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DirtyMartini
Over 90 days ago
United States

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Never did get a chance to see Stevie Ray in concert Brian...oh well...here's a little something for ya'...

Jimi Hendrix - Wild Thing - Monterey 1967

Ooops...I posted originally without reading the rules of the game...I see I need to pick a ringtone for Mr. Snoop...how about "Rock And Roll" by Led Zeppelin?"...

Speaking of ringtones, I am using a very cheap TracFone at the moment...but, the last two phones I had where I could modify the ringtone, I had the rather distinctive intro to Baba O'Riley...very nice, if I say so myself...

Alright, the link to my author page is now working...and here it is btw...

AUTHORSdB > Authors Directory > Alan W. Jankowski
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1824-alan-w-jankowski

I'd like to mention it not just to encourage sales of my own work, which would be wonderful...but, note what I have listed under Website...yes my friends, my page here on this fine site known throughout the world as Stories Space...

I don't have my own website, and don't plan on having one anytime soon...or anytime not so soon for that matter...so, I use my page here as my website on a number of sites, such as Twitter, and several poetry sites, for instance...

I mention this because I happen to know that a number of people here are looking for ways to divert more traffic to their stuff here on SS, and this is one way to do it...so, you don't really need to have your own book out to have a reason to create a page over on AUTHORSdB...

Just my little two cents of advice for today my SS friends...
Quote by fallingdove
Sadly, I hardly ever finish a book. I can't read any faster than I can talk. If I don't form the words physically with my mouth they make no sense to me.


Oh, I'm exactly the same way btw...I read at the same speed whether I'm reading to myself or saying the words out loud, so it takes me about 5 minutes per 1k words or so to read something...

So...if someone submits a 10k story here, it would take me almost an hour to read it...
SMALL AXE LITERARY COMPETITION
http://smallaxe.net/sxsalon/literarycompetition.php
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NO ENTRY FEE NOTED
The Small Axe Literary Competition encourages the production and publication of Caribbean fiction and poetry. The competition focuses on poetry and short stories from emerging writers whose work centers on regional and diasporic Caribbean themes and concerns. The competition consists of two categories: poetry and short fiction. Two winners are chosen from each category by a distinguished panel
of judges. First Prize: $750 Second Prize: $500. Deadline May 31, 2013. Submit unpublished short story (maximum 7,000 words), or an original selection of poetry (maximum ten poems, not exceeding ten manuscript pages). Winners of the 2012 competition will be published in Small Axe 42 - July 2013.
Quote by RedSonja
Maybe the prospect of sales would help disspell the willies.


Oh yeah, thanks RedS...that was the original idea when I approached Elaine back in January...I approached her with the idea of selling the book in the library for $15.00, with $3.00 of that going to the library itself...she said she wanted to read the book first...I believe she had some concerns about content, but apparently I passed...she told me at the time she would want to have a "Meet the author" type event first...

So...yeah, the whole idea is to sell the book in the library...
Yeah, I'm not so sure about the karaoke...I don't think I've ever been quite that drunk, and I'm fairly certain nobody who is not severely hearing impaired would put up with my singing...

Thanks for the suggestions though...I'll keep all that in mind...

I haven't really done anything resembling poetry readings as of yet, though I did read the 9/11 poem to my neighbor Scott on the steps of the Somerville library the day I finished it...he's Rover on Stories Space btw...

But yeah, I'll probably be nervous, but I think I'll survive and hopefully it will get easier each time...reminds me of a story someone shared over in a LinkedIn group, I won't mention any names, but he's on my FB friends list...anyway, he decided that for his first poetry reading he needed to consume a bit of "liquid courage" so to speak...and ended up falling off his chair at his first poetry reading...

I'll try not to make that mistake at least...better to look nervous, me thinks...
I think maybe you need to come along as well Gypsy...maybe I could bring along the whole crew, it could be a real three ring circus...

