tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19882622438932288452024-03-12T18:44:13.223-04:00Denyse CohenDenyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-69469863763899913872016-11-25T09:15:00.000-05:002016-11-25T09:27:15.580-05:00Black Friday, oh la la... <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just kidding... I don't think I ever got out to shop on this most dreadful day. I think the "hype" makes us spend more than we should and buy "stuff" we don't really need. Note that I'm not condemning "shopping". No, no. Shopping is fun. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I like shopping.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqwyR3Kmj4w/WDg51Zc4evI/AAAAAAAADrU/7XiKL0ztuf8_dR8ep4PV5Hzucafv0i_4wCLcB/s1600/squarepan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqwyR3Kmj4w/WDg51Zc4evI/AAAAAAAADrU/7XiKL0ztuf8_dR8ep4PV5Hzucafv0i_4wCLcB/s200/squarepan.jpeg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just the other day I bought a square skillet in excellent shape at Goodwill for $2.99 when it sells brand new for around $24.99. On the same shopping splurge I bought two pairs of shorts for my ever growing son for $3.43. Score!</span></span></h4>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">See, the thing is, I've been trying to rewire my brain so that every time I <u>want to go shopping </u>(without the real need for anything), I grab some art supplies instead and try to do something that will feel as good, won't cost anything, and it'll have a bigger impact on my life than some cute flats. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although, I might break and come out to <a href="http://www.pvaandc.com/" target="_blank">Ponta Vedra Arts and Crafts </a>tomorrow since they are offering 50% off one full price item, and THEY ARE A LOCAL BUSINESS.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In short, here's <u>my</u> plan for what I believe is a meaningful alternative to the "go shopping" therapy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1- Find a hobby (or activity) that doesn't cost any money and you can learn (or practice) something. It can be a craft -- crochet, anyone? -- or sports. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I heard that learning something new is good for your brain, too. </span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2- If you must shop, find local businesses.</span></span> </blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay now, I know Goodwill is not local, but buying second hand does miracles to the world. Find a thrift-store near you, a local one if you can, and add that to the list under 2b.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most importantly, for <i>my</i> meaningful life, I strive to find beauty in people, moments, actions and not get stuck on admiring beautiful objects that I might or might not be able to afford. Except art, of course. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Art -- and I don't mean the factory made prints you find at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond -- goes beyond the object itself to present the viewer with ideas, feelings, or commentary which creates a subliminal conversation and brings about emotions that, perhaps, couldn't be felt without that object. But, that is for another post...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I write all of this, almost not sure of the point I wanted to make anymore, one quote and one word keeps coming back to me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">"Be happy. </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Not because everything is good. </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">But because you see the good in everything."</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Contentment</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-36114671427376873352016-01-01T18:17:00.000-05:002016-01-01T18:17:12.631-05:00Constructed Landscapes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhYddIuQO6U/VocEGUv747I/AAAAAAAADhY/dyOKC9JUn94/s1600/constructedlandscape-ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhYddIuQO6U/VocEGUv747I/AAAAAAAADhY/dyOKC9JUn94/s400/constructedlandscape-ed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Untitled, 2016. Photography</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #0c343d;">I've decided to take a shot at <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/theartassignment?source=feed_text&story_id=1020247544704572"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">theartassignment</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/constructedlandscapes?source=feed_text&story_id=1020247544704572"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">constructedlandscapes</span></a>.
Whereas Paula McCartney's constructed landscapes could be mistaken for
real ones, mine was intentionally constructed to evoke the mythical and
surreal. I envisioned the land where my character would exist, complete
with his little mushroom house. I feel the results are very Henri
Rousseau, except my feline is not covered by the landscape. He faces the
viewer very assertively, albeit apprehensively. He is territorial, but
peaceful.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First of all, Happy New Year!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today I started my 365 days journey of artistic endeavors by responding to #theartassignment (does hashtags work on blogs? or is it even the proper etiquette?) constructed landscapes episode. (watch it <a href="https://youtu.be/MfAtcLKFiGo" target="_blank">here</a>) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was fun and hard. I'm not too much of a planner, to be honest. Usually, my creative process work this way: I have an idea, and I want to execute it right then and there. So, considering I don't have a proper studio, I don't have a place that is conducive to art making. Scratch that, everywhere is conducive to art making.<u> I truly believe that.</u> What I mean is, I'm not very organized and I live in a small apartment. Bad combination. Anyway, my point is this landscape was constructed on a whim (isn't that the story of my life.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Regardless, here it is. My ode to an artistic year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cheers,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span>Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-20096590702519207862015-01-18T07:41:00.000-05:002015-03-17T09:33:21.343-04:00"GIRLS" and creativityI have not written in forever and the reason has much to do with why I am writing now. I've been extremely busy with my "day job" (which by the way is much more than that, it is a career that I'm fortunate to say I really enjoy.) and when I get overwhelmed with all the things I have to do, sometimes I freeze and veg out. In one of these manic episodes, I've started to watch "Girls" from HBO.<br />
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I'm not going to go in what the show is about, but fast forward three seasons and now the main character, Hannah, a writer who reluctantly took a "day job" at GQ magazine writing advertorial articles has voluntarily created a situation to force her boss to fire her so she could collect unemployment. I assume, although it wasn't clear in the show, she did that so she could have time to be a "real writer." Throughout the show, Hannah has always struggled to make rent. She's twenty five and single. So, yes, she can be bolder. I supposed now it's the time for her to make bold decisions and give up certain comforts in order to stay in the path that will lead her to accomplish her goals.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cG_k_bKsx8/VLp4cUpuiRI/AAAAAAAADdI/rPllPZkRIEo/s1600/lenadunham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cG_k_bKsx8/VLp4cUpuiRI/AAAAAAAADdI/rPllPZkRIEo/s1600/lenadunham.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i class="title"><b>Lena Dunham</b>, shot by Terry Richardson</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And that got me wondering, despite "Girls" being fiction (not sure how much it's based on real life of creator and writer Lena Dunham -- and I'm not going to research it for this post because it doesn't matter), <b>people who are boldly crazy and spontaneous (maybe even unbalanced) have more chances to <strike>create great artistic works</strike> achieve success?</b><br />
