#i need to make newbie editor friends so that i have someone to give advice to lol /lhj

[windose20s]

pov me when my new blog is dead & gets no asks

[simsadventures]

Only Mine:Chapter 1: One Night

Summary: Being single’s got its perks, such as going partying with your friends, and shamelessly flirting with people you know you shouldn’t be flirting with. And will you just flirt?

Warnings: swearing, alcohol abuse, smut (MUST 18+ TO READ THE PART BETWEEN WARNINGS- these will be put in front of the smut and when it ends, so that those who aren’t comfortable reading it, won’t have to, plenty will happen even without it)

Word Count: 3615 A/N: It’s finally here!! What do you guys think? I had so much fun writing it, I hope y’all enjoy it as much as I did. Feedback is gold, so pleaaaaase don’t hesitate and tell me what was on your mind reading it. Even constructive criticism is welcomed. Love you to pieces guys!! xx

Series Masterlist __ Masterlist

The combination of being single and out on Friday night made you giddy. It took you over three months to properly get over your ex-boyfriend, and you were finally willing to have some fun. Not that the relationship ended badly, not at all. You and Colin were still friends, but you woke up one day realising, that you couldn’t anymore. That this was not the life you wanted to live- being the goody-goody, the perfect girlfriend turned perfect wife. Mike was a sweet guy, but if you were being honest with yourself, he never really was your type.

You met him in college, he was studying law, and you were doing English literature because books and reading have always been your passions. Everyone around you said you were perfect for each other, except your best friend, Natasha. She would always say that he is nice enough, but that he wasn’t the one for you. That you needed a little more. You would always dismiss her, telling her that this was exactly what every girl dreams of. The perfect life. But three years into this perfect life, you realised that the gilded cage wasn’t perfect at all and that your freedom was more valuable to you than loads of money, and golf-club lunches on Sundays.

When you told Mike, he looked devastated. He would tell you that he wanted to marry you and that he didn’t understand what happened. But the more you talked, the more he realised that you weren’t happy there with him and that you desperately wanted something he couldn’t give you. You knew he would find the perfect girl without a problem, he was a real catch.

And even though you were the one who ended the relationship, you were still in pain, over the loss of your friend, mostly. You missed Mike’s advice, his listening skills, and his warm hugs. So yeah, it took you three months to first and foremost move out of his house, and find an apartment that you could afford, with the payroll of an editor. Luckily, Nat wanted to move as well, and so you found a place for the two of you. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a small little space, just enough for the two of you to be close together, but still have some sort of privacy.

Tonight marked the first night ever since you left Mike, that you wanted to go out, and actually enjoy a male company. You wanted just a little flirting here and there, some dancing maybe, and you’d be good. All you wanted was to feel desirable again.

To achieve that, you wore your red bondage dress, which ended on your mid-thigh. You matched your lipstick with the colour of your dress, curled your hair, checked if everything fitted the way it should, and walked out of your room.

Nat was already seating by the dining table, her phone in her hand, waiting for you patiently. She looked up and had to do a double-check. “Holy shit, Y/N!! You so freaking hot I would jump your bones, for fuck’s sake! Men are gonna lose their minds tonight, baby!”

You laughed and swatted her shoulder. “You’re the one speaking. Have you looked in the mirror? You’re breathtaking, babe!” She was wearing a tight black dress, with a little flare around her hips, which only intensified her hour-glass figure. “They’re gonna be drooling on you!”

You decided to go to the Compound, a new club opened in the middle of Brooklyn. You heard a lot of stories about how it’s just a pretence, so they had a place to launder the money, but you didn’t really care. You also heard that the club owned the one and only Bucky Barnes, a guy who had his fingers in pretty much everything illegal happening on the East Coast. From time to time, you thought how it was possible, that a man of his reputation hasn’t been arrested yet, but Mike told you that because of his monopoly. His cooperation with the police when it came to stuff being snuggled to the Us by someone else than him, they just let him run the show.  

He and his crew allegedly took care of most of the crime regarding women, and murders of innocent people in New York, and that’s why the police closed their eyes when it came to drugs and the other shit he was in.

But you didn’t care about any of that, mainly because you’d never meet this guy. Didn’t mean that just because you were going to a club supposedly owned by him, you’d have to meet him, or even if you met him, he would never notice you and you would never talk to him.

—-

When you came to the club, the line at the entrance was just long enough for you to be willing to stand there for a few minutes before they let you in. Were it any longer, you’d probably turn on your heels and go somewhere where it wasn’t this crowded.

The club was full, not to the point of it being uncomfortable, but enough that the air was tacky, and everywhere now and then someone would bump into you, trying to squeeze towards the bar. You were determined to have fun, so you tried to remain calm, even after what felt like 15th girl shoved you, because she saw someone she knew at the very opposite corner of the club.

You and Nat had few drinks, and even though you weren’t a newbie to drinking, this shit was strong, and because your choice of beverage was vodka with soda, it tended to go to your head a little faster. You knew you had to slow down a little, so you both went to the bar once again, but this time for a glass of water. It was only around 1 AM, and you knew that if you wanted to stay and have fun that night, you had to slow down with the drinks.  

As you were sipping on the water, you looked around the club. People were mostly dancing, lost in the rhythm of the music, unaware of what was happening around them. You liked to watch this kind of scenes. These people were happy and relaxed, and you always enjoyed the energy that emitted from them. You shifted your gaze towards the tables and saw few couples making out, some crews of both men and women, chatting and laughing mindlessly. In the furthest corner from you was the VIP section. When you came, it was unoccupied, so expected it to be the same now, but when you looked, you saw that there were now 5 guys sitting there.

They were too far away for you to see properly, but you thought you saw them all roaming their eyes across the room, their faces cold as ice. You shook your head and told yourself not to bother. What you couldn’t see was one of the guys intently watching you, licking his lips as he was doing so. You were beautiful, and he wanted to meet you. Now.

As you turned around, you found Natasha chatting with a cute guy. She was all smiles, she would throw her hair here and there, touching his arm, and all the charming things she would do every time she set her eyes on somebody.

You were about to order a drink once again when you suddenly felt somebody’s hand on the small of your back. You turned your head and saw that one of the security guys was standing right behind you, touching you.

“Can I help you?” You said, loud enough for him to hear you through the music. You cocked your head and waited for a response.

“I was told to come to fetch you, girl. Somebody would like to meet you.” He said, and his arm was suddenly on your elbow. This guy was obviously not taking no for an answer. You showed him your index finger to tell him to wait a second and tapped Nat’s shoulder. “I’m going away for a sec, but don’t worry, ok? Some guy wants to meet me, or something.” She just raised an eyebrow and let you go, knowing full well that you were an adult able to make your own decision. She just made a mental note to see where you were going and to not really let you go anywhere without her knowing it.

You nodded at the security guy, and he led you towards the VIP section you were looking at just a few moments ago. When you reached your destination, the guy in front of you, just showed you to go ahead, and you followed his orders.

You stood there, in front of 5 men you’ve never seen in your life. The music was a little quieter here, but still, nobody was talking. All of them were just watching you, their eyes roaming across your body, shamelessly stopping at your boobs.

You were feeling like you were being judged like they were deciding whether you were good enough to talk to them. And you didn’t have time nor energy for that.

“Am I here for a reason, or for you to just watch me? ‘Cause if that’s the case, I’m heading back there, and I’m gonna enjoy myself.”

“That so, doll?” The one seating in the middle said with a raised eyebrow and smirked playing on his mouth.

You just nodded curtly and waited for his next move. Who the hell did this smug motherfucker think he was? Huh!

“Good! Boys, make some space, I would like to get to know this beautiful woman, even though she’s got some mouth on her!” You fought the urge to roll your eyes at him because he was just too much. He acted like a gangster… Wait a minute!

You cautiously sat down next to him, and he turned so he could face you. “What’s your name, beautiful?” The nicknames rolled off his tongue so easily, he must be used to calling all women that way. You took your time answering. If he was who you thought he was, you didn’t really need him knowing your name. So you decided for a little lie.

“Dita, and yours?” He smiled smugly, threw his arm around the cushion of the sofa you were sitting at. “I’m Bucky, doll, it’s really my pleasure to meet ya!” Ha! You thought. So it was him. You were contemplating whether to run away from this mobster or if you wanted to stay. But the looks he was giving you, the way he was biting his lip his eyes still locked in your, and the way his right hand was now resting on your thigh, this all send tingles to both your stomach and a little lowers.

He was a handsome guy, you had to give him that. He was chatting so easily, all smiles, hand squeezing your flesh, leaving you to crave more. What was more, he would order more drinks of your choice for you, so in an hour, or so, you could feel the familiar feeling of haze in your mind. You would lean into his touch more and more, enjoying the warmth that his body emitted. Your phone buzzed in your purse, and when you checked it, you realised that you had left Nat standing there, with a stranger.

Hey babe, just wanted to let you know that I’m going home with this guy, you ok? Having fun in the VIP?