I might never be allowed back in the library, or in town for that matter...but, it would be fun...
I really like the idea of bringing Rump along, between his wit, and my wit...we could probably come up with a whole wit...we could undoubtedly dazzle the crowd with something, if not brilliance...and his writerly advice is sort of "special"...

Besides, I could use somebody to help me carry in the liquor...

You don't think there's any chance I could persuade the library director to have open bar that night, do you? Well, I could always bring it up the next time we meet...can't hurt to ask...
Alright, let's see if I make it in the next Who's Who In Literature...just got this btw...

Alan Walter Jankowski, your biography has passed initial screening
Inbox
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3:35 AM (5 minutes ago)

to me
Dear Alan Walter Jankowski,

Congratulations! Your biography has passed initial screening and is now being reviewed and edited by our editors for possible inclusion in Marquis Who's Who Publications.

In the near future, you will be sent a copy of your biography adapted to the classic Marquis Who's Who editorial style and given an opportunity to review and update your profile.

Final selections are generally made three months prior to publication. If your biography is selected for inclusion, you will be notified at that time and given one final opportunity to approve or edit your biography before the publication goes to print.

Marquis Who's Who, publisher of the original Who's Who in America since 1899, is recognized worldwide as the premier publisher of biographical information on important individuals across all fields of endeavor. Amongst those included in Marquis Who's Who publications are such luminaries as Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Stephen Hawking, Jane Goodall, Diane Von Furstenberg, Sanjay Gupta, Angela Merkel, Rafael Nadal, Yo-Yo Ma, and Oprah Winfrey. You should be proud of the achievements that led to your consideration for inclusion alongside such noteworthy men and women.

Once again, thank you for submitting your biography, and best wishes for your continued success.

Sincerely,

Fred Marks
Editor-in-Chief

P.S. We have found that accomplished candidates like you are often one of our best resources for identifying individuals who meet the qualifications for inclusion in a Marquis Who's Who publication. As such, we would like to invite you to nominate a friend or colleague who you feel deserves recognition for their major achievements and dedication to their field.

To contact the Marquis Who's Who Editorial Department with comments and/or questions, please send an e-mail to .

At Marquis Who's Who, we respect your privacy. Click here to view our privacy policy.

Marquis Who's Who
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Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
http://www.marquiswhoswho.com/ .

Copyright (C) 2013. Marquis Who's Who LLC. All rights reserved.
Looks my night at the library will be in September...I just got to think of something to say...

I told her I don't mind doing the readings, but not sure how much actual "advice" I have...I will certainly answer any questions though...this will be my first author event btw...so, I have about four months to sit around and get even more nervous...

Will post more stuff related to this as I become aware, such as any mention of it on the site...but, the date looks good...

HELLO
Inbox
x


Elaine Gaber
7:03 PM (10 minutes ago)

to me
Hello Alan,

I hope you’ve been well?

It is less crazy now that we’ve initiated downloadable ebooks at the library!

I think your book of poetry is well written and would be happy to have a “Meet the Author” night; does Tuesday, September 10 work for you?

Would you be able to read some of your poems – including the “We Shall Never Forget (9/11 Tribute)”?

Could part of your program include “tips for writers/poets?”

Regards,
Elaine


Elaine R. Gaber, Director
Sadie Pope Dowdell Library
100 Harold G. Hoffman Plaza
South Amboy, New Jersey 08879

T: 732.721.6060 F: 732.721.1054
Email:
Web: www.dowdell.org
Hey Drac...yeah to our humble little story site with the helpful and friendly staff...yeah, I'm one of those by the way...though admittedly I try to hide sometimes...

Anyway, if you have any questions feel free to ask...someone's usually around, and occasionally we even have answers...

Cheers,
Alan.
I think you should go for it Reverend Rump...just make sure it has a riveting plot...and, of course, a great opening hook...
I think you should go for it Reverend Rump...just make sure it has a riveting plot...and, of course, a great opening hook...
Something you don't see every day, a writing contest about Roth IRA's...

