E books. What are your thoughts?

I don't have a nook, kindle, or other, but I do have an ipod touch that I was able to download the nook and kindle apps for free. Since doing that, I've tried out a couple of ebooks just to see if I like reading them on the ipod vs the actual book in my hands.

Verdict? So far, I'd have to say I still prefer the book, because my kids aren't asking for a turn on the book, but they do ask for a turn on the ipod. Plus, a book, I can borrow from the library, (but honestly, I don't make it to the library very often, and I've heard you can borrow ebooks from libraries now).

However, you can find lots of ebooks for relatively cheep. 99 cents for a few hours of vacation from your mundane life can't be beat. You don't have the physical book to find a place for on your shelves.

Of course there are more reasons than the ones I've given, but I think a book, in any form is a good thing. Reading is awesome.

I'm sure I'll be reading more books in both formats, but if the book is so outstanding I want it for a second read, then I'd probably do it in actual book form.

Speaking of ebooks. I'll be doing a contest for a free ebook, so check back for details and let your friends know so they can follow me too.

Laura

I love a good writing challenge.

I totally rock at writing lots of words. When I have a motivation or a challenge, or when there is someone to check up on me.

For instance, a writer friend of mine started Sprint Writers Central. Check out the widget on the side. It's a place where you can go and write while other writers are in the chat room. They've got a timer where you can do little sprints of how ever long works for you. I just did 2 thirty minute sprints for a total of an hour. Guess how many words that produced. 1, 807. That's about 30 words per minute.

Now if I didn't have someone to race against, or even just the timer, or even just my imaginary writing friends when no one else is on the site at the same time as me, I wouldn't write nearly as much.

I'm also part of a Facebook group page that has challenged each writer to write at least 500 words per day for six months, and that would equal about a 90,000 word novel.

This might not work for another writer, but for me, it's been a great motivator.

So get together with a writer friend or two and challenge yourself.

Wanna join us? Let me know and I'll get you hooked up on the Facebook page. But just click that little sprint writers central widget to join the other one.

Laura

What is a writer?

What is a writer? Really?

I just read an amazing thing from another writers blog. I'm hoping I can attach the link to get there from HERE It lets people know that writers are people too. Some are awesome, and some are in need of a few manners. But always remember, authors are people too.

Speaking of that. I'm not technically considered an author, because I have not had anything I've written published, but I do feel like I am one. Or a writer, or whatever you want to call what I do.

But I'm also a mom, a wife, a daughter, a neighbor, a friend, a volunteer, a cook, a cleaner, a teacher, a chaufer, etc... I have hopes and dreams. I fail and I succeed. I start and I stop. I laugh and I cry. I have ups and downs. Just like everyone else out there in this fantastic world of ours.

I know some writers are the kind who can start a book, finish it, send it in, and get it published all in less than a year.

Other writers spend years going through the process of planning their plot, and characters and slave over every detail and yet their books never see the light of day.

So many writers would love to have unlimited time to follow their muse, but it doesn't always happen. We have diapers to change, kids to feed, bath time to regulate, houses to clean, shopping to do, naps to take (or dream about taking) Many have full time jobs to juggle, and volunteer service to provide.

So I guess with all this random ramblings, I'm just trying to say that there are many more things about a writer/author than just their books.

BUT, we sure love our books, and hope the world out there will love them too.

Laura