N.C. Reed's Blog, page 13

We’ve had a relatively mild summer here in the Volunteer State, but the last few days, and the next few, are making up for it. While still not as bad as the summers just two or three years ago, this heat wave has had indices of 105+ and that trend will continue according to the NWS for the next few days.

The heat can be a killer if you don’t take precautions, so once more make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Try to schedule outdoor and strenuous activity for early morning or late afternoon rather than the heat of the day. If you stop sweating, then seek medical attention as that can be the first sign of heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

Keep and eye on children, especially those engaged in outdoor activity. And watch pets as well. Make sure they have plenty of water, and shade to lie in if they are outside.

Take care of yourselves!

NC

Finally got a Facebook page. An official one, that is. For now it’s just gotten started, but as more work becomes available, or as new stories are posted here on the blog for free, there’ll be a note on the FB page as well.

SO, if you get a chance, please give it a like, and share it with any and everyone! The more the merrier, right?

Have to admit, I went to see Guardians of the Galaxy again today. It was just as good the second time around. It’s just one of those rare, special movies that you can literally get lost in. I honestly can’t wait for the DVD, since I’ll probably watch it every day for a month, :D

Everyone needs to take note of an approaching heat wave for a large part of the country over the next week. Heat indices will be high, possibly as high as 110 in some places. So make sure your car is prepared for that kind of heat, especially in traffic. Drink plenty of fluids if you are outside, especially if you’re active, and take frequent breaks. Remember, if you stop sweating, you’re in danger, so seek medical attention at once. Keep some water in your car if traveling.

Take care everyone, and thanks!

NC

Today has been a record day for sales of Odd Billy Todd on Amazon. I don’t know what else to say except ‘thank you’ to everyone who has purchased the book, and/or told others about it. The reviews have been great, with the most welcome being those who truly enjoyed the story itself.

As I posted before I re-edited the book after a couple reviews noted grammar errors. Turns out, during conversion, many of the italicized words had been pushed together, a problem I’ll know to watch for next time I do this. OBT has been a learning experience in more ways than one, and I hope that the things I’ve learned will help me when it’s time to post my next story.

For those of you who are considering self publishing, make sure you check the end product for conversion errors. I didn’t know to do that, and didn’t bother checking the first upload of OBT when I published. I had edited the book in it’s original form, and assumed, incorrectly, that the conversion would be problem free.

It’s also a very long book, with over 800 pages, and that may have had something to do with it. I always use double space when typing, so it surprised me when so many of the words compressed during conversion. So learn from my mistakes! :)

Again, thank you. I really don’t have the right words to express my appreciation for the support, encouragement, and kind thoughts as I went through this process for the first time.

NC

I finally got to go and see Guardians of the Galaxy tonight. It. Was. Awesome. I mean, no kidding, one of the best movies I have ever seen. I don’t care who you are, or if you are a fan of Marvel or anything Marvel related, you owe it to yourself to see this movie.

It’s touching, action packed, and above all hilariously funny! Chris Pratt and the rest of the cast turned in stellar performances all around, and there’s not a single dull moment in the entire two hours. I honestly can’t remember when I’ve seen a better movie.

I also caught a movie on Netflix yesterday while I was taking a break. Day of the Siege, Sept 11, 1683, about the battle of Vienna. A very good film based on the historical battle and siege of Vienna by the Ottoman army. Again a great cast, and a truly enjoyable film. Highly recommended.

One last note about Guardians of the Galaxy. If you’re like me, and the seventies are part of your memories, then the soundtrack will be right up your alley. Again, I can’t stress to you how much I enjoyed this show!

NC

My Zombie obsession continues. I still don’t know why. There’s so much other stuff I need to be doing, and yet, I feel compelled to write about Zombies.

So far I’m just doing shorts, like the new one added today. https://badkarma00.wordpress.com/dear-dieary/friggin-zombies-man/

It is a little funny, and maybe a little thought provoking. If you’re into preparedness, it might make you think a little bit more about that sort of thing. Since fall, and with it Thunderstorms, are just around the corner, and it’s the middle of hurricane season, that’s not a bad thing, in my opinion.

I made a new page under Dear Dieary, the first one of these I did, and that’s where I’ll post any new Zombie short stories. And as I said, I’m actually working on a longer story about Zombies, at least a novella in length though I haven’t decided yet how long it might be. As I write, the story usually decides that for me, taking on a mind of its own.

Anyway, enjoy Friggin’ Zombies! Drop me a line, let me know how you liked it. Might make a longer story out of it, too. It started pretty funny, at least for me. I had fun writing it.

Please don’t hesitate to follow, and share, my blog with others. I’ll try not to bore you!

NC