I'm writing this post because I'm considering creating a Twitter account for this blog.
I've hosted this blog on Google's Blogger service and put up postings on Facebook so people would notice. Unfortunately, that's not working out the way I wanted it. Hardly anyone actually looks at the Facebook page for this blog and the blog in general. Not giving away any names, but I know of some people with Twitter accounts and people are reaching out towards them at alarming rates. It doesn't help that Facebook has to rely on costly post boosting while Twitter has spreads through simple sharing, called re-tweets, and hashtags. Those two by themselves are responsible for multiple followers for anyone with a Twitter account. Facebook has hashtags as well, but they're not as potent there as on Twitter.
I will admit I don't do much with the Facebook page for the blog, right down to not having a proper cover for it. While I could make a cover for the blog page, making the page look good is meaningless if there's nobody to even look at it. At that point, however, it's time that I moved on to other means of spreading the word.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
The Rise of Audiobooks
I google searched 'audiobook article' one day to find extra information regarding audiobooks to revise my writing report with. Two articles in particular that caught my eye came from both the Wall Street Journal and the Independent, both being high reputation websites.
The articles interested me because it shows how far audiobooks have come in terms of accessibility. In my writing report, I mentioned how it was a luxury for school libraries and public libraries had entire sections for audiobook access. I also stated, however, that the evolution of technology has made it possible for audiobooks to be available to anyone with a computer and/or a smartphone. Previously, audiobooks had to be carried around via CD player or tape cassette, both cumbersome devices. Nowadays, MP3 files; iPods and mobile media players almost replace such devices and make it easier to enjoy and carry around audiobooks.
In addition, audiobooks in the marketplace are now worth unbelievable profits. Sales of audiobooks are on the rise and it's changing the way books are read in a positive way. Amazon's audible service has over twenty thousand audiobooks with narrations and they add more a month. Billions of dollars in revenue are raked in, and prices are on par with that of e-books. This is a far cry from the past where audiobooks cost $50 tops.
This is a big deal for me because I want to hire voice actors for audiobook adaptations of my work. Voice actors also benefit because it's considered a lucrative side job for them. Hollywood talent tends to take the reign of some audiobook titles, but my works won't have such talent. I wanted to get voice actors from anime; cartoons and games involved in my audiobook projects. Ditto that remark for any animated or game based adaptations of my work.
I was actually inspired by such voice actors reading books that I got from the library. That's what motivated me to write my novels, so the same would happen with my work. That's why I want to write novels: to introduce new stories and to get my role models involved.
The articles that this post pertains to can be found here:
The New Explosion in Audio Books - Wall Street Journal
Sound and the story: The rise of the audiobook - The Independent
The articles interested me because it shows how far audiobooks have come in terms of accessibility. In my writing report, I mentioned how it was a luxury for school libraries and public libraries had entire sections for audiobook access. I also stated, however, that the evolution of technology has made it possible for audiobooks to be available to anyone with a computer and/or a smartphone. Previously, audiobooks had to be carried around via CD player or tape cassette, both cumbersome devices. Nowadays, MP3 files; iPods and mobile media players almost replace such devices and make it easier to enjoy and carry around audiobooks.
In addition, audiobooks in the marketplace are now worth unbelievable profits. Sales of audiobooks are on the rise and it's changing the way books are read in a positive way. Amazon's audible service has over twenty thousand audiobooks with narrations and they add more a month. Billions of dollars in revenue are raked in, and prices are on par with that of e-books. This is a far cry from the past where audiobooks cost $50 tops.
This is a big deal for me because I want to hire voice actors for audiobook adaptations of my work. Voice actors also benefit because it's considered a lucrative side job for them. Hollywood talent tends to take the reign of some audiobook titles, but my works won't have such talent. I wanted to get voice actors from anime; cartoons and games involved in my audiobook projects. Ditto that remark for any animated or game based adaptations of my work.
