tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328319140360155872012-02-12T14:26:12.482-05:00RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.comBlogger2461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-38243775113631599422012-02-12T14:16:00.004-05:002012-02-12T14:22:08.948-05:00

Forever Remembered, Forever Loved Being an iffy fan of Valentine's Day, here's an author, and book, writing about love in a way I enjoyed. Something's Wrong With Your Scale?: A Romantic Comedy by Van Whitfield I absolutely adored this book. I give it two thumbs, and all ten toes up. I read it a while back during my hunt to find novelists who not only shared my culture, but shared my brand of

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-77667606101444321532012-02-05T11:09:00.007-05:002012-02-05T15:29:00.768-05:00

(New York Tribune) Ad showing the Aunt Jemima character with apron and kerchief as described,1909. – from Wikipedia. Visit Michele Norris's website to read her memoir, The Grace of Silence. Details in the book surrounding the Aunt Jemima characterization were unexpectedly enlightening. Myself, until this book I hadn't given much thought of the character, other than general assumptions

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-31750928994116211222012-02-04T14:34:00.009-05:002012-02-12T14:26:12.490-05:00

1897 sketch by Norman B. Wood Paul L. Dunbar from Wikipedia Most times sinking into a book is all the treat I'm looking for. Where from the moment I open the book to the first page, the words string and loop together in such a way that I feel that I am there... right there smack, dab in the center of the story... ...where both feet and all ten toes go in and then, something like this happens!!!

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-90455356419019925022012-02-02T02:46:00.006-05:002012-02-04T14:35:16.332-05:00

In honor of opening this month to celebrate my culture, Black History Month, I'm starting off by commemorating those individuals most influential to my early development. The importance of knowing our history was impressed upon me. "Never forget where you come from." "Know your roots..." and some other high volume quotes eluding me at the moment framed what I recall most growing up. As a child I

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-74327384806970668772012-02-01T01:33:00.006-05:002012-02-01T01:41:51.807-05:00

Seriously... it's been a week of nodding along over here. That's what happens when I'm thinking far faster than I can type, and typing so fast I forgot what I was thinking. All teasing aside, all I can do when this happens is sit back and see (and sometimes read) articles sifting by, and hear comments here and there, but do nothing but nod along and think, 'yes, I agree.' So let me get on with

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-49124304689343471752012-01-25T19:51:00.005-05:002012-02-02T02:54:35.226-05:00

Guess I'll join the others in following today's Reflections of a Bookaholic Wednesday's Meme. Please consult Wikipedia for a definition, if you don't already know what a meme is. I don't remember exactly, and a little pressed for time to spell out. The topic this Wednesday (for this meme) is... 'Types of Endings', where just so happen, I happen to have something to add here. I enjoy realistic

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-75388887775493893962012-01-20T22:54:00.010-05:002012-01-25T19:53:39.874-05:00

Disclaimers first. I had this post perfectly written when I happened to glance back on previous blog posts. All I have to say is, "HEEELLLP!!!" Somebody please help me! I want to get back to reading... to pick up my mood... but I can't... because you know why!!! That expatriate out of the way, I wholly respect editors, proofreaders, or any reading specialist looking out for the best interest of

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-29546608802020949212012-01-19T01:57:00.010-05:002012-01-20T23:06:59.512-05:00

What keeps us motivated? Of course, ahead of this question should be, what is it that truly relaxes us, followed in close pursuit by what is it we really like to do? I pose this question because it seems easy to see a cause to pursue, but then become dejected by the obstacles that stand in the way of pursuing the cause. A while back...that being a loooonnng while back, after picking up projects I

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-33081866910010538462012-01-16T16:05:00.006-05:002012-01-19T01:58:29.364-05:00

In the spirit of continuing to honor Dr. King's Birthday, here's the link to Beverly Diehl's MLK Blogfest. I plan to spend the evening visiting the other posts, but at least two I've visited so far touched on what they do to help themselves and others learn about diverse cultures; quite warming to read. Overall, I must say the Internet has proved to be a valuable resource to learning about each

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-85840517144788441312012-01-15T04:02:00.003-05:002012-02-12T14:17:34.306-05:00

From Wikipedia, ML King and LB Johnson This post was written to contribute to Beverly Diehl's I Have A Dream - MLK Blogfest 
Let's Discuss Racism & Discrimination post. (Will add the link when it's up). One of the most impressionable quotes I've taken from one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s most celebrated speeches was the dream he had when his "four little children will one day live in a

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-35918689184460636682012-01-11T19:17:00.008-05:002012-01-15T04:03:39.281-05:00

I started to write this post challenging myself to select which I loved more; blogging, reading, or novel writing. Welp, that post is now no more. When I found out I actually did have a hierarchy, and started plowing up the steps, I made a beeline right back the other way and decided to stay on solid ground. Currently I am not reading books, and oh boy, do I feel it when I'm not reading. Just

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-29340788269618272642012-01-08T18:38:00.003-05:002012-01-19T02:00:19.648-05:00

I threw that warning in the title because I realize we live in a time where we are compelled by instinct to seek support. To find someone in our corner who we believe are behind us. And as such, my story was not written with the purpose of influencing another story. Now I forget where I'm supposed to put this notice: "Looking Back Looking Forward," but will drop it here to let readers know this

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-15958391519044480432012-01-01T10:38:00.002-05:002012-01-19T01:59:48.389-05:00

