Dear Mystery Reader

It seems I should change the name of this blog to reader instead of writer. I seem to do much more of the former.

Currently, I am in training at BellaOnline as the new Mystery Books Editor. Very excited, and hopefully I will pass muster and become the permanent editor. I love what I am learning, and am excited for my possible future role on this site.

I will let you know when I hear official news!

10 Hottest Selling Books of 2008

About.com lists the 10 hottest selling books of 2008. Although not all of the books were published in 2008, one was originally published in 2005, everyone of them sold like fire crackers for the 4th of July.

It is an interesting and eclectic list. Click here to read the blog post. I think you will find the comments interesting, especially about The Shack by William P. Young. The Shack and how it was published is a lesson in how not to give up.

The most interesting item was number 10 - Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich. No one said all the books were literary giants. As for me, must go pick this book up and catch up with Stephanie and friends.

What do you think? Have you read any of the books on the list? Are you surprised by what is selling?

USA Today Article - Books About Books

In a USA Today article, Bob Minzesheimer recommends five books about books.

Mr. Minzeheimer has chosen an interesting array of topics including a book about how the question of what kids should read turned into big business; another is a guide to what women read, after the two authors analyzed 600 books; and a third book takes a look at thirteen books that made a cultural difference in America.

Click on the link to the USA Today article for further information. All five of the suggested books sound interesting for anyone who enjoys a broader understanding of who reads what and why.

What books are on your reading list today?

Daily Dose of DailyLit.com Recap

Well, I wrote earlier this month about the daily dose of Pride and Prejudice I received as an email.

It is time to 'fess up and reveal the truth. I got so involved in the story that I spent last weekend clicking on next installment until I had read the whole book. So much for daily installments.

I was really surprised that I got so involved in the novel, but the characters came alive to me and I had to find out what happened next. Mr. Darcy became my favorite character and I am so glad everything worked out in the end. Now I would like to see the movie version.

Not sure what my next daily lit dose will be - think I will check out the site today and see what I come up with next. Hopefully I won't get so involved that I spend a day and a half just reading. Of course, that certainly hasn't happened before. ;>)

How about you? Have you ever gotten so caught up in a story you couldn't put it down? Which story was it?

NaNoWriMo Results - Sometimes We Just Need to Let Go

Last year I was an excited winner of the 2007 NaNoWriMo novel writing month. I have a novel that I am proud of, but as I haven't spent much time on revisions, it will be a while before I submit the manuscript. This year I had hopes of accomplishing that feat once more, but knew in my heart early on that I had other priorities and might not be able to complete another novel at this time.

I spent much of this month writing blog posts for my websites and articles for the two article sites where I am now an author/publisher. As I am preparing to start writing for a third site, writing is keeping me pretty busy.

As disappointing as this is, I know in my heart I sometimes need to let go of the high expectations I have for myself. My mind and my dreams sometimes succumb to reality.

Have you ever had a writing dream you had to let go of? Will you ever pick it up and run with it? How do you feel about letting go?

China Bayles and Thyme and Seasons

One of my favorite authors is Susan Wittig Albert of the China Bayles mystery series.
China is an herbalist and amateur sleuth based in fictional Pecan Springs, TX, midway between Austin and San Antonio.

Every week, I receive an email newsletter from Susan through her AboutThyme website and blog.

The newsletter I received this morning reminded us that November is National Peanut Butter Lovers' Month and National Raisin Bread Month. Great reminders as I love both. But the greatest news is November 28th is National French Toast Day.

The best french toast ever is made from raisin bread. How cool is it that both are the same month.

Along with the french toast made with raisin bread, is that November 29th is National Chocolates Day. Dessert anyone?

If you would like to read a good mystery series with a cast of interesting characters, check out China Bayles, and find out what she, Ruby, Mike and gang are mixed up in now.

Time for NaNoWriMo Catch-up

As of this date I have approximately 23,000 words on my current WIP. As this is the 18th of the month, I think I better pick up the pace.

Last year, I used a 1700 words per day goal as a guideline and finished on November 26. Using the same number, with the current total count, I am at the 13th. Hmmm!

Therefore, doing the math, to finish by November 30th, I need to write 2076 words a day. Okay, where we go...

Review: A Daily Dose of Pride and Prejudice

Having received six installments of Pride and Prejudice from DailyLit.com, I must say I am having a blast reading this famous classic.

DailyLit brings short book installments to your email box or RSS feed on the day and at the time you choose.

I just finished reading installment 6 of 146, and each email gives the reader the option of clicking to immediately receive the next installment. It has been a pleasure to read this book, one that I probably would not read right now if I had purchased or obtained it from the library.

