Tag Archives: Writing

Current: Bosses and Blackjacks, historical nonfiction, Music, Uncategorized, Words, Writers, Writing

NAME THAT TUNE!

2 Comments

 

My book, “Bosses and Blackjacks: A Tale of the ‘Bloody Fifth’ in Philadelphia” takes place at the beginning of the last century, and includes references to and the whistling of, tunes from that era.

FC
http://tinyurl.com/gmbg3hx

Would you like to spend a little time in the misty nostalgia of the early nineteen hundreds?—No problem! I’ve created a playlist for you of the following songs mentioned in the book:

1. Meet Me In St. Louis — 1904, Singer: Billy Murray

2. School Days (When We Were a Couple of Kids) — 1907, Singer: Bryan G. Harlan (Recorded in Philadelphia.)

3. I Do Like to be Beside the Seaside — 1909, Singer, Mark Sheridan

4. Give My Regards to Broadway — 1905, Singer, George M. Cohan

5. Rigoletto — 1908, Singer: Enrico Caruso

6. Hark The Herald Angels Sing — Sung by Children’s Choir

7. Let Me Call You Sweetheart — 1910-1911, Sung by: The Peerless Quartet

8. I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now — 1909, Singer: Manuel Romain

9. It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary — 1914, Singer: John McCormick

10. Danny Boy — 1913, Singer, 1917 Ernestine Schumann-Heink

11. For Me and My Gal — 1917, Singer: M.J. O’Connell

12. The Star-Spangled Banner — 1814, Written by Francis Scott Key (GVES News Broadcast)

13. Jingle Bells —1857, Singer: Tom Roush

14. I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles —1919, Sung by: Irving Barr and Albert Campbell

15. Over There — 1917, First recorded by: Nora Bayes, Pictured on the sheet music.

16. K-K-K-Katy —1917, Singer: Billy Murray in 1918

17. Hail! Hail! The Gang’s All Here — 1917, Sung by Shannon Quartet
Feel free to sing or whistle along! And then, return here and tell us in COMMENTS —Which tune is your favorite?

Here’s the link:

 

Advice, Uncategorized, Words, Writers, Writing

TESTING…TESTING 1,2,3…TESTING…

1 Comment

The following “WRITER’S TEST” is brought to you by: Katie Yeakle at AWAI (American Writers & Artists, Inc.)

Let’s find out if you’re “cut out” to be a successful writer.
Right now, ask yourself these questions:

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TOLD YOU WERE A GOOD WRITER?

Let’s face it … writers have to know how to get their thoughts and ideas across in writing. Do you need to be able to do it like a Hemingway or Danielle Steel? No! You’ll develop your own style as you write more and hone your craft. But if anyone at any time has read any form of writing from you and said, “Hey, did anyone ever tell you you’re a pretty good writer?” then chances are very good you’ve got that spark of talent you need.

CAN YOU STICK TO A SCHEDULE?

At first, this won’t be an issue. You can take as long as you want to write that first book. But once there’s interest in your work … and once you have success and publishers want more books from you … you’re going to have deadlines for edits, new drafts, new outlines, and so on.

DO YOU ENJOY WORKING INDEPENDENTLY?

This is the part about “being a writer” that most writers love: The idea of writing at any time, for as long as you want, from anywhere in the world, with nobody looking over your shoulder. But some need a more “regimented” life, with rules and structure and a more “defined” workday to be productive. If you need more “regiment,” getting motivated each day could be a struggle. But if you love working on your own, the writer’s life is perfect for you.

ARE YOU OKAY WITH FEEDBACK FROM OTHERS?

Any successful writer will tell you — a good editor is usually the “secret weapon” behind their success. And as a new writer, an editor will play an even more crucial role. The best writers recognize that editors — or anyone who reads your work, really — can offer a much-needed fresh perspective … which is why the most successful writers are always open to new suggestions and ideas.

DO YOU LOVE TO READ OR WATCH MOVIES?

This one’s pretty obvious: Writers love to be captivated by a good story — whether on the page, on the screen, or on the stage. If you’ve ever finished a great book or play, or watched a terrific movie, and found yourself inspired to write, chances are great you’re cut out to be a writer.

ARE YOU A “DAYDREAMER” … DO YOU LOVE TO LET YOUR MIND WANDER?

Daydreamers have a bad rep! In school, it got you detention. In your day job, it can get you hauled into the boss’s office. But for a writer — daydreaming is not only okay … it’s mandatory! So if you’ve ever found yourself totally immersed in creative thought when you should be doing something else — chances are, you’re cut out to be a writer.
There you have it …
Six of the top traits many of the world’s most successful writers share.
—Katie Yeakle

 

If you took the time to complete this test—in my book, you passed! Congratulations! Star stickers will be handed out at the end of class today. Now, please turn to page 32 in your workbooks…

(Stern Words)

 

Books, Current: Bosses and Blackjacks, historical nonfiction, Interviews, Uncategorized, Words, Writers, Writing

MY FIVE SECONDS OF FAME!

3 Comments

STOP THE PRESSES! I’VE BEEN INTERVIEWED!

No, not on CNN…on the interwebs!

And, naturally, I had to share it with you, Dear Readers.

Now’s your chance to get all the inside dirt! You can finally put your mind to rest from all those questions that have been keeping you awake at night…you will be IN THE KNOW!

L.C. Bennett Stern bares all! (Completely untrue.) 

Remember—you heard it here first!  Now, go forth and spread the word “to infinity and beyond!” Oh wait, that was Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. Sorry. Anyway, tell people—okay? Please?