I was going to kick off my New Year's post being silly, like I love to be. I don't care what anyone says, I'd rather be laughing, than crying, or whining, or complaining, or... and here's one I once upon a time did have on my New Year's resolution list, and to this very day call myself on all the time. It's very difficult to completely not judge. It's one of the very reasons that makes our

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-24132294826540674102011-12-27T11:26:00.012-05:002012-01-25T19:58:31.406-05:00

When I first heard I was resistant to change I honestly couldn't figure out what in the double jeopardy this person was talking about. Who me? Resistant to change? —oh, this person, forget not having the slightest inkling of what change looks like in its dress down clothes; this one here knows nothing about getting along just fine with mood swings. Change for me is not leap-frogging from one

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-861781890048982412011-12-24T03:39:00.012-05:002012-01-19T01:59:15.368-05:00

I didn't want to use that caption but something stronger than myself compelled me to. Every month it used to be a treat, and a sort of running joke between us prepping the family newsletter, wondering what my father would come up with next for the cartoon Flex~tyme we printed in the newsletter. In a way it was like opening a present at Christmas time. My heart always fluttering wondering what was

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-69517805848161644552011-12-20T22:22:00.005-05:002011-12-24T03:51:57.888-05:00

Here's another small token I'm imparting with. How I've handled unexpected dynamics discovered around publishing my work. But before that, let me plug a note about the book I just finished reading: The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber. Did I ever say what bothered me about 'traditional' romance fiction? If not, the Perfect Christmas would be my answer. Now, just hold your horses here. I

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-28495384248220845512011-12-18T19:36:00.004-05:002011-12-20T22:22:38.792-05:00

Honest to goodness I want to learn how to do this proficiently. And of course too, you must know what I'm up to, making for the perfect intermission to post another 2011 wrap-up session. But please, however, do not be shy about jumping in and helping me out if you get to reading further along and realize I either am missing some things, or just missed everything. Okay, so when I'm about to

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-15957057279362167412011-12-13T20:22:00.010-05:002011-12-24T04:08:41.184-05:00

...I haven't celebrated Christmas in the traditional American gift-giving sense... in, oh... for quite a few years now. And for no particular reason either. Just got tired of the hustle and bustle of it all. But tis the season! This holiday I've gone out and done a little shopping, pulling out from beneath Santa's hat a gift that's sure to cheer up anyone who's looking to enjoy a "satisfying,

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-89805762487082464102011-12-12T02:17:00.003-05:002011-12-24T04:09:03.408-05:00

In 346 days to be exact, between blogging and working on my novels, which means I'm excluding comments to various blogs and ning rings, and as well emails, I have logged over half a million words in writing...and I'm not gloating about it either. My blog alone is over 100,000 words, and that's only counting this year, and not this post, and neither the last post. I'm too embarrassed to even

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-61942802946963520422011-12-08T21:39:00.009-05:002011-12-27T11:39:22.248-05:00

Some times I really want to take my time and go all out citing sources in the posts I pose, but ultimately decide (after eliminating a culmination of excuses) to save the intense work for a book. At any rate this is all here to say this will be another joinder where I'll be musing once more off the cuff. (Note: Speaking of writing off the cuff, I thought I was making joinder up! But looka here..

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-57095937476570832892011-12-05T00:48:00.008-05:002012-01-01T10:39:34.663-05:00

I ran into this topic a while back on Book Blogs. After answering the question and reading through quite a few other comments I thought it worth the while to write a post on. …Hi. My name is RYCJ and I have a bad reading habit. I close books very quickly, usually by page 50 or somewhere thereabout, if the book is doing nothing good for my mood. I do not like this habit for the prime case of what

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-24747440621388736082011-12-04T02:47:00.005-05:002011-12-18T19:37:36.022-05:00

Sometimes I do brag, but only to balance my shortcomings so that I don't have to be tapped on the shoulder and told I have a low self-esteem. My self-esteem is just fine, but often when I'm just shrugging things off and preferring to hang in the background of things, I get provoked into coming out of my comfort zone to prove just how big my ego really is. And please don't laugh... or frown. It's

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-39702531940098428242011-11-26T22:10:00.007-05:002011-12-12T02:19:33.088-05:00

A while back, and for whatever reason, a few people felt inclined to look me sternly in the eye and tell me how important it was that I keep my word. I didn't want to be rude, and in at least two instances I had no choice but to courteously nod, yet something about these type interfaces didn't sit right with me. What could it be? One thing about me, I can be incredibly loyal to those close to me.

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-60345197890960423292011-11-19T18:17:00.012-05:002011-12-24T04:08:18.478-05:00

I honestly would like to have read a little more this year. At the beginning of the year I challenged myself to read a hundred books, but had to shave that number down to thirty-five. Between working on my (own) novels and blogging, and the MOOD thing, I just couldn't carve out another square of time to bask into reading. And believe me, I love basking in books. I'm no speed reader. It concerns

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-38373341658999385082011-11-15T23:56:00.012-05:002011-12-12T18:39:41.497-05:00

...like you know what you're doing. Now, if you haven't believed a word I've thus far written on this blog, you must, and I stress this bending over backwards, you must believe I know what I'm talking about here. This one is my specialty. Handling a to-do list like never heard of, or done before. First, let me tell you what I got myself into. Yes, I thought, why not host a book club. Reading is

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-56160056643530925922011-11-13T19:13:00.008-05:002011-12-18T19:52:12.532-05:00

