Saturday, March 31, 2012

Parenthood Series - Fork in the Road


Oh, it is good to be back behind the keys. Before we dive into today’s Parenthood topic, I must quell the rumors of why DMK & SlantedK was MIA this week.
1.      DMK suffered a devastating bowling accident and can no longer type. False
2.      While rattlesnake hunting, DMK lost. False, yes, I hunt rattlesnakes and I don’t miss. (9 in the last two seasons.)
3.      Susan, my wife, purchased a new lock to the rubber room. False, maybe, she does have a strange look on her face when I wake up in the morning.

A Fork in the Road
The Continued World of Parenthood Series
By DMK 
Follow DMK @ Twitter @slantedk 

Previous Parenthood Topics:

Another Emotional Uproar or A Key to the Next Door?

“You can fight without ever winning, you can never win, win without a fight.” Neal Peart

A parent of one year or twenty plus years will and is exposed to emotional uproar. The first choice of descriptive adjectives was much more explicit.

Our experiences of life make us who we are. The events, both tragic and fantastic, weave the threads of our days. Yet as a parent, we try to shield our children at every turn from the monsters of the day. Words do not carry the same weight as actual experience. (They never listen, why?)
~*~
Example:
It is a cool autumn evening and camping releases all anxiety, unless of course, you are a parent and the little ones are participating. A campfire burns; the young sibling entranced by the glowing ambers.
“Stay back, Son, it is hot.”
“Now I said, that is hot, you don’t want to get to close.”
On and on the conversation repeats.
“Dad, can I hold a stick in it then?”
“Fire is dangerous so be very careful.”
Then it happens, crying, screaming, he holds his hand and comes running.
“Dad, Dad!”
A face full of tears, eyes show a hint of terror.
“What happened?”
“The end of the stick turned red and I touched it.”
After some medical attention and serious comforting, the lad now understands what hot means. From that point on, he will be content sitting with me and simply watching the crackle of the flame and the flight of the floating amber.
~*~
For each of us have no issue when the day is rolling along without care. When we hit the wall of emotional or physical pain, a fork in the road appears.
In that fork, we find a wellspring of opinion and direction. Family members and friends alike make their heartfelt efforts to guide us through the correct direction. Truth is, however, only the individual behind the reins and their sidekick has to make the call. The collection of advice given is in love, however, once we chose the path and the dust settles, we are on our own.

Standing on the edge of the “Empty Nest,” my wife at my side, we must stand out-of-the-way and be ready for when the kids now adults, hit the wall. Hard times hurt so bad and good times feel so good. All I have done is try, at every opportunity, to lead by example, falling and getting up, dusting off and doing it again. 
I have cried and laughed with my boys.

During the most devastating time in my life, a dear friend gave me a stone frog with a note. “A frog can only move forward.” He understood, gave me a hug and patted me on the back.

These events held in perspective, are simply a key to the next door. Don’t be afraid to get up dust off and turn the knob. Sometimes the chosen path will be smooth sailing and others will be ruff as hell. It doesn’t mean the wrong path was chosen, it just means today is ruff.

Keep the wheels greased, hold tight to the one you love, snap the reins and keep the wagon moving forward.
Appreciate the time we spend together, Ya’ll.
Good Day, Eh. 
DMK
A Fork in the Road
The Continued World of Parenthood Series
By DMK 
Follow DMK @ Twitter @slantedk 

Previous Parenthood Topics:


Sunday, March 25, 2012

SlantedK’s Featurerama Book Promotion!


SlantedK's Featurerama Book Promotion!
Here @ SlantedK we believe in sharing the Love. 
There are some fantastic changes coming to the SlantedK site keep an eye out, Ya'll. Good times are abounding. 
If you have any interest in going off topic from your regular blog and guest blogging or getting your book included @ SlantedK’s Featurerama Book Promotion, contact DMK and let’s roll. (SFBP formerly known as Book of the week, eh.)
Thanks for visiting.
DMK


Jenna is six when her parents die in a tragic car crash leaving her and her two sisters orphans. With no one to care for them they move in with their grandmother in the town of Snow Hollow where more than just a normal life awaits them. Jenna soon discovers that she is not like other girls, a fact she's felt since birth. When her grandmother finally reveals her secret Jenna is blown away by not only the fact that she's a witch, but that she is THE witch. The Ultimate One who controls the powers of the coven.

After her grandmother's death when she turned 26 Jenna finds out another secret. She is the only one left to protect her home from the evil demons wanting to steal her world away from her.

