How do you take writing and turn it into design? When your love is reading, letters and words, how do you turn that into something visual that you can represent in your home?

Well, if you are like me you can start with rows and rows of books on book cases.  But you can’t fill up all your walls with it (although I’ve tried).

My trick? Take some of my favorite books covers and hang them as posters… Neat right?

Pretty cool idea, right? But there are lots of even cooler options available based paper posters.  What are those? Well, I’m glad you asked!

Metal Prints

If you want to go all out, and you have a cover that very colorful and could use some extra “pop”, then metal prints could be a good option.  You get paint that goes directly onto aluminum (in some cases steel, like from Displate).  Check out some of these options from Displate:

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

Imagine that 3 feet tall and on your bedroom wall.  Nice.

Displate is a unique example, it’s made of steel instead of aluminum, and it doesn’t get you custom prints if you needed those.  The best metal photo prints companies give you a lot of options in terms of customization, size, etc.  There are even different types of printing methodologies (like dye sublimation printing, for example).

Canvas Prints

The other option is very popular canvas prints, which don’t give quite as much vibrant color as metal prints, but are lighter, cheaper, and you generally have more options for pre-made prints.  There are tons of canvas print companies but they mainly focus on custom prints.  You’ll have to do some searching to find those that have the type of prints you want.  Pictorem is one company that has a ton of different options from artists, but not so much book covers.

The best one I’ve found so far is CandlesBook, just look at a few of them:

Candlesbook Posters

 

 

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Why Your Books are Better Off in a Shuttle to Tybee IslandHow do you normally transport your books? Transporting books requires proper planning. It’s important to consider the weight of the books and the material they are made of before moving them anywhere. Fortunately, you can avoid all the hassle and bustle of transporting books with your choice of the shuttle.
So, why are books better off in a shuttle?

Shuttles and party buses are spacious. Therefore, you know the books will arrive at their destination in excellent condition. Other means of transportation force you to fix the books in very tight spaces. In such instances, the books reach their destination crumbled up, worn out and torn. This might force you to spend more money on new books.  When I traveled on a party bus to NYC, I made sure to take all my books with me.

For the books to arrive in excellent condition, you have to pack them nicely. Proper packaging protects the books. Feel free to pack the books in solid boxes. As you pack, remember to use small boxes. Pack them carefully. Pack the books strategically too. Do not forget to label them appropriately either.

Shuttles are designed for transporting people. This is good news for people who don’t want to travel without their books. Traveling in the same shuttle with your books allows you to save money. In this regard, the shuttles are a cost-effective solution for traveling together with the books, whatever the reason is behind transporting your them. Whether you are relocating or you want to distribute or sell books in NYC, it is best to work with experts at transporting them without causing damage.

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This article lays out ergonomic solutions to the repetitive stress problems that writers usually face in their everyday work. Writing may seem static, however, it is a physically demanding task. Some of the most renowned writers in the world have in the course of time spend decades sitting on a chair tapping on a keyboard, staring at a screen. Such experiences often result in neck pain, elbow pain, shoulder pain, back pain, wrist pain, and forearm pain – sometimes to a point where you question whether you will be able to continue editing, designing, or any other writing-related activity from which you derive enjoyment and income.

Here are some of the basic principles that apply when exploring the world of ergonomics for writers:

Posture and Spinal Alignment

The spine is a structure composed of stacks of vertebrae that have “padding” rings between them. The muscles that connect the vertebrae allow us to flex our backs from side-to-side, forward, and backward. Because of the spine’s natural curves, — outward at the upper back and inward at the lower back, it will never align itself perfectly like a dish stack. However, if you lean forward, your upper body weight as well as that of your head tries to slump you over in the same way. The muscles that are along the back of the spinal cord contract in order to counteract this weight, creating tension, pain, and possible injury if the counter-force is constant for long periods of time. This is why an excellent writer’s chair usually has a contoured back to support the curves of your spinal cord.

Causes of Ergonomic Related Injuries to Writers/Authors

Poor Writing Posture for ErgonomicsWhat causes ergonomic-related back injuries? Well, aside from overall, habitual bad posture, if your eyes are positioned far from your monitor, you will be able to comfortably focus while naturally leaning forward. Writers should also bring their monitors closer if they are farther away, to help bring their backbones into a comfortable vertical alignment that’s is against supporting the back of your chair.