NERDWALLET'S ROTH IRA WRITING CONTEST
http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/investing/2013/roth-ira-writing-contest-competition-2013-win-prize/
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NO ENTRY FEE
Deadline May 12, 2013. Do you have an opinion on saving for retirement using a Roth IRA? We're looking for short pieces showcasing views on Roth IRAs. The pros, the cons, and everything in between.

First Place: $500
Second Place: $300
Third Place: $200
Quote by Rumple_deWriter
Early on, I describe the Hilltop Café interior as being "neon lighted." (might have stuck a hyphen in there) He suggested that "neon lit" would be the correct wording.


Interesting that Maggie thinks either is correct, and I'm sure she's right...she knows stuff...

I would have thought Brian is correct...to me "neon lighted" just don't sound right...but frankly, grammar stuff is not my forte...so, I have to go with the Rascal...
Writer.ly has some good and useful stuff for authors...anyone on Facebook might want to "like" their page btw...just a suggestion...

Here's a video that might be of interest to some of my friends here...

Twitter for Authors: Part one - build your tribe

HOW I SURVIVED: PERSONAL STORIES WANTED FOR GLORIA GAYNOR'S NEW BOOKS
E-mail:
or
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Have you survived an illness, personal tragedy, abusive relationship,
financial ruin, or other life experience that brought you to your
knees? Did the disco-era song “I Will Survive,” by Grammy Award-
winning songstress Gloria Gaynor, inspire you to rise and thrive?
If so, we’d love to share your story in a new book of personal
narrative essays that tell the story of how you survived the
experience and how the song influenced your life. We’re looking for
real-life stories that read like fiction—similar to the stories in
the Cup of Comfort book series, compiled and edited by Colleen Sell.
The book will include 50 stories of 1,000-2,000 words each. For each
essay selected for publication in the book, the author will receive
$75, a complimentary copy of the book signed by Gloria Gaynor, and a
signed photo of Ms. Gaynor. Submit by April 30, 2013.
I usually take the names for my characters from people that I know in real life...for instance, I have used the names Pete and Joe quite a few times because they happen to be friends of mine...I've also put them in a couple stories as actual characters...ie: they are their actual selves...my friend Joe Malgeri is a good example, he is in a story some here may be familiar with called "Your Eyes"...as himself...the story is not on this site because it is an erotic story, but it is the first story of mine that got any real acknowledgement...it was featured in a newsletter over on Writing.com, which is the biggest writing site on the net (UEN Erotica Writer's Newsletter No. 149 Oct. 13, 2009)...and the editor of the newsletter is a professional Hollywood screenwriter btw...shortly afterwards it received an Editor Pick on a popular red erotic story site...

There is a female lead character in that story, a folk singer named Cheryl Conroy...I needed a name for a singer/songwriter...the first that popped into my mind was Cheryl Crow...I changed her last name to Conroy, which is my friend Pete's last name...

As far as erotic stories go, I generally try to pick names that are not shared by other members of the site I'm writing for...for instance, my story here "Sexual Healing" was originally written for an erotic story site...I had started the story using Sue as the name of the main character, but changed it later after realizing there is a popular member of the site I was writing for with that name (Sue Eastwood)...so, I changed the name of the main character to Nancy...

Little did I know I would start going out with a girl named Nancy about six weeks later...but, that's a whole other story...

As far as the names influencing the character's behavior or anything, I would have to say no...as you can see, my name choices are pretty arbitrary...

There is one instance where I did name a character in a poem called "Johnny And Mary" after someone on a site I was writing for...again, it was an erotic story site, and the poem doesn't appear here...

A girl named Mary sent me a rather touching note about my writing while I was in the middle of writing that one...I can't recall what name I was using in the poem before though...
Bright skies are up above.

(I think I just deleted a couple of posts that didn't follow the rules btw...let that be a warning for you rebel posters out there.)