When Jenna meets Jacob, her sexy warlock protector, the sparks fly from day one. She is determined to protect her family her way, but will it be enough? She will need Jacob, but will their passion for one another be enough to save their world as they know it and keep her sisters safe?

Thank so much for your continued visits. 
A tip of my hat to ya. 
DMK
A SlantedK Production 


Saturday, March 24, 2012

Through the Eyes of a Dog.



By DMK 
Follow DMK @ Twitter @slantedk 

The deep darkness of the star filled night fades, succumbing to the approaching power of the light of day.  A cool breeze sneaks in through the slight opening of the window; the curtain provides a gentle wave. Sunlight burns the morning dew, the dark green grass glistens. A deep inhale followed with an extended exhale. Looking to the closed bedroom door, the little nose of my ever-loving Jack Russell wedged at the bottom, awaiting the sound of the turning handle, allowing her to spread the love.

Ever take notice that the dog doesn’t concern itself with what mood we are in. She just wants to toss some good morning kisses around, and get her belly rubbed. “Hi, how are ya, slobber, slobber, kiss, kiss.” Flop to her back, “rub my belly.” Now that I think about it, that is not a bad idea.

“A joyful life needs to have purpose”
--dog quote by trixie koontz, dog, Life is Good! Lessons injoyful living, edited by Dean Koontz 

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive."
--dog quote by Gilda Radner

"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him, and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too.”
--dog quote by Samuel Butler, 1912





Sharing the love, delivering laughs, taking a moment to smile.


I had some not so good days recently, so why not write about being happy, eh?
Good visiting with ya today;^)
Author of From the Ashes
Coming Soon from Solstice Publishing

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Burning the Candle at Both Ends.


Today I write about today.

For the last six years, I have worked random shifts. Midnight, 2am, 4am, 16 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, double shifts and even triples. I truly believe the cliché - “In order to make some changes in your life you need to change something.”
We all know the definition of insanity - Naw, not gonna’ do it.

Yeah, I know what ya mean Captain Obvious.

The last year I have been working hard to break away, left construction and got back behind the wheel of the big rig. Sell the book, get the web site rocking and change will come.

Today my feet hit the floor at 1:30am, coffee, make the lunch, and hit the road. Warm the rig up, update and detail the log. Select the CD, release the brakes and rolled out of the yard, no different from any other day. Yawns, rub the eyes, cruise control set, I am rolling.

I do most of my writing in my brain while I drive “the big rig,” today was no different. Got a couple projects under way, content for a friend, my own blog needs attention and I need to re-write the last chapter of my book. Same, same.

Didn’t really feel tired, truth was not in sync with my perception. In a blink of an eye, my heart leaped to my throat. I shook my head as to snap out of a dream and my rig was crossing two lanes heading for the median. My reaction was precise and the correction avoided a clear opportunity to meet my maker. In an instant, I had blacked out. I got off the highway, parked the truck thanked the good Lord for waking me and I went to sleep.
At that moment, my schedule, deliver time, story lines, blogs and everything related to that did not matter. I had an opportunity to survive the day. I took that opportunity and took to rest.

I leave cushion in my schedule, it didn’t matter, nothing we do is worth the risk of losing it all.

I caught a lotta crap the rest of the day, dispatcher made it clear, “not allowed to be tired, need to take care of such on my time,” and I needed to get my load where it needed to be. Later, the day included a tire blowing out on the trailer, nearly 12 hours burned since the beginning of the day, and I wasn’t heading home yet.

Where ya going with this Dave?

Burning the Candle at Both Ends, don’t underestimate or ignore the body’s ability to say, time to rest. 

In the pursuit of success, we need to take time to breath and rest.

I took to my day like any other. Wrapped up in thoughts for the next set of tweets, Blogs, emails, deadlines, writers block, consumed by consumption. Get the day job done then get to the business.

Don’t take the day for granted, throw a hug to you partner, maybe even a kiss and a pat on the tush. Kiss the kids, too old for that? Then just let them know you are thinking of them.

Don’t lose touch with living.

Thanks for hanging with me today.
DMK

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Five Reasons to Get The Muppet Movie

Many of us can remember Sunday nights with the Muppets.

Here are five reasons to add the Muppets to your DVD Library.




#1 Kermit






#2 Ms. Piggy






#3 Beaker







 #4 The newest Muppet, Walter





 #5 Best of All, Animal!


Ya wanna get the movie don't ya. Go ahead, treat yourself!

