Alaka-Spam!!

Okay, my Spam is just getting weird now. I am used to mountains of non-relevant, useless and potentially malevolent emails clogging up my Spam folder or finding their way into my inbox. Get rich quick scams, male enhancement solutions, snoring cures, auto finders, loan approvals... you name it, I've seen it, blocked it and deleted it all.

But this was a new one. A Love Spell. Wow. My Spam has suddenly taken a mystical turn. 

I have one question. Are the voodoo dolls, cauldrons and "eye of newt" included or do they cost extra? (That's how they getcha.)

I wonder what other sorcery my inbox might conjure up next... Invisibility? Super strength? X-Ray vision? All I have to do is have the courage to click on that link. 

Problem is, I don't think there is an incantation powerful enough to ward off all of the evil pop-up ads, viruses and scams that I am sure will magically appear on my computer once I let that first Love Spell rabbit out of the hat. 

Sorry Love Spell people, I am using my magic cursor and making your Spam disappear.
Alakazam!!!

Elmore Leonard on Writing - Enough Said.

If you haven’t read an Elmore Leonard novel, you are probably still familiar with his work and recognize his name as a great American author. His works have been made into such movies and TV shows as Out of Sight, Get Shorty, Be Cool and Justified. Two of his characters in particular have emerged as household names, Karen Sisco from Out of Sight and Raylan Givens of Justified.

One of the trademarks of Leonard’s work is great characters. They are compelling, layered and always interesting. I have read a lot of “how to” articles and books on the subject of writing, but I may have just learned more from this quick video from Elmore Leonard. The biggest thing I walked away with was the importance of your characters. You may think that’s an obvious point, but listen to it the way he explains it. It will take on a whole new meaning.

Whether you are just starting out as an author or a seasoned pro, I highly suggest checking this out. Then go read Elmore Leonard novel, for goodness sakes. (And watch Justified... it's one of the best shows on TV.)

A History of Content Marketing

Here is a cool video that takes us through the history of content marketing.  It's the opening video from Content Marketing World on "The Power of Story".



















This video comes via the Content Marketing Institute web site, which is a source of a ton of great content. No surprise there.

Use the Internet, Luke

Sure, light sabers are pretty cool technology, but it may have been better if Luke simply had a computer.