I was excited this month to do my very first author interview with Cassandra at Coffee Time Romance. You can find the interview HERE.
My excitement was then doubled when I did a second interview with Tammy at Fallen Angel Reviews. You can find that interview HERE.
Huge thanks to both Coffee Time Romance and Fallen Angel Reviews!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Need Glasses?
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Shelfari--A Cool Website for Readers
Have you heard about this website: www.shelfari.com
I recently created a page over there, which you can find here: www.shelfari.com/pamelatyner
This is a really cool website. You can create a bookshelf and add books to it that you’ve read or that you want to read. If you wish, you can write comments/reviews for the books. You can also find other members with the same book(s) on their shelf, so you can talk to them about the book(s) and/or browse their shelf to see other books they liked (similar reading taste and all that).
My only complaint about it is that you can’t add ebooks to your bookshelf, but I’m hoping they will add that capability soon.
If you’re a reader and you haven’t checked this site out yet, then you really should :) And if you join, please feel free to add me as a friend!
I recently created a page over there, which you can find here: www.shelfari.com/pamelatyner
This is a really cool website. You can create a bookshelf and add books to it that you’ve read or that you want to read. If you wish, you can write comments/reviews for the books. You can also find other members with the same book(s) on their shelf, so you can talk to them about the book(s) and/or browse their shelf to see other books they liked (similar reading taste and all that).
My only complaint about it is that you can’t add ebooks to your bookshelf, but I’m hoping they will add that capability soon.
If you’re a reader and you haven’t checked this site out yet, then you really should :) And if you join, please feel free to add me as a friend!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Darwin Award Nominee
For those who aren't familiar with the Darwin Awards: Named in honor of Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, the Darwin Awards commemorate those who improve our gene pool by removing themselves from it.
Here's one of the 2007 Darwin Award Nominees:
(20 June 2007, South Carolina) An hour before sunrise, a 21 year-old couple was found naked in the road by a passing cabbie. The unconscious, injured pair was taken to the nearest hospital where, despite treatment, they died without regaining consciousness. Authorities were at a loss to explain what had happened. There were no witnesses, no trace of clothing, and no wrecked cars or motorcycles.
Investigators eventually found a clue high on the roof of a nearby building: two sets of neatly folded clothes, and nothing else. There was no indication of foul play, only of foreplay. "It appears as if the two individuals have accidentally fallen off the roof," Sgt. Florence McCants said.
Safe sex takes on a whole new meaning when you are perched on the edge of a pyramid-shaped metal roof! This is a true Darwin Award trifecta: TWO people die, WHILE in the act of procreation, due to an ASTONISHINGLY poor decision. Bottom line: If you put yourself in a precarious "position" at the edge of the roof, you may well find yourself coming and going at the same time.
< shaking head at the stupidity of some people >
If you'd like to read more about the Darwin Awards, click HERE.
Here's one of the 2007 Darwin Award Nominees:
(20 June 2007, South Carolina) An hour before sunrise, a 21 year-old couple was found naked in the road by a passing cabbie. The unconscious, injured pair was taken to the nearest hospital where, despite treatment, they died without regaining consciousness. Authorities were at a loss to explain what had happened. There were no witnesses, no trace of clothing, and no wrecked cars or motorcycles.
Investigators eventually found a clue high on the roof of a nearby building: two sets of neatly folded clothes, and nothing else. There was no indication of foul play, only of foreplay. "It appears as if the two individuals have accidentally fallen off the roof," Sgt. Florence McCants said.
Safe sex takes on a whole new meaning when you are perched on the edge of a pyramid-shaped metal roof! This is a true Darwin Award trifecta: TWO people die, WHILE in the act of procreation, due to an ASTONISHINGLY poor decision. Bottom line: If you put yourself in a precarious "position" at the edge of the roof, you may well find yourself coming and going at the same time.
< shaking head at the stupidity of some people >
If you'd like to read more about the Darwin Awards, click HERE.
Friday, July 27, 2007
I Got Tagged
I got tagged by Tara Nichols. Thanks, lady ;)
I'm supposed to list 8 facts/hobbies about myself, so here we go...
1) I have a thing for cowboys, and I’m sure most people have already guessed that about me.
2) I also have a thing for cops. I think it’s the whole 'serve and protect' pledge ;)
3) I love broccoli.
4) Heights make me extremely uneasy and nervous.
5) Other than my wedding ring and watch, I rarely wear jewelry.
6) I dislike horror movies/books, because I don’t enjoy being scared. In other words--I’m a big chicken.