Just the fact that I see it arrive daily, Monday through Friday, encourages me to click on the link and read that days portion. The installment is just the right length, always leaving me wanting more.

This book, as well as many others, is free. Some books cost a very low amount of money, but there are many in the public domain. All you have to do is go to the website, register, choose which books you want and when, and receive. Reading classic books could not get any easier.

In fact, I am enjoying it so much, I am thinking about subscribing to another book for two different reads a day. Maybe one in the a.m. and one at night?

Making Money Online

Although this blog is predominately writing related, it is also about making money, on- or off-line. Therefore, at times I will share important sites concerned with monetizing blogs, making money on-line, and a myriad of similar topics.

On Blogger is an interesting site called How to Make Money Online for Beginners. The author is Griz.

Someday maybe this blog will be a place to come and hang out, but right now I would rather point you to sites that can teach you, uplift you, and help you accomplish all that you desire.

Toward that end, please click on the above link and open your heart and mind to what Griz has to say. A visit to his site is well worth your time.

Author Matt Richtel and His Twiller

Matt Richtel has created a techno first. He is writing his latest novel, as yet unnamed, via Twitter, the web- and text message-based service that allows users to send frequent updates of no more than 100 characters at a time to friends, family and the Internet at large.

He has an update on Blogger, that will bring the reader up to date as of September, then go to Twitter and follow Matt/Lev as he travels around the country trying to regain his memory, and find out how he was involved in the death of a D.C. madam.

Richtel leaves random updates on Twitter, as hundreds follow his story. At last count, he had over 800 Twitterers following his story.

Richtel's first novel, Hooked, was published in 2007. Check out his website by clicking on the title of this post for more information.

A Bright Light Gone - Tony Hillerman

One of my favorite authors is no longer with us. Tony Hillerman died Sunday at the age of 83. As a huge fan of Hillerman's, I have read, more than once, all of his Navajo Tribal Police mystery novels, own DVD's of three of the books, and have either purchased or checked out from the library, several other books of various topics.

Two table top books that Tony and his brother, a photographer, compiled of the Navaho lands were breathtaking in their colorful photographs and insightful comments.

I spent several weeks in 2006 driving all around Navajo country. I will never forget the experience, the thrill of seeing the actual locations I had previously only read about in his books, and the feeling that a higher power was involved in allowing me to spend time in that area. Of all the places I have ever been, the Four Corners area of the U.S. remains in my heart.

As someone said, no more books will come from this wonderful writer. Many readers anxiously awaited his next story, but we are all blessed for the many books we now have in our libraries. Books we can return to again and again.

Rest in peace, Tony Hillerman. You will be missed!

Where Did The Time Go?

Another Friday and another wrap-up. I intended to post more on this blog this week, but other writing, and reading, ate up the time.

Signed up for NaNoWriMo 2008. Already have the story plan and am almost mentally ready to go. After a successful run last year, my first time, I am excited to get back on that particular horse and ride out the month.

On Squidoo, I started an Edith meme. The first of many is a lens about Edith Piaf. Learned a lot about her, listened to her music, and am glad I am working on this project. As long as it takes me to do one lens, perfectionist that I am, I decided to just work on one a week. That way I don't take too much time away from my money writing ops.

Checked out Constant Content and Helium, as well as rethought Ezines.com. So many places to try and so little time and original ideas. I do not want to spread myself too thin, but want to make sure I am optimizing my time.

Again published on AC. Also, for NOR, finished one book review and just read another book yesterday. Will write the review and post today.

All told, a busy week as we also had a couple of appointments for Dad. Blogged on several sites and narrowing down my favorites. Not sure where the rest will end up, but I love blogging and hope to continue for some time.

Also, I am reading Duma Key by Stephen King. Fascinating book!

What did you write this week? Where is it located - so we can check it out? Read any good books lately?

A Writing Week in Review

This has been a busy writing week. With more blogs than is probably practical, plus a website to get ready to sell, this early morning writer has a lot on her hands, so to speak. Time for a brief break in one of my favorite Adirondack chairs. (I sense another Squid lens in the making.)

Two articles were published this week at Associated Content. One on space heater safety and the other on fireplace safety. Both important articles with winter on the horizon.

Also, submitted an article on holiday baking for diabetics, and have two to write today about decorating nursing home rooms, one about holiday decorations.

Numerous blog posts at Elder Care and Potpourri, as well as entries on the Elder Care Cafe dot net.

Also applied for an editor position on a women's website. Hopefully I will receive good news in the coming week.

