tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75030506695457449872024-02-18T15:40:07.142-08:00First WordWriting, Business and Sometimes Just LifeTwo Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.comBlogger1498125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-28563070469894757202024-01-04T09:45:00.000-08:002024-01-04T09:45:36.424-08:00Cats are Trending - Kitty Wisdom <p>
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;">CATS ARE TRENDING </span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times;">Cats are getting more attention than ever before.</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDj2YeFAcbcLJK6IwoujJWH9I9NJgKRBujeV411pE_AUdVx9lfM6wP_fMkrV0zF8l5slekfTQPZJ8XbNNXN1ZXV_lEVoKgMgiT08GiOymqUiy5NHdHLC8U6UDLt7h-9dQk9TVqTCJtOJ4DbE9pF6abCJW0nr1MNnMrQgLu089grqgoYXr2PCx6sOD4gc/s2700/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDj2YeFAcbcLJK6IwoujJWH9I9NJgKRBujeV411pE_AUdVx9lfM6wP_fMkrV0zF8l5slekfTQPZJ8XbNNXN1ZXV_lEVoKgMgiT08GiOymqUiy5NHdHLC8U6UDLt7h-9dQk9TVqTCJtOJ4DbE9pF6abCJW0nr1MNnMrQgLu089grqgoYXr2PCx6sOD4gc/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>Last year cats began trending on
the Internet and social media. We saw cats in popular TV shows like <i>And Just
Like That</i> where the character Che gives the iconic Carrie Bradshaw a kitten.
On social media such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, cats took center stage
in groups with titles like Cat Lovers. On Tiktok, cat enthusiasts post popular
cat videos on the CatTok channel. With so much increased interest in our feline
friends, a new book titled <i>Kitty Wisdom: A Cat Lover’s Guide to Adopting and
Caring for Kitties</i> is being released for the new year. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Written by author Michelle
Gamble, the book is her love letter to her two kitties, Slurpee and Icee. She
wrote the book in a memoir style to share her adoption journey and all of the
funny, entertaining moments she has experienced with her fur babies. Gamble
walks readers through the adoption process and then explores daily cat care.
While describing these stories, she adds educational and important information
every cat owner should know before adopting “kitty kids,” as she lovingly
refers to as cats. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">“I wanted to write something
fun that would tell a great story while also educating readers about things
like food, health, behaviors and their meanings, and humor to make people laugh
while they learn,” said Gamble who is also a publisher and book marketing
specialist. “I asked other cat parents to share their funny cat stories too. I
added those stories to the back of the book.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Gamble, who is a pet-rescue
advocate, spent over a year writing and researching the book. “I learned a lot,
especially about things that can poison kitties in your own home,” she said. “I
also noticed more people than ever had adopted cats during the pandemic. I thought,
it’s important to understand cats are like little people. They have feelings,
emotions, reasoning. I heard some owners, who adopted during the pandemic,
turned around to abandon their furry friends once they returned to work, and I
got upset. I’ve loved cats my whole life, and abandonment is unacceptable.
People will read this book and gain insight into understanding that kitties
have rights, too.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kitty Wisdom releases
nationwide on Amazon in February 2024. In the meantime, advanced copies are
available on the 3L Publishing and PR website at </span><a href="https://3l-publishing.myshopify.com/products/kitty-wisdom-a-cat-lovers-guide-to-adopting-and-caring-for-kitties"><span style="font-family: Times;">https://3l-publishing.myshopify.com/products/kitty-wisdom-a-cat-lovers-guide-to-adopting-and-caring-for-kitties</span></a><span style="font-family: Times;">.</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-45270668793852633112023-12-13T14:42:00.000-08:002023-12-13T14:42:27.879-08:00The Border Crisis: A Question of Taking Care of American Citizens<p> <span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bPbskS6Fa_0Qcy90_-Ck_DIVwXZCIZokdZ3I1RTniw2P2urmXrJ5hRJ5Ja_BOEG0lJSHKpvS-6B3Ab4u9yhbZz55ztg4MyDTDXDqNfBeJUahu_NSDjKvIsH6teHdiI26hO6jIVUyu4gQMztkg-cG-rwWVlnRffsuSTePb_lPL4DWb1OuX4KlL2n68DA/s1440/272919769_10224372113362609_4130442487845500292_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bPbskS6Fa_0Qcy90_-Ck_DIVwXZCIZokdZ3I1RTniw2P2urmXrJ5hRJ5Ja_BOEG0lJSHKpvS-6B3Ab4u9yhbZz55ztg4MyDTDXDqNfBeJUahu_NSDjKvIsH6teHdiI26hO6jIVUyu4gQMztkg-cG-rwWVlnRffsuSTePb_lPL4DWb1OuX4KlL2n68DA/s320/272919769_10224372113362609_4130442487845500292_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />The issue of 2023, and probably well into 2024, has to do with illegal immigration into the United States. Under the Biden Administration, our border has literally become an open invasion of our country. If you're not concerned about it or you believe it's somehow racist to want our open border closed, then you're in for a hard reality. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">As our leadership provides sanctuary cities and literally rewards illegal immigration with food, shelter and clothing, the rest of America can well, and let's be blunt, suffer. We literally are paying via our tax dollars for these people to come here, meanwhile our own veterans and countryman (including the homeless) end up kicked out of shelters and left to fend for themselves -- and let's be clear, we're talking about legal citizens who paid taxes or fought for our country. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">How has this gotten so out of control? Since the beginning of 2023, 2.5 million migrants have crossed the border from Mexico into the U.S. (I think that number is much higher). They are welcomed into our country and bussed off into their preferred sanctuary cities, among them New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and much more. They are given FREE $700 cell phones, a stipend of $2200 a month, food, and (in the case of New York City) five-star hotel lodging. Meanwhile, our veterans are finding themselves kicked into the streets. People who fought for our country and paid taxes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now consider the strain on the social systems. Thousands of children are displacing services in our schools and healthcare to accommodate their needs versus American children. Services that should be provided to American children get redirected to help illegal students. Public safety is at risk, as none of these people have been vetted. Criminals and terrorists have been given free rein to simply walk across the border. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Are you worried yet? </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Are you worried that your veteran family member's services are cut? Are you worried that social services designed to help our children go to illegal migrants? MOST OF ALL, are you at least concerned that young, military-aged men are among the major demographics coming illegally into this country? Have you seen the images? Thousands of men coming from countries like Iran, a known enemy to the US, have flooded illegally into this country. Aren't you even a little curious as to why? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm not a political junky or activist, but over the last year I've watched with my mouth wide open all of the images, listened to the discussions, and discerned on my own one essential truth: <b>this is dangerous</b>! Open borders aren't the solution to anything. If you want to come to the US, use a legal port of entry. Do it the right way. Otherwise, don't come here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Further, whatever the conspiracy theories suggest or the motives, this can't continue. We are trillions in debt. We don't have the resources or frankly the will to support this situation. Our country is suffering. I've been privy to some economic forecasts that suggest we have a housing crisis sure to rival the collapse of 2008. Inflation has gone crazy, with gas prices staying close to $6 a gallon in California. Eggs went from $1.30 to $5 or more. Food is expensive. I can't even go to the a discount grocer like the Grocery Outlet and not spend minimally $50 for a few simple items. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And what blows my hair back the most, illegals have not paid a thin dime into our system -- not a red cent! I don't know about you, but that issue alone should anger you. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">We need to CLOSE the border NOW, not later or not after something so catastrophic has happened that it can't be undone. I've never been a Trump supporter, but I will tell you what he said that I applaud, "I will be a dictator on day #1 and close the border." He didn't mean he would be a dictator; he meant he would get the job done and close it down on the first day back in office -- and for that he's got my vote. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Michelle Gamble is an author, speaker, and PR specialist. <br /></i></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-84716742012992493502023-10-19T11:19:00.001-07:002023-10-19T11:19:42.542-07:00Excerpt Kitty Wisdom: Chapter 4: A Day in the Life<p>
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">Chapter 4</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">A Day in the Life</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“<i>I
love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its
visible soul</i>.” – Jean Cocteau</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";"> </span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtv3RDvEq7gkje90AgCKF6eezPgft5DQ7BKb2coYAZM-LNQM5_jILGmNR3qDouVJc_toMdA12j-iLAWTbWPxUmBVcB355YhY88pqdx6uRIKfSo-l2vlLnLJRwYF0zs6B4idYML9aa1TrfWrJPfNhlRumDkY-0TiszuMrQeuVhdIYaOaiFUoNXk52v_iTE/s1440/387063732_10228186248273598_5219709403398044160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtv3RDvEq7gkje90AgCKF6eezPgft5DQ7BKb2coYAZM-LNQM5_jILGmNR3qDouVJc_toMdA12j-iLAWTbWPxUmBVcB355YhY88pqdx6uRIKfSo-l2vlLnLJRwYF0zs6B4idYML9aa1TrfWrJPfNhlRumDkY-0TiszuMrQeuVhdIYaOaiFUoNXk52v_iTE/s320/387063732_10228186248273598_5219709403398044160_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";"></span><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">“The Brothers” </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">Have you ever heard in cat talk
something called the “zoomies”? I define the zoomies in a visual and auditory
way. Watching two cats racing at full speed around the house, across and over
furniture, and literally up walls, that’s the zoomies (formally known as Frenetic Random Activity Pattern or FRAP). I usually hear the
zoomies when the galloping starts. I can be writing at my desk and first thing
in the morning, what do I hear? <i>Gallop, gallop, gallop, crash, slide, meow,
chase, race, pounce, jump, roll, and repeat</i>. Most zooming takes place in
the morning or late afternoon after a good nap has refueled the tank. I find the
zoomies hilarious to watch. My desk faces the hallway so I’ve been a silent
observer of cats racing back and forth in front of the two open French doors. I
watch them and laugh. Two cats playing equals one entertained cat mom. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">Slurpee and Icee, although uniquely
different in personality and temperament, play with each other nonstop. I
rarely see any fights between them. The closest they’ve come to any kind of cat
“dispute” is over raw chicken. Slurpee even moves his chicken out of the bowl,
all the while growling and letting Icee know, “Hey! Back off! This is <i>mine</i>!”
gulp! Icee just ignores him and meows at me in hopes of getting more chicken
(bacon has recently become their favorite). I’m going to talk more about kitty
food and diet in another chapter. Suffice it to say, food is their only area of
discord. Outside of that conflict, they’re a great team. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">I crack up a lot when I notice how
they mirror each other’s actions. At any given moment, they love to sit
together and stare into the yard. Their eyes fixed on the song birds, mostly
sparrows and finches, pecking and scratching through the leaves and debris to
find food. We get a lot of bird activity in the winter time. Whether it’s the
sliding-glass door in the back of the house or the front door, these two can be
found identically staring out the window. Slurpee, the brat, even managed to
break three blinds to create a perfect square to stick his head through to the
window. It’s pretty funny to see this little cat face peeking out of the glass.
On any given day, I can find him either standing in the windowsill or sitting
with his face tucked in the square cutout. Slurpee showed his talent in
geometry when he carved out a perfectly shaped square, too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">Recently, Slurpee found a
“girlfriend” while staring out of his square. Even though he’s neutered, it
doesn’t stop him from literally howling at the fluffy black kitty who visits
him on our porch. I’m not kidding. He just howls like a wolf at her. He’ll
climb into the windowsill and just stare at the pretty girl. I guess, he’s no
different than most men who like to look at beautiful women, except men tend
not to howl (well, some men do, but…). Girl kitty recently jumped up on one of
the outdoor chairs so she and Slurpee could flirt. She’s not a stray. She has a
collar and looks healthy and loved. She just likes to come visit here and there
– and Slurpee quite happily regales her with his (a-hem) “serenade”. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">As for Icee, he likes it when the
blinds are pulled up and he can easily stare out the front window with his
brother. Icee has no interest in the girl kitty. Icee has this mild temperament
and goes with the flow. He isn’t the leader. Slurpee leads the team. As a
kitten, Icee followed Slurpee </span><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">around. He still does, but more often
than not when it comes to nap time, Icee likes to sleep next to my desk in a
chair I placed just for him. Slurpee though sprawls on the couch or near the
window in the sunshine. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">I love it when they’re both in my
office and sleep around me while I work. I’ve got the ideal situation as a cat
owner. I’ve worked from home for 16 years. I’m always around to give them pats.
Icee can’t help himself. Almost every morning he starts to meow around the
house. It’s cute. Icee has a deep meow, which doesn’t fit his sweet
personality, while Slurpee has a sweet meow, which also doesn’t suit his
rambunctious personality. I found out that cats really don’t meow for other
cats. They meow to talk to us. They communicate their needs or even moods
through those meows. Now that I told you their meows are reserved for
human-to-cat communication, pay attention to it. Icee’s meow means, “Mom! Mom!
Where are you?” Then I call to him and say, “I’m in the office,” to which he
walks into the room. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">So, Icee lets it be known he wants
“love time” with me. He and Slurpee tussle about, and when it’s time to settle
down, Icee meows and saunters into the office. Then it’s purr time on my lap.
Oh, how I adore purr time. Studies have shown that a cat’s purr has all kinds
of positive healing powers. Icee has a super loud purr, and with one scratch
under the chin or pet along his furry back, he lets loose. Purring releases
endorphins in cats, and it does the same for owners. Reducing stress and the
associated hormones can lower blood pressure and promote overall health. Cats
purr at a frequency that falls between 25 and 40Hz. Scientists say that this
vibrational level promotes tissue regeneration. As a result, a cat’s purr calms
you down, decreases symptoms of dysonoea (difficulty breathing), reduces risk
of heart disease, and helps heal infections, reduce swelling, and promote bone
healing and growth; and it encourages pain relief, muscle growth, tendon
repair, and join mobility. Pretty cool if you ask me. Frankly, it feels nice to
pet a kitty while he rumbles on your chest, which Icee loves to do. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">I find it adorable how Icee ambles
into my office, meowing and letting me know he’s ready for a purr party. I sit
behind my desk and encourage him to jump on my lap. The little fool does so,
and then he’s in either one of two modes: one, he is so excited he can’t sit
still and rubs and makes biscuits usually on my fuzzy robe sleeves. He aggressively
rubs his head against my chest and hands. He seemingly can’t get enough
affection, pets, scratches, and kisses. Two, he settles down and manages to
fall into a purr-filled sleep to which I transfer him to the nearby chair so my
hands and lap are free. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">Icee’s headbutting behavior is a sign
that I’m “his” human. In cat psychology, cats own you, not the other way
around. When a cat headbutts, he marks his territory by releasing his
pheromones to bond with you. Notice how cats love to rub against you, too –
same difference. It’s also a sign they feel safe with you, as the headbutt
bonds him to you and designates you as his safe zone – and he’s showing
affection. Headbutting can also be a demand for head scratches and pets. I’m
always happy to oblige a headbutt with some scratches under the chin and around
the ears. He has soft fur around his neck, so I enjoy the pleasure of its silky
feel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">Both Slurpee and Icee headbutt, but
Icee really gets into it. Sometimes he practically sits on my face. While I
spit out cat hair, Icee rubs all over my head and chest, which makes it
critical that I keep those claws trimmed. A few choice scratches across my
chest or on my arms, and I’m grabbing the claw clippers and blunting those
little weapons. My joke when Icee aggressively rubs over me, purrs really
loudly, and just can’t seem to get close enough to me, that we’re having a
passion lovefest. He’s getting many mommy kisses and “boops” on his nose. While
I love Slurpee, Icee melts my heart. Slurpee wants attention when he wants it, which
is more typical aloof cat behavior. I would have to say Icee is the exception
to the rule when it comes to attention-seeking manners. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">The fun part comes when Slurpee
insists on being in my lap, too. I’m a tall but petite woman, so my lap offers
limited space. When Icee was a kitten, it worked out just fine. After all, two
purring kitties is always better than one. However, as it happens with all
babies, kittens get bigger and lap real estate won’t provide space for two. So,
these days I enjoy mostly Icee on my lap, as he searches me out to be with me.
Slurpee tends to watch from the doorway that leads into the office. Don’t
worry, Icee is not the only spoiled one. When Icee vacates my lap, Slurpee
often jumps on or simply sleeps next to my desk in the chair. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">In late afternoon, both tend to
disappear. Even as I write this book, Icee has passed out on the chair and
Slurpee, well, I’m not sure where Slurpee wandered off to. I guess he’s most
likely curled up on my sofa. We made the mistake of purchasing a new sofa that
has dark blue nubby-like fabric. I joke, “We bought the world’s most expensive
cat post.” Within a day, Slurpee, not Icee, christened the sofa and pulled up
thick threads. We quickly went on Amazon and ordered these square clear tape
strips to cover the fabric. It works pretty good even though the bare fabric
looks better. I say it’s the price of owning fur babies so get over it. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">Now let’s talk more about my office
“buddies” and Zoom calls. First, let me say you can’t control a cat or keep him
out of your office. If I close the doors, the rascals will literally, and I
mean <i>literally</i>, throw their whole bodies against the door and loudly
meow to be let in. Thus, it does me no good to toss them out. I am the editor
of a magazine, and we do weekly Zoom calls. More than once, my teammates have
heard Icee meowing around the house. Then on one call, the little guy jumped in
my lap, climbed up on my shoulders, and sat there. What a sight. No one ever
acknowledged or said anything. I think since the pandemic and the rise of
remote work (56 percent of white collar pros now work remotely), people have
adjusted to pets being around the home office. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">The lack of interest in my cat while
on a formal Zoom call defines what I consider to be a new kind of etiquette –
pet etiquette. Since I can’t exactly quiet my cat or stop him from jumping on
me, it’s an accepted norm we all ignore it. So, I just keep listening and talking.