General ageing and years in front of a monitor can affect a writer’s ability to focus on very close objects. Affordable over-the-counter computer glasses can also make it possible for you to keep your monitor at the right distance while setting to its highest resolution. Don’t allow easily correctable vision issues turn into irritating and painful back problems.

Get your eyes and body vertically in line with the centre of your laptop or desktop. Make sure you sit directly in front of it. You can shift the laptop/desktop a little to your non-dominant side if you complete a variety of writing tasks at your desk as well, so that you can be able work to your dominant side.

If you have enough money to invest, try finding some quality ergonomically designed office chairs. Get a seat pan that has contours to facilitate weight distribution, meets your knees’ underside in the right place, and has at least an inch on either side. Look for a large back rest and height adjustability that support your spine. Hopefully, if you get your workstation into shape ergonomically, you will not need any heat wraps or pain relievers.

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As an advocate for writers, authors and artists of all types, I sometimes find it disconcerting that there isn’t more widely known information surrounding intellectual property law and how they can affect amateur and independent creatives (like myself).  So I’ve put together this little article about issues of copyright law that could help some similar minded people out there.

Introduction

copyright registration certificate
Getting your intellectual property protected (such as through a copyright registration certificate) is the first step in securing you rights creative rights as an author.

It can be very frustrating if you hear a song or script you wrote being used over the radio to advertise a product yet you did not authorize it. It can be more frustrating when you try getting your pay and you are told that you did not copyright it so the multi-million company is doing you a favor giving free publicity. This can also discourage you from writing any more scripts. Stealing someone’s copyright is a very serious offense. People invest a lot of time, emotions, energy, and money to write scripts. Although the law provides that if you write an outline of a fully developed unique story or a completed script then you can copyright it. Its is important to ensure that you have a public record that you authored a given story or script. The copyright registrations fees for amateur and independent authors will vary depending on the aspects discussed below will vary depending on the aspects discussed below.

The Number Of Authors In Your Application

It’s true that you can write a story as an individual or in a group where you brainstorm together to get ideas and the plot that best fits your target group. You will pay $35 if the work has a single author who is also the script owner. In addition, the copyright registration fee should not only be for a single work but also one that is not meant for hire. If you have a collection of photos, the fee is different. If you want to sell each photo independently, then you will have to pay $35 for each of them. You can also register all the photos as a group and just pay $35.

The Amount Of Time You Are Willing To Wait

The standard waiting time (when using the Copyright Office guild ) after you file your registration and pay is three to four months, but if you are in a hurry to sue someone or another reason best known to you, you can get it in one week. This will attract an additional fee of about $700.

The Application Procedure You Intend To Use

You can carry out the copyright registration procedure yourself or hire the services of an intellectual property lawyer. Where you are doing it yourself, the charges will range between $35 and $55. In case you are hiring a lawyer, then expect the price to range between $250 and $500. Though the process isn’t complex, you are likely to encounter some difficult questions that will need research. If you have not done the registration before and you want to avoid doing it wrong and having to file several other corrected forms or a possibility of having great trouble when enforcing the copyright, just use a lawyer. If you decide to use a lawyer, contact several of them and get details about the expected costs before making your choice.

The Screenwriting Guild You Will Use (If Any)

You can use the Writers Guild of America or Copyright Office guild. In the former, there is the Writers Guild of America East (WGAeast) that is located in New York and the Writers Guild of America West (WGAwest) located in Los Angeles. If you are a WGA member, then you will pay $10. I you are a not a member, then you will pay $20 if you use the west branch and $22 I you use the east branch. The price for the Copyright Office is the one discussed above under the do it yourself ($35-$55).

Conclusion

Whether what you have is an article, a book, photo, musical composition, dance, sculpture or any other creative work, registering a copyright on it is to your advantage. People will not only take you serious but you can easily enforce your copyright when need arises. Enjoy the fruits of your creativity with peace by ensuring you register a copyright on all the work that you complete.

