Dwight Zimmerman discussed "The Graphic History of the Vietnam War" with Paul Bruno, The History Czar!
http://www.historyczar.com/mp3/historyczar020510.mp3
Sunday, May 9, 2010
MWSA Member Del Staecker on The History Czar
Enjoy Del Staecker discuss his award-winning book "The Lady Gangster" with Paul Bruno, The History Czar!
http://www.historyczar.com/mp3/historyczar043010.mp3
http://www.historyczar.com/mp3/historyczar043010.mp3
Saturday, May 8, 2010
New PTSD Therapy Available to Vets
If you suffer from post traumatic stress disorder or know someone who does, you may be interested in this post on my War Peace Tolerance blog,http://warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com/2010/05/new-help-for-ptsd.html
----If your fellow writers or fellow soldiers or vets would benefit from this post, please use this little green widget to pass the news to your followers at Twitter:
----If your fellow writers or fellow soldiers or vets would benefit from this post, please use this little green widget to pass the news to your followers at Twitter:
Saturday, May 1, 2010
On Editing by MWSA Member
Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers: The Ultimate Frugal Booklet for Avoiding Word Trippers and Crafting Gatekeeper-Perfect Copy
by Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HowToDoItFrugally Publishing,2010
ISBN: 1450507654
Reviewed by Magdalena Ball
I'm firmly of the opinion that one of the main difference between a good book and a great book is the quality of the edit. Carolyn Howard-Johnson knows that and has provided a series of books designed specifically to help authors edit their books without having to spend a fortune. The latest one in the Frugal series is a handy list of tricky, “trip-you-up” words that every writer would do well to master. Some, like “advice / advise” are common problems that dog the writer from primary school onwards, and it's probably time to get these sorted out. Others, like “although / though” are more subtle, and Howard-Johnson doesn't shirk from pointing out why the use of one word is preferable over another. The explanations are always clear, with well written and original examples, and once you've read Howard-Johnson's words of wisdom, you won't make the mistake again. The book is just 50 pages, and is easy to carry around for reference, or check through quickly when you're unsure. You could also use it as a kind of course book, taking on a pair of words a day with the aim of improving your overall English skills. Even if your English is masterful already, you might be surprised at how often you misuse some of the more common sets, such as “bring / take” or “childlike / childish.” Howard-Johnson even provides ill-used phrases like “It is what it is.” or the difference between i.e. and e.g. (I'm afraid I've misused this one myself). The book ends with a list of other recommended editing books.
A few small errors in a manuscript or piece of writing may seem like a minor problem, but they mark the writer as an amateur and can be just what an overworked editor is looking for in order to move your unread manuscript over to the slush pile. At best, they make the writer look sloppy and uneducated. At worst, you may be conveying something quite different to what you had in mind. Not all of writing is this clear and straightforward, so ensuring that you understand and are able to easily use and distinguish commonly confused words correctly is more than just a good thing. It's essential. That so much helpful advice is couched in such light-hearted, easy to read and entertaining prose is due to Howard-Johnson's abilityities. This little book has a simplicity that belies the importance of what it's conveying. Do yourself, and your readers, a favour and make sure that you choose the right word every time you write.
About the Reviewer:
Magdalena Ball runs the review site The Compulsive Reader (www.compulsivereader.com) .An Australian poet, she blogs at http://magdalenaball.blogspot.com/ and her Web site is www.magdalenaball.com .
About the author:
The New Book Review is blogged by UCLA Extension Writers' Program instructor Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using the widget below:
----If your fellow writers or fellow soldiers or vets would benefit from this post, please use this little green widget to pass the news to your followers at Twitter:
by Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HowToDoItFrugally Publishing,2010
ISBN: 1450507654
Reviewed by Magdalena Ball
I'm firmly of the opinion that one of the main difference between a good book and a great book is the quality of the edit. Carolyn Howard-Johnson knows that and has provided a series of books designed specifically to help authors edit their books without having to spend a fortune. The latest one in the Frugal series is a handy list of tricky, “trip-you-up” words that every writer would do well to master. Some, like “advice / advise” are common problems that dog the writer from primary school onwards, and it's probably time to get these sorted out. Others, like “although / though” are more subtle, and Howard-Johnson doesn't shirk from pointing out why the use of one word is preferable over another. The explanations are always clear, with well written and original examples, and once you've read Howard-Johnson's words of wisdom, you won't make the mistake again. The book is just 50 pages, and is easy to carry around for reference, or check through quickly when you're unsure. You could also use it as a kind of course book, taking on a pair of words a day with the aim of improving your overall English skills. Even if your English is masterful already, you might be surprised at how often you misuse some of the more common sets, such as “bring / take” or “childlike / childish.” Howard-Johnson even provides ill-used phrases like “It is what it is.” or the difference between i.e. and e.g. (I'm afraid I've misused this one myself). The book ends with a list of other recommended editing books.
