Deb Damone: Havent been here too often:-) Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season:-)



Deb Damone: I have been very busy putting together my website www.Damonejewel.com and all of the paper work to expand my life coaching, and my speaking presentations. I miss being here, but I have to promote my work and that takes a great deal of time. I will be back:-) Hope everyone is writing away:-)
    redrider6612: links are a no-no... wouldn't want you to get in trouble -
    Deb Damone: Oh....didn't realize that links were an issue. Why is that? Do you know? -


Deb Damone: The anthology book I worked on and contributed to last year just came out.... hot off the presses.

I got my copy of Mental Wellness: Stories from Survivors yesterday. The layout, graphics and cover came out amazing:-) Available on Amazon. The proceeds go to Family Service League, which is a full service mental health organization in New York.

Well dear writers....Night....till tomorrow:-) Hugs Deb


Deb Damone: I have been trying to gather my thoughts and decided to not write anymore till I knew where I was going. I think I have a better idea since the conference last week. And so I have prepared a plan of attack LOL. Hope all is well in your world:-)
    Melspoems: It's good to have a plan of attack.
    Hope it goes well. -
    Blue Diamond: Yes lovely Deb. A plan is good. May it lead to many enjoyed words on paper or digital backdrops. I send my love. -


Deb Damone: As a self published author of two books I am starting to get that self publishing and digital books are the wave of the future. I was looking for a publisher to pick up my work, however the conference has changed my mind! While traditional publishing will always be around it may not be the mainstream in a very short time.
    purrfect tale: I have to agree with you. Most of the people I know now only read ebooks. I still prefer the feel of a book in my hand, but the price difference between the two is hard to pass up. -
    nor84: Particularly for the commuter, traveler or older citizen, ebooks are great! You can change the type size, they weight less and once you get "into" the story, they give the same feeling as the printed form. -
    R. J. Stewart: But they get expensive to self-produce. And what do you get out of it anyway? You're suppose to get paid for your writing, not pay out to get published. -
    nor84: I was talking from the POV of a reader, not of a writer. For an unknown writer, they don't get a thing. However, I know an traditionally published author who published 3 books and has changed to ebooks because he already has a following, and he says he's making more now than with traditional publishing.

    People who publish with print-on-demand companies can make money speaking and selling their books. Several in this small town are doing that, and guest speakers come from out of town to address the local writer's group and sell their books. Get rich? No, not for most of us. -
    Deb Damone: Yes no84 you are so right! the self published with an ebook can make allot of money. One of the guest speakers at the conference said he turned down a huge deal with St Martins press to self publish and do an ebook.
    I also understand RJ's point, but as no84 said it is not in books only that the money comes in. I know I am going to be looking for more speaking engagements:-) -


Deb Damone: Went to the Writers digest conference here in NY. Tomorrow is the last day. It has been an eye opener...not to mention I also met our creator of Fan Story there:-) Yes...I met Tom:-) Anyway tomorrow it starts at 9 ending at 1. While I did not stay to pitch to all the agents I got a great deal of new info for my tools chest:-)


Deb Damone: Mental Wellness: Real Stories from Survivors. Now on Amazon. And in the top ten. As one that aided in the editing and selection of the stories, I have read each one of the heart warming short stories. I encourage everyone that has ever had a BAD DAY to read these inspiring stories. Each story is unique and the writers come from different backgrounds and painful pasts. Fortunately they did not allow the pain to rule their lives. It is their tenacity, as it unfolds, that brings to life the power of hope for anyone who dares to reach for a better life. Get your copy today. You will be inspired in your daily walk, while helping the adult home project at the Family Service League. Go to Amazon..... Mental Wellness:Real Stories from Survivors www.amazon.com
    Melspoems: Well done you!!
    Wish it was available as an ebook!!
    -
    Deb Damone: Thanks for your encouragement:-) Hugs to you:-) -


Deb Damone: Been off FS for awhile trying to catch up after the holidays:-)
Very happy to share that I will have inclusion to a new poetry book Stars in our Hearts:-) Also a book I helped edit Mental Wellness: Real Stories from Survivors. published by Hidden thoughts press. Now on Amazon:-)
    fireflylil: Deb, I also have an entry in the "Stars in our Hearts" Book on page 135. What page are you on? Lil -
    Deb Damone: Congrats Lil...I don't know maybe you can tell me LOL I didn't even know that I made the cut. I was just asked if I was interested in one of the five books left and that is how I found out. I didn't even know which poem. It is A tribute to the class of 71. Let me know where I am :-) -
    Melspoems: Congratulations Deb!! Well done :-) -
    Deb Damone: Thank you for your congrats:-) hugs -
    fireflylil: I don't see your name in the index, Did you enter in your name. Maybe there is more than one of these? It is called Stars in Our Hearts and says "Believe" on the cover with a pretty picture of a lake, tree at sunrise or set. Put out by World Poetry Movement. -
    Deb Damone: Yes I did enter in my name and the poem that won was A tribute to the class of 1971. I haven't received the book yet so I don't know how it looks. That is disappointing to hear. Yes it was the World Poetry Movement that contacted me to tell me that I won. I will let you know when I get it. I only just paid for it the other day. I guess if I'm not in the one you have...they must have more than one. Again...will get back to you shortly:-) -