<br />
Is that the reason some wonderful pieces of writing from regular, working-nine-to-five, abide-by-the-rules folk never get noticed? Because they are not bold enough to act crazy and lend in situations where they meet the right people at the right time?<br />
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Most importantly, Hannah, makes a huge deal about not living an "ordinary" life. She embarks in outrageous "adventures" in order to "feel everything" and have material to write about. (She writes personal essays). I know Jules Verne didn't actually journeyed to the center of the Earth to write his book and most people have a well of interesting thoughts that weren't acquired by spending a night snorting cocaine. (something Hannah did to write about it) A few of these people have the discipline to actually learn the craft of writing and tell their story. And only a handpicked number see their story widely read and appreciated it. The common denominator of this process is <b>WORK</b>, a lot of work; something that, apparently, Hannah hasn't learned to value of yet. <br />
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The show is entertaining but I'm developing a mild revulsion to Hannah and her self-centered and stereotypical image of a young writer. Her display of "cool" and "hip" youth in New York trying to find themselves is so far-fetched that if it has any reality is based in the singular oddities that might happen in the lives of dozens of people, because if one person acts that way all the time I'd say she's pretty stupid. <br />
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<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-88060124378626309612014-06-30T13:29:00.001-04:002014-06-30T13:57:32.204-04:00Summer Homemade BurgersI get so happy when a recipe works out, specially when I completely make it up from scratch. <br />
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Today is one of these days!<br />
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A hamburger is not a "completely" new invention, I know. And I'm not saying I've invented something new, mostly likely not. I just got creative and it paid off. So, I wanted to share it everyone.<br />
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I knew I wanted to make hamburgers for lunch. The motivation was my 8 year-old son and his summer vacation. I mean, nothing says summer more than hamburgers, right? Lately, he's enjoyed burgers a lot. Every where we go, that's what he'll order if available. <br />
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Since we're stuck at home most of the week. I thought it'd be nice to make something he likes to spruce lunch up.<br />
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I departed from the common knowledge that to make homemade hamburgers you mainly need <b><span style="font-size: large;">ground beef</span></b> and <b><span style="font-size: large;">saltine crackers</span></b>.<br />
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So, I've seasoned the meat with<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>black pepper</b></span> and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>soy sauce</b></span>. And sorry, no measurements. I cook often and I've learned to eye ball it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvRDsih0Xb0/U7GYTpta4gI/AAAAAAAADXg/1qx8pX4x_hQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvRDsih0Xb0/U7GYTpta4gI/AAAAAAAADXg/1qx8pX4x_hQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
I looked for things on my fridge that I could add to my burgers, and voilá.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Zucchini</b></span> (shredded)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Onion</b></span> (chopped)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Basil</b></span> (chopped)<br />
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And the ingredient that makes me feel healthier every time,<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Flaxseed</span>.</b><br />
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I mixed everything with the meat, then crunched some crackers over it and incorporated well.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEhQk8CnCWc/U7GZS4LzavI/AAAAAAAADXo/DNtKive0SWM/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEhQk8CnCWc/U7GZS4LzavI/AAAAAAAADXo/DNtKive0SWM/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't care to have bits and pieces of zucchini coming off the patties here and there. I actually think it makes my masterpiece look better.<br />
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I just made sure to push all the chopped basil into the patty, because I knew those would burn otherwise.<br />
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I heated French Hamburger buns (from Publix's bakery) in the pan with butter before frying the hamburgers.<br />
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Now it'd be the time to fire up the grill, if you have one.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDDyZga-XGo/U7GaxCj7xDI/AAAAAAAADX8/w1nfRYU1QUY/s1600/burgers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDDyZga-XGo/U7GaxCj7xDI/AAAAAAAADX8/w1nfRYU1QUY/s1600/burgers.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also fried the patties in <span style="font-size: large;"><b>butter</b></span>.<br />
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Simply because everything is better with butter!<br />
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But don't use too much or the butter will burn and start smoking before the burgers are done.<br />
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(When this happen, just carefully wipe the skillet with a clean paper towel. But, please, don't get burned.)<br />
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I topped my burger off with <span style="font-size: large;"><b>pepper jack cheese</b></span> and sided with a <span style="font-size: large;"><b>salad</b></span>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGlTIZrm1W8/U7GZS0OmQkI/AAAAAAAADX0/rnEmjXH2iTw/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGlTIZrm1W8/U7GZS0OmQkI/AAAAAAAADX0/rnEmjXH2iTw/s1600/image.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even if you don't want any butter, these burgers won't be dry. The zucchini will soften and release its wonderful moisture.<br />
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It took me 25 minutes --tops-- from getting the meat in the fridge to sitting down to savor my meal.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Let me know if you try it, or leave a comment with your own version of homemade burgers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers</span>!</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">PS: And if you want a light summer read, check out my bestseller (wishful thinking) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Hit-Wonder-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B008195E6M/ref=la_B0086MC156_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404149657&sr=1-1" target="_blank">One Hit Wonder</a> available everywhere ebooks are sold. </span></h3>
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<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-74011417648252794272014-04-26T10:28:00.001-04:002017-02-03T20:21:45.825-05:00I should have known betterHello world,<br />
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My life has been hectic later. Good hectic, but hectic nonetheless. I found a new job that I LOVE and have been dedicating 110% of my time to it. Well, I have to! Since there are nearly 400 elementary kids looking up to me to show them how amazing ART can be to their learning, growth, and life.<br />