 

 

 

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Today I’m bringing you something just in time for Halloween.  I’m moving away from my usual Romance novels and bringing you a critically acclaimed horror anthology focusing on evolution, genetics and the potential for monstrous outcomes. It’s a truly stunning work that is good enough to spook even the most hardened adults (and certainly scary enough for the kids).  Enjoy this Halloween, pick it up on Amazon here.

 

Take a quick look at the description:

natural1Evolution isn’t something that happened on Earth a long time ago. It’s happening all around us, today – right here, right now. Our world is in perpetual turmoil, in a state of constant change. The famous naturalist Charles Darwin was well aware of this fact, suffering from horrible nightmares of evolution going haywire, harboring fears that some day man might not be the superior species on this planet anymore. He would carry these fears with him to his deathbed.

With the dawn of the new millennium upon us, Dr. Ian Darwin – the great- great- grandson of Charles – suffers from those same dark obsessions and has been secretly carrying on Charles work, scanning the globe for tell-tale signs that their family’s worst fears are starting to come true. 

Unnatural Selection brings together the strange tales he has accumulated in his ongoing search. This unique anthology is unlike anything you’ve ever read before. No vampires, no werewolves, no witches, goblins, or ghouls. Absolutely nothing that has been read before. Completely brand new monsters, cloning nightmares, newly evolved bugs, scientific labratory accidents, and other freaky never-before-heard-of atrocities.

A stunning collection of evolutionary horror by some of the best award winning writers in the dark fiction business. Contributors include Steve Savile, Terry Sheils, Edo van Belkom, Robert J. Sawyer, John Passarella, Butch Miller, J. F. Gonzalez, Sephera Giron, John Shirley, Richard Wright, Nancy Kilpatrick, Mort Castle, Brett A. Savory, Michael Laimo, Brian Lumley, and Brian A. Hopkins.

The world has seen enough tradition horror collections, filled with re-hashed traditional monsters. Evolution – It’s time for a change.

 

2001 EPPIE FINALIST in the Anthology Category
2001 DREAM REALM FINALIST in the Anthology Category

7 out of 10 from The Eternal Night!
This anthology presents 17 short tales of different evolutions. It covers the spectrum from horror stories (some of which are really quite creepy) through to Frankenstein-like stories of human interference with nature. And it manages to include this range without it seeming unfocused or choppy in feel… The prize for ickiness has to go to Michael Laimo with his story “Summer Fling.” This tale is truly the one most likely to make you wince and feel a little uneasy. Congratulations to him for that. Rounding off the set is a story from Brian A. Hopkins. In Mr. Hopkins’ tale an American man discovers how low a man can get after the death of his five-year-old son. Recovering from a period of drug-induced haze in Calcutta he travels north into the Himalayas far from the tourist trail. It is this last story that is perhaps the best in the book, bringing out a genuine feeling of despair in the actions of the lead character. The quality of the stories contained in this anthology is high. High enough to allay any fears that may have been felt about the wide range of styles contained herein. And although I may have mentioned my favourites above, there is not a bad story in this book.
— Steve Mazey, The Eternal Night

**** 4 Stars from Inscriptions Magazine!
Great, almost perfect, entertaining…
The energy Rollo introduces in his own opening story is on a level the collection sustains from first to last. That frenetic pace is what makes the book so much fun, that and the sensationalistic plots found within these stories. The collection works best in stories that exult in lots of squishy, painful action and detail, stories that would translate easily to the screen, à la “Creep Show.” “All Heaven in a Rage” by John Passarella, for example, packs science-gone-wrong, interoffice politics, romance, redemption and a wonderful ending into just a few pages.

Other high points include “Gator” by Robert J. Sawyer (one of the only stories with anything remotely resembling a happy ending), “Carcinogenesis” by Richard Wright, and “Summer Fling” by Michael Laimo. Within these stories, the collection explores three different strands of evolution-gone-wrong fiction. “Gator” represents the concept of the unknown creature evolving underneath our radar, while “Carcinogenesis” explores a mad scientist’s horrifying exploits.