Monday, March 19, 2012

No Unsolicited Submissions - Let’s Talk.


Writer POV
By DMK 
For SlantedK http://slantedk.blogspot.com
Author of, From the Ashes, Coming Soon from Solstice Publishing.
No Unsolicited Submissions
A common statement in today’s world of traditional publishing.

The truth is, once you have determined it is time to submit the MS, you have to put on a new hat, the salesperson cap. In any sales seminar, the world networking is the golden goose.

One may return a comment that may sound something like this; “That is what an Agent is for.”

Sorry, it is the same thing folks, or as a good friend of mine says. “Same, same.” You are selling to someone a product that you want him or her to take a chance on. Besides, my advice is to work both angles at the same time. For me, a publisher said yes first, to date no agent has done so.

Sales can be a scary word, up there with public speaking. No worries, I have participated in my share of sales seminars, HR training and cold calling, you name it.
Do you have to do the same? No, that is the wonder of blogging and those of us willing to share. Except the networking part, yeah, must do that, like I said though, no worries.

OK, here are the meat and potatoes.

You are at any given site, the words are clear; “No Unsolicited Submissions.” All that means is change your goal and switch to networking. Look for the contact page, or search on Google for the Senior Editors of the company’s site.

I started with authors in my genre.

Actual samples with the contacts removed. Sorry they are my contacts.

Greetings Mr. XXXXXXX,

     I understand time is at a premium and I thank you for reading this note. 
     You have influenced many in this industry and what brought me to writing this note is the ---- Spur award for best first novel. I have spent three years developing my first, "From the Ashes," including surviving the first editing process by author Don Porter. 
     May I ask advice; or are there any recommendations for an agent willing to take a new project?  The advice I have so far is that finding an agent is more challenging than the edit process. This is my first manuscript, and the challenge is getting by the "not taking new projects."
      In addition, to build a stronger foundation in my portfolio will writers read and write reviews for rookies? Any direction provided, is greatly appreciated. To get the foot in the door I will knock on many doors.
Thank You for these few moments.

That particular note provided an Agent to check with, it also gave me a name to drop.

Greetings, Ms. NNNNNN,
     I understand time is at a premium and I thank you for reading this note. I have spent three years developing a western fiction, "From the Ashes," including surviving the first editing process with author Don Porter. 
     Currently I am researching agents. Seeking advice from former first novel Spur Award recipients, ----- ------- suggested checking with you.
     He did not read my work; I was only seeking advice for getting a foot in the door.
Thank You
David M Karder

Are you getting the idea? That month I had, I kid you not, 100% response and a list of different answers. The agent’s response led me to contacting the president of the Western Writers Association and his advice was to participate in a convention. However, I could not. I did the next best thing, I looked up the event, read who was speaking and contacted them directly. (The next note) The networking was accelerating.

Ms. ----------,
     I understand time is at a premium and I thank you for reading this note. I have spent three years developing "From the Ashes," including surviving the first editing process with author Don Porter. 
     You have influenced many in this industry and I wonder if you have advice or can recommend an agent?  So far, finding an agent is more challenging than the edit process. This is my first manuscript, and this is developing into a serious challenge. I understand many "no's" will come my way; it is part of the journey. 
I learned recently that westerns are not popular, and NJ Agent -------------- wrote, "With only two or three publishers now doing western fiction, I am having difficulty even keeping my published authors in contracts, so taking on someone new is not something I feel I will be able to do effectively." 
     I personally refuse to give up and admit westerns are fading, I want and believe revival is always out there. Robert J. Conley, president of the Western Writers Association advised me to go to their convention in ND in June, however, the economy has not been kind to me and the trip is at the moment out of reach. He mentioned there will be a couple active agents out there but stopped at that. 
Again, thank you for your time.   

I will wrap it up here for today. There is a method to the notes; you see a constant in each of them. It is important to acknowledge in your own words that you understand you are impeding on their valuable time. I mentioned the editing process to show that I had already taken some serious lumps and I was still trying.  

The first 10 seconds is the make or break moment. Stick with business first, the tone is set. Don't make it long, you are only seeking a response, not selling anything. Once that happens than feel free to ask additional questions. Just play by the same rule of the first contact. If they ask for detail of what you have done, you succeeded at getting to a Solicited Submission. :)
Isn't that the goal?
Yes, she did respond.  It was a no. :(

I have so much more to share and we can visit another time.
Thanks for Stopping in.
Share, follow, like, if you want to, of course:)
A tip of my hat and good day, eh.
DMK
Oh yeah, buy this, you know someone who wants it! 