I was actually inspired by such voice actors reading books that I got from the library. That's what motivated me to write my novels, so the same would happen with my work. That's why I want to write novels: to introduce new stories and to get my role models involved.
The articles that this post pertains to can be found here:
The New Explosion in Audio Books - Wall Street Journal
Sound and the story: The rise of the audiobook - The Independent
Friday, September 11, 2015
Novel Progress as of 2015
I've been writing my Animator's Dream novel since the year 2010. That's five years of me writing out this novel, but I have to admit some of that time was spent taking a break from it.
The time spent writing this book consisted of going through my outline and getting inspirations for the characters in the various chapters. I also spent time revising and even overhauling the manuscript. The issue is that I've written more content than I wanted and I felt some of it was irrelevant filler. In rare cases it's a matter of changing text based on subject matter, but those instances are rare.
Now, I will admit most of my time had been spent not writing the novel but that's because I was taking a break and gathering thoughts. I only got back into the groove of writing it because it'd been on hold for a long time. I hear of stories of writers putting out books every few months and here I am with my first novel having been under writing for a half of a decade. These are people churning out books and making some kind of money while I am still working on my own.
That's changed now. I've started getting back on track and even set up special scheduling to keep myself working. In addition to school and secondary tasks, I've been making plans for my career and overall future. I'm not going to specify what kind of plans since this is no place for my personal life and details, but it's time for me to change for the better and to complete long-term goals. This includes this novel.
The time spent writing this book consisted of going through my outline and getting inspirations for the characters in the various chapters. I also spent time revising and even overhauling the manuscript. The issue is that I've written more content than I wanted and I felt some of it was irrelevant filler. In rare cases it's a matter of changing text based on subject matter, but those instances are rare.
Now, I will admit most of my time had been spent not writing the novel but that's because I was taking a break and gathering thoughts. I only got back into the groove of writing it because it'd been on hold for a long time. I hear of stories of writers putting out books every few months and here I am with my first novel having been under writing for a half of a decade. These are people churning out books and making some kind of money while I am still working on my own.
That's changed now. I've started getting back on track and even set up special scheduling to keep myself working. In addition to school and secondary tasks, I've been making plans for my career and overall future. I'm not going to specify what kind of plans since this is no place for my personal life and details, but it's time for me to change for the better and to complete long-term goals. This includes this novel.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Photoshop Freeware: GIMP
When you think of a computer program used for graphic design, the first that comes to mind is Adobe's Photoshop. Accessible to newbies; artists and professionals, Photoshop has access to multiple tools and effects that allow for high quality pictures and designs. It even has other capabilities such as 3D designs and limited animation. With great power, however, comes a great price; with prices starting at $500 and some outlets selling Photoshop at $1,000, this is no bargain. While Adobe offers Photoshop in their Creative Cloud suite, a monthly subscription is required to use the program. This is an option some aren't willing to accept or can't afford. Granted, there's Photoshop Elements also by Adobe but that program doesn't hold a candle compared to the main event. Still, graphic artists and designers of all kinds need a photo and art program of some kind to earn a living.
Fortunately, there's someone who believes in the spirit of free software. That someone made GIMP; short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, it serves to be a freeware alternative to Photoshop for those not willing to pay massive prices or monthly subscriptions. While it works closely like Photoshop, there are some features that make it stand out from its commercial bretheren.
First, GIMP has support for PSD files out of the box; PSD is the native Photoshop file, and if one doesn't have Photoshop at home they can use GIMP to continue working on projects. GIMP also has features similar to or even equal with Photoshop, such as lasso tools; clone stamps and even healing tools. GIMP also has line stroking tools and effects, great for making line art scanned to the computer.
GIMP can also save in a variety of formats like .JPEG; .GIF; .PNG; .TIFF, and many more. This is a plus for those that need Photoshop but want to save money. It also has support for plug-ins that add to GIMP further, which is also an advantage because it gives extra features not found in GIMP. In rare cases the latter turns GIMP into a completely different program altogether.
