Write on, blogger

I thought it might be interesting to compile my first 132 posts into an e-Book. Why? I really don’t know, except maybe to help some folks out there in cyberland who want to learn how to blog. Not that I am an expert or know something other bloggers don’t. Instead, I feel it’s important for first time bloggers to understand that it’s your blog and if someone doesn’t like it, they don’t have to read it! That opens the doorway to originality, spontaneity and, best of all, honesty in your writing. My blogs are just that. Mine…and you get what you get.

It’s important to know that every time you blog, you are publishing a short essay about yourself and your personality. Always edit what you publish. If you cannot do that job like a professional, get someone who can. Every time I have published a post that wasn’t edited by my very capable wife, Sandy, there were multiple mistakes, and those mistakes will keep most from reading anything you write, no matter how good the subject matter is. Proofing is not nearly as important. Your ideas are your ideas! Let the marbles fall where they may.

Always remember that publishing means exactly that. You are literally publishing your work for the entire world to see. Over a billion people have the opportunity to see what you are writing. Not that many will see it, but it’s the principle that counts. Don’t let it hang out unless you are willing to defend your right to publish to the death, even though it’s called Freedom of Speech, and is protected by our Constitution.

I am not going to pretend that the technical aspects of blogging have been mastered, or that I also know who provides the best blog services. I only know that my blogs are on www.blogspot.com because it’s free and easy to use. That is a recommendation and fact all rolled into one. I didn’t even find Blog Spot on my own. My publisher said use it; so I use it. End of story….

Since this a blog within a blog book, I will post it for tomorrow. I’m not lazy, just trying to keep the bogs flowing on a daily basis. That was also recommended by my publisher. Yes, I too visualize him wearing black, holding chains in one hand, while cracking a whip in the other.

Write on,
Mittster

The King Lives!

I thought it interesting that a life size advertising statue of Elvis Presley was stolen from atop a Maryland restaurant recently and later found in a cemetery next to two angels that looked oddly familiar. Just for the fun of it, I Googled statue of Elvis and found this little ditty about an Elvis statue on Mars. Now my curiosity is really piqued. First, an Elvis statue in Maryland, and now one on Mars? Could there be a connection?

Further research revealed that the statue on Mars might be the one that is supposedly being refurbished in Memphis, Tennessee, but in reality it is also missing. There appears to be a definite connection and my research is pointing to only one culprit. The Greys! The resemblance of Greys to the two angels in the cemetery is uncanny.

I believe the Greys kidnapped Elvis in 1977 and now have plans to return him back to Earth virtually the same age as when he was abducted. The current rash of statue abductions and the supposed sightings of Elvis all over the world are very cleaver plots by the Greys to prepare us for the King's return. He, of course, has been transformed, through the magic of alien advanced technology, to the physical state of his 1968 comeback special....black leather and all.

The purpose of this event is a conspiracy between the Democrats and Greys to introduce Elvis as their candidate for Vice-President in 2012 to help bolster the sagging, and I mean sagging, poll numbers of the President.

Undoubtedly there will be a news blitz and a return concert in Hawaii first....

I believe this story about as much as I believe the Democrats will retain power in the Congress this November, and that President Obama will be re-elected in 2012.

I'm just saying,

Mittster

Beat myself up? NOT!

I just sent my second e-mail to Oprah, again asking her to review my new murder mystery novel, Evil in the Mirror. OK, this e-mail was more like begging and groveling, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Does it bother me to prostitute myself trying to get a biggy to notice my book? Not really, I've prostituted myself for much less in my life.

After sending the e-mail and still feeling like a swamp-throwback, totally unrecognized author, I Googled myself just to see my name in print on the Web. I do that occasionally, just for a boost in morale. Did you know my book is available in India, Australia and the UK? No one else does either. I bet if I looked hard enough, I could find it in Canada too, or maybe Spain, or France or....who am I kidding, my book is like a message in a bottle floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

I know, being in a funk about it won't help. The upside is that I am having another book signing in Tucson, July 31 at Coco's Restaurant on north Oracle Road from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. I was advised by my publisher, even before I finished the book, that signing parties were not designed for making money. They were designed for the author's ego. Well, I certainly won't fall into that trap, I was thinking after I heard that news. Now my motto is, "The hell with making money, lead me to the book-signing party so I can feel some semblance of recognition for just a few short hours!"

Of course, my wonderful wife, Sandy, sees my self-flagellation, slaps me around for a minute or two, and then reminds me that billions of people on this planet can't even write their names, let alone a novel. "Practice what you preach, Mittster. Get up, dust yourself off, and get on with the sequel."

Yes, dear....

Mittster

We have the power!

A friend from Facebook sent me a reply concerning yesterday's blog. I would like to share her message:

"I agree with all of that. I believe We the People will make a big change happen. But, those that are elected to serve need to realize they are Serving US. I get so very tired of all of the BS just to get voted in. But, I'm hoping and praying that this year and the next will be a big change in something that we all can look forward to. My Faith is what keeps me going."

I, in turn, responded with:

"I fear we cannot put any faith in most of our so-called "political leaders." Power, greed and special interest money have decayed the system to the point that their oath to our country has little meaning. The hope you seek will come from people just like you and me networking throughout the whole country to unite us all.

"The hope is to vote" every incumbent out of office, thus letting the establishment know in no uncertain terms that the jig is up. We are the knights in shining armor. We are the big change you seek. We the People, who are the benefactors of the Constitution of the United States of America, will bring HOPE back to America!"