Sunday, March 18, 2012

SlantedK’s Featurerama Book Promotion!


SlantedK’s Featurerama Book Promotion!

Here @ SlantedK we believe in sharing the Love. 
There are some fantastic changes coming to the SlantedK site keep an eye out, Ya'll. Good times are abounding. If you have any interest in letting your hair down and guest blogging or getting your book included @ SlantedK’s Featurerama Book Promotion, contact DMK and let’s roll. 
(SFBP formerly known as Book of the week, eh.)
Thanks for visiting.
Follow on Twitter @slantedk
Save BIG BUCKS TODAY! 
Don't miss the fantastic price on Game of Thrones 




Daren Chambers, wealthy owner of a car dealership in Hawaii, has been shot. His beautiful wife, Sally, co-owner and business partner, is terrified. She's afraid that whoever killed Darren will be coming after her next—and she's right. She hires Dick and George, the Payne and Clark Detective Agency, to investigate the killing. The police may be working on the who, but Sally is worried about the why. The killer has the same idea, and Dick and George scramble to protect her from bombs on Oahu, stalkers on Maui, murder on the Big Island, and machine guns on Kauai.

Review

The Dealership reminds me of my army tour in Hawaii. The landscape was the most vivid greens with multi-hued flowers everywhere. Breathtaking rocky cliffs of the Pali overlooked tropical jungle and the vast Pacific. The power and grandeur of nature were epitomized on the north shore by giant waves crashing on jagged rocks. Don G. Porter captures all of this in his rollicking mystery.
Ivan N. Pierce author
An Infantry Lieutenant's Vietnam
Missing in Cordova

A Great Read, March 7, 2012
By Ann L. Newman (Arizona) - See all my reviews
   
This review is from: The Dealership (Kindle Edition)
This is the first of Don G. Porter's books that I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you love a good detective story with an upbeat, somewhat humorous overtone, then I recommend this one for you. What really sold this one for me are the details about Hawaii and the crisp concise descriptions and dialogue.
~*~
“You don’t just spontaneously develop a fatal head wound.”
Detective Vega, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 



Thanks for Stopping in.
Most appreciated tip of the hat!
Follow on Twitter @slantedk 
DMK

Friday, March 16, 2012

Procrastination Series


Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes. -- Hal Roach
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

THE POWER OF REWARDS
Rita is a wonderful guest author at SlantedK
Twitter@slantedk

So often, when I'm presenting a Keynote at a conference or leading a training seminar, people ask "How do I motivate myself to do something I hate to do?"
The answer is: You don’t.
Oh sure, there a tips that help. Play upbeat music while you clutter bust your place. Chat on the phone while stuffing marketing material into envelopes or loading the dishwasher. But those just help to ease the boredom or pain, they don't actually motivate you to do the dreaded task.
So here's the secret.
Come up with a reward that means A WHOLE LOT to you, and THAT becomes your motivation. For example, I start off each day getting the worst -- the most disliked -- job out of the way. It might be paperwork or making a dreaded phone call or writing a proposal.
Here's my reward system: I have one coffee before I get to my desk. BUT that second cup is my reward, and I don't get it till I complete whatever that first task is. I might NEVER be motivated to do that paper work or make that call, but you have to know that second cup motivates me to get almost any job done.
My friend Georgia treats herself to a long distance call to her best friend as soon as she hits her goal in cleaning the house. Georgia says she may never WANT to clean her house, but she WANTS so badly to talk to her friend that the thought of that call gets her to accomplish anything.
Bob, a salesman who travels, used to procrastinate about his expense reports each week because he simply did not like paperwork. Now his goal is to turn in that report before the end of each Friday and if he does NOT complete it, then he does not allow himself to watch TV that night. Absolutely none. Doesn't even let himself turn on the news. Bob says that this reward system has taught him self-discipline.

