I love this one!
Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.
Mark Twain
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
US Airways Arrogance
If I were the type to throw a temper tantrum, I would have thrown my coffee cup across the room to smash against the opposite wall. Nor will I demean myself by swearing or cussing out people over the phone. So instead of actively venting my rage, I'm sitting here shaking with anger.
My husband is in the Merchant Marines. His company can't get him or his crew mates off the ship today because the weather in the Gulf is so bad they can't send a boat or helicopter.
I immediately called US Airways to see about changing his ticket. They said I would have to pay the difference in ticket prices (which I expected) AND pay a $150 ticket change fee! I can understand a small fee but this amount is obscene.The customer service rep I initally spoke with tried very hard to discourage me from talking to a supervisor. Then she actually refused by saying that a supervisor wouldn't be able to help me either. Only after I strongly insisted did she put me through. But, as the service rep had warned me, her supervisor refused to budge an inch. Completely stonewalled me. I replied, "Fine. Then I'll eat the price for the ticket and buy him another ticket for the flight home. This way, he'll still have his ticket for his return flight." That's when the supervisor told me if I didn't change his ticket and he couldn't make his flight today, then his return ticket would also be cancelled! So, they cancelled out his ticket and issued me a credit. But I can't ever use it unless I also pay the $150 fee.
End result: my hubby will never fly US Airways again.
I never had this problem with Air Tran. There was one time I had my husband booked with them when he couldn't get off the ship, and they worked with me. I still had to pay the difference in price for the tickets, which was fair, but they waived their $75 ticket change fee. They were also more understanding and didn't act like automatons who could only repeat their company's mantra.
At a time when airlines are increasing their prices, you would think they would compensate their disgruntled passengers by providing better service. I'm specifically recommending not to fly US Airways to everyone I know. It was nice having my husband fly into Fayetteville and it justified the slightly higher prices US Airways charged. He's just going to have to deal with flying into Raleigh from now on, and the cheaper air fares with Air Tran will make up for the little extra it costs me in gas.
April 22, 2011 Added note: I was so incensed at the time I wrote this that I forgot about the other airlines who also fly into little 'ole Fayetteville. Hubby can still fly into an airport closer to home. Happy ending for us after all. Sad ending for US Airways - they've permanently lost a 24-trips a year passenger.
My husband is in the Merchant Marines. His company can't get him or his crew mates off the ship today because the weather in the Gulf is so bad they can't send a boat or helicopter.
I immediately called US Airways to see about changing his ticket. They said I would have to pay the difference in ticket prices (which I expected) AND pay a $150 ticket change fee! I can understand a small fee but this amount is obscene.The customer service rep I initally spoke with tried very hard to discourage me from talking to a supervisor. Then she actually refused by saying that a supervisor wouldn't be able to help me either. Only after I strongly insisted did she put me through. But, as the service rep had warned me, her supervisor refused to budge an inch. Completely stonewalled me. I replied, "Fine. Then I'll eat the price for the ticket and buy him another ticket for the flight home. This way, he'll still have his ticket for his return flight." That's when the supervisor told me if I didn't change his ticket and he couldn't make his flight today, then his return ticket would also be cancelled! So, they cancelled out his ticket and issued me a credit. But I can't ever use it unless I also pay the $150 fee.
End result: my hubby will never fly US Airways again.
I never had this problem with Air Tran. There was one time I had my husband booked with them when he couldn't get off the ship, and they worked with me. I still had to pay the difference in price for the tickets, which was fair, but they waived their $75 ticket change fee. They were also more understanding and didn't act like automatons who could only repeat their company's mantra.
At a time when airlines are increasing their prices, you would think they would compensate their disgruntled passengers by providing better service. I'm specifically recommending not to fly US Airways to everyone I know. It was nice having my husband fly into Fayetteville and it justified the slightly higher prices US Airways charged. He's just going to have to deal with flying into Raleigh from now on, and the cheaper air fares with Air Tran will make up for the little extra it costs me in gas.
April 22, 2011 Added note: I was so incensed at the time I wrote this that I forgot about the other airlines who also fly into little 'ole Fayetteville. Hubby can still fly into an airport closer to home. Happy ending for us after all. Sad ending for US Airways - they've permanently lost a 24-trips a year passenger.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Time to Daydream Again
Well, I'm stuck. I've been working on my YA SFF trilogy and have managed to complete the first four chapters of the first book. I've also written out the beginnings of the second and third books, so I know where each will start.