7) I’m practically computer illiterate. If it requires anything beyond very basic knowledge, it takes me forever to figure it out.
8) Every time I see a kid with their pants hanging halfway down their butt, I have this urge to go pull them up. Thankfully, so far, I’ve been able to resist doing it.
I'm supposed to list 8 facts/hobbies about myself, so here we go...
1) I have a thing for cowboys, and I’m sure most people have already guessed that about me.
2) I also have a thing for cops. I think it’s the whole 'serve and protect' pledge ;)
3) I love broccoli.
4) Heights make me extremely uneasy and nervous.
5) Other than my wedding ring and watch, I rarely wear jewelry.
6) I dislike horror movies/books, because I don’t enjoy being scared. In other words--I’m a big chicken.
7) I’m practically computer illiterate. If it requires anything beyond very basic knowledge, it takes me forever to figure it out.
8) Every time I see a kid with their pants hanging halfway down their butt, I have this urge to go pull them up. Thankfully, so far, I’ve been able to resist doing it.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Failed Attempt at Making a Book Trailer
I should have been writing today. Instead, I spent the day trying to create a book trailer. I spent a good amount of time messing around with this--looking for photos to use, learning how to use Movie Maker (which I knew nothing about this morning), etc. I learned a good bit, but the end result...not too impressive.
Someday when I have more time, I may go back and work on it some more.
Someday when I have more time, I may go back and work on it some more.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
America's Got Talent--Part Two
Three of the four contestants that I liked from last week’s show are going on! The cowboy didn’t make it :(
Here’s who I liked from this week:
Fault Line
I thought they were great.
Cas Haley
Great voice, and he’s just so darn likable.
Jason Pritchett
I think he should have chosen a different song, but he can definitely sing, and he has one hell of a stage presence.
The Duttons
Yes, I liked these people!
Southern Girls
Personally, I didn't like the song that they choose, but they have beautiful voices.
Here’s who I liked from this week:
Fault Line
I thought they were great.Cas Haley
Great voice, and he’s just so darn likable.Jason Pritchett
I think he should have chosen a different song, but he can definitely sing, and he has one hell of a stage presence.The Duttons
Yes, I liked these people!Southern Girls
Personally, I didn't like the song that they choose, but they have beautiful voices.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Readers vs Listeners
Was anyone standing in line at midnight waiting for the Harry Potter book to go on sale? I wasn't this time--we waited until the next day to go pick it up--but we did it when the last book came out.
But speaking of Harry...
Not long ago, I had a child tell me that he had read all the Harry Potter books. It certainly appeared that he had because he knew the books (the characters, the plots, etc). Later I mentioned it to his mother, and she told me that he hadn’t actually read the books, he had listened to the audiobooks. In fact, he was seeing a reading tutor because he was struggling in school due to the fact that his reading skills were so far below grade level.
Which brings me to this question: Are you a 'reader' if instead of actually reading a book you listen to the audiobook?
Personally, I think there is a big difference between the two, especially where children are concerned. Now for an adult who CAN read...listen away. But kids need to be reading. That’s just my personal opinion, of course.
Now with all that said, let me admit to two things:
1) I’ve only read two of the Harry Potter books, and I struggled to get through them. However, I love the movies. I like the characters, I like the plots, I think they’re wonderful stories. But I don’t like the author’s writing style. Of course, there are millions of people in the world who do :) #1 Son is the Harry Potter reader in our family. He’s read each book numerous times--to the point where I have to keep replacing them because they fall apart. So, he reads the books and then tells me what happened.
2) I’ve never listened to an audiobook. I just prefer reading. People have suggested listening to them in the car, but in the car I enjoy listening to music, since that’s basically the only time I do listen to music. However, I am considering buying an audiobook and trying it.
But speaking of Harry...
Not long ago, I had a child tell me that he had read all the Harry Potter books. It certainly appeared that he had because he knew the books (the characters, the plots, etc). Later I mentioned it to his mother, and she told me that he hadn’t actually read the books, he had listened to the audiobooks. In fact, he was seeing a reading tutor because he was struggling in school due to the fact that his reading skills were so far below grade level.
Which brings me to this question: Are you a 'reader' if instead of actually reading a book you listen to the audiobook?
Personally, I think there is a big difference between the two, especially where children are concerned. Now for an adult who CAN read...listen away. But kids need to be reading. That’s just my personal opinion, of course.