He has jumped on me a few times during my writers’ group meetings too. Since
those meeting are more casual, I welcome Icee into my lap and sometimes make
him wave with his paw. “Hi everyone.” On the other hand, Slurpee acts shy and
rarely joins meetings. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";">The cats sleep all afternoon, so
that’s quiet time. Cats sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. My cats sleep during the
mid-afternoon, and then later after we’ve put them out of our bedroom, they
sleep at night. I’m assuming most cats sleep in similar patterns. One important
note, don’t answer your cat’s demands for food too early in the morning if you
do not wish to get up that soon. Once they have a scheduled feeding time, they
will ask for it – and they will meow <i>loudly</i>. My cats love to start
scratching the carpet under the door, which is a big no, no. We’ve had to put
area rugs under the doors to prevent the carpet from being shredded. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon Medium";"> </span></p>
<p><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-20517541975975106312023-09-11T09:51:00.002-07:002023-09-11T09:51:38.194-07:00New Book Release -- Better Dirty Than Done <p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxMa54U0MF-oWmpGJEk8eg12GJDrhYi_7GVAA72JR95OTR4sRZZ9bDAkKKAXWzfgFdRDHy0DWLsRmKOnniUdFr3_GxR0G7g9lBf7rPKC_RzC_vKsC_R9y4va7hKFIW-8AyOVEQ2RqsuLHnWQE1s7MNeg-XmOn3Ud6aa7Vu23e3hsGCREp48TdGXI40lA/s2700/FrontCoverOnly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxMa54U0MF-oWmpGJEk8eg12GJDrhYi_7GVAA72JR95OTR4sRZZ9bDAkKKAXWzfgFdRDHy0DWLsRmKOnniUdFr3_GxR0G7g9lBf7rPKC_RzC_vKsC_R9y4va7hKFIW-8AyOVEQ2RqsuLHnWQE1s7MNeg-XmOn3Ud6aa7Vu23e3hsGCREp48TdGXI40lA/s320/FrontCoverOnly.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />September is Hodgkin’s Disease Awareness Month, and
new author Rick Czaplewski pre-released early copies of his new book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Better Dirty Than Done</i> to share his
battle with the deadly disease. In the book, Czaplewski chronicles his
experience in his early 20s being diagnosed and then treated for Hodgkin’s
Disease. Through his unique storytelling, he weaves a captivating tale about
being diagnosed and going through the subsequent treatment. Told during a
one-week of his life where he questions his odds of survival, Czaplewski
imagines an incredible new life full of unique adventures he wishes to take
should he win this personal war. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;">Hodgkin’s Disease, a cancer of the lymphatic
system, </span><span style="font-family: Times;">limits the body’s ability to
fight infection. Lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin may swell. Fatigue,
fever, and chills are some symptoms. Treatments include chemotherapy,
radiation, and in rare cases stem-cell transplant. The American Cancer
Society’s estimates for Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States About 8,500 to
9,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year.
Hodgkin's lymphoma is more prevalent in females than in males.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Czaplewski told us this
about the book, “Hodgkin's Disease nearly took my life twice as a college
student. After chemotherapy and radiation treatments over three years, I
recovered, graduated, and got a second chance at life. I wrote my book, <i>Better
Dirty Than Done</i>, for my son as a personal history of my fight and love of
life. I hope to inspire cancer warriors and survivors or anyone facing
difficulties. The book intimately covers my fight against Hodgkin’s Disease and
triumphant return to life. Come with me on the ride. Cry with me. Stand and
cheer! Get inspired!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">“Stories by survivors
of the trauma experienced during the treatment of a life
threatening illness are beyond most of our imaginations,” said Julie
Griffie, an oncology nurse and early reader of the book. “But if you want
to cheer a young adult on as he navigates the emotional and physical challenges
of horrific treatment, read this book. As an oncology nurse and
cancer survivor times three, I have read several books written by
survivors but none written as well as this one. You will cheer for the
strength of the writer, as you cheer for his recovery, a bit dirty, but
not done.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;">An addictive, inspiring memoir, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Better Dirty Than Done</i> will have you
turning pages and questioning the value of your own time. What would you do if
your life suddenly had an imminent expiration date? Grab a box of tissues and
reflect on both the fragility of life and its limitless potential for joy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;">Better Dirty Than Done</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;"> is available on the
3L Publishing and PR website at </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://3l-publishing.myshopify.com/products/better-dirty-than-done-an-inspirational-true-story"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;">https://3l-publishing.myshopify.com/products/better-dirty-than-done-an-inspirational-true-story</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;">. It releases to Amazon just in time for the holidays in November
2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more information, contact 3L
Publishing at 916-300-8012 or send an email to </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><a href="mailto:info@3LPublishing.com"><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;">info@3LPublishing.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times;">##</span></p>
<p><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-85079823489816817832023-06-23T10:03:00.000-07:002023-06-23T10:03:21.162-07:00And Just Like That, Season 2 Disappointing and Disjointed<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2SIKRojezcYB8fn8b4iXOXEwMzzjELvkV7Amr_B_2tqjDKpw1NkE_lRluC6rUWOQ1c5QdD8HUwIPxBPYr7RZPJwJ3s3vG5m0-yYvB0FZAdKz0FVkVVmxEq8cPup94VxAoZo28imElGA50bdYJEGEFiOor-OvTeCt3sY6cv-ZAW4XpqQ8MPKehZUT9Qc/s1763/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1175" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2SIKRojezcYB8fn8b4iXOXEwMzzjELvkV7Amr_B_2tqjDKpw1NkE_lRluC6rUWOQ1c5QdD8HUwIPxBPYr7RZPJwJ3s3vG5m0-yYvB0FZAdKz0FVkVVmxEq8cPup94VxAoZo28imElGA50bdYJEGEFiOor-OvTeCt3sY6cv-ZAW4XpqQ8MPKehZUT9Qc/s320/images.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Let me be clear, I adored <i>Sex and the City</i>. The series was groundbreaking in every sense of the word. It frankly, openly and without judgment talked about relationships and sex in ways that no other TV show had done. It delved into women's issue with moxie and style. <p></p><p>However, this "thing" we call <i>And Just Like That </i>is so degraded and diluted into this sociological/political, over-the-top statement about every sexual and racial comment about today's culture that it's hardly recognizable. </p><p>Other reviewers have already explored its tragically misguided narrative and disjointed storyteller, so I am going to stick to character destruction, especially with our beloved Carrie Bradshaw. </p><p>In Season 2, Episode 2, our heroine Carrie pointedly refuses to do a vaginal suppository commercial. She fusses and fumes over having to essentially shill for the "vag," and to that end her character flips into uptight -- uncharacteristic -- behavior. She simply won't do it. She feels debased in doing so.</p><p>Here's the rub: our Carrie was never uptight -- that is, until this series reboot began. In my opinion, the old Carrie would have embraced the idea of womanhood. Talking about one's vagina isn't taboo (remember this is the woman who had Samantha fish out her <span>diaphragm)</span>. And since she -- and some people in general -- frown on the idea of being frank about the VJVJ (apparently a 90s term), it's an unacceptable topic to be tackled by Ms. Bradshaw. <br /></p><p>SATC gloriously dramatized once taboo subjects, and that is what made the series so special. It openly discussed women's issues and relationships. Today's Carrie is a menopausal woman, and I firmly believe she should have taken the opportunity to discuss vaginal dryness and irritation to help show women, it's okay. We ALL go through it, so let's not make this a big deal. Instead, they made it embarrassing for Bradshaw to even utter "suppositories" like it's some degrading reality no one should speak about, especially the illustrious and now poorly written Carrie. My Carrie would have turned this subject on its ear. <br /></p><p>Instead, the show decided it's perfectly fine to show Miranda navigating a "strap-on," but not okay for Bradshaw to shill for vagina. Frankly, no one needed to see Miranda trying to figure out a strap on. How that helps anyone is beyond me. However, Carrie being at peace with discussing vaginal issues with this predominantly female audience would have had real value -- value in the sense of not making it shaming. Because Carrie's attitude is shaming while a strap-on is just, what? A day in the life? </p><p>The show is so off-the-mark it's disappointing for long-time viewers. The only reason I'm watching is because 20 years ago I invested in the original message about women, lifestyle, choices, and relationships. Now I can only shake my head. Michael Patrick King, a gay man running a woman's show, needs to get his head out of the nonsense and get back to basics. You want to help women, stop pushing an agenda, because this show is full of agendas that have pushed it completely off-track.</p><p>Bring back Samantha and get rid of prude Carrie! <br /></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-21200104876340534512023-06-01T11:27:00.001-07:002023-06-01T11:27:19.897-07:00Kitty Wisdom: Bad Kitty<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltxWzx8vJjMsPNiaZVkXYxD5-l5r09xJ4TDhvna6fL7I8rvHeEx0xlihQzl1nt_q022FJEEqZHLg5HrYhHy3Rxt8QRIMbBnfjOQhSabeKXFT3xs0d0jXKQgOhm4ECcxRFgAeN29dMFH_AndasY8VkV9xvB3-MGqlsmbAuY14_SLbIdg3T8BwD_qYg/s1000/338010315_3506057899671877_5273092356777477337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltxWzx8vJjMsPNiaZVkXYxD5-l5r09xJ4TDhvna6fL7I8rvHeEx0xlihQzl1nt_q022FJEEqZHLg5HrYhHy3Rxt8QRIMbBnfjOQhSabeKXFT3xs0d0jXKQgOhm4ECcxRFgAeN29dMFH_AndasY8VkV9xvB3-MGqlsmbAuY14_SLbIdg3T8BwD_qYg/s320/338010315_3506057899671877_5273092356777477337_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I only wish I had
caught this on video … Slurpee got up on the kitchen counter and like a bandido
in fine criminal style, pulled a bag of bread down to the ground. By the time
we caught him mid-steal, he had trotted off to my daughter’s bedroom with the
bag in his mouth. His plan, you ask? To eat his stash under the bed. Speaking
of that bed, we discovered that both Slurpee and Icee had started stealing food
(cans of cat food, bread, etc.) and eating it under the bed. To suggest that
cats don’t know exactly what they’re doing is wrong. The little buggers knew
they would be in trouble for stealing and hoarding food, so they hid it. It
reminded me of the person who hides food they know they’re not supposed to eat.
But, the image of Slurpee swiping that bread and heading off to the bedroom
with the loaf in his mouth … well, priceless! He looked like a dog with a ball
in his mouth. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I used to read
this book series called <i>Bad Kitties</i> by Nick Bruel to my daughter Cambria
when she was a little girl. She loved it! Book titles included <i>Bad Kitty
Goes to the Vet</i>, <i>Bad Kitty Gets a Bath</i>, <i>Bad Kitty Drawn to
Trouble</i>, etc. In fact, when I initially thought about writing <i>Kitty
Wisdom</i>, I thought about doing it like this children’s book series (I’m also
an artist and illustrator); however, no one writes “Bad Kitty” stories better
than Bruel. I loved the books, because they highlight all kinds of funny cat
situations, with of course, grains of truth in them. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I admit, I have
yelled “bad kitty” on many occasions. Actually, I spend about 70 percent of my
time saying, “No, it’s not dinner time,” as they beg for food throughout the
day. I’ve said it so much that all I have to do now is say, “NO!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I often break into
lecturing them. “You know it’s not dinner time. So quit asking”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“But, it’s <i>almost</i>
dinner time,” argues Slurpee. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Almost” in
Slurpee language means at least two hours before typical feeding time. I must
say, he can be committed to meowing for food anytime I take one step toward the
kitchen. It’s so annoying that I often trip over both kitties as they squirm
around my legs. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Icee, on the other
hand, looks wide-eyed and says, “Yes, I agree with Slurpee.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Icee has this
“who-me” look on his face all of the time. My daughter dared to call him
“smooth in the brain,” and I got offended for him. “He’s not smooth in the
brain,” I countered. I leaned over and pet the top of his sweet, little furry
head, “He’s smart, aren’t you Icee?” I coo at him. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Meow,” he agrees
with me. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Icee is more like
this quiet force of nature. He can be stealth when he wants something and far
less obvious about it than Slurpee who makes more noise and calls attention to
his naughtiness. Icee though just acts naughty … <i>quietly</i>. He’s so silent
when he’s up to no good that I am surprised when I catch him in the act. The “act”
is him getting up on the kitchen counters where he absolutely knows he doesn’t
belong. I will grab the squirt gun and tell him, “Bad kitty! Get down!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Let’s talk about
the squirt bottle for a moment. Some experts say that it only makes them
associate the squirt with you and direct their negative feelings toward you.
Others suggest it’s a great technique to teach them not to do certain
behaviors. In my opinion, it probably does make them irritated toward you and
it doesn’t really deter the undesired behavior. It does, though, get them to
get down or off or whatever you need them to do. So, in that sense it works. I
could squirt Slurpee, in particular, to get off the counters a dozen or more
times – all in a row – and it won’t stop him. He eventually stops to lick the
water off his fur, but if, say, you leave chicken on the counter, he’ll be
right back to try and steal some of it. Icee doesn’t have the same stubborn
tenacity. I can squirt him once and that seems to be enough. He skulks quietly
away. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I don’t think I’ve
ever owned a kitty that didn’t get on the kitchen counters. The countertops are
to kitties what catnip is to them – they just can’t seem to stop themselves.
So, we keep the squirt bottle on the ready in the dining area. It’s up to you
as to whether or not you want to use the bottle. You might research some other
training tips, but I have found this technique is at least temporarily
effective. I even saw some cat owners put down tinfoil on all of the counters. A
tinfoil-covered kitchen isn’t aesthetically pleasing, so I don’t see that as an
option. Other people suggest putting the cat tree in the kitchen. Nope – that
didn’t work either. I’m telling you, cats just can’t seem to stay off the
counters no matter what you try to do.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I’m mellower about
the cats jumping on counters, which isn’t to suggest that it doesn’t bother me.
Of course, I don’t want them on the counters. However, they like being up high,
which is why you should buy them cat trees that allow them to “sit on top of
the world,” so to speak. They like a bird’s eye view on everything. I try to
pick my battles. If they jump on my dresser, for example, I leave it alone.
However, Detlef is much more irritated by it, especially when they cause mayhem.
Just the other day, Slurpee jumped on the dresser/cabinet we have in the
kitchen, which gave him access to my wall paintings. He inadvertently knock
down the framed painting, and Detlef went nuts and chased Slurpee off the
furniture while also squirting him and declaring, “Bad kitty!” I walked
nonchalantly into the room, looked at the damage, and then told Detlef to calm
down – he’s a cat. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“You allow him on
the counter!” he protested.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“No, I don’t,” I responded
calmly. “You’re just frustrated. Let it go. He’s a cat.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Then I proceeded
to clean up the mess and let Slurpee know I disapproved; but, you can only
squirt a cat so much before it’s just a matter of getting him wet. He doesn’t
fully appreciate your frustration. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Slurpee recently
mastered opening and closing cabinets. I put their kitty treats in the cupboard
above their kitty bowls. Sure enough, I heard this crinkling noise and wondered
what happened. I got up from my desk and what havoc did I discover? Slurpee had
gotten up on the counter, opened the cupboard, and grabbed his kitty treats
with his mouth. He attempted to get it open with his mouth; hence, the
crinkling noise of the plastic wrap. I admonished him, took it away, and put it
up higher on the shelf. Thankfully, he couldn’t get it anymore, but I’ve heard
him try (I heard the cupboard slam shut). Watch your kitty. They can be sneaky
when left to their own tricks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The other area of
annoyance involves what I call “cup-tipping” games. Icee has never partaken in
cup-tipping. On the other hand, Slurpee uses cup-tipping as a way to get my
attention, especially when the glass sits on my nightstand next to the bed. In
fact, now that I am thinking about it, he only tips cups on the nightstand. My
former cat Bill was a literal menace when it came to cup-tipping. It got to the
point where I didn’t dare leave an unattended cup, especially one filled with
liquid on any flat surface whatsoever. He tipped so many coffee mugs on my desk
that he destroyed five keyboards. I saw the most hilarious video on TikTok
where the cat went to slide the cup off the tabletop and the owner said, “Do it
and I’ll kill you!” Little gray cat gingerly used his little paw to slide the
glass back the other direction – message received! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Cup-tipping though
isn’t the most damaging activity. Slurpee, who loves to stare outside, as does
Icee, managed to chew out a perfectly square “portal” in the front-window
blinds. Slurpee must be skilled in geometry, because that portal is seriously a
perfect square. We eventually had to replace the blinds. Before we replaced
them, it was pretty cute to see him peering out <i>his</i> portal. He sat staring
out of the portal for hours and hours. To prevent another square from being
carved out, we now leave the new blinds pulled up a bit in order to allow the
cats to stare out the window. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Slurpee gets
excited when neighborhood cats come visit or he watches squirrels climb up and jump
around in the big tree. He also becomes intrigued when sparrows, finches, blue
jays, hummingbirds, and the occasional woodpecker show up for entertainment. We
recently had a rare encounter with a flock of Cedar Waxwings that came to eat
up the berries in our gutter. I can only imagine Slurpee’s glee with hundreds
of birds in the yard. Icee tends to stare at the birds through the back
sliding-glass door. He doesn’t sit very often and use Slurpee’s spot – or maybe
Slurpee doesn’t like to share his window seat. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">For a while, we
absolutely wouldn’t let Icee go outside, but Slurpee got outdoor privileges
(that is, until he got sick … see chapter on health). Why, you ask, and maybe
even comment that doesn’t seem fair. “Yeah, Mom! Not fair,” I can hear Icee’s
protest as I write these words. Icee got restricted because he’s clumsy. The
first time he managed to escape, he came home with a nice-sized gash on his
rear flank. It took weeks for the gash to fully heal, and it left behind a random
white fur patch where it healed over. Since Icee tends to crash about the house
and unintendedly hit random walls and furniture, we feel it’s safer (and avoids
unexpected vet bills) to keep him inside – and we did so until the fresh air of
spring weather seemed too cruel to resist letting him enjoy it, too. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Now (as I write
this, it’s spring time) Detlef lets Slurpee and Icee out for play time. They
get let out right before breakfast. Detlef wakes up around 6:00 a.m. and feeds
the cats (these days we have a timed feeder to do the job, but Detlef is still
up and around). He lets them go outside to play for a little while. I also let
them out when I’m sitting at the dining-room table and can keep an eye on them.