I just don't have the foggiest idea of how to get from chapter five to the end of the first book - which will actually be the beginning of the second book.
Which means it's time for me to go back to daydreaming. It's how I've come up with the bare bones of all my works-in-progress. Hasn't failed me yet.
So I wonder, how many of you also get ideas for your books from daydreaming?
But for now, good night all!
I just don't have the foggiest idea of how to get from chapter five to the end of the first book - which will actually be the beginning of the second book.
Which means it's time for me to go back to daydreaming. It's how I've come up with the bare bones of all my works-in-progress. Hasn't failed me yet.
So I wonder, how many of you also get ideas for your books from daydreaming?
But for now, good night all!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Feminists are the new Chauvinists
I don't normally get involved or take sides in public debates, arguments, or politics. I have my own opinions and am comfortable with my stand on various issues. I also know that arguing a point with someone will not change their mind or viewpoint, anymore than they could change mine. So I try not to waste my time.
But. . .in this link to the Dear Abby column of June 29th, there is a letter from a woman declaring herself to be a feminist. Now I'm all for men and women living their lives according to how THEY want to live them. Those who know me know that I've made plenty of mistakes in my life, and have no right to tell someone else what to do. But I saw red when I read this so-called feminist's outrage at women who want a traditional lifestyle with a husband who will provide for them. I immediately did something I have never done before - I sent a letter to Dear Abby with my reply to this self-righteous, ignorant, female.
I pointed out that the women's feminist movement was supposed to be about gaining freedom for women to choose how they want to live their lives, free of societal, familial, or spousal pressure to conform to a lifestyle choice not of their choosing. To me, this means that if a woman wants to be a stay-at-home wife and/or mother, that is a choice for her to make, along with her husband's input. Of course, we all know that most women have to work whether they want to or not, simply for economic reasons. But a lot of them, if they had the choice, would prefer to stay home and take care of their children. And there is nothing wrong with that choice.
But today's feminists have become loudly vocal, self-righteous, and demeaning of any woman who chooses to be a homemaker. I get the feeling that feminists have decided they should dictate how all women get to live their lives (i.e., get a job, stay single, and keep all men at arm's length emotionally).
Feminists have taken over the role of male chauvinists. Almost all women have experienced men trying to tell us what we can and cannot do. Now the feminists are doing it too. The bottom line is. . .they don't want to see any woman living her life in a manner opposite of how they believe women should live. And holy cow! God forbid she should enjoy being a housewife. Talk about chauvinist pigs!
A truly liberated woman is one who lives her life in a manner that is her choice. And that means no one. . .man nor woman. . .has the right to tell her how to live her life. Now I'm just waiting to see if Dear Abby prints my response. You'll know it's me by my signature - An Independent Non-Feminist Woman.
But. . .in this link to the Dear Abby column of June 29th, there is a letter from a woman declaring herself to be a feminist. Now I'm all for men and women living their lives according to how THEY want to live them. Those who know me know that I've made plenty of mistakes in my life, and have no right to tell someone else what to do. But I saw red when I read this so-called feminist's outrage at women who want a traditional lifestyle with a husband who will provide for them. I immediately did something I have never done before - I sent a letter to Dear Abby with my reply to this self-righteous, ignorant, female.
I pointed out that the women's feminist movement was supposed to be about gaining freedom for women to choose how they want to live their lives, free of societal, familial, or spousal pressure to conform to a lifestyle choice not of their choosing. To me, this means that if a woman wants to be a stay-at-home wife and/or mother, that is a choice for her to make, along with her husband's input. Of course, we all know that most women have to work whether they want to or not, simply for economic reasons. But a lot of them, if they had the choice, would prefer to stay home and take care of their children. And there is nothing wrong with that choice.
But today's feminists have become loudly vocal, self-righteous, and demeaning of any woman who chooses to be a homemaker. I get the feeling that feminists have decided they should dictate how all women get to live their lives (i.e., get a job, stay single, and keep all men at arm's length emotionally).
Feminists have taken over the role of male chauvinists. Almost all women have experienced men trying to tell us what we can and cannot do. Now the feminists are doing it too. The bottom line is. . .they don't want to see any woman living her life in a manner opposite of how they believe women should live. And holy cow! God forbid she should enjoy being a housewife. Talk about chauvinist pigs!