When he began, he didn't think there was ANYTHING that would get him to stop his procrastination. Then he decided to try the reward system. At first, Bob didn't allow himself to have dessert when he failed to hand in his report. BUT when he DID complete the task, he treated himself to a special hot fudge sundae.
His organizational skills increased and his cash flow increased and sadly, so did his weight. Then he started thinking of what he called "his self-discipline muscle". Just like working out at a gym, you might start off feeling weak, but the more you work at it, the stronger you become. And he knew the more he used a reward, the more disciplined he would become. So he simply changed his reward to TV.
He feels that now he might not need the reward system anymore because organizing his receipts and handing in his expense report has become a habit, but he is not willing to risk sliding back into his old procrastinating ways.
Bob says, "I don't think I will ever be able to motivate myself to WANT to do paperwork. So I really need a reward that I want so badly, I will do any hated task. And relaxing in front of the TV at the end of a week works for me, it is something I really want to do, and I hate it if I don't allow myself to because I didn't reach my goal."
What works for you? Right now, pick out something you've been putting off and think of a reward that you want badly enough that you will force yourself to do your goal. If one reward doesn't work, try another.
Right now, start the habit of selecting a reward that means SO much to you that it actually motivates you to do those things you would never be motivated to do.

#  #  #
Visit the Archive For Additional Articles on Procrastination


       Rita Emmett is a "Recovering Procrastinator", a Professional Speaker, and best-selling author of The Procrastinator’s Handbook;  and The Clutter-Busting Handbook.
For more articles on this subject, go to www.RitaEmmett.com
Rita can be reached at 847-699-9950  or REmmett412@aol.com.
      To subscribe to her free monthly “Anticrastination Tip Sheet” with quick short tips & ideas to help break the procrastination habit, go to the first page of her website  www.RitaEmmett.com

“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.”
George Edward Woodberry

Thanks for stopping in, eh.
Have a Great Day!
DMK


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Social Network Research Mind Melt



By DMK 
For SlantedK http://slantedk.blogspot.com
Author of, From the Ashes, Coming Soon from Solstice Publishing.
Twitter @slantedk
"Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability to give them their separate names, identities, personalities and have them relate to other characters living with him." Mel Brooks
~*~
The day slowly comes to a close. A cold glass of water and some sliced fruit on the end table. Slowly sitting back in the recliner the footrest pops into position. Laptop booted, the search engine fired up.

Twitter check, blog traffic confirmed, emails at first address read, respond, second G-mail, Yahoo, back to AOL. A quick review of the spam folders and deletion is complete. Topic research, 25 new tweets, 15 new Linkedin, Blog messages, shared posts, Facebook shares, likes, dislike, subscriptions, thank you notes, thank you to the thank you notes, 25 more tweets, follow, followed, following, friend requests, follow requests, pinquist photos, post, remove, and review. 
  
Time to write, research begins, 3 steps to more followers, 8 steps to 1000 followers, easy blogging, staying focused, best way to drive traffic, 10 ways to improve traffic, 3 ways to assure productive traffic, SEO a thing of the past, SEO still running strong, blog every day, don’t need to blog every day, 1000 followers a month, free, $4.99, $9.99, $29.99, join my newsletter get a free download, 15 ways to improve your ranking, self publish, blogging is dead, blogging is the way of the future, 3 ways to promote your blog, 10 easy steps to fix the 3 easy ways that didn’t work, formulating a game plan when the last game plan failed miserably, clarifying the mathematical formulation to knovncojvn lksvjb pwjbv lk lkf dlk lkf ldkfj ldkf sdl……………  
Tightening of the chest, eyes cross, FLATLINE, BRIGHT SHINNY LIGHT, EH!


“Security……..we have….. a blogger… on the bridge…. He seems…  unconscious…. Phasers on stun!”
“Captain, he is not moving.”
“Good….point. Engineering!”
“Captain?”
“Scotty, … we have a blogger… on the bridge. How did he… get in?”
“I’m in the engine room, I didn’t let him in. What is a Blogger, Captain?”
“Spock, …..any….thoughts?”
“Curious indeed, Captain.”

Whoosh, whoosh, the doors to the elevator open and close, McCoy enters.

“Quick, Bones, check…… if the blogger…. is alive.”
“Damnit, Jim, what the hell are you talking about? You’ve been on this damn ship too long.”
“Right there……Bones, can you…. Save him?.... There must be…. seven ways…. to revive him.”
“Seven ways? Damnit, Jim, I’m a doctor not a blogger!”

“Spock, do…a mind melt. ….We need to know…what … he knows.”
“Captain, we are facing a serious complication, if I attempt this, I assure you it will develop into non complimentary results.”
“What!”
“In this situation I am unable to link with this, so called, blogger.”
“Why, Spock…. Why?”
“Captain, it is a little known fact that when a Vulcan mind melts with a blogger, there are difficulties, how shall I say it?”

McCoy stands.

“Oh frog farts you green blooded hob goblin. What the pointed eared one is trying to say, Jim, is that he will experience a dreadful case of the Vulcan Hershey Squirts.”
“Spock?”
“Yes, Captain, McCoy, color commentary notwithstanding, is correct.”