You smiled and quickly typed your answer. Good for you, he was a cutie! I’m fine, don’t worry about me, Mr Important here is pretty easy on the eye too, think I’m gonna have a fun night. See ya tomorrow, love you!! xx

You put it away and smiled at Bucky sweetly. He handed you your drink, which you gave him to type your message correctly, and took a generous sip. A little drop of the poison stayed on your lips, and it didn’t escape Bucky’s attention. He swiped his thumb along your lower lip, wiping away the droplet, and then bringing the thumb to his mouth and putting it in his mouth. The sight of it all was so intense and giving off sexual vibes, that you shuddered involuntarily.

“What do you say we get out of here?” It was your turn to squeeze his thigh in confirmation, and Bucky helped you up, snaked his arm around your hip, bringing you closer to him. He led you out through the private exit, right towards the prepared black jeep. As soon as you were seated, Bucky was on you. He kissed you fervently, trying to touch as much of your skin as he could, but still leave the best to his apartment.

Warning: smut starting

The second he closed the door to his apartment, all bets were off. You were tugging at his shirt to pull it off him, to finally feel his skin against yours. He was doing the same to your dress and was much more successful at undressing you. You were left standing only in your underwear and high heels. Bucky took his time ogling your body. “Damn, Dita! You’re so fucking hot, come here, baby.” He all but growled at you, and you were more than happy to oblige, even though the fake name made you cringe a little.

His shirt went flying, and you set your job at unzipping his pants and pulling them off of him. You wanted to enjoy his body to the fullest, so you sank to your knees underneath him and cupped him in your hand through his boxers.

He groaned at sight in front of him. Beautiful woman, almost naked, was very willingly offering him a blowjob, and who was he to deny you. He let you strip him off his underwear and leave him completely naked in front of you. Your mouth watered at the sight of him. He might have been a feared mobster, but he was a sight for a sore eye! His member was more than average, proudly standing parallel to his abdomen. You were proud to be the cause of that. And you wanted more.

You spit in your hand, and took him firmly, stroking him teasingly, from top to bottom, stopping there to cup his balls and back up to wipe the leak coming from the head. You marvelled at the sight of in your hand. You smirked and took him in your mouth swiftly. Bucky tensed up and grabbed your hair in his hand, both to see your face and to be able to control your movement if needed. Bucky loved his control, and he wanted it all the time.

You wanted to tease him some more, but Bucky wasn’t having any of it. He pulled you towards him, not so you were choking on him, but enough for his cock to be comfortably in your mouth. You chuckled at his impatience but went with the flow.

You bobbed up and down, sucking intensely, not letting Bucky have a rest from the pleasure you were giving him. And when you were not sucking, you were licking and tracing the vein on his dick. You tried to take as much of him as possible, but you were still not able to take him fully even if you were gagging. Bucky was amazed by how easily you made it look. Most girls he’s been with weren’t that eager to give and were much rather on the receiving end of the pleasure, but you were good at this, and you knew it. Bucky wanted to stay like this forever. A girl on his feet, sucking him intently.

But he knew that if he wanted to keep his reputation, he needed to pull you off of him ASAP. Because if you continued at this speed, he would have come in your mouth in no time. He grabbed your chin and wiped away the saliva connecting you still to his achingly hard dick. You pouted when he did so, enjoying yourself too much. He laughed at you and raised you by your elbow.

“I know baby girl, I was loving it, but I would love to enjoy your pussy as well. Let’s get you to my bed, and I’m gonna let you experience the real show.”

God, he was smug! You just hoped he was as good as he thought he was.

He threw you on the mattress, and was immediately on you, kissing down your neck, nibbling at your soft skin, definitely leaving some marks for you to sport for next few days. He was unclasping your bra like a professional, with one hand, the other supporting his weight on top of you. As soon as you were free from the confines of your bra, he sucked on your nipples like a craved man. You were already writhing underneath him, the alcohol in your system making you all that much hornier- you could feel your panties being more soaked by every passing second.

His hand finally reached your soaked core, smirking at the wetness he found there. “Someone’s eager!” He mumbled against your nipples, still paying them the so needed attention. “Please, Bucky!” You were starting to be desperate. You wanted him inside you, like yesterday.

He ripped the panties from your body, leaving a pleasant sting on your skin. His skilled fingers finally found the place where he was needed the most, all moist and puffy, waiting for his member.

“I bet you could take me without any preparation, huh? You’re so wet for me, doll!” He inserted two of his fingers abruptly into you, making you moan out loud. You were feeling like a pornstar, and you were loving it.

“Bucky! God damn, please! Just fuck me already!” You grabbed his hand to stop his movement and to let him know just how serious you were!

“You don’t need to tell me twice.” He whispered, and prompted him on his elbows, guiding his cock to your aching core. “Aaaah!” You both moaned at the same moment, revelling in the fantastic feeling of him inside you.

“Fuck, you’re tight, doll! So god damn tight! Fucking love this pussy!” Bucky didn’t even know what he was saying, he just marvelled in the feeling of your velvet walls squeezing him. He could feel you were close already, the alcohol helping you with that, and he knew he wouldn’t last. The combination of the bj you’ve given him and your beautiful body and your tight walls was deadly.

He was thrusting into you relentlessly, taking your breath away and not letting your mind wander away from him. He was everywhere, and your senses were completely overwhelmed by him. You could feel him hitting your sweet spot over and over again, and before you knew it, the coil in your belly snapped, and you coming, mewling, crying, and scratching Bucky’s back in complete pleasure. Bucky sank his teeth in your shoulder, thrust half a dozen times, and came with a shout.

Warning ending

You were both panting messes, laying there, in Bucky’s bed, enjoying the post-coital bliss. You could hear his breath evening out, and suddenly, the realisation hit you. You were in Bucky Barnes’ bed, you just had sex with him, and you suddenly didn’t know what to do. You had probably the best sex of your life, no shame to admit that, but you knew very well that this was a one-time thing, and that you had to get away from there.

You didn’t want to be one of Bucky’s flings, or as you heard someone talking about the girls- his monthly prizes. You loved yourself too much to be just somebody’s prize, for him to kick you out the second he got bored with you. You waited another few minutes, listening to Buck’s breath, and when he started to snore lightly, you decided it was your chance.

You quietly took all of your clothes, hastily put them on, and pretty much ran from the apartment. The sun was already getting up, but you didn’t pay it too much attention. You just wanted to get home, sleep this crazy night away, and keep it only in your memory. You knew that there wasn’t much Bucky could work with if he wanted to find you, but you highly doubted he would go to some measures to look for you. You were just good sex for him, just like he was for you.

When Bucky woke up around lunch, he was facing away from where he last left you. He liked you, and he definitely liked having sex with you. You would do a good monthly girl, and he couldn’t wait to do more with you, enjoy your body until it was completely spent.

He smiled when he imagined what you probably looked like, lipstick smeared, his marks covering your skin, which would be still flushed from all the bliss. But when he turned around, he was met with empty sheets. He frowned, and got up promptly, roaming his apartment to see if you were hiding somewhere, playing some games with him. But when he reached the last door, and you were still nowhere to find, Bucky realised what was happening. You left without a word to him, which was something no women has ever done to him. He could feel his control slipping away, and he disliked the feeling it left him. He actually enjoyed your company last night and wanted more of it, but now he couldn’t. And that made him want you even more.

Next Chapter >

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[h-styles-babes]

SIX

Despite the air conditioning that kept the house cool against the muggy heat of the day, the vents pumping air into the studio didn’t seem to work quite as well as everywhere else. While Sia typically liked to wear something cozy and relaxed while she was sat down at the board and recording with an artist, it was far too hot to be in her joggers and a tee. Instead, she stayed in the cut off shorts and cropped halter top she’d been wearing throughout the rest of the day. She’d gone into town earlier on one of the bikes in order to get herself a smoothie, brining back one for Alex, since he’d so kindly asked. Carrying two cups on her ride back hadn’t been the most easy thing she’d done, but she’d done it without any mishaps.

When she arrived back at the house, there were four extra people milling about, as well as some fancy-looking cameras that probably cost more than Sia would make this year. She’d nearly forgotten Jeff’s warning that there would probably be a camera crew following the recording process, since Ben Winston wanted to document the whole thing for a short film. Sia knew Ben really well, considering she’d been just as acquainted with him as Harry had while they were still together. Ben was one of the few famous people in Harry’s life that she actually liked, because he was so much of an older brother and best friend to Harry. So seeing him hanging out and laughing with Alex brightened her mood, but also put a bit of a damper on it when she realized she hadn’t seen him since she and Harry had ended things. Which, of course, put a sour twinge to her mood.

“Ah, Sia! You’re back,“ Alex acknowledged, watching her set down her bag and push her sunglasses off her nose and up onto her head. “Thanks, hon,” he mumbled as Sia handed him his smoothie. “This is Ben Winston, the director and producer that’s working to film this whole thing.”

“We’re familiar,” Sia mumbled, glancing over at Ben as she took a sip of her own drink. The sweet strawberries and tangy kiwis suddenly tasted like ash in her mouth. She rued the day Harry Styles’ fuck up tainted every aspect of her life.

“Sia, yeh look good,” Ben acknowledged, not hesitating to pull her into a hug. Sia couldn’t help but wrap her free arm around Ben’s waist and grip onto his t-shirt. His hugs were nearly as comforting as Harry’s once were. He smelled just like he always had, and she found comfort in the slow rising and lowering of his chest as he breathed.

