Book Review: Secret Order of the Overworld

by in Author Thursdays, Book Review | 7 Comments

I’m amassing my collection of locally authored, signed editions of various novels. I am now working through reading them and have been pleasantly surprised thus far by what I’ve read. The first book I read was a fantasy novel by Kennedy J. Quinn. You can purchase the novel here: Buy it Now.

This book brings to mind an idea of spirituality that you would not come across in the midst of a typical religious philosophy. There is oneness and a sense of peace that must be attained during the outbreak of a power struggle between two forces. The author drives this overarching plot with clear motivations and a realistic sense of morality among the main characters. As you read, you become engrossed in the organic flow of time and the eloquently revealed back-story. The politics of this world, of the Overworld and of the Underneath are integrated into the action so that you understand entirely what is going on, how it came to pass, and why it continues to speed down a seemingly predestined path. I did not have to take a breather from the meat of the story in order to understand how each character fit into the power struggle. The only part that broke my concentration was the free usage of proper nouns in the building of a fantastical world.

But what is it really about? From the Lulu description:

“Gabrell and his beloved Majeska are pulled into a power struggle between a Sisterhood using Visionary prowess to punish Overling men’s corruption in the secret realm Underneath, and the desire to follow the Catalyst to the peace prophesied by the Predecessors for the Overworld. This edition includes Book One, UNDERNEATH and Book Two, OVERCAME.”

To get more tantalizing bits from the author, check out her blog at http://sherijkennedyriverside.wordpress.com/contact-us/

Toiling Tuesdays: How to Succeed in Blogging Without Really Trying, 4 Ways to Boost Your Blogs’

by in Toiling Tuesdays and tagged | 1 Comment

At one of my current jobs I have been researching SEO (Search Engine Optimization) practices and stumbled over a couple of gems for optimizing my blog. One I would recommend you at least skim through is from moz.com (my newfound favorite SEO company based locally here in Seattle!).

The article, 5 data insights into the headlines readers click, talks about the importance of your headline. Well duh! The headline is like a book title. It might be all your potential readers see and your only chance to grab their attention to make them read more (click through).

1. Use excessive superlatives or none at all

5 Ways to Boost Your Blog
or
5 Best Ways Ever to Boost the Amazingness of Your Awesome Blog

Am I doing it right?

In my opinion, the latter example is less believable for containing critical information or information with evidence to back up the claims made but hey, the data don’t lie.

2. SOME RESPONDENTS don’t even MIND when you YELL at them

Again, this would strike me as the tabloid type yuppie article with no real or new information or information without evidence.

3. Write headlines that leave no ambiguity

I want to hem and haw over this one because I enjoy writing mysterious headlines that I find intriguing but maybe I’m wrong and I’m turning away readers who would rather know exactly what they are getting out of my blog post. What do you think?

4. The type of headline that generates higher click through rates is one that contains numbers, check the headline for this post for an example.

I think this one ties into leaving no ambiguity. The reader knows what you will say and how many things you will say about it.

Want to read the original article?
http://moz.com/blog/5-data-insights-into-the-headlines-readers-click

Socializing Sundays: What Is Love?

by in Dating, Socializing Sundays
Baby don’t hurt me….

     There comes a point in many a relationship where you reach the next level and give it that controversial label: love. What is love? In my opinion there are many types and levels of love. At the base, there is the love for inanimate objects in general and activities. For example, I love chocolate and geocaching. The next level is love for specific objects and/or activities. In this case, I love kit kats (above other chocolates). My love for these “things” is unwavering but may fluctuate in intensity from day to day or week to week.

     More so than an inanimate object is the love for a person. Still, this love is broken up into levels and types. I love my mother (what some would refer to as unconditional love). Love for family is a bit different than the love you might feel for a good friend. “I love you, dude!” may be a sarcastic remark but it can hold true. There is and can be love in a friendship. Friends are like family some would say and even though blood is thicker than water, my love runs deep because we chose to be friends with one another.

     Then there is the love of a significant other. The problem with this type of love is that there are so many expectations placed on it that it is doomed to fail from the start. Love that lasts a lifetime is a rarity and doesn’t take into account that people change. You may not have the same friends you did several years ago, they fade in and out of your life, not a big deal. But when lovers come and go, it is more consequential. Is there lasting love? Is romantic love restricted to one at a time, aka serial monogamy? Or is there a “soulmate” for everyone, meaning you get one and only one chance at happily love ever after? There are so many questions in regards to this type of love, that you may begin to question the very essence of love. What is love?

Toiling Tuesdays: The McOffice

by in Toiling Tuesdays and tagged
You May Work in a McOffice When:
  • You reside in a cubicle
  • Your job hours are 9-5 with strict breaks at certain times
  • You have to clock in and are paid hourly
  • You’re told to turn your music down or put on headphones because you are distracting the other McPeople 
  • You need constant guidance in your job role or the reverse: you are being constantly supervised
  • You catch the “Mondays”
  • There are more power cords than outlets around you
  • You alternate use of your desk with the evening/afternoon/morning workers
  • You share a phone
 
What are some characteristics of YOUR McOffice?