Cindy Rosmus in this month’s Amsco Extra blog takes on puns. It’s an article on a most hated/most beloved subject. She doesn’t fancy them and while it’s true that most puns are groan-worthy, I’m not inclined to lump all puns into the same big pile of steaming, corn-infested horseshit. I make a huge distinction between the puns most of us use in everyday life — which are usually clichés in addition to being puns (the fact that they’re clichés is a big part o... Read Full Story

So the reason I haven’t posted in a while is this damned NanoWriMo business I’ve involved myself with. As of 3 a.m. this morning, I finally broke the 30000 word barrier. As you can see from this widget I am, as of this writing, slightly ahead of Chris Baty in the word war: Read Full Story

I was looking for more information on a story I’d read earlier about certain families who still live in FEMA trailers four years and counting after Katrina. One of the links that popped-up in the search results didn’t, as it turned out, have anything directly to do with the story, but I was astounded and deeply offended by it: It’s a discussion forum for trailer park owners and managers. In this one topic discussion, a bunch of these degenerate assholes were talking about ho... Read Full Story

So I was in Walmart yesterday. I went there to buy some socks, but took the scenic route to the Men’s Department. I stopped in electronics to ask the saleswoman when Sims 3: World Adventures would arrive in the store. I then did a little window shopping — checking out an LCD HDTV I’ve had my eye on for a while. Next, I worked my way to the book and magazine aisle. I’m not sure, why I always expect something different whenever I go into this aisle: Walmart has a whole section... Read Full Story

Whether you’re an aspiring rapper or you’re just into urban, hip hop culture, you might be interested in this: HipHopBling has the hip hop jewelry for you. Diamond encrusted iced out jewelry ranging from pendants, earrings, skull belt buckles, chains and hip hop watches to real diamond watches and micro pave earrings. Prices start at just $10. Read Full Story

Generally, I don’t recommend free webhosts as a publishing solution for writers and online publishers. Features are limited. Storage is limited. Terms of service are more restrictive than most commercial web hosts. However, if you are just starting out online and you just want a simple webpage to showcase a resume, service or a few writing samples, a free web host is usually a good short-term solution until your needs change or your presence grows. Read Full Story

Welcome to the November 9, 2009 edition of the mad editor’s round-up. Interviews Tiffany Colter presents Interview with Sally Bradley posted at The Writing Examiner, saying, "Interview with Editor Sally Bradley" Tiffany Colter presents Interview with Sally Bradley posted at Writing Career Coach, saying, "Interview with Editor Sally Bradley" Tiffany Colter presents A Cyber Chat About Ghostwriting With Tiffany Colter posted at A Break From The Norm, saying, &qu... Read Full Story

I’m at least halfway sorry I signed-up for NanoWriMo this year. While I have made it to the 12000 word mark after one week of writing (working on the manuscript 2 hours in the morning and 1 hour before bedtime), and have every realistic expectation of making the required 50000 words by midnight November 30, I really can’t stand this NanoWriMo-as-religion atmosphere that pervades the Nano website. Don’t get me wrong, I like the idea of forcing myself to write, dragging myself... Read Full Story

Tick-tock, Christmas is coming up and you may be freaking-out about what to get your significant other. Have you ever thought about getting them a nice watch? A watch is a practical, thoughtful and elegant gift. The right design can even be romantic. Well, there are some nice Casio gshock watches available online for Christmas — that might prove to be the perfect gift this year. Read Full Story

Have you ever watched that show, Castle, about the mystery writer who helps the police solve crimes (Yeah, there’s an original concept)? Well, the other day, my mother, who watches the show, informs be that the show is "based on a real person" because "Richard Castle" just came out with a new book. I told my mother that there’s no way that show is based on the life of a real character and that if there’s a mystery novel out there written by Richard Castle... Read Full Story