It’s hilarious to watch them hunt for bugs. Icee recently captured a random mosquito
eater and played with it like a cat toy. They both love rolling around on the
cement. Detlef blows off the patio so they don’t get filthy rolling around in
debris. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Bad kitty”
behavior began when Slurpee decided he wanted full access to the backyard – and
eventually the front yard when he learned to climb the fence. We live on a cul-de-sac
with low-volume traffic. However, that doesn’t mean I’m okay with Slurpee
jumping the fence. The minute he slips out of sight, I know he’s ventured out.
I always call him back inside and end play time when he’s exploring the front
yard. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The next “bad
kitty” problem comes from Slurpee loudly and obnoxiously yowling around the
house, crying to be let outside. “Meow! Meow! Meow!” Ugh! I do not like to
reward that obsessive meowing and let him out. So, one day I sat down on the
bed and called him to me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Slurpee, we need
to have a talk.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Slurpee, wide-eyed
and full of hope this discussion would result in his end game, an adventure in
the yard. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“No, did you hear
me? </span><span lang="ES-US" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: ES-US;">No, no, no – and no. </span><span style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif;">It’s
getting late and you can’t go outside, so no. And you’re crying about is
getting on my last nerve, so stop it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif;">Slurpee looked at me and around. He
resigned himself to reality and quit meowing. Do not underestimate your cat’s
intelligence. Again, you might think I’m the crazy cat lady, but trust me, cats
understand language better than you think. Once you’ve owned kitties – and of
course, their intelligence varies much like humans – you’ll recognize their
smarts. Just talk to them. They get it. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif;">So, back to the lure of the great
outdoors. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">They frolic and play and then it’s time to come back
inside. Detlef lures them back into the house by shaking the cat-food mason jar
to entice them. It makes a distinct clinking noise of the pebbles bouncing
against the glass. Slurpee, though, returns on his own without the proverbial
container shake if he knows Detlef has fed Icee without him. Slurpee lunges at
the sliding-glass door and gets up on his hindlegs and stands upright as he tries
to get in. We watch him in amusement. </span><span style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Oh, <i>now</i>
you want inside…” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Yes, yes, yes,
now please! I see food!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">As noted, food, or
even the slightest whiff of food, brings all kitties running faster than a race
car (whoosh, zoom, and they’re off). Their ears are so tuned in that even the
slightest click of a can of cat food being opened or dry food being poured into
a bowl – and they seemingly materialize out of thin air! They’re over the
finish line! It’s Slurpee by a whisker (although I’ve seen Icee give Slurpee a
run for his money). Never underestimate the power of food to entice your cat to
come faster than you can blink and grin. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">We recently had
another bad kitty experience with food being stashed under my daughter’s bed. I
had just prepared chicken and left it on the cutting board to be covered in
Panko breading to fry. I moved away from the counter for a mere split-second
when I turned back and Slurpee had an entire chicken thigh in his mouth. He
greedily raced to my daughter’s bedroom to enjoy his gourmet meal under the
bed. I chased him (frankly concerned he would over-gorge on that chicken). When
I got into the bedroom, a dour smell of urine penetrated my nostrils. “Ugh!”
Someone peed on the carpet – no! I know it wasn’t Icee. Slurpee is the bad
behavior cat, not Icee. Fortunately, I had just done a review of pet odor
remover products for <i>Rental Housing Magazine</i>, which I am the editor. I
thought, “<i>Never a better moment to really try these products out</i>.” It’s
super important to remove the odor, which is a way that Slurpee marked his
territory. You don’t want the urine to build up and ruin the carpet. Nothing
smells worse than cat pee – and it’s hard to get out if you don’t catch it in
time. Once I cleaned it up, I closed the door so he can’t return to the scene
of the crime and become a repeat offender. If you can somehow keep your kitty
away from where he peed, the odor remover will do its job. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Kitty Wisdom</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">: <i>it’s
not enough to get a standard odor remover product. You need to invest in one
with enzymes that eat up the urine. I used several and found that Pupford –
Oops Eraser (</i></span><span style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif;"><a href="http://www.pupford.com"><i><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">www.pupford.com</span></i></a></span><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">) worked
splendidly. It’s a pleasant orange-scented, all natural stain and odor
eliminator</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Kitty Wisdom</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">: <i>male
cats will spray their territory if you don’t get them neutered. You don’t want
random spray around your house. You can get your cat neutered between six- to
eight-weeks old, but most vets will do it between four- and six-months old. I
strongly recommend you do it as young as possible so they never develop this
bad habit.</i> <i>Both of my cats have been neutered since you cannot take them
from a rescue without having them fixed.</i> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Then we noticed
something strange. Slurpee began trying to get back into Cambria’s bedroom. We
wondered why since he had not been previously interested in that room. After
several days of Slurpee’s persistent behavior to get back in the room, we
discovered why. The little food hoarder had managed to create quite a stash of
food underneath the bed. Upon inspection, Detlef found two chunks of unopened
cheese blocks that had been gnawed through the plastic wrap, empty cans of cat
food, chewed-up bread, and debris. Wow! No wonder the room smelled off (aside
from the urine, of course). So, once more we cleaned out the old food,
deodorized the carpet again, and vacuumed. Then we closed the room back up.
Once the food got removed, Slurpee quit trying to break in. We will keep a
close eye on it to prevent him from doing any more damage. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">We also deal with
the cats constantly scratching our furniture. As noted in an earlier chapter,
we recently bought a new sectional sofa. Brand new, and the first new sofa I
had bought in 15 years. I looked at the sectional in Costco and loved it;
however, a little voice in my head warned, “<i>Hey! That fabric is a little too
cat friendly</i>!” Yep! The moment we got the sectional installed, Slurpee
showed up to christen it with his claws. Darn! I knew it. No one wants their
new furniture wrecked. We ordered some clear tape strips to cover up the base
and bought big, beautiful blankets to go over the top. On both counts, it
effectively stopped him from scratching – sort’a. I swear he can find an
uncovered place and do it anyway. Icee doesn’t do it. He loves to scratch the
various posts we have spread throughout the house. He loves this fish-shaped
scratcher the best. You can buy scratchers in various jungle-gym-type shapes or
even miniature sofas made from cardboard. My daughter even got Icee a “kissing
booth” scratcher – it’s pretty cute. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">We’ve also had
problems with the cats scratching up the carpet in front of closed doors. Since
we don’t like to be pounced on (or woken up with Slurpee “brushing” my hair
with his paws), we close our bedroom door. Slurpee and Icee get demanding when
they want to be fed breakfast and both began clawing underneath the door and
damaging the carpet. Then at various times, each kitty has been accidently
locked in my walk-in closet. They also started to damage the carpet under that
door, too. Next, Slurpee likes to be with Detlef in the bathroom while he
shaves. If Detlef doesn’t let him in immediately, he starts scratching under
that door. So, we went to Costco and invested in small area rugs we could slide
under the door to protect the main carpet – problem solved. If they ruin an
inexpensive throw rug, it’s not a big deal. Now they scratch those rugs. It’s
not a decorator’s dream look, but it doesn’t look bad either. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">We did have to
repair the carpet, so like any smart researcher does these days, we found a
YouTube video on how to perform carpet repairs. What you do is get a straight
edge and heavy-duty carpet scissors. You will need double-sided tape. Use the
straight edge to cut a perfect square around the damaged area, remove that
piece, and use it like a template to cut out another piece from leftover carpet
(so it matches). Place the double-side tape on the new piece, press it down,
and voile! Your carpet is fixed. Blend in the fibers as much as possible, and you
can hardly tell the difference. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Baskerville",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Overall, when it
comes to “Bad Kitty” situations you need to know two important things. One,
your cat is without question going to do certain behaviors you’re not going to
like. You need to be prepared to let it go. Cats do as cats do. Yelling and
getting frustrated will do you no good. You can try behavior modification, but
just remember that phrase: <i>cats do as cats do</i>. Second, every problem has
a solution. You might need to get creative like I did with the area rugs and
the clear tape, but no problem is too big to be solved. Do the rugs look great
in such strange places? No, but it’s way better than having thousands of
dollars in carpet damage. Our next house will have wood flooring. In the meantime,
we found a temporary patch to stop the destruction. If you can’t think of any
ideas, ask some of your cat-loving friends. You can even visit your local pet
store and ask about possible gadgets to use. But, no matter what, realize that
when you adopt a kitty the upside tempers the downside. Just like people,
kitties aren’t perfect. You just have to “manage” them. </span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-79914007755931998252023-04-27T10:15:00.003-07:002023-04-27T10:15:56.070-07:005 Great DIY Tips to Promote Your Book<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLHfgfDB_i-YLX50RIddE3ieNElMc2sxkpU-tR2Imv2hPzq08_8U_nyzIYhLf5kT7l2mPjljvJR1iCFeOcRmE-E68XDrSYTIAnfsz3UAXpP9qEePss7y9aDYgdQQ9FHX3caqvf2kWPagk5AYoABtU-9D9I6juPF7gkTlA270Av-dv8ixQ56GMfoT2/s2048/342877346_776119083826110_8000904601453031543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLHfgfDB_i-YLX50RIddE3ieNElMc2sxkpU-tR2Imv2hPzq08_8U_nyzIYhLf5kT7l2mPjljvJR1iCFeOcRmE-E68XDrSYTIAnfsz3UAXpP9qEePss7y9aDYgdQQ9FHX3caqvf2kWPagk5AYoABtU-9D9I6juPF7gkTlA270Av-dv8ixQ56GMfoT2/s320/342877346_776119083826110_8000904601453031543_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />So, you’re
ready to publish your book, but you’re not ready to promote it. You may not
know what it takes. If you don’t want to promote yourself, you can hire an
expert like myself (email me at <a href="mailto:info@3LPublishing.com">info@3LPublishing.com</a>).
If you don’t have a promotional budget, here are some things you can do on your
own.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">No. #1 –
Join all applicable social media platforms well in advance of your book’s
official release</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">. You
can set up your Instagram, Goodreads, Facebook or TikTok accounts long before
your book releases. You can begin advanced promotion to attract readers who are
ready to buy your book. You also want to ensure you’ve built your following
ahead of time, too. Without a strong following, you won’t get the necessary
exposure. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">No. #2 – Create
a blog and start using it</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">.
Blogger is free. Write related articles and content for your book’s promotion. It
doesn’t have to be specifically about your book, and it probably shouldn’t be.
You can highlight movies, shows and other books related to your genre and do
reviews of them. You can discuss issues related to your book – whether it’s
fiction or nonfiction, it all applies. Many writers push back and assert they
don’t have enough subject matter to cover, but if they really think about it,
they will come up with ideas.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">No. #3 –
Write a Media Kit to send to the press and reviewers</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">. Book media kits have specific
content, including: about the book, book specification sheets, press release(s),
frequently asked questions (FAQ), talking points, biographies, and sometimes
sample chapters. You will want to learn how to do this type of writing before
you do it. Amateur media kits scream amateur books, which you don’t want to be
the reaction. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">No. #4 –
Consider entering your book into book contests</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">. Winners receive prizes, and winners
also get the benefits of increased credibility and exposure in the marketplace.
It’s an easy way to promote your book without having to do much more than pay
an entry fee. The Indie Book Awards and Writers’ Digest Independent Book Awards
are two legitimate choices. Don’t waste money on the “cheaper” ones, as they
don’t hold the same cache. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">No. #5 –
Attend and participate in regional book festivals</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">. A variety of regional book festivals
are back in action post-COVID. Festivals give you an opportunity to meet and
greet readers. Depending on your investment, festival hosts will also promote
your speaking at the festival and offer marketing opportunities to give you
more exposure. You can also do things like have your bookmarks/business cards
or other promotion put in bags or placed on registration tables. I like book
festivals as it gives me a chance to talk directly to readers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"><i>Michelle Gamble publishes fiction and nonfiction books through her company 3L Publishing and PR (www.3LPublishing.com). She can be reached at info@3LPublishing.com. </i> <br /></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-1413144113069383462023-04-05T09:29:00.001-07:002023-04-05T09:30:13.890-07:00Common Mistakes Writers Make<p> <span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR_QTB59SL-Le-_uwdXMTPMaJtIVs5fZSp6rtt838wBmXnp2ySUQaKu--awvuBJ2wEQTS3Rk4Pk5pXfeIMrn7Qo2JvbObBX7KFnM3pzmujVpBnwfFfvV9ulMCVHBml6gE77dWmHVonl-02JzE1-ZotViQ5pj-iyHTC8c-P9zqJ05hxHj4ULDvBgyu/s2048/330377443_508891404722467_1086564886340155852_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR_QTB59SL-Le-_uwdXMTPMaJtIVs5fZSp6rtt838wBmXnp2ySUQaKu--awvuBJ2wEQTS3Rk4Pk5pXfeIMrn7Qo2JvbObBX7KFnM3pzmujVpBnwfFfvV9ulMCVHBml6gE77dWmHVonl-02JzE1-ZotViQ5pj-iyHTC8c-P9zqJ05hxHj4ULDvBgyu/s320/330377443_508891404722467_1086564886340155852_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><br />What are common mistakes writers make?</span>
<p></p><div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Mistake #1 – Self-doubt</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">:
Oh, this one can actually kill careers. Self-doubting writers lack
confidence in their work. Projects get scuttled even before they can be
finished. The anxiety and fear that their work will fail before it even
sees the light of day holds many writers back from finishing what they
start. </span>
</div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Mistake #2 – Not studying writing itself</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">.
Key mistakes get made out of sheer lack of education. An overall story
can be really fantastic but so poorly executed that it’s unreadable.
Mistakes like overwriting scenes and focusing on minutia versus pushing a
story forward (and it’s all equal when it comes to fiction or
nonfiction) can bog down your manuscript. You can hire a copy editor to
clean up those minor mistakes, but the writing itself needs to be solid.
</span>
</div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Mistake #3 – Writers who lack grammar skills and make their work almost impossible to read</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">.
Editing is a profession in and of itself. It’s not easy either. I
recently helped my daughter with a college paper and cleaned it up for
her. Her English 1B teacher, a veteran teacher, corrected her paper. I
was shocked to realize her corrections were actually WRONG. I about fell
out of my seat when my daughter’s grade got lowered over “mistakes”
that were NOT mistakes. She even had ANOTHER English teacher tell her
the same thing. Bad teaching aside, you need to at least have a basic
mastery of grammar. Writing littered with mistakes becomes almost
impossible to read, and those same mistakes become nothing but a
distraction. </span>
</div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Mistake #4 – Losing track of your audience</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">.
No matter what you write, write it for your audience. Don’t get caught
up in a love affair with your own work without consideration given to
who will read it. I have put a lot of time and energy into figuring out
how to appeal to my prospective audience for </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Kitty Wisdom</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">.
I always keep my audience front and center as I write. It’s the
audience you hope will buy your book. I even went into the pet section
of the bookstore to figure out what’s already available to ensure I was
filling a gap in the market (a really great way to find out what’s
selling). </span>
</div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">A Super-Secret Weapon</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">:
Pour the foundation of your promotion months in advance of your book’s
release. Begin engaging your audience long before your book launches.