Not that this isn't a quay for others, it just happens to be my Quay too. I come from a large family. On both sides and all sides up into the great-grandparents lots of children were born. They had lots of children, and the children had lots of children, and finally along came birth control, followed by distilling into the conscience that it was better to wait...complete college...land a job, or

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-51594079850756011622011-11-09T01:04:00.009-05:002011-12-01T19:18:59.352-05:00

...but first, let me plug this story. It was a little over a year ago when I first heard about Hippie Boy, and was intrigued the moment I caught the plug (on Book Blogs). Right away I asked the author where could I purchase a copy and, of course, was disappointed to hear this alluring plug was actually a work in progress. I heard this before. Many writers take years, if ever, to move their work

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-90283389097900319172011-11-06T22:56:00.006-05:002011-11-20T17:19:30.561-05:00

For this post I'm plugging something that crossed my mind today. Imagine that... something coming cross your mind. After opening a piece of mail that contained a book I soon hope to read, and flipping through, I happened to latch onto a section describing how much fun the 70's and 80's... leading into the 90's were. Oh, there are no truer words. So, like me, I got to thinking around...

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-81499355661402987642011-11-01T20:39:00.007-04:002011-11-09T01:07:32.978-05:00

After yesterday's post... geez... I cringed thinking what was I thinking, or rather what was I writing!?! I had to catch myself and go back a few paces. As usual, a few minutes along, (and I swear it never fails), hanging out with the orb I found out I wasn't off track at all. Whew! Wiping sweat off my brow. Thought I was going to have to apologize for a phantom guest blogger or something.

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-6008847073005124652011-11-01T00:52:00.005-04:002011-11-09T01:07:15.149-05:00

One of the funniest episodes that sort of parallels what makes it almost like second nature for me to see the creation apart from the creator, is a scene I remember on the Jefferson's; the old 80's sitcom, and please do forgive me if the date is not right. You'll see why in a sec. Gladys Knight was a guest in that episode. She, and the hilarious maid, Florence, were at a spa enjoying one of them

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-16324305918801176132011-10-29T01:53:00.016-04:002011-11-13T19:30:30.388-05:00

Before running off for the retreat (gotta love that icon), I have a few household items to address. Visit Mocha Girl Reads. The young woman behind this new Los Angeles based book club is doing a phenomenal job. Participation is increasing, and the club is just going on book #2! Here's my review on the first book, The Strawberry Letter, by Shirley Strawberry. I also must thank one of my book

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-41739983344566986922011-10-24T22:06:00.003-04:002011-10-29T01:54:48.493-04:00

For she who will not be satisfied until one area of her own work is nailed down pat tight, really has little call to be pointing out blaring runway lights too bright for her taste, when those lights are so suiting and serving of more preferences than a mere just one. I know this. And still I must interject to spell out how much I really want to sink into Fate is the Hunter. After reading the

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-46903734610500140062011-10-23T19:20:00.006-04:002011-11-19T18:47:33.914-05:00

I'm musing on a topic that has cropped up more than on a few occasions on the book social forums. It's that thing about speed-reading. When I first moseyed over to online book activities and caught sight of the large availability of books, I must say speed-reading didn't have all that bad of a ring. I can't count, and really still can't count the number of books I want/ed to read. It's like

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-77542462080883847052011-10-20T20:23:00.013-04:002011-10-23T19:28:57.445-04:00

One thing about this post and ME being wrong. Admitting I'm wrong doesn't extemporaneously flash credence that I'm a super nice person fitting in the upper quartile of the most undefiled group in the world. (Whew, thank you thesaurus! I knew of these words, but didn't recall the names offhand). Just don't want things getting out of hand. It's bad enough I'm about to make an admission I don't get

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-59781274039004560262011-10-19T01:00:00.008-04:002011-11-01T00:54:08.646-04:00

I had a blog post all prepared and ready to go when a little hook was thrown in my curve. And just to let a little mystery out of the bag, I wanted to delve a minute into romance writing. But oh well, looks like I'll have to take that one back to the drawing board, promising whenever it's ready for 'print', I'll be sure to include a snippet of what the pause was all about. Tonight I had to ad

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-86544144208173050952011-10-15T00:21:00.012-04:002011-10-19T01:02:31.400-04:00

Image from WallpaperBase.com This was a discussion topic on Book Blogs. I didn't participate in the discussion because of how I interpreted the question. So if my answer here walks off in a thousand wrong directions, or scales a mountain and then shears a few moons, or dives into an ocean and births a whale and twin dolphins, I'm sorry. At the heart of the matter, some very high-fashioned

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-27170452865360631662011-10-13T23:49:00.009-04:002011-11-06T22:57:37.099-05:00

I love positive, but for this post, I'm musing on some peeves I have with reading, writing, and reviewing. I pulled this list together from a stack of erroneous scrambled notes, and amazingly, as you'll soon find out why, plucked out my Top Ten. So let the muse begin, starting with my top peeve. Writing! It peeves me to no end to think I think far faster than I write. And so what if everyone

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-63969991679579985892011-10-10T20:46:00.012-04:002011-10-19T01:05:26.960-04:00

There's likely a rule that says I shouldn't write this first, but then this is my niche, and my story, and like they say, 'I'm sticking with it.' A while back when I was writing for our family newsletter, Reviviscence, I'll never forget my father saying to me, "we are trying to figure out where you're going... how we can help you."  The statement captured me the moment he said it, hence it's a

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-71236521466076730552011-10-06T23:47:00.004-04:002011-10-10T20:48:17.828-04:00

The other day I was asked a question I've considered, but reconsidered posting. "What is my favorite genre to write in?" Deep, deep, deep down beneath the surface I don't have a preference. I've found tremendous enjoyment collaborating on technical, serious more structured literature, as I've enjoyed creative writing. Technical writing, believe it or not, is not as difficult as creative writing.