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So, my internet browsing has dwindle to checking emails and looking for teaching resources. The notifications icon from Goggle has been red for so long, it has lost its effect and blended with the background. But today, I clicked on it and was surprised to find this: <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-vk8JGI2oE/U1uwmHVFreI/AAAAAAAACjo/CP4FjPM_x2E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-26+at+9.11.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-vk8JGI2oE/U1uwmHVFreI/AAAAAAAACjo/CP4FjPM_x2E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-26+at+9.11.12+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ouch!<br />
It took me a second to remember what it was about. It's refering to this comment I posted on a youtube tutorial last year.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzI__lBTQ74/U1uyG9FflvI/AAAAAAAACj0/KlPUY51Lu6A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-26+at+9.17.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzI__lBTQ74/U1uyG9FflvI/AAAAAAAACj0/KlPUY51Lu6A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-26+at+9.17.53+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Honestly, I wasn't even thinking too much when I wrote it. I, <u>certainly</u>, wasn't trying to sound "quite rude" or "slightly angry." A few days later, I would re-read this comment over and over looking for what had triggered this reply:<br />
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I never judged "all" of his content. I never said I didn't like it (I guess incidentally I did).<br />
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What happened next is what the title of this post refers to; instead of trying to understand how my comment made HIM feel, I took a defensive approach that was partly triggered by the knowledge (from experience) that when you create content and put it out in the world you better be ready for all kinds of judgments, and you must take them graciously, learn what you can, and move on. <br />
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Don't believe me? Check out the 1 and 2 stars reviews I got for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Hit-Wonder-Crimson-Romance-ebook/dp/B008195E6M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1398519812&sr=8-4&keywords=one+hit+wonder" target="_blank">One Hit Wonder</a>. Imagine if I just decided to angrily reply to everyone who had something to say about my work that I didn't like it.<br />
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Sure, Mr. Paterson gave me his tutorial for "free", but I really didn't mean to offend him in the first place. So, I felt unfairly treated and turned the whole thing to be about MY feelings.<br />
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<br />
In retrospect, I can see that I forgot something essential: BE KIND.<br />
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And I'm ashamed because kindness is one of the major directives in which my life is based upon. SmittenKittenKat was right to call me out. It made me realize that is not enough to "mean" good, but you also have to "do" good.<br />
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Unaware of my behavior and with my conscious clear, I had forgotten about it, and I have a hunch Mr. Paterson did too. But the things you post on the cyber-world are always there, floating around until they make their way back to you. Today, it found me. And I, belatedly, posted an apology.<br />
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It might not mean anything to Mr. Paterson after all this time, but it means tons to me. I'm glad I had a chance to reflect about the whole thing. As a writer, I should be always attentive of the words I choose to comment on other people's work and -- as a person -- I should always, always, be kind.<br />
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<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-54594525251091750602014-02-01T12:30:00.002-05:002014-02-01T12:30:14.173-05:00ONE HIT WONDER is U$1.99 for a limited time on AMAZON<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><<< Clique on the link to the left to go directly to Amazon.</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Cheers,</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">D</span></h3>
Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-20732349023473357782013-12-29T20:08:00.002-05:002013-12-29T20:34:15.255-05:00King of Selfies<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I </span></span>have been thinking long and hard about creating a regimen schedule to blog at least twice a week. Honestly, with everything that goes on in my life, blogging is the least of my worries. Until, I turn on my laptop and see that blogging <span style="font-size: large;">is</span> part of life. Wanting or not, "platform" is the <i>it</i> word for anyone who depends on lots people knowing about you and what you do to achieve success.<br />
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While the mystery about creating meaningful content and garnering followers (i.e. people who gives a s#@t) remains, I thought the article "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/29/arts/the-meanings-of-the-selfie.html?_r=0" target="_blank">The meanings of the selfie</a>" by James Franco (yes, the actor) was interesting.<br />
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James Franco explains the power of the selfie,<br />
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I can see which posts don’t get attention or make me lose followers:
those with photos of art projects; videos telling the haters to go away
(in not so many words); and photos with poems. (Warning: Post your own,
and you’ll see how fast people become poetry specialists and offer
critiques like “I hate you, you should die.”) </div>
But a well-stocked collection of selfies seems to get attention. And
attention seems to be the name of the game when it comes to social
networking.</blockquote>
And while I understand James Franco is a celebrity and people would be interested in looking at his face and don't give a second thought about mine, and I, deep down, like much more the Casey Neistat's approach for Instagram as he shows on this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GacoqdKjVyE" target="_blank">video</a>.<br />
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I've decided to give <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">selfies</span></span> a try. I'm going to post selfies as often as I can, starting today for, let's say, six months. At the end of my experiment, I'll report back how many new followers I got on Instagram (as of today, I have 48) and which selfie got more likes.<br />
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Here's selfie number 1:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/denysecohen" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4jFime1tSo/UsDGTTw3-2I/AAAAAAAACb8/bBPXBFB0VZI/s400/selfiezombie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/denysecohen" target="_blank">look me up on instagram @denysecohen for six months worth of selfies</a></td></tr>
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Okay, it's not my best hair day. But being no James Franco, and realizing people really don't care to look at my plain ol face, I think a little make up (i.e. photoshop) will help keep them interested. Don't you think?</div>
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I guess we'll find out in six months.</div>
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Cheers.</div>