Deb Damone: I am so honored that so many read Convictions Shoes and felt it was worth the blue ribbon...It is truly a blessing to be honored by such wonderful readers and my peers.
    Deb Damone: Hey Maureen, So glad to hear from you:-) How are you my friend? -


Deb Damone: Happy Birthday to my beautitul daughter Desiree' mother of a blended family of five.


Deb Damone: Thank God I finally have a pulmonary doc appointment today at 3:15. With all the steriods that I am and have been on I should have been knocking down and storming the gates:-) But still the air can't remember how to get to the targeted place....maybe it needs a map..LOL have to keep a sense of humor...this is a nightmare...maybe I will wake up and find it was one of those bad dreams I write about.
God Bless and take care of your health...it is so precious
Deb
    Melspoems: Hope this doctor is able to find a way help you breathe.
    -
    Deb Damone: Thank the Lord....I prayed for the doc to have wisdom and I believe that he gave liberally. It was awful...our breath is so precious! Since yesteray I can feel the difference...I can breathe..not at a hight capacity...but still I am breathing! Thank you for your warm thoughts and for stopping by to see how I am...Be well...I hope to be on here more again:-) Hugs Deb -
    manicblue: I'm so glad you got to a doctor that can help you, Deb. That must have been so frightening! :( It's so good to hear you are on the mend. Blessings! :)
    Lucretia xx -
    Maureen's Pen: Still sending my prayers your way, keep healing Debs...xo -


Deb Damone: I have enjoyed spending the entire day here, meeting new friends and writing some thoughts:-) Good night and God bless:-)


Deb Damone: I so enjoy connecting with my fellow writers. Some of your work is truly amazing!


Deb Damone: Oh by the way it was the NaNoWriMo challenge, an international annual challege:-)


Deb Damone: Well On Nov. 1 I took the challenge to write a novel in a month. On Nov. 1st I began. The whole novel needed to be 50,000 words and completed by the 30th. Well today I wrote my last word at 2:05 pm. I wrote 50,541 words.And now I am a NOVELIST! So pleased:-)
    I am Cat: Congratulations Deb! That's so awesome! I'm so proud for you!
    Cat -
    fireflylil: Deb, Since you inquired about these pics. I decided to give you one. Just click on it and it will take you to photobucket. PM me if you would like help from there.
    Nice too meet you my new friend. Stop in and check out my poems if you'd like. Lil
    -
    Deb Damone: Oh my goodness what a beautiful surprise Lil...I love it and how kind of you to send this. I will surely be stopping by and read your work:-0 Ditto:-0
    Hugs
    Deb -
    Deb Damone: thanks so much for the encouragement Cat:-) It was a real challenge with this asthmatic occurance...but I was determined:-) Again thank you so much for that wonderful reinforcement Cat:-) -


Deb Damone: Just thought I would drop in and see how all are doing. Still writing my novel in the NaNoWriMo challenge. One month to write a 50,000 word novel, and I really like to make sure it makes sense:-) So I am busy typing away by day and some nights. Half way there with 25,264 words. Not bad...but want to get a jump for the holiday:)
Well I will be back in Dec.
    Melspoems: Hi Deb, best of luck with your novel. Will you post it here when it's done? -
    Deb Damone: I thank you for the encouragement. while I have completed the novel, I must now go back and edit it. I may edit it and put it on fanstory...not sure yet. It might be a good way to get healthy and corrective feedback. Again thank you for asking:-) -


Deb Damone: haven't been here too much, busy with the novel but will check in from time to time.


