39 Clues Audio Book Two: One False Note: Bonus

January 28, 2010

See my review of these audio books.
Note: The reason why I’m not reviewing the bonus in audio book one is because I don’t think it’s earth-shattering information and I’d much rather post about this at the moment. If anyone wants to write a guest post and submit it through the Submit your Content! page, feel free [...]

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Poll: How much Time do You Spend Per Week on the Computer?

January 26, 2010

Today, I’m starting a new poll on the blog: How much time per week do you spend on the computer?

I thought this was pretty interesting to see, because, as writers, we write our books on our computer, and I also think that it would be on how basic I need to be with technology on this blog. Although time is not the only factor to determining that important decision, I think it may be the most accurate; if I asked you how much you knew about technology, it really is all relative.

Since everyone is on a different level, they will always have a different perspective on what is considered an “expert” and what a beginner.

And (as always), this will benefit you, as well: I think you’ll find it’s fascinating to really know how much time you spend in front of the screen and keyboard. Therefore, I would recommend really thinking about everything you do every week. If you use it at work, add that in. If you e-mail, add that in. I think most of you will find that you spend more time on the computer than you think.

So, please take the time to answer the poll on the first sidebar. I would greatly appreciate it.

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The 39 Clues Audio Books: Audio Book Review

January 23, 2010
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As I popped the CD into my computer and got ready to listen to it on iTunes, I didn’t really know what to expect. I had a good image of what the characters were like in my head, sure, but I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to listen to The 39 Clues on audio.

After listening, I have to say that while I recommend them, I do have mixed feelings.

First, the negative; that’s the way I like to do things to get it out of the way, as many people. I guess in a way it makes me pessimistic, but I have to admit that I am; I always expect the worst…

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The Blank Sheet Method

January 21, 2010

Blank sheet method; stare at a blank sheet and visualize what the story is. If you don’t see anything, then perhaps you are not creative enough to write, or you may simply be in a state of depression or blankness. If this happens, contact your psychologist right away.
Today, I have an interesting method that you [...]

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New York Times Bestseller List: Week of 01/17/10: The Associates by John Grisham: Product Description and Author Bio

January 21, 2010
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If you’re thinking of buying The Associates by John Grisham, I hope this information will give you some more information about the book and John. I would also like to say that, yes, this information is easy to find on it’s own, but I carefully select only the best of the best books that I [...]

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Excerpt from The Associate by John Grisham

January 21, 2010
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The following is an exclusive book excerpt from The Associate by John Grisham from Amazon. The first post of this series is here.
Chapter One
The rules of the New Haven Youth League required that each kid play at least ten minutes in each game. Exceptions were allowed for players who had upset their coaches by skipping [...]

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New York Time Bestseller List: Week of 01/17/10: The Associate by John Grisham

January 20, 2010
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This is a compilation of reviews I’ve found across the web. I have not actually read the book “The Associate” by John Grisham, but my Mom has, and I will post her review in my own words tomorrow. I would also like to say that, yes, this information is easy to find on it’s own, [...]

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New York Times Bestseller List: Week of 01/17/10: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

January 20, 2010
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Because I’ve been sick lately, I haven’t been able to follow through with the posts I planned to make, so although this came out a few days ago, here is the New York Times Bestselling List. I will list the books along with some reviews I found. I have not read any of these, but [...]

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Writing Project+No Time=MAJOR Frustration

January 20, 2010
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You’re walking down the street, talking to a friend, reading a book, or doing just about anything. Suddenly, you get a great idea for a writing project. Or maybe someone pitches the idea to you, or you’re entering a piece of writing for a contest. You know that any of these things will be hard [...]

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Aunt Beatrice’s Detective–The Man In Black?

January 15, 2010

Remember when in the books, they casually slip away that Aunt Beatrice has hired a detective to find them? Well, I had always thought that it was the Man In Black, otherwise known as Fiske Cahill. I will not get into it here, but a page about why this is so is under construction at the moment. Fiske was the sister of Grace and Beatrice, and he mysteriously disappeared in the 1960’s. He is the Man In Black.

Since the Man In Black is a Madrigal, he would obviously make the perfect detective, especially since he is very closely related to Beatrice. However, I think that she hired a detective of a different purpose; to reach a goal. The goal is not to find Amy and Dan, but we all know from e-mails in our 39 Clues inbox and cards that the Madrigals need the Cahill siblings to follow a certain path. Beatrice might have actually wanted Amy and Dan to go for the hunt, and that is why she provoked them into doing it, although on the outside it looked like she was persuading them not to.

This may or may not be true, but I think that the evidence certainly increases in the following quote for book eight by Gordon Korman (believed to have the title of The Sacred Found, although there is no proof):

“As the race to find the 39 Clues builds to its explosive finish, Amy and Dan must steal a Clue guarded by thousands of the world’s best soldiers. With their enemies closing in, the siblings are separated. Together, they almost have a chance, but alone…Could the search for this Clue spell the end of Amy and Dan? And while they are separated, could their Aunt Beatrice’s detective find them?”

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