Now with all that said, let me admit to two things:
1) I’ve only read two of the Harry Potter books, and I struggled to get through them. However, I love the movies. I like the characters, I like the plots, I think they’re wonderful stories. But I don’t like the author’s writing style. Of course, there are millions of people in the world who do :) #1 Son is the Harry Potter reader in our family. He’s read each book numerous times--to the point where I have to keep replacing them because they fall apart. So, he reads the books and then tells me what happened.
2) I’ve never listened to an audiobook. I just prefer reading. People have suggested listening to them in the car, but in the car I enjoy listening to music, since that’s basically the only time I do listen to music. However, I am considering buying an audiobook and trying it.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Get Your Facts Straight!
I try not to blog about political type issues, although it’s hard, because I do try to stay informed about current topics, and I love to discuss these issues with others. However, I’m not sure that my blog is an appropriate place to talk about these things.
Today however, I’m going to talk (somewhat) about a legal case. But I’m going to try to talk about it without getting specific, because this post is not really about the case itself, but about people forming opinions without having all the facts.
There is a legal case that has received a good bit of attention over the past few years. There’s been a recent development that’s once again put it in the media spotlight. Recently, I was somewhere where a group of people were discussing this case, and they were outraged by what they considered an injustice. I mean these people were pissed. I almost expected one of them to say, "Let’s drive down to (such-and-such state), picket in the street, and start a riot!"
During the course of the conversation, one of them said, "According the law, xxx." And they were completely wrong. The law does not say xxx, it says zzz (boy, it’s hard to talk about this without giving specifics!). One issue which they had failed to take into account--the laws do vary somewhat by state. And then it became apparent that they were missing important pieces of information about the case. Information that had the potential to change everything.
I’m a firm believer in everyone’s right to have an opinion, even if their opinion is in direct contrast with my own :) But, please get your facts straight. Make an effort to obtain all the facts, and the correct facts, before you form an opinion.
And in this case, obtaining all the facts wasn’t that difficult because it’s been reported in the media many times. All they had to do was goggle it and take the time to study it.
Today however, I’m going to talk (somewhat) about a legal case. But I’m going to try to talk about it without getting specific, because this post is not really about the case itself, but about people forming opinions without having all the facts.
There is a legal case that has received a good bit of attention over the past few years. There’s been a recent development that’s once again put it in the media spotlight. Recently, I was somewhere where a group of people were discussing this case, and they were outraged by what they considered an injustice. I mean these people were pissed. I almost expected one of them to say, "Let’s drive down to (such-and-such state), picket in the street, and start a riot!"
During the course of the conversation, one of them said, "According the law, xxx." And they were completely wrong. The law does not say xxx, it says zzz (boy, it’s hard to talk about this without giving specifics!). One issue which they had failed to take into account--the laws do vary somewhat by state. And then it became apparent that they were missing important pieces of information about the case. Information that had the potential to change everything.
I’m a firm believer in everyone’s right to have an opinion, even if their opinion is in direct contrast with my own :) But, please get your facts straight. Make an effort to obtain all the facts, and the correct facts, before you form an opinion.
And in this case, obtaining all the facts wasn’t that difficult because it’s been reported in the media many times. All they had to do was goggle it and take the time to study it.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
America's Got Talent
I’m not a big TV watcher. When I do watch TV, I rarely watch the 'talent' shows, because I don’t particularly care for them. Although, I did watch one episode of American Idol last year, because I was curious about Sanjaya--it seemed like everybody was talking about him.
But I have been watching America’s Got Talent. Want to know who I liked in last week’s show?
The Glamazons
I LOVE this group. They're very talented ladies, and I love their confidence and their attitude.
Julienne Irwin
This young lady has an incredible raw, natural talent. On top of that, she is absolutely adorable.
Sideswipe
These guys are just plain fun.
Johnny Lonestar
Yes, I liked the cowboy :) I think his act is very entertaining, and I love his smile.
If you've been watching this show, who do you like?
But I have been watching America’s Got Talent. Want to know who I liked in last week’s show?
The Glamazons
I LOVE this group. They're very talented ladies, and I love their confidence and their attitude.
Julienne Irwin
This young lady has an incredible raw, natural talent. On top of that, she is absolutely adorable.
Sideswipe
These guys are just plain fun.
Johnny Lonestar
Yes, I liked the cowboy :) I think his act is very entertaining, and I love his smile.
If you've been watching this show, who do you like?
Saturday, July 21, 2007
The Winner Is….
A huge thanks to everyone who entered my July contest!
I had my hubby draw a name out of the hat, and the winner is....Tara W.
Congrats, Tara! I have a Passion for Women by Elizabeth Taylor Gift Set to be mailed to you. I sent you an email requesting your address. You have one week to respond.
