened, feathered grandchild, baby cockatoo, Hawaii, baby album, adopted a bird, gentle nature, Ernest Hemingway, others admire, mystery romantic suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Actually, I've always considered Friday the thirteenth to be lucky ... for me, because my birth date has lucky numbers in it. It's 7/11. Even the year is lucky in that respect, but as a lady, I don't wish to reveal my age. So, for my own reasons, I've decided that Friday the thirteenth is lucky, because good things have always happened to me on that date.
Yesterday my daughter ushered in a new member of the family! But no, it's not a grandchild exactly, more of a feathered grandchild. She brought home Makamae, her baby cockatoo, or "crested parrot" by dictionary definition. He was born a few months ago in Hawaii, and shipped here in the first class section of the airplane. Before his trip he was cared for by the breeder, then a nurse of sort who fed him baby food etc. until he was grown enough to come home. My daughter Angie has already started a baby album, pictures of his egg, of him struggling to crack open his egg, of his wet little bird body, then of him in various stages of growth. They grow fast! Angie adopted a bird because she couldn't have a dog or cat pet because of allergies. I've visited Makamae several times, and will go again to visit him today. He is white, with blue around his eyes, has a gentle nature, and loves to play with his toys. His name in Hawaiian means "cherished or precious." He is already trying to say his name. Maka sounds like the "ma" in mom, and mae sounds like "my."
Though I didn't write anything about writing today, I'll leave you with a quote I found by Ernest Hemingway, another writer I and many others admire.
"My aim is to put down what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way I can tell it."
Ernest Hemingway
I agree with that philosophy! Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
Friday the thirteenth, lucky, birth date has lucky numbers in it, good things have always happened, feathered grandchild, baby cockatoo, Hawaii, baby album, adopted a bird, gentle nature, Ernest Hemingway, others admire, mystery romantic suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Oh ... the weather outside is ... yuk!
Hello,
So this will be my second official post as a blogger. I wonder what the accepted definition of blogger is? Must you write blogs, or only read blogs? Is the word blogger officially listed in the dictionary? I would have to think so, at least in the unabridged version. I will definitely have to go to my online Webster's Dictionary site for this and check it out. I love that site anyway. I mean, the guy (why a guy anyway?) will pronounce the word for you on the computer (look for a tiny red horn and turn up the volume on the speakers) and it's even free! It gives many more words than in the dictionary on my desk, which hasn't put out an updated edition in I don't know how many years.
But about the weather. It's one of those "Why do I live in Michigan?" spring days out there. It's rainy and cold and miserable. I'll have to go out in it because I'm out of bird seed and the squirrels and birds around here depend on me now. I only started feeding them in order to amuse my cat, who doesn't go outside. I would let him go, but he doesn't like it, because of his past.... I'll have to tell you about that someday.
My website (listed above) is under construction as of this date, so no one can get free e-books or excerpts as yet. But the site is looking so cool! Lisa, my designer, is doing a great job. I've never met her. She lives all the way over in California, but I can tell from talking and emailing her that she is super nice, and very talented. Angie (daughter) and I found her by searching Craig's list, or could be she found us, I'm not exactly sure anymore. We checked out her site and were impressed! I'm not sure how much longer it will take to finish our sites. It's all a very detailed process, and Lisa has other clients besides us. She'll have her company name on the site once it's up, so if you'd like a new website yourself, you can check it out there.
Well, time to brave the rain I guess. I'll check in again soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
So this will be my second official post as a blogger. I wonder what the accepted definition of blogger is? Must you write blogs, or only read blogs? Is the word blogger officially listed in the dictionary? I would have to think so, at least in the unabridged version. I will definitely have to go to my online Webster's Dictionary site for this and check it out. I love that site anyway. I mean, the guy (why a guy anyway?) will pronounce the word for you on the computer (look for a tiny red horn and turn up the volume on the speakers) and it's even free! It gives many more words than in the dictionary on my desk, which hasn't put out an updated edition in I don't know how many years.
But about the weather. It's one of those "Why do I live in Michigan?" spring days out there. It's rainy and cold and miserable. I'll have to go out in it because I'm out of bird seed and the squirrels and birds around here depend on me now. I only started feeding them in order to amuse my cat, who doesn't go outside. I would let him go, but he doesn't like it, because of his past.... I'll have to tell you about that someday.