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-32331009297731809122011-10-03T22:30:00.006-04:002011-10-29T01:55:39.138-04:00

...when I fall in love with a book. For me it's like going to a store and buying several articles of clothing; jeans, blouses, tops and whatnot, which once upon a time I'd be (as usual) too pressed for time to try on, but praying when I got home they fit. And if I got home and found out they looked as good on me as they did on the rack, I'd celebrate like new shoes dancing for the mirror. This

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-55844576853257892492011-10-02T18:24:00.014-04:002011-10-06T23:48:20.005-04:00

In advance, please excuse how rushed this post is going to go. As you might know, being Queen... and yes, that's with the capital 'Q', of doing it myself, I'm usually pressed for time. But before 'we' go running off with the longhorn, please know, I have already attended years worth of training, schooling, and exercises on marketing, effective communications, the high value of team-work, and some

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-29075982725101923562011-09-27T21:38:00.005-04:002011-10-19T01:04:33.609-04:00

It has to be ironic how little to no language I've devoted on banned books. In comparison to the shear exasperating number of times I've come across the headline, and two-stepping with the quaint amount of time I've spent looking into the subject, along with brushing brazenly against the mature themes I write on, and still no deep feelings or thoughts about the matter? I'll say it's ironic. But

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-45671811229938133722011-09-25T20:03:00.002-04:002011-09-27T21:39:30.907-04:00

So I'm flipping through OEBooks Book Blog, peeping in on topics I've posted, trying to decide what it is I haven't written about that I...ugh...want to write about. That's one thing about blog writing that somewhat puts the play on the damper, despite wanting to really play in the experience. And I am NOT saying blog writing is NOT fun. It often is. However, at the same time I am very selective

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-55476380171763283312011-09-19T23:59:00.008-04:002011-10-19T01:06:31.510-04:00

the beholder With my eye on literary matters, I have a few links to share. First, what got all this started was happening to notice Punk Kitty Diddy had been on her blog here recently. Every time she jumps on (her blog), and I notice, which isn’t frequent, I hear Pavlov's bell ringing... “Read it! Read it. Read all about it!" - sorry. Old favorite lit line. But here's the link, in case you

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-40608240856362326522011-09-17T20:20:00.002-04:002011-09-27T21:40:17.469-04:00

Click Here to Join I think Meg Waite Clayton, who takes time out of her very literate busy schedule to host this ball, must really see me over here toggling this and that. Seems like it never fails, just when I'm about to drop a ball, up pops Meg hosting a ball. Of course, and please know, I don't really believe this. I already know the blogger balls come highly requested by SHEWRITERS, but

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-83280260853467652592011-09-11T19:35:00.004-04:002011-09-20T00:01:10.180-04:00

Every day I grow more and more amazed... alas here comes another reader's confession. The other day I was roused to look up the word lit. No big deal. It's something like all the times I looked up the definition of a black person. That's one that amazes me too. Each time I venture over to looking in on the matter, I never fail to come across a twist and turn in its definition. I sure hope

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-25483917666866287372011-09-06T20:43:00.005-04:002011-09-11T19:36:23.996-04:00

Yes I did. I had to check the spelling of the word. And before anyone gets to assuming, the reason I had to check the spelling is because spell-check doesn't work when typing in CAPS.  That out of the way, and before I loose my good thought, I had gotten into a pretty nice size dispute with someone very near and dear to me, when halfway out of my huffy suit I realized, 'ut oh...' and no I wasn't

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-47615876088200337602011-09-05T15:41:00.013-04:002011-10-03T22:32:23.535-04:00

I think I've gone over this before, but in continuance of adding on more of my reading confessions I will reinsert how my adulation for reading developed, grew wings, and took flight.  …by scampering and scuttling around libraries, scavenging hunting true stories; bios, history, war, and true crime... and now I'm at memoirs. The reason memoirs and true accounts enamor me is because I find many

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-12487341273071902812011-09-01T20:53:00.019-04:002011-09-27T21:40:50.298-04:00

Visit Fabulosity Reads Review Blogspot Some things, unapologetically frankly, are worth the wait. Memoirs aren't the only way to gain insight into the human drive. Blogging and social-networking is fast becoming a heavy contender. And thanks to book bloggers, and readers and reviewers like Wendy Ewurum, enhances the joy. Wendy, who blogs and review books on Fabulosity Nouveau, introduces

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-39107958162135010072011-08-30T23:23:00.010-04:002011-09-25T20:05:09.481-04:00

Is that title Englishy correct? That's my first confession. Another confession is, with the exception of one genre, which happened more by accident, I don't read books where I've seen the movie first, and vice-versa. One or the other, that being the book or the movie, spoils me... or things. I.E., Roots, The Color Purple, Precious... Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson is the book I credit

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-46726680462233009162011-08-29T19:45:00.006-04:002011-09-06T20:44:38.764-04:00

It's no big deal. Wrote about it before. It's inside GEM. There is such a thing as too much, and too little confidence. Once upon a time my motto was, "Ha! I want to work there," and whaala, there'd I'd be working. For this tale, working for a commercial bank held my attention. And not just any bank... the helm of commercial banks... one of the legends with its name scraping skylines. My only