“How yeh doin’, Ben? How’s Mer?”

“Pregnant,” he chuckled. Sia’s face lit up with the news, congratulating him. “She’s due in December.”

“Oh, god. How excitin’!” Sia cheered, forgetting her much-wanted smoothie on the counter. She pulled Ben into another, more enthusiastic hug. “You’re gonna be a dad! Holy shit!”

She honestly couldn’t believe it, but it was something that she could see Ben was going to be good at. He’d always been the responsible, sensible—yet fun and easy-going—one in their little gaggle of friends. She could see him smashing it as a father, and she was honestly so excited for them. Meredith was going to make a great mother, as well. She’d always been one of the people Sia turned to when she needed comfort and some sound advice.

The announcement of the pregnancy also sent a twinge through Sia, but she pushed it away and focused in on her excitement instead. This was a good thing for some of the most generous, lovely people she knew in the business. They deserved the best wishes when it came to the rest of the pregnancy and their impending parenthood.

“I know, crazy, right?” Ben chuckled, returning her embrace. “Figure I’ve gotten enough practice with Harry over the last few years, though.”

The joke made Sia want to laugh and cry at the same time. There was an instant flash of nostalgia and longing for the way that her and Harry used to be. They were the couple that was always having fun and being the most true to themselves they could possibly be. Harry had always told her that she kept him grounded when it would have been so easy to let the lifestyle he found himself in carry him away and make him someone he wasn’t. But she was always there to make sure he didn’t grow up faster than necessary, and she was a lot of the reason why he was able to still be obnoxious and goofy when he was a teenager, instead of the sophisticated adult everyone always expected him to be.

“He’s definitely a handful sometimes,” Sia agreed, instead of letting herself get choked up with emotion.

Ben’s shoulders sagged a bit and his smile turned somber. “We miss you, Sia. He misses you.”

Sia’s lip curled. “He’s sure got a funny way of showin’ it. Somehow, hands on the arse and tongue in the mouth of some wannabe model don’t really scream ‘I miss yeh, Sia.’ Call me crazy.”

Ben pouted. “That’s not fair.”

“Save it, Ben,” she snapped. “He’s a grown man. He doesn’t need you or anyone else explainin’ his actions.”

Alex cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’m not sure what’s going on, really, but I just got a text from Harry saying he’s ready whenever we are.”

Both Ben and Sia sighed in unison, releasing the tension that had built around them. Leave it to Harry Styles to create an awkward standoff between his ex-girlfriend and one of the only men in his friend group that she actually liked. This was not the way she wanted this whole thing to go.

As Alex walked away, Sia turned to Ben. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at yeh. Harry’s still just a sore subject, yeh know?”

“I know, babe,” Ben agreed, reaching out to rub a comforting hand along her shoulder. “I promise not to butt in anymore. Let’s go make the lad more money, shall we?”

Sia barked out a laugh as she followed Ben into the studio.

~*~*~*~

After what everyone could deem a successful first day of recording—Sia had avoided being snippy with or yelling at Harry, and Harry didn’t address her unless absolutely necessary—, Sia crashed into bed, not to be woken until nearly eight the next morning. There was the soft sound of Fleetwood Mac coming from the kitchen, and Sia followed it out, padding with bare feet on the hardwood floors.

When she entered the kitchen, she saw Mitch standing at the stove, what smelled like eggs and sausage sizzling in a pan. There was also fresh coffee in the pot, a bottle of creamer and a jar of sugar already sat out beside it.

“Mornin’ Mitch,” Sia greeted, heading straight for the coffee.

She pulled down a mug as the man responded in kind, glancing over his shoulder at her and blushing slightly when he saw that she was only wearing very snug sleep shorts and a t-shirt that was cut down the sides, exposing part of the side of her breast. Mitch was sure the display wasn’t purposeful, but he still looked away quickly to avoid being caught staring. Both out of respect to Sia and to whatever weird relationship Harry and Sia had. He didn’t know any of the details, except for what Sia had told him about knowing Harry for awhile, and the weird dynamic they had in the studio the day before. It hadn’t hindered the recording process at all, but the tension between the two was palpable, and only Ben seemed to be privy to it. Mitch was curious, but he was never going to ask outright. He figured someone would clue him in eventually, but if not, he’d just brush aside his curiosity.

Sia took a seat at the bar stool across from where Mitch was making his breakfast. “How’s it goin’, Mitchell?” she asked, taking a sip of her coffee. “Enjoyin’ recordin’ yet?”

“I just have to play a guitar all day,” he shrugged, flipping his omelet so that it folded in half. “What’s there not to like? And everyone’s nice.”

“Well, we try,” Sia chuckled. “Don’t wanna scare away the newbies.”

“How long have you been doing this?”

“I’m fresh out of uni, so only about a year. I’ve been working for Jeff since March, though. How long have yeh been playin’?”

“Pretty much since I could hold a guitar.”

And that’s how Mitch and Sia started off their friendship. They talked through Mitch giving the omelet he already made to Sia, who protested until Mitch just set it in front of her and proceeded to make another one for himself. They talked about their experiences in the music industry thus far and how they were liking it in Jamaica so far. Mitch mentioned not having been around the island much yet, and Sia offered to take him around, since she had had the extra days to explore a bit. They spent the morning joking and telling stories over their breakfasts, greeting everyone else when they woke and started filling out the house.

Harry was the last in the kitchen, but it was obvious he’d been up much longer. He looked freshly showered, and Sia was sure he’d been out for a run earlier in the morning, possibly also a work out. Harry tried to start his days off with a run and a work out. It’d been his thing since he was about eighteen years old. It was a way that he was able to keep a sort of routine while he’d travelled so much. Looks like some things never changed.

“Mornin’ everyone,” he greeted chirpily. Everyone greeted him just as happily, and Sia forced a smile on her face, more for everyone else’s sake than her own. She didn’t want anyone else to be privy to the weird tension that lingered between her and Harry. Whether or not they were aware of their past relationship—not including Ben—, none of them seemed to be the wiser about the fiery end to their relationship, and she’d like to keep it that way.

The rest of the morning goes smoothly, and they all have plans to be back in the studio by eleven, so everyone goes about their morning routines before reconvening in the studio. Ellen called Sia just a half hour before she’s due back in the studio. It was the mid-afternoon in London, so Sia wasn’t surprised by the time of the call. She was sure her friend was either on a break from work or had headed in early. She did that sometimes, seeing as her work could be done just as well at home as in the office. Being an assistant editor had its perks sometimes, she supposed.

Ellen and Sia hadn’t spoken since the day Sia had arrived on the island. Between being surprised by Harry’s appearance in her life—yet again—and being busy with the actual job she was sent there to do, she hadn’t had much time to vent to her best friend. So the call was very welcome, and she let out the biggest sigh as soon as she answered.

“El, yeh won’t believe my fuckin’ luck!” she groaned.

“Well, hello to you, too, Anastasia dear,” Ellen joked, a tutting to her voice.

“Yes, hello, Ellen love. Good afternoon.”

“Good morning. Now, tell me about your fuckin’ luck.”

“Guess who’s the mysterious artist that I’ve got to be working with for the next several weeks? And yeh can’t tell anybody when I tell yeh, ‘cause I don’t think I’m supposed to be lettin’ this out.”

“Who the fuck am I gonna tell? Dear Mrs. Jones, the seventy year old that I work for, who listens to Dolly Parton every damn minute of the day? Or my mostly male colleagues that look like they strictly listen to fifties classics or classical music?” El scoffed.

“Point taken,” Sia agreed. “Anyway! Do yeh want to know?”

“Of course I want to know, yeh donut! Tell me! I’m dying from curiosity—oi! Wanker! Fuckin’ watch where you’re goin’, will yeh? Jesus.” Sia couldn’t help but chuckle at her obvious tirade against someone that probably nearly ran into her on the sidewalk or something. “Nobody fuckin’ pays attention to pedestrians here, I swear. Anyway! Tell me, Sia!”

“It’s Harry,” Sia blurted, unable to keep it under wraps any longer. She needed her best friend to sympathize with her and to be able to vent to her and just let it all out. She’d been going a bit stir crazy having to keep all her emotions toward being around Harry to herself. While she could vent a bit to Ben, there was always the possibility that it would get back to Harry. And though Harry had to know about how she felt toward him, he didn’t need to know it in detail when they were both working towards avoiding to each other as much as possible.

“You’ve got to be fuckin’ kidding,” Ellen gawped. “I was just jokin’ about that. I didn’t know I was gonna jinx it!”

“I know. I couldn’t believe it, either,” Sia agreed with a deep sigh. “I came back to the house after going into town, and none other than Harry fucking Styles was stood in the living room, only in a towel, fresh from the shower!”

“He’s still attractive, isn’t he?” El cringed.

