Top Ten Lonely Author Musings

 

Ah-ha.

You thought Lonely Author incapable of profound thoughts, didn’t you. Well, when these thoughts provoke my brain, I usually tilt my head and let them spill right back out.

Here you go Top Ten Musings from the Musingsmeister himself:

 

10. Why is it when you’re driving two wrongs don’t make a right, but three lefts do?

9. People who live in glass houses must use a lot of Windex.

8. Do late payers in Prague say the Czech is in the mail?

7. Who determined slice bread was the best thing?

6. The early bird catches the worm is only important if you having cravings for worms.

5. When everything is going wrong for him, what law does Murphy blame?

4. Should anyone be surprised when a cannibal bites the hand that feeds him?

3. Does abscess make the Dentist grow fonder?

2. Wouldn’t it make more sense to read eulogies in a dead language (Latin) at all funerals?

1.The fool who runs before a car gets tired, the wise man who runs behind a car gets exhausted.

 

Have a wonderful week.

Keep smiling.

Keep writing.

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Lonely Author Decodes Men/Women English

Lonely Author has caught some grief over his guide for communicating with women. Hey, people I am a lover not a fighter. In my continued efforts to promote peace and harmony between the sexes I will decode Men/Women English.

But first, to prove he is a lover and not a fighter, here is an excerpt of his pillow talk from last night:

Lonely Author: “Honey, I want to make love to you badly.”                       Mrs. Lonely Author: “Well, at least you don’t overestimate yourself.”

Okay, plain and simple (like my donuts) decoding Men/Women English.
DICTIONARY FOR DECODING WOMEN’S ENGLISH:

* Yes……………………………….No

* No………………………………..Yes

* Maybe……………………………No

* We need………………………….I want

* I am sorry………………………..You’ll be sorry

* We need to talk………………….You’re in trouble

* Sure, go ahead……………………You better not

* Do what you want……………….You will pay for this later

* I am not upset……………………Of course, I am upset, you moron!

* You’re attentive tonight…………Is sex all you ever think about?

DICTIONARY FOR DECODING MEN’S ENGLISH:

* I am hungry………………………I am hungry

* I am sleepy……………………….I am sleepy

* I am tired…………………………I am tired

* Nice dress…………………………Nice cleavage!

* I love you…………………………Let’s have sex now

* I am bored………………………..Do you want to have sex?

* May I have this dance?………………I’d like to have sex with you.

* Can I call you sometime?…………..I’d like to have sex with you.

* Do you want to go to a movie?……I’d like to have sex with you.

* Can I take you out to dinner?……..I’d like to have sex with you.

* I don’t think those shoes go with that outfit…………..I’m gay

 

Have a wonderful week.

Keep smiling.

Keep writing.

 

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Lonely Author Guide To Communicating With Women

Men, have you ever stared at the phone trying to decipher the last thing your better half just uttered? Have you ever scratched your head knowing she said something between the lines?  Have you ever taken selfies wearing fine lingerie, nail polish, and perfume?  Ooops, that’s a post for another day.

Christmas isn’t here yet, but here is an early gift for men, a guide to communicating with women because you already realize that yes means no, no means no, no means yes, or sometimes maybe….ah, shucks, you get the idea.

  1. Fine – This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
  2. Five Minutes – If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour       (possibly more). Five minutes is only three minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
  3. Nothing – This is the key word. This is the calm before the storm. Don’t let yourself be fooled. Nothing never means nothing. Nothing means something. It could mean anything. Or possibly everything. But nothing is never nothing. Glad we cleared that up.  Arguments that begin with “nothing” usually end in “fine.” (See number 1).
  4. Go Ahead – Oh, oh oh. This is a dare, not permission. Don’t Do It! Abandon ship. Abandon ship.
  5. Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing if necessary).
  6. That’s Okay – This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That’s okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
  7. Thanks – A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you’re welcome and be grateful.
  8. Whatever – Is a women’s way of saying go to hell!  If she were mad enough she would send your herself, but she knows you would get lost and fail to ask for directions anyway.
  9. Don’t worry about it or I got it – Another dangerous statement. She has asked you to do something several times, but is  now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking “What’s wrong?” For the woman will respond nothing. (Please refer to number 3).
  10. I am tired. Let’s go to sleep – Gentlemen, if she says this during an argument, this is code for two words; Lorena Bobbitt. Don’t do it. She is in full Freddie Kruger mode. Drink coffee. Pinch yourself. Or learn to sleep with one eye open.Have a wonderful week.