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-66782774354232629112011-08-28T14:33:00.008-04:002011-09-24T22:22:47.356-04:00

Before I get on with this post, just as an FYI, in case it might be helpful for someone else to know, I can't over emphasize how simplicity is the best! My Goodness!!! I won't even explain what I was just doing, but just know I was putting far too much thought into it. Every time, and I mean ever single last blasted time, whether working on a novel or working on one of these posts, if I find

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-27702678342082578212011-08-25T22:56:00.004-04:002011-09-06T20:48:35.028-04:00

This is actually one reason... no wait... it's two reasons why I am reluctant to call a book bad. Repeatedly I've tried, and each time find myself in that viscous spin cycle trying to define bad. It's like standing before a mural with the ridiculously loud price tag thinking... now that's got to be the most unsightly creation I've ever seen. And I know for a fact it's not just me. Even babies in

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-15462808472908391572011-08-23T23:04:00.006-04:002011-09-06T20:45:11.634-04:00

Alrighty. Pull up a chair. Take a deep breath. And maybe say a little prayer that this all goes well. For both you and I because I'm about to step up on a scale that likes to scream whenever I jump on. Before I get up on the scale though, be warned. This post has little to do with my actual weight, but rather this extra weight I lug around, which now that I *think* about it, it must be the reason

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-48900399218517856222011-08-21T17:11:00.009-04:002011-09-11T19:37:15.438-04:00

Musing Between the Lines Just finished reading Fierce's post, the Glory and Humor of Literary Interpretation, who so perfectly conveyed my thoughts on what I've tapped dance around in many posts.  Many, many times I've sat back and thought, WoW, should I even dare write another book if this is the way the material is being interpreted? Of course I continue writing, but only because it's so

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-18674669596942358852011-08-18T22:10:00.006-04:002011-08-22T18:57:08.241-04:00

SHE WRITER Blogger Ball #6! It's only my second ball, but after the last one, I must say when I saw the announcement I sighed with relief, "Right on time!" ~Thank's Meg! The last ball I joined turned out to be a really good time, particularly excited about meeting two writers, and bloggers, who won me over right away. Marina (How To Write Like You Love It) is writing a memoir, which being a

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-45320155601502542852011-08-14T20:07:00.009-04:002011-08-29T19:50:08.759-04:00

So in Love Thanks Jill! Had to throw that one out there first. Gosh, I love her music! And I am So in Love. So in Love with my Family. So in Love with my Work. And So in Love with Myself! ...Aaaaaaah! So go get that tune to be in love too! So you must know how my weekend went. Ha Ha. Let's see... I started in on Don Lemon's memoir. I'm almost near to the middle of a small book and, so far,

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-58510615013018994012011-08-09T20:31:00.006-04:002011-08-22T18:57:39.260-04:00

You must know I want to add my two cents on our economic crisis. Been wanting to add it since something like 1990, around the time when I was attending a mandatory division meeting and mention of this new technology came up, promising to reduce costs. Soon as I heard the words 'reduce costs' I thought, "Ut oh, This don't sound so good." Now you know, in division meetings of this size no small

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-32835619877021379602011-08-08T23:34:00.004-04:002011-08-22T18:58:07.919-04:00

Musing over comments received about my books, I thought why not make a note journaling some of them, especially since most of the feedback I get is verbal. It's my public show of praise for a few words getting a lot of use. Most of the feedback has been on Leiatra's Rhapsody. Started off with the questions. "How did the Rapper..." forget the question, but being the first bit of feedback I recall

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-43633213024500025722011-08-03T22:55:00.004-04:002011-08-03T22:59:08.486-04:00

A Little Some of Me I'm still working on my audio books, trying to get all of my work on audio, but for the interim of time I went ahead and had a snippet of my poems uploaded to my website.  Tried to get it on my blog, but took a minute too long to get it to work.  At any rate it's raw, and uncut, but should give some idea of my rhythm and style. Click the LINK. And/or go to the WORK PAGE.

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-56180301463584930082011-07-31T19:12:00.006-04:002011-08-22T18:58:39.491-04:00

I started to post this one a while back, and now here she is. This post was inspired after reading an article on CNN about presidents who used the F-expletive. Some more than others. One, which surprised me none too little, Clinton (Bill) was said to rarely or never use big-time expletives. This humored me. After hearing the use of this word in settings where it surprised me hearing it, I had to

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-52586853230520021722011-07-27T19:50:00.006-04:002011-08-22T18:56:47.585-04:00

writinginflow.blogspot.com My Fire Sale Husband Yes, he's my husband. No, he's not for sale. And yes, you may have guessed it... he's not on fire, nor does he put out fires, or start fires, or play with fires, he doesn't even... oh wait... my mistake. He does put out fires. Well, sort of. In fact, I think I hear him yelling out, calling me right now. I must have left something on the stove.

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-60163557199997369832011-07-25T23:57:00.005-04:002011-08-09T20:33:34.925-04:00

First, although I placed my interview with @Risque Reviews in the top right side panel of my blog, I sincerely again thank Barb for taking the time to put together a wonderful interview and writing all those nice thoughts about me. It meant a lot; touched me to the core. Here's the link to the interview, just in case it was missed. As well, thank you DEE @The Water Cooler for Promo'ing my blog.