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<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-59979535698670747732013-09-26T21:13:00.000-04:002013-09-26T21:15:38.308-04:00Witch's Revenge is available now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hyKbVBFg3c/UkTbb_eCJoI/AAAAAAAACXc/_oV6ci_ftoY/s1600/WRinstaquote1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hyKbVBFg3c/UkTbb_eCJoI/AAAAAAAACXc/_oV6ci_ftoY/s400/WRinstaquote1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Revenge-Living-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00ESIQJUU/ref=la_B0086MC156_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380244463&sr=1-3" target="_blank">here</a> </span>and read the first chapter on Amazon!</span></span></div>
Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-26142889874119395752013-09-16T13:40:00.002-04:002013-09-16T14:31:24.272-04:00Release Day! Oops ... I'm four hours late.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My new book, Witch's Revenge, is out today. And since, I'm in Alaska, I'm four hours behind to acknowledge it. <br />
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It feels weird to wake up (a tad late, I must confess) and find friends and fellow authors congratulating me on my release. It makes me think I should have written this post days ago and scheduled it to publish at 12 a.m. EST. <br />
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But as I said before, I'm in <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ALASKA</span></span>! I had no time to sit down and write.<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was out, exploring!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> And finding content for the next books to come...</span></span></div>
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I just hope it won't be anything in the lines of "Into the Wild." Ha!</div>
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Okay, bad jokes aside...</div>
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Witch's Revenge is the second book of the Living Energy Trilogy.<br />
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Throughout history, the women who guard Earth’s living energy have
been known as goddesses, fairies, mermaids, alchemists, but they prefer
to call themselves witches.<br />
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Jade has found her soulmate. Peter is
the human whose life-energy is identical to hers, the soulmate who is
the missing key to unlock her witch’s power. And now Arrow, a powerful
organization whose only intent is to kill the soulmates and keep the
witches in check, wants their head above all others.<br />
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After a
whirlwind of danger and passion, Jade and Peter managed to evade Arrow
in Brazil only to find their assassins have followed them home and, this
time, Karyn - the witch who murdered Jade’s parents - is personally
after them with the lethal ability to drain a witch’s energy.<br />
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Jade and Peter must come to terms with the fact their survival is only secondary to ending Arrow’s legacy of murder and fear.<br />
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But revenge might come in an unexpected way . . .<br />
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If you want to read the first chapter of Witch's Revenge, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.denysecohen.com/p/witchs-revenge-first-chapter.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span><br />
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Leave a comment for a chance to win a WR ebook.<br />
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Hope you'll enjoy it... And who knows, maybe book 3 will have a little bit of <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ALASKA</span></span> in it.<br />
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Cheers, <br />
<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-8409241797627990452013-08-19T19:06:00.001-04:002013-08-19T19:06:39.661-04:00A little of Brazil in my farewell week.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-68204884214804959152013-08-14T12:24:00.001-04:002013-08-14T13:16:47.972-04:00God has nothing to do with it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I</span> saw this post on Facebook today and it really ticked me off. Firstly,
it was just funny because of how idiotic it is. "Ignore and all will go
Wrong". </div>
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Let me break it to you, in case you don't already know: everything that is going to go wrong in your life, will go wrong anyway. Despite Facebook, despite God, sometimes, even despite yourself.<br />
We often do things with the best of intentions. Er ... like ... giving up your entire life and moving to Brazil in search of brighter and better horizons? Yes.<br />
But I think I was more pissed off about me wanting to comment, <i>God has nothing to do with it</i>, and stopping myself because I don't have the time or energy to start a shit storm. Really, enough shit already.<br />
And then, I got to think: why is it that religious people are allowed to rub their fate on other people's faces but we don't get the same courtesy? <br />
I'm not saying I don't believe in anything, as John Green's character put it in "The Fault In Our Stars", I believe in Something with capital S. It just so happens that my <i>Something</i> is here on Earth. Living among us. Deep inside human consciousness. Buried beneath all the bullshit we have to go through every day to find something that is as abstract as God himself: happiness.<br />
I've seen it today though. My seven year old son was skipping on the way back from school. For me, that was divinity. It was the externalization of a feeling so pure I almost cried (in fact I'm tearing up a little just remembering) I felt amazingly happy to be able to see that. And felt exponentially more terrified to imagine a day when he wouldn't skip anymore. The day he'd be worrying about finding a job, then if he makes enough money, if he can pay rent ...<br />
Then I was asking myself? How to break this cycle? How to stop my son from forgetting this feeling, this communion with divinity? Besides taking a vow of poverty and packing a backpack to go do volunteer work, I couldn't think of anything. Sure, we parents <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>tell</i></span></span> our kids what to do and how to behave. But do we <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><i>show</i></span> them? How can he learn that the important things in life are already all inside of him, when he watches his mother (and father -- but really not qualified to speak for someone else) worrying about money (and the things that come with it) -- almost -- all of the time?<br />
Is it now when God comes into play? Should I tell my son not to worry about a thing because God will provide? And if he "repost a miracle will happen tonight"? I'm sorry, but I think that is the easy way out.<br />
I'm not a scholar on religion, but the common discourse is if something good happens to you is a blessing, if something bad happens it's God's will. Be a horrible person as much as you want, but if, in the end, you repent, everything will be O.K. Come on through the pearly gates and have fun!<br />
I'm sorry, but that doesn't comfort me. Not at the least.<br />
I think every person chooses to walk the path that seems less scary to them at the time, that's life. Some look up, some look down, and everyone MUST try to live the best way they can.<br />
I don't want to be cynical, I'm just saying ... I've seen miracles and I've been to hell, but I'm yet to see God. <br />
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<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-50104538507152266882013-05-18T13:48:00.002-04:002013-05-18T13:51:15.679-04:00A postmortem kickstarter project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My project on Kickstarter ended 6 days ago without achieving its funding goal.</div>