And then there is Squidoo - what can I say! My new favorite love. I have a number of ideas for more lenses. So much to do, so little...

How is your writing going? What were you able to accomplish this week? Please feel free to share in the comment section, and thanks for visiting.

Monday Morning Writer

As an avid fan of new beginnings, I love Mondays. I always feel like I get a fresh start at the beginning of every day, week, month, and year. As an early morning riser, with coffee at hand, some of my best ideas are able to surface.

This week looks very promising as I venture into new waters. More details to follow, but I am applying for an online editor spot on a huge website.

Also, completed another successful BIW, this time with a total of 59 pages. I have gone over the 100 mark, but with my current Squidoo addiction and caregiver duties, I will settle for over 50 pages.

If you are a writer, check out Book-in-a-Week. Join Moe and the gang once a month as they write like crazy to reach their predetermined goal. Much is accomplished when writing within an active and encouraging group.

Do you have a favorite online writing group? Let us know in the comment section and we will check it out. Thanks for stopping by!

The Best of the Best Bloggers

There are some wonderful blogging sites on the internet. So many topics, so much to read, so little time. I would love to read the best of the best, if not daily, than at least weekly. Unfortunately, I find I run out of time by the end of the week.

One very good blog to follow is ProBlogger. Darren Rowse developed this blog to help other bloggers add income streams to their blogs. He always has great tips and goes deeply into the blogosphere to garner news and information.

Another blog that has meant a lot to me is Entrepreneurs-Journey which was developed by Yaro Starak. I am in the process of taking his BlogMastermind course and really tons about setting up a profitable website.

Yaro is a great guy and excellent teacher. His instructions are clear and to the point, he doesn't beat around the bush or present shallow information like some do, and you know when the course is finished, he has given his best.

There are many other bloggers who are great at what they do. Just wanted to offer up a couple of the very best, in my humble opinion.

Do you agree or disagree? Who would you add to the list of great bloggers? What makes them stand out?

The Artist's Way Squidoo

Julia Cameron and The Artist's Way played a huge role in my life during the mid-1990's. I have written the morning pages for years, and the daily process helped me deal with many situations.

Working through our angst with daily stream of consciousness writing is an easy and inexpensive way to let our emotions, problems and worries flow. They also help us work through decisions, create new avenues in our life, solve problems, and avoid the psychiatrists couch. What more could one ask.

Please visit my Squidoo lens Savvy Journaling The Artist's Way. There is information about the morning pages, a cool link to The Write Prompt, and even a fun poll. At this time there are twenty suggestions for Artist Dates. If you don't know what artist dates are, check the site. You will be in for a pleasant surprise.

Are you a fan of morning pages? Do you do any type of daily writing that is stream of consciousness? Do you use prompts?

Sassy is Savvy on Squidoo

Sassy is resting after a hard day and night's work.


Sassy joined Squidoo yesterday with two lens - one going green and the other savvy writing. More to come, with the next one likely to encourage baking from scratch.

Squidoo is fun and one of those, gosh I wish I had done this sooner, thoughts kept occurring during the lens building.

It will be fun to see how God, and of course Sassy, puts all of this together. We, all of us - God, Sassy, Savvy, and I - have worked hard and will continue to work hard in building our web empire.

So many passwords and websites are causing Sassy, and Savvy, to remember they are in their 60's after all. Who says you can't teach an old senior new tricks?

And what are you in the process of learning? What makes you stay up well past midnight and up again at 4 or 5 a.m. just cuz your excited? Anything? Let me know in the comments below. Have a great and productive day!!!!!

Swinging Single Seniors

Just because someone has passed that magic age, whether it is 50, 60, or beyond, does not mean they are ready to sit by the fire with a good book, attend senior citizen lunches, and play bingo all afternoon. And, God forbid, they better be home by dark!

A recent article I wrote provides tips for the active single adult of the new millennium. Read the article here...

Senior Writer Welcomes You

Welcome to Sassy Senior Writer. As of mid-November 2008, we are undergoing a directional change with the discovery of Make Money for Beginners here on Blogger. Griz walks bloggers through the steps to monetize their blogs. Sassy Senior Writer will continue to blog as usual, but with the added task of monetizing this blog - as an experiment, of course.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment, and I will get back with you as soon as possible.

Therefore, the Senior Writer is going through the lessons provided by Griz to see how his plan works for this site.

One challenge that I see - we did not start out with the keywords we needed to optimize the blog. We will see how this plays out in the long run.

Feel free to suggest writing topics, discuss content, and express your opinion.