Tuesday, February 23, 2010

...'Author Blog Tour' to commence March 3, 2010...

Please mark your calendar—Wednesday, March 3, 2010. This date signifies my first interview of a new writing professional, Vanessa Leavitt. Vr, as she likes to be called will answer questions about her new writing project, a historical fantasy called, “Shaping Fate.” This will be the first in a series of ‘Author Tour’s’ or interview’s of up and coming writer’s—maybe even some you might enjoy. You decide. Please stop by the Character Happens! Blog and taste the styling’s of this new and exciting writer. Thanks, --gg
(bring your inquisitiveness as the author promises to answer any questions you may have)

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

..."New" book trailer--professionally produced!



Please comment on this version. Leave your comments here: http://characterhappens.com/feedback.html
Thanks, --gg

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Sunday, February 14, 2010

...book 'trailer' (YouTube Video of Book-Draft#1)


The books text formatting is complete, now all I need is to make the cover file correct before submitting to printer. I say it like what has to be done is easy. It’s not. It’s difficult, particularly when you have to figure things out via trial-and-error. What has been a real learning experience is the creation of the books ‘trailer.’ You’re all familiar with little video snippets or movie previews—well this is the same thing, one minute long, pitching the book. I’ve used MS power-point a few times so it wasn’t totally unfamiliar creating something with this software. From there you transfer the .ppt (power-point), file to a .wav file with a different piece of software. Surprising to me was the ‘free’ conversion software stamping ‘Evaluation Copy’ on the front of the video. Should have known! There’s always a little snafu with ‘free’ software from the internet. Regardless, when I get the trailer in its final stages with script, pictures, timing, frame movement, etc., then I’ll spring for the real thing, obliterating the advertising of the software.

Take a look at this revised piece, it’s a minute long. That’s where I need to be time-wise. Also, I’ve tried to annotate the trailer with music provided by YouTube. It takes quite a while for YouTube to sync the music with the video, so keep checking back. Last time I checked, (Sun. 11:33 am ET), it was still not working with the music. Please leave any comments about the demo book trailer on my blog or on the FB page. I would enjoy hearing what you think about the video, the script, whatever. Also, for those who’ve not already ‘followed’ the books blog, here’s a link: http://characterhappens.blogspot.com/
Hey, one more thing...tell your friends about this book. Thanks, --gg

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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

...Character Happens! nears completion...

Realizing my blog posts are mostly about ebooks, ereaders and the battle between indie publishers and big publishers...this entry will focus on the books progress and completion. That said, it’s important to note my diversion to ebooks and the state of the publishing industry, and proclaim: (1) Ebooks will overtake the printed book (unit’s maybe even sales dollars) within the next 3 to 5 years. (2) Big publishers, (the big six), will continue to deteriorate because of poor sales and authors (and readers) abandoning their relationship for better pricing (commissions and cost per book), as the industry moves further into the digital age.

  Character Happens! is almost through with editing, polishing and author anxiety over every sentence, paragraph and story structure. It’s time to move on. In a move for greater transparency I’ve included some chapter snippets for readers to ‘taste’ the flavor of the book and author writing. This is the way it’s done with 21st century marketing, letting the public sample the product prior to plunking down their money. Marketing considered—I’ve installed a gatekeeper to entrance to the snippets (your email address). Again, this is the way it’s done today relative to book-marketing. Sorry if you find this objectionable. I promise the book will cause you to think deeper about your decision choices.
  Here is a direct link to the books site page relative to the snippets. Please send me your comments regarding what you’ve read of the snippets. I learn a lot from your comments. Thank You.
  BTW, I’ve created a ‘bookplate’ for the book. Don’t know what a bookplate is?
Again, thanks for tolerating my blog posts and my tardiness in getting this book to the public. Maybe (no promises), it will be worth the wait.
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What are "The 5 Most Important--But Fleeting Virtures?"

Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion and Humility.

.....this is a portion of the "introduction" or prologue to the book (not yet completed)...email with your comments.

The books title; Character Happens! The 5 Most Important—But Fleeting Virtues, describes my belief these five important virtues (Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion, Humility), are sporadic in use and diminishing in personal character. The books message is in recognizing this “fleeting” nature and from that reinstitute a more virtuous choice in your decision making.

The paradox of the two words; Character Happens, with another two words: “S### Happens”* (decorum prevents use of actual word) is not without merit. My belief is that observed human character is much like, well...s###! This kind of observation can be disconcerting at times. So confusing that society can hardly make the distinction between the two words and there obvious different meaning. Individuals make virtuous and un-virtuous choices/decisions for innumerable reasons, both consciously and without deep thought. If we postulate; can an individual make a 'more' virtuous choice in life’s decisions should they want to do so? Answer—perhaps. How does one 'reinstitute a more virtuous choice' into their personal makeup...making the response more automatic? Answer—practice. With a concerted effort at 'practice' I believe...an individual might just develop a more 'repetitive' decent response...much like grooving a golf swing.

I love golf. I think the game is like no other. The five stories that make up Character Happens! have a golf storyline. Some readers may not be able to relate to the game of golf or its vernacular or for that matter, why people...a large number of people...love golf. Too bad! You should try it sometime...because it’s more than a game...it can be a life experience. The golf course environment alone is enough to put most people at ease.

Golf is a game played by the individual as opposed to being a member of a team, like baseball. Baseball has umpires who enforce the rules of the game. In golf you are the umpire. Because of this unique method of enforcing the games rules—golf is a “hotbed” for testing the players character...their honesty, their integrity, their courage and sometimes their compassion. And, because all golfers started from knowing nothing about the game; like how to swing, how to putt or chip... they also learn of humility. Now doesn’t it make perfect sense that a book about character would juxtaposition a storyline with the game of golf? Anyway, I thought so.

There are five stories, one for each virtue. The book has six main characters that make up a group of what I call 'golf buddies.' The storyteller, Spencer Madison, in reality is me. Well, somewhat like me...as I have a better golf game than Spencer. The five others vary in age, gender, education, religious beliefs and definitely personality. The 'binder' of the group or what brings them together; golf.

The reader will hopefully discover in their own lives a similar incident with one of the story’s in Character Happens! If not, that’s okay too...as the stories are earnest while humorous, carefree yet compelling. And, I believe each chapter or story makes a 'point' in this wonderful, wacky, dynamic world in the 21st century.

The stories are fictional as are the characters. Names, personalities or incidents are fictional and in no way resemble or refer to a living person. I’ve used paraphrasing of many authors’ ideas and concepts and have referenced them in a special section. Because of these references and the specific genre where the book is to be found, it’s categorized as a non-fictional, personal development book.


*...sorry
for the language but this word best describes the thought I want to convey. In Forrest Gump the term was used to describe situations that happen to all people for no particular reason.