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You still can read about the whole idea <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/denysecohen/a-food-bus-to-strengthen-family-farming-community?ref=activity" target="_blank">here. </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not sure what I've done wrong to have such a small response. Clearly, crowd-funding is not as simple as one thinks. However, with all the million dollar movies being funded on Kickstarter recently I thought this would the place to have an indie socially oriented initiative get the support it deserved.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps, it wasn't "creative" enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, well. It's okay. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think the site is still a good source to make meaningful projects become a reality.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe with a little more thought and clearer goals I'll give it another try someday.<br />
<br />
Cheers! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-9231385564501392372013-04-15T16:14:00.001-04:002013-04-15T16:18:45.312-04:00Kickstarter ProjectWhile I haven't had time to create a dedicated page for the Kickstarer Project http://kck.st/Zlffkj I've created with my brother in Brazil, I wanted to at least create a post that would say to the interested people who end up here: You're in the right place. Yes, this project is mine and I'm so happy you're here. <br />
You know many people around the world face problems that aren't part of our reality in the USA. Little things that seem so simple, like buying locally grown veggies direct from farmers aren't so simple to the people of Goiânia. It's even harder for farmers to live with dignity when they are paid pennies per pound for the fruits of their back-breaking labor. <br />
<br />
This project is a small measure, but it's a start. And I'm thrilled you came here to learn more about it. <br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
DenyseDenyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-33769263812970437982013-04-03T06:20:00.002-04:002013-04-03T06:20:19.959-04:00Johnnie Blue is free to download on Amazon.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wedding Party + Whiskey = Johnnie Blue. Download it for free. <a href="http://t.co/O7Nn2sKhCW" title="http://amzn.to/XRc3fM">amzn.to/XRc3fM</a><br />
— denyse cohen (@denysecohen) <a href="https://twitter.com/denysecohen/status/318837906515050496">April 1, 2013</a></blockquote>
<br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-48357662286271949012013-03-24T09:18:00.001-04:002013-03-29T09:29:45.507-04:00The wildcat memoir I'm writing this post thinking what strange things can happen in real life while you're working on a manuscript that never make it into to your book of fiction. I, for one, am writing a paranormal romance that involves witches, the spirit world, FBI, a lot of fighting and a lot more of kissing.<br />
<br />
But this morning among all the other things we were talking about during breakfast on my family’s farm in Brazil, my father mentioned how a wildcat has been killing all his chickens. He’s already down ten chickens, as far as he can tell. <br />
So, we all talk about traps, hunting and poisoning and all the things we ought to do to stop the slaughter. Every one of our suggestions presents its problems. For instance, the last trap my father put up wasn’t strong enough to hold the cat who, feeling cornered, broke the thing and escaped leaving behind a good chunk of its fur.<br />
<br />
One of the things I love about spending time on the farm is how laid back the weekends are. After lunch, every one in the family goes their own way searching for a nook to lay down and spend the next two hours taking their “siesta” -- which by the way is not the term we use in Brazil.<br />
Because I’m on a deadline, my snoozing hours have to be spent in front of my laptop working on my manuscript for the second book of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Soulmate-Trilogy-Crimson-ebook/dp/B009LQHC46/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364130082&sr=8-1&keywords=witch%27s+soulmate" target="_blank">The Living Energy trilogy</a>. So, I'm sitting on the open patio area that also works as our dining room. The structure is open on two sides and if I look left I can see the grass, the fish pond, and farther down the main gate to the property. When I look right, I see more grass, the back of the chicken coop, and the cane sugar plantation down a slight hill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EBI8CmO-O3M/UU77B5NBNZI/AAAAAAAABbA/6J1WZXhQN-0/s1600/wildcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EBI8CmO-O3M/UU77B5NBNZI/AAAAAAAABbA/6J1WZXhQN-0/s1600/wildcat.jpg" /></a></div>
So, I’m typing away until I hear a chicken freaking out and, when I look toward the chicken coop, I see the cat dragging the struggling chicken and trying to jump with it through a whole in a dismantled mesh my father had put up ages ago. Immediately I get up and move toward the scene dragging a kitchen rag on my way and throwing it at the cat in hopes to save the poor bird. The rag flows in the air dancing like an autumn leaf-- completely useless. I’m still grunting animals sounds at the miscreant trying to scare it, but all in vain.<br />
I’m separated from the victim by a wire fence that goes around the property to keep -- err, chickens away. By now, the cat had succeeded at going through the mesh and I’m running toward the gate to go around and get him. So, I have to run around the barn, the chicken coop, and by the time I get around I only see the tall grass quivering. Then, brick size rocks are flying over my head (my husband, who had heard me screaming and came running after me, is trying to bomb the cat). I’m walking toward the overgrown grass concerned of stepping on a snake or something more dangerous--to me--than a wildcat.<br />
Finally there, I stand still for a few seconds with the bitter taste of failure spreading over my mouth. The cat was nowhere to be seen -- the damn thing is so small it can hide under the rainy season’s overgrown vegetation or run away underneath it without leaving any tracks. The quivering grass was the chicken kicking its legs in its struggle to hang on to life. It also failed.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I was in a stupor of adrenaline for the next few hours and couldn't write anything.<br />
<br />
The cat is still at large.<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-73594351612816830532013-02-27T13:56:00.000-05:002013-02-27T17:55:17.542-05:00Creating a book trailerI've been toying with the idea of a book trailer for my Paranormal Romance, Witch's Soulmate, since its release November 5th of last year.<br />
<br />
What really stopped this time around was I had ☆☆ <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Movie Trailer</u></span> ☆☆ in mind. Yes, I want action! <span style="font-size: small;">drama!</span> and--as my awesome paranormal book deserves -- <span style="font-size: large;">special effects!!!!</span><br />
<br />
I've made a book trailer for my first novel, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkcPf5plRrk" target="_blank">One Hit Wonder</a>, with static images and I'm okay with the results. It was a spur of the moment thing and I didn't even had a cover for the book then. Instead of scripting I let the song do the talking. Despite the fact I've used a Third Eye Blind song (properly credited, of course), it's still on Youtube and as of now have had a whopping 88 views. Aargh! Depending on the artist you choose they take it down just like that! But using well known songs, is not what you should do anyway. <br />
<br />
So, what to do then?<br />
<br />
Here are some tips from Writer's Digest:<br />
<br />
1- Forget about "movie trailer." - boo hoo!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Unless you're Steven Spielberg's niece (or have a wallet the size of his), it will look amateurish. </blockquote>
2- Simple is better than cheesy.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Remember how much fun you had editing your novel? -- not! Think editing ten fold when doing your book trailer. And this time, you must edit your images and every visual element you're thinking about cramming into your two-minute masterpiece. I love Chuck's quote "Your book may be a novel, but your trailer should be a poem."</blockquote>