A truly liberated woman is one who lives her life in a manner that is her choice. And that means no one. . .man nor woman. . .has the right to tell her how to live her life. Now I'm just waiting to see if Dear Abby prints my response. You'll know it's me by my signature - An Independent Non-Feminist Woman.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Eating My Words
I know, I know. I said I wouldn't go on Facebook, but now I have. Of course, as is always my luck, now there are major concerns about Facebook's security. So, I am keeping all my personal info to a minimum. Anyway, I'm there. Check it out if you want, but you'll get a quicker response if you email me.
On the writing front, I took a serious and critical look at my first manuscript. This resulted in some serious slashing and cutting. But, after comparing the current version to earlier versions, this is SO much better.
On the writing front, I took a serious and critical look at my first manuscript. This resulted in some serious slashing and cutting. But, after comparing the current version to earlier versions, this is SO much better.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Writer's Net Down Again!
*Sigh* Writers Net was back up, but is now down again. Just as I'm starting to feel good enough after my surgery to check-in regularly again, it's not there.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Demise of Writers.Net
I have been a member of a forum, Writers.Net, http://www.writers.net/ for over a year. A little over a week ago, it disappeared.
Writers.net was formatted differently from all the other look-alike forums. I preferred the format and it was easy to use. Other than minor annoyances; there was no way to delete a post, spell-check it, or correct it after posting, I enjoyed that forum. There were writers and posters from all over the world. I miss talking and arguing with those people, a lot. What I learned about writing and the advice I received from many was invaluable.
It was originally created by NetConcepts. But then NetConcepts was sold to Covario. Once that happened, forum moderation - always a hit-or-miss probability - disappeared completely.
Now the forum itself has disappeared. Not that it was unlikely to happen, but Covario could have done the right thing and announced on the forum itself that they were taking it down. But no, they just took it away. Sounds like many other large, cares-only-about-the-big-bucks corporations, doesn't it?
Writers.net was formatted differently from all the other look-alike forums. I preferred the format and it was easy to use. Other than minor annoyances; there was no way to delete a post, spell-check it, or correct it after posting, I enjoyed that forum. There were writers and posters from all over the world. I miss talking and arguing with those people, a lot. What I learned about writing and the advice I received from many was invaluable.
It was originally created by NetConcepts. But then NetConcepts was sold to Covario. Once that happened, forum moderation - always a hit-or-miss probability - disappeared completely.
Now the forum itself has disappeared. Not that it was unlikely to happen, but Covario could have done the right thing and announced on the forum itself that they were taking it down. But no, they just took it away. Sounds like many other large, cares-only-about-the-big-bucks corporations, doesn't it?
Monday, March 22, 2010
A Perfect Day
I don't know why I'm feeling so good today, but it's the greatest feeling in the world to have enough energy to actually enjoy moving around and getting things done, even if it is just around the house.
It's my perfect kind of day, too. The sky isn't just overcast, but has been dark with threatened rain all afternoon. The wind is just strong enough to blow my hair about my face - making me feel like a young girl again. It's a gently warm breeze with just enough cool in it that you can feel the coming rain. The lights are on in my kitchen, and it feels cozy and safe.
Days like these, as well as perfect spring days, are so wonderful and so rare that it should be against the law for anyone to have to work on these days. You don't get many of them and they should be enjoyed to the fullest like any other rare and intangible joy. You can't hold onto to these gems, they can only be enjoyed when they happen.
On New Year's Eve it came to me that this year is going to be a wonderful year. I've haven't felt that way about an upcoming year in over a decade. One reason, I'm finally going to have my surgery and then I can get my life back. To be able to once again walk, run, stand up and anything else I want to do without any discomfort will be a blessing.
It's my perfect kind of day, too. The sky isn't just overcast, but has been dark with threatened rain all afternoon. The wind is just strong enough to blow my hair about my face - making me feel like a young girl again. It's a gently warm breeze with just enough cool in it that you can feel the coming rain. The lights are on in my kitchen, and it feels cozy and safe.
Days like these, as well as perfect spring days, are so wonderful and so rare that it should be against the law for anyone to have to work on these days. You don't get many of them and they should be enjoyed to the fullest like any other rare and intangible joy. You can't hold onto to these gems, they can only be enjoyed when they happen.
On New Year's Eve it came to me that this year is going to be a wonderful year. I've haven't felt that way about an upcoming year in over a decade. One reason, I'm finally going to have my surgery and then I can get my life back. To be able to once again walk, run, stand up and anything else I want to do without any discomfort will be a blessing.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Men Like Romance Novels
I joined up with several beta readers/romance writers to critique each other's work. A few of them are guys. I was leery of sharing my MS with them because I didn't think they'd get it. They gave me a quick education about men and romance novels.