You will have a built-in readership primed and ready to invest in your
book when it’s available. You may even have built up excitement over its
release. I have been working my social media peeps to get them hyped up
about </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Kitty Wisdom’s</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> release. It’s super fun, too. </span></div><div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div><div><i><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">Michelle Gamble is a professional writer, editor, publisher and marketing specialist. If you would like a free consultation on your writing, please send an email to info@3LPublishing.com. </span></i>
</div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-29344267348179622782023-03-15T11:33:00.005-07:002023-03-15T11:33:54.978-07:00Kitty Wisdom: Bad Kitties<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGG_OBzuOL_4ryE3Pqc_NxA1ImKh_vZHCbbv3zVSajQZAkks-5gY71P4MD60rgXCpGd2-Kbtrwq7YemgTcM_-ZbmG5nMQlJ1AvpOtH-mit9E0jGvb_HZxWc5Hhm063zr7Vei0m-YcUFuN-kYiVjrXZyPSB2toTJsqLg4jptEUWLp6R8wMmKes_Jly/s2048/331435409_1295990437928281_4163407414010015447_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGG_OBzuOL_4ryE3Pqc_NxA1ImKh_vZHCbbv3zVSajQZAkks-5gY71P4MD60rgXCpGd2-Kbtrwq7YemgTcM_-ZbmG5nMQlJ1AvpOtH-mit9E0jGvb_HZxWc5Hhm063zr7Vei0m-YcUFuN-kYiVjrXZyPSB2toTJsqLg4jptEUWLp6R8wMmKes_Jly/s320/331435409_1295990437928281_4163407414010015447_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I only wish I had caught this on video … Slurpee got up
on the kitchen counter and like a bandido in fine criminal style, pulled a bag
of bread down to the ground. By the time we caught him mid-steal, he had trotted
off to my daughter’s bedroom with the bag in his mouth. His plan, you ask? To
eat his stash under the bed. Speaking of that bed, we discovered that both
Slurpee and Icee had started stealing food (cans of cat food, bread, etc.) and
eating it under the bed. To suggest that cats don’t know exactly what they’re
doing is wrong. The little buggers knew they would be in trouble for stealing
and hoarding food, so they hid it. It reminded me of the person who hides food
they know they’re not supposed to eat. But, the image of Slurpee swiping that
bread and heading off to the bedroom with the loaf in his mouth … well,
priceless! He looked like a dog with a ball in his mouth. </span><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I used to read this book series called <i>Bad Kitties</i>
by Nick Bruel to my daughter Cambria when she was a little girl. She loved it! Book
titles included <i>Bad Kitty Goes to the Vet</i>, <i>Bad Kitty Gets a Bath</i>,
<i>Bad Kitty Drawn to Trouble</i>, etc. In fact, when I initially thought about
writing <i>Kitty Wisdom</i>, I thought about doing it like this children’s book
series (I’m also an artist and illustrator); however, no one writes “Bad Kitty”
stories better than Bruel. I loved the books, because they highlight all kinds
of funny cat situations, with of course, grains of truth in them. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I admit, I have yelled “bad kitty” on many occasions.
Actually, I spend about 70 percent of my time saying, “No, it’s not dinner
time,” as they beg for food throughout the day. I’ve said it so much that all I
have to do now is say, “NO!” </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I often break into lecturing them. “You know it’s not
dinner time. So quit asking”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But, it’s <i>almost</i> dinner time,” argues Slurpee. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Almost” in Slurpee language means at least two hours
before typical feeding time. I must say, he can be committed to meowing for
food anytime I take one step toward the kitchen. It’s so annoying that I often
trip over them as they squirm around my legs. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Icee, on the other hand, looks wide-eyed and says, “Yes, I
agree with Slurpee.” Icee has this “who-me” look on his face all of the time. My
daughter dared to call him “smooth in the brain,” and I got offended for him. “He’s
not smooth in the brain,” I always reply. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Icee is more like this quiet force of nature. He can be
stealth when he wants something and far less obvious about it than Slurpee who
makes more noise and calls attention to his naughtiness. Icee though just acts
naughty … quietly. He’s so silent when he’s up to no good that I am surprised
when I catch him in the act. The act is him getting up on the kitchen counters
where he absolutely knows he doesn’t belong. I will grab the squirt gun and
tell him, “Bad kitty! Get down!”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s talk about the squirt bottle for a moment. Some
experts say that it only makes them associate the squirt with you and direct
their negative feelings toward you. Others suggest it’s a great technique to
teach them not to do certain behaviors. In my opinion, it probably does make
them irritated toward you and it doesn’t really deter the undesired behavior.
It does, though, get them to get down or off or whatever you need them to do.
So, in that sense it works. I could squirt Slurpee, in particular, to get off
the counters a dozen or more times – all in a row – and it won’t stop him. He
eventually stops to lick the water off his fur, but if, say, you leave chicken
on the counter, he’ll be right back to try and steal some of it. Icee doesn’t
have the same stubborn tenacity. I can squirt him once and that seems to be enough.
<span> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don’t think I’ve ever owned a kitty that didn’t get on
the kitchen counters. The countertops are to kitties what catnip is to them –
they just can’t seem to stop themselves. So, we keep the squirt bottle on the
ready in the dining area. It’s up to you as to whether or not you want to use
the bottle. You might research some other training tips, but I have found this
technique is at least temporarily effective. I even saw some cat owners put
down tinfoil on all of the counters. A tinfoil-covered kitchen isn’t
aesthetically pleasing, so I don’t see that as an option. Other people suggest
putting the cat tree in the kitchen. Nope – that didn’t work either. I’m
telling you, cats just can’t seem to stay off the counters no matter what you
try to do. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The other area of annoyance involves what I call “cup-tipping”
games. Icee has never partaken in cup-tipping. On the other hand, Slurpee uses
cup-tipping as a way to get my attention, especially when the glass sits on my
nightstand next to the bed. In fact, now that I am thinking about it, he only
tips cups on the nightstand. My former cat Bill was a literal menace when it
came to cup-tipping. It got to the point where I didn’t dare leave an unattended
cup, especially one filled with liquid on any flat surface whatsoever. He
tipped so many coffee mugs on my desk that he destroyed five keyboards. I saw
the most hilarious video on TikTok where the cat went to slide the cup off the
tabletop and the owner said, “Do it and I’ll kill you!” Little gray cat
gingerly used his little paw to slide the glass back the other direction –
message received! </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cup-tipping though isn’t the most damaging activity.
Slurpee, who loves to stare outside, as does Icee, managed to chew out a
perfectly square “portal” in the front-window blinds. Slurpee must be skilled
in geometry, because that portal is seriously a perfect square. We will have to
replace the blinds, but for now, it’s pretty cute to see him peering out <i>his</i>
portal. He can sit staring out of the portal for hours and hours. He gets excited
when neighborhood cats come visit or he watches a squirrel climb up and jump
around in the big tree. He also becomes intrigued when sparrows, finches, blue
jays, hummingbirds, and the occasional woodpecker show up for entertainment. We
recently had a rare encounter with a flock of Cedar Waxwings that came to eat
up the berries in our gutter. I can only imagine Slurpee’s glee with hundreds
of birds in the yard. Icee tends to stare at the birds through the back
sliding-glass door. He doesn’t sit very often and use Slurpee’s portal – or maybe
Slurpee doesn’t like to share his window seat. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We absolutely don’t let Icee go outside, but Slurpee gets
outdoor privileges. Why, you ask, and maybe even comment that doesn’t seem
fair. “Yeah, Mom! Not fair,” I can hear Icee’s protest as I write these words.
Icee got restricted because he’s clumsy. The first time he managed to escape,
he came home with a nice-sized gash on his rear flank. It took months for the
gash to fully heal, and it left behind a random white fur patch where it healed
over. Since Icee tends to crash about the house and inadvertently hit random
walls and furniture, we feel it’s safer (and avoids unexpected vet bills) to keep
him inside. I know it doesn’t sound fair, but oh well …</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slurpee, though, gets let out right before his morning
breakfast. Detlef wakes up around 6:00 a.m. and feeds the cats breakfast.
Before he feeds them, he lets Slurpee go outside to frolic for a little while.
Then Detlef lures him back into the house by shaking the cat-food container to
entice him inside. Slurpee will return on his own without the proverbial
container shake if he knows Detlef has fed Icee without him. Slurpee lunges at
the sliding-glass door and gets up on his hind legs and stands upright as he
tries to get in. We watch him in amusement. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oh, <i>now</i> you want inside…” </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes, yes, yes, now please! I see food!”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As noted, food or even the slightest whiff of food brings
all kitties running faster than a race car. Their ears are so tuned in that
even the slightest sound of a can of cat food being opened or dry food being
poured into a bowl – and whoosh! They’re off! It’s Slurpee by a whisker
(although I’ve seen Icee give Slurpee a run for his money). Never underestimate
the power of food to entice your cat to come faster than you can blink and
grin. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We recently had another bad kitty experience with food
being stashed under my daughter’s bed. I had just prepared chicken and left it
on the cutting board to be covered in Panko breading to fry. I moved away from
the counter for a mere split-second when I turned back and Slurpee had an entire
chicken thigh in his mouth. He greedily raced to my daughter’s bedroom to enjoy
his gourmet meal under the bed. I chased him (frankly concerned he would over-gorge
on that chicken). When I got into the bedroom, a dour smell of urine penetrated
my nostrils. “Ugh!” Someone peed on the carpet – no! I know it wasn’t Icee.
Slurpee is the bad behavior cat, not Icee. Fortunately, I had just done a
review of pet odor remover products for <i>Rental Housing Magazine</i>, which I
am the editor. I thought, “<i>Never a better moment to really try these
products out</i>.” It’s super important to remove the odor, which is a way that
Slurpee marked his territory. You don’t want the urine to build up and ruin the
carpet. Nothing smells worse than cat pee – and it’s hard to get out if you don’t
catch it in time. Once I cleaned it up, I closed the door so he can’t return to
the scene of the crime and become a repeat offender. If you can somehow keep
your kitty away from where he peed, the odor remover will do its job. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kitty Wisdom</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <i>it’s not enough to get a standard odor remover product. You need to
invest in one with enzymes that eat up the urine. I used several and found that
Pupford – Oops Eraser (<a href="http://www.pupford.com">www.pupford.com</a>) worked
splendidly. It’s a pleasant orange-scented, all natural stain and odor
eliminator</i>. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kitty Wisdom</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <i>male cats will spray their territory if you don’t get them neutered.
You don’t want random spray around your house. You can get your cat neutered between
six- to eight-weeks old, but most vets will do it between four- and six-months
old. I strongly recommend you do it as young as possible so they never develop
this bad habit.</i> <i>Both of my cats have been neutered since you cannot take
them from a rescue without having them fixed.</i> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then we noticed something strange. Slurpee began trying
to get back into Cambria’s bedroom. We wondered why since he had not been previously
interested in that room. After several days of Slurpee’s persistent behavior to
get back in the room, we discovered why. The little food hoarder had managed to
create quite a stash of food underneath the bed. Upon inspection, Detlef found two
chunks of unopened cheese blocks that had been gnawed through the plastic wrap,
empty cans of cat food, chewed-up bread, and debris. Wow! No wonder the room
smelled off (aside from the urine, of course). So, once more we cleaned out the
old food, deodorized the carpet again, and vacuumed. Then we closed the room
back up. Once the food got removed, Slurpee quit trying to break in. We will
keep a close eye on it to prevent him from doing anymore damage. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We also deal with the cats constantly scratching our
furniture. As noted in an earlier chapter, we recently bought a new sectional
sofa. Brand new, and the first new sofa I had bought in 15 years. I looked at
the sectional in Costco and loved it; however, a little voice in my head warned,
“<i>Hey! That fabric is a little too cat friendly</i>!” Yep! The moment we got
the sectional installed, Slurpee showed up to christen it with his claws. Darn!
I knew it. No one wants their new furniture wrecked. We ordered some clear tape
strips to cover up the base and bought big, beautiful blankets to go over the
top. On both counts, it effectively stopped him from scratching – sort’a. I
swear he can find an uncovered place and do it anyway. Icee doesn’t do it. He loves
to scratch the various posts we have spread about the house. He loves this
fish-shaped scratching one the best. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We’ve also had problems with the cats scratching up the
carpet in front of closed doors. Since we don’t like to be pounced on (or woken
up with Slurpee “brushing” my hair with his paws), we close our bedroom door.
Slurpee and Icee get demanding when they want to be fed breakfast and both
began clawing underneath the door and damaging the carpet. Then at various
times, each kitty has been inadvertenly locked in my walk-in closet. They also started
to damage the carpet under that door, too. Next, Slurpee likes to be with
Detlef in the bathroom while he shaves. If Detlef doesn’t let him immediately
in, he starts scratching under that door. So, we went to Costco and invested in
small area rugs we could slide under the door to protect the main carpet –
problem solved. If they ruin an inexpensive throw rug, it’s not a big deal. Now
they scratch those rugs. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When it comes to “Bad Kitty” situations you need to know
two important things. One, your cat is without question going to do certain
behaviors you’re not going to like. You need to be prepared to let it go. Cats
do as cats do. Yelling and getting frustrated will do you no good. You can try
behavior modification, but just remember that phrase: <i>cats do as cats do</i>.
Second, every problem has a solution. You might need to get creative like I did
with the area rugs and the clear tape, but no problem is too big to be solved.
Do the rugs look great in such strange places? No, but it’s way better than
having thousands of dollars in carpet damage. Our next house will have wood
flooring. In the meantime, we found a temporary patch to stop the destruction. If
you can’t think of any ideas, ask some of your cat-loving friends. You can even
visit your local pet store and ask about possible gadgets to use. But, no matter
what, realize that when you adopt a kitty the upside tempers the downside. Just
like people, kitties aren’t perfect. You just have to “manage” them.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b> </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><b>Kitty Wisdom by Michelle Gamble is due out in late 2023. Please watch for the announcement of its official release. </b></i><br /></span></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-71324191417460586692023-02-10T11:13:00.003-08:002023-02-10T11:13:41.897-08:00Kitty Wisdom: Excerpt<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg90-Zkt9ii7-REcV-MIJmbeYKW43f7xFWVtpDrVCV0yocRDpWQzDJQHd3k_pZ1MLY83A2R29rkxYB9os4Mchj2TwRCjzzgMOqY5e4i7j2dtZXcm1VS1pqwhTzJkcPs16LGycqDIICvevZ1LymobE76qA-DfNSRRmqwt8Abm33qK-M91CrG-1aIH7/s2048/323410200_884857922824493_3120241751692455482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg90-Zkt9ii7-REcV-MIJmbeYKW43f7xFWVtpDrVCV0yocRDpWQzDJQHd3k_pZ1MLY83A2R29rkxYB9os4Mchj2TwRCjzzgMOqY5e4i7j2dtZXcm1VS1pqwhTzJkcPs16LGycqDIICvevZ1LymobE76qA-DfNSRRmqwt8Abm33qK-M91CrG-1aIH7/s320/323410200_884857922824493_3120241751692455482_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />As
it turns out, two cats are better than one. They keep each other company. So,
my son Cole’s encouragement to get two kitties paid off. I enjoy having my
office kitties to pet and cuddle, but I still need to have my lap cat-free when
I’m writing and typing. Slurpee, who is notably not a big lap-sitter, keeps
Icee busy. It’s absolutely hilarious when they get the morning zoomies, as I
mentioned in the last chapter. I sit at my desk and watch them wrestle and zoom
back and forth in front of my office doors. I find myself stopping work,
watching them wrestle, and laughing. I’ve made a lot of TikTok videos of them
acting like crazy cats. I label the videos things like “Cat Wrestling” or “Cat
Wrestlemania”. It’s all in good fun. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
boys love each other. When Icee was still a kitten, Slurpee allowed him to eat
out of his food bowl and even eat first. He was a sweet big brother. Later on,
though, Slurpee got more protective over his food. A few choice growls sent
Icee the strong message, “Mine!” Little, good-natured Icee accepted the rebuffs
in his placid, quiet way. Now he occasionally sneaks some of Slurpee’s food
here and there. I did train them to eat out of their own bowls by placing them
in front of their respective dishes and moving them back to the same spot over
and over again. I insist they go to their own bowls whenever I feed them. It
worked out. Food and treats are always great tools to train them in the right
behaviors. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
have these treats that I call “cat crack,” because the boys go insane over
them. It’s Fancy Feast Savory Cravings, which are little squares of chocolate
made from flavors like beef and crab. They both like to wait in front of the
bedroom door in the morning. Now they wait for me regardless of the treats, but
the chocolate reinforces the wait time. The minute the door opens, they start
saying (and I taught it to them) “Mom” … yes, you can teach your cat words. Now
all I have to do is say “say Mom,” and to get their kitty crack, they respond in-kind.
Then I get out the treats and give them each one square. They love this stuff.
Detlef said, “Taste it.” I frowned and said, “No thanks.” Even though it looks
exactly like chocolate, no way do I want to find out what beef and crab flavor doused
in pseudo chocolate tastes like. I’ll pass. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
let’s talk raw chicken! Now a piece of raw chicken in one’s bowl is worth
protection on a monumental “It’s MINE” scale. Slurpee even moves his chicken
out of his bowl and onto the carpet just to keep it away from Icee’s poaching
ways. He moves slightly around the corner of the kitchen entry wall to keep his
yummy chicken all to himself. I’m a sucker and also give them bacon pieces
whenever bacon is on my menu for the day. Both chicken and bacon are coveted
treats, but bacon is … well, bacon. We all love bacon. Bacon makes everything
taste <i>good</i> – and my cats heartily agree. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kitty
Wisdom</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <i>Do not give cats spiced meat. It can upset their
tummies and have unwanted side effects (think diarrhea). Once I’ve spiced the
meat, they don’t get any more – no matter how much they meow and beg. </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(As
I wrote that last sentence, I heard the loudest crash in the kitchen. The boys were
enjoying their morning zoomies. I heard claws sliding across the wood floor,
skidding somewhere, and a crashing noise. Then I heard Icee meowing. Icee tends
to be more vocal than Slurpee. Slurpee, though, gets mouthy when he wants to be
fed.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
also have a firm rule that we don’t feed them off our dinner plates. We don’t
want to teach them bad manners. However, we eat as a “family” every night. I
have four chairs around the table, and each cat sits in his own seat while we
sit in ours. They sit in their chairs the entire meal, and sometimes Slurpee
sits up on his hind legs, seemingly waiting to be served. Slurpee also likes to
sit on Detlef’s lap. I made a funny video of Slurpee sitting in front of Detlef
while he eats soup. Slurpee watches his spoon go from the bowl to Delef’s lips
and mouth. That video is the highest viewed video on my TikTok account. It’s
just way too cute and funny. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s
talk about “CatsofTikTok”. If you want to be thoroughly entertained, watch the
content creators’ videos of their pets. I love all animals, but of course, the
cats make me laugh the most. I just adore watching all of the kitten videos,
and I discovered a couple of rescue-related channels that are so fun to watch.