3- You're the script bitch! -- pardon my french.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you thought about copying the jacket copy, shame on you! We process text very differently than images, especially on a 29-frame-per-second rate (which you won't use it if you follow advice #1) At any rate (pun intended), your text must be ultra-slim and perfectly -- I mean, PERFECTLY, aligned with the images. By now, you should know <u>that you don't need to summarize the plot</u>, right? Good author!</blockquote>
4- Have the book information at the end of the trailer.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Don't ruin the emotional connection you're attempting to make by having your publisher's name scrolling through the screen. Leave all that info, including the blurb, for the end. After you snatched that viewer.</blockquote>
5- Using non/bad actors can cause more pain than gain.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Is there anything worse than bad acting? Er …bad writing? <i>Whatever.</i> Chuck said it best "you don't want the nuanced psychology of your protagonist rendered banal by poor acting or filming." Using actors can leave no room for the imagination. By the same token, don't use clearly defined images for your characters (at least of their faces). It's the same way you create an interesting novel: don't give it all away.</blockquote>
See what I mean in the video below:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-Vw3KgKGRek" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Kudos for the author for hiring a production company and spending the money to promote her work, but this trailer doesn't intrigue me AT ALL! It's beyond cheesy. In fact, it didn't compel me to look up the book, it compelled me to write this post.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Does it work for you? Have you made a book trailer? Share it in the comments.<br />
<br />
Cheers. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
You don’t
want the nuanced psychology of your protagonist rendered banal by poor
acting and filming. - See more at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-6-tips#sthash.tyO5QATH.dpuf</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Your book
may be a novel, but your trailer should be a poem. - See more at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-6-tips#sthash.tyO5QATH.dpuf</div>
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Your book
may be a novel, but your trailer should be a poem. - See more at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-6-tips#sthash.tyO5QATH.dpuf"</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<b>Erase from your mind the ambition to make a movie trailer.</b>
- See more at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-6-tips#sthash.tyO5QATH.dpuf<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<b>Erase from your mind the ambition to make a movie trailer.</b>
- See more at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-6-tips#sthash.tyO5QATH.dpuf</div>
</div>
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
1. Erase
from your mind the ambition to make a movie trailer. - See more at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-6-tips#sthash.tyO5QATH.dpuf<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
1. Erase
from your mind the ambition to make a movie trailer. - See more at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-6-tips#sthash.tyO5QATH.dpuf<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
1. Erase
from your mind the ambition to make a movie trailer. - See more at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-6-tips#sthash.tyO5QATH.dpuf<br />
<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
1. Erase
from your mind the ambition to make a movie trailer. - See more at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/how-to-make-a-book-trailer-6-tips#sthash.tyO5QATH.dpuf</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-37880791338258897292013-01-09T06:27:00.001-05:002013-01-26T20:11:40.435-05:00A fleeting dayI'm so excited that my contemporary novel, <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One Hit Wonder</span></i></span>, is a kindle daily deal <u>today</u> for only $0.99.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000677541" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkTzZ9B1ks4/UO1Qk3OGyvI/AAAAAAAABY8/Y1psVcoOGKk/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-01-09+at+9.10.55+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A while ago I've decided to spend more time writing than marketing. Social media is <i>so</i> time consuming and the results are hard to measure, but I couldn't help blogging about the kindle daily deal. It's so exciting to have my book featured and accessible at a better price for potentially <u>millions</u> of kindle users.<br />
<br />
And it's not about money. Believe me! Royalty from a .99 sale is brutal.<br />
<br />
It's about new readers. <i>People who otherwise would have no knowledge of this book.</i> It's about opportunity, and future, and building (albeit slowly) a career that will make me proud, and happy.<br />
<br />
I know this day will pass quickly (as all the good days do) but I might have a fleeting glimpse of what being a published author can be and that feeling will last me a long time.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
<br />
<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-78811914700194447212012-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:002012-12-04T14:17:11.740-05:00Whatcha going to give a cowboy?In the spirit of holiday giving we -- some of the Crimson Romance authors -- have concocted another giveaway for our dearest readers, and by dearest I mean <i>you.</i><br />
<br />
We're celebrating the six month anniversary of our releases. That's when most of us became<i> authors.</i> Oh, that sweet word just roll of my tongue like warm fudge! We appreciate every and each one of you that gave us a chance by picking up one of our books. You complete us! <br />
<br />
Oh, yeah, about that <span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>giveaway</i></span></span></b></span>. To make things a little more <strike>complicated</strike> fun, we're blogging and posting on each other's blog. Just hop around and say hello for more chances to win. <br />
<br />
So, without further ado, here's Lynn Cahoon, an expert on sexy and adorable cowboys.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h4>
The holidays are upon us. Where did 2012 go? Six months have passed since The Bull Rider’s Brother was released by Crimson Romance June 4th. I have author copies sitting in a box in my office. (Love saying that…) and I’ve done several signings with one more coming up this weekend. </h4>
<h4>
The glamorous life of an author, right? <br />Wrong. Don’t misunderstand me, I love my new role. And I have a new story in the bull rider’s saga that just released in November, The Bull Rider’s Manager. I love this Vegas wedding/Idaho setting story that really pushes my heroine to figure out what she wants for herself. A question we as women don’t ask ourselves enough, in my opinion. <br />But with the release of The Bull Rider’s Manager, Jesse, my supportive bull rider, is feeling a little left out. He’s always the supporting friend/brother and never the star of his own life. Well, that’s going to change in my next release, so he better be ready to take the wildest ride of his life. The one where he finds his soul mate.</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mIbarXfCMU/ULt_nPGWoTI/AAAAAAAABX0/aWzp2L3PLN4/s1600/bullridersbrother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mIbarXfCMU/ULt_nPGWoTI/AAAAAAAABX0/aWzp2L3PLN4/s320/bullridersbrother.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<h4>
So, whatcha going to give a cowboy for Christmas? Here’s Jesse’s wish list…</h4>
<h4>
Wranglers. Plain, comfortable jeans that make my butt look amazing. </h4>
<h4>
A new felt cowboy hat – Stetson Corral in black, specifically.</h4>