I am convinced that my friend expressed the longing of all true Americans for the madness in out political system to stop. We can start that process when November arrives and the voting begins. One election will not do the trick. We must unite for every election from this point forward. Mushrooms? I think not. See you in November!

Write on,

Mittster

I'm Tired of a World Economy

There, I have said it. Let me say it again; I am sick and tired of a world economy! Now I feel better. The state of our country makes me realize that 67 is now the new 107. At least that's how old I feel thinking about the horrible economical/ecological mess we are in.

Where did all our jobs go? They went to other countries because we no longer buy our own products. The products we buy now come from those other countries! The next time you buy something, look to see where it came from. There will be only a slight chance the stamp will say: Made in the USA.

Enough sniveling....how do we fix it?

Don't look to governments for the fix. They think we are mushrooms living beneath their ivory towers. The high ones don't live in fear of not being able to feed their children. Well, guess again, mighty politicians. We The People still have voting power and now is the time to use it.

While continuing to tighten our belts, how about we do with less, but the less should have the stamp Made in the USA on it, or don't buy it! Can you imagine how quick American factories would have to gear up to meet the demand? It would be phenomenal. Companies like Wallymart would either have to start buying American or go out of business.

Still have your savings in the stock market? If you do, you really don't have any savings. All that money is controlled by the whims of greedy, cigar-smoking Wall Street thieves and bandits. All their money is controlled by fear and fear is the catalyst of crash. Get your cash out and run to precious metals like a raped banshee, which is what you are going to be if you leave your money in a stock market poised for total collapse. Besides, who wants to worry 24/7 that their savings will be gone by morning?

We all are driving less due to the high cost of fuel. Wouldn't it be great if we could just stop using oil and start using an alternative like hydrogen fuel cells? The only by-product is water. Talk about a green planet....No more oil leaks in our oceans or smog in our cities. Well, the oil companies and auto manufacturers are making sure the changeover is a slow process. It might happen if we live long enough to see it. In the meantime, because we are now buying only American, we will be able to afford alternative fuel cars that get much better mileage than the ones we are currently stuck with because we can't afford to change.

Yes, I too feel overwhelmed by the enormity of our problems. But, when all is said and done, Americans overcome adversity by becoming One in America. We can take one problem at a time and correct it. Then move on to the next. Today is a new day, and I for one promise my fellow Americans that when I go shopping, the product will say, Made in the USA! When I buy fuel, it will be produced in the USA, and when I buy a new car, it will also be Made in the USA!

Less can be great if it says, "Made in the USA!"

I'm just saying,

Mittster

A Writer's Dream

While at a recent book signing, a lady asked me how I managed to write a novel. Somehow, after having written a novel, I still feel like it's a dream, so the question caught me a bit by surprise. My reply was that I write in a dream-state, or what might be called "daydreaming." That's how I managed to write my first novel, Evil in the Mirror .

I suppose writing while daydreaming may not be unique. I myself have never asked that question of anybody in the past, so I really don't know how other authors write their books. I do know that if you can daydream, you can write. The better the daydreamer, the better the writer. Just a theory on my part, but this is my blog, so I can have theories.

If you talk to my life partner and wife, Sandy, I am sure she will concur. After all, the poor lady has to proof and edit my work. My fingers flash on the keyboard while I try to keep up with my dreaming. I visualize the scene and the words all at one time. Proper English and grammar are not part of the dream.

I think men could, and possibly do, write better than women. I know, the whole can of worms is now open! What I am saying makes sense if you remember how good men are at tuning women out during their daydreams and/or television watching. Think about it for a moment; women are not good at this exercise. Just another theory, but if women would practice ignoring men the same way men tune out women, there could be a women's literary bonanza!

This may sound crazy, but try practicing writing while daydreaming. This may be easier said than done because you were taught in school that daydreaming is a bad thing. Well, unlearn that right now. Daydreaming is a good thing! I prefer a keyboard using Microsoft Word, but if you don't own a computer, typewriter or touch type, you may want to try the old-fashioned way using paper and pen. What's important is that you try. Don't worry about mistakes in proper English or spelling. Get the thoughts down no matter what. It's the idea that is important, not the style or grammar. Hell, everyone knows I have no style, but I still wrote a real novel that people are actually buying and more importantly, reading.

Follow that dream takes on new meaning now. Don't worry about how much education you have or don't have. Don't worry about the teacher, way back when, who said you wont' amount to a hill of beans. Don't worry about all the pundits who say that writing a novel is impossible unless you have a Masters or PhD in literature. Less knowledge can definitely be better least you techno-nerd yourself into a boredom black hole. Most of all, forget what your parents said about your daydreaming....make 'em proud with your writings.

Write on,

Mittster

Camping is for Kids

Camp supporter, Jane Seymour

My memories of camping as a kid stand out like fireworks on the Fourth of July, mom's apple pie and the American Flag. Every summer my brother and I looked forward to camping with other kids in the cool pines of Camp Cuyamaca in the Laguna Mountains of southern California.

While working for the The Phil W. Morris Company in Sedona, Arizona, I was fortunate enough to become involved with Camp Soaring Eagle, which is a camp program for children with life-threatening illnesses. The goal is to build a world class camp that would be sanctioned and supported by Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Camp Foundation for seriously ill children.

The vision of building Camp Soaring Eagle in Sedona, Arizona, is alive and well, but needs public support. Only through donations from generous people like you can the dream become reality. Please help us build Camp Soaring Eagle for the kids who need it the most. Give these beautiful children the experience of a lifetime.

I'm just saying,

Mittster