“He is! The fuckin’ wanker. Even more so since he’s all filled out from workin’ on that bloody movie. Can’t fuckin’ stand it.” Sia really was upset about how good the man looked. It was like he was trying to make her so turned on that it was upsetting her. Because despite how much animosity Sia still had toward him for what he did to her, she couldn’t deny that he was still the most attractive man she’d ever laid eyes on. That innate part of her that found Harry to be absolutely stunning paid no mind to the other part of her that rationally knew that she shouldn’t be attracted to him anymore. And that part of her was a bitch.

“How’s it goin’ so far?” Ellen asked, genuinely concerned that Sia had possibly shouted at him in front of the others already. She may dislike Harry, but she’d positively hate it if she ever embarrassed either of them in front of work associates like that.

“Alright,” Sia said, shrugging, even though El couldn’t see it. She almost wished they were FaceTiming. “He tried talkin’ to me when we first ran into each other, but I couldn’t really stand it. We’re steering clear of each other aside from when we’re workin’. It’s only day two of recordin’, so time will tell.”

“I believe in yeh,” El said with a definitive nod. “Just get through these few weeks, get your name on that album, and get the hell out of Dodge. You’ll thank yourself for it in the end.”

“I know. I’m just gonna stay out of his way as much as possible, and hopefully he extends the same courtesy from now on.”

“That’s all we can hope for. Make him a kick arse album and be done with him. I can hear how stressed out yeh are already.”

“I think I spotted a grey after my shower yesterday,” Sia joked.

“Shut up,” El laughed. “Call me tomorrow before yeh start recordin’. I expect daily updates from now on.”

“Promise. Talk to yeh later, babes.”

“Bye bye, love.”

[meeedeee]

Vidding Linkspam July 19, 2019

Conventions/Challenges

 Connexions

Multi-Fandom Convention in Maryland is seeking vids for their vid show. Submit your vids by August 1

https://sites.google.com/view/connexions-south/programming/vid-show?authuser=0  

  Fall Equinox 2019 will be a costume party!

Theme will be:  Fictional sources in any format that are set in earlier eras than they were produced/released in -- e.g., costume / period / historical dramas and comedies.   Deadline for Signups:  July 21 - 28  https://equinox-exchange.dreamwidth.org/27045.html  

Convention Vid Show Question

I'm now getting a little worried... would submitting 3 premieres to fanworks con be considered a dick move? I don't wanna take time away from anyone, but I also really wanna show these vids to people.    https://findmeinthealps.dreamwidth.org/7949.html   

 VidUkon Eurovison 2019 Vid Show ....this year's Eurovision show listing showcasing European vidders & source and celebrating the diversity of the European vidding community across all platforms.  

https://amnisias.dreamwidth.org/59043.html

VidUKon 2019 Feedback Notes

It's been a little over a week since VidUKon, so it seems like a good time to post up some of the feedback notes from the final panel of the year and the end-of-con feedback session. First up: panel notes!   https://vidukon-cardiff.dreamwidth.org/39561.html

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MetaVidshow Discussion Post: Be Gay, Do CrimesVidUKon is a vidding convention held in the UK. This year they're trying something new - inviting people to watch one of the vid shows online and then comment.   The vidshow is "Be Gay, Do Crimes "   https://vidukon-cardiff.dreamwidth.org/39913.html

 Vidding Chatter July (vid_bingo)

What is your least favorite thing about vidding as a hobby?  What is your favorite thing?    https://vid-bingo.dreamwidth.org/4373.html

Vidding Chatter  June (vid_bingo)

Have you ever been to a vid or fan-focused convention? Which one? What was your experience like, etc?    https://vid-bingo.dreamwidth.org/3623.html  

 Vidding Chatter  May (vid_bingo)  

Are you a vidding plotter or a pantser?  If you use storyboards, how do you approach them? Are they vague or detailed, handwritten or a google doc?    https://vid-bingo.dreamwidth.org/3441.html  

  Fanvids- Vids that you think of every time you hear the song

https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/378261.html?thread=2216111765#cmt2216111765  

 Vid Me Closes (on building our own vidding platform)

This article is about why the site VidMe closed, but provides fascinating insights into the state of things; particularly hilarious TO ME are the "Insights for Newcomers," i.e. what they learned for people who want to try to do this: If you’re considering building your own video platform, here are a few suggestions....  https://cesperanza.dreamwidth.org/594255.html  

 YouTube Vidding Contest Strategy

Vidding strategy is not a thing I usually think about in those terms, but here we are. I entered a youtube vidding contest and the first round was scored and "The Engineer" finished tied for 13th out of 19 entries.   https://seekingferret.dreamwidth.org/307266.html  

 Vids With Dialogue

I hate, hate, hate all these vids with the dialogue left in.   

https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/374581.html?thread=2192738613#cmt2192738613  

  VidUKon Vidshow Discussion Post: 2009 Retrospective

This is a new thing we’re trying - we love talking about the vidshows at the con itself, but we think there’s scope for further discussion here on Dreamwidth, where folks who weren’t able to attend the con can get involved too. Anyone who’s interested is welcome to watch the show and join in! We’ll be running these posts roughly once a month, initially featuring shows from VidUKon 2019.  https://vidukon-cardiff.dreamwidth.org/39170.html

 FanVid Recs Thread: Special Request

Nonnies, please give me funny crack vid recs? Any fandom, any ship. I need something to laugh about today.  

https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/374457.html?thread=2190469817#cmt2190469817  

 Good Omens FanVid Takedowns

I've never understood how fanvids persist against takedowns at all, especially the popular ones.  

https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/374457.html?thread=2189939641#cmt2189939641  

 FFA FanVid Recs Thread

music vids, AMVs, edits, supercuts, mashups, etc. Ask for recs or just drop a link to something you like!  

https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/374060.html?thread=2189690924#cmt2189690924    

 Newbie: I'm a newcomer to vidding and wondered if I could have advice to learn the ropes.

If someone could help me learn the ropes that'd be lovely.   https://vidding.dreamwidth.org/395455.html  

 The evolution of #vidding trends be like

2012 - heavy colorings, catchy songs, crossfades, overlayers, texts 

2019 - almost to no coloring, clean cuts, minimal editing, trailer-ish instrumentals 

2020 - no coloring, no editing, no music, just play the damn episode would ya?  

https://twitter.com/anJaaXx/status/1139404158820220928  

 Do you ever have an amazing idea for a vid but lack the confidence to actually make it

cuz you’ve never done something like it before and don’t want to screw it up? Now try having that for like 4 different ideas...so frustrating #Vidding #VidderProblems    https://twitter.com/hollywoodgirl05/status/1137771341635964928    

You know the feeling when start project so inspired and then get to some part of song and you just can't move past it? For weeks... And then start to hate whole song and part of project you already finished. Yeah. #Vidding #Viddingproblems   https://twitter.com/TheMica993/status/1134759868605390848  

 Reading it made me think of lumi_nation and other fellow vidders who see & hear music as movement & color, hear color as music, and so on. There are many of us. We don’t often talk about it outside of con suites and panels, but we exist in our special little universes. #vidding   https://twitter.com/Bonibaru/status/1132780458494910464

 Vidding and/as Pedagogy Vids explore themes related to the source material(s) they remix and rework. In a vid, the juxtaposition of moving images and music, as well as careful sequencing, cutting, and pattern construction, work together to communicate the vidder’s messages.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324065471_Vidding_andas_Pedagogy   

Vid Society: discord server dedicated to editing/vidding We are a friendly content creator-based community, mainly for video editors (but also for various other artists), with a passion for anything fandom and art related. Join our humble family and feel free to stay as long as you like!  

https://meeedeee.tumblr.com/post/186406012376/discord-server-dediacted-to-editingvidding  

Vidding Styles There is a difference between completely ripping off a style to the point it's just the same video with a different song and taking inspiration, then adding your own spin. While nobody has 'ownership' over a style.... I'm tired of seeing basically the same videos everywhere.  

https://twitter.com/xOurConnections/status/1150547423841771520  

 Current vidding status: 

Vid for which I have clipped that seemed fun: now seems silly and tropey. 

Vid I have most excellent song for is for a show I thought was ok, but for which I'd need to learn new vidding software. 

Vid I've pottered with for years now has corrupted files.  

https://twitter.com/BrokenMnemonic/status/1149750471156015106  

 Your favourite well-made music vid.... I am an old and don't listen to music radio, so in the last twenty years, my main way to discover music less than thirty or forty years old has been through very well-made fan videos. So please rec me yours with the appropriate link 

https://fail-fandomanon.dreamwidth.org/373194.html?thread=2181417674#cmt2181417674  

  #viddingpetpeeves 

When someone vids ship and uses voiceovers or scenes related to the competing ship on that show. I just always think to myself Bro, that's off-limits" Is this super petty of me. Don't hate me. What are some of your pet peeves, #vidding community  

https://twitter.com/IATFirstGlanceI/status/1146041935074922496  

 VidRecs.com

#vidding friends, for the last couple of weeks I have been exploring (link: http://vidrecs.com) vidrecs.com! (Some of you may remember I mentioned it briefly at #vidukon.) It's very new but it looks as though it could be a really cool resource!  

https://twitter.com/llintrek/status/1144966906690134016    

I just posted my first #fanvid to #Instagram. 