<h4>
While you’re at the Stetson store, I need a new belt –Denali with my name on the back</h4>
<h4>
A duster. Think Billy the kid, riding the range, and I want that coat.</h4>
<h4>
I think I lost my last silver flask at the Wyoming Stomp, so I could use a new one, filled with Patron, please.</h4>
<h4>
Road trips get pretty boring, so, I’d love an e-reader. Probably better get me Lynn Cahoon’s books too, so I can keep track of what she’s writing about me. </h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2bF9jsFehs/ULt_zh-vuPI/AAAAAAAABX8/qnzdUTY9fhA/s1600/bullridersmanager.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2bF9jsFehs/ULt_zh-vuPI/AAAAAAAABX8/qnzdUTY9fhA/s320/bullridersmanager.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<h4>
So, now that you know what Jesse wants, you can score one of the items off his wish list. </h4>
<h4>
December is filled with wonderful things - from the delicious goodies taking up our counter space to time spent with friends and family. What is your favorite thing about the holiday season? </h4>
</blockquote>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Leave a comment - and don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter below to be entered to win a new Kindle and 10 of our titles! Keep hopping!</span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span></span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a7b6c01/" id="rc-a7b6c01" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br /><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></span><br /><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47;">Here's a handy dandy list of the participating authors, just click on and hop away. Good Luck! </span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lynncahoon.wordpress.com/blog/" target="_blank">Lynn Cahoon</a><a href="http://lynncahoon.wordpress.com/blog/"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.dlindunauthor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">D'Ann Lindun</a><br />
<a href="http://moriahdensley.com/blog/" target="_blank">Moriah Densley</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kristiknight.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristina Knight</a><br />
<a href="http://www.peggybirdwrites.com/#%21/blog/" target="_blank">Peggy Bird</a><a href="http://www.peggybirdwrites.com/#%21/blog/"></a><br />
<a href="http://dianerjewkes.com/" target="_blank">Diane Jewkes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/micah-persell/crimson-romance-holiday-blog-hop/426412804091228" target="_blank">Micah Persell</a><br />
<a href="http://www.irenepreston.com/blog/" target="_blank">Irene Preston</a> <br />
<a href="http://nlsscribe.com/blog/" target="_blank">Nancy Schuman</a> <a href="http://nlsscribe.com/blog/"></a>Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-53715086924942263112012-11-18T13:33:00.001-05:002012-11-18T13:38:42.748-05:00Prizes, prizes, prizes!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://crimsonromanceauthors.com/crimson-wonderland-blog-hop/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhmn-ubFaXY/UHRhrNbgm0I/AAAAAAAABWA/l-ci6Ce1C48/s320/BlogHop.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://crimsonromanceauthors.com/crimson-wonderland-blog-hop/" target="_blank">Click on the image to see the list of participating authors. </a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://crimsonromanceauthors.com/crimson-wonderland-blog-hop/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The authors at Crimson Romance offer a wonderland of romantic worlds, and we’d love you to visit!<br />
From Nov. 17th to Nov. 21st we’re celebrating our wide spectrum of
romances with the first Crimson Wonderland Blog Hop! Forty-five authors
will entice you to their worlds and offer prizes to lucky visitors.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A
wonderland of worlds and prizes too<span style="font-size: large;">!</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But that’s not all. As well as dozens of giveaways, there will also be <u>3
grand prizes - one Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift certificate for
$100, and two gift certificates for $50 each! </u><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RH-y9iNxotI/UHRR0-d0O_I/AAAAAAAABVo/UO4g2dRXGoA/s1600/witchsoulmate_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RH-y9iNxotI/UHRR0-d0O_I/AAAAAAAABVo/UO4g2dRXGoA/s320/witchsoulmate_cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> So, how do I get a crack at these fantastic prizes?</i></span></h3>
<br />
Easy peasy, just follow the steps below.<br />
<br />
1- Enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win an e-copy of Witch's Soulmate.<br />
<br />
2- Answer the question on the comments field: <span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Do you believe in soulmates?"</span></span></span> to be entered to win one of the fabulous grand prizes. <br />
<br />
2- Click <a href="http://crimsonromanceauthors.com/crimson-wonderland-blog-hop/" target="_blank">here</a> to be redirected to the list of authors/blog for more chances to win.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">More blogs you visit<span style="font-size: small;">, more chances to win.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Good luck! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/56afca4/" id="rc-56afca4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </b></span>Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-85024758516800340572012-11-11T16:12:00.000-05:002012-11-11T16:12:28.966-05:00A curse named love.<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you know the feeling when you see a person who inexplicably makes
the butterflies in your stomach fly like it’s the first day of spring?
Then after gravity has returned and you managed to gather what is left
of your melting brain, the only coherent word you can mutter is “wow.”</span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Add to this amazing feeling the fear that comes from the certainty he
will suffer a horrible death just because he’s bound to love you. All
the while the painful memories of having your parents ripped away from
you for that very reason closes around your throat like a beast’s claw.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is what I felt when I met Peter, my soulmate...</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">To read the rest of Jade's impressions on love, <i><a href="http://www.crimsonromance.com/featured/of-finding-love/" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-44922845437020641722012-10-31T05:57:00.000-04:002012-10-31T05:59:26.334-04:00Celebrating Halloween This year since I am in Brazil my Halloween celebration will be mellow: no costumes and no trick-or-treating, but I already got my treat for the day, a<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">☆☆☆☆☆ <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">review for my <span style="font-size: small;">paranormal romance, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Soulmate-Living-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B009LQHC46/ref=la_B0086MC156_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1351676860&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Witch<span style="font-size: small;">'s Soulmate<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">,</span></span></span></a></i><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">wich will be released next Monday.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText6462144056966221598"> </span><span id="freeText6462144056966221598"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview441005638">
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<span id="freeTextreview441005638">I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. </span></span>I
have to say I'm very glad I did. It was a thoroughly engaging read that
has really put me in the Halloween mood since the main theme is
witches. But, not they're not your cackling, ride on a broomstick sort.