A few small errors in a manuscript or piece of writing may seem like a minor problem, but they mark the writer as an amateur and can be just what an overworked editor is looking for in order to move your unread manuscript over to the slush pile. At best, they make the writer look sloppy and uneducated. At worst, you may be conveying something quite different to what you had in mind. Not all of writing is this clear and straightforward, so ensuring that you understand and are able to easily use and distinguish commonly confused words correctly is more than just a good thing. It's essential. That so much helpful advice is couched in such light-hearted, easy to read and entertaining prose is due to Howard-Johnson's abilityities. This little book has a simplicity that belies the importance of what it's conveying. Do yourself, and your readers, a favour and make sure that you choose the right word every time you write.
About the Reviewer:
Magdalena Ball runs the review site The Compulsive Reader (www.compulsivereader.com) .An Australian poet, she blogs at http://magdalenaball.blogspot.com/ and her Web site is www.magdalenaball.com .
About the author:
The New Book Review is blogged by UCLA Extension Writers' Program instructor Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've loved. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by author names, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the index handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using the widget below:
----If your fellow writers or fellow soldiers or vets would benefit from this post, please use this little green widget to pass the news to your followers at Twitter:
Thursday, April 29, 2010
So, Are MWSA Members Utilizing Their Benefits?
I belong to Military Writers Society of America. And if you are reading this blog, it's likely you do, too!
So, why do you belong?
I tell you why on my Sharing with Writers blog today. Please drop by so you can pat yourself on the back. And also so that you can see if you're utilizing all the benefits you're entitles, to!
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Blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers.
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If your fellow writers or fellow soldiers or vets would benefit from this post, please use this little green widget to pass the news to your followers at Twitter:
So, why do you belong?
I tell you why on my Sharing with Writers blog today. Please drop by so you can pat yourself on the back. And also so that you can see if you're utilizing all the benefits you're entitles, to!
----
Blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers.
-----
If your fellow writers or fellow soldiers or vets would benefit from this post, please use this little green widget to pass the news to your followers at Twitter:
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Easter Gift for Troops
I thought I'd pass this along from my e-mail box:
Dear Patriotic American,
Many troops who have returned from Iraq or Afghanistan severely burned, blinded or paralyzed are struggling just to feed their families. These brave men and women have made painful sacrifices for us (and our families).
And since you support patriotic causes, I wanted you to know about something special you can do for them in return this Easter.
The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes has just launched an Emergency Easter Meal Project. Our goal is to deliver $60 to hundreds of severely wounded troops so they can put Easter dinner on the table. Can I count on your financial support?
Please say yes.
My name is Major General John K. Singlaub, U.S. Army (Ret.), and I served our nation in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Now I am working with the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, which provides emergency financial aid for troops who have been severely wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Our generous supporters have already responded with emergency financial aid to more than 11,000 requests from America’s disabled GIs, and provided them with more than $22 million in emergency financial aid and other support services.
Please join our generous, patriotic family of supporters by making a special donation right now to the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes.
When America’s disabled GIs return home, out of the blue they are blindsided by another disaster – a disaster they never expected and couldn’t possibly plan for. A disaster most Americans don’t even know is happening.
The wounded GI’s disability check takes six months . . . nine months . . . even a year to arrive. He is wounded so badly he can’t take care of himself, so his wife quits her job to take care of him. Suddenly he is facing a financial catastrophe and has nowhere to turn.
You, and me, and other patriotic Americans must be there for them. Because they were there for us.