One in particular really caught my attention. I am assuming that by the time
this book comes out, they will still being doing their live cam and videos. It’s
Michael Sheldrake and his wife Vika. They work for a rescue based in Canada called
Vokra and house pregnant “Mamas” in their kitten room. Viewers get to watch
pregnant Mamas going through the birthing process, producing kittens, and seeing
people adopt each one. Supporters donate food, toys, scratching posts, beds,
and other gifts to the kitties, and it gives prospective adopters a chance to
see their kitten grow up and then be adopted. It’s truly an excellent way to
find kitties good homes. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also,
if you want to learn more about cats and their behaviors, CatTok is pretty
cool. Content creators, who specialize in cat rescues, medical information and
animal behaviors share constant videos. It’s a great way to get a cat
education. One of the reasons I wrote <i>Kitty Wisdom</i> was to do a similar
thing for cat lovers. I wanted to spread educational information while also
providing entertainment related to cats. Once you fall in love with your
kitties, you want to understand them more. I just ate up all of this great
material, and then turned around to share with you in this book. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So,
are cats really crazy, or am I the “crazy” cat lady? It’s a combination. I’m
not really cray-cray but I am enthusiastic about my cats. I can’t quite say the
same about my kitties. Watching them lap my house in wild chases that include
tumbles, jumps and grand falls makes me believe, “Ah, yeah, they’re crazy!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
of my favorite activities is to make the bed. Now who likes to make the bed? Well,
when Slurpee hears any snap of the sheets or sees me heading toward the bed, it’s
game on. Just yesterday (and I wish I had caught this on video) he sprinted,
sprung in a high jump, and plunged into my sheets right as I had the sheet in
midair. Detlef just happened to be in the room when that happened, and we both
cracked up. It took some impressive gymnastics to accomplish that feat. On more
than one occasion, Slurpee has jumped on my bare bed while I changed the
sheets. I just make the bed as if he’s a part of the mattress. I know he’s not
going to get stuck. Little guy knows how to slither his way out of the sheets.
I also will just cover him in blankets and pillows. Soon this little moving
lump plays under the blankets and comforter. I don’t try to stop him – and hence
the reason why bed-making has become so fun. Every now and then, Icee will also
join him in this game. Two moving lumps is pretty darned cute. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
the late afternoons I enjoy my own “cat nap” and the bed offers a place of peace,
comfort and plenty of purrs. Slurpee likes to sleep at my feet. Depending on
where your cat likes to sleep sends its own message. If your cat likes to sleep
at your feet, he is protecting you. If he likes to sleep at your head, he’s
loving you. Icee prefers my head while Slurpee tends to sleep at my feet or on
my legs. Icee, though, will writhe all over my head and chest. Remember I
mentioned earlier about his attempts to get as close as he can to me? When I
nap, this little guy can often be found snuggled up in the crook of my arm
after a generous petting and purring session. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
I am sick or upset, my cats won’t leave my side. People think dogs are loyal
and don’t realize that when a cat loves you, his loyalty and love is boundless.
When I got some kind of flu bug last winter, both cats laid on me and purred. I’ve
said that purring is a superpower. Icee has the mega-purr superpower, and it
does comfort me. If I don’t get what I call “purr time,” it doesn’t feel right.
Sometimes I will even search the house to find Icee to get my purr time in.
Slurpee’s purr isn’t as loud, but don’t worry, he gets lots of pets and kisses
from both of us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
I am upset or cry, oh no! The look of worry on my kitties’ faces. They will both
come round and lay down near me, surrounding me like a fortress. Don’t mess
with their Mom. It upsets and unsettles them. I am empathetic, and I find it
difficult to know they’re upset because I’m distressed. If I’m walking around,
which I tend to pace, they will keep up right by my side. If I sit down, they
will rest at the base of the chair. They don’t try to get pets when I’m upset,
but they will do anything to comfort me. Icee will climb on me while Slurpee
will rest on my upper legs. I think they’re trying to send me love in this way.
How blessed can I be with these two sweet creatures to love on me like they do.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Before
my difficult breakup and Detlef’s arrival into my life, Slurpee became my constant
companion. I talked to him as if he could respond back. It had been a traumatic
breakup, and I needed Slurpee’s friendship. I know, I talked <i>at</i> him, but
he was a good listener and often comforted me with his affection and purrs. Emotional
support animals matter. If you feel alone in life for any reason, an animal
offers warmth and love, which sometimes you need it. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
talk to my boys nonstop when Detlef’s gone. I still talk to them when he’s
home, too. If you were to listen in, you would think I was talking to a person.
They have emotions even though it doesn’t always seem like it. However, if your
cat slowly blinks at you, he’s smiling. Smile back and blink at him. Their
tales and ears are barometers of mood, too. Ears back, annoyed, irritated or
angry. Ears perked, Detlef’s home and they run to the front door. It’s sweet to
be greeted by our furry children. Ears up and perked, interested. Watch their
tails, too. Those tails have stories to tell. I love it when Slurpee
deliberately taunts Icee with his tail. We have a cat house where the cats can
sleep on top and one can be inside of it. At the hole, Slurpee wags his tail
back and forth for Icee, who is in the little box, to play with at the opening.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-27005837098335152002023-01-17T13:40:00.000-08:002023-01-17T13:40:07.312-08:00Selling Books Off Your Author Website<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfCwacYQZE3yUGRkyYe7Wgj6jBHNzJytClO4ma5GI82WSBFOwWhuIaTU43QkKOEFx4uYQDZuC_yZQ-yo2kZs5z3vA_TNB2YiN_-RZdQ4OW7P9xKgE7u3koopwX4kKWNf47zlhynlCqUBinrP9h9QdOFYSqd91AODAJPKREfSRRA81v8Y4GOsv2kO4/s2048/323422638_1192772788049696_8808460339858654317_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfCwacYQZE3yUGRkyYe7Wgj6jBHNzJytClO4ma5GI82WSBFOwWhuIaTU43QkKOEFx4uYQDZuC_yZQ-yo2kZs5z3vA_TNB2YiN_-RZdQ4OW7P9xKgE7u3koopwX4kKWNf47zlhynlCqUBinrP9h9QdOFYSqd91AODAJPKREfSRRA81v8Y4GOsv2kO4/s320/323422638_1192772788049696_8808460339858654317_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I am available
for more project work, and now is a good time. If you have a project you
want to start for 2023, please contact me at <a href="mailto:info@3LPublishing.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #298dda; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">info@3LPublishing.com</a><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> and I’ll give you a </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">10% discount</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">, which can add up to some significant dollars. </span>
<p></p><div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Today’s topic: </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Selling Books Off Your Author Website</span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">A lot of authors
have opted out of selling print books on Amazon. They use their author
websites to promote and sell books. Privately selling your books has
pros and cons. So, let’s explore it.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Amazon Advantage
is no longer free. It costs $99 a year to have an Amazon Advantage
account. In the big picture, $99 a year doesn’t seem like a lot of
money. Now consider that your royalty from Amazon Advantage is 45
percent, plus the cost of postage and handling. A book sold for $19.95
receives $8.98 in royalties. Next consider postage. A typical book sent
Media Mail costs about $3.50. Here’s the math:</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Retail Price: $19.95</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Gross Royalty: $8.98</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Postage: $3.50</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Net Royalty: $5.47</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Now consider
print costs. How much does it cost to print the book (cost per book).
Small print runs can only be done by print-on-demand printers (major
presses don’t print anything under 500 copies). The average print cost
for a 200-page book is $4.50 a book. So, you actually net $1 a book
(let’s round it off). You realize that $99 a year means you have to sell
at least 99 books to break even. Unless you’re working with a hybrid
publisher like 3L Publishing (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.3LPublishing.com&source=gmail&ust=1674064952229000&usg=AOvVaw0TO9E-IFmefYzlWSQLN2K8" href="http://www.3LPublishing.com" target="_blank">www.3LPublishing.com</a>)
where we pay the annual fee and do fulfillment of groups of books,
which reduces overall postage costs, this model only works when you sell
hundreds of books.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I didn’t mention
the returns. Amazon’s algorithm projects sales and triggers purchase
orders for the titles. When the book fails to produce a lot of sales and
Amazon has over-ordered, they don’t store the books. They send them
back, which results in circular sales. They send books back, but sales
may suddenly spark again. Then they re-order the books they just
returned. It’s obvious the extra costs in redundant postage adds up.
Additional postage and handling can flip profits into losses. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The book
publishing business needs reform in this regard. I know of no other
industry that allows products to be purchased and then sent back to the
original manufacturer. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">What is the
alternative? You can sell directly off your own author website. However,
you need to realize you’ll be in charge of the process. You’ll have to
set up a shopping cart (I use Shopify) and fill orders. You’ll have to
manage your fulfillment process and develop a business model that is the
most effective use of your time and effort. You can hire a virtual
assistant to take care of it, that is, if you’re too busy.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I recommend this
approach for authors who feature their books as a part of their
business platform. The numbers make more sense. You keep the full sale
of your book and pay for shipping and handling. Your net profit can go
from a $1 to $10 per book, which justifies doing it privately while
losing the overall exposure on Amazon. Some people no matter how many
times you explain your book is only available on your website will want
to purchase through Amazon. You have to factor all of this together to
make your decision. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Another
important note to consider. Once a print book goes on Amazon, resellers
can come in and sell used copies at ridiculously low prices. Resellers
become your competition for your own book. If you do not post it on
Amazon, resellers can’t resell it and undercut your price. A lot of book
reviewers will take your sample book and resell it, which is rude. They
can profit off your free copy. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Just some food for thought. Until next week, “write” on! </span></div>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-47367170354767172362023-01-12T14:07:00.002-08:002023-01-12T14:10:37.568-08:00Kitty Wisdom - Excerpt <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: right;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR652_s8hNHvI801mDpkq5MvGmiIOcgzH1PxVjsupevQ-J6NaDHhJjIni8EZWCgVBVlen7bYujko5IweHHqohP9KfKSNy-1Fy-2Cu3fK-7g-20C15NbioqFdENt7iOJS9L15gmukYb0RtoCIfPDL9kiO8xEMVqN87N1N_C0gvvF7NXymqmTBKuJvmY/s2048/267151016_10224129996309834_6972265951490194571_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR652_s8hNHvI801mDpkq5MvGmiIOcgzH1PxVjsupevQ-J6NaDHhJjIni8EZWCgVBVlen7bYujko5IweHHqohP9KfKSNy-1Fy-2Cu3fK-7g-20C15NbioqFdENt7iOJS9L15gmukYb0RtoCIfPDL9kiO8xEMVqN87N1N_C0gvvF7NXymqmTBKuJvmY/s320/267151016_10224129996309834_6972265951490194571_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Ah,
now we have “Ice Man,” which I randomly call him. He’s the sweetest little guy
I ever adopted. Icee can’t get enough pets and scratches, and he rewards you
with loud purring. I love my little Icee, the kitty I never intended to adopt. <i>Shhh</i>
… don’t tell him that one. He would be so offended. “Not adopt moi? How could
you suggest such a thing. Mom, it’s me, me, <i>me</i>!” <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I love telling Icee’s adoption
story. I visited my son Cole and his partner Andrew. Andrew adores kitties, and
he has a tuxedo kitty named Lucy. (I cat-sat Lucy.) Andrew wanted to adopt a
pure black “void” kitty. We were at Cole’s house in Tuolumne City, and I agreed
that Andrew should adopt a void. Plus, I secretly wanted to go look at the
kittens. I thought it would be fun. Again, remember going to look at kittens
and not adopt one is like being a diabetic in the candy store. You’re tempting
your vice. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Since we were still in the middle of
the pandemic, we had to call around to see if we needed a viewing appointment.
We were all a bit excited to adopt a void. The Angel’s Camp Humane Society
turned out to be open and available to view cats. We piled into Cole’s Jeep and
headed out for the 45 minute drive to Angel’s Camp. Now the length of the drive
in this story matters, so please make note of it. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So, off we go to Angel’s camp to
visit the Humane Society. At this point, I want to emphasize the importance of
adopting rescue kitties versus buying a pure bred. I know there is a segment of
cat lovers who will never be convinced to rescue a kitty. However, I feel
strongly that rescuing animals in an environment being overrun by strays saves
lives. Pure-bred kittens will get adopted by diehard “purest,” as we’ll call
them, and the average kitten could end up destroyed. I appreciate non-destroy
shelters. All life, including pet lives, matter. People have a tendency to look
at cats as non-human and expendable. That said, if you’ve invited a cat into
your family then you know cats are like little humans. They have emotions –
fear, happiness, anger, etc. And what I love best is you can see their
emotional state in their ear reactions. Ears back and twitchy, mad. Ears perked
and listening, someone’s home and they’re excited. Rescuing a kitty means
giving a home to a soul who could otherwise be destroyed (and let’s say it like
it is, <i>killed </i>not the new euphemism<i> “un-alived”</i>). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Humane Society house sat on the
edge of town. We pulled into the gravel driveway and piled out. Now I had
absolutely zero intention to adopt a cat. I had Slurpee, and I already had to
scoop the poops and keep the fatty fed. I didn’t want to double that fun. So,
another adoption wasn’t on my radar. I just wanted to look at the cuties and
help Andrew find the perfect, little void kitten. Well, the first thing we saw
in the front of the house where there is a cat house are <i>two</i> voids.
Andrew got excited and wanted to visit the voids. We went inside, and my eye
darted to a glass-enclosed room with six-week old kittens playing around in it.
Oh no! So cute! A man sat inside dangling a colorful feathery cat toy for the
kittens who batted it and jumped around. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The front desk woman, an older gal,
led us back to meet the voids. Andrew and Cole immediately went into the
outside enclosure while I stayed behind and waited. Turns out the little voids
were brothers and about six-months old. The host said she wouldn’t let one be
adopted without the other even though she realized it might make the adoption
difficult. Andrew and Cole pondered it as they asked to view the other
available cats. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The woman led us to an area where
kittens were in traditional cages. Andrew spotted a cute tuxedo kitten named
Pumpkin. I cooed over another gray kitten. At this point, Cole started telling
me to adopt a second kitty to keep Slurpee company. He explained how important
it is for Slurpee to have a companion. I didn’t feel certain about adopting a
second cat and pushed back on the subject. Remember, we don’t impulse adopt.
Since I had no intention to adopt another cat, I felt Cole’s encouragement to
adopt a second kitty could result in a bad decision. Also, I had started dating
Detlef, my fiancé, and I wondered what he would think about a second cat. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then we asked if we could hold the
kittens, Pumpkin and the gray boy. The lady agreed, and she took the kittens to
the viewing room so we could hold and play with them. Cole’s encouragement to
adopt continued, and I started to think maybe he was right. It doesn’t help
that the kittens are incredibly adorable. I liked the gray one, but he wasn’t interested
in me. He wandered away, and I grab him back to hold. I felt his rejection, but
darn what a cutie, and put him down. Then something remarkable happened.
Pumpkin, the little tuxedo kitten, decided to make my shoe his bed. He wobbled
over like kittens do and curled up on my shoe! Pumpkin made it known – I’m to
be his human, his new cat mama. Well, I’m a sucker for a “shoe kitten”. Pumpkin’s
insistence for attention won me over, especially when he purred so loudly and everyone
could hear it. Now I’m done for – it’s over. All resistance crumbled. Purring,
especially loud purring, is a cat’s superpower. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you sure I should do it?” I insecurely
asked Cole.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mom, yes!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How could I leave this sweet kitten
who clearly didn’t want me to put him down? I texted Detlef, and he agreed I
should do it. He said Cole was right. So, I decided to adopt Pumpkin. At the
same time, Andrew and Cole took a huge leap of faith and opted to adopt the two
voids together. Two cats at once is a big commitment, but they impressively did
right by the kitties and refused to separate them. The host knew black cats are
harder to adopt out, and two black cats together presented an even greater
challenge. She happily chatted with Andrew, expressing her approval that both
cats found a home together. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I held
Pumpkin the whole time while I filled out the paperwork and paid the adoption
fees. Pumpkin, whose name would soon become Icee, purred in my arms. He didn’t
squirm or try to escape. I was enchanted by him. Icee is the sweetest kitty I
have ever adopted. I petted and scratched my new kitten behind his ears. In the
meantime, Cole and Andrew filled out the same paperwork for the black kitty brothers.
After completing and signing the papers, we were all new kitty parents ready to
take our babies to their respective new homes. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We
piled back into the Jeep, with Andrew sitting in the backseat with the black
kitties, who would be named Ink and Squid, loaded in a carrier. We drove back.