My website (listed above) is under construction as of this date, so no one can get free e-books or excerpts as yet. But the site is looking so cool! Lisa, my designer, is doing a great job. I've never met her. She lives all the way over in California, but I can tell from talking and emailing her that she is super nice, and very talented. Angie (daughter) and I found her by searching Craig's list, or could be she found us, I'm not exactly sure anymore. We checked out her site and were impressed! I'm not sure how much longer it will take to finish our sites. It's all a very detailed process, and Lisa has other clients besides us. She'll have her company name on the site once it's up, so if you'd like a new website yourself, you can check it out there.
Well, time to brave the rain I guess. I'll check in again soon. Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
My first ever, ever, ever ... blog.
Hi there!
I created this site today and this is first time I've ever written a blog. I've read quite a few, but never felt the urge to write my own. But this blog site is so nice I wanted to have one all to myself.
Since I am a writer you would think writing this would be a piece of cake. Speaking of cake, I think I have a cupcake in the ... but I digress. (This is how writing doesn't get done, getting pulled away from the keyboard to do any number of time-wasting things.) I probably should talk about writing in some respect, since I've already mentioned my new book enough times. You remember, HER LAST LETTER, the mystery/romantic suspense novel I've been telling you about? I remind myself of a new mother. "Oh, look at her/him. Isn't she/he the most adorable, blessed, wonderful creation ever to grace this planet?" I do love my book, but I also love any number of others. Two of my favorite authors of late are Sue Grafton and Mary Higgins Clark. I'm also a long standing fan of Ira Levin, who wrote Rosemary's Baby, and A Kiss Before Dying, and Stepford Wives, among others. Not only were Mr. Levin's novels made into movies, they are written with such craft and simplicity you might not guess the man is a genius! Of course, if I'm really feeling nostalgic, I'll take out my old copy of The Reincarnation of Peter Proud, by Max Ehrlich. Wow! I've read it and reread it countless times. (They made a movie out of this one too, but didn't do it justice. I would love to see what Dreamworks would do with it now.) Well, I've only left out a few hundred other wonderful and deserving authors, but I'll save them for later.
I am hungry, so I think I'll go in search of that cupcake. I'm wondering now, can I delete this before it's too late? Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
blog, created this site, I am a writer, new book, Sue Grafton, Mary Higgins Clark, Ira Levin, novels made into movies, Max Ehrlich, Reincarnation of Peter Proud, wonderful and deserving authors, mystery romantic suspense novel, Her Last Letter
I created this site today and this is first time I've ever written a blog. I've read quite a few, but never felt the urge to write my own. But this blog site is so nice I wanted to have one all to myself.
Since I am a writer you would think writing this would be a piece of cake. Speaking of cake, I think I have a cupcake in the ... but I digress. (This is how writing doesn't get done, getting pulled away from the keyboard to do any number of time-wasting things.) I probably should talk about writing in some respect, since I've already mentioned my new book enough times. You remember, HER LAST LETTER, the mystery/romantic suspense novel I've been telling you about? I remind myself of a new mother. "Oh, look at her/him. Isn't she/he the most adorable, blessed, wonderful creation ever to grace this planet?" I do love my book, but I also love any number of others. Two of my favorite authors of late are Sue Grafton and Mary Higgins Clark. I'm also a long standing fan of Ira Levin, who wrote Rosemary's Baby, and A Kiss Before Dying, and Stepford Wives, among others. Not only were Mr. Levin's novels made into movies, they are written with such craft and simplicity you might not guess the man is a genius! Of course, if I'm really feeling nostalgic, I'll take out my old copy of The Reincarnation of Peter Proud, by Max Ehrlich. Wow! I've read it and reread it countless times. (They made a movie out of this one too, but didn't do it justice. I would love to see what Dreamworks would do with it now.) Well, I've only left out a few hundred other wonderful and deserving authors, but I'll save them for later.
I am hungry, so I think I'll go in search of that cupcake. I'm wondering now, can I delete this before it's too late? Nancy
Update - Website live as of July 11, 2007
Visit my website to read a FREE EXCERPT of my mystery romantic-suspense novel, Her Last Letter.
http://www.nancy-cjohnson.com/
Books are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through most bookstores.
Technorati Tags:
blog, created this site, I am a writer, new book, Sue Grafton, Mary Higgins Clark, Ira Levin, novels made into movies, Max Ehrlich, Reincarnation of Peter Proud, wonderful and deserving authors, mystery romantic suspense novel, Her Last Letter
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)