The Coalition's Emergency Easter Meal Project was created to help disabled troops like:
Blair William Didion Sr., who told us he sometimes relies on “food from public pantries” after suffering spinal fractures from a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Retired Army Sgt. Joshua Johnson of Colorado, who was injured in Iraq. After receiving emergency financial aid from Coalition supporters like you, Joshua wrote, “We were not going to be able to buy groceries for the month. The gratitude that my family and I have for the help you provided is hard to put into words.”
And Paul Thurman, whose wife had to resort to selling her blood plasma to buy food after he was injured in Iraq.
Emergency Easter donations can help the Coalition rescue our wounded heroes from having to get their Easter dinner from a public pantry, or (God forbid) from having to sell their blood plasma to buy groceries.
The severely wounded serviceman or woman who receives help might even live in your neighborhood, attend your church or shop at your grocery store. Or perhaps their parents do. So please send as generous an Easter gift as you can afford.
As you can imagine, the wives and mothers of our troops who have been blinded, badly burned or maybe even paralyzed are suffering as well. So instead of cooking Easter dinner at home, some families may decide to “give Mom a break,” and use their $60 to take her out to a restaurant on Easter Sunday.
That way they can enjoy Easter weekend with their family – just like you and I will.
Bear in mind: The Easter Season is the perfect time to thank these disabled heroes for the painful sacrifices they’ve made. After all, these brave men and women went to war to protect our freedom. Now many will never be able to see, or hear, or use their arms or legs again after being hit by a roadside bomb.
You and I can’t heal their physical injuries or make them whole again. (No one can.)
But helping to put Easter dinner on their table will let them know their fellow Americans appreciate the painful sacrifice they made for our country.
Finally, I’d like to show you what a difference your kindness can make. Kristi P. is a young servicewoman who suffered a devastating injury in Iraq. After receiving emergency financial aid from Coalition supporters like you, Kristi wrote back to say,
“Your gift brought tears of Thanksgiving to my eyes. . . . It felt like God was smiling upon me and reminding me what I gave really did matter.”
Please make the most generous Easter donation you can afford right now. And let me be the first to wish you and your family a Happy Easter.
With respect and gratitude,
Major General John K. Singlaub
U.S. Army (Ret.)
P.S. As I mentioned, some of our GIs have resorted to getting their food from public pantries, and others are selling their blood plasma to feed their children.
To help them the Coalition has just launched an Emergency Easter Meal Project. Our goal is to deliver $60 to as many severely wounded troops as possible so they can put Easter dinner on the table.
Remember, Easter is the perfect time to let a wounded hero know their fellow Americans understand the painful sacrifices they have made and are wishing their family well this Easter Season. Thank you for your generosity and your patriotism.
-----
From your MWSA blogger, Carolyn Howard-Johnon, award-winning poet and author of the HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. www.howtodoitfrugally.com.
If your fellow writers or fellow soldiers or vets would benefit from this post, please use this little green widget to pass the news to your followers at Twitter:
Dear Patriotic American,
Many troops who have returned from Iraq or Afghanistan severely burned, blinded or paralyzed are struggling just to feed their families. These brave men and women have made painful sacrifices for us (and our families).
And since you support patriotic causes, I wanted you to know about something special you can do for them in return this Easter.
The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes has just launched an Emergency Easter Meal Project. Our goal is to deliver $60 to hundreds of severely wounded troops so they can put Easter dinner on the table. Can I count on your financial support?
Please say yes.
My name is Major General John K. Singlaub, U.S. Army (Ret.), and I served our nation in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Now I am working with the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, which provides emergency financial aid for troops who have been severely wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Our generous supporters have already responded with emergency financial aid to more than 11,000 requests from America’s disabled GIs, and provided them with more than $22 million in emergency financial aid and other support services.
Please join our generous, patriotic family of supporters by making a special donation right now to the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes.
When America’s disabled GIs return home, out of the blue they are blindsided by another disaster – a disaster they never expected and couldn’t possibly plan for. A disaster most Americans don’t even know is happening.
The wounded GI’s disability check takes six months . . . nine months . . . even a year to arrive. He is wounded so badly he can’t take care of himself, so his wife quits her job to take care of him. Suddenly he is facing a financial catastrophe and has nowhere to turn.
You, and me, and other patriotic Americans must be there for them. Because they were there for us.