It is an old VCR-era #Titanic vid #Titanicedit #fanedit #vidding (link: https://ift.tt/32FnCPR) instagram.com/p/BzKUNThjCZr/ https://twitter.com/morgandawn6/status/1143897561394110464 

  nothing has demotivated me from vidding more ...

...than youtube and twitter. lost channels on youtube 5 times and twice on here. i know i can unlist, but i don't like doing so. now i'm just waiting for july 27th so my strikes can clear off.

https://twitter.com/RuksarCreation/status/1148686654904983557  

 call me old fashioned but I am really not a fan of the youtube vidding trend..... of putting dialogue over the whole fucking thing. I can deal with a bit here and there but for a 3+ minute song?? I imagine you picked the song for a reason, let me hear the lyrics!!  

https://twitter.com/leanwellback/status/1140679467406376961   

 ...fanvideo styles getting more & more reduced, 

is it even fanvideo editing in some cases anymore....  i guess vidding is living on borrowed time anyway.    https://twitter.com/disasxter/status/1139406005723230208

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 Technical 

VIDDING TECH: WHERE SHOULD I GO FOR HELP?

After a decade as a Mac vidder, I am about to buy my first Windows machine and start vidding on a PC.   https://laurashapiro.dreamwidth.org/382846.html Sharing Your Fanvids To Instagram

 Instagram limits the number of external links you can use in a post. Up until last year, they didn't  support longer vids or links to external websites, preferring to keep the material "in house." If you have a streaming vid on Youtube, Vimeo or your own website, you can still promote it on Instagram    https://morgandawn.dreamwidth.org/1667645.html

Mac Vid Encoding Vids on Mojave

LlamaEnc is not currently compatible with macOS Mojave.  

https://fanworks.dreamwidth.org/10195.html

 Request: Vid Tagging Assistance, Vid Streaming Alternatives  

Requesting assistance in tagging vids using Excel (2013/2016/2019). If you have Office 365 this would be ideal as we can collaborate in real time similar to what you see in those ads for Google docs co-authoring where you see the names of people typing as flags. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to get up to speed with Excel for work or to get work this could be one way of doing so while also watching and tagging vids. I teach Excel as well  

https://vidding.dreamwidth.org/394837.html

 Video Analysis Software

Any idea if any vidders have played with this (or related tools) yet? #fandom #vidding ML-powered automatic video editing app released recently   

https://twitter.com/arnicas/status/1143800870896832512 

  Quick question #vidding community

Is there any other way besides rewatching the source materiel a hundred times to connecting clips to the lyrics? Is there some sort of trick I'm missing?

https://twitter.com/IATFirstGlanceI/status/1139669286581092357  

  Vidding friends, I'm about to make the switch from Mac to PC vidding.My better half is building me a machine. What should I know? How much RAM/what kind of hard drive? Is there a solution for converting iTunes source? (feel free to DM me) Thank you!  

https://twitter.com/killabeezish/status/1145014452552515584   

  comments x-posted to morgandawn | comment there Anonymous commenting enabled or use OpenID to log in to comment.

[therealestatesparkblog]

The Real Estate Investing Strategy I'd Recommend to Newbies (as a Seasoned Investor)

After having a real estate license for close to 30 years and having worked hundreds of real estate deals, as well as specializing in investment real estate, Ive been fortunate enough to see people from all walks of life and incomes deal with just about all aspects of real estate. Ive pretty much come to the conclusion that the decisions one makes with real estate, especially first-time home buyers, are very critical. A few minor tweaks in the strategy and order in which they do things with their real estate can have a monumental impact on their overall investing career. Recently, a young, single, 23-year-old guy in my Investor Relations Department began looking for his first rental property. I agreed to help him on his way to building a nice real estate portfolio by showing him some of the strategies that Ive employed and lessons that Ive learned while becoming a multimillionaire on a modest salary. For someone looking to buy that first investment property, in most cases, it still makes sense to utilize FHA owner-occupied financing if at all possible. FHA Owner-Occupied Now, I know what some of you may be thinking: FHA is the most expensive way to buy, especially with MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium). Isnt 5 percent down on a conventional mortgage better? Well, not really, and heres why. With FHA, they not only allow seller assists, as do most mortgages, but you can purchase with as little as a 3 percent down payment. You are also able to count up to 90 percent of the current rents (as opposed to 75 percent with conventional mortgages), provided that they have a one-year lease agreement signed, and theyll count this towards the buyers monthly income. This can dramatically increase ones buying power, especially since you can purchase up to a four-unit dwelling with FHA financing. Keep in mind, you can normally only have one FHA mortgage at any given time.

Related: The Achievable 5-Step Process For Getting That First Property Under Your Belt So, instead of my guy buying, say, a $100,000 single-family rental property FHA, he could possibly buy a $200,000 quadraplex, live in one unit, and count 90 percent of the $750/month per unit rent of the other three units toward his monthly income, enabling him to live in this building almost completely free. This will enable him to buy the next property in a year or two much more easily, since hell be able to save up more money that would have been spent on higher housing expenses. Just think, hell have almost double the write-offs because you cant depreciate your primary residence nor write off any repairs or maintenance. Buying the Second Property When it comes to buying the second property, if he rents out his apartment (the fourth unit of the quadraplex) that would help him pay the second propertys mortgage, thus enabling him to save even more money for the third property, which he could purchase owner-occupied a year or two later. The best thing you can do here is to buy conventional, owner-occupied with 5 percent down payment and utilize another seller assist. The trick here is to only buy a house where the mortgage payment is less than rent. By purchasing these first several properties owner-occupied, hell get much more favorable interest rates and terms, such as lower down payment requirements. Also, if he keeps all of the properties hes ever lived in without selling any of them, he would not be wasting the past settlement costs hes already spent. (See Plan to Sell Your Primary Residence? STOPAnd Consider This First.) Errors in Judgment A big error in judgment when young and starting out in real estate is buying as much house as possible in the best area possible (usually to impress family and friends), with the highest payment possible (usually one thats much higher than rent). By doing this, its much harder to save for the next property. Often, the investor then has to sell this owner-occupied property prior to buying the next one since it doesnt make sense as a rental. Even if the person is doing well later in life and their accountant is telling them they should buy an investment property for the write-offs, now its going to cost them big timebecausethey already could have had an investment property if they had used the right buying strategy when starting out to really accelerate their real estate investing portfolio. Let Me Illustrate Lets say you bought a $100,000 property owner-occupied, with a 5 percent down payment on a 30-year mortgage of $95,000 (4.5 percent interest, with approximately $3,000/year in taxes and $700/year in homeowners insurance). With a monthly payment of around $789.68 or so toward the mortgage, it rents for $1,000/month and you live there for five years before renting it out. With this strategy, you acquired the property owner-occupied with a great rate and little down, and youre five years into your 30-year loan before making it a rental property. If you waited until later in life to get a property (not owner-occupied), now youll need a 25 to 30 percent down payment, youll pay a higher investor interest rate, and youll have around 8 percent in closing costs. In this scenario, you would need a whopping $38,000 to purchase an average $100,000 SFR ($663.011 monthly PITI), as opposed to approximately $13,000 on a conventional, owner-occupied deal. Now you might say, Yeah, Ill have more cash flow since I put more money down. But the truth is, your yield went down. Lets look at the numbers FHA owner occupied 5% down payment: $210.32/mo. cash flow x 12 mos. = $2,524/yr. $13,000 total invested = 19% return before expenses (i.e., management, maintenance, and vacancies, etc.) Conventional mortgage non-owner occupied 30% down payment: $336.99/mo. cash flow x 12 mos. = $4,044/yr. $38,000 total invested = 10.6% return before expenses As long as youre cash flowing, the less money that you put down, the higher your yield.

Related: Newbies: These 3 Simple Steps Will Prepare You For Your First Deal Strategy So, although buying a property FHA owner-occupied may not be the cheapest way to own, as far as monthly payment, it can be a great strategy for the first property, especially if its a multi-unit (less than four units). When starting out, it can cost the buyer the least amount of capital up front, and by counting 90 percent of the rents, it can also enable the investor to catapult into a much more valuable property. FHA can have other advantages as well since their underwriting can be more lenient, and their front-end and back-end ratios are much easier (for example, 29 percent versus 28 percent on the front-end ratio and 41 percent versus 36 percent on the back-end ratios). FHA will also send an inspector out who may require additional repairs to be completed. This may enable the buyer to get more work done prior to closing, and its usually paid for by the seller. Also, it puts pressure on the seller to accept the FHA appraisal, even if it comes in low, since the seller has to use this appraisal for up to six months if a future buyer is FHA/VA. So, if youre a newbie real estate investor looking to buy your first investment property, maybe it makes sense to purchase owner-occupied with FHA financing, too. [ Editors note: Were republishing this article to help out our newer members. ]

Newbies, are you using this strategy? If youre a seasoned investor, what advice would you give to someone just starting out? Lets talk in the comments section below. https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/2015/10/01/real-estate-strategy-newbies/

[theeddiewarnerstory]

IndieView with Larry Baum, author of Bo, Go Up!

I didn’t want to write another story that parents read to children, because there are already hundreds of thousands of wonderful books like that. I wanted to write something that could help children read at a younger age, or with less struggle.