 

http://gilbertcuriosities.blogspot.com/2016/02/gilbert-interviews-author-l-c-bennett.html

Advice, Books, Editing, Uncategorized, Words, Writers, Writing

AN APPLE A DAY!

4 Comments

A writer friend of mine from “The #Awethors,” posted a link to this great informational site. I found #2 to be quite interesting. It informs us that Amazon is cracking down on sloppy self-publishing. This is a good thing!

To this point, many people have believed that self-publishing was for losers who could not get a million-dollar book deal from one of the highfalutin publishing houses in the big city. Those of us new (or old) to the industry know (or have learned) this is not the case. But, you know what they say about a few bad apples.

Beginning this month, Amazon has decided to pluck those worm-infested fruits from the bushels of books being offered.

If you have an interest in learning more, dear readers, I offer the following link for your perusal:

http://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2016/01/25/10-trends-publishing-indie-author-needs-know/?utm_campaign=twitter+10-publishin-trends-jan2016&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=blog

 

 

Please return and let us know in the Comments section of this post if this information was helpful to you as you pursue your own writing career.

Advice, Editing, humor, Words, Writers, Writing

SORRY, I’VE GOT TO DASH!

2 Comments

For all of you serious writers out there, I offer you this link to a very informative lesson on lines of various length!

How to Use Hyphens, En Dashes, and Em Dashes

When you have completed reading that helpful blog post, please return here, and tell me (and my millions of followers) if you learned anything new about lines.

That’s the long and the short of it!

Books, Current Book, Current: Bosses and Blackjacks, historical nonfiction, Rants, Uncategorized, Words, Writers, Writing

THE REVIEW IS IN!

8 Comments

My book, “Bosses and Blackjacks: A Tale of the ‘Bloody Fifth’ in Philadelphia” has received it’s very first Amazon review, and it’s killing me because the reviewer is listed as “Amazon Customer.”

FC

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsLoved this book!

By Amazon Customer on January 30, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

Amazing book. You will not want to put this book down. Author’s writing style is captivating and made me feel like I was there. Looking forward to future books from this author.

Comment Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I have no way to know who this kind person is—therefore, I’m going to go to all my available sites to post a big THANK YOU!
 
(You know who you are…you little devil.)
 

 

Editing, humor, Short Stories, Uncategorized, Words, Writing

EDITING COUNTS

2 Comments

 

“Probably the fastest recovery in the history of lost dogs, but “Muffin’s” owner has been located and returned home!!! Thank you!!!!”

(The above update was an Actual Facebook post)

Lost dog ad

 

Thank God!

Muffin has been losing her mind with worry for over forty-five minutes. Her owner was last seen wearing a heavy parka, boots, gloves, and carrying a snow shovel.

Muffin tried giving the police a description of her owner, but all that came out of her mouth were barks and howls. The cops simply patted her little head and ignored the APB she offered.

At last, her owner heard her wailing over the sound of the snow plow going past. He came back inside Muffin’s home, only to be accosted by two men in blue. They ascertained this individual was truly Muffin’s owner and left the pair cuddling on the sofa, licking each other’s face. (ewww—gross!)

Another happy ending brought to you by “editing!”

Books, Current Book, Current: Bosses and Blackjacks, historical nonfiction, Words, Writers, Writing

TA-DA!

13 Comments

 

While the blizzard of 2016 roars outside on the east coastFC—I thought I’d give you a little something to read while you take a break from shoveling the drifts! (And if you missed out on the snow—take a break anyway—it is the weekend, after all!)

I did it! I published my first book on Amazon—and it feels amazing!

If you are so inclined, please click on the link below. I hope it meets with your approval!
http://www.amazon.com/Bosses-Blackj…/…/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0…

Books, Current Book, Current: Bosses and Blackjacks, historical nonfiction, Rants, WIP, Writing

IT’S ALMOST TIME!

10 Comments

WELL, FOLKS, WE’RE DOWN TO THE WIRE…

Waiting for the proof copy of my book, “Bosses and Blackjacks: A Tale of the ‘Bloody Fifth’ in Philadelphia.”

I’ve got other things to do with my life (as we all do), but all I can think of is the book!

I go from being giddy that I’ve accomplished this goal, to being sad that’s it’s almost done! From excited butterflies to nausea. I feel like I’m in a Twilight Zone episode where time stands still waiting for the big plot reveal!

While I wait…I thought I’d share the final cover art with you, my dear readers.  Hopefully, it meets with your approval.

Amazon—here we come!

FCBC

Books, Current Book, Current: Bosses and Blackjacks, historical nonfiction, Uncategorized, WIP, Words, Writing

LABOR OF LOVE

14 Comments

 

Baby elephanthttp://www.phuket101.net/2015/02/baby-elephant-playing-on-beach.html

 

Did you know elephants are pregnant for almost two years? Actually, the average is twenty-two months!  And then they deliver a baby weighing as much of two hundred and thirty pounds! Can you imagine?

Yes. I can. I’ve been pregnant with my book, “BOSSES AND BLACKJACKS: A Tale of the Bloody Fifth in Philadelphia” for three years! At least, that’s what it felt like. In reality, with time out for holiday seasons, it was actually more like two-and-one-half years—so I’ve still got Momma Pachyderm beat!

Morning sickness was the endless research. The girth increase was felt with each additional chapter written. Toward the end, attempting to bend over to pick something up from the floor or cutting my toenails, was represented by the painful process of editing.

Now—at last—I’m in labor!

By that, I mean I have sent the entire finished manuscript to be formatted and finalized for submission to the magical world of Amazon!

Here’s hoping the delivery will go smoothly! (I can guarantee my book baby will not weigh 230 pounds!)

Stay tuned for the “birth announcement!”