“Summer Fling” combines environmental revenge with a “Tales From the Crypt”-like morality, where the person who means to do a “Bad Thing” will end up punished in a “Bad Way.” Laimo’s delight in graphic, visual detail strengthens this piece’s impact, and his last sentence is almost embarrassingly enjoyable.
UNNATURAL SELECTION also features a few elegantly poignant pieces, such as “Iron Jaws” by Edo van Belkom and “Hotties” by Mort Castle, which are by no means less energetic or brutal than the pieces that surround them. On the whole, UNNATURAL SELECTION is a strongly enjoyable collection, and a well-produced e-book.
— Audrey Snowden, Inscriptions Magazine

Recommended by WordWeaving!
This book is like Jaws, Jurassic Park, and Godzilla all rolled into one – and then some… Among the more notable works in UNNATURAL SELECTION are the introductory story by editor Gord Rollo; “The Sweet Caress of Mother Nature” (John Shirley), which makes good use of humor; “Hotties” (Mort Castle), which stands apart for its literary quality; and “Cyber Prometheus” (Sephera Giron), a unique reworking of Frankenstein.

UNNATURAL SELECTION is a wild ride with many moments of suspense and intrigue. Bloodthirsty readers won’t find a Stephen King yarn anywhere that offers more carnage (weak-stomached readers beware!). This wide-ranging examination of “survival of the fittest gone bad” will please many fans of biological and supernatural horror.
— David McGoy, WordWeaving Reviews

 

 

I can’t help noticing that Y2K’s best anthologies have been electronically published…Add Gord Rollo’s UNNATURAL SELECTION to this elite list.

Rollo’s inspiration comes not from the works of a late horror master, but from Charles Darwin’s controversial theories of evolution and natural selection. Evolution is an ongoing process. That which doesn’t evolve becomes extinct. Survival belongs to the fittest. Man has certainly evolved technologically, but spiritual growth seems to have stalled long ago. We had our shot at being the top of the food chain, but we blew it. Now Mother Earth is looking for a new dominant species. Rollo and sixteen other authors present their visions of what might replace us….

The strength of Rollo’s concept has brought out the best in these authors, whether established or new. Never before have so many creatures rampaged across the pages of one book. Whatever form of life you’re phobic about, you’ll find something in here to make your skin crawl. It’s as fun as a “big bug” movie marathon, but with more intellectual and philosophical depth.
— Garrett Peck, The Hellnotes Book Review

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Today I’m sharing another Romance novel (I know, shocking).  It’s a contemporary novel called “Tell Me No Lies” by one of my favorite authors, Gail Kenneddy.  I’d have to say this one kept be reading throughout the night, and I think I finished it in one sitting.

It’s not a long read, only about 200 pages, but its a fun one.  I’d recommend it for a quick trip to the beach, a long plane ride or a cozy night on the couch.  Take a look at the description:

Book description:

tellmenolies_Very late on a foggy night, Cori Latham returns home and accosts a burglar in her home. Much to her chagrin, the burglar turns out to be one of Enterprise’s finest, Lieutenant Tucker Malloy. But even more shocking is the realization that she and this man share a past.

Tucker Malloy, the object of her girlhood crush.
Tucker Malloy, her older sister’s boyfriend.
Tucker Malloy, the man her family wronged.

She had buried her haunted memories until now…fourteen years later when fate sent Tucker crashing into her life. Ashamed of the evil deed Tucker suffered at the hands of her family, Cori, a widow with a seven year old son, takes comfort in the knowledge her name and girlish appearance have changed. Although she tries to avoid him, the constraints of small town life and mutual friends conspire against her.

As their friendship progresses to sizzling sparks, she wonders if Tucker crossed her path for a purpose: to provide a chance to make amends and purge her guilt. Torn between loyalty to her sister and her newfound desire for Tucker, Cori fights her feelings.

Keeping Tucker means telling him the Truth.
Tell the Truth and risk losing him.
Could he ever forgive her once he knows her secret.

 

You can grab it on Amazon.  Enjoy

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This is another romance book, but it’s a collection of short stories.  Some of my favorite ways to pass a commute or a lazy morning.

SUMMER SOLSTICE isn’t your average collection of romantic short stories. With a gritty look at the true side of love, Julia Ann Charpentier takes you into the worlds of obsession and reality, heart-wrenching and painstakingly portrayed with a deft hand at understanding the complexities of relationships. Loves lost and loves regained, she paints a picture of love in its glory and its calm, silent end. From a woman reuniting after many years with an old lover to a ghost who refuses to accept that he no longer exists, Charpentier ignites the senses in every slice of life.

