Slapdash Sunday (Part 1) Topic: Reflections and Blogging Etiquette

CMash December 19, 2010 4 Comments

SUNDAY

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

I have been reflecting a lot over the past couple of weeks as I wind down my first full year of book blogging and reviewing and gearing up for the new year. I have made so many new friends, which I am thankful for, have had so much fun visiting others and their blog’s, adding way too many tbr books to my personal bucket list because of every one’s reviews, learned a lot regarding the computer (that in itself is a miracle) and am totally amazed that people actually read my blog, and for that, you have my deepest gratitude. I have learned quite a bit and am anxious to learn more. I hope that I have conducted this blog with integrity, honesty, credibility, laughter (mainly at myself) and with proper etiquette. Which brings me to the Slapdash Sunday Discussions. Next week will be Part 2: Changes.

Today’s Topic:

I have enjoyed every minute of this new community that has accepted me. And I hope I have never offended anyone or that I did not follow proper etiquette. I tried to treat others as to how I would like to be treated. Which brings me back to Etiquette. I have had a couple of incidents this past year that have bothered me and wonder if you have ever had similar situations. One was seeing a phrase that I always use hijacked and used for someone’s creation. Now I know I don’t have a copyright on phrases, but was still taken aback. Another one, which really did a number on me, and honestly took the fun out of blogging for a few weeks and even caused a few tears. It came from another party, not a blogger, where my credibility, honesty and future intentions were questioned and had false accusations said about me, to the point of being X’d out, and bordering on slander. I know and understand that I can’t change anyone’s behavior except my own, so I want to make sure I never engage in poor blogging etiquette and to learn the how- tos of handling that type of conduct, if it occurs in the future.

So my questions are: Have you ever had similar situations? How do you handle being on the receiving end of poor etiquette? Do you have certain rules that you feel should be followed? What do you think is poor blogging etiquette? Would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Let’s have a Slapdash Discussion!!!

Book Review

Book Review "Pathological"

CMash December 19, 2010 4 Comments

Pathological by Vincent Zandri
Published by StoneHouse Ink
ISBN-13: 2940011815508

ISBN: 0011815507

At the request of the author, an EBook edition was downloaded, purchased by me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (borrowed from B&N): The serial killer takes on many guises. But what happens when you unknowingly take him as your most trusted and loyal husband? Pathological is proof that even though you think you know your spouse inside and out, you might not really know him at all.

My Thoughts and Opinion: This was my 2nd introduction to a “digital short” read. However, not my first introduction to this author. I have read and reviewed his previous novels, Moonlight Falls and The Remains, both being phenomenal suspense/thriller reads. And, even though it was a short story, Pathological, didn’t disappoint this reader. It was true Vincent Zandri writing!! A short story that grabs you from the first few words to the last. Another page turner!! I honestly am having trouble describing what it was like to read this. When I finished reading the last word, I just sat, wondering if I even took a breath, while reading this chilling story. What I do know, is that Mr. Zandri is a genius at writing thrillers,even with short stories!! It left me with wanting to read more of his work!! Brilliant!!!

DISCLAIMER

This EBook was purchased by me.

ADDENDUM: Since January 2010, I have read and reviewed all books in the order received. However, I am giving myself an early Christmas present and have taken the liberty of choosing a book out of sequence for my next read, which is the The Innocent by same author, Vincent Zandri.

Slapdash Sunday

Slapdash Sunday (Part 1) Topic: Reflections and Blogging Etiquette

CMash December 19, 2010 4 Comments

SUNDAY

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

I have been reflecting a lot over the past couple of weeks as I wind down my first full year of book blogging and reviewing and gearing up for the new year. I have made so many new friends, which I am thankful for, have had so much fun visiting others and their blog’s, adding way too many tbr books to my personal bucket list because of every one’s reviews, learned a lot regarding the computer (that in itself is a miracle) and am totally amazed that people actually read my blog, and for that, you have my deepest gratitude. I have learned quite a bit and am anxious to learn more. I hope that I have conducted this blog with integrity, honesty, credibility, laughter (mainly at myself) and with proper etiquette. Which brings me to the Slapdash Sunday Discussions. Next week will be Part 2: Changes.

Today’s Topic:

I have enjoyed every minute of this new community that has accepted me. And I hope I have never offended anyone or that I did not follow proper etiquette. I tried to treat others as to how I would like to be treated. Which brings me back to Etiquette. I have had a couple of incidents this past year that have bothered me and wonder if you have ever had similar situations. One was seeing a phrase that I always use hijacked and used for someone’s creation. Now I know I don’t have a copyright on phrases, but was still taken aback. Another one, which really did a number on me, and honestly took the fun out of blogging for a few weeks and even caused a few tears. It came from another party, not a blogger, where my credibility, honesty and future intentions were questioned and had false accusations said about me, to the point of being X’d out, and bordering on slander. I know and understand that I can’t change anyone’s behavior except my own, so I want to make sure I never engage in poor blogging etiquette and to learn the how- tos of handling that type of conduct, if it occurs in the future.

So my questions are: Have you ever had similar situations? How do you handle being on the receiving end of poor etiquette? Do you have certain rules that you feel should be followed? What do you think is poor blogging etiquette? Would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Let’s have a Slapdash Discussion!!!