Please remember to check my website and blog the beginning of August for information about my next contest.
I had my hubby draw a name out of the hat, and the winner is....Tara W.
Congrats, Tara! I have a Passion for Women by Elizabeth Taylor Gift Set to be mailed to you. I sent you an email requesting your address. You have one week to respond.
Please remember to check my website and blog the beginning of August for information about my next contest.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
July Contest (ends 07/20/07)
To celebrate the release of my novella, Finding Passion, the winner of my July contest will receive a Passion for Women by Elizabeth Taylor 2 Piece Gift Set, which includes 1.5 oz Passion Eau de Toilette Spray & 6.8 oz Body Lotion.
To be entered in the drawing, just send me an email and tell me the name of the hero and heroine of Finding Passion (the answer can be found on my website).
The contest will run through July 20th, 2007.
Visit my website HERE and click on the contest page for all the details.
Good luck!
And don’t forget about the Romance Junkies Summer Fantasy Contest which I’m participating in. You will find details about that on my contest page as well.
To be entered in the drawing, just send me an email and tell me the name of the hero and heroine of Finding Passion (the answer can be found on my website).
The contest will run through July 20th, 2007.
Visit my website HERE and click on the contest page for all the details.
Good luck!
And don’t forget about the Romance Junkies Summer Fantasy Contest which I’m participating in. You will find details about that on my contest page as well.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
What I'm Reading
Mysteria, with stories by P.C. Cast, MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant and Gena Showalter
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Favorite Summer Quote
"A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken." -- James Dent
But, I’d have to add a few additional things to the list of what makes a perfect summer day: a good book, a quiet place to read, and a pitcher of sweet tea.
Is there anything you would add to the list?
But, I’d have to add a few additional things to the list of what makes a perfect summer day: a good book, a quiet place to read, and a pitcher of sweet tea.
Is there anything you would add to the list?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Check Out Michelle Pillow’s Blog!
For all kinds of fun and interesting information, check out author Michelle Pillow’s blog.
Her blog schedule and events include:
Movie Monday
*self-explanatory :)
Pillow Talk Tuesdays
*features the best of what’s happening out in romance blogland, current contests in the romance novel world, etc.
Frivolous Friday Guest Blogs
*features guest blogger articles on subjects such as ‘useless knowledge’, trivia, odd historical tidbits, unusual hobbies, etc.
Get to Talkin' Monthly Contest
*readers who leave comments on blog posts during the month are entered into a drawing for a prize
Click HERE to visit Michelle’s blog and join in on all the fun!
Her blog schedule and events include:
Movie Monday
*self-explanatory :)
Pillow Talk Tuesdays
*features the best of what’s happening out in romance blogland, current contests in the romance novel world, etc.
Frivolous Friday Guest Blogs
*features guest blogger articles on subjects such as ‘useless knowledge’, trivia, odd historical tidbits, unusual hobbies, etc.
Get to Talkin' Monthly Contest
*readers who leave comments on blog posts during the month are entered into a drawing for a prize
Click HERE to visit Michelle’s blog and join in on all the fun!
Monday, June 25, 2007
SAT
I’m a mom, and like all moms I have to brag when my children accomplish something that’s especially brilliant, so please indulge me :)
#1 son took the SAT last month, and we recently got the scores back. For those of you who haven’t taken the SAT in a while (like me) and may have forgotten how it works—the student is tested in three sections: math, critical reading, and writing. Each section is scored individually, and a perfect score in each section is 800.
Son’s score on the math section was...*drum roll, please*...780!
What can I say? The kid is a little mathematical whiz. Okay, maybe not, I don’t really know what percentage of students score a 780 or above, but I couldn’t have done it. Son inherited his math abilities from his father.
Apparently, he didn’t inherit any abilities from me, because his scores on the reading and writing sections...well, they weren't pretty. But thankfully, he can retake it.
Since I’m talking about the SAT, let me state for the record that I very much dislike the new essay portion of it (which was added to the test in 2005).
I won’t say what the prompt was on Son’s SAT (because I don’t know if it’s ‘allowed’), but I will say that it was very “philosophical”. It’s basically a personal opinion, but it’s something that you really have to put some thought into, and of course, you have to be able to support your position. And the students are only give 25 minutes to write this essay. That’s not nearly enough time. Son didn’t even finish his.
Even as an adult who writes on a daily basis, and who has an entire lifetime of knowledge and experiences to drawn upon, I’m not sure that I could have completed this essay in 25 minutes. Well, maybe I could have, but I fear it would have been very lacking in quality. It would have taken me the first 10 minutes just to get my thoughts together. And forget having time to revise.