I held Icee and soothed him during the ride. He mewed but not too badly. I
wanted to rename him (Pumpkin didn’t suit him). After I explored various cold
beverage names, Icee won. Slushie wouldn’t work. I never liked slushies but
Icees tasted good (plus, Icee is an animal’s name, a polar bear). Hence, Icee
got a new name. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We
drove along and oh no! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What’s
that smell!” I said, feeling a need to gag. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Holy
crap!” cried Andrew. “The cats pooped in their carrier!” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now
we all coughed and gagged. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Roll
down the window!” I moaned, covering my mouth and nose. “Oh! That’s just rank!”
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cole
gagged, laughed, and rolled down the windows. It was November and cold outside.
He opened the sunroof, too. All windows were now opened, and we cried from the
stench and froze from the cold. The absolutely putrid smell of cat poop on steroids
assaulted our nostrils, windows opened or not. I can honestly say I’ve never
smelled anything so nasty in my life. Poor Icee just looked confused and
snuggled in closer to me on my lap. I nearly vomited, and I wasn’t alone. Cole
pulled over so we could at least get the poop out of the carrier. He covered
his mouth, gagged and dumped it out. He got back in the car, and we cried from
the horrific stink that lingered in the air. After all, the carrier couldn’t be
washed out, and the blanket got covered in it, too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Drive
faster,” I ordered my son. “I can’t take this much longer.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No
one in that car objected. Cole proceeded to drive as fast as he could on the
45-minute stretch of road. Remember how earlier in the chapter I emphasized the
long drive. Yes, now you know why. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What
did they feed them?” Cole’s asked. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Poop!”
I replied, covering my nose and mouth. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No
kidding,” said Cole, who also covered his nose and mouth while keeping one hand
on the steering wheel. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
real guess is bad cat food. Yes, cat food and the quality of cat food affects
their poop smell. I learned to invest in grain-free cat food to cut down on bad
odors. It works, too. Regardless of whatever diet the Humane Society had those
cats on, the smell absolutely suffocated us. I just wanted out of that car. My
kitten mewed at this point and wanted out too. Poor Icee … his ride home was
unpleasant. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
returned to Cole’s house, and I still had a two-hour drive back to Dixon. I
hoped Icee would be all right on such a long drive. I expected the usual meowing.
I loaded Icee in the carrier they had given us at the Humane Society and closed
the lid. I didn’t want to drive with a kitten wandering freely around my car. I
placed it on the passenger seat and drove off. Of course, he mewed and
complained. I thought, <i>Two hours of mewing … sigh</i>. Fortunately, Icee
only mewed for a bit. I soothed and comforted him with my voice. After about 20
minutes, he seemed to calm down and drift off to sleep, which was good given I
still had an hour-and-a-half drive ahead of me. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Next,
I thought about how to introduce Icee to Slurpee. I felt uncertain about how
well Slurpee would react to another kitty in his territory. Andrew had advised
me to put one in the bathroom and let them sit together with a door in-between
them. So, when I got home and unloaded Icee, I took him into the main bathroom and
put him inside. Then I encouraged Slurpee to meet him. For the next few hours,
they touched paws underneath the bathroom door. Wow! So, cute watching little
paws explore each other. I’m told you should give it a few days before you
allow them to meet face to face, but I cheated and decided the paw play meant
they might want to meet sooner. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
let Icee out of the carrier so he could wander around and adjust to his new
surroundings. At six-weeks old, he seemed like an itty-bitty kitty. I worried
about stepping on him or even cuddling him and accidently smothering him. He
came out of the bathroom and Slurpee just stared at the little foreigner. He
seemed more intrigued than threatened. They sized each other up. I think
Slurpee hissed a little, but then softened toward his new little brother. <i>Ah,
good</i>, I thought, <i>I won’t have to break up a cat fight</i>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
didn’t take long before they both started playing and zooming around the house.
I set up two litterboxes. It’s always best to try and give each cat his own
box. I also put them on their feeding schedule. I don’t like to feed cats all
wet food for two reasons. One, it can get expensive buying wet food; and two,
kitties need some dry food to keep their teeth healthy. I set up a feeding
station, and I designated individual cat dishes. Icee initially had diarrhea,
which concerned me. Kittens can die from failure to thrive, so when they’re
little you have to pay attention to weight loss. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
funniest moment came when Detlef and I ate breakfast at the dining room table.
The kitty boxes sat in the area (hardwood, tile or laminate floors make the
best locations for litter boxes), and I had yet to buy covers for them. We
could see when the kitties did their business. I about fell on the floor
laughing when Icee went to his box. He didn’t do the typical squat-and-go pose.
He got up on his hind legs and stood up like a rabbit to go pooh. I have never
seen a cat stand to go to the bathroom. Detlef and I marveled at his unique skill.
I became aware of his diarrhea. I decided to not give him anymore wet food for
a few days and see if it would improve. Instead, I gave him kitten dry food. The
diarrhea lasted several days, but it did clear up. Always keep an eye on your
kitty’s bathroom habits. As noted, kittens are fragile when they’re so little.
You want to ensure your new baby stays healthy. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
allowed my cats to initially sleep in my bed – that is, until Detlef moved in.
They didn’t get kicked out of the room solely because of Detlef’s arrival. They
got kicked out for pouncing on us in the middle of the night. No one wants to
be startled awake by a “puff” deciding your feet are cat toys. Icee <i>loves</i>
feet and toes. He is our infamous “toe hunter,” who pounces on vulnerable toes.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sitting on the kitchen chair, talking
to Detlef, and trying to keep Icee off my shoes and socks. But, toes under
blankets … now that’s a whole new level of excitement. If I moved my legs or
feet, I could count on a kitten to bounce over and pounce! Ouch! Baby claws go
right through blankets. Even clipped claws can be lethal weapons. While Icee
enjoyed play time with my feet, I can’t say I liked it. I didn’t want to encourage
this behavior, but in cat world it seems like most cats love this game (maybe
not the toe part). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
a result, Icee and Slurpee got banished to the living room during sleep hours. In
their defense, they didn’t stay at the bedroom door and meow all night to be
let in. Once we put them out of our bedroom, they would freely roam the house. And
that my friends is how Icee came to live with us… </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-3818600587956657612023-01-11T10:56:00.002-08:002023-01-11T11:00:02.066-08:00Wednesday is the Best Character for a Series<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBETjKAd8BIyHroD8CQ3FbzibzoCzt9NuFs_8rRaGvvHCB1GvtIP7MvTysJGNhu6V6rcA_StJUQRkkH7M0eMAuNV4Ib9QFE3UdAFnR-WgjjeDYQ_kjvP3z4qxRcHUI3yd_54fTbvgoc6h8mZzTtabF19MHznK7rhKSpw4vIJx_pN_q3wOv3erPxpE/s1763/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1175" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBETjKAd8BIyHroD8CQ3FbzibzoCzt9NuFs_8rRaGvvHCB1GvtIP7MvTysJGNhu6V6rcA_StJUQRkkH7M0eMAuNV4Ib9QFE3UdAFnR-WgjjeDYQ_kjvP3z4qxRcHUI3yd_54fTbvgoc6h8mZzTtabF19MHznK7rhKSpw4vIJx_pN_q3wOv3erPxpE/s320/images.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Of all the characters in the Addams Family, Wednesday and Thing make the two perfect leads in a television series. <i>Wednesday</i>, which streams on Netflix, is one of the cutest, most entertaining, and refreshing series around. The show is helmed by the brilliant Tim Burton whose movies like <i>Willie Wonka</i> and <i>Edward Scissorhands</i> have become iconic.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The character of Wednesday pulled away from the Addams Family and placed into a private school gives the show a wonderful gothic edge that is relevant to current culture. Since goth girls are popular, the show has a built-in audience. Consider, though, how Wednesday offered the ideal character to focus on in this era. Of all of the Addams Family, her supposed unemotional personality and candor make her so interesting to watch on her own. Then Burton tossed in her perfect companion, Thing, to accompany our goth girl all over school. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The show's premise revolves around the teens in the school and includes machinations going on with the school's staff. As a throwback to <i>The Addams Family</i> movie, Christina Ricci, who played Wednesday, is featured in the cast as a fun teacher. As the series gets underway, we find Wednesday caught up in a monster murder mystery. The murder puts Wednesday on a mission to solve the crime with the help of Thing. Thing runs around, does sign language to communicate, and watches out for her. Thing also gives her someone to talk to and acts as a narrative tool to convey what Wednesday thinks. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">She's a female lead played perfectly by the talented newcomer Jenna Ortega. Ortega gives the audience a stunning interior performance and brings heart to the seemingly heartless teen. However, she shows her true colors in her concern and care for others. Wednesday plays teen alienation with aplomb and grounded wisdom that isn't as one might believe rooted in darkness, but more in just being herself and not caring what others think. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> The show also brings whimsy and lightness together with Wednesday's roommate being unicorn girl who is all about color and rainbows, which gets contrasted against Wednesday's darkness and shadow. It's quite something to see the two girls together. When her roommate drags Wednesday to get a dress for the RaveN at some lollypop-like boutique, it's amusing. Of course Wednesday isn't going to go for that one. Her dress turns up in an antique shop. It's fun to see how Burton has created these wonderful character foils. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then we have the now famous dance to "Goo Goo Muck". <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NakTu_VZxJ0">Click here</a> to see the dance on YouTube. Ortega told Jimmy Fallon how Burton allowed her to choreograph the dance. It went viral across social media. Now other people are doing that dance on social media.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesday is one of those iconic characters that all writers hope to create. Pulling her away from the family and giving her the stage has paid off. The show is a trending success, and it's so well done and worth the time to watch. </span><br /></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-4445592183636431742022-10-20T11:06:00.002-07:002022-10-20T11:06:45.887-07:00Challenges Every Writer Faces<p> </p><div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgUqgTd2UCTsmfc2-K94jQ7Sw_kzNbRqHStDRb_2S9yllEjY9dDZ1nLd7ujZ3piACmvOU1qNSJXfMCsqKYJbY66Zeak23gXC0p8j3drFYOHRoO3y3Jnvw_HIP5nn7ZQAmJ9mzcm3Od6XTvOZSu1jQAWX3qyqnKGzNLtCZFZV8MaP_BTNewminBSgw/s2048/309299898_10225549134387399_8840716642603491795_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgUqgTd2UCTsmfc2-K94jQ7Sw_kzNbRqHStDRb_2S9yllEjY9dDZ1nLd7ujZ3piACmvOU1qNSJXfMCsqKYJbY66Zeak23gXC0p8j3drFYOHRoO3y3Jnvw_HIP5nn7ZQAmJ9mzcm3Od6XTvOZSu1jQAWX3qyqnKGzNLtCZFZV8MaP_BTNewminBSgw/s320/309299898_10225549134387399_8840716642603491795_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Today I wanted to discuss challenges every writer faces. I’m going to discuss them in no particular order or emphasis. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Lack of confidence</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">
– many writers don’t get published or even try to publish due to a lack
of confidence in their talents and skills. I’ve published hundreds of
articles and books, and yet I still struggle with confidence in my work.
Writing requires readers, and readers can be critical. It can be
difficult to put your work in the public eye and not feel sensitive
about it. One thing that helps me is to be open to improvement. When
someone gives me feedback – and as long as it’s done in a productive
manner – I’m open-minded about it and don’t take it personally … </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">anymore</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">. I used to feel like an abject reject lol … age and wisdom have taught me the phrase “it’s all good.” </span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Uncertainty with a story idea and whether or not it will be a commercial success</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">.
Over the years, I have learned that when a story is going to be a hit,
it will be obvious through one means: a successful logline. If you can
distill your idea to a powerful line or two and pitch it to a few
friends whose reactions always show on their faces, then you just know.
If you have to stumble around and explain it, chances are it won’t be a
success. When I say logline, I mean one clear, powerful sentence that
encapsulates your idea in seconds. Every project I’ve been able to
create that impactful logline has ended up either selling really well or
just easily. </span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Trying to rush too fast and not adequately develop your story, characters, thesis, concepts, etc</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">.
Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, inexperienced writers often don’t
take the time or apply enough patience to fully developed their ideas. I
see this in manuscript submissions mostly from first-time writers. I
had one person submit what was nothing more than thinly developed and
poorly written “ideas” and not much writing around it. I had to
literally “dub” in what this person meant to figure it out. This person
also bragged how they had written a book in a week. Yes, indeed it
looked like a week’s worth all right. Speed isn’t a bragging point.
Careful development and taking your time is a skill and talent, and it
doesn’t get done in some sort of self-imposed race. Take your time and
enjoy the process.</span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Dealing with the isolation of being a writer</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">.
Writing is a solo enterprise unless you are collaborating with a
co-author. I co-wrote several projects, and I found it enjoyable.
However, if you don’t want to co-write, it means, as noted, you’re alone
a lot. I have never had a problem being alone. In fact, I like working
alone in the peace and quiet with my kitties. That said, I know other
writers who don’t enjoy the isolation of it. If you want to solve it,
try finding a writing buddy. Someone you can discuss your work with. A
writing buddy can also inspire and give you accountability. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">If you're looking for a writing coach or need editing and publishing services, contact Michelle Gamble at info@3LPublishing.com. </span></i>
</div>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-39622285134426972482022-10-05T11:13:00.002-07:002022-10-05T11:13:13.886-07:00Adventures in Local Politics Author Jeff Perlman Talks to LeaderGov<p> <span> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqwz2q8F_l5VLSIgT8ONbfn47aeIN-nlnnrJxt2uyp0DSmG0_68yeEvnUxEq4HOqfWKSMBgtEXVIN1-pmHK7a0IVCvZYxWoUSrGhhfI7S2cZXzdNsRI3AOKzNpgpHEPWzJQ0hiJ6vbXQOyL0l1LhmyyqIkw-CEf5nlroWyQSWvA63bS1-IG_FJR-g/s675/OSS%20After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="675" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqwz2q8F_l5VLSIgT8ONbfn47aeIN-nlnnrJxt2uyp0DSmG0_68yeEvnUxEq4HOqfWKSMBgtEXVIN1-pmHK7a0IVCvZYxWoUSrGhhfI7S2cZXzdNsRI3AOKzNpgpHEPWzJQ0hiJ6vbXQOyL0l1LhmyyqIkw-CEf5nlroWyQSWvA63bS1-IG_FJR-g/s320/OSS%20After.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Great interview with Jeff Perlman, author of Adventures in Politics: <a class="x1edh9d7 xmper1u x1fey0fg" href="https://www.leadergov.com/podcast/"><span>https://www.leadergov.com/podcast/</span></a><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Adventures
in Local Politics is the story of how one community found its way through
visionary leadership and citizen engagement.</span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The
book serves as a useful guide to all those who want to lead positive change in
their communities and tells the story of a former journalist turned mayor who
helped to advance his city’s revitalization.</span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Delray
Beach went from blighted and depressed to being named North America’s “Most Fun
Town” by Rand McNally.</span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Adventures
in Local Politics tells the story of how a city known as “Dullray” became a
community considered a national model for downtown revitalization and citizen
engagement.</span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It
offers lessons and cautionary tales for other communities on their journeys.</span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
</span><p><style><span style="font-family: helvetica;">@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></style></p><p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><br /></span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span><br /></span><a class="x1edh9d7 xmper1u x1fey0fg" href="https://www.leadergov.com/podcast/"><span></span></a></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-90396152422158335122022-09-14T11:14:00.004-07:002022-09-14T11:14:40.754-07:00Are anthologies popular?<p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWnZB2URyI0L87R-J0R04DCrmmOsKciLu69j1iuakyYs2z_B_eA4yR9cQGUvwgw7mcE6B56nY88PJu2IMnGQJQwzXHJviJX5AQThxais4TC3rDqlTcEQPH1BlZSjBXZ3XApF6zkzOV6mEzOWLH4QY5aFbl_ymLmu5mBGGyifpHurKaHQmepGUSi1I/s2048/244478848_10223754579924659_521490085092775724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWnZB2URyI0L87R-J0R04DCrmmOsKciLu69j1iuakyYs2z_B_eA4yR9cQGUvwgw7mcE6B56nY88PJu2IMnGQJQwzXHJviJX5AQThxais4TC3rDqlTcEQPH1BlZSjBXZ3XApF6zkzOV6mEzOWLH4QY5aFbl_ymLmu5mBGGyifpHurKaHQmepGUSi1I/s320/244478848_10223754579924659_521490085092775724_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On
Tik-Tok, they have this thing called “Storytime”. Something kind of
interesting plays in the background video while someone starts with a
question: “Am the asshole”… I know it’s crude, but the question leads to
some salacious tale about all sorts of family ridiculousness, bad
relationships, cheating boyfriends and girlfriends, etc. Then in the
comments, people answer whether or not that person was in the wrong. I
have to admit, almost every story leaves me with my jaw on the ground.
The point is, it’s shocking behavior told in a way that just sucks you
right in. <p></p>
<p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Storytime
prompted me to think about anthologies. Storytime is great because over
the course of about four to six parts, you hear what is essentially a
short story. It’s perfect for quick entertainment. Then after wandering
into a bookstore to find a few anthologies right upfront in the most
coveted display areas, it piqued my interest. For many years,
anthologies weren’t that popular. So, it begged the question: </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">are anthologies back in vogue?</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Here’s what I pulled off the Internet: “</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Anthologies are among the most popular forms of storytelling in the world today</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">.