Book Review

Book Review "Pathological"

CMash December 19, 2010 4 Comments

Pathological by Vincent Zandri
Published by StoneHouse Ink
ISBN-13: 2940011815508

ISBN: 0011815507

At the request of the author, an EBook edition was downloaded, purchased by me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (borrowed from B&N): The serial killer takes on many guises. But what happens when you unknowingly take him as your most trusted and loyal husband? Pathological is proof that even though you think you know your spouse inside and out, you might not really know him at all.

My Thoughts and Opinion: This was my 2nd introduction to a “digital short” read. However, not my first introduction to this author. I have read and reviewed his previous novels, Moonlight Falls and The Remains, both being phenomenal suspense/thriller reads. And, even though it was a short story, Pathological, didn’t disappoint this reader. It was true Vincent Zandri writing!! A short story that grabs you from the first few words to the last. Another page turner!! I honestly am having trouble describing what it was like to read this. When I finished reading the last word, I just sat, wondering if I even took a breath, while reading this chilling story. What I do know, is that Mr. Zandri is a genius at writing thrillers,even with short stories!! It left me with wanting to read more of his work!! Brilliant!!!

DISCLAIMER

This EBook was purchased by me.

ADDENDUM: Since January 2010, I have read and reviewed all books in the order received. However, I am giving myself an early Christmas present and have taken the liberty of choosing a book out of sequence for my next read, which is the The Innocent by same author, Vincent Zandri.

A Bit of Me

A Bit Of Me

CMash December 18, 2010 11 Comments

SATURDAY

Hosted by Danielle at There’s A Book

From Danielle’s blog:
We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.
This week’s question: What’s your favorite holiday movie? The one you could watch every year and it would always remind you of that time of year.
Read more: http://www.theresabook.com/category/a-bit-of-meme/#ixzz18CO1DQ7u

As most of you know, I am not a big TV and/or movie person….give me a book anyday. However, when my boys were younger, we did watch the following movies every year. And even getting this post ready, I remember and cherish the memories of those years!! Their favorites were:

What are your favorite holiday movies?

A Bit of Me

A Bit Of Me

CMash December 18, 2010 11 Comments

SATURDAY

Hosted by Danielle at There’s A Book

From Danielle’s blog:
We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.
This week’s question: What’s your favorite holiday movie? The one you could watch every year and it would always remind you of that time of year.
Read more: http://www.theresabook.com/category/a-bit-of-meme/#ixzz18CO1DQ7u

As most of you know, I am not a big TV and/or movie person….give me a book anyday. However, when my boys were younger, we did watch the following movies every year. And even getting this post ready, I remember and cherish the memories of those years!! Their favorites were:

What are your favorite holiday movies?

Book Review

Review "Bryce Loring Must Die!"

CMash December 17, 2010 4 Comments

Bryce Loring Must Die by Bill Walker
Published by Bill Walker
ISBN 0011077166
ISBN13: 2940011077166
At the request of the author, an EBook edition was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: (borrowed from B&N): When Riley Harper discovers his old neighborhood bully is now a successful executive within his own company, Riley decides Bryce must pay for all the cruel acts he committed against him and his friends. He decides that Bryce Loring Must Die! In this Digital Short, Bill Walker delivers a taste of suspense and black humor.
My Thoughts and Opinion: I have to be honest and tell you that I didn’t know what to expect with this type of read for 2 very different reasons. The first being, that this is considered a “digital short” and didn’t know what to perceive it would be like in relation to a novel. The second being, that I had read and reviewed 2 previous works by this author of a very different genre, so I was very skeptical since this being a suspense. I reviewed A Note from an Old Acquaintance and was honored to have been asked to read his manuscript of Titanic 2012. I didn’t know if I should use the same guidelines that I use for rating novels, but after completing Bryce Loring Must Die!, it was clear. Within the first few sentences I was hooked. The descriptive writing style and dialogue allowed me to have a very vivid visual of the story line right down to feeling the exact same emotions that the character was feeling. The suspense unnerving. However, since it was a “short”, it left me with wanting more. He has shown that as an author, he has an abundance of talent to be able to write extraordinary books of totally different genres. I am hoping that Mr. Walker has plans for a suspense novel!!!!

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

Book Review

Review "Bryce Loring Must Die!"

CMash December 17, 2010 4 Comments

Bryce Loring Must Die by Bill Walker
Published by Bill Walker
ISBN 0011077166
ISBN13: 2940011077166
At the request of the author, an EBook edition was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: (borrowed from B&N): When Riley Harper discovers his old neighborhood bully is now a successful executive within his own company, Riley decides Bryce must pay for all the cruel acts he committed against him and his friends. He decides that Bryce Loring Must Die! In this Digital Short, Bill Walker delivers a taste of suspense and black humor.
My Thoughts and Opinion: I have to be honest and tell you that I didn’t know what to expect with this type of read for 2 very different reasons. The first being, that this is considered a “digital short” and didn’t know what to perceive it would be like in relation to a novel. The second being, that I had read and reviewed 2 previous works by this author of a very different genre, so I was very skeptical since this being a suspense. I reviewed A Note from an Old Acquaintance and was honored to have been asked to read his manuscript of Titanic 2012. I didn’t know if I should use the same guidelines that I use for rating novels, but after completing Bryce Loring Must Die!, it was clear. Within the first few sentences I was hooked. The descriptive writing style and dialogue allowed me to have a very vivid visual of the story line right down to feeling the exact same emotions that the character was feeling. The suspense unnerving. However, since it was a “short”, it left me with wanting more. He has shown that as an author, he has an abundance of talent to be able to write extraordinary books of totally different genres. I am hoping that Mr. Walker has plans for a suspense novel!!!!

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.