Larry Baum – 27 December 2019

The Back Flap

The first step in learning to read is a big one: from single letters to whole words. That’s a lot to ask of young children. To make the transition to reading as simple and easy as possible, why not use the shortest words possible, at least in the very first books that children read? How short can words be and still make a story? Three letters? Two letters? “Bo, Go Up!” uses words no longer than two letters to tell a very simple story, with characters, action, and humor, to help young children cross the threshold into the world of reading.

About the book

What is the book about?

It starts with children playing with a ball and ends with a much larger ball, because one kid’s mom runs a hot air balloon company and gives them a ride. The aim of the book is to teach reading more easily by using only very short words, no longer than two letters, which children can learn quickly. Reading this book by themselves will give kids confidence in their reading ability and encourage them to read other books.

When did you start writing the book?

June 2016

How long did it take you to write it?

​Revising the text took a bit of time spread over several months. The pictures took far more work, and Joanna Pasek, the illustrator, finished in May 2019.

Where did you get the idea from?

I’ll use this answer to give a longer version of the story behind the book. The idea came in 2009, when I was teaching my own children to read. Thinking that long words would trip up my kids, I looked for books with only short words. But I had trouble finding books like that. Could I write one myself? If I limited word length to 3 letters, could I write a story? Sure. What about 2 letters? That would be a challenge. There are so few 2-letter words to work with. But I juggled them until I came up with a story, with characters, action, and even humor.

The story gathered dust on my computer for several years until I decided to start ticking items off my bucket list, starting from the easiest ones. A children’s book using only very short words should be easy, right? I thought so, but it took several more years to reach publication! First, I found Joanna Pasek, who beautifully illustrates children’s books in a semi-realistic style I liked (http://akwarelki.net/), so we set to work, eventually producing our book, WE GO TO BO: https://www.wegotobo.com/.

“Wait,” you say, “that’s a different book!” You’re right. What happened was that teachers who saw WE GO TO BO told me it would be even easier for children to read if I used only the simplest sounds, and consistently used one sound for each letter. That started me wondering whether I should write another 2-letter word book following that advice. Meanwhile, at a public reading of WE GO TO BO, I asked the children if someone could write a book with only 3-letter words, and they said yes. 2-letter words? Again yes. And then one smart aleck said “1-letter!” My first impulse was to ignore him, but then I thought, “Why not 1-letter?” If I use the letter “C” to mean “S-E-E” and the letter “U” for “Y-O-U”, maybe. And if I write both a 1-letter word book and a new 2-letter book, maybe I can add a 3-letter book for a 1-2-3 series. Joanna and I finished the 3 books: Y, BO, GO UP!, and Cat Egg. They comprise “The Bo Books” series: https://www.bobooks.org/. You can get the e-books for free and the paperback books at about my cost.

The 1-letter word book is about a curious kid, asking her dad “why?” about things in the park. Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? He doesn’t know, but she opens his eyes to the world. With only 1-letter “words”, Joanna’s illustrations do the heavy lifting of telling this story. The 2-letter word book is BO, GO UP! Using all capital letters avoids confusing children about when to use upper case or lower case. In the 3-letter word book, one kid has a cat, and when her friends play with it, they think it’s laid an egg.

Once children can read the alphabet, they can read the 1-letter word book, Y. That accomplishment gives them pride in reading a whole book, and gives them confidence to continue reading. Then they can read the 2-letter word book, BO, GO UP!. I used very simple vocabulary: less than half the alphabet, and only 11 different words. That makes it easy for kids to feel good that they can read a real book. Next, the 3-letter word book, Cat Egg, teaches 39 words, including 17 of the 100 most common words.

Millions of people worldwide take a long time to learn reading, or never learn. I hope these books help remove obstacles to reading.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

No. It’s such a short book that the whole story came to me at once. It took much more time and effort to do everything else: study how to produce a children’s book, look for publishers, investigate how to self-publish, compare illustrators, discuss and produce the illustrations, assemble the book, upload and adjust the e-book and print-on-demand versions, and publicize the book. It wasn’t very difficult; it just took a long time to figure out everything because it was the first time I did it.

What came easily?

Once I assembled the extremely limited palette of suitable words, actually writing the story was fairly easy.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

They’re fictitious.

Do you have a target reader?

Children who are ready to learn how to read. Other targets could be adults who hadn’t learned how to read and children with reading difficulties.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I listed all the common two-letter words that are easy to pronounce, sorted them into parts of speech, and considered some of the few possible combinations to build sentences and construct a story. There was only one verb, go, so the combinations were very limited!

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

No. The story was too short to need an outline.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I did both.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No. I’m in a group of children’s book writers that help each other by critiquing our writing. They were very constructive and supportive.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes. I tried several agents for my original children’s book, WE GO TO BO. But they all rejected it.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

The rejections of publishers and agents led me to self-publish.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professionally. Joanna Pasek, who illustrated the interior of the book, also designed and painted the cover.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I made a spreadsheet listing a variety of places to publicize the book. I had conducted a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, more to publicize the Bo Books than to fund them. Although that campaign gained generous support from several friends, family members, and strangers, it didn’t reach my goal. But it did start to spread the word about the books. I’m now writing to many bloggers to ask if they’d like to review my books.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Talk with other indie authors to get their advice. I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and their local critique group of authors, who gave very helpful suggestions, as well as companionship in the lonely work of writing and publishing. Don’t pay to print a batch of your first book; instead, use a print-on-demand service so that if you don’t sell many copies, you won’t lose money on the printing.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Los Angeles.

Where do you live now?

Hong Kong.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I like to do things that are different, to try to make a big difference. Almost always I fail, but it’s worth an attempt. With children’s books, I didn’t want to write another story that parents read to children, because there are already hundreds of thousands of wonderful books like that. I wanted to write something that could help children read at a younger age, or with less struggle.

What are you working on now?

Publicizing the Bo Books

End of Interview:

Lie the series Facebook page.

Get your copy of Bo, Go Up! as a free ebook from Smashwords or as paper books from either Amazon US or Amazon UK.

source http://www.theindieview.com/2019/12/27/indieview-with-larry-baum-author-of-bo-go-up/

The post IndieView with Larry Baum, author of Bo, Go Up! appeared first on The Eddie Warner Story.

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[reviewape-blog]