They're actually human beings with direct energy links to the earth. The
author wove a interesting tale about mythical witches and their soul
mates<span style="font-size: small;">...</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Read the complete review on Melissa's blog, <a href="http://bit.ly/UgpXVS" target="_blank">[Insert clever quip her]</a>, and leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a digital copy of Witch's Soulmate and a $5 gift card.<br />
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Is this a sweet treat or not? </div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Halloween!</span></span></b> </div>
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Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-62815951005831564222012-10-19T12:12:00.001-04:002012-10-19T14:31:05.565-04:00Little WondersIsn't amazing how music have such a strong hold on our emotions?<br />
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Those "little wonders" about three to five minutes long can transport you to a time in the past and rekindle emotions you have long thought lost.<br />
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Joyce Lamb on the USA Today blog knows exactly what I'm talking about. Read<span style="font-size: large;"> <i><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2012/10/09/denyse-cohen-one-hit-wonder-music-memories/1622809/" target="_blank">here</a> </i></span>her post about <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Hit-Wonder-ebook/dp/B008195E6M" target="_blank">One Hit Wonder</a> </span>and music. <br />
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PS: Just like Joyce, I was inspired to name the headline of this post after Rob Thomas' Little Wonders, a song that helped me through some rough times.<br />
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<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-90027276860778340762012-10-09T12:35:00.001-04:002012-10-09T12:35:37.121-04:00Cover revealAlways exciting!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Soulmate-Living-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B009LQHC46/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1349800441&sr=8-5&keywords=denyse+cohen" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RH-y9iNxotI/UHRR0-d0O_I/AAAAAAAABVo/UO4g2dRXGoA/s640/witchsoulmate_cover.jpg" width="416" /><span id="goog_1125125928"></span></a></div>
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<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-44402335118833357102012-09-26T09:29:00.001-04:002012-09-26T18:55:56.490-04:00Gotta love ARCs.Yesterday I received the ARC (advance reading copy) for my upcoming urban fantasy romance Witch's Soulmate (formally known as Soulmate's Curse). For me, that generally means intermittent adrenaline spikes and plenty of nail biting. <br />
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What's the big deal? One should ask. <br />
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Well, when you have an ARC it means you can start sharing your work with the world. Thus, you start getting feedback, reviews, love letters, and hate mail. So, yes, it's a bit exciting. <br />
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Witch's Soulmate is my first attempt at fantasy. I <strike>was</strike> am nervous about all the world building expectations/requirements of fantasy. That's probably why my book is <u>urban</u> fantasy, which means it happens in this world—and at present time. Dodged that fireball! <br />
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Still, the paranormal elements of the story needed to be plausible. At least for me, even the craziest things have to have a good explanation about how they came to be. And I know there's a lot of very smart and very demanding readers that won't swallow any kind of bull!@#%. Neither, would I ever give it to them. So, yes, it's a bit exciting.<br />
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This book is also the first of a trilogy, so I'm hoping to have a lot of feedback that will make writing the second and third books very, very exciting. Yes, they're not written yet. <u>A lot can still happen with the story.</u> (Hope my editor is not reading this. If you are Jennifer, don't worry I'll <strike>try to</strike> stick to the synopsis.)<br />
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So, what's next?<br />
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Give out ARCs to people wanting to read Witch's Soulmate at first hand and, hopefully, review it on the major book retailers websites, wait for the cover (intermittent adrenaline spikes and plenty of nail biting), and promote the heck out of it.<br />
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Meanwhile, here a little blurb of Witch's Soulmate for you enjoyment:<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Through mythology and South American indigenous traditions they’d be known throughout history by several names: goddesses, fairies, mermaids, alchemists, but they prefer to call themselves: witches.The guardians of Earth's living energy. Jade is a young witch scarred by the murder of her parents and determined to evade her soulmate and never fall in love. Unfortunately, falling in love is not up to her or Peter—the human whose life-energy is identical to hers. The soulmate is the missing key to unlock the witch’s power and Arrow, a powerful organization whose only intent is to kill the soul-mates and keep the witches in check, is ready to do whatever it takes to destroy their connection, that means hunting down and murdering the soulmate through an ancient ritual. After a chance encounter, Jade and Peter are swept in a battle that takes them to Europe and South America in hopes to uncover a secret that will decide the very fate of their love—and their lives. </span><br />
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Also, click<b><span style="color: #d9ead3;"> <a href="http://www.denysecohen.com/2012/08/dialogue-nugget-sunday-soulmates-curse.html" target="_blank">here</a></span> </b>for a dialogue nugget.<br />
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<br />Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988262243893228845.post-52378655144909856892012-09-19T11:06:00.002-04:002012-09-19T13:07:38.414-04:00Keep calm and carry onI've seen the catchphrase many times, but never really stopped to find out what it's all about. Not only until I've read an article on cnn.com titled <i><a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2012/09/19/world/europe/william-and-kate-keep-calm-carry-on/index.html?hpt=hp_c2" target="_blank">William and Kate: Keeping calm and carrying on</a>, </i>I learned the motto was "a propaganda poster produced by the Government of the United Kingdom in 1939 during the beginning of the Second World War, intended to raise the morale of the British public in the event of a Nazi invasion of Britain."<br />
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Here's a great video made by Barter Books that tells us more about the origin of the poster:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FrHkKXFRbCI" width="560"></iframe> <br />
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I, too, like millions of people love the phrase and hope to introduce more and more "keep calm and carry on" to my daily life.<br />
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Denyse Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15177975825949433427noreply@blogger.com0