    Keep smiling.

    Keep Writing.

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Lonely Author Stress Test

Reviewing recent responses and comments from many of his followers, Lonely Author is downright concerned his insanity has become an epidemic. So, it is the perfect time to share this stress test he took several years ago.

Please, look at the photo below. If you see two dolphins in the water, you are perfectly fine. Don’t worry about a thing. Go about your normal routine.

However, if you don’t see two dolphins………………..Houston, we have a problem.

Have a wonderful week.

Keep smiling.

Keep writing.

stress dolphin

My First Haiku

First, my apologies for having a faulty “B” on my keyboard. Keyboard problem has been repaired. Lonely Author left dozens of interesting comments regarding your wonderful logs. Culpa mea. I imagine many of you have inspirational logs….er forget it.

Recently, while walking the streets of New York City, a young artist came up to me and asked, “Lonely Author, do you Haiku?”

Do I Haiku? Do I Haiku? The question left me flabbergasted. Not only do I Haiku, I also sudoku, sing songs of Kat Mandu, and have considered vacationing in Xanadu (Sorry for the reference Olivia Newton-John. I Honestly Love You).

Enough nonsense.

Now for the world premier of my first Haiku, which I have cleverly entitled “My First Haiku.”

My First Haiku

why do I exist

hormones raging in the night

mom forgot the pill

Everyone have a wonderful week.

Keep smiling.

Keep writing.

haiku

Top Twelve Courses For Married Men (If You Want A Happy Marriage)

Top Twelve Courses For Married Men (If You want A Happy Marriage)

12 – How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy – Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and
       Other Important Dates and Calling When You’re Going To Be Late.
Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.

11- How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion                                                                                                                     Relaxation Exercises, Meditation, and Breathing Techniques.

10 – How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays
Step by Step Slide Presentations.

  9 – The Toilet Paper Roll – Does It Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion.

  8 – Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat 
Group Practice.

  7 – Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor
Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.

   6 – After Dinner Dishes – Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?
Examples on Video

   5 – Loss of Identity – Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other 
Hot Line and Support Groups.

    4 – Learning How to Find Things – Starting With Looking In The Right
         Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.
Open Forum

     3 – Real Men Ask For Directions                                                                                                                                       Real Life Testimonials

      2 – Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks?
Driving Simulations.

       1- Learning to Live – Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife.
Online Classes and role-playing.

Have a wonderful weekend. Be safe and keep writing.

monkey-bride

Do Fiction Writers Live Vicariously Through Their Characters?

Yes, I do.

Remember the last time someone acted a bit snarky with you at the supermarket or on line at the local bank. Have you replayed a moment like that in your mind wishing you had said something clever? Well, one of my secondary characters in my manuscript Paradox, his name is Razor, always has a wry remark ready. Yes, and I grit my teeth and shake my fist every time he says the clever line that’s never discharged from my mouth.

Do I Live vicariously through my characters?

YES, yes, yes. I admit it. With no shame or guilt. My characters accomplish all the things that I never could. They lead exciting lives traveling the world, sipping on the finest champagne, making love to the most beautiful women, and most importantly; overcoming every obstacle. And trust me, I make it hard for them!

Andrew Duran the mysterious fugitive with the secretive past; skilled in combat and in bed. Veyda the unselfish warrior determined to save mankind, ready to sacrifice her own happiness to save the world. These guys are filled with such passion. Theirs lives are extraordinary.

So, I admit my characters bring excitement to my life. And why not? They are the most interesting people I know.

Do you live through vicariously through your characters?

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Does Blogging Help An Unpublished Writer

Hello, as a new member to the blogging world, I ask myself is this platform useful for an unpublished writer. Having read varying opinions about this, I will offer a few random thoughts about the subject.

First, what negatives can come from blogging (other than carpal tunnel syndrome)? Not knowing how to effectively manage one’s time can be a major setback. Blogging your life away when you could be editing your manuscript, writing the next chapter, or improving your query appears to be the greatest danger. Too many people get caught up in social media and forget the priorities in their lives. If your goal is to become a published author, your writing must come before your blog.

Blogging doesn’t necessarily translate into improved book sales for a fiction writer. I have read reports that state blogging is a huge plus for writers of non-fiction, who have a platform to demonstrate their expertise. Their followers will mostly likely be people interested in the subject matter. A fiction writer can post short stories and have a following, but not all of your followers will enjoy the type of fiction you write, thus no guarantee of greater book sales.