Lately, it would seem as if TV has had a few great hits in this
department. Don't let that confuse you into thinking anthologies started
with the big screen. In essence, anthologies are a collection of
stories written in a common theme.”</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Okay,
question answered. You could do an anthology and then combine its
promotion with something like Storytime on Tik-Tok and other social
media platforms. It makes sense in many ways that anthologies are
trending. We are without question a “fast-food” culture. We want it now.
Some people don’t have time to wade through a 300-page book. They just
want a quick fix: a beginning, middle, and end in 20 minutes or less.
It’s about limited time and attention. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">So,
you can create a theme and collaborate with other writers to create a
multi-author anthology or write your own. I would definitely say the
time is right. The market wants it, and many great ways exist to promote
it. </span></p><p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"><i>If you're interested in working with 3L Publishing on a book project, contact info@3LPublishing.com. </i><br /></span></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-76981094120909240132022-08-22T13:28:00.004-07:002022-08-22T13:28:32.555-07:00Promoting via BookTok<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxzDmZCQjMHEpS7E9H162Z4jNsUgaMezMgusjp7GfIgHm9tdADdFtyG3ZyySZAbjp_-0ZXW-KEzzWTeVgyFAWFcOFpT0Qgm40npHpeJPoZ_39Sjdc7RsBCyqmp_JsFWa0KbF0viXehAyl4GG2eVmfwhQVcaDSOEjFvirL7p4By0tsFiZeFPmUf8DQ/s2048/300367369_10225366410499416_1727490034948414917_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxzDmZCQjMHEpS7E9H162Z4jNsUgaMezMgusjp7GfIgHm9tdADdFtyG3ZyySZAbjp_-0ZXW-KEzzWTeVgyFAWFcOFpT0Qgm40npHpeJPoZ_39Sjdc7RsBCyqmp_JsFWa0KbF0viXehAyl4GG2eVmfwhQVcaDSOEjFvirL7p4By0tsFiZeFPmUf8DQ/s320/300367369_10225366410499416_1727490034948414917_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I am intrigued
and excited to discuss a major trend in book promotion: BookTok (aka
TikTok). I already started building my TikTok platform. I recently read
how BookTok is rapidly becoming a viable book promotion platform. </span>
</p>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">According to the
article “Publishing Trends: Predictions for the Book Industry in 2022”
by Kaelyn Barron, “BookTok appears to be here to stay, with all trends
indicating that even more authors will join the platform to market their
books in 2022. So far, the hashtag #BookTok has garnered over 34.7
billion views on the platform.</span></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">We’ve seen the impact
of BookTok firsthand with one of our own authors, Maclen Stanley, who
has accumulated over 424,000 followers and 6 million likes in just a few
months since his book </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-style: italic;">The Law Says What?</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">
debuted in July. Many reviewers on Amazon have commented that they
bought the book specifically because they enjoyed his related TikTok
videos.</span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Book reviewers
have also taken to the platform to share their thoughts on new books in
short, easily-shared video clips, making them am influential force that
authors and publishers cannot afford to ignore in 2022.”</span></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I recently
discussed how I am building my TikTok platform. To start, I’ve been
focused on mainstream topics to attract general followers. As my
following increases, I will begin not only promoting my own books and
projects, but also my authors’ books. If you’re shy and don’t feel
comfortable promoting your books via short video clips, you can use
different filters and techniques to either stay off camera or improve
your (a-hem) appearance. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">You don’t even
have to use your real voice. You can apply various techniques to create a
kind of narrative. For example, you can use “bubble” messages. One cute
way is to point at written words that pop up on screen to punctuate
your points. You can use their “Siri-like” voices to narrate. You can
combine pictures and videos. You can do live discussions. It’s honestly
fun to play with it and uncover all of the features. </span></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">TikTok is also
educational. I’ve learned a lot about some important subjects. I like it
since you’re hearing from real people with hands-on expertise and
experiences they share. It creates a wonderful, supportive community.
And, you don’t have to create videos to participate in the community. </span></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I pivot between
Facebook and TikTok. I use Linked-In but not as often as I use the other
two. If you’re not using this new social media platform, it’s time. The
statistic clearly show it’s the new social outlet to promote books. So,
go BookTok! </span></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Until next week… “write” on!</span></div>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-45962630349183528492022-06-22T11:19:00.000-07:002022-06-22T11:19:05.392-07:00Writing or Rewriting: what works better?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yxtSkflZ6Lnha5rcar8L1QnmDQ3fRek0oQr6eq4By9keuek6frKEXmucka7QxpWRJ94Pm6THgaYDpmF2ieCNS0CEeJzcFTXmfO5RQ7BMGx7Y6KtUTKsbTCLLbKCRrbY_lHhBirHnNKApzPaEPziLpdFA3kXKYq_c30lamHlyltRBqDJZjbqy8UcH/s2048/286039188_10225009674461238_8330775616095552106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yxtSkflZ6Lnha5rcar8L1QnmDQ3fRek0oQr6eq4By9keuek6frKEXmucka7QxpWRJ94Pm6THgaYDpmF2ieCNS0CEeJzcFTXmfO5RQ7BMGx7Y6KtUTKsbTCLLbKCRrbY_lHhBirHnNKApzPaEPziLpdFA3kXKYq_c30lamHlyltRBqDJZjbqy8UcH/s320/286039188_10225009674461238_8330775616095552106_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I am focused on
writing right now. I had a discussion with a fellow writer about writing
and rewriting. She mentioned that authors like James Patterson focus on
the rewrites to find the genius in the work. I’m not a Patterson reader
so I can’t speak to his work. I mostly get it down in a single draft,
which is different from others. I’m naturally not opposed to rewriting,
and in some cases, I do revisions. However, for the most part I seem to
get it down in the first draft. </span>
<p></p>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">In another
discussion, one of my friends asked how I managed to get it right the
first time. I acknowledged I don’t always get it down, but I would say
at least 85 percent of it. As a professional writer, I am the same with
my magazine articles. I get a first draft down pretty easily. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">How do I do it?
(And Friend-Os, adopt your own style and what’s right for you.) When I
worked in corporate, I almost felt guilty for sitting idle just to
think. I am a doer and work hard. So, I don’t like to give the
appearance of wasted time. I need quiet time to think it through before I
write it down. I used to bill only for time spent writing when I
realized it took a lot more time to develop the idea than to write it.
Billing for actual time writing it down isn’t a fair representation of
the real time it takes. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">First, I
organize my thoughts. What is this chapter or article going to be about?
What will be the major plot point made or story transition? I think
about it. I sometimes think about it all day (off and on, of course). By
the time I sit down and write, my thoughts have already been organized.
I know what I’m going to do. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Many writers use
outlines, but I don’t like outlining anything. I feel that an outline
is too rigid and doesn’t allow for the free-flow of new ideas,
especially if you stick close to it. I avoid being too closely stuck to a
specific point(s). When I write, I say “from creation through me,”
which means I allow the story to come to me. I’m not saying I don’t know
where it’s going; but the truth is, my plot points can be a question
mark in my head up until the moment I execute the idea. I leave room for
my own mystery, and what that translates to is mystery and surprise
when the story takes unexpected directions for me AND the reader. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">It’s a bit like the
expression, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.” Therefore,
if you surprise even yourself, it’s more likely the reader will be
equally as surprised. For example, in </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">One Little Lie</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">,
I started writing Chapter 5 and thought it would go one way, but then
an idea hit me, and I took it a whole new direction. In basic terms
that’s called </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">organic storytelling</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">. The writer allows for the story to unfold in natural ways during the creative process. </span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">So, Friend-Os if
you want to ditch the outline, try my method as a simple exercise in
creativity. You might be surprised by what you produce – and that’s the
fun part. When you surprise and delight even yourself, rest assured
readers will likely have the same experience.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Until next week, “write” on. </span></div>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-36734992362760008592022-06-14T10:57:00.000-07:002022-06-14T10:57:03.780-07:00Writing Tips: Choosing Your Point of View<p> </p><div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Today’s topic is
about using the point of view and the feelings of the character to apply
it in how your descriptions unfold. In writing </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">One Little Lie</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">,
I am writing in the first person. I chose the first-person narrative so
I could convey the depth of the character’s feelings, but also to allow
the prose to unfold from that person’s perspective. You have to
remember that if you decide to use the first person narrative, you will
be restricted to the knowledge of that person. You’re up in the
narrator’s head, and the narrator only observes and hears from the other
characters. </span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5yHCuiu4W6yEYP1gC76-pwZlwhkwYSBNyijWwiDDycCVj-IG8u13blSjuq23DOVgBK59cHrNKDGbCnbIauJF0QZoBOzy0ZK6_qOAuvdnDJUtztZ8l6D1htj36KcJ7afWQY-qrDHJKvYT5dUj5cTt8-EQKw8gYi3yfLmy0fLGnErs7FeDWoVqow5c/s600/286879482_10225045051265636_7815596046636149578_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5yHCuiu4W6yEYP1gC76-pwZlwhkwYSBNyijWwiDDycCVj-IG8u13blSjuq23DOVgBK59cHrNKDGbCnbIauJF0QZoBOzy0ZK6_qOAuvdnDJUtztZ8l6D1htj36KcJ7afWQY-qrDHJKvYT5dUj5cTt8-EQKw8gYi3yfLmy0fLGnErs7FeDWoVqow5c/s320/286879482_10225045051265636_7815596046636149578_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I’ve used several types of techniques. I decided to use first person in </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">One Little Lie</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">,
because it’s a deeply personal and emotional tale. The story revolves
around one character’s story of transformation, from open naivete and
hopeful trust to the rude awakening of a narcissistic liar’s duplicity.
You go through the experience of her transformation with her and see it
unfold through her eyes. </span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I wanted the audience
to understand the depth of the protagonist’s feelings and take a
journey with her. I didn’t feel that the second-person point of view
would satisfy that goal. If you’ve become more adept at writing you can
change points of view, as I did in my novel </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Body in the Trunk</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">.
It’s important to note you need to be careful in switching back and
forth, especially with grammar and tense. I do not advise new writers to
try that technique until they’ve mastered writing to the extent that
they are able to easily alternate narratives without making it
confusing. </span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I also wanted
the reader to literally experience her emotions, and see things as she
saw it. This choice means the descriptions reflect how her mind works.
In the opening chapter where she’s just gone through a traumatic
experience, the descriptions are lean. When someone is going through an
internal crisis, it’s not likely he or she is focused on the details of a
room, for example. The writing reflects how she is essentially troubled
and not really present in her surroundings. As we move along in the
story, the more mindful and present she becomes, you’ll notice it in her
reflections. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Making a
conscious decision on how to relay a story affects your technique. Be
aware of it. Every element of storytelling needs conscious awareness of
what you strive to create. Just writing without intention doesn’t create
great works of literature. As I write, I keep little thoughts in my
mind that guide my methods. Even though it might seem random and perhaps
not a conscious choice, my work is indeed quite consciously driven by
my goals. It doesn’t mean it’s not organic storytelling. I just give
each chapter and each plot point a basis of intellectual intention,
which simply means nothing is random. </span></div>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-57698213111761235262022-06-07T12:30:00.001-07:002022-06-07T12:30:18.841-07:00The Compelling Narrative of Elena Ferrante<p> </p><div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVgIaok_PlEu5IxyHj7CjROEauOzUidRNCv1uDltkOab1an8aV7XywOjo8-lqKwxnh6Y9rXz0sdcLSoBNerF_txEp7WAvPZ2zrCiq0v-Kt9H4gKhsDOf4kHV8jv66_YyQ4GZEcVQDX0ttfxc9dyz4So2VqJ5XwPwWAkM6xCvhFp51S06cm3O-7ntk/s475/25242224._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVgIaok_PlEu5IxyHj7CjROEauOzUidRNCv1uDltkOab1an8aV7XywOjo8-lqKwxnh6Y9rXz0sdcLSoBNerF_txEp7WAvPZ2zrCiq0v-Kt9H4gKhsDOf4kHV8jv66_YyQ4GZEcVQDX0ttfxc9dyz4So2VqJ5XwPwWAkM6xCvhFp51S06cm3O-7ntk/s320/25242224._SY475_.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br />Today’s topic is about narrative and novels. I’ve been listening to what is a 36-hour audio book titled </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">The Story of the Lost Child</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> by </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Elena Ferrante</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">.
I’m a huge fan of autobiographies and biographies, and I love reading
about other female authors. The narrator Elena Grecco tells one of the
most shocking and compelling stories about her life in Naples. </span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">In discussing
this book’s narrative with my friend, he asked me, “Why is it so
shocking when she reveals important plot points. You just don’t see it
coming.” Ferrante is gifted at telling a story through what I called
“immediacy,” which means she tells the story exactly as it unfolded to
her. In real life, we don’t have foreshadowing and little breadcrumbs
that get dropped when something major is about to happen. We might see
hints in a character’s behavior, but that’s all the hints we get in this
kind of narrative.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">As a result,
Ferrante’s life experiences – and many are indeed dramatic and shocking –
come across in a real-time way, hence “immediacy.” Readers experience
these events right along with our narrator. Many times throughout the
story I was like, “No…” or “No way.” This technique hooks the reader
into the </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-style: italic;">experience of the story,</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">
and leaves the reader intrigued and wanting to hear the rest. These
various bombshells are sprinkled throughout the book. I got so hooked on
the story, I was completely absorbed and wanting to know what happens
next. </span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The writing is
excellent, and the book is one of the best I’ve read. When writers read
other people’s writing, it gives them ideas on how to handle certain
types of narrative. I teach authors a critical skill: </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">You can’t break the rules until you know the rules</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">.
Reading award-winning works can teach you a lot about how to write.
Narrative itself, though, has specific structure (the rules you need to
know before you attempt to get creative with them). Ferrante appears to
make a decision in her work not to talk ahead of the events. She invites
you into her world as it unfolds. She knows how to handle narrative,
and I noticed she doesn’t use a lot of dialog. </span>
</div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">First-time or
new authors sometimes try to twist the rules around when they haven’t
mastered the structure. In these cases, the stories become twisted up
and difficult to follow. If the authors also has too many problems with
grammar and usage, it becomes a big mess. I’ve had to sort through books
before that I quite honestly got headaches even trying to figure out. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">My advice is
don’t take literary license until you’ve earned your “license” to do so.
Start with basic narrative structures and tell the story. Avoid
experimentation in early novels and keep it simple. As you progress in
your skills then start dabbling in different formats and structures.
Learn the rules and THEN break rules. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-47081471597747454002022-05-25T13:29:00.000-07:002022-05-25T13:29:07.023-07:00Q&A with Jeff Perlman, author of Adventures in Local Politics<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveNRJSkqMjAS3zd69SjVKm9VK_l0j4pD3DSM9pYfzOYCLzd7nQuQWN-T5C1uBs0zBZT_GdDUYXyp2WNSn78eUKrnKRFRBE3hAzrA9MR67spH5NLxA1Jxmv2JbOTJV4_QFth-odKQHqAuTOoqWGoO3mGCtMJ0pajnw8y2JVaohrxNijkwjKwTWtMLo/s1800/9781736105160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveNRJSkqMjAS3zd69SjVKm9VK_l0j4pD3DSM9pYfzOYCLzd7nQuQWN-T5C1uBs0zBZT_GdDUYXyp2WNSn78eUKrnKRFRBE3hAzrA9MR67spH5NLxA1Jxmv2JbOTJV4_QFth-odKQHqAuTOoqWGoO3mGCtMJ0pajnw8y2JVaohrxNijkwjKwTWtMLo/s320/9781736105160.jpg" width="213" /></a></b></div><b><br />Q. What is Adventures in Local
Politics about?</b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s the story about how Delray Beach found its way through
visionary leadership and citizen engagement.<b> </b>The book serves as a useful
guide to all those who want to lead positive change in their communities. It
tells the story of a former-journalist-turned mayor who helped to advance his
city’s revitalization. Delray Beach went from blighted and depressed to being
named North America’s “Most Fun Town” by Rand McNally. <i>Adventures in Local
Politics</i> tells the story of how a city known as “Dullray” became a
community considered a national model for downtown revitalization and citizen engagement.
It offers lessons and cautionary tales for other communities on their journeys.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Q. What led you to write the book?</span></b><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A</span></b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. When I was
elected, I searched for a book that could help me navigate this new world of
politics that I had entered. I couldn't find it. So, I wrote the book that I
could have used when I was starting out. I put the lessons I had learned--many
the hard way--into a book that I believe can help elected leaders or those
interested in local politics succeed. The book was written to help those who
want to make a meaningful difference in their communities.</span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Q. What is your favorite story in the book and why?</span></b><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A.</span></b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I enjoyed writing
about my "ride-alongs" with the local police department. Those
officers took me under their wing and showed me what was really happening on
the streets of my city. We went to places and saw things I never could have
seen without them giving me that glimpse into their lives. I came away with a
deeper understanding of the issues and a deeper appreciation for the men and
women who serve our city. Their trust in me not only moved me personally, but
it helped me as a policymaker to support them and do what I could to make their
lives better. Community transformation starts with safety. If people don't feel
safe in your city, you just can't move forward. The best investment mayors can
make is in public safety. </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Q. In the new COVID era, how do you propose to reconnect
communities where most professionals have become remote workers and we’ve lost
that in-person touch?</span></b><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A.</span></b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I think COVID has
changed us permanently. Smart cities will begin to prize public health and make
their communities as resilient as possible. We can reconnect by creating great
public spaces where everyone can feel safe and find beauty and respite in a
noisy and stressful world. So ,we need to invest in placemaking – green
markets, great parks, recreational opportunities, walkability, etc. But we also
must find ways to gather safety and not rely solely on screens and technology.