How to Start Your Own Quilting Business

https://www.reviewape.com/?p=16995 How to Start Your Own Quilting Business - Product Name: How to Start Your Own Quilting Business Click here to get How to Start Your Own Quilting Business at discounted price while it’s still available… All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors. How to Start Your Own Quilting Business is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied with Wake Up Lean™, you can request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked. (function ($) { var $self = $('.adace-loader-5c35b8fd6e735'); var $wrapper = $self.closest('.adace-slot-wrapper'); "use strict"; var adace_load_5c35b8fd6e735 = function(){ var viewport = $(window).width(); var tabletStart = 601; var landscapeStart = 801; var tabletEnd = 961; var content = ''; var unpack = true; if(viewport=tabletStart && viewport=landscapeStart && viewport=tabletStart && viewport=tabletEnd){ if ($wrapper.hasClass('.adace-hide-on-desktop')){ $wrapper.remove(); } } if(unpack) { $self.replaceWith(decodeURIComponent(content)); } } if($wrapper.css('visibility') === 'visible' ) { adace_load_5c35b8fd6e735(); } else { //fire when visible. var refreshIntervalId = setInterval(function(){ if($wrapper.css('visibility') === 'visible' ) { adace_load_5c35b8fd6e735(); clearInterval(refreshIntervalId); } }, 999); } })(jQuery); Description: Finally, a comprehensive guide that shows you how to start, run, and market your very own quilting business… This helpful guide will show you how to start, run, and market a successful quilting business that will allow you to earn a healthy part-time or full-time income… If you’ve ever thought about starting and running your own successful quilting business — while avoiding some of the most common mistakes made by business newbies — and using some of the most powerful marketing techniques available, then this might be the most important letter you’ll ever read. Here’s why: Over the years, I’ve received a ton of feedback from readers of my Quilting Biz Email List. Many of them don’t want to start a machine quilting business or quilt shop because of the money required, or they just want to create a part-time income from their quilting. Instead, they ask me questions like… “How do I sell the quilts that I make?” “Can I make money selling my quilts on eBay?” “Are custom quilting services in demand?” “Are t-shirt and photo quilts marketable?” “How can I get started in my own quilting business?” If you’ve ever thought about starting and running your own successful quilting business — while avoiding some of the most common mistakes made by business newbies — and using some of the most powerful marketing techniques available, then this might be the most important letter you’ll ever read. Here’s why: How to Start Your Own Quilting Business is the definitive guide to showing you the ropes to starting, running, and marketing your own quilting business. I’ve packed as much information as I possibly can about making money with your quilting into a single, 150+ page quilting business “bible” that will show you the fastest way to get your quilting business off the ground. Look, I know you are passionate about your quilting, and want a way to take your hobby to the next level. Your friends and family tell you that your quilts are works of art and that you should sell them. They may have even offered to buy some of your quilts or quilted items from you. That’s why you want to take the leap of faith and start your own quilting business selling your own quilts or offering custom quilting services to your local community (or even over the Internet!). For you, it’s time to stop working for someone else, and start building a future that will replace your current income and allow you the freedom only true entrepreneurs enjoy. You’ll receive 7 different – and unique – ways you can turn your quilting passion into a full or part-time income! We respect your privacy. Your email address and name will never be sold, traded, or shared with anyone else. We hate SPAM more than anything! Maybe you’ve just started to explore the possibility of starting your own quilting business to see if you’re ready for the commitment. Or perhaps you know you’re ready, but want to be completely prepared when you start to put your quilting business together and getting the word out about your new business. Well, you’ve come to the right place because… Now, I know you’re probably skeptical. That’s normal and healthy. Let me give you three good reasons we can back up what we claim: Reason one: I am the author of the highly-successful quilting business books, “How to Start Your Own Machine Quilting Business” and “How to Start Your Own Quilt Shop.” With over 2,431 copies sold since 2003, these are the leading resources for quilters looking to start their own machine quilting business or quilt shop. I am also the editor of the Quilting Business email list that currently has 5,513 subscribers, and more than 250 subscribers added each and every month – all of them looking to make money with their quilting passion. I also run the very popular quilting tips web site – www.QuiltersTips.com – home of the Weekly Quilting Tips Contest. Reason two: I have over 17 years of experience in marketing and business management. To me, there is nothing as important as being able to bring customers into your new business in the most effective, least expensive, manner. This book offers my expertise in the top marketing methods for a new quilting business, including Internet marketing and selling your quilts on eBay. 1) Comprehensive quilting business guide General business books don’t go into enough detail about the specifics of starting, running, and marketing a successful quilting business. This book delivers the step-by-step instructions you need to get your quilting business up and running in the least amount of time. 2) Written with the novice in mind Never run a business before? You don’t have to worry about getting bogged down with over-complicated terms or unnecessary information. This book provides an easy-to-read primer to help guide you through some difficult concepts of starting a quilting business and running it effectively. 3) Excellent marketing section Without customers, your quilting business will never take off and quickly die. That’s why there’s an entire section dedicated to marketing your quilting business. You’ll see which advertising and promotional techniques will the most useful and effective methods of getting the word out about your new quilting business, and for attracting new – and repeat – customers. 4) Helps you decide if a quilting business is right for you Starting any new business can be a bit intimidating, or even downright scary. “How to Start Your Own Quilting Business” takes you by the hand and lets you know everything that you’ll need to do to start and run a successful quilting business. With all the right information, you can make a decision on whether or not a quilting business is right for you. 5) Learn how to sell on eBay One of the most exciting – and profitable – web sites on the Internet is eBay. With eBay, you now have access to tens of millions of potential customers. In fact, over 1.5 million people supplement their incomes by selling on eBay, and over 724,000 report that eBay is their primary or secondary source of income. eBay is big business and can be a great way to sell your quilts or quilted items. 6) Learn the ins and outs of craft fairs Craft fairs are one of the best markets for selling quilts and quilted items. Find out how to properly exhibit your quilts for maximum exposure – and maximum sales. Also, learn sneaky craft fair market research tricks to help you find out what items are selling for in your area – an aid when pricing your quilts. 7) Industry statistics and demographics 8) Some valuable bonus resources There’s no way that any one book can give you every little bit of information you will need to run your quilting business long term. So, what I’ve done is provided some bonus resources that will give you more information about some key concepts, including time management, public relations, and finding suppliers. 9) Day-to-day business advice Running a business is not a walk in the park. In fact, it can be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do. But, with the right planning and attitude, you can take a lot of the “sting” out of the more mundane tasks, like record keeping, accounting, hiring, and more. And much, much more… Now, you’re probably wondering how and why we can do all those things. How to Start Your Own Quilting Business was written with the business novice in mind. You know quilting and love your hobby. But, you may not know how to start and run a successful business. This book is designed to give you that knowledge and to help you decide if you want to make that leap from quilting hobby to full- or part-time quilting business. Testimonials for… “How To Start Your Own Quilting Business” “Thanks for writting the How To book. It is the most realistic book I have read. You really hit the mark in the section on budgeting your money for marketing. This book has taught me alot. You speak in laymens terms and make everything understndable and interesting. I plan on keeping this book at my side at all times to help me continue on planning my business to be successful. Thanks again .”Debra Caltaldo , Omaha, NE “This book is great, easy to read and understand. It guides you step by step through the process of starting up your own quilting business. With tips on how to avoid the pitfalls and make your business a success. I highly recommend this book to any one who is serious about turning their passion for quilting into a profitable business. “Pat Gallagher , Barrie, ON, Canada “I am finding this book extremely helpful in planning how I can sell the quilts I make. Although I have not decided on exactly what I will do, the book gives me several options from which to choose. Thanks so much, Chuck, for a very helpful tool. “Susan Birney , Fort Collins, CO I have been reading for days and I have to tell you, I am very impressed with your book “How To Start Your Own Quilting Business”. I knew it would be a good read but it surpassed my wildest imagination with so much information. It is easy to understand and a good read. I also want to thank you for including the 101 Patchwork Patterns. I had the book but lost it in an accident five years ago. There is a large tulip pattern that I really love. In 1988, lived in Englewood, Colorado and purchased a used Dodge car. It was in bad need of seatcovers. I had little money so I decided to make the seat covers myself. The car was a reddish brown so I purchased some brown material, and some bright orange material and some bright green material. I made the seat covers and used that tulip design on the upper front of the seats and it was very pretty. Later when I sold the car, back to the person I had origionally purchased it from, his comment to me was “I will buy the car back but only if I can have the seat covers to”. Needless to say, I was delighted to have that pattern back and will use it again and again, not necessairly for slipcovers. Just thought you would enjoy that little bit of information. Again I thank you for such a wonderful book and all the other resources that came with it. Keep up the great work. I look forward to your e mails. Sincerely, Doris Reilly”Doris Reilly Testimonials for… “How To Start Your Own Machine Quilting Business” “This publication would be helpful to anyone new to starting a home-base business. There are many features that most people who haven’t had a business before would not think to do in preparation for a new business. This publication is a great start in your decision making. Good luck everyone.”Gayle Jackson, Kingsburg, CA “Chuck, this book is much better than the last one because it offers more ideas in marketing your business and more ideas in organization of the business. A job well done.” Tammy Maher, Barnard, KS “I think the book is full of useful information for anyone thinking about starting their own longarm quilting business, or another small business as far as that goes. The information regarding setting up a business plan and goals is extremely helpful! Also, Section 9, Keeping Records, is very good for those of us who have never had to keep track of expenses and income. Then Section 7 on Marking Your Business is also a good foundation to get you started in the right direction. Who and how to sell your services to is knowledge that most people don’t have. All sections are extrememly helpful to any new small business person.” Margaret Sieck, Grinnell, IA “I found your book very informative and easy reading. You are able to explain things in a way that is understandable.”Barbara Stackhouse, Scranton, PA “This is a very informative book and the only one of this kind. Highly recommended for those seriously considering a machine quilting business.” Lisa Newman, Bucyrus, OHLisa Marie Quilt Co. “I haven’t as yet opened my quilting business, but will soon. The “How to start your own Machine Quilting Business” book has been a valuable tool. I found valuable information in this book that I probably would have overlooked without it. The worksheets have been helpful and the listing of suggested suppliers are ready to be contacted for my materials. Thank you for writing these books. I plan to refer to them often even after I get to the point of being “open for business”.” Mary Rogers, Maryland Heights, MO “I think the information is a good format for what might be expected. Very helpful with hints on shop name, location, how to borrow money.I think this a great book that will help the beginner or the first time business owner. I have thought about having my own quilt shop, but never knew how to go about getting started. This a great outline on the ‘how-to’s.’ “Sandy Fischer, Gilbert, AZ Testimonials for… “How To Start Your Own Quilt Shop ” I want to thank you for putting out such a complete how to guide for a quilt shop. You start with the basic fundamentals, like business entity type, getting inventory purchased, merchandizing it so make it attractive right on through record keeping and marketing. It’s very much a blueprint for my own quilt shop. It’s also a great reference and I can see myself referring back to your book time and time again whenever challenges or opportunities arise. Thanks for your generous contribution to the independent quilt shop owners!”Jim Hahn, Teddy Bear Quilts “I came across this website quite by accident – I was looking for information relating to “starting my own quilt shop” – I nearly fell off my chair when up popped information on your book “How to Start Your Own Quilt Shop”. Every question I had asked myself was answered, and even questions I had not asked myself – I am very impressed with the amount of information you have in your publication that ‘ordinary folk’ require. I must also compliment you on the speed with which I received the hard copy of the book. As I live in a small country town in New South Wales, Australia, I still feel a little nervous about my dream of opening my own quilt shop – I will let you know if I do – to other quilters I say: “read ‘How to Start Your Own Quilt Shop’ and you have taken the first step towards realising your dream.”Vivian Bugden, Yass, NSW, Australia “This is a great book. I wanted an on line quilt shop and this book came along at the right time for me. Very informative, lots of ideas. Anyone interested in their own quilt shop shhould purchase this book, it has helped me alot. Thank you !”Josie Spradlin, Hawthorne, FL, josiesquiltshop.com “I have ordered “How to Start Your Own Quilt Shop” and have been very pleased with the information. My sister and I would like to open a Quilt Shop and have just started looking into details and information. In this book we have found very helpful information and it has given us a great starting point from basics on up. We are so excited to start this venture and this book has given us information that would have otherwise taken us a lot of time finding in various other places. With this book it is right there at our finger tips! Thanks so much Chuck.”Pamela Andrews, Phoenix, AZ “I am considering opening a quilt shop your book answered all my questions. It covers everything from financing to inventory to location. Its a great resourse. Thanks for helping me make my decision.”Joyce Paulsen, Harpursville, NY “It is a great source of information for anyone thinking about opening a quilt store. It is very thorough and certainly was a big help to me. My store should be open in 6 weeks and I couldn’t have done it so quickly without your help. It’s well worth every penny and a few more! I am very happy I made the decision to purchase this book. If the information wasn’t in there, the source to get the information was. Excellent sources.”Lynda Ratliff, Hampton, VA There is a lot of confusion around starting and running a successful quilting business. I want to give you 3 things that absolutely, positively must be in any quilting business training you purchase: Comprehensive Guide: If you are going to start a quilting business, you need to know how to name your business, register it, structure it, run it, and market it. How to Start Your Own Quilting Business gives you this basic business information geared towards your success. Information on Running Your Quilting Business: One of the things that can kill a business faster than a natural disaster is not knowing the ins and outs of running a successful business. How to Start Your Own Quilting Business provides insight on the ins and outs of running a successful quilting business. Marketing, Marketing, Marketing: Without a doubt, good marketing can help you create and maintain a successful quilting business. I have over 17 years of marketing experience, and this book offers the top methods to get the word out about your new quilting business and drive swarms of customers through your front door. You receive the complete How to Start Your Own Quilting Businessguide with over 150 pages of information that will take you step-by-step through the process of starting your own successful quilting business. You get proven, tested advertising and marketing strategies geared towards quilting businesses. And you get a list of some of the most valuable resources for your new quilt shop. Your satisfaction is assured through our no risk, you-can’t-lose, 100%, no-questions-asked, iron-clad moneyback guarantee. If for any reason, you aren’t thrilled and satisfied with How to Start Your Own Quilting Business , just contact us (or send the product back) within 60 days and we’ll refund 100% of your purchase price. No hard feelings What I’m saying is don’t decide now if this product is for you. Just get it and try it out. If it doesn’t do everything I say and more, if you don’t save money, time and frustration, if it isn’t life-changing, if it doesn’t work for you, you have nothing to worry about because you can get every dime of your money back under our no-loopholes guarantee. So you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. How to Start Your Own Quilting Business is available in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF), the most popular electronic format on the market. When you click on one of the order buttons, you will be taken to a Secure Ordering Page. You can use your credit card, PayPal, or electronic check to order online, which is the quickest way to get this powerful information into your hands. Internet Security Note: The secure order form on the next page will look like this: To your success, PLEASE NOTE: Your credit card statement will show a charge from ClickBank or CLK*BANK.COM. We take your privacy very seriously. You can read our entire privacy policy here. ©2006-2011 Gryphon Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved. By entering, you agree to terms and conditions found here. By entering your email address you are also requesting and agreeing to subscribe to our free Quilting Business email newsletter. You must be 18 or older to enter. Check out our Free QuiltingBusiness Blog here. Gryphon Publishing Inc. 14850 Highway 4, Suite A #131 Discovery Bay, CA 94505 charlotte at quiltingbusiness.com Affiliates | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Quilting Business Click here to get How to Start Your Own Quilting Business at discounted price while it’s still available… All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors. How to Start Your Own Quilting Business is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied with Wake Up Lean™, you can request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked. - ReviewApe - https://www.reviewape.com/?p=16995