McCoy continues.

“Remember what happened last time, Jim. The air system took 10 days to fumigate the ship.”
“Ah, good point, Bones.”
“Spock.”
“Yes, Captain?”
“Hold off....... on the mind melt.”
“Indeed, Captain.”

They both turn back to McCoy.

“Are we done with the pleasantries, Jim, I think we can handle this one. Nurse, take him to the sick bay.”
“Yes, Dr. McCoy, I will monitor his Johnson.”
“Wonderful, you do that, Nurse, and maybe lay off the Romulan Ale. Damnit, Jim, we really need to get off this damn ship for a while.”
“You may… be right,… Bones.”

“Strange.”
“Yes, ….Spock?”
“I find it strange, I do not recollect any introductions, nor do I remember at any time our visitor identifying himself as Mr. Johnson.”

Double tap, rim shot!

Another bright light - Holy S%^&*
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

The freezer door closes; a handful of ice shuffles inside a six-ounce bourbon glass. Whiskey pours equal in mass to the ice, and a splash of ginger ale to dull the sting.  

A quick motion to the lips and the medication is applied. Refocus, oh my, that was interesting.
Back to the task at hand - today’s topic:

Seventeen Easy Steps to Clarifying the Mathematical Formulation in Comparison to the Reactive and Non-reactive Statistics Pertaining to Constant Variables and the Direct Relation to a “Call to Action” Necessary or Not Necessary in Each Blog!
For just seven payments of $7.42, download the introduction chapter of the four keys to unlocking the Seventeen Easy steps…
NOT!
Hope ya enjoyed it as much as I did.
"If you're quiet, you're not living. You've got to be noisy and colorful and lively." Mel Brooks

Have a Great Day, Eh!
DMK
I endorse this message.
DMK for slantedk president, oh wait, he is.



Saturday, March 10, 2012

Milestones

Blasted past the 1000 mark this week!

Thanks to all of you!

I tip my hat to everyone and appreciate the love.
DMK

Friday, March 9, 2012

The Art of Laughter



Laughter is a Wonderful Method of Communication
By DMK 
Author of, From the Ashes, Coming Soon from Solstice Publishing.
Twitter @slantedk


The Art of Laughter
In parenthood, it’s called distraction. Baby cries, effort focused on diversion, alter the child’s attention and focus.

In youth my son, as many do, would wake up in the middle of the night terrorized by a monster. Resolution so simple, Golf ball! Yes, golf ball; it is a known fact that monsters have an extreme dislike of golf balls.

“The next time it appears, Son, you make sure the intruder understands you have a golf ball and intend to use it and that his presence can no longer be tolerated.”

In hindsight, I see a small drawback to that one. It did succeed in terminating the monster. However, if the child would have determined to throw the golf ball, the vacuum cleaner would be running to remove reminisce of the hallway lamp. It would have been a small price to pay for his peace of mind.

Much later, the child became a talented football player. A florescent green golf ball was located on the top shelf of a certain defensive end’s locker.
To this day, the “Golf Ball” stands for overcoming.


Who is the Monster now?

~*~

Gallagher, the famous comedian known for his method in the destruction of melons, made many laugh uncontrollably. A large sledgehammer made out of a tree stump. Fans brought raincoats and tarps, willing to see yet not wear the show.

Just smashing fruit, keep it simple, Eh?

~*~

During my time as a youth leader, I utilized Pratfalls and controlled destruction of inanimate objects to entertain and teach. The years past and I would hear tales from the parents of now grown students still making mention of those days. 
I saw miracles in them. Walls torn down, shyness dissolved, participation and even re-enactments on talent nights.

I will tell you, there is no greater honor than watching your students re-enacting something you have done.

We focus so hard on our goals, reading, learning, writing, stressful moments and the occasional AAAAAAAAAA! Moments.

Laughter is necessary, find a comedy club, or watch John Cleese and his series Fawlty Towers.



Monty Python, Benny Hill, Bill Cosby, Robin Williams, and A young Jim Carrey is untouchable.

Laugh until you cry and laugh some more.
Be careful, it is contagious.
Have a Great Day! 
DMK
A bit of tongue and cheek in my last blog. Sure Fire Thoughts on How Not to Succeed.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Sure Fire Thoughts on How to Not Succeed.