I think the kids are at a huge disadvantage with this small time allotment, and it’s very frustrating for them.
How are kids taught to write? They’re taught to write a rough draft, and then revise it (several times usually). They’re not taught how to write an essay in 25 minutes. And frankly, I don't think they should be taught how to write an essay in 25 minutes. An essay should be well thought out and have gone through at least one revision.
Adequate writing skills are a necessity in life. It’s important. But I don't think that the SAT essay is giving colleges a true indication of a student’s writing ability. The College Board seriously needs to rethink this. But that’s just my personal opinion.
#1 son took the SAT last month, and we recently got the scores back. For those of you who haven’t taken the SAT in a while (like me) and may have forgotten how it works—the student is tested in three sections: math, critical reading, and writing. Each section is scored individually, and a perfect score in each section is 800.
Son’s score on the math section was...*drum roll, please*...780!
What can I say? The kid is a little mathematical whiz. Okay, maybe not, I don’t really know what percentage of students score a 780 or above, but I couldn’t have done it. Son inherited his math abilities from his father.
Apparently, he didn’t inherit any abilities from me, because his scores on the reading and writing sections...well, they weren't pretty. But thankfully, he can retake it.
Since I’m talking about the SAT, let me state for the record that I very much dislike the new essay portion of it (which was added to the test in 2005).
I won’t say what the prompt was on Son’s SAT (because I don’t know if it’s ‘allowed’), but I will say that it was very “philosophical”. It’s basically a personal opinion, but it’s something that you really have to put some thought into, and of course, you have to be able to support your position. And the students are only give 25 minutes to write this essay. That’s not nearly enough time. Son didn’t even finish his.
Even as an adult who writes on a daily basis, and who has an entire lifetime of knowledge and experiences to drawn upon, I’m not sure that I could have completed this essay in 25 minutes. Well, maybe I could have, but I fear it would have been very lacking in quality. It would have taken me the first 10 minutes just to get my thoughts together. And forget having time to revise.
I think the kids are at a huge disadvantage with this small time allotment, and it’s very frustrating for them.
How are kids taught to write? They’re taught to write a rough draft, and then revise it (several times usually). They’re not taught how to write an essay in 25 minutes. And frankly, I don't think they should be taught how to write an essay in 25 minutes. An essay should be well thought out and have gone through at least one revision.
Adequate writing skills are a necessity in life. It’s important. But I don't think that the SAT essay is giving colleges a true indication of a student’s writing ability. The College Board seriously needs to rethink this. But that’s just my personal opinion.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Romance Junkies Summer Fantasy Contest
I’m participating in the Romance Junkies Summer Fantasy Contest.
To enter, click HERE. There are three postcards at the bottom of the page. Click on a postcard and then run your mouse over it to click for the contests. Be aware, there are several different contests on each postcard (clicking on different sections of the card will go into different contests), so look for all of them!
Hint: You will find my contest page on postcard #3 :)
The winner of my contest will receive a pdf download of my novella FINDING PASSION and bag of Dove chocolate candies.
The contest ends August 31st.
Good luck!
To enter, click HERE. There are three postcards at the bottom of the page. Click on a postcard and then run your mouse over it to click for the contests. Be aware, there are several different contests on each postcard (clicking on different sections of the card will go into different contests), so look for all of them!
Hint: You will find my contest page on postcard #3 :)
The winner of my contest will receive a pdf download of my novella FINDING PASSION and bag of Dove chocolate candies.
The contest ends August 31st.
Good luck!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Winners are...
I had over 70 entries in my June (Stock Up On Summer Reading Material) blog contest/drawing. A huge thanks to everyone who participated!
I had my sons draw two names out of the hat, and the winners are:
Prize #1 (includes books by Ann Jacobs, Nina Bangs, and Barbara McCauley):
Tammy W. from North Carolina
Prize #2 (includes books by Mackenzie McKade, Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer, and Cindi Myers):
Jodi S. from California
Congrats, ladies! Happy reading!
Please remember to check my website and blog the beginning of July for information about my next contest.
I had my sons draw two names out of the hat, and the winners are:
Prize #1 (includes books by Ann Jacobs, Nina Bangs, and Barbara McCauley):
Tammy W. from North Carolina
Prize #2 (includes books by Mackenzie McKade, Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer, and Cindi Myers):
Jodi S. from California
Congrats, ladies! Happy reading!
Please remember to check my website and blog the beginning of July for information about my next contest.
Friday, June 15, 2007
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