The only bad thing about GIMP is that it can do things just as well as Photoshop, but not everything. For one thing, GIMP won't be able to do 3D graphics, and you'd have to get plugins to do basic animations.
Overall, if you want an alternative to Photoshop and are intimidated by massive price tags or subscriptions GIMP is for you. While not as powerful, GIMP is a program marked by its versatility and community support. I strongly recommend it.
Download GIMP here: http://www.gimp.org/downloads/
Fortunately, there's someone who believes in the spirit of free software. That someone made GIMP; short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, it serves to be a freeware alternative to Photoshop for those not willing to pay massive prices or monthly subscriptions. While it works closely like Photoshop, there are some features that make it stand out from its commercial bretheren.
First, GIMP has support for PSD files out of the box; PSD is the native Photoshop file, and if one doesn't have Photoshop at home they can use GIMP to continue working on projects. GIMP also has features similar to or even equal with Photoshop, such as lasso tools; clone stamps and even healing tools. GIMP also has line stroking tools and effects, great for making line art scanned to the computer.
GIMP can also save in a variety of formats like .JPEG; .GIF; .PNG; .TIFF, and many more. This is a plus for those that need Photoshop but want to save money. It also has support for plug-ins that add to GIMP further, which is also an advantage because it gives extra features not found in GIMP. In rare cases the latter turns GIMP into a completely different program altogether.
The only bad thing about GIMP is that it can do things just as well as Photoshop, but not everything. For one thing, GIMP won't be able to do 3D graphics, and you'd have to get plugins to do basic animations.
Overall, if you want an alternative to Photoshop and are intimidated by massive price tags or subscriptions GIMP is for you. While not as powerful, GIMP is a program marked by its versatility and community support. I strongly recommend it.
Download GIMP here: http://www.gimp.org/downloads/
Saturday, September 5, 2015
This Honey Badger Cares: The Honey Add-On for Web Browsers
Saving money: a skill that's important for survival next to cooking. Some use coupons to cut down on bills; others take advantage of special offers in stores; then there's good, old-fashioned savings accounts and smart financial management. In the 21st century, however, all of that is taken to the next level.
An add-on for web browsers, Honey helps whenever you're trying to find a coupon code for shopping on the internet. It works with a wide variety of stores, ranging from retailers like amazon.com, to restaurants such as Papa Johns and Domino's.
Installing the add-on is simple. Go to the Honey website, scroll down to the "Download Now Free" button, and the web browser will do the rest. Congratulations, you now have access to coupon codes and extra savings.
In addition, there's a rewards program associated with the Honey add-on where you earn a currency called HoneyGold. For each dollar amount you spend, you earn the associated amount of HoneyGold. This can be used for redeeming amazon.com gift cards and, if their website is any indication, actual gold. Yeah, that gold; the same gold found on Fort Knox, Jewelry and to a degree electronics.
Overall, this add-on is strongly recommended for those trying to save money. Install it, and you'll be able to do just that.
Download the add-on here: https://www.joinhoney.com/
Join the HoneyGold program here: https://www.joinhoney.com/honeygold
An add-on for web browsers, Honey helps whenever you're trying to find a coupon code for shopping on the internet. It works with a wide variety of stores, ranging from retailers like amazon.com, to restaurants such as Papa Johns and Domino's.
Installing the add-on is simple. Go to the Honey website, scroll down to the "Download Now Free" button, and the web browser will do the rest. Congratulations, you now have access to coupon codes and extra savings.
In addition, there's a rewards program associated with the Honey add-on where you earn a currency called HoneyGold. For each dollar amount you spend, you earn the associated amount of HoneyGold. This can be used for redeeming amazon.com gift cards and, if their website is any indication, actual gold. Yeah, that gold; the same gold found on Fort Knox, Jewelry and to a degree electronics.
Overall, this add-on is strongly recommended for those trying to save money. Install it, and you'll be able to do just that.