What are the positives? Well, I am trying to use my blog as a platform to introduce my characters. I don’t use excerpts from my manuscript, I write about my characters in other periods in their lives; days or years before the time period of the book. My queries will mention my blog and advise literary agents they can learn more about my characters on my blog.

Having this blog has also forced me to think more about my writing and the marketing aspect of the publishing world. We as author need to wear two hats. writer and salesman. And the first thing we need to sell is ourselves. I admit marketing myself and my work has never been my forte. Hopefully, this will help me improve my queries and my self confidence when approaching literary agents. It can’t hurt.

What do you think about blogging helping or hurting your unpublished work?

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Melinda Gordon Conversing With The Dead

From September 2005 until May 2010 CBS produced and aired five seasons of the supernatural drama Ghost Whisperer. Jennifer Love Hewitt played Melinda Gordon a young lady with a special gift; the ability to see and speak to Earth bound spirits (ghosts). She helped these lost souls and their grieving families resolve unfinished business in order for the ghosts to eventually cross into the light. Thanks to Hulu, my wife and I have spent valuable (yes, honey I said valuable and typed it in italics) time watching the life of Melinda Gordon.

Figured October would be the perfect time to discuss death. We will be discussing ghost dead not zombie dead (Ha ha, you see I know zombies are in and vampires are out).

Of all the gifts in the world to receive, conversing with the dead is pretty low on my list. Probably comes right after the gift of tooth decay and mental illness.

My apologies to Mitch Albom author of One More Day and The Five People You Meet In Heaven, but other than my parents, I don’t wish to speak to anyone from beyond unless its Bed, Bath, and Beyond. (My wife just bought these wonderful leaf shaped place mats for Thanksgiving. You have to see them). Every week the dead waste their time fighting and complaining with Melinda like Walmart shoppers on Black Friday. And if you believe courtesy and politeness are out of style, the dead don’t bother with any formalities. They are selfish, unforgiving, and cold. Well, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised by the cold part.

The dead don’t talk about sports, politics, or the weather. Even the ghosts of the elderly act strange. No mention of their hip replacement surgery, their rheumatoid arthritis, or cholesterol. And wouldn’t you know it; I have yet to see a smoking ghost. I guess they finally learned that cigarettes kill when they arrived on the other side. At that point, you may as well continue smoking, it won’t kill you again. Hey, Surgeon General we don’t need to see those disgusting commercials that ruin my late night snacking. Trust me, all smokers are going to quit.

On a positive note, if I received the gift of talking to the dead, I can talk to my parents again. My mom would complain about my poor diet. My father would snicker, still writing stupid crap? I told you to study accounting.

Yeah right, talking to the dead. This is one present I will definitely re-gift.

What are your thoughts? Would you like to talk to the dead?

Please note: asking for directions doesn’t count.

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Rejection

Without a doubt this is the most whined about topic in writing forums. When I receive a rejection letter there are two thoughts that automatically come to my mind. 1) My query didn’t induce enough enthusiasm in the agent for them to request a sample of my work. 2) The first five pages (my brief sample included in the submission) contained faults or weaknesses that lead the agent to conclude the novel is unmarketable (or worse. LOL). There are many reasons why an agent may not want to see your work; not currently looking for that genre, already has too many writers, etc. I prefer to be hard on myself and take the blame.

My attitude: my work or presentation could have been better. We as writers need to be honest with ourselves when it comes to the rejection. Taking on this attitude can only make us better writers and marketeers. Blaming the literary agents may be easier, but that doesn’t force us to view our own work with a critical eye. Were your first five pages as tight as they can be? Is your hook strong enough to attract interest? Are you presenting this manuscript in the right way?

For me, the most difficult and frustrating part of this process is not receiving any feedback. Not knowing what part of your presentation query, sample pages, or synopsis lacked appeal makes it so challenging. The process as it currently stands, leaves you trapped in the twilight zone (or in a lonely literary hell like a car caught in a ditch of mud and unable to escape). It is a shame agents don’t use a response form letter with a list of options they could check off to inform you what they didn’t like. For example; weak query, synopsis vague, writing not up to par, too many typos or errors,or even a simple I don’t like you. (I’ll accept any kind of criticism at this point). As crude as this may seem, it would provide invaluable information.

Any kind of input would be great as long as it isn’t destructive criticism (see photo).

What do you think?

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