[mrmichaelchadler]

5 Hard Lessons I’ve Learned About Being a Better Manager and Boss

I’m a sucker for anything that tries to answer a question that I almost never hear anyone ask, much less answer: How can you be a good boss?

Notice that I say anything that “tries” to answer because I usually find that most advice on how to better manage people usually goes one of two ways — it’s either very simplistic or incredibly stupid.

A few years back, there was a Wall Street Journal blog post titled How to Be a Good Boss that did a pretty decent job of answering that question, but it also missed some things that I believe are essential when it comes to directing and managing people the right way.

It’s a struggle to learn how to really manage

Full disclosure here: I’ve supervised people and been a boss for longer than I care to admit. I’ve learned about how to manage the hard way – through real life, on-the-job, thrown-into-the-breech experience. It was something that was tough at first, and I struggled to learn how to be a boss and a manager, and how to do it right.

But I’ve also seen a great many managers do it terribly wrong. I’ve worked for way too many bad managers and some pretty dreadful bosses. That’s what made me so interested in what the How to Be a Good Boss blog post had to say.

The author broke down how to be a good manager to these five tips:

Give coherent communication;

Appreciate and criticize;

Learn to listen;

Walk the talk; and,

Be friendly, but not necessarily friends.

You should read the blog post for more details, of course, but this is a surprisingly good list. However, I would add a few caveats to these management and leadership tips from my own experience:

1. There’s no such thing as over-communication

Most employees are desperate for more communication. No matter how much the manager thinks they may be communicating, employees always seem to want more — a LOT more — and they want it in any and every possible manner, from one-on-one to team meetings, to emails, memos, or any other way imaginable.

There’s a simple reason why managers should want to communicate more. It’s because workers who feel they’re in the loop and know what is going on are more engaged, which means they probably do better work. Plus, making sure that your employees really know what is happening helps cut down on what happens when you under communicate – a workplace full of rampant gossip and speculation. The more that happens, the less focused your employees are on the job at hand.

Many managers, however, are terrible communicators. In fact, I’ve found that the higher someone rises in an organization, the worse their communication skills seem to get. And it seems to be something that many high-paid executive coaches that high-ranking managers hire seem to completely miss.

My approach is simple: It’s impossible to over communicate. No matter how much you are communicating now, you would do well to at least double or triple it, and, to make sure that you communicate your message in at least two different formats. Yes, the more you communicate the more you’ll get out of your team. They will be happier and more productive – and you will be, too.

2. You need a 5-1 employee appreciation ratio

It’s human nature for people to be negative because it’s ALWAYS easier to focus on what is wrong than what is right. I learned this years ago when I was a rookie newspaper editor and struggling to get my news editors to write Page One headlines that would pass muster with the publisher.

Here’s what I learned: It’s not enough to tell them that a headline didn’t work. Just about anybody could do that. The real trick was being able to give them constructive guidance on how to write something better.

That’s the problem with a simple admonition to “appreciate and criticize,” because it’s way too easy for managers to simply be critical while forgetting the appreciation part.

I hate to lay down hard-and-fast rules, but in my book, you should appreciate employees no less than 80 percent of the time. Yes, you should be critical only one time out of five, and if you find yourself criticizing more than that, you’ll find yourself with a demoralized workforce.

3. “Learn to listen” should be branded on your brain

I once had a boss that never seemed to listen. He was so busy trying to make his point, or shooting down yours, that he never really took the time to truly listen to what I had to say.

Most people want to feel that what they say matters, and nothing says “what you are saying doesn’t matter” more clearly than a manager who doesn’t seem to listen.

The best managers know that they should spend a lot less time talking and a lot more listening, and the 80/20 rule applies here as well. When talking to employees, you should spend at least 80 percent of the time listening to what they’re saying. If you are talking more than 20 percent of the time, you probably aren’t hearing them or helping them very much.

4. Walking the talk is a tough

Far too few of the managers I’ve worked for seemed to ever follow up and do what they said they were going to do, like the manager who touts an “open door policy” yet is so intimidating that no one in their right mind would ever WANT to enter their office, much less have an honest discussion.

Mindless open door policies are pretty easy to lampoon (and check out the video below titled Land of the Knuckleheads: Open (Closed) Door Policies), but they’re a symptom of the inability of many managers to follow through on what they say – also known as “walking the talk.”

The WSJ blog hit this on the head pretty well, noting: “As a manager, don’t think that you are the one watching the team, the team is watching you. So set an example and follow your own rules.”

5. You are their boss … not their friend.

It’s good to be friendly with those who work for you, but really, how can you be their boss AND their friend AND carry out both roles?

The answer is pretty simple: You can’t.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to be friendly and approachable with your employees — in fact, that’s what kind of management style you should be shooting for — but it isn’t easy to be friends with someone you also have to supervise.

Can it be done? Sure, but what happens if you have to sit down your workplace “friend” and have a tough conversation? You’ll be better served if you foster trust and respect instead of friendship because, in the long run, it will help make you a better manager overall.

Here’s my take: The WSJ blog post on How to Be a Good Boss is good advice. It’s solid, but pretty basic, advice for the newbie boss or manager. It’s a good starting point but just skims the surface of what new managers need to know.

Here’s something you can take to the bank: Management isn’t easy. If it was, you would have a helluva lot more people clamoring to do it.

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