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Hope you have a great holiday season with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. First, last clichés: Three-ring circus—an event of utter confusion. This is an Americanism that started in the late 19th century, alluding to a circus in which three rings or arenas are...
Vanity Killed published!
Well, Vanity Killed is finally up and running on Amazon, POD and e-book. But, first, last clichés: Pass Muster—Meet a required standard. Began in the military and once meant to undergo review without censure. George Gascoigne used it figuratively in 1575 ( The Making...
Converting Manuscript To e-book format
I've been busy working on Vanity Killed. First, last clichés: Ahead of the Pack— Doing better than the others, in advance of the rest of a group. Pack refers to a group of people since the 1400s, but for about 400 years it was a derogatory connotation as in “pack of...
Listening to Speakers on Writing
Went to a speaker meeting on Monday and listened to a talk about publishing options. But first, last clichés: Stand my Ground—To refuse to give in; to hold your position. This comes from the military (from about 1700) it was used referring to holding one’s position....
Don’t forget to proof the cover, and headers/footers
First, let’s find last clichés: Going Over With a Fine-Tooth Comb— To investigate or search for with great care. Combs have been around since ancient Egypt, and some had finer teeth than others, the term “fine tooth comb” dates from the first half of the 19th century....
Still Proofing
Well, I’m still reading Vanity Killed Proof! First, last clichés: Make or Break you—To bring on ruin or success. This phrase began as make or mar, which dates from 15th century (see John Lydgate, Assembly of Gods). Dickens was among the first to substitute the current...
Proofing your Book
Vanity Killed has been uploaded and I'm waiting for the "proof" book to arrive shortly. First, let's do the Last Clichés: Have the Upper Hand—To be in a controlling position or dominating. This has been around since the 15th Century. It’s derived from an ancient...
Preparing Your Manuscript for CreateSpace
I've been working on Vanity Killed and getting it ready for publication. Last Clichés: Blissfully ignorant (or ignorance is bliss)—Sometimes it’s better not to know your outcome, or fate. The idea was stated by Greek playwright Sophocles (c409B.C.) It was also quoted...
Using CreateSpace to self-publish
I’m in the process of publishing my next novel Vanity Killed. But first, last week’s clichés: Get back into the swing of things—To take a very lively part in, To become active. This is a 19th century change for the phrase in full swing (which means already very active...
Cover Design and Edit
I’m back. After a grueling working summer—not on my novels—I’m back to writing. First—Last Clichès: Full of Piss and Vinegar –Quite aggressive, very energetic. This is not a very nice cliché (piss refers to urine, used to be acceptable language, but no longer is)...