Neighborhood dinners or town hall meetings that insist on civility as a value
are critical. We must find ways for people to meet and connect, and we must
encourage our citizens to be citizens. That means education and a culture that
encourages input, dialog, respect, and collaboration. </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Q. What project did you lead that you are most proud of?</span></b><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A</span></b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. I'm most proud of
our Downtown Master Plan that enabled us to build on the success of our
predecessors to create what I think is the most dynamic small city in America.
We went from a seasonal economy to a vibrant, year-round exciting place. That
success has created a lot of opportunities, a lot of jobs, and a dynamic
quality of life. </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Q. What is the biggest takeaway you want people to understand?</span></b><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A</span></b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. The biggest takeaway
is that serving your community is an honor and a privilege and a wonderful
opportunity to make a lasting difference in people's lives. It is a job to do,
not a job to have. I want leaders to aspire to do big things, but I also want
them to be good stewards and to lead with heart and empathy. Serving your city
is a chance to touch people. They may not remember what you did, but they will
remember how you made them feel. You won't please everyone, but you should
strive to help those who are working hard to move your city forward. If you
please the doers in your community, you will be a success. </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Q. Do you have any future projects/books in the works?</span></b><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A</span></b><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. I do! I'm hard at
work on a book about my adventures in business and the leadership lessons I
learned by working side by side with a benevolent billionaire as he created a
successful beverage company among other noteworthy endeavors ranging from real
estate and restaurants to hot sauce and hotels.</span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-38464841965725090342022-05-17T14:05:00.003-07:002022-05-17T14:05:44.848-07:00Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard: Case Study in Image Management<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3JhcCRxqReHO5PEvx8ztd2HgyrENNy1Nqu3eK0Cnv9ADjOGeMfTc-jYpob_uVaTpJ2N2xZ7orET2F0b8DbuD-dJ9tJyR4-UAPVNlQq3MsOEr5wazL_MC_lMDacWPqIRmrtUEMu6hkw_kOY_jCNTNOlH6rmW4ax5V94tbp7pAIC5k9-0M8rO48RY0/s755/0_TM200714Trial59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="615" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3JhcCRxqReHO5PEvx8ztd2HgyrENNy1Nqu3eK0Cnv9ADjOGeMfTc-jYpob_uVaTpJ2N2xZ7orET2F0b8DbuD-dJ9tJyR4-UAPVNlQq3MsOEr5wazL_MC_lMDacWPqIRmrtUEMu6hkw_kOY_jCNTNOlH6rmW4ax5V94tbp7pAIC5k9-0M8rO48RY0/s320/0_TM200714Trial59.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some people have been watching the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial religiously -- almost on the same scale with the OJ Simpson trial back in the 90s. This high-profile defamation case has played out in an interesting way when it comes to a public relations perspective. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: small;">Depp's team has masterfully used social media to show how he's kind and genuine with people. If you watch mainstream media versus social media, the difference in attitude is totally opposite. Mainstream media has villainized Depp and seems to lean more toward Amber Heard. Meanwhile social media and experts and fans do not see it quite the same way. Most of social media and average people watching this trial soon realized that Heard's testimony is questionable. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: small;">Social media's portrayal of Depp has been masterful at repairing his image. I assume that Depp's team is well aware of the tactics they've taken, which are brilliant. We see Depp doing a live performance in his iconic character Captain Jack Sparrow in the Disney attraction. Next, we're being exposed to his charitable work with children's hospitals and little kids. We see him playing with small children. When he's out, he acts generously with fans, signs autographs, shares hugs. His image projects generosity, kindness, sweetness, and care. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: small;">All of these past (and past is important here) videos show a different image of Depp than is being depicted by the Heard team. These videos were made years ago. They are not recently staged for the benefit of Depp's image right now. Since they are older, we know they are sincere. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the other hand, Heard had to fire her team and reboot. I don't see how they can repair her image since she has no videos to make her look decent or kind. In fact, we've mostly seen how she's not. The images on social media show her as self-absorbed, an alleged liar (with cosmetic companies stepping up to prove false statements), and mentally unstable, as substantiated by expert witnesses. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: small;">Her machinations led to the loss of Warner Bros. and Disney for future projects. No new PR team can undo the negative perception. To make matters worse, she didn't make her (a-hem) "pledged" donations. Whereas we have Depp on the record as making donations that actually got made. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: small;">If it were a trial about who "looks" decent, well it would be hands down Depp's image-makers who win. It's unlikely that Heard's acting career is likely to recover. And thus, the importance of understanding that what we put out into the world can come back to bite us. </span><br /></span></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-28188641326972482372022-05-12T11:02:00.003-07:002022-05-12T11:02:51.554-07:00Rebuilding a Sense of Community Post-Covid<p>
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;">REBUILDING
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY POST-COVID</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;">New
book provides insight into how to rebuild a connected community in a post-COVID
world.</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBDFolUX6mL0yey1usuE_wi1yrXzvkUuA8Nyz8L47YMVjlVLtGeIEQJJp9tvUShth8p0uWzV7r3iMqmE29WbWEDV3kAQWXVCi7eg4QS5Ysm4j06xBOX9Olg3hEzXi0UQ98L3xYrYqqh0w1ChePnOtz_l1PahHkuWDACltEFuYQHTcip427nTOs7Ws/s1800/9781736105160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBDFolUX6mL0yey1usuE_wi1yrXzvkUuA8Nyz8L47YMVjlVLtGeIEQJJp9tvUShth8p0uWzV7r3iMqmE29WbWEDV3kAQWXVCi7eg4QS5Ysm4j06xBOX9Olg3hEzXi0UQ98L3xYrYqqh0w1ChePnOtz_l1PahHkuWDACltEFuYQHTcip427nTOs7Ws/s320/9781736105160.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;">During the pandemic our communities literally had to disconnect to stay
healthy. This disconnection dissolved old ideas about how to meet and even
greet people. Governments and private companies designed new ways to interact via
social distancing and reinvented many workplaces where millions of workers
began working out of their domiciles and Zoom calls became the new standard for
meeting with coworkers. Now as we move back toward a “New Normal” center, it
has left people feeling disenfranchised and emotionally struggling with reconnecting
with others. The second edition of the book <i>Adventures in Local Politics –
How Leadership Brought Back Delray Beach</i> by Jeff Perlman illustrates how
compassionate, empathetic leadership can bring communities back together. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;">Adventures in Local Politics</span></i><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;"> is an engaging memoir that uses
storytelling to walk readers through the reality and daily business of local
politics and community building. Perlman, who is a former journalist and past
Mayor of Delray Beach, paints a vivid picture of a city in desperate need of
revitalization. Through fun, interesting and heartfelt stories, Perlman
explains strategies, goals and tactics to bring the city back together again.
Using a case-study-type narrative, he engages the reader in a friendly
discussion about his life, political and personal viewpoints, and experiences
leading a city back to life. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif;">The book
discusses many business principles, including building leadership, creating a
vision, investing and reinvesting, instilling values, respecting the importance
of arts and culture, generating economic development, and more. Most
importantly with our current need to reconnect post-COVID, Perlman said, “</span><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
order for a city to thrive, stakeholders need to feel connected to the city’s
past, present, and future. Most importantly, they need to feel connected to one
another and to their leadership. As an elected official, one of your key jobs
is to connect with your community and have people connect with each other. Leaders
can do that by facilitating relationships and by providing opportunities for
people to meet, talk, share, and dream together. Admittedly, all of this can
sound goofy, but it’s not.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of effective leadership, Perlman said, “The foundation of
all leadership is integrity. We’ve all seen brilliant people loaded with talent
and gifts crash and burn because they lack integrity. Similarly, it is hard to
lead successfully if you don’t have a burning passion for your city. That flame
may burn bright, or it may simmer, but it had better burn.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All readers, whether political junkies or those who enjoy a
great “yarn,” will thoroughly enjoy this book. It releases in Spring 2022 and
will be available on Amazon and the 3L Publishing website at (</span><a href="http://www.3LPublishing.com"><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.3LPublishing.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Cordia New",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).
</span></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-85403690422784632302021-12-15T09:47:00.001-08:002021-12-15T10:20:39.494-08:00And Just Like That ... Our Lovely Ladies Get Tossed Under the Bus<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZaG_i8MvKqXgFReBtABolRfb2vJCwXo9ULDVKxxQdxaEHIy-XlSEXhATb0LbaaPf5MmbWZFHrsdiRYUbaN-KXVMdwfAINW65HwsjmPEWNxuNJpe_6jWvAKpvRpM4GQqaO-H6nDbF2rHgm3HKgMGBXZnDeHJbkeofQBZ7gDt-kGd8D4w-Xo44IAdd1=s1778" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZaG_i8MvKqXgFReBtABolRfb2vJCwXo9ULDVKxxQdxaEHIy-XlSEXhATb0LbaaPf5MmbWZFHrsdiRYUbaN-KXVMdwfAINW65HwsjmPEWNxuNJpe_6jWvAKpvRpM4GQqaO-H6nDbF2rHgm3HKgMGBXZnDeHJbkeofQBZ7gDt-kGd8D4w-Xo44IAdd1=s320" width="216" /></a></div>This is a discussion that is near and dear to my heart -- aging gracefully. I happen to be the same age as the "girls" on the HBO reboot of <i>Sex and the City</i> titled <i>And Just Like That</i> ... Now I have some criticism of the story lines (Samantha's reason for being absent from the show ... the Samantha I loved would never have tossed out Carrie over a failed publicity campaign.) However, I'm digressing off the topic, which is sexist ageism. <p></p><p>First, kudos to Cynthia Nixon, who among the cast doesn't appear to have messed with her face. I love Miranda's realistic gray hair and how she embraced the fact she's an older woman. Sarah Jessica Parker actually looks much better than she did in the movies where she clearly had her eyes done, which changed her natural appearance. Kirstin Davies' obvious implants and lip work didn't look so great. </p><p>My point is not to "plastic surgery" shame anyone. I want to discuss why women <i>aren</i>'t aging gracefully in Hollywood. Great actresses like Helen Mirren, who haven't messed with their natural looks, should be great role models to encourage others to stop the ruination of their lovely faces. </p><p>Hollywood puts a lot of pressure on the actresses to look their best regardless of how they get there. However, time and again I see women who go under the knife and lose their natural beauty (e.g., Courtney Cox of <i>Friends</i> fame). </p><p>The price of this pressure are plastic surgery horror stories. What's worse, the media globs on and spends more time debating Sarah Jessica's gray streaks than the acting or even the show. Our youth culture is just relentless and downright mean. It's rare to see a headline saying how Mr. Big (Chris Noth) has gray hair and some flab in the midsection. The men get mostly left alone. The women can't say the same thing. <br /></p><p>And the pressure is very real -- I feel it all of the time in real life. A woman slightly younger than me took a potshot and called me "Grandma." You know what I thought, "Name-call now but get a clue -- age comes to us all." Her comment certainly didn't have me rushing to the plastic surgeon's office to beg for a much-younger look. It made me feel sorry for her when she looks in the mirror one day and realizes she's not the spring chicken on the street anymore. </p><p>If I'm feeling it in my little world, I can only imagine how these famous ladies feel about it. That said, my real message is "go with the flow." Society needs to get over this age complex. Younger is not better. In fact, I don't want my youth back. I feel I looked at my best in my 40s. Even now I feel good about myself. My "surgery" trick is good nutrition and healthy living, and those two things in and of themselves can do more to keep you looking fabulous than anything else the surgeon can inject, insert, stretch, or pull. </p><p>An interesting note about men and younger women. I've dated a lot in the last 10 years since my divorce. None of the men I dated had any interest whatsoever in young women. I would ask these questions out of curiosity and the answers slowly debunked the fallacy of men and young women. Mature men don't want to date women their daughters' ages. You mostly see "arm candy" in men who have power and think a young thing makes THEM look younger! I've even had a lot of younger men try to date me to no success. Youth is lost on the youth! I love someone who knows <i>Gilligan's Island</i> is not some place in the Caribbean. </p><p>So, next time the media strikes up the conversation about women and aging, let's add the "Me Too" concept of understanding. We ALL age, period. It's nonnegotiable. Let's accept it and leave the real discussion for issues that truly matter. </p><p>Michelle Gamble is a publisher, author, and artist. She can be found with her two kitties working away on any given day. Please email info@3LPublishing.com.<br /></p>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503050669545744987.post-86876955837634052912021-12-08T10:05:00.001-08:002021-12-08T10:05:52.456-08:00Spiritual Success in Business<p><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Vd1z2fjcSAD-BhwwtB0WhdgXN5MVuGzSaB2vycx2vfch_ps3_FFr6ZfQMy_6k1Q2JAGgXXjkQsOP_8cWP5FoLCN8h2rKsMGjtkESm9D9B7ww9rub_p5pZ91mpDHVfqfx6vHZoHGiQ7xSLsg7cHmm9swEj6fE4RP8vV9n7qU_rAXcHoKR7afAvhhN=s320" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1Vd1z2fjcSAD-BhwwtB0WhdgXN5MVuGzSaB2vycx2vfch_ps3_FFr6ZfQMy_6k1Q2JAGgXXjkQsOP_8cWP5FoLCN8h2rKsMGjtkESm9D9B7ww9rub_p5pZ91mpDHVfqfx6vHZoHGiQ7xSLsg7cHmm9swEj6fE4RP8vV9n7qU_rAXcHoKR7afAvhhN" width="240" /></a></div><br />If you’re like many
people, the pandemic has wreaked havoc on something in your life. My
business, like many businesses, has without question been impacted. I
recently joked I’ve held on by my fingernails. A friend told me other
publishers have gone under. So, I’m putting it out there that <span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">I’m looking for a part-time, remote writer position</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">.
If you have a project that you’ve been considering doing, please note
I’m also running a 50% off all services sale, which is good through Dec.
15. </span>
<p></p>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">I thought I would also take this opportunity to discuss resilience. We published </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Real Resilience</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> by </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Selwa Berbawy</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">,
and it has enjoyed some fantastic press. In the book, Berbawy breaks
down the tools of resilience. I thought about it—why am I still standing
while other publishers go under. I’ve also stayed in business for 15
years and ridden the wave of the typical ups and downs. </span>
</div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">What I’m going
to share is about spirituality. I rely on my ability to manifest the
things I want. Some people believe this is airy-fairy, and certainly not
common business principles. However, many great leaders practice these
ideas. I meditate and visualize, and I’m apparently in good company
since some truly great visionaries (e.g., the late Steve Jobs) also
practice these techniques. </span></div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">Before I put one foot
on the ground, I meditate and pray. I start with gratitude and
thankfulness. Then I ask for guidance and align my energies with the
universe (that’s a whole mystical concept that requires study. Try
listening to </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Esther Hicks and Abraham</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">
for some ideas). Then I put my feet on the ground and say, “Today is a
great day!” Thus, each day starts in a positive state of mind. </span>
</div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">Common success principles suggest specific habits are keys to success. Inspirational leaders like </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Hal Elrod</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">, who wrote the </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Miracle Morning</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">,
discuss some of the ideas I’m going to review. However, I’m going to
give these ideas a specific bent, because some of the ideas are too
specific and don’t account for other people’s styles—people who are
still quite successful. </span>
</div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Early risers or not?</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> I know some of my own self-help authors like </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Dr. Lance A. Casazza</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">, who wrote </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Be the Nail Not the Hammer</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> and </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Habits and Attitudes of Successful People</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">,
teach getting up early as one of the no. #1 principles of success. I do
not get up early. I’m not a morning person, period. I don’t think early
rising has anything to do with it. Many night owls are successful, too.
In my opinion, SELF-DISCIPLINE trumps rise time; however, before we get
to that subject, here’s what I feel is THE most important point here.
Allow your body and natural rhythm to be your guide. When we work with
what works for our bodies, we enjoy greater overall health. Mental
health and peace of mind influence a lot of our successes. </span>
</div>
<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>
<div>
<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">Getting back to discipline—now that makes or breaks a lot of success</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">.
I’m disciplined, and I decide to follow specific habits that lead to my
success. One, go straight to my desk every day. No matter what is
happening around me, I go straight to my desk (well … okay … coffee then
desk lol). I have things on my schedule I stick to doing. This
newsletter is a Monday morning task. I’ve written this newsletter for 15
years without failure. Does it pay off? Yes, it sure does. </span>
</div>
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<span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">A side note: </span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif" style="font-weight: bold;">when you act “as-if” something has already happened, it makes a huge difference</span><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif">.
What does it mean to act “as-if?” It means, even if you don’t have
work, for example, you go to your desk and create work! If things are
slow, I go to my desk and do marketing (outflow gets inflow). Align your
spiritual prayers with your actions. Things will come to you—and it
doesn’t mean the energy will come to you via what you thought it would
come from. Do it anyway—and don’t stop doing it. </span>
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<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"><i>Michelle Gamble can be reached at info@3LPublishing.com or by calling 916-300-8012.</i><br /></span></div>
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<div><span face="Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif"> </span></div>Two Seconds with 3L's CEOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12021198226165164920noreply@blogger.com0