  
What Not to Do.
Writer POV
By DMK 
For SlantedK http://slantedk.blogspot.com
Author of, From the Ashes, Coming Soon from Solstice Publishing.
Twitter @slantedk

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” David Brinkley

Sure Fire Thoughts on How to Not Succeed.  
ü  Put off to tomorrow, what you could do today.
ü  If it is hard it is not worth doing,
ü  Hard work never pays off.
ü  Network with people who do not network.
ü  Networking does not work.
ü  In order to be successful you must first be successful.
ü  Seek advice from those who know it all and have done nothing.
ü  Don’t try, then you will not get rejected.
ü  It takes 100 rejections to get to your first yes. Stop at 47.
ü  A jar of pickles makes all the difference.
ü  If you know someone that shoots down all your ideas, keep them close to you.

Satire? Indeed. Hint of truth? Maybe. Sad but true? Yes.

Has success eluded me at times? Not for a lack of vigorous seeking and learning. Odds were always improving and in my favor.

I shared with an individual that I wrote a novel, a Fantastic Fictional Wild West Tale. His response: “My uncle wrote 35 westerns, not one of them got published.”

In January, my first novel received a contract.

Be careful in selecting your source of advice. Was it 35 failed novels, or a failed attempt to push forward and learn everything necessary to promote himself and his work? Was everything put in such a manner to cultivate his brand?

Writing turned out to be easy in my journey. However, to take on the grand task of fine-tuning that one sentence, not so much. The one sentence that would set the hook, in the event, that one editor or many customers would consider spending a minute or two reading on. Everything happens in the first 20 seconds. Sorry.
What was that sentence, Dave?
Good question, in future posts I will put some of my examples up. The thing is you need an arsenal of them.
Make a decision, commit to it and look at yourself as Jackie Chan putting the smack down on 100 less than positive acquaintances’. V8 commercials bring a smile.

Take notice of marketing that gets your attention. Dissect it, why did it work?
Keep track of what you tried, tweak, tweak and re-tweak, hone your skills and keep trying.

“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.”
George Edward Woodberry

Thanks for stopping in, eh.
Have a Great Day!
DMK

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Terrorizing Our Children.



Parenthood Series
For SlantedK http://slantedk.blogspot.com
Author of, From the Ashes, Coming Soon from Solstice Publishing.
Thank You for Visiting SlantedK Emporium
 Follow on Twitter @slantedk

“We are stronger together than we are alone.”
― Walter Payton

The Adventure of Lunch

Writing fiction is a great place to be. You can leave the uncontrollable adventure of everyday life and leap into a place in which we are in total control. (are we?) Truth is that the fiction foundation, more times than not, is based in non-fiction. A tale told of a time or an event interwoven and influenced in reality. An example would be Law and Order.

Well today, I blend reality and fiction with a comparison in the Adventure of Lunch, then and now.
The names, changed to protect the innocent.

The Hills of Missouri 1884.

Jimmy fell to his belly, his prey was in sight, a grouping of quail, scattergun loaded with bird shot, his heart raced, and he wiped his forehead. The reason for the event was lunch, it was the first time his paw allowed him to go on his own and collect the meal. Nervousness, his stomach tightened, perspiration dripped from his nose. 
Many times he’s been on the hunt with his paw, today was different, no excuses, no pat on the head if a mistake was made. On the ground tucked between two trees, his face low to the ground, the meal located under bush. 
He ever so slowly and as quiet as possible, pulled the hammers back and click. Ok, wait! To the right, a wolf had taken notice of the same target. No, the boy whispered to himself. What to do? I shoot at the wolf and lunch disappears. I stick with the first plan and the wolf pounces and lunch disappears.

Slowly Jimmy reached to his side and pulled a .38 caliber revolver, clicked the hammer and set it on the ground next to the scattergun. With both hands back on the scattergun, he took aim, the meal in sight. Out of the corner of his eye, he took note of the wolf. Focused back on lunch, aim, trigger, BAM! In one smooth move, Jimmy dropped the first gun and with his right hand grabbed the .38, trigger, BAM! One shot, one opportunity, one wolf lost. Jimmy’s family will have lunch.

~*~
Present Day.

Class bell rang, teacher stood, “Lunch Time, everyone get their lunch and line up at the door, be careful, ok.” Susan, proud as could be, ran to her shelf and grabbed her brand new Barbie Lunch Box. Four years old and so independent, in line she rocked back and forth heel to toe, so excited, couldn’t wait to sit with her friends at lunch.
The teacher poked her head back in the room. “Ok, it’s our turn, stay in line and we will head to the cafeteria.”  Down the hall, a left turn and the doors were in view. Giggles, laughter and the sound of children filled the hall. Noise bellowed from inside the cafeteria, excitement, joy, on her toe’s Susan peered ahead, to see if her friends could be located. Oh, I hope they saved me a seat.