The Coalition's Emergency Easter Meal Project was created to help disabled troops like:
Blair William Didion Sr., who told us he sometimes relies on “food from public pantries” after suffering spinal fractures from a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Retired Army Sgt. Joshua Johnson of Colorado, who was injured in Iraq. After receiving emergency financial aid from Coalition supporters like you, Joshua wrote, “We were not going to be able to buy groceries for the month. The gratitude that my family and I have for the help you provided is hard to put into words.”
And Paul Thurman, whose wife had to resort to selling her blood plasma to buy food after he was injured in Iraq.
Emergency Easter donations can help the Coalition rescue our wounded heroes from having to get their Easter dinner from a public pantry, or (God forbid) from having to sell their blood plasma to buy groceries.
The severely wounded serviceman or woman who receives help might even live in your neighborhood, attend your church or shop at your grocery store. Or perhaps their parents do. So please send as generous an Easter gift as you can afford.
As you can imagine, the wives and mothers of our troops who have been blinded, badly burned or maybe even paralyzed are suffering as well. So instead of cooking Easter dinner at home, some families may decide to “give Mom a break,” and use their $60 to take her out to a restaurant on Easter Sunday.
That way they can enjoy Easter weekend with their family – just like you and I will.
Bear in mind: The Easter Season is the perfect time to thank these disabled heroes for the painful sacrifices they’ve made. After all, these brave men and women went to war to protect our freedom. Now many will never be able to see, or hear, or use their arms or legs again after being hit by a roadside bomb.
You and I can’t heal their physical injuries or make them whole again. (No one can.)
But helping to put Easter dinner on their table will let them know their fellow Americans appreciate the painful sacrifice they made for our country.
Finally, I’d like to show you what a difference your kindness can make. Kristi P. is a young servicewoman who suffered a devastating injury in Iraq. After receiving emergency financial aid from Coalition supporters like you, Kristi wrote back to say,
“Your gift brought tears of Thanksgiving to my eyes. . . . It felt like God was smiling upon me and reminding me what I gave really did matter.”
Please make the most generous Easter donation you can afford right now. And let me be the first to wish you and your family a Happy Easter.
With respect and gratitude,
Major General John K. Singlaub
U.S. Army (Ret.)
P.S. As I mentioned, some of our GIs have resorted to getting their food from public pantries, and others are selling their blood plasma to feed their children.
To help them the Coalition has just launched an Emergency Easter Meal Project. Our goal is to deliver $60 to as many severely wounded troops as possible so they can put Easter dinner on the table.
Remember, Easter is the perfect time to let a wounded hero know their fellow Americans understand the painful sacrifices they have made and are wishing their family well this Easter Season. Thank you for your generosity and your patriotism.
-----
From your MWSA blogger, Carolyn Howard-Johnon, award-winning poet and author of the HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. www.howtodoitfrugally.com.
If your fellow writers or fellow soldiers or vets would benefit from this post, please use this little green widget to pass the news to your followers at Twitter:
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
New Book Release to Help MWSA Members with Tricky Homonyms
Yay! My new little help for writers is on Amazon in all its chartreuse, red, and yellow glory! I am Joyce Faulkner's trusted blog contributor and a member of MWSA, and know that all our members can benefit from this book.
Yep, you can now order a copy to put in your briefcase and read on the fly! It’s the Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers: The Ultimate Frugal Booklet for Avoiding Word Trippers and Crafting Gatekeeper-Perfect Copy.
This is a booklet. It isn’t intended to be a complete reference for every sneaky homonym in the English language. For one thing there is a nice list of those pesky guys in The Frugal Editor (www.budurl.com/TheFrugalEditor). It’s small partly because it isn’t intended to be drudgery. It’s only 54 pages, so it’s a small, easy-to-read dose of some of the most difficult word trippers, not the ones you learned in the fourth grade. And it is written with a bit of humor to brighten the experience. If you don’t learn anything from it, send it back to me and I’ll refund your money.
Buy the paperback at www.budurl.com/WordTripperPB. It is only $6.95. You support a friend (me!) and you brush up on skills for your writing career. What could be better than that?
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If your fellow writers or fellow soldiers or vets would benefit from this post, please use this little green widget to pass the news to your followers at Twitter:
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