You can grab it here (although its limited availability).

Here are some reviews:

***** 5 Stars from Affaire de Coeur!
Fantasy in blonde and denim, with deep brown eyes. Ghost with long slender fingers, in a uniform from a long-ago war. Apparition of past love, superimposed on the present. Romantic interludes with perfect, or not so perfect strangers. Love stories. Hate stories. Sex stories. Summer Solstice is an eclectic mix of short stories by writer and reviewer Julia Ann Charpentier, with one common thread… a fascinating command of language and emotion which imbues her characters with shimmering life. This short story collection is a treasure trove for the discriminating reader of paranormal and literary fiction. Spellbinding.
— Rickey R. Mallory, Affaire de Coeur

*** 3 Stars from Inscriptions Magazine!
SUMMER SOLSTICE is a collection of short stories that mixes ghosts and romance…. the author uses excellent descriptive language and immediately draws the reader into each scene. The book is mysterious… in a way that entrances the reader.
— Brette McWhorter Sember, Inscriptions Magazine

 

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This week I’m talking about a cheesy, yet awesome, romantic fantasy novel that I’m sure many people love (even if they don’t admit it!)

It’s called “Prince of Gemen“, and it’s the first book in a Saga that is sure to engross readers…  Here are what some reviewers said:

You love it, even if you don't admit it!
You love it, even if you don’t admit it!

“The Prince of Gemen is the story of two societies. The first is patriarchal and relies on sacrifice, the other is dependent on equality and responsibility. The Princess is pulled in different directions as the freedoms of her new life conflict with the social norms she has always known. Although influences are easily recognized in many areas of the PRINCE OF GEMEN, Novak did an excellent job of weaving plot, and characterization. This is an intriguing, emotional book that rebuffs the traditional view of romances being senselessly erotic, or syrupy-sweet.”
— Hilary Evans, The Romance Studio

***** 5 Roses from Loves Romances!
“There were two societies left after the great population wars on Daleer: the Gemen and the Arath. Each having their own idea on how to control overpopulation. Each society hating the other and not agreeing with the others’ ways…The Prince of Gemen was excellent. The stories of the two different societies, the description of the characters and the whole stepping on to shaky ground with the Gemen beliefs was just exciting. This reviewer could not put the book down. The passion between Calli and Erone is intoxicating. You know they want to be together but you wonder if they will. I was mesmerized by the whole story. Fantastic ending! Great to read. I high recommend everyone to read this book. ”
— Ruby, Loves Romances

“I fell in love with your Shadrani, and cannot wait for the next book…Although it seems tortuous to make your new fans wait that long, you are now on my autobuy list. PRINCE OF GEMEN was one of my favorite reads so far this year.”
— Regina from Atlanta, a reader and “Shadrani Lover”

“PRINCE OF GEMEN is a fantasy romance that will have you deeply engrossed from page one. I was fascinated by the people on the planet Daleer…There is a lot of depth to the characters, and the plot is certainly fast moving. Simmering below the surface there are a lot of secrets…In fact, the Prince is quite taken with Calli and is filled with lust for her. This problem is driving him crazy. I love how he takes care of it too! Whoo-ee! The Prince’s family has ulterior motives involving Calli and Erone that cause quite a ruckus where Erone’s promised is concerned. Don’t you love the jealousy, wild fighting, sensual romance, and mayhem in these stories that keeps you on edge, wondering what is going to happen next? I sure wouldn’t mind sharing in Erone’s shadra. What a mind blowing experience that would be!!! Darn, Calli might have something to say about that. I certainly spent every spare moment reading this delicious story and can’t wait to find out what happens in the next exciting installment in the Shadrani series. Calli and Erone are sizzling characters you will love to meet. There are a bunch of interesting characters whose stories I’m dying to read about in the future. Don’t miss this electrifying fantasy romance, or you will be sorry! ”
— Suzanne Coleburn, Reader To Reader Reviews

You can get the book for FREE for Kindle Subscribers here.

 

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