Panic, heart began racing, she gripped her lunch box handle tight. She began to nibble on her lower lip. Glee turned to terror. What have I done, what will I do, oh no. Terror struck when she remembered that on the way to school she ate her carrot sticks. The lunch monitor was checking lunches, inspecting for the proper nutritional items, the carrots were gone, OH NO, what will I do, they will take my new lunch box. A voice heard, inspection failed. “Get in line over there and get a proper lunch, Dear. We will have a discussion after school with your parents.”
~*~

Pink Floyd “The Wall” … IF YOU DON’T EAT YOUR MEAT, YOU WON’T GET ANY PUDDING! HOW CAN YOU HAVE ANY PUDDING, IF YOU DON’T EAT YOUR MEAT!!!!

If we were recorded terrorizing our children, child serves would take them away and arrest us. Oh, but no problem here, Suzie lost her Barbie Lunch Box, only for a day, and is crying in the bathroom. No problem here.
What are we doing to our children?
If you are not paying attention, you are part of the problem.
Nothin' but Love! Truth needs to be known.
What is happening at your School?
Thank You DMK

“We are stronger together than we are alone.”
― Walter Payton

Parenthood Series
By DMK 
For SlantedK http://slantedk.blogspot.com
Author of, From the Ashes, Coming Soon from Solstice Publishing.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

SlantedK Book of the Week

SlantedK Presents
Chasing Amanda


This weeks book comes from Melissa Foster
Chasing Amanda is Melissa's best selling, award winning second novel.
Available in paperback and ebook.
Listed on Amazon's Top 100 Rated Fiction list and Top 100 Bestselling Kindle list.

Go to Melissa'a Web site to follow. http://www.melissafoster.com/


"To say that this novel is sheer, literary brilliance is an understatement. This book will not let you down, nor will you be able to put it down." 
-eNovel Reviews



Find many great authors at Solstice Publishing 


Earlier in the week DMK shared an excerpt from his soon to be released From the Ashes also form Solstice publishing. Not to late to check it out either.

“You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind.” 
― Dale Carnegie

If ya already shop Amazon.com or if you were just thinkin' about it today, enter through SlantedK Emporium Porthole and your purchases will help support this blog. Thank You

Thanks For Visiting SlantedK
Follow on Twitter @slantedk







Friday, March 2, 2012

From the Ashes, Excerpt

Today I present an excerpt from my forthcoming Novel, From the Ashes, A Fantastic, Wild West Action Packed Adventure. Brought to you by Solstice Publishing.
Contains Adult Language
Enjoy :)




"Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare."
Dale Carnegie 


Chapter Five 
Enough
(Excerpt - From the Ashes)
By David M Karder
Follow on Twitter @slantedk

“Enough! Enough already!”
     Hell’s fury unleashed in this dusty dirty town, never should have left Beans and Seth. The window I was under shattered as an array of pellets strike, given thrust by a twelve-gauge shotgun. Rifleman on the balcony to the right was not concerned with his rampant waste of ammo. The fool squatting behind the new caskets across the street would not take the time to aim, a fitting location for that one. Shotgun blasts rang out from another to the left of the caskets. 
“It’s time! I have had enough!” 
     The response, the choice of artillery was sure, dynamite! Fuck-em, their boss drew on me and lost. They have made the decision to join him. A flare of a match and two sticks were ignited, lofted and lands on the display of the oak and pine caskets, a perfect supply of shrapnel. The wicks quickly burned down to the critical point culminating in a furious explosion of powder, flame, and splintered wood. Two devastating blasts tore up that side of the street, the caskets blew to pieces in every direction; two of the gunmen, no longer participating. 
      That provided enough of a distraction to pause the rifleman on the balcony. I stood, palm to steel, draw, hammer lock, trigger! His exit wound, the left side of the face. The wall behind him decorated in brain matter, bone and blood. He fell limp to the planked floor. The whole gang reunited in Hell. 
     I stood and looked at the destruction,  I couldn’t  help but think, some kind of legacy, shit, when it’s my turn; when I close my eyes forever, will it mean a damn thing? 
     Next thing that took place surprised me; at that moment, a lasso roped me from behind and dragged me to the ground. Before any reaction was possible, my body careened off the corner of the building.




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