I have learned that reading romance novels is a guilty pleasure for a lot of men. Which makes sense, given how many times I've had to move around the guys standing in my way in the romance aisle of my nearest Barnes & Noble. I admit, at the time it annoyed me and I thought to myself, "Why are there MEN in my way - they don't belong in this section!"
Men especially like it if there is some erotica (which there is in the second half of my MS). Their critique summary was they liked it, especially since there is also some action/violence incorporated into it.
I wrote the story from two POVs, the female's and the male's, which allowed them to identify with the main male character. It surprised me to find out that men long for romances written from the male POV. As one critiquer put it, "I'm tired of reading books where the male is nothing more than a hard cock. I want to read books with strong male characters who aren't afraid to act like real men." He also pointed out that guys need to be able to read and empathize with strong male role models.
When I asked what genre they thought it fell into, their answer was "Romance for Straight Men." Unfortunately, at this time there is no such genre. But maybe there should be. That would save me from categorizing my manuscript as "Cross Genre - women's fiction/romance" and it would be a lot less words, too.
I have learned that reading romance novels is a guilty pleasure for a lot of men. Which makes sense, given how many times I've had to move around the guys standing in my way in the romance aisle of my nearest Barnes & Noble. I admit, at the time it annoyed me and I thought to myself, "Why are there MEN in my way - they don't belong in this section!"
Men especially like it if there is some erotica (which there is in the second half of my MS). Their critique summary was they liked it, especially since there is also some action/violence incorporated into it.
I wrote the story from two POVs, the female's and the male's, which allowed them to identify with the main male character. It surprised me to find out that men long for romances written from the male POV. As one critiquer put it, "I'm tired of reading books where the male is nothing more than a hard cock. I want to read books with strong male characters who aren't afraid to act like real men." He also pointed out that guys need to be able to read and empathize with strong male role models.
When I asked what genre they thought it fell into, their answer was "Romance for Straight Men." Unfortunately, at this time there is no such genre. But maybe there should be. That would save me from categorizing my manuscript as "Cross Genre - women's fiction/romance" and it would be a lot less words, too.
Back to Writing
I'm back, but I've been wondering if this is a good idea. I know blogs work for some people, especially if they're already published. But I'm not. Yet.
To be honest, if I do all the daily reading and blogging that some agents have suggested as necessary to becoming a published writer, I'd never get back to my manuscript. I know, because I have been following all the blogs that I'm supposed to follow and I do interact in one forum, Writers Net, where I will continue to participate. But in doing this, I've lost track of my work. So I am giving up on following any, except for a couple of humorous and/or very informative agent and editor blogs, limiting it to 1-2 times a week. So now I can get back to my work. Yeah!
As for this blog, I will add to it whenever I feel the need to espouse my views, but I'm not going to make myself write here just because others have said I must have a blog. I'd prefer that if someone is going to read something I write, then for God's sake - read my BOOK. Once it's published, that is.
Here's a list of other things I'm not going to do at this time:
To be honest, if I do all the daily reading and blogging that some agents have suggested as necessary to becoming a published writer, I'd never get back to my manuscript. I know, because I have been following all the blogs that I'm supposed to follow and I do interact in one forum, Writers Net, where I will continue to participate. But in doing this, I've lost track of my work. So I am giving up on following any, except for a couple of humorous and/or very informative agent and editor blogs, limiting it to 1-2 times a week. So now I can get back to my work. Yeah!
As for this blog, I will add to it whenever I feel the need to espouse my views, but I'm not going to make myself write here just because others have said I must have a blog. I'd prefer that if someone is going to read something I write, then for God's sake - read my BOOK. Once it's published, that is.
Here's a list of other things I'm not going to do at this time:
- I'm NOT going on Twitter - I'm not twitter-pated. And I'm just enough of a private cave-dweller that I don't want people to know what I'm doing all of the time. This is something that would irritate me to have to do, which means I would probably be very snarky. And I don't like to be snarky, unless someone's been rude to me first. I admit, in those instances, I do enjoy giving a little snarkiness right back at 'em. I've always found it fun to have a contest of wits with someone who has no wits.
- I'm not going to set up a website - at this time. I know how to set up a basic site, but when I do have one, I want it to be awesome. In other words, someone's going to be paid big bucks to set me up with a really great site.
- Forget Facebook and MySpace. I will be willing to relook these sites in the future if a need comes up, but not now. Again, they would detract from my writing.
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