Download the add-on here: https://www.joinhoney.com/
Join the HoneyGold program here: https://www.joinhoney.com/honeygold
Thursday, September 3, 2015
The Anker Bluetooth Keyboard: A Great Hardware Piece
The QWERTY keyboard; a staple of computer users since its inception, and is practically required next to the mouse to even operate a computer. Over time, however, keyboards change along with the world around them. They get new types of connections; can be used over a wide area of operating systems; even have additional buttons for exclusive features. In the case of Anker's Bluetooth keyboard, they become wireless.
Introductions out of the way, the Anker Bluetooth keyboard is a compact keyboard that can be used with anything that has support for Bluetooth hardware. Ranging from computers with either built-in or added on Bluetooth radios; Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy lineup; Apple's iOS systems; even Sony's PlayStation 3 supports this keyboard.
Pairing is simple. Turn on the keyboard, press the blue Fn key and the Z key, activate the Bluetooth finder on whatever device you have, pair the device by inputting the code that pops up, and you're done. Oh, and don't forget to charge the device up in case it doesn't have power.
The keyboard is more or less a bang for one's buck, costing only $16 online at amazon.com and working just as well as any keyboard. Highly recommended.
Buy this keyboard discussed in this blog here:
Amazon.com - Anker Bluetooth Keyboard
Introductions out of the way, the Anker Bluetooth keyboard is a compact keyboard that can be used with anything that has support for Bluetooth hardware. Ranging from computers with either built-in or added on Bluetooth radios; Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy lineup; Apple's iOS systems; even Sony's PlayStation 3 supports this keyboard.
Pairing is simple. Turn on the keyboard, press the blue Fn key and the Z key, activate the Bluetooth finder on whatever device you have, pair the device by inputting the code that pops up, and you're done. Oh, and don't forget to charge the device up in case it doesn't have power.
The keyboard is more or less a bang for one's buck, costing only $16 online at amazon.com and working just as well as any keyboard. Highly recommended.
Buy this keyboard discussed in this blog here:
Amazon.com - Anker Bluetooth Keyboard
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Sending SASEs to Special Services and Celebrities
Got a celebrity you like and want an autograph from? Can't make it to that fan convention due to circumstances out of your control? Sending a document to an official organization for publishing? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I've got the thing for you.
The SASE, or Self Addressed Stamped Envelope for short, is a special document that consists of two envelopes each with postage stamped on. It is used to send fan requests for autographs or manuscripts to publishing companies. Sweepstakes companies even request these documents in the event someone wins a massive prize.
The process is simple: have two envelopes with postage for both of them. The smaller envelope should NOT, repeat, NOT sealed up as this is reserved for the receiver to do so. Also have the intended delivery address--your address by the way--on this smaller envelope. Put the smaller envelope in the larger envelope. The larger envelope should have both the delivery address to the celebrity or company on it and a return address should things go wrong. Seal up the larger envelope, put postage on it and send it out. Hopefully you'll get a response in a few weeks.
That's all. Not so bad, is it?
Sources:
Self Addressed Stamped Envelope - Wikipedia
How to Send an S.A.S.E. (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope)
The SASE, or Self Addressed Stamped Envelope for short, is a special document that consists of two envelopes each with postage stamped on. It is used to send fan requests for autographs or manuscripts to publishing companies. Sweepstakes companies even request these documents in the event someone wins a massive prize.
The process is simple: have two envelopes with postage for both of them. The smaller envelope should NOT, repeat, NOT sealed up as this is reserved for the receiver to do so. Also have the intended delivery address--your address by the way--on this smaller envelope. Put the smaller envelope in the larger envelope. The larger envelope should have both the delivery address to the celebrity or company on it and a return address should things go wrong. Seal up the larger envelope, put postage on it and send it out. Hopefully you'll get a response in a few weeks.
That's all. Not so bad, is it?
Sources:
Self Addressed Stamped Envelope - Wikipedia
How to Send an S.A.S.E. (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope)
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