Deb Damone: Writing a novel in a month. On one of the sites I am on...it is a challenge that I decided to take. Sooo...here I go. I am writing it in word and started it earlier today. Have 2 other novels going...but this one must be done in a month....Will keep you posted. Have two chapters already:-)


Deb Damone: Went to the movies to see IN TIME tonight. I loved it. I sat there thinking "Gee wiz I wish I wrote this!" LOL I wrote a piece not long ago about time, however nothing as profound a statement as this movie. I recommend it for movie lovers...And it is a clean movie...surprise surprise:-)


Deb Damone: Only on this site for a short time. Started mid Oct. Sometimes it is exciting and sometimes it is frustrating. I am not sure why i can't get the points I have acrued to promote my work....which causes me the frustration. However there are some wonderful pieces I read from amazing writers and they often make my day.
    purrfect tale: Points aren't used for promoting but for ranking you are a reviewer. It's the site dollars that are used for promoting. Since each piece you review is worth different dollar amounts, you'll have to review 4-8 things to get the money to buy one pump. Just keep reviewing. It will accumulate. -
    redrider6612: Welcome to FS! Just to let you know, "points" only effect your reviewer rank. Member dollars can be used to purchase "member cent pumps" or MCPs as we call them. To promote a piece, go into your portfolio and click "promote" in the one you want to promote. This will take you to a screen where you buy certificates. Purchase one and apply it, then use MCPs to push the post up the list. The higher you push it, the more the payout and the more people will review it.

    You might want to visit the forums (found under "Profile" at the right end of the list across the top. There are a lot of helpful members there who are always willing to help out a newbie.

    Have fun! -
    Deb Damone: Thanks so much for your input...newbie-ness and all its frustrations is never easy...but a fact of life I guess...thanks again purrfect tale and redrider6612 -


Deb Damone: Today is one of my grandson's birthday. He's 13, and what an amazing young man he is. My daughter moved from NY to Ohio last year and I miss my grandchildren more than I can say:-(
Wish I were there to celebrate every day, as I had for 12 yrs of his life:-(
    Deb Damone: thanks for that Bellydancer...hugs always help:-) -


Deb Damone: Have written 2 books, however I have never written a novel...now I have two going:-)


Deb Damone: Sunny fall day and writing about the springtime of my life with the love of my life...in passionate love waited.


Deb Damone: Well guess I will find out the winner of todays contest tomorrow as it is 12:20 and I my eyes are blurry.LOL


Deb Damone: On the site for a short time and it is beginning to make more sense. I am enjoying the reading, and find I am enjoying reading others poetry so much more than I have in years.


Deb Damone: OK...so I am looking around and trying to figure out how you answer me when I reach out in this message center...I mean I only see my writing...how did you know I was even looking for an answer:-) Where are you all hiding? Hello LOL
    Bellydanser: Hi, Deb. When you post something on your profile page, it shows up briefly on the "profile thoughts" page. You can reach it by running your mouse over "Profile" near the upper right and then scrolling down to "Profile Thoughts." -
    Deb Damone: Thanks Bellydanser...this is a challenge....and then write on top of it LOL Have a great day:-) -


Deb Damone: I am still getting used to the site (only on for nearly a week)and I am beginning to get the hang of it. Finding some kind people and good reading...also stretching me...so this is good:-)
    angel4451: Deb, This is angel4451. I thought the use of my picture in your poem was very fitting. It was a beautiful poem that gave me chills as i read it. Though my kids are still young 14/11, they grow so fast. -
    Deb Damone: Thank you for your kind words your encouragement..but most of all for your wonderful artwork..I am so glad that you approve:-) -


Deb Damone: I am still finding my way and would really like to know how all the beautiful pictures are added. Well tomorrow, which is already tody...is another day.
    redrider6612: THey come from FanStory's sister site, FanArtReview. -
    Deb Damone: Ok..so how do I get them onto my sight:-) -
    redrider6612: Hover your mouse over " HOME" at the upper left and a drop down will pop. FanArt will be one of the choices.

    To use a piece of art from there, you will have the option when you are in the page where you create your post near the top. -
    Deb Damone: thank you for your assistance...I did so and yet wasn't able to get to the pictures...more than likely it is me LOL -
    Charlene0513: When selecting a picture, after you have edited your work go back in and go to the top where it says FanStory FanArt. Click on it and give the PC a description of what you are looking for. then click search. A number of pictures will appear sometimes not even to do with your request; but this just provides variety for all writers. Then click on the picture that you most identify with and it should appear on your work when you go to your portfolio. Hope this helps. -
    Deb Damone: OK I am going to try again...thank you for taking the time out...I am determined and will get it...thanks again:-) have sunny day:-) -
    Deb Damone: Finally...yes I am a slow starter LOL...however when I get it...I really get it...and thanks to all the comments sent my way...I got it...Thank you -


Deb Damone: This is the beginning of my journey with writing. I have 2 published books, however I have so much to accomplish in what I maintain to be so little time. I wish I started in my youth, however I will get it done!