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-35127681276430575052011-07-24T11:17:00.009-04:002011-07-25T23:58:26.993-04:00

Building Organizational Skills I used to see this skill-set on a many of resumes, 'Organizational Skills' but rarely understood how it was applied... until I took a close look at how these two individuals worked it. What I picked up stemmed from that one big organizational word: Prioritizing. Small, simple tasks, take care of immediately. In other words, among a dozen other emails you have five

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-54374612023652269582011-07-22T17:42:00.003-04:002011-07-26T00:23:07.984-04:00

Thanks to the Blogger's Ball... and 115 *OUCH* degree record high temps, I think I'll get a little inside work done! SHEWRITES Blogger's Ball If you have a chance, check out some of the blogs joining the ball. And if you haven't already, and reading, writing, blogging, books, and women... whether a novice or novelist... are your thing, then you must join the SHEWRITES community. So much is on

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-34582524125109478152011-07-20T21:57:00.014-04:002011-07-31T19:58:06.652-04:00

After the creepy bedtime stories, and Dick & Jane, the first book I learned to read, my truest first awareness of bumping into Mr. Literature was during the reading of a book in all my days of literature known and unknown I will never forget. The Red Pony by John Steinbeck. Likely my second book? I don't know. I know I was in elementary school, and attest if anything, that book proved just how

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-620180510120627242011-07-17T23:27:00.007-04:002011-08-09T20:32:49.684-04:00

I knew it was time for a change. Been knowing it quite a while. But here's my problem. I've always worked off script, unafraid to be different. But I fear telling someone what I want because I'm afraid... & woo how that word makes me cringe... fearing that I won't get what I want... and woo, this one makes me cringe even doubly the shiver... because I also fear I'll be asked to pay for what I

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-53884716178392815362011-07-15T21:53:00.010-04:002011-08-08T23:35:55.411-04:00

I'm thinking back on a time when someone was standing in front of me, giving me a bit of advice, not great advice, but sound common sense sort of advice, where I listened, though I couldn't help but think, “does this person think I don't know this?” Thinking back on all the places I've visited, and lived... the great experiences, the hurdles I attempted and achieved... my aspirations and ground

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-12952073164000299072011-07-12T06:16:00.002-04:002011-07-17T23:30:11.006-04:00

Yes, there actually is a lot I do know…and more I don't know. Look it up, it’s somewhere in the middle of philosophy and mythology, all the things one person will never know, and perhaps should never know. But I'm going to go on and do something I really didn't want to do. For once I'm going to look at things I've had the least exposure to, and then list them as endeavors I want to try...or know

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-59523883352070616492011-07-10T20:18:00.013-04:002011-07-26T00:02:42.182-04:00

Oh, that’s the line… “to the left… to the left…everything you own in a box to the left” (from one of Beyoncé’s songs) that’s had me chuckling this week thinking, what I’m 100% too sure, would have been added to my haul had I not chosen to publish independently. It's ...umm... challenging working with independent thinkers who are also stubborn, inquisitive, unafraid to go at things alone,

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-85840650983373674762011-07-06T22:10:00.006-04:002011-07-17T23:32:59.043-04:00

I've been having a devil of a time really trying to describe what a good story is. And by eavesdropping around, I see it's not only me. Oh, sure most of us will say a good story is x, y, z, but then x, y, z is always subjective to the temperament of the describer. That's the first rule I learned about English. English is subjective, unlike math where I found 1 + 1 persistently equaled 2. For

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-15978863914463845152011-07-05T20:40:00.008-04:002011-07-11T08:58:04.501-04:00

I said next up I would post on the F word but honest to goodness, today was not the day to be playing around with the F keystroke. I’ve already burnt up five or six keyboards in these past few years, and I considered myself to be in a pretty good mood compared to today. So I dilly-dialed around and came up with this one; Following 'con-cruxt-chions.' The thought came to me thinking about

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-25070115420278447122011-07-02T07:53:00.001-04:002011-07-05T20:41:12.645-04:00

"My Girls" …A Bit of Irony on Writing Advice. Unfortunately I do not wish to "quote" my sources, but readers can trust I’m not taking credit for these advisings I’ve received on writing. True, some habits I developed or naturally acquired on my own, storytelling I believe being one of them... or maybe it was my father who stirred the storyteller in me? Even if his thing wasn’t penning stories

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-24856724363681747002011-06-28T21:05:00.002-04:002011-07-02T07:54:51.940-04:00

This is something I sometimes think about. How long should I spend on writing blog posts? So, as if I even need to type this out, to answer the question this post is going to go faster than any post I’ve ever written before. And it’s going to go fast for two reasons. 1) I’m challenging myself to pull together thoughts in (written format) quicker. And 2) Tonight I’m really pressed for time. Trying

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-91922295124871800012011-06-23T22:00:00.007-04:002011-07-11T08:57:15.123-04:00

I was just laughing with someone today about how you’d think with the way technology was first touted it would be able to do all that, and then some. Turns out that some technologies still can’t supercede human technology, like that voice command some companies use to help save on hiring a real person to answer calls. Once I coughed into the phone while going through the teleprompts, and sneezed

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-71099434590320755062011-06-21T22:42:00.006-04:002011-07-02T07:55:51.847-04:00

It would seem with all I blog about I’d include more about my books. I should be all over the Internet looking for opportunities to show-case my work. There are reasons I don’t do this, which reminds me of the time when I came out with my first set of books. I was out at a restaurant with my mother meeting a young woman who was giving me ideas of places to host my first book party. It was the

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-43415938560229767722011-06-20T22:03:00.008-04:002011-06-28T21:22:14.564-04:00

One thing about OEBooks Book Blog, it’s filled with original content. Nothing yet, after peeking back on some of these golden charms, have made me cringe…too much. I think I got them all. That is, I think I removed all the posts that did make my eyes curl. And I know…you don’t have to tell me…nothing removed from the Internet is totally gone, but at least for now it’s off this blog. There’s

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-33401285670147677442011-06-18T23:57:00.005-04:002011-06-21T22:45:35.092-04:00

Ten Things I Love About My Daddy And yes, we still call him that. Almost half a century gone by and we’re still calling our father daddy. I think it’s a Northern, or Philly thing, though. And too, our father was a real daddy. In my book Black Table I talk about him…a whole lot. How I loved him, hated him, debated him, and cried for him, yet for as tough as he purported to be, I never feared him.

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-44219382896899285392011-06-17T23:56:00.007-04:002011-06-19T22:27:11.741-04:00

There is no deed more altruistic than those who give selflessly of themselves. I’m just about finished reading The Bee Eater, and this is what I assess of Michelle Rhee, and a number of others, to include the author Richard Whitmire, who assuredly as well marshals over the neglect of poor children (through his writing) not exclusively attributed to the homes and communities they come from.

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-57673273567768823982011-06-12T23:55:00.006-04:002011-07-05T20:46:40.359-04:00

Ooops. I think I better pull on the reigns and get this 'waiting to collide' mentoring gaffe back on track. I said I do not solicit criticism, but didn’t say I can’t accept it. This is where ‘reading’ comes in handy, which I’ll be first stepping up to the home plate to admit getting swept up in swift downdrafts, frequently running downhill (real fast) backwards with wrong facts. There are

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-54410948616303649552011-06-11T01:33:00.001-04:002011-06-12T23:57:34.657-04:00

Do you love yourself too much? Has anyone ever told you, you are you too generous with others? Can you give away what you have to give, freely, with the thought “if I get it back great, if not, fine too?” Do you find it easy to compliment others, sincerely? Does it bother you to see others fail? …And rattle you, or embarrass you, when you’re praised or complimented? Do you believe your mistakes

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-3281102933675562422011-06-09T23:37:00.004-04:002011-06-12T23:56:21.909-04:00

I don’t know what it is about motivational speeches I find troubling, but suppose it has something to do with the reason(s) I shun, or cringe, giving advice. The only reason I go on and succumb to the pressures of lending advice is because of the motivational speakers who have spoken to me. It resigns me to believing that even if it helps one, it’s worth it. The fact is, we need each other, even

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-1008238944164660212011-06-05T22:24:00.006-04:002011-06-09T23:39:08.358-04:00

Welp, finally finished reading The Smartest Guys in the Room and now I'm even more convinced I’m on the right path. Sometimes getting affirmations like this, and in just this way, especially since I don’t solicit criticism, is really useful. My only problem is how books like these eat up so much of my energy. Man! For an entire day I couldn’t pick up a thought if a surgeon had transplanted one

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-18899994376280894312011-06-01T04:28:00.003-04:002011-06-23T01:32:10.231-04:00

EK Family Books nominated OEBooks for the Versatile Award. Selecting from a list of synonyms I take this to mean ingenuous and dynamic. I'll take that. Thanks E&K Family. I really appreciate the compliment. Upon receiving this award, we must do 2 things. 1) Admit 7 random things about ourselves, and 2) Pass it along to 5 other Versatile Bloggers. And so, first being first... 1. I Do Not solicit

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-31023551784623582082011-05-30T12:23:00.001-04:002011-06-01T04:29:37.241-04:00

…but first, before slippin’ into lit, let me open with this bow. After thinking should I, shouldn’t I, seemingly a thousand times over, I finally experienced BEA—what I’m calling the best book expo on Earth!!! Contemplating attending really shouldn’t have been a question for someone who’s never been to the grandest book show, but loving the book world much as I do. Yet, in the final hour I

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-80299344356528352892011-05-25T09:31:00.001-04:002011-06-09T23:40:27.866-04:00

I actually planned the timing of opening this one, the account of Enron’s fall by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind. I wanted to take my time reading it, and now have amazed myself by how easy the reading is, turning pages a lot quicker than I initially thought I would. But I credit this to the journalists. The writing reminds me so much of the material I grew up reading. Clear, crisp, polished

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-6812164563268197672011-05-23T23:57:00.006-04:002011-05-30T12:24:18.892-04:00

I am (or was?) the absolute, Dear God…Please help me…the worst at mix and mingles. And the reason (since figured out), is because I’m terrible at pitching one-liners. One-liners are something like elevator talk, only aggravated by however many minutes you spend sweating it out hoping the elevator doors hurries and open up. Still not sure if I have all the kinks worked out, but I think I’m pretty

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-295219432679729522011-05-17T23:34:00.005-04:002011-05-25T01:45:37.418-04:00

I purchased Waiter Rant imagining a special ‘taste buds’ workout, unsure though if this would be good or bad. Still haven’t forgotten this other book, which wasn’t even about restaurant service, explaining how waiters seat their less desirable ‘looking’ clients in the back, beside restrooms or near the kitchen, or otherwise in least desirable locations. These ‘tips’ are good to know, even if I’m

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-36194474503234980662011-05-15T23:52:00.006-04:002011-05-25T01:44:51.229-04:00

Coming across the “tasteful truth” in-line so frequently exposed in book synopsis, is starting to raise my brows. Reminds me of a quote I once heard. “Soon as someone tells you, ‘this is the truth,’ you can best believe you’re about to get a lie.” Therefore, by adding in the ‘tasteful’ part, would this then mean we'll be reading…what…a tasteful lie? Two-stepping back, I am the queen of heralding

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-6283193777916384312011-05-07T14:38:00.013-04:002011-05-30T12:26:07.973-04:00

There has been no greater joy, and experience, than raising my children. One reason I eagerly await to share this story is because it wasn't what I'd been promised... missing out on enjoying my youth, and freedom, and how I wouldn't get a good education. My experience turned out to be quite the contrary of this promise. Yes, there were a few tug-o-wars in there, some days being better than others

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-66280372257994476072011-05-04T23:17:00.009-04:002011-05-07T15:42:39.852-04:00

Hopefully you’ll appreciate the heading. It reminds me of a ‘back in the day’ phrase many might know its connotation. If not, then you might appreciate where this post goes when it gets there. I happened by a social forum today where I happened to read an array of interesting questions. One of the questions asked writers how their personality type related to their writing habits. I answered, but

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-63307765701867627992011-05-02T23:54:00.000-04:002011-05-02T23:54:48.923-04:00

Mariah Carey.com I’m sorry, but I must break in here. Another thing I don’t do, or try not to do, and that’s get all bubbly over pop stars, but I must, and that's MUST, openly express my excitement and thrill after hearing one of my favorite pop singers, Mariah Carey…and hubby Nick Cannon, gave birth to twins. I’m saying, if there is any cause to pause, then this highlight has to be it! The

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-85604339752078894882011-04-30T23:30:00.011-04:002011-05-07T15:39:19.932-04:00

Okay, so I finished reading Bone Black by Bell Hooks. Kind of had my hopes to take on three books this week but this one, and it’s a small book, spun me around a few more times than I counted on. So least I need to spell out, unless I get a hold of ‘a whole lot of’ Jack n Jill books, I may have to forget having taken on this 100-book reading challenge. I love cooing over books but this one I

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-51726995158804015282011-04-24T23:44:00.012-04:002011-05-17T23:36:47.102-04:00

The best description I got on the matter of inspired creativity, or inspiration, I got from the best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love. Putting all the tentacles on Elizabeth’s description, the way her portrayal hit my ears when it did, is what I call really stirring. Now of course I can’t recall her words verbatim. My memory bank only chisels out so much... this orb (so-to-speak), coming ashore

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-8135555138298990182011-04-20T22:56:00.012-04:002011-04-24T23:45:51.801-04:00

…not an exaggeratingly pricey tuppence, but then in they way one journalist below researched it, pennies can add up. Mines, and about a good population of ‘others’ imparting our thoughts on noble topics of today… which reminds me, other than the one antiquated poem I wrote titled ‘It’s a Bona Fide Fact…’, I’ve got to post a few tidbits on what research is. For now, I’m throwing my coins on

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-20614642618585725172011-04-17T19:50:00.014-04:002011-05-04T23:22:19.123-04:00

Still on the kick of meeting readers and reviewers, and as well authors and those invested in parts of the book world, I happened to bump into a blogger who on impact snagged my interest. Rev. LaWaughn Rouse, or Radical RevLa, turned my interest dial way up after I responded to a post on SHEWrites (a ning community of primarily she-writers) and she responded right back. Let me tell you, initially

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-27058291099752698742011-04-16T23:42:00.008-04:002011-04-17T20:01:31.212-04:00

At the end of last year I invented a challenge of my own. I (carefully) selected a few fiction books, since I don’t ordinarily read fiction, and decided to read and review those books regardless of whether or not they were my cup of tea. Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker, Messalina: Devourer of Men, Painted Picture, True Confessions, and My Desperate Love Diary were the books selected. I

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-10124121245329835982011-04-12T23:30:00.008-04:002011-04-20T23:19:00.690-04:00

Life on the Color Line by Gregory Howard Williams It’s not easy finding a book to appeal to my mood when I need it. Before the Internet I would do like Barb@RisqueReviews used to do, ...rake those shelves with a fine toothcomb looking for that certain for-sure unshakeable read. I purchased Life on the Color Line, hesitantly so, thinking…, ‘do you really want to read another book about race and

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-30945895468275469112011-04-09T01:16:00.013-04:002011-05-04T23:24:12.080-04:00

Normally I stray around issues. I don’t even like writing the word issues in the context I’m about to use it in. And @uNowhouR, I’ll let you slap my hand for all the irregular wrongly positioned verbs, and nouns, and adjectives I’m about to use, and may have already used, that will jump over each other like popcorn in a skillet. In the past week I have read about depression, and the duties of

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-532831914036015587.post-75668683233781850522011-04-06T20:08:00.017-04:002011-04-09T01:21:29.724-04:00

Photo taken by Gabrielle Chanel One aspect of writing that used to really fuel me, and that was the study of other's work… cliff notes… interpreting a book, stuff like that... and being tested on it!?! “Why doesn’t the author grade the papers?!” ~ my top notch question. The cliff book could be wrong, and I could be right... exactly why Mignon McLaughlin's quote from the Neurotic's Notebook

RYCJ OEBooks Publisